More HM training ‘hints and tips’ posts very soon, but in the meantime, we thought it’d be fun to get to know each other a little better!
Just answer in the comments below; no need to be any more detailed than you feel comfortable with (it's just for fun), short answers are fine - in fact it's best kept brief
*Tell us a little bit about you - or maybe something funny about you?
*How long have you been a runner?
*Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why or why not?
*What made/makes you want to run a half marathon?
*What do you like/think you will like about a half marathon?
We will add our answers too, and we look forward to reading yours. Have fun posting and reading!!!
Just to reiterate, the purpose of this HU spring 2020 HM group is to get together and share your experiences of training for a half marathon, and to give support to one another. We’ll post regular updates to give the group focus and offer any help we can.
There's still time to join us if you're interested - leave a comment below!
If you use Strava and would like to connect with other HU half marathoners, there’s also a HUHM Strava Club we set up last year (see link below - you need to request to join via Strava).
Have a great week ahead of our official kick-off date of Monday, December 2nd
"My name is Linda and I’m addicted to running 😜". I’ve completed three half marathons and, after over 4 months on the IC, am super excited to train for my next one
I started running in April 2017 (age 56)
I did C25K because a (slightly older) friend did it! I thought if she can, surely I can (despite having no appetite for heavy breathing, sweating or jiggling body parts)? I thought it was something you just did and completed, not the start of a major addiction 😍
I was quickly hooked, and knew my motivation was progression - from nothing to graduation, to 5k, to 10k, to 10 miles, so a HM was simply the next step on a slippery slope (but that’s it … I’ve no desire to go further … faster maybe, and uninjured definitely!)
It turns out I’m a bit competitive and I do love races! A HM gives time to really get into your stride, to feel you’ve had time to enjoy the run. It’s far enough (and long enough) to feel like a major achievement – and I am really, really proud of my three HM achievements. No one ever imagined I could run a HM, least of all me! 👍
Have you signed up for the Bath Half Linda? I read one of your replies where you mentioned it ..... I’m doing it and can’t wait! Bonus that it’s flat too - unusual for Bath! 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
I have! I put it on the group list at the start of this group and wondered if you'd spot it 😍. It's my son's last year at Uni in Bath so I thought I'd choose it for this spring. Hubbie and I will make a weekend of it and have an airbnb a short walk from the start. Hopefully I'll see you there 😍
Hi, I’m Katie. I started running in April 2018 aged 56 with a group from work doing C25K. I was sporty at school, but discovered booze, fags and boys in the 6th form so let it all slide! Not smoked now for 20 years and thought “sod the menopause, I’m keeping the weight off, getting fitter and pretending that I’m 20!”
I was always wary of running Because of all the jiggling, but the purchase of a good sports bra and I was away! After finishing C25K I became a regular park runner, joined a running club and fell in love with trails and cross country. Lucky me living in the Chilterns where there’s lots of both!
I moved on to 10k and now 10miles over the last year, grumble about hills but secretly like them, wear a headtorch in the dark in the woods and get attacked by badgers in the rain at least once a week and have a vague ultra goal at the back of my mind. HM seems the next step!
I’m not competitive at any stage of a race except the last 100m, when I sprint faster than Usain Bolt! Looking to do a spring run, maybe MK!😂🤪🏃♀️🏅
Oooh you sound very brave! I occasionally head north towards the Chiltern Hills on my bike, but even that takes some doing - on foot I prefer the flatter parts of South Bucks 🤣. I believe Milton Keynes HM is a good choice 🙂
Not sure about brave. More like foolish! I can’t claim any speed up hills, and sometimes I walk a bit if it’s a cliff face, but my club buddies keep me jogging along.😊
WOW yes you are brave. I don’t run in the dark and rarely when it’s raining except Park Runs. I go out at first light and prefer the satisfaction of completing a run, particularly if it’s a PB or longest run before getting home for breakfast.
Hi All, Saw this arrive whilst eating my breakfast so figured I'd kick things off!
I am Jo, just turned 50 year old mum of teenagers. Live in Cambridge, work as Office Manager for a charity.
I started running in January this year, New Year's Resolution (to the amazement of the rest of the family!) was to do 10k race before my 50th birthday which I managed in July after completing C25K in March. I ran 10k in approx 55 minutes. A regular park runner as well at Wimpole/Cambridge/Holkham/Hunstanton. Hills are my downfall, I just can't handle them!
I need a target to keep up the momentum as it doesn't come naturally to me, so after a bit of dithering over the summer and only just keeping up my 5k running, I decided to take the plunge and enter Cambridge Half. I am slightly terrified, but also determined to give the best go I can. Worry about injury, so need to take it steady. Back up to 9k this week, hopefully and once I hit 10k next week, I will move onto the HM training programme in earnest.
