A bit of a bold post considering I can't even run at the moment but ....
... how close together could an injury prone 57 yo run her first two half marathons πππ
Just spotted another HM on 14th April that I would love to do, but my first one is on 24th March. Do normal people run Half Marathons that close together?
I will probably leave it to fate - if the first one goes well, if I'm OK, if there are places left ... but I just wondered what people thought?
People do! Just be careful and see how you are. Do you think it's likely to sell out, or can you leave it til late to enter? And which one is it? π
I think it's the first time for this race bespokefitness.niftyentries... so hard to say if it will sell out. I'm definitely not going to book it before the first one tho.
My brother and family live in Colwyn Bay so it would be a good excuse to visit. If it doesn't work out, there's a 10k from the same point later in the year so I could try that instead. In the meantime I can maybe book some cancellable accomodation just in case π
Wow, it looks fabulous!
Only you really know how well you think you'll adapt to a HM distance, and it might be wise to hold off and enter on the day if you're able, but it's definitely doable in general. I did two in September last year (9th and 30th) and was surprised how straightforward it seemed, I just tapered between to avoid doing myself an overuse injury and it worked out pretty well. Once you're fit enough to run a strong half you'll likely find you think about it the same way you used to think about a 10kβit just becomes a long run. You probably wouldn't do lots in one week (unless you're Lordi !) but you'd not balk at doing one or two a month, say, should you so choose. This year I'm being much more sensible and spreading them out in March, May, June, August and I know I probably won't be able to resist the Scottish run in September again because it was a blast, though it clashes with a more local one I've not done before π€
Too much choice, and all bunched together π.
I like your way of looking at the distance. I must admit I didn't really feel much different after the 10 mile GSR. I'm not going for speed in the first HM as I've nothing to beat. So logically it seems like 2 long runs 3 weeks apart - a bit like a training plan.
All very well in theory, but not confident enough to book it in advance at the moment π . Caution will prevail for once π
Should be fin
Should be fine
I think you are wise to delay entry as long as you can give your poorly quad, fingers crossed you will be chomping through the training plan and race fit again in no time. It does look like a lovely route though π
I will definitely wait. Have realised it's in the Easter hols though so I may book some accommodation - if nothing else I can go visit my brother and maybe cheer a few people on 
Am feeling a definite change in my quad this afternoon at last (haven't run since Monday) so I'm taking that as an encouraging sign 
I might just have booked accommodation for that weekend
Plan B; if the Half Marathon isn't a goer, I can maybe console myself with some parkrun tourism - Conwy Parkrun will be just down the road from the air bnb.
If your longer runs (16 km plus... later in your training plan) don't leave your legs shreaded too much, or you recover well in only a few days, then a 3 week gap is no problem. Also, why not jog your 1st HM nice and easy style? You will be getting a PB guaranteed! Then you won't do too much damage anyway? Try a bit harder on the second race since it will be easier mentally having already slain the "can I run the distance?" dragon?
Sqkr is right about longer runs just becoming like 10k used to feel in b210k days. At some point/level of fitness a joggy HM doesn't even result in stiff legs the next day, it does if you try running it at 10k pace though!
That sounds like a great way to look at it. Well, with a cool calm head and a well oxygenated brain π. When I run, something odd happens. There isn't enough oxygen to go round and my brain loses out - loses all rational perspective; suddenly time becomes the overriding goal πππ. But there are lots of training weeks left, so the discipline of an easy jog would be something good for me to focus on. Thanks π
From another who can't run at the moment...I think you should be fine if you are aware of pace. When I did the Bath Half a couple of years ago, I had already run the distance twice in training ( I needed the assurance that I could do it) - so in actual fact I ran three half marathons in 5 weeks..and I did get my PB on the day! (WAY off that sort of running at the moment!π). Good luck. x
Gosh I really donβt know. A lot of folk do them nearly every weekend ( not me, no no no)..... I guess itβs a case of building up to it though....
Looks like a great event - I have been considering this one also. A lovely run along the coast. I noted the start and finish are different locations so would need picking up at the finish but that should be ok. I think 3 weeks between should be ok. After my first HM race I felt fine within a week and went to my Running club the next day after the HM but took it very gently. This may have actually helped with my recovery I think. You should have an idea how long it takes you to recover from long runs nearer the time, so booking later sounds like a good idea π
I think there's a coach from one end to the other for an extra Β£5 to facilitate logistics. Is it local for you? I did think I better check prevailing wind direction - as it's not an out and back course (which is part of what appeals to me) it will be an 'all or nothing' with the wind direction
I like that you can see clearly how many places are left (I haven't been able to do that with other races I've looked at), so I will definitely leave it and as you say, I should have a better idea how I'm faring with the distance the nearer I get. Fingers crossed though
I didnβt know about the coach, but will probably arrange to meet family at the finish if I do it. It is not local to me but I visit the area fairly regularly. I would guess the wind will be blowing off the sea, so a cross wind. Good luck - hope your recovery and training goes well!
You want to do it, so thats half the battle. You will be motivated. My first HM was tough and it took me a while to plan another - had I had another one already booked though, I would definitely have done it!
A couple of years ago I did 2 HMs with 2 weeks in between, and actually improved on my time during the second one. HMs aren't as tough on the body as longer distances, so I think it should be doable.
Final big run of the year 
Belfast Marathon 30th April 2023
Half Marathon Report
Ran my First Full Marathon at Mumbai, India on 15 Jan 2017
