Opportunity for a HM this weekend with zero training - should I?

[CyberPrincess]

Hi folks,

I need some of your wonderful advice. I restarted my running journey last year and completed C25K in Nov. Since then I've been trying to push up to 10k but time and weather have been against me but I have still done 5k two or three times a week.

My hubbie caught the running bug a little after me, but has taken it a step further and has lost loads of weight and has been training for the Bath Half which is this Sunday.

I've now got an opportunity to do the Half Marathon too from a friend of a friend who can no longer use her entry. Should I have a go? I wouldn't be able to run the whole 22k but I'm sure I could give it a good go with jeffing it! (Disclaimer I've run that HM twice in the past 12 years ago so I sort of know the course. My PB was only 2h 32mins so I'd be just happy to get in in under 3hrs)

My questions to you lovely people are:

1. Am I mad for considering it? The longest run I've done recently is 6k!

2. If I did decide to take part (doing a gentle jog/jeff) what are the main things I should consider? E.g. Hydration, nutrition, emergency training in the next four days(!)

I haven't told my hubbie yet as I want it to be a surprise - or should I be more supportive and just stand on the side and wave a flag for him to support his efforts?

Thanks in advance!

[Jericho2332 Graduate10]

That's a big step up in running terms, massive in fact! But if your happy to walk a lot of it and just get round then there's no reason you can't do it.

If you were intent on running it and going for a time I'd say 100% not to do it but if your happy just to get round then why not! Especially if it's costing nothing etc.

Good luck with whatever you decide 👍🏻

[CyberPrincess in reply to Jericho2332]

Thanks for the reply - yeah that's what i thought! Esp as it's in my home town, and I know quite a few people who are doing it. Plus I have no shame so won't be embarrassed if I'm last!

[nowster Graduate10]

Exactly what Jericho2332 says.

If you'd planned to run it all, a hard no. Especially as you've not back at 10km yet.

But if you want to run bits of it and walk the rest, that's definitely doable.

What you need will depend on the weather on the day. As you won't be running all the time, I'd suggest a light waterproof and layers of lightweight clothing which can be packed away if you get warm or worn if you're getting cold. Also some nibbles and something to drink in a light backpack.

It's likely to be cool and dry this weekend, so you won't need as much fluids as if it was a "scorchio!" summer day.

If there's likely to be water available at stations on the course, you can reduce the weight you carry.

[CyberPrincess]

Thanks for the advice/encouragement. I've got a couple of days till I have to decide if I want the place from my friend. I just checked the race rules and it says you shouldn't run with someone else's bib for safety concerns.... I can see why, but does that mean I could get frogmarched off the course if someone suspects that I'm using another's bib number?

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to CyberPrincess]

I think you first need to find out if the entry is transferable, a lot aren't. A mix of running and walking , some sort of snack and plenty to drink and it's probably doable.......good luck and have fun whatever you decide

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to CyberPrincess]

While I get that you wouldn't be swapping bibs with any malicious intent, if the rules state you're not allowed to transfer your bib to another runner then that, as far as I'm concerned, is that. The race organisers would be absolutely within their rights to remove you from the race or to disqualify you.

I googled, and the event conditions state that you or the person who gave you their bib could also be barred from future events for up to five years.

Given that, all I can say is don't do it. Find another race that you can enter legitimately instead.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to CyberPrincess]

Not only all of the comments here, but your friend would have had to fill in a health questionnaire which would not apply to you, so if you were taken ill (God forbid) you might not receive appropriate help, and the wrong person would be called instead of your own family.

A lot of people still do run on another persons bib, it's really up to you, and your conscience. I wouldn't, apart from anything else, I like to see MY name in the result list not someone else's

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to CyberPrincess]

I’m doing the Bath Half too CyberPrincess , and I wouldn’t recommend using someone else’s bib. They can disqualify you from future events (not just the Bath Half), and it’s a safety concern as well. ☹️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

If you Jeff it... walk /run... maybe , not advisable, is my feeling. A HM is about so much more than the run.

You are not up to 10K and this is a long way! Making sure you have the physical strength and stamina, that your normal hydration and eating regime is strong and sufficient too.

You are looking at under three hours too?

My advice would be a resound no. I am afraid... I would wait... because the HM will, and it will be all the sweeter when you have built up to it properly.

You want to enjoy this!

Reading your comments re entry too... definitely a no.

[00marks Graduate10]

If the rules state that you shouldn't run with someone else's bib then please don't. If you are found out you will be disqualified and probably banned from all future races.

[CyberPrincess]

thanks for all your replies.

I looked a bit further into it yesterday and realised it wasn’t possible so I’ll leave it for now and maybe apply properly next year!