So grateful for this group and the support on this forum. It got me to 10k, am sure it will help me through to HM.
Wow! fabulous progress already. Sounds like you've got great focus when you've got a target to aim for- and a HM is a great target! I'm right there with you - back up to 9K yesterday and hoping for 10K on Sunday. In my plan the box for the race says 'Half Marathon 🤞' - staying injury free is indeed the key 😍
You've done great so far and got to 10k in so little time to run it so quickly!
I am with you on the needing a target to keep going, which was almost my downfall. But being back up to 9k is great and a perfect starting point for your HM training! Good luck
I’m a regular at Cambridge parkrun, do Wimpole occasionally - when I feel brave enough for THAT hill.......I think you’re a little quicker than me......would be great to say ‘hello’ if you fancy it......me and OH are both in for Cambridge HM next year......
Brilliant! The hill at Wimpole does me every time! I may try and parkrun this weekend as I’ve missed a few due to children’s sports fixtures. If not this weekend then soon I hope as I miss it. Would love to catch up at some point. 👍🏃♀️🏅
I'm an endurance sports nut and I've done several half marathons and full marathons, plus a couple each of triathlons and ultramarathons. Am 50, married with two cats, self-employed and semi-retired, and I hate porridge!!!
I started C25K in November 2014, graduated in January 2015.
I did the NHS C25K with the old app. I wasn't unfit, but I didn't like running and wondered if I could get into it. A friend was doing C25K and he impressed me with his Facebook posts about it, and I was writing a masters dissertation about online fitness businesses so I was interested in the app and the training process.
Obviously, as it turned out I found I could get into running 😄
I ran my first half marathon because I was enjoying running 10K, and it occurred to me that a half marathon was only a couple of 10Ks plus a bit! Also, I discovered the existence of the Milton Keynes Winter Half, which I really wanted to do! And so I did, in December 2015 😊😊😊
I prefer the marathon distance, so I'll usually only run HMs in training for those, but I like them as a fun challenge that isn't as hard on a body.
Hi Linda. I am a 67 retired bloke who started C25k in May 2018 following a a period of sitting around as a result of a fall. I didn't want to become a Couch Potato so I decided to run (something I had not done since my thirties and even then I needed a ball to chase).
I always need to have a plan! So after getting a bit lost post C25k graduation, I completed Ju Ju's 10k plan on Boxing Day 2018, and moved on to 10 miles at the beginning of August followed by my only HM on 11 September.
Why the HM plan? I have been looking through the routes of the Hardmoors races; I live on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors (as in five minutes walk away) and the only way to get maximum benefit is to run long and up steep hills too. So I am trying to do both without ending up IC !
Gotta love a plan! So yours will have lots of hill training then - not my favourite by any means. Very brave of you 💪My first job when looking at events is to look at the elevation profile - if it's not flat, move on 😂
Brave or just plain stupid remains to be seen. Park Run apart, all of my runs have up and down hill sections now, with a 140m and at worst 180m elevation gain (Garmin). Have been doing this for about a month. It is getting easier, very gradually. I suspect our fitter VRBs would just breeze through it. Strength training definitely needed too....🥵
Have to admit I read your opening lines as...Hi, I'm Linda, a 67 year old retired bloke!!! 2nd time of reading it, I though well, that's an unusual name for a fella, 3rd time I read it properly 😳
I blame running, we haven't even started the HM training yet and I'm shattered 😉Beautiful part of the world you live in BC, enjoy the hills 👍
Hi everyone, my real world name is Mitch, some of you will know me from C25K and JuJu's bridge.
I joined HUHM this time last year, but through a minor injury and some lost mojo, I never made it to my HM in the spring. This year I've done six 10k events this year before hitting the IC in September!
I'm desperately trying to find my mojo again so have (foolheartedly) signed up for not one, but two HM's next year. The first is the LLHM that others here are doing as well.
When I'm in the groove, I love it, can't get enough of it and arrange everything around running. When I'm not, it's the biggest chore in the world, and the washing up is far more important than grabbing some tarmac time!
Looking at doing a gentle 10k in December - it might help me find my mojo. If anyone else finds it - please return using the enclosed SAE lol!
Heya, I seem to have been slow to react to your posts so I didn't join the group yet, but it was so much help last time and I want to again! I've entered the Stockport Trail HM on 16th Feb. I'm still going on with a version of your training plan from the last time, which I just keep extending and now lasts me all the way till July 2020 😊😊
So here's some answers to your questions:
I am an event rider who's horses were both injured at the same time and who had no other hobbies so nothing to do when I couldn't ride and was in danger of getting fat doing nothing, so I started to run! Horses are doing a bit better now, but I've kept the running up and just try and find time for both.
