Firstly a big thank you to all those who have shared their running stories, struggles and how they overcome their own personal challenges, for me, anyway, were an inspiration
This is the first time that I have posted…and hoping someone out there in the Couch to 5K can help.
I was going through a difficult time at the beginning of the year, won’t bore you..just relationships and life. I had put on a lot of weight and was generally unhealthy….I had downloaded the C25K app in 2021, but could not get the consistency that I needed….however, moving swiftly ahead, restarted in March….and have fallen in love (all over again with running)...in April, I did my first 5K….by June, I did my first 10K…
This month, I have achieved three personal bests…..my fastest ever 5K (just outside the 25 minute mark) ran a 10K in under 60 minutes and, last Sunday ran the further I have ever run…15K
I am now embarking on my next challenge - to run a half marathon - this weekend I hope to sign up for an event around October, which gives me 10 or so weeks to get ready.
However, my running has gone on to another level…no longer can I just get out of bed, stretch and go…I need to learn about what to eat, proper hydration, do I need new trainers, gel and (uncomfortably) nipple soreness….lol
It would be great to hear from someone who is on a similar journey or perhaps someone who has been there and done that
Anyway, thanks again to all those who maintain this website…you have been my first port of call for motivation and inspiration during the dark days
John
Written by
JRH01
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Hi JRH01 , while C25K is a lovely forum, for advice about HM distance I suggest you come on over to Marathon and Race Support: healthunlocked.com/marathon...
About Marathon Running and Race Support
This community is about connecting new, aspiring, and experienced half marathon and marathon runners and those training for any sort of racing event. We share support, stories, experiences, and knowledge. Please feel free to join to talk about race events, training, anxieties, nutrition and more - everyone is welcome whatever your level or ability!
Like most of the runners over there I started with C25K (see my profile.)
Welcome! What a first post… well done with all your achievements to date.
Your progress is a lot quicker than we would recommend… but following a good HM plan for three months will give you some consolation weeks, the best ones will give you a cutback week.
I didn’t really think about nutrition for half marathon, nor did I need any gels… I did try them recently and well, let’s just say they’re not for me and save the forum from any graphic descriptions 🤣
The bridge to 10k and above mentioned marathon and race support forums have more people who have been where you are heading next… the HM guys aren’t all on the marathon one.
Good luck with this next stage of your running adventures
Thank you for your response and feedback...yes my progress has been fast...I am grateful that I am a 'natural' runner and my body responded so positively...though it has been tough at times..thanks again
Just a little word of caution JRH01 : I don't consider myself a natural runner at all. Pig-headed and disinclined to give up, yes, but until I started C25K I had the sporting record of a tin of tomato soup.
Despite that I did my first HM distance exactly five months after my first C25K run. With the benefit of hindsight, I was extremely fortunate to get away without injury, and I don't recommend doing what I did. I'm sure it helped that I had taken on board advice about hydration, suitable footwear, running at a comfortable pace (I don't actually enjoy pushing for speed) and taking rest days (I'm pretty good at those!) But yes, good fortune played a large part. And going from HM to marathon distance was a whole different ball game that required serious commitment and training.
Natural runners get injured too, so please don't let your enthusiasm push you into overdoing things.
Cmoi has given you the link... get over there and let them read your awesome post!
Huge well done you... and this will show our new runners, just beginning their running adventures, by following the steady structure of C25K, just how far you can travel.
You might benefit from browsing through the FAQ Posts here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which cover a broad range of running related topics which are relevant at most levels.
I did my first Half Marathon distance just over a year after graduating. I had a few injuries and near-injuries along the way which set back progress.
Theoretically, it's possible to double your distance in eight weeks or so, but that often tempts fate. (And that rule breaks down when if you're training for much longer distances, eg. a full marathon.)
I don't do big organised races (apart from one a group of us from work did in October). I do do parkruns.
As to nutrition, for a Half Marathon you need fluids and some carbohydrates. I usually go out with about 500ml in the winter and a full litre in warm weather, and a bag of jelly babies.
For a run of 10km or less, I don't bother taking anything with me. 15km (about 90 minutes) is on the edge of when I'd usually need to fuel up. It's helpful to start feeding by the 45 minute mark, so you replace a bit of what you've burned.
Once you go beyond 90 minutes, the body usually shifts to burning fats as well as carbohydrates. This adaptation doesn't come immediately, which is probably why you'll find the first few longer runs end with a section that feels hard, or when you finish you have legs that feel like bendy rubber and won't support you when you walk.
My current maximum distance is 26.2km (16.3 miles).
Good morning nowster, thank you for your reply, I am joining a local running group next month, so I am sure that will help with my training...I take on board the hydration, while running, though I am someone who does not like to drink water when training, but perhaps this might need to change...love the idea of jelly babies though!
My problem tends to be in the middle of the run....that's when the legs start to wobble, as I come to the end, I tend to get faster and stronger...I suspect that is because I am not totally confident in my ability and have not sorted out my pacing
Hi , I started c25k towards the end of last December & ran my first 21.1k (HM distance) about 2 weeks back. It took me about 7months from zero to HM. I have never been a runner and didnt really 'enjoy' running like natural runners so I stuck to the rules when doing c25k and then Juju's magic plan. After that with the help of the forum members I made my own plan to achieve HM distance.I just stuck to the rules I was advised for c25k and didnot run on consecutive days and kept my pace to conversational pace to avoid injury. Offcourse there were a lot more very helpful advise and It helped me in not disliking running. I dont like drinking water but putting extra effort to ensure I am hydrated, I do pre-run & post run stretches as well. Didnt think much about nutrition until now, but slowly trying to focus a bit on post run nutrition for recovery. I dont really carry any drink or snack with me as it makes me feel sick. Might take a sip of water if I come across a drinking fountain.
Thank you Beccym.....joining a running club is on my list, there is one local to me....I look forward to doing my 1st HM..excited and nervous at the same time....running is definitely something that I do keep my mental health in check
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