Bridge to Hm

[pinkaardvark]

So I have run 12k, 15k and planning 18k this week. Should I just keep going and do 21k if i'm feeling strong. Would be nice to just get it under the belt, not sure I can be bothered with programs and the like, I just find I run further if I feel there is a bit more room. A little bit like stretching in yoga, just breath out and push a little bit further if there is the space.

I know other people get into there asics plans and whatnot thingamy bobs, but it all doesn't really work for me. I do take a couple of gels with me as I like them as a little treat en route and will probably take a small pouch of water, albeit I never really get that thirsty(I do run at night though) .

[C3PO Marathon]

How long is it til your race? I usually do the HM distance in training before an event. I've never used a program for an HM - I've done the same as you. I do plan to use a program next time, but that's because I want to learn to run the distance faster.

[pinkaardvark Half Marathon in reply to C3PO]

Ah, there's no race. Just my weekly evening long running So if it's too much for me there's no pressure.

[C3PO Marathon in reply to pinkaardvark]

Then no reason not to go for it! And it's all the more impressive considering you're just doing it for yourself.

[pinkaardvark Half Marathon in reply to C3PO]

Good call. Will plan a route with room for 21k and if I stop short I just have a longer warm down walk at the end

[TedG Half Marathon]

You’re a real inspiration Mike, my new hero if you like 😜

If you feel up to it, carry on I say 🏃🏃🏃

[pinkaardvark Half Marathon in reply to TedG]

Steady on Ted, I aint saving no cats out of trees or anything lol

[TedG Half Marathon in reply to pinkaardvark]

😂😂

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

I think you have kjind of answered your own question. You are not running to a plan and you have no planned HM to aim for. Carry on doing what you are doing, if it works for you.

[misswobble Marathon]

The only thing that worries me is the over-running. I am 60 though. I only run as much as I need to as I have to save myself for the big day, which can be months away. Which is why a structured plan is a good idea. It means you don't over-run! When you get hit with an overuse injury it'll be who'd a thought it! You could kick yourself you really could but it's too late then.

18 k is fine for a half marathon. There's no need to do the whole thing until the day. The race day vibe and adrenalin will carry you the extra 3 kms. Keep your power dry!

I know, I know, nag, nag, nag.

[mfamilias Half Marathon]

Give it a try, and stop if it's too much. Some people need to 'do the distance' before to be sure, others don't. I didn't run a full HM distance before mine, but made it to 17k and reckoned that I'd be able to add on a bit more on the day. Like MW I'm at the older end of the spectrum through, maybe you young things can eat a HM for breakfast every day and not suffer

[AnnieW55]

Yep. Go for it. You never know a race might happen one day and you will know you can do it.

[Lordi Marathon]

If you go out on a long 'un and get to 15,17, 18 km it will feel so close that you will just carry on. That's what I did when I ran the HM distance first time. You are much fitter than I was back then so you will have no problems. If there's nothing hurting then go for it! Jog it though - it's a bloody long way (which is also a great milestone mentally and puts a 5k "dash to the shops" in perspective.)

[Millsie-J]

The way I see it is you do have a training plan, you are extending distance slowly, at your own pace. ( although admittedly this is a bigger increase than usual). The Pink plan seems to suit you so stick with it.

Also, this HM is for you..... its not for the bling or for the race experience, its just for you! If it feels right on the day go for it is my opinion. If it doesnt feel right there will be other opportunities. Just take it steady and enjoy 😀

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

Do your own thing, for yourself. When l got to 18k l stopped it all and went back all the way to the beginning and started all over. I even did the whole 5k program twice, back-to-back. Why? And why the hell not, lol, it's you who call the shots. Ok, l did pick up some bad injuries because l pushed harder but if you're feeling fine then....

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

Fine to just do your own thing, remembering the 10% rule. I would just say that the plans tend to skip the long run every 2-3 weeks to give your body a decent rest, and think it would be important to incorporate that.

[pinkaardvark Half Marathon]

Thanks for all the positive energies guys and dames I will just try for 18k this week I think and if and only if I feel nice and fresh still I will push on for the 21k. I have just had a week off ancientrunner so you're definitely right about building in some breaks every few weeks, it did help a lot for me.

[Fionn42]

I think the key is exactly what you say here Pink - take the yoga approach and just do it if it feels right and you can feel your body going with it and if not, then don’t push it. Can you plan in your ‘escape’ points if you decide you’ve had enough?

I’m a great believer in listening to what your body tells you and acting accordingly.

Good luck my friend! Let us know how you get on.

[pinkaardvark Half Marathon in reply to Fionn42]

I run along a guided busway . So my escape point is the bus stop lol. Thankfully they are about 5k apart hehe

[Fionn42 in reply to pinkaardvark]

Ideal!