I'm new on this forum although I recognise a lot of the names from C25k and Bridge to 10k. Here is this week's agonising question.
My friend wants me to enter a local Half Marathon with her in June. It's mostly flat on tarmac paths along the seaside. She has been running for about 2 years from a standing start and did the Geneva HM last year. I restarted running in July last year via C25k and went on to 10k. My longest run so far is 9.4 miles at 9:55/mile. My friend runs at a similar/slightly slower average pace. I have increased distances gradually and have had no running related injuries. I think with some effort and an appropriate training plan I could do the distance BUT...
I have never run any sort of "public" event. Not even a parkrun. I do all my running alone at the time of day that suits me (apart from encouraging new C25k recruits round at work in our lunch break). I am fretting about the logistics and what to wear and I haven't even entered. I'm not good at running in the morning until my various GI issues have resolved themselves. If I procrastinate long enough maybe all the places will be taken. Is it normal to feel this nervous? Will it be alright on the night?
I predict the following suggestions:
1. Do a parkrun asap
2. Find a local 10k in the near future
3. Re-evaluate after experiencing them
Other thoughts from veterans who have been through this please!
Written by
Langley-Loper
Half Marathon
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Hello! Welcome to the forum, it's marvellous to have you here.
Here are my suggestions; your predictions are partially accurate
1. It's not a bad idea to try parkrun first. It's free, it's a wonderful organisation, and it gives one a good idea of what it's like to run in an organised race. I suggest you start near the back for your first time.
2. I personally did not get around to running a 10K race until I'd already done three half marathons
3. You don't have to do a half marathon if you don't want to. You might hate it, and fall out with your friend!
4. Based on what you say about your current abilities, though, I don't think you'd struggle.
5. Depending on what you mean by "various GI issues", you may find that Imodium helps on race day (try it out in training). Also, check out the half marathon website to see what the on-course portaloo situation is
6. Half marathons can be great fun, and are an achievement you can feel proud of!
If you want to do it, then do it. 😀. Procrastinating is part of the game (I've got platinum in it, never mind gold,)
You have done 9.4miles which is a good distance and many a training plan will not get you to run an event full distance prior to the event. And you have time to get there. You don't have to run all the way, walk/running is perfectly acceptable and many do just that (generally only the "in it to win its", speedy people and "I said I will/want to run it all so I Will peeps" i.e. Strong/Bl**dy minded 😚 run all the way.)
I am a lone runner and have done HMs -and 10ks and enjoyed them as they are something different. I didn't train for the 10ks but did for the HMs using My Asics loosely. Park run is too far away from me to make regular visits viable but I enjoyed what I did.
Basically, it's down to what you want to do but it is an experience- and hopefully one you will enjoy and get some bling too! Ooh bling - don't overthink just go for the bling 😄
Just to end (who said thank goodness? 😊) I have GI issues (think bear dna) and just before an event I take an Immodium which hasn't let me down yet.
Sounds like you answered your own questions already!
Why not start increasing your distances and do the public races first and see how you feel, my gut reaction would be go for it - you might surprise yourself!
Considering you can already do 9.4 miles and your pace is way better than mine, I think it's realistic. The question is really whether you want to do it, which only you can answer. I don't really like the training that much, but I like events, and they are what keep me running.
I don't have major GI problems in the morning, but I do need to get up about 1 hour before a run to clear my system in the morning, so to speak. If you have any serious GI issues that's another matter, but in general it's possible to plan around them.
Well, you are not short of distance so that isn't going to prevent you. You have posted on a forum for people who love running - and it is specifically aimed at HM and Marathon distances - so no one on here is going to tell you its a bad idea.
But your first time is always going to be a step into the unknown. There is a difference between running in public, and running at an organised event. All the people there are either running too or are there to cheer on their friends, family and anyone else making the effort. Not just out walking the dog.
Similar to roseabi s experience I have run a HM but not yet run a 10k event (which is why I have yet to acquire my badge on the B210k forum).
I did it for one reason, to prove to myself that I could. When I got nervous moments at times up beforehand I tried to remind myself it was just running... and I do that for fun!
I have run a 10k event but not an HM Event, yet. I did the HM distance in training recently but its not quite the same as my race coming in May. You seem to be very close in terms of distance for an HM and you seem to want to do it. The people at events also tend to spur you on and I’ve always met someone I can talk to in the same boat as me. I think you’ll be great!
A HM in June is most certainly doable for you. I am so like you, I hate running with others and not a big fan of races! I agree with your plan that will get you used to running with other people. Only do it though if you really want to. You and your friend could alternatively plan and do your own HM......
You can most definitely do the distance. I can't advise on GI problems.
As for the rest: I get the feeling (although I might be wrong) that your hesitation is more due to 'people pressure' than anything else. I have signed up for the same race as someone else, but I have never run with someone else, because my pace never 'fits' with someone else's.
If you don't feel comfortable with the idea of running in a big group of people, you have two choices: 1) keep going the way you are, because you enjoy running alone and (maybe) are nervous about being seen or measuring your performance up against that of others, or 2) bite the bullet and try a park run or a 10k (in a town where you nobody, if you like) to see how you feel. (Note to self: that sentence was too long.) Then decide if you want to do the HM. You may be surprised.
I run alone too, and don't belong to any running clubs because I know my self-confidence would go down the drain on day one. I did my first 10k in a huge race with 10,000 runners. And I loved it.
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I'm going to give it a go! HM 
Race pace?? - HM compared to M
Hello 
New Member, and a question.
