OK, I used to run (6+ years ago) and did a couple of 10k events. Then, well life, a 5 stone weight gain and not a lot else happened (except 3 kids....) and here I am attempting to get back some control.
This is my third attempt at C25K. The first ended at Wk2 as I just couldn't get motivated. Then I started running with a friend and we got to Wk3, but they injured their ankle so we decided to wait a bit, which turned into a couple of months.
To my surprise I was really missing it so I went back to the beginning myself and am now really enjoying it. My husband (a trail runner) is very supportive and I find myself looking forward to 'me time'. I've even started to deviate from my 'safe' route (not many passers-by) and venturing out into the town (which is a big thing for me as I was terrified I'd be laughed home, being a larger lady). I'm actually enjoying it even more this way with lovely views and variations, rather than dreading the laps around the park.
Well, in a bout of insanity I heard lots of local people were signing up for the Cardiff Half, and musing it might be a good thing to do, I somehow ended up registering!
I don't really want to tell anyone I know personally, except my hubby and kids, as I'm sure folks will think I'm incapable of it. But I think, 8 weeks left to get to 5K, then a 3 month half-marathon training plan before the run.
I have no targets other than to complete it. If I have to walk a lot of the way I don't mind, although I am aiming to jog/shuffle as much as I can. But I am doing this for me, and me only. Just because. I'm really looking forward to it, but then wondering if I am stupid thinking I can do something like that.
Please tell my I'm not deluded! Any experiences of novice runners tackling greater distances? ***feels terrified now***
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Alfietinker
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It is, to me, a big ask... 5K to be reached.. comfortably... and then moving on to a 10 week plan... then the half marathon...8 weeks until the 5K, then 6 Weeks for the 10K... and my HM plan..just started is a 12 Week one...?
You know you best... the only thing you need to consider is injury... maybe a 10K would have been a better option?
I am always over cautious..just starting my HM plan, two and a half years from Graduation.... and running regularly at 10 K now, so maybe some replies from the other more experienced HM runners might be helpful.
This gives you an idea of the necessary commitment..it is not just about the runs... but about the stamina and strength needed to complete the HM...
It is a big ask, you're right. But I feel it is just something I have to do, even if I end up walking it. The registration asks for a commitment to complete the course in 4.5 hours, which I am confident I can do at walking pace, and if I end up doing that I will still be happy just to have joined in. I am loathe to set any targets as if the training gets delayed for any reason then I will be kicking myself with frustration at not meeting times/paces.
We happended upon a 20mile race last year and the image that always stuck with me was of a lone runner, way, way behind everyone else. As we drove past, they were at least 3 miles from the finish, with no other runners in front. But, they kept going. Walking/jogging with the back-up vehicle following at a distance clearing up the road signs. They were going to complete the course no matter what, and we ended up staying at the finish point just to see them come in.
I want to be able to complete the course, no matter what.
In contrast, a relative signed up for a marathon, told everyone, got injured and had to pull-out. They set high targets, couldn't reach them and was then absolutely gutted that they had 'failed'. That's why I don't want to tell people I'm doing it and be compared, I just want to do it for me.
I can totally understand where you are coming from, ...as I said.... you know you..better than anyone and if you are able to walk and run and walk more.. I am sure you will love it.. ( As Admin.. we do have an obligation to keep our forum family safe :))
Personal challenges are great... doing it for you.. I know some folk, who think I am a bit loopy training for a HM at my age... ( not my family) but others..but then they thought I was mad taking up running at 65
So... you are not insane... and not stupid... just , as we all are, wonderfully passionate about this great thing called running... onward and upward to the end of C25K and I shall watch your progress with interest...
That's what I expect I'll do. I have to complete within 4.5 hours, which I can do walking (I'm a fast walker anyway). Knowing I have done 10k before, I hope to run half of it, but that's only a vague goal as anything can happen in 5 months (good and bad).
There is a local group of ladies who run a 'walk to run' group, and many of them are signed up for the same run. I know one lady at least is only aiming to walk, so it doesn't seem to be a strict, fast-paced event.
Play around with the timings on your long runs post-C25K. Lately I'm partial to a 2 minutes running, 1 minute walking breakdown, but I have enjoyed longer run intervals as wel.
Generally though, it is something to aim for, to take part-in, without any huge pressure from others to 'perform'. It is part of an overall goal of keeping the healthy living/exercise momentum going, knowing I have to keep/increase fitness to make the event.
