Half marathon tips

[jojo57]

With four and a half weeks to go to the Great West (and I am on the IC but refusing to panic) I would be grateful for your tips on how to make it go as well as possible.

Thanks all!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I ran my first half marathon with a knee injury. I did no running at all for the last week before, just walking (having had a few weeks of gently increasing my distance on the advice of a supportive physiotherapist). On the day I just relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere and the scenery, I took walk and stretch breaks as needed, and stopped briefly at every water station. It was the Milton Keynes Winter Half, and I loved it, it was a fantastic experience! When I got to the last mile I felt that if I stopped running one more time I would not be able to start up again, so I went for it! I was glad I finished it, and after complete rest and a bit more physio my knee has recovered. But honestly if I was coming up to a race in that condition now I would think twice about running it - so I do suggest you weigh things up nearer the time, and maybe take some professional advice if funds allow it. If you feel you can't manage it, there will always be other races! Good luck

[jojo57 Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thanks Rose - food for thought there.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to jojo57]

I got a calf strain before a race so I rested completely for 3 weeks. Thankfully for me it worked out ok but I was a bit more tired than usual. It depends on what your injury is -and the severity of it - as to whether you run or not. If you do you just might not be as quick but you might not worry about that and just be happy to finish.

You will have to perhaps wait and see how you feel nearer the day. It would be a shame to start the race and then have to pull out

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

Word. Definitely make finishing your goal, rather than finishing within a certain time. That's probably a good idea for any first half marathon, injured or not.

[marco83 Marathon]

Follow the program, push it now if you want, but in a Week or two is time for taper : reduce distance gradually following the program, trust your training, don't change to much and enjoy the ride

On the day be prepared, on the race do not trust the first mile (take it slow) or the last ( you will not die

And again breath in and enjoy

take care

[ju-ju- Marathon]

I suggest doing what you can, if you aren't running lots of core work as that strength will pull you through. If you are then follow your plan and focus on preventing further injury. A few days before have plenty of rest. On the day, slow slow slow and steady and have walk breaks too if you need them. Good luck

[jojo57 Half Marathon]

Thanks Ju-ju. I have thrown myself down into a plank immediately.