I heard online that people start getting Marathon-Paranoia - worrying about getting a niggle, injury or taking ill.
Well I am hoping that today's streaming nose is just a result of higher pollen levels!
On the up side, taking a leaf out of Oldfloss book I decided to give my local parkrun a try again yesterday to get used again to running with other people. This was my 2nd parkrun and my first was August last year.
I decided to run at my planned HM pace but starting from the back of the pack I realised I was heading out much too slowly so overtook a few at the back - then I found myself going too fast.
I ended up finishing with a parkrun PB - not difficult having only done 2 runs but given that I was planning a much slower run not what I had intended at all. A good timely lesson to remember to run at my pace and not to get carried away by the crowds.
Written by
Richard7
Half Marathon
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Best of luck Richard My HM mistakes were not hydrating properly along the way - too stubborn to 'stop' - and I lost my Fruit Pastilles at the very start so had no way of refueling. I also hit the wall - but forgot what it was and convinced myself that I could not run anymore of the HM, with hindsight I should have slowed WAAAAY down and just set my goal on finishing WAAAAAY slowly - instead I fell into the 'all or nothing' trap for a mile or so
Plus - they had changed the course at the last minute and I was not prepared for the monster hills going UP at the end instead of the original 'gently down' last mile or two so I had nothing in reserve even when I did start running again.
A definite learning experience and hopefully my next HM in Sept will be less fraught
I have had a couple of reminders recently on this forum. Enjoy it was a good one from last week as it I have been getting caught up on MUST RUN, MUST RUN. But I think whilst I want to do that, I am going to enjoy it and just be happy that I am there, something I would not have dreamed of a year ago.
My last long run ended very slowly - more out of necessity than desire.
It's easy to get carried away and look at how others run, try and follow, then crash and burn. This is your show, never compare yourself to anyone, you've got your own rhythm, stay comfortable, don't push hard, simply go and do it in your own time. As for the actual HM, it sounds sinister but in reality it is not. It's very doable, easier than you think. Go for it, man!
Ooh, a pb is a great help for hara-maranoia! Not a terribly reliable one though 😉😄
Good luck for your race! I don't think we have you on our list - which half is it?
I recommend a steroid nasal spray (Beconase, Pirinase etc. Tesco do a cheaper one, although they seem to be having supply issues at the moment!) for those sniffles!
Well it's easy to get carried away on Parkruns, everybody does I think. Your half marathon is a different prospect and you won't get carried away there - well not til the end that is.
Look forward to the big day as you finalise your preparations. It's gonna be fab!
I always start quicker when running with others but the adrenaline and atmosphere makes it hard not to! You can always pull back as you find your rhythm and pace. Good luck - the half is amazing. I ran my first one breaking it down into 5k and 7k chunks as I knew the route well. My second I ran too fast with a pacer that was too ambitious and struggled on my last 8k! Find your own pace and speed up at the end if you fancy it!
You are guaranteed a PB in your first event so don't go nuts just jog it to finish it! You can chip away at your 1st HM PB in future races. Start off slowly, the traffic jam over the first few km is a blessing, walk the water stations, smile. Good luck!
If you don't get carried away by the crowds you'll do better than me! Every time, no matter how much I tell myself to start slow .... it just hasn't happened yet But it sounds like you're getting to know yourself and your running and the effect different paces have on you - and whether the race goes to plan or not, you'll know you can deal with the consequences. Good luck
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My HM mistakes were not hydrating properly along the way - too stubborn to 'stop' - and I lost my Fruit Pastilles at the very start so had no way of refueling. I also hit the wall - but forgot what it was and convinced myself that I could not run anymore of the HM, with hindsight I should have slowed WAAAAY down and just set my goal on finishing WAAAAAY slowly - instead I fell into the 'all or nothing' trap for a mile or so 
But it sounds like you're getting to know yourself and your running and the effect different paces have on you - and whether the race goes to plan or not, you'll know you can deal with the consequences. Good luck 
Finally!!
Breaking down a long run...
Pace advice?
