Some of you will already know me, some of you won't, so I thought a bit of an introductory post was in order.
My name is Neil, I'm 43, and since graduating from C25K in early November 2017 and Bridge to 10k this July, I'm contemplating what to do next, as I'm sure many of you have too. Currently the furthest I have run is 15k albeit at quite a slow pace, 7:00/km ish if memory serves. My 5k time is still a shade over 30 minutes, but at the last try I got it down to 30:12. Oh those pesky 12 seconds!!! Anyway, I digress...
The question is, where next? Do I really want to push myself to further goals with running? I think the answer to that question has to be yes, on the basis that running has transformed my self image, my mental health, and is encouraging me to be a much healthier person, and I'm not sure what would happen if I just coasted at the point I've got to. I'm at the point now where 10k runs don't scare me, I never doubt that I can do it, and am quite happy to go a bit further. I'm also exploring hills more, and enjoying the challenge.
I've been asked by a friend from church who also runs if I want to do the Wilmslow HM with her in March. I just don't know. Do I? Unlike probably a good few of you here, I'm not that competetive, I just like to run. I think I could probably be ready for the distance by that point, though I don't think my life schedule is organised enough to handle roseabi 's excellent HM plan. I'm worried if I do an actual race, I'll just end up right at the back and that will knock my self confidence. I'm worried that my pace would be way too slow, but having said that, it's be awesome to say I've run a proper HM.
I'm really hoping you wonderful people will have some wise advice for me!!
No advice I’m afraid Neil - but Hi to you from over here! 😊❤️
My own HM plan isn’t aiming for earlier than mid May, which turns out to be a good thing... Neck flare-ups, a steroid injection in my wrist (never guessed that would mean I couldn’t run for a couple of days, but it will effect my other planned exercise options for a bit) and now a tummy bug seem to be messing up my nice neat looking plan timetable completely! 😂😂
Thanks Melinda and heck, I hadn’t realised you were on the IC and poorly too. I hope you recover soon, tummy bugs are horrible. I know not running is pretty frustrating. Hugs!!
Thanks Neil - I’ve been on the “climbing properly” IC most of the year, but not the running one! Hoping the steroid injection may change that.🤞🤞🤞My neck hasn’t had a real flare-up for ages, so that was well overdue. And thankfully the tummy bug seems to have just been a 24 hr one, so I ran carefully today! 😃😊❤️
Oh I did one in October having graduated C25K in April. I was at the back (but nowhere near last- people walked in mine) but I loved it soooo much and was very proud of myself. Do it. If you are at the back (and my personal advice would be aim to be) then you are still way ahead those still on that couch. Just finish with a smile. If you are at 15K you will do it no problem. Good luck!
Hi Neil! You seem to still enjoy running and no-one ever said it had to be competitive with anyone but yourself. So the choice is really up to you. If you feel like the longer distance is something you’d like to try. But I get where you are coming from. If it were me I would maybe want to work on my pace and getting comfortable at longer 15k+ distances before committing to an actual race. Having said that, I am feeling similar to you in my move from HM to longer distances now. But you never know till you try and something in me needs to know so I signed up for a 30k as a marker towards a full mara. Baby steps. Also if you go for it, maybe check the terrain and elevation of your first HM. You likely don’t want it to be too challenging as it is your first. My first HM had one hill and it was mostly flat or downhill from there which made for a great experience. Try to keep enjoying it no matter what you decide. Best of luck!
Thanks Decker, that’s a really helpful balanced answer. Do you mind me asking, did you end up here via the usual C25K route? How long have you been running?
Hi Neil, actually I did the C25k app by myself and was just finishing it when I stumbled across your HU group on a random Google search. I’ve been running since around July 2017. I started just before my 50th birthday for health reasons (lots of heart and stroke issues on my Mum’s side). My running or any exercise was random and sporadic before this. I also stumbled into my local running group in much the same way and life has never been the same since
At first it was a bit unnerving, especially when I saw how young and fast the other members were, but they were kind and I was just able to keep up with the tail group. It was hard work but very worthwhile. For me it was a game-changer, both health-wise and socially.
I know there are several locally, maybe I shall check them out! I'm naturally not great socially, so it's probably something I need to do both for my running and mental health too Happy new year btw. Nearly that time!
Thank you for the lovely welcome I know you are complete right about the distance/pace thing. I’d just rather not be right at the back, if you know what I mean
My current thoughts are that I should maybe work up to that distance in non-race conditions to get used to it.
Hi Neil! And a huge, warm, contemplative welcome to the forum!!!!