I started C25K in Feb 2018 (where running for 1 minute felt impossible) and finished in June 2018 (or actually I never got all the way through the program despite how long I spent doing it, but I did run a full 5k in June 2018!).
I've did two half marathons last year in March and October, my motivation was different each time. The March one was to show myself that I could, the October one was to get me back running again as I almost stopped completely after the March one (with huge thanks to the group on this forum, as I probably wouldn't have got there without the support). Both did their jobs. The October one I actually enjoyed while I was running it, which I never expected as my enjoyment is usually afterwards looking back at what I'd done, but my training had gone well, my target was achievable, I got to do lots of maths on the way around and pretty much got quicker as each mile passed.
For me I stop enjoying running when it's always about getting faster, which is why I've entered a trail half marathon this time. Something different, hopefully with prettier views, plus not something I can compare speed wise to the last two so that takes of that pressure for me.
It seems very common to have a dip after training for an event for months, but you're obviously very good at pushing yourself on. I'll add you and your event to the list. I grew up in Hazel Grove - to me Stockport meant shopping (or the hospital! Infirmary was it?), so a Stockport trail run sounds very odd🤣 I'll check out the route, but Im guessing it takes you out of town very quickly 😀. Edit: i see you start in Marple - that's where I went to school , your race report will be a real memory jogger for me 😍
I'm putting this event on my'to do list' right now - it looks right up my street. I have family still living in Poynton so coul probably beg some lodgings and a shower after before the long drive home 😍
It was recommended to me by a friend when I said I wanted something a bit more interesting to run, I think although it's called Stockport Trail it's not actually in Stockport just nearby. Really looking forward to it though, it's not too far from me but not an area I know at all.
Hi! I have just joined health unlocked as I have been diagnosed with IBS, but come across this group too! I have signed up for my first (and probably only...) Half Marathon, the Bedford Spring half, 16th May!
I have done a large number of 10k runs in the last 3 years. I started running kind of as a case study for my brother doing his PT course, but over time lost some weight and I guess, fell in love with it... my first 10k I raised over £600 for prostate cancer research for my grandad, and for the half, I am raising money for Parkinsons research for him too!
I'm hoping to start a family soon, so figure if I'm doing a half marathon, before that would be a good idea...
I am not a serious runner, I love park run and I'm part of a group called Renegade Runners. We do speed training once a week and provide other people to run with all the time. A couple of friends from this group have been running early sunday mornings, but they are pushing me to increase distance a little quicker than I'm happy with. We done 8 miles this week, my longest ever run and they want to jump straight to 9 miles next week, but i'm scared about doing too much too soon...
Anyways, that was a lot of rambling! look forward to getting to know everyone!
Fabulous! Welcome to the group, I'll add you to the list. 'Not a serious runner'? You mean you laugh all the time? Only that sounds like a serious running schedule to me and some excellent fundraising too 😀. You've got lots of time til your HM, so don't need to build your distance that fast if you don't want to - remember it's your journey! We have a badge ready and waiting for when you hit 10 miles - just add a comment to the pinned badges post when you're ready to claim it 😍
'one' of my niknames is Jack Douglass (from The Carry On films!) as I'm pretty accident prone! I'm not going to tempt anything by linking this to running! but I cycle too and have fell off the bike and broke my wrist, and also drove into a bollard as too busy talking....
C25K - well I started the prog last April time (2018) persuaded by pals. Pals stopped doing it, and by mine and everyone else's surprise I carried on with it . hated running before starting the program, and now I love it, most of the time (still sometimes cant believe this) I do my local parkrun when I can and have completed a few 10K events including a trail (which was fab!)
I've done a HM myself, but would love to do an event one, for the support and encouragement with loads of others. I'm going to enter the ballot for the Great North Run for next year.
This Forum is a great encouragement, so I know we'll all spur each other on along the way
Brilliant and good luck with that ballot. I now have an image of you riding into a bollard firmly fixed in my head - really feel your avatar should reflect this in some way 😍. Do keep your eyes on the road when you're running 🙈
I'm John now 61 and started running 2 years ago with C25K. It was a recommendation from by daughter in law ( now a GP). I said I was bored going to the Gym and wanted to do something a bit different. Michael Johnson and encouragement from all of you has now embedded this positive life change.
I'm lucky enough to travel with work and a key consideration now when off somewhere is "Is there somewhere interesting to go for a run near the hotel?" Often there is so that adds some more fun.