I am trying to get in the habit of doing something everyday between the running plan - walking, swimming, small weights, so that exercise/fitness becomes just another daily routine. Then, come October, I can see how I get on.
I am a run/walker for my longer distances. Get your C25k under you belt see what distance you are at. If you at 5km great, if your not remember the build up to 5km should be slow. So if I was you and you are planning a bit of walking anyway, I would do two runs a week working on getting to 5km and further building up with solid running then do your longer run of the week with a structured run/walk protocol. It takes a few weeks to find the one that fits you. Some do 5 Min /1min some do 3 Min/2min and some do 1/1min there is no strict rule. Even 1km/1km is done.
The reason why I suggest training for a run/walk is because my first one I didn’t and it was my Quads that became an issue more than anything else during the race because you use them more on a fast walk than when you are running or slow walking., also your shoes need to be tested as your foot strike Is different. It is better to be prepared for these issues than just have to cope with them on the day.
You will have time to build up your running distance afterwards to transition to solid running but I would aim to run no more that 10-12km of it and walk the rest, that way I think with a structured training plan you will have no problem. Your time Will be slower but that dosent bother me at my events and shouldn’t bother you for your first, the point of your first one is just to complete it and have fun and I can’t see any reason why that can’t happen.
Thanks, that's really helpful. It's interesting, my legs hurt more when I'm on the brisk walking sections than on the running. I got proper running trainers which have made a huge difference to the running, but hurt more for the walking. Whereas my proper walking shoes never hurt. I'm not sure why?
I like the idea of walk/run intervals. If I manage 12k total running I'll be chuffed. Times don't bother me at all, it's just getting to the finish line.
If it’s any consolation I am in exactly same position as you and am about to do run 3 of week 4 and I signed to do Cardiff half marathon in October too.
I am aiming to run it as much as I can and I love that you have the same mentality 🏴
My husband is ex British army and says I can and will do it plus he is doing it with me and keeps me going when I had what I felt was a bad run
So good luck 😉 keep going and if you ever want to compare notes or progress I’m here 👍🏻
Ooh, do you live in Wales? I was talking to a gentleman this morning and he was telling me how his daughter did the Cardiff Half last year and they were all so proud of her. She walked most of the way with a group in 4 hours so it seems it's a very friendly, all abilities welcome event.
I did Wk4R3 this morning and was really pleased. On the last 5 minutes I was just about getting to my limit, thinking I'd not manage it when Laura told me to stop. So the fitness must be getting better.
My hubby just shrugged and said 'are you sure' when I told him I'd signed up. He runs long distances but has wanted to race, so I don't think he 'gets it'.
I do indeed, welsh born and bred and in south east Wales about 20 miles from Cardiff.
I had friends who did half last year and trained for three months and ran all the way but realise it’s also going to take some sweat and perhaps tears but it’s doable!! They also said the atmosphere was amazing and the other runners and crowds made it easier and more fun than they imagined.
Well done you for doing run 3 of week 4 👍🏻👍🏻I’m going for it tomorrow and going to try listening to podcast for first time and see if that helps!!
You can do this 🤗 and your hubby will be very proud of you 😉
Oops, that was a typo, I meant Week 4 run 1! I listen to the podcasts as the app seemed to cut out sometimes. I'm an Essex girl-turned Mid-Walian (is that even a word?!) and have only been to Cardiff once, but it looks a great place. I'm hoping to see all the landmarks.
Hi. I'm in Cardiff too. Did my first park run this morning of part of my week 9. I followed podcast with 5 minutes walk at start, ran my 30 min and then walked most of rest. Nearly 600 runners and only 3 finished behind me (and one I'm pretty sure was tail walker volunteer). So I won't be joining you in Cardiff half marathon! But I will do the park run again. We all need or targets to keep us going so best of luck with yours 😀
I ran walked my first marathon. I had planned to run rather more of it but my hip let me down a bit towards the end of training . The run walk was brill and for me safely round, and I felt good at the end
Perhaps you could download a training plan to ensure you don’t do too much running, which is always a possibility.
If it's what you want to do then no I don't think you are insane. It's not necessarily the way others would advise, but you are running for you. Just take precautions as advised and enjoy the journey.
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So the fitness must be getting better. 
Please tell me it gets easier!
Please. Tell me not to quit.
Please tell me it gets easier
Please tell me it gets easier ;-)