I think if you just keep increasing your mileage (or kilometerage) each week you should have no trouble completing the half marathon distance on your own in time for March. In my plan I am introducing folk to the disciplines of speed and strength work to give them a good grounding in endurance and long distance race training. But the most important feature of any plan is going to be the increase in distance toward the target. Take it slowly and steadily and you'll be fine - and from what you say I think you'll have a lot of fun doing it! As you are running the race with a friend you will need to consider her pace, and ideally buddy up on some of your training runs.
It doesn't matter if you end up finishing last, but the chances are you won't. In fact, since you will be running with a friend you will at the very least be joint last 😊 As others have commented, a half marathon can be a really joyous occasion, and is an achievement to be proud of. If you decide to go for it, focus on getting to the finish line and having the most fun along the way!
Thank you Abi Nice to be here in such good company!
I think my biggest issue is going to be time, which was the reason I haven't attempted your HM plan, simply that my working hours mean it's hard to fit runs in sometimes, plus I also struggle with tiredness, so waking early to have a quick run before work tends to be something I can't sustain for too long, especially in the dark winter months. I suppose I could run along roads after work shudder (roads??! horrible things with cars!!)
But whether or not I do the race, and at this point, I suspect I probably will, I certainly want to be achieving HM distance in the early part of this year. I have a nice 10+ mile route lined up which will probably be my next milestone in a week or two. I'm actually aiming to run 3 times a week, which I think I'll need to, but that will probably mean consecutive days, which of course was a big no-no in the C25K days! Gosh, seems like a lifetime ago actually, when I was ecstatic at running for 20 minutes. I have moved on since then, I know.
I'm hoping to get in some sessions with my friend if we can organise our schedules. She is more experienced than I am, but I think our paces are not miles apart. We shall see! Interesting side note: she's asked me if I'll do a few runs with her hubby who did his first 5k a few days ago. I don't really have time to work now, do I?
One thing is for sure though, I shall share my journey with you all, if that's OK!
It's very much more than OK! I'm looking forward to reading about how you get on 😊😊😊
And yes, you have come a long way! Don't worry too much about running on consecutive days - but please do take note of any niggles and rein back if necessary. At first, maybe try just a gentle 4-5K jog on the day after a longer run. After you've done that a few times, try longer distances. It can be useful to run a second day on legs that are tired - the cumulative effect is thought to be equivalent to a single longer run. Google "back-to-back" runs. Make sure you take a good couple of days of active rest in between - by which I mean no running but keep moving.
Thank you, I shall probe Mr Google for information about back to back runs. I actually have enjoyed the odd consecutive running day this holiday, and I've noticed in particular that a short run, even of 2k or less, seems great for loosening everything back up, especially if you keep it a nice slow one. So yes, watch this space
Having read many of your posts in the 5k and 10k forums, I have absolutely no doubt you can be ready to run the HM in time, and that you won't finish at the back either. The only question is whether or not you want to Only you can say, but the fact that you're here, asking the question, suggests to me that you are well on the way to answering the question already
There's lots of support and a wealth of experience in this forum. Wishing you lots of enjoyment and success on the next part of your journey, and look forward to reading your posts
Awww Linda that's a lovely thing to say, thank you. And I must confess, you do make a valid point, why would I be asking the question if I wasn't already considering it? I guess I just want to make sure that it's not just a ridiculous idea!!
Thanks Katnap! Ooh I hadn't considered the bling. The only bling I have is virtual bling on iphone apps, Strava likes to dish them out, and now Garmin is having a go too, but you're right. Real bling I can actually hold, I like the sound of that!
I love to run for fun but I love to race for fun too 😃
If you train for it Neil then you’ll be fine. Just go along and enjoy it. What does it matter where you come Folks of all ages and abilities pitch up at races, most happy to get round and have fun The fast folks are there of course but it’s not all about them at all Don’t talk yourself out of it 🙂
Thanks misswobble , you're a stalwart of these things I know, and have been great encouragement to me along the way, even if you didn't realise it. Thank you
So far - no one has said don't even think about it, so I guess I had better give it some more serious thought then! It's quite an undertaking, but then again, I've got you lot for support, right?!
Thank you! The odd thing is I'm not actually that competative, I just enjoy running and love to challenge myself, which is probably why I don't enjoy the idea of races so much. But - we shall see
I'm not competitive but I do like to equal or beat my previous times, to spur me on. If I have the energy though I will chase someone down but not in any serious way. It's great fun.
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My longest run to date
bits and bobs
Morecambe HM
2 weeks to go to my 1st HM