I really enjoyed the C25K programme, consolidated for a bit and pushed on to 10Km and then I thought...." Well why not a HM". Signed up for Cambridge in March, told everyone and started raising sponsorship. So now I have to do it!!
I find running to be very relaxing and ( apart from some inconsiderate dog owners) to be very easy to do where I live. Lots of muddy tracks!
One of our sons has also entered the same HM, although I confidently expect him to be waiting for me with a slightly bored expression on his face when (if) I get to the finish line!
No wriggling out now for sure! You'll make it to the finish line 💪I ran my first HM with one of my sons. He didn't train very well so I secretly hoped he wouldn't be too far ahead. He beat me of course, but only by 17 minutes! We're both doing the same HM in March - he tells me he will be leaving me for dust! He definitely will 🤣
*Tell us a little bit about you - or maybe something funny about you?
I am writing this from the injury couch – my fifth injury this year! – so the "something funny" is that I am actually still contemplating a half marathon. I am booked into the Vitality Big Half so am going to do all I can to run, even if it kills me. Which it might!
*How long have you been a runner?
I started in late February this year, so it's still an exciting new world for me.
*Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why or why not?
Yes, I started out with the Goddess Laura podcasts as it seemed like a good way for a total novice to get going and – despite the dreadful music – never looked back. After C25K I followed the Ju-Ju 10K plan on this forum and then kept at it.
*What made/makes you want to run a half marathon?
I've always wanted to run a marathon without really doing anything about it. Now I am doing something about it.
*What do you like/think you will like about a half marathon?
Huge sense of achievement. Being part of a community. And raising some £$€ for a good cause.
Sounds great ... apart from the injury! You've come a long way very quickly. I can only suggest lots of cross training and strength work to help protect you from further injuries!!! As it's your first half, you may be best focusing on building long runs and drop some of the speed work that appears in most plans - that way you can still build endurance and stamina but lighten the running load a bit. Speedy healing .. and remember to keep up the strength work 👍
Thanks, Linda. Other than walking a lot, I’ve never done any cross training or strength work. Wouldn’t know where to begin, really. Free time is limited so it has to be something I can easily work into a busy week.
Lots of workouts on youtube that don't require any equipment - little and often might make a big difference. Take a look at the strength and flex forum for some ideas 🙂
Hi Stephen, every time I got an ache that concerned me I googled strength exercises for that area ie: lower back came up with core support work like glute bridges, planks etc.
That way I've managed to come up with about 15/20 minutes of stretching and strenthening excersizes I do after a run...or if too tired, I stretch out and then do the strength stuff later that day.
It does seem to help.
I can't say it doesn't feel like a bit much some times but so far though I do suffer with the odd niggle and occasionally give myself extra rest days I've had no serious injuries 🤞🤞
Good luck getting yourself off the IC and enjoying HM training 🏃♂️👍
I am also currently injured so have started a strengthening program on the free Nike Training Club app. Picked a plan for novice runners which is very clear with easy to understand videos. Hopefully will help to prevent future injuries
That sounds interesting. Is it equipment/ gym based, or something you can do at home? I do hope you recover quickly and soon back to running as normal. The IC is not a nice place to be!
So I'm David, 37, I think.... I was born in 83, I'll let you do the maths. No one, including my own mum, seems to remember my age and now even I'm confused!
An avid MTB Cyclist who cycles to work everyday whatever the weather and takes every opportunity to get off the tarmac and ride across Dartmoor.
Started C25K in February because of a problem with my bike I couldn't afford to fix but still needed to get to work. Set a goal that if I keep up the discipline of running 3times a week I'd enter the London Marathon 2020 ballot in April, but the running dropped off in March at Week 7.
Started running again in September with C25K Week 5 when I realised that I'll never achieve my life goals of I don't make a conscious effort to achieve them (Run the London Marathon, Cycle Landsend to John ogroats, Do a Triathlon) and have been out 3 times a week since. Parkrun has been a big help, especially having some friendly competition with a mate of mine so I think I've finally cracked that discipline!
Love a bit of bling so hoping to enter an event every month next year to build up my medal collection. Just need to find some 10ks near me! I ran the Plymouth Half in 2010 so looking forward to seeing how well I do 10years later so that's May sorted and the Torbay Half is in June. 2/12 is a good start! And fingers crossed for that London 2021 Ballot!
Excellent! Great goals. I've done things the other way round - started running, then took out my bike this summer while I was injured and not able to run, now hooked on both! Maybe one day I'll try a duathlon 😀
I see what you meant about the physical side of things not being a problem...more the mental/discipline side! You're even too busy to remember your age 😉
Hi, I started running in April 2017 and for one glorious summer never considered anything more than a 5k. I took on C25k simply to improve my stamina - thinking that I would maybe go out for a run once a week,
At the end of 2017 I was advised to take a month of running with the warning that running may not be for me and I should pehaps look at other options. Sitting on the IC I came across the Eastbourne HM. I thought to myself if I was going to go out, I would do it with a bang and do my first and last HM. Over the next month I became obsessed by that thought. When I was able to run again there was no looking back.
