My new challenge...

[sfb350]

..is half-marathon training. Again.

After my 7 mile off-road last Sunday. followed by cycling 7 miles home I started to wonder if I was in better shape to aim for a half-marathon again - my last two attempts both having failed partway through training due to injury.

I'd fancied doing a very local half but instead I've been persuaded that the Black Country half would be a better option - it runs alongside the canal between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, so not too hilly and it has staggered starts so there shouldn't be too much congestion or any being completely alone for long stretches !

I decided to aim for 8 miles today. I had an easy day yesterday - my 5k was achieved just by walking around a lot, partly while helping out at parkrun and partly just by being busy ! I did the first six miles with friends and found that the unaccustomed day of "rest" had given me quite a boost and I felt really comfortable most of the time (apart from my sore face!). We had a few "pit-stops" as one of my friends needed "comfort-breaks" so our average pace wasn't great but our moving pace was good and steady. After the six miles, I headed off on an extra loop to try and get up to the 8 mile mark. I hadn't measured it out beforehand and it soon became clear it was going to be nearer 9 miles but I still felt comfortable. I preferred being in the shade as my sore face was suffering a bit and I'm avoiding sunscreen in case it aggravates the problem - I wore a running visor to try and shield my face from the sun.

It doesn't sound very appealing, but there are lots of paths running through the nearby industrial estate and I ran most of my loop on those - they're really quite pretty with lots of trees and wild flowers even though you;re only feet away from noisy factories.

By the time I got home, I'd done 9.24 miles. Last time I'd attempted 9 miles, I'd been worn out and tearful by the 7 mile mark, so I was really pleased with today's effort. The only problem was a couple of blisters and I'm putting those down to the wrong choice of socks.

I think the 5x50 has got me used to carrying on when tired and I feel reasonably confident that as long as I'm sensible I should be able to complete the half-marathon this time.

[Rollertoaster Graduate]

This is so exciting! It sounds like it will be a great route along the canal, and you seem well placed for training the final few miles!

I agree that 5x50 has changed us. I think this is partly our own perceptions of our abilities, running being such a mental challenge, but also so many of us feel fitter and able to take so much more on!

[TJFlute]

Third time lucky! You're clearly much stronger than last time, due to 5x50, and I bet you can listen to your body more too. Good luck x

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I'm not for long distances myself but I do admire those that have come through C25K and are planning distances like 1/2M's, when I'm sure 10K was my limit. I do wonder though that its all to do with the change of our mind set. Once upon a time we would have been horrified at having to stop for a pit stop, whether it be for the loo, to adjust laces, blow our noses, take off a jacket, put on a jacket, or just simply run out of steam and need to walk for a minute or two. Now we are more content to do as our bodies enable us to do, OK we still like the challenge of a new PB in time or distance but we are more relaxed in our training to gain these new PB's and I think, in fact I'm pretty sure its the route (see what I did there, running route) to success.

So I wish you all the best with your training, this time I'm sure you will succeed because you are more flexible and will listen to your body more after that wonderful 5 x 50 challenge you have just completed. Canal sounds good too, not too hilly

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Yes, I think you're right. I think learning to be flexible in training is key to success and avoiding getting injured in the process.

[notbad Graduate]

Have to agree, I think carrying on when I was tired was a big factor in injury for me. Good luck with your new hm goal, something I'm about to restart myself, do please let us know how you get on.

About your skin/sunscreen - I use Simple facial sunscreen factor 50 as I have very sensitive skin and have no trouble with it, perhaps worth trying?

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to notbad]

Thanks, I'm investigating suitable skincare products - have sent off for a few free samples to try. I now seem to have developed an allergy to my deodorant (one I've used for several years) so might need to research that as well