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How long between races?

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon
β€’26 Replies

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 πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

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?

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linda9389
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roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

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? 😊

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to roseabi

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 πŸ™‚

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply to linda9389

Wow, it looks fabulous!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to roseabi

I now see there are 3000 places, of which 364 have been taken so far! So I will be able to monitor whether it is likely to sell out :)

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply to linda9389

Coolio

Sqkr profile image
SqkrHalf Marathon

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 10kβ€”it 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 πŸ€”

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Sqkr

Too much choice, and all bunched together πŸ˜€.

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 πŸ˜€ . Caution will prevail for once πŸ˜€

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Marathon

Should be fin

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Marathon

Should be fine

Teri73 profile image
Teri73

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 😁

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Teri73

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 :D

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 :)

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

I might just have booked accommodation for that weekend :D

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.

Teri73 profile image
Teri73 in reply to linda9389

That sounds like a great plan 😁😍

Lordi profile image
LordiMarathon

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!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Lordi

That sounds like a great way to look at it. Well, with a cool calm head and a well oxygenated brain πŸ˜€. 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 πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚. 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 πŸ™‚

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

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!πŸ™). Good luck. x

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Sandraj39

That's good to hear. It was what I was thinking - I also hope to run the distance a couple of times before the HM (though depending how long I'm on the couch the first may be the training run for the second!).

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Marathon

Gosh I really don’t know. A lot of folk do them nearly every weekend ( not me, no no no)..... I guess it’s a case of building up to it though....

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to ju-ju-

Right now i'll be happy to do one!

Macmac profile image
MacmacMarathon

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 πŸ˜€

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Macmac

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 :D

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 :)

Macmac profile image
MacmacMarathon

I didn’t 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!

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappHalf Marathon

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!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to Whatsapp

If I do have the second one booked or even just have it still as an option, that may help me sensible on the first one - which after my poorly approached GSR could only be a good thing πŸ˜€

C3PO profile image
C3POMarathon

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.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply to C3PO

Wow. Well done to you! Lots of poositive replies so I'm definitely not ruling it out yet πŸ™‚

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