Three HMs (and plenty of other 10k and 5k events) later - my injury turned out to not be serious - I am now gearing up for another winters HM training before I embark on the Brighton HM at the end of February.
If I'm honest I prefer the 10 mile runs to HMs but there are hardly any of them about.
It motivates me on the days I can't be ar**ed to get out of bed and go running
I started running in 2016 because I wanted to do the “streets of galway” 8km road race. I was never a runner or even very sporty. I started with The C25k app. Even though I had many injuries at the beginning. I got the running bug. I found HU to help me get to 10km (slowly using ju ju’s plan). I learned so much on here about injuries and kit and core strength work and stretching. I realised that my body prefers trails to roads. But I do need a goal, which is often a 10km road race. I think of myself as a solitary runner but I speed up in races. I’ve recently started volunteering at Parkrun and I thoroughly enjoy it.
I would like to do one HM in my life and have found a forest one. I worry that I won’t get there injury free so I’m following a slow plan.
I’m doing a Chi running workshop this weekend so I’m hopeful of improving my running technique.
I don’t think I could do it without you all so here’s hoping we stick together 🤞
We're going nowhere 😍. I too run solo, but love the adrenaline of running in an event- it seems I'm quite happy running with strangers 😀. Parkrun volunteering is great - I have free entry to a 10k race in a couple of weeks because I vounteered at their spring event while I was on the IC - it was good fun and it was also a neat way to suss out the event ahead of time 😍
I am Papillon17 I started C25K in January 2019 graduated the day after my 58 birthday in March 2019 the same day my mum passed in a hospice that I spent the last 4 days with. Enter the Vitality Big Half March 1st 2020 on behalf of the Pilgrims Hospice who cared for my mum and my dad who had passed 26 years earlier. The BigHalf is nearly a year to the day my mum passed. Have done a few 10K runs and a 10 mile during my training runs but not entered any other than the BigHalf.
We must have pretty similar dates of birth methinks 🤔. That's going to be an emotional event for you Papillon but it's a great reason and cause to run for. I'll add you to the group list. Stephen_UK has also entered the Big Half, it should be a great choice for your first HM.
Update from Pap17 I have now raised £1260 including £168 from the wedding and £45 from Doves Volvo at Croydon and to top it all I have run a practice half marathon on the roads around me in 2 hours 15 minutes so very pleased with that. I know I can do it so nothing long now til I do the big half in around nine weeks. Almost at my runanniversary of first week of January going from starting C25K to a half marathon in less than a year.
Hi, I'm Kerry, aka Run46, coz I started running at 46...nicknames aren't my strong point! 😏
I used to go to Zumba and when the class stopped I bought a fitbit and started walking 10,000 steps a day.
On a particular wet day last year my son said "why don't you run it, you'll be home quicker", I told him not to be daft coz I don't run, never have!
Then when no-one was looking I started giving it a go...more walking than running but I enjoyed it.
Early May this year I joined the C25K forum and with help started taking it more seriously, and went from 20 minutes with walk breaks twice a week to three times a week with a long run anywhere from 8 to 16K (though I've only done the 16 once).
I've joined this HM group partly to see if I can do it...and partly to keep me enthusiastic about running through the winter!
Apart from once with my sis, I've always run alone.
I've never done a race...the idea makes me nervous as I have IBS with nausea which also flares up when I'm stressed. That said I've just signed up for the Chester 10K next March and really hope I'll be ok to do it, coz wouldn't it be brilliant if I enjoyed it and had another reason to keep on loving running! 🏃♀️🙂
Another accidental runner - it's amazing how it grows! I have no doubt you'll make the HM distance and it should be a great motivator to keep you going through the winter. All reports on Chester races seem very positive so it's probably a great choice for your first race. We will have a post on pre-race strategies which may help contain some of the nerves. Do you parkrun already? If not, that might be a low risk way to practice running an 'event'. 🙂
*Tell us a little bit about you - or maybe something funny about you?
I didn`t buy a Harley Davidson but started running instead at the age of 55! I used to do cycle racing as a teenager, so I was super-fit in way back then, but did nothing athletic between myearly twenties and mid fifties except grow a slight IPA belly.
*How long have you been a runner?
I did C25K in Dec 2017, HM May 2018, and the Marathon in Sept 2018. I had a sort of `lost mojo` 2019 and only found it again this autumn when I went a bit nuts and knocked 12 minutes off my HM personal best. I`m already signed-up for a 2020 HM with my daughter (who`s just completed c25k and has started Parkruns). I also fancy a super early HM somewhere warm like southern Spain, but need to check the piggy bank for that idea. Just about to buy my 3rd pair of race shoes and I seem have no problem at all saving-up/shelling-out €150 on trainers - so I guess I must really be a proper runner these days!?
*Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why or why not?
I didn`t know about the NHS c25k podcasts initially, I used a phone app (Zen Labs c25k) to start with and the found the HU forum later. I can`t honestly remember the initial motivation to get off the sofa apart from it being a natural progression from doing a lot of hiking/ long distance walking (e.g. The Camino de Santiago 850km) .
*What made/makes you want to run a half marathon?
After having done a marathon I can say that the HM is a perfect distance because it doesn`t consume your whole life in the way that training for a marathon does (no 3-4 hour training runs required). It`s also long enough to be challenging and is no walk in the park.
*What do you like/think you will like about a half marathon?
Unlike the marathon, the HM won`t generally incapacitate me for a week afterwards! The event doesn`t take up a whole day. There`s still a great buzz at HM events because they are often run on the same day/course as a marathon event.
Haha! Now I don't even need to try a marathon to know I won't like it 🤣. I am in awe of anyone who does though, and anyone who does more than one ... well .... 😮 Great to be running your next HM with your daughter - hope she enjoys it as much as you do 😍
I’m Helen and run with my two Irish Setters Lochlan and Fin in the Forest of Dean. I am a lonely goat as I don’t do lots of people so running clubs or Park runs are not for me.
I started running a year ago with the comforting tones of Michael Johnson urging me on. Chose C25K as , at 68, thought I better be sensible about starting to run for once in my life and not just go gung ho!
I want to run half marathon distance to prove to myself I can, as I need goals in my life, and I am also thinking about getting sponsored for a charity I am involved, Independent Setter Rescue and Rehome, as we need funds.If I do this I will name it the 10 paws Half Marathon. At least I will come third in my marathon, first female and first veteran 😂 I predict results will be
Hi, I'm Tracey and live in Gloucester. I started running August 2018 just before my 55th birthday. Ever since I turned 50 I've set myself a new challenge each year. I completed C25K last year and have run a few 10Ks this year including Blenheim Palace in September which was amazing. Since then I've been injured on and off and have lost a bit of mojo.
I usually run alone but have started to get into park run, even volunteering whilst unable to run. Anyway my challenge for 2020 is the half marathon. I am running LLHM for cancer research and my motive is to raise money in memory of an ex student who died at the age of 30 leaving behind a 2 year old daughter.
I'm hoping to get out this afternoon for my first run in a month, wish me luck!
Gooood luuuuuck! That's a fabulous cause you're running for. The support at LLHM is amazing and will definitely get you round on the day. Hopefully support from this group will keep you on track through the training. Enjoy that run this afternoon - we'll be there cheering you on ever corner 😍
Hi, I’m 46 & did c25k winter 2018. I got to 10k Jan 19 & HM in October (Cardiff Half - loved it).
I struggle to find time to run in term time (teacher) but find it does wonders for keeping me sane & balanced so do manage 1 run in the week & 1 on the weekend. When I have more time I fit in other exercise (I really need to strengthen up as I have a number of niggles). I like swimming but never have the time.
At the moment I’m keeping 10k ticking over - will begin to increase the distance around Christmas. In the meantime I’m working on speed, aiming for a sub 30 parkrun (but never quite making it!).
Life does have a habit of getting in the way! Once you increase the distance in your HM training you may find that elusive sub-30 5k is suddenly yours. Strength work is important - even a short but regular home routine with no equipment can make a difference. Keeping those niggles at bay is really important 😀
You’ll get there! It took me a year after graduating to do a sub 30 5k, but once I started to increase the distance, I seemed to just naturally get faster and have done 3 sub 30s now.
Tell us a little bit about you - or maybe something funny about you?
Hi everyone, I'm Lois and I am a 25 (gonna be 26 on Sunday!) year old musician (I play the cello hence my name redcello41 on here hahahaha). I also play piano and compose my own music!
How long have you been a runner?
I've been a runner for 8 months now and even though I have had some up and downs already, I am still loving the journey and world of running is getting bigger and more exciting for me! I've done three 5K races (my next one is in December!) and I'm looking to do a 10K at some point too!
Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why or why not?
I did start with C25K in March 2018 and graduated in May. But then on my first consolidation run I went and injured myself and so it's been a few months of recovery and doing shorter runs and then building back up to where I was! I am now thrilled to be training for my first ever half marathon! I first heard of C25K through a friend of mine.
What made/makes you want to run a half marathon?
Well it's all linked in with how I got into running in the first place really which was actually my driving instructor and driving lessons (I have my test on Friday!) of all places! To cut a long story short (I go into more detail in my C25K graduation post) and I realized that learning to drive is a bit like running a marathon, it's a long journey not a fast sprint - it's all about endurance and not giving up even when it's hard! This was about the same time as the Bath Half last March as well, and I remember watching the race and coming away thinking 'That's it, I've just got to run'. And I started C25K the day after and have never looked back since! So I feel like doing the Bath Half in March is something that I just have to do, that it's a kind of like a full circle moment for me. So that's why I'm training for it!
What do you like/think you will like about a half marathon?
I think I will like the sense of achievement and running with my friends!
Brilliant. I wish I'd found running that early in life! I've been horribly injury prone too, so am not taking anything for granted , but am also hoping to do the Bath HM in March 🤞.
That sounds great! I'm so looking forward to the Bath Half! I've just got to watch my hips because they have been causing me issues over the last few months but my new running shoes are definitely helping! 😃
Yay fellow musician! I play piano, clarinet, pipe organ and tenor sax (descending order of competency there 😂) but if I ever have time to try a string instrument I'd definitely choose cello x
Yay! I've seen your name crop up every now and again on a few forums and I have always wondered if you were a musician hahaha I also play and teach piano to beginners which I am really enjoying at the moment! I may be biased but yes, you've definitely made the right choice in choosing the cello because it is the best instrument hahaha! What race are you training for at the moment?
I'm glad you're enjoying your teaching - I find it very rewarding.
I'm doing Hastings Half on 29th March. It's very hilly (you can't really avoid hills here unless you run along the seafront) and I walked quite a bit of it last year so aiming for a bit more running this time out!
Ah, that sound really exciting! It's my first time running the Bath Half so I'm not sure what the course is like but from what I have heard from other people is that it is mostly flat, so that is good! Good luck for your race on the 29th March! 😃
Hello everyone, my first name is Rhett, I currently have 60 years and counting. Currently living and working in France which I guess makes me a bit of an interloper. I found this forum having joined HealthUnlocked initially for information on a minor heart issue, I was fast once upon a time but am mindful that we are only as fast as our last run, these days I have become a bit of a devotee of the Maffatone Method, helps me keep the heart issue under control. I get over to the island fairly regularly visiting family so hope through this group to get to know of some good events that tie in with my visits and meet up with some of you.
La Vendee is aprox a 4 hour drive for me. We pass through on our way to Spain in March on our way to the Costa's for some sunshine and warmth. But if you cross on a ferry into Brittany before driving on down then you most likley pass close by chez moi.
Hi everyone, I’m Sandie (imaginative I know 😂) and I’m another accidental runner! At the start of last year I was the heaviest I’ve ever been so decided I needed to lose about 3 stones and get fitter. Lost a stone and then was invited by a friend to join Sisters with Blisters Facebook group. Lots of people were recommending C25k, so I thought I’d give it a go, even though I’ve always hated running. Ran (puffed round) W1R1 on 23 April at the age of 57, found HU, graduated in July, then did my first Parkrun (now 30).
After 3 months of doing 3x30 min runs and not getting faster, I decided to follow Ju-ju’s Magic plan and did my first 10k on 23 December in the rain at Clumber Park.
I vowed I would never go beyond 10k and spent several months just enjoying being out running, trying different things, then got into a bit of a competition with cheekychipmunks Dexy5 and Beachcomber66 and ended up doing Great South last month in a time of 1:48:05. Finally, an old school friend, who is a lifelong runner said “if you can run 10 miles, you can do a half - and I’ll run with you!” So, Hampton Court, here we come. It’s flat and runners get to see the Palace gardens for free 😃😃😃And I’m 4lbs from my 3 stone weight loss goal!
I am so grateful to this forum - I would never have continued without the support and encouragement and wouldn’t have made such wonderful new friends!
I started running back in April 2018 just before my 44th birthday in order to pass the Army Selection fitness test so that I could go into the Reserves as a Musician. At the time it was a one and a half mile run that I needed to complete in less than 14 mins but I've been waiting so long (and am still waiting!) for various issues to be resolved that the Army has gone metric and it's now 2km in less than 11:15. Musicians have pretty conservative fitness requirements - you need to go a lot faster if you want to join the Paras 😂
I came across the Couch25k programme and thought it might help me. I was already pretty fit but I'd convinced myself I couldn't run - mainly due to bad experiences at school! I never thought I would run further than 5k and I never expected to actually enjoy it!
I found these forums, happened across parkrun and joined my local running club all in the space of a few weeks.
To be honest Half Marathon is really a little bit too far for me but as I say that about every distance I've ever tried running (from the 100m up) I really shouldn't listen to myself 😉
*Tell us a little bit about you - or maybe something funny about you?
I am Oldfloss.... 69... 70 in April 2020. Most people think I am quite loopy... and a funny thing about me? I don't like chocolate
I still, also have a little trouble realising that I not only run, but I actually run quite well for an old lady
*How long have you been a runner?
I graduated C25K , the week before Christmas 2015... I ran 5K in 30 minutes because I thought I had to.
*Did you start running with a C25K programme? Why or why not?
I started running with my daughter and son in law, Spring 2015...not C25K..they stopped... and in October 2015 after seven hedonistic weeks in the Dordogne... I decided to run C25K...on my own; it was a motivational structured plan which I knew I could follow.
*What made/makes you want to run a half marathon?
Curiosity...
Just to see if I could and just to see if I enjoyed it.
As a lone runner I was unsure what running with real people would be like. I did also , when I felt absolutely sure I would complete it.. ( two weeks before I ran it) get sponsored to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
*What do you like/think you will like about a half marathon?
I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment of the HM I did last March... The trail I ran on was stunning... every single person I met was friendly and supportive... the atmosphere was electric...and I finished it under three hours.
I learned much about myself, physically and mentally and I know without a shadow of a doubt that, as Edison said..
"What you are, will show in what you do".
PS
I pasted the questions because I knew I had to keep this short
PPS
Having said I would only ever do the one HM...I am of course, starting the training on Monday for the next HM I am doing in March 2020 x
Hi, I'm Gary and I live in the Ascot area. I am 52 and have always said that fun and run should never be in the same sentence, let alone next to each other. Until this year that is.
Sadly, in February my dog passed away and as I work from home I wanted to do something to get me out of the house. I love a few stats so I thought I would try out parkrun and at the same time I started C25K. 33 parkruns later, I have amazed myself as I have gone from an initial time of just under 40 minutes to under 26 minutes. The graphs look great.
To improve my parkrun times, I increased the distance run between parkruns and thoughts of a HM surfaced. I decided to sign up for the London Landmarks Half Marathon (plenty of distractions while running and flat). It will not only be my first HM but my first ever race hence why I want to glean as much advice as I can from the forum and this HM group.
I will be running for Parkinson's UK as a close friend of mine was diagnosed with Parkinson's about 18 months ago. In May this year he ran the length of the Thames, completing 2 HM and 6 marathons in 8 days. If he can do that, I can run a HM.
The good news is that we also have a new puppy now.
Wow, yep those are the kind of stats we long for 😀. Having done LLHM this March as my first ever HM I'd say you made a great choice (although I also did one along the Thames and loved that too), it sounds like you're going to smash it, and all for a great cause too!
Hi! 👋👋 I’m a running convert. June 10th 2018 I hated everything to do with it. June 11th 2018 I started C25K and immediately turned into a runner, loving every moment. Fickle? Unashamedly so! 😅
I’m mid 50’s, wife of an addicted oarsman (fine by me - his time at the rowing club justifies my time out running 👍), mum of 3 grown kids and grandma to our sweet 10 week old grandson! 💙💙
I run a lot with my dog, Flossie, who lots of my VRBs have met on our epic PR meet ups (all welcome btw 😀)
I run slow, but I can run far with no walking required I’ve discovered, hence my desire to enter a HM. I worked up to it this summer and ran the distance in September. Slow (3:15), but I did it. 💪 I ran the GSR in October, and the Bath Half is my next goal in March, hence starting this plan. I can’t wait! 👏
I like being part of a group, and I’m looking forward to hearing how everyone’s getting on! 🏃♀️😀🏃♂️
Slow is perfect...isn't it? Especially for the HMs.. gets is exactly where we want to be and having had fun in the process. It is going to be so much fun doing this training together xx
Youve run a long way in a short time! Hopefully Bath will be even better than the GSR. I have no doubt you'll be very well prepared and ready to smash it by then. Maybe we could manage a quick 'hello' before the start? 😍
I think we start and end there, but our second lap starts over the Churchill Bridge so doesn’t go right back into town. I’ve been studying the course 🤓😅 I’m also going to drive it to check out any hidden cheeky inclines! 😈
Part of the course is my old route to work back in the 80’s with my cassette radio cranked up high whilst singing loudly! 🤦♀️
Ahh, OK. I think when I checked it out there were definite inclines ... not serious, but not quite my definition of flat! I'm still not convinced my foot is up to it, so have put it to one side for now. No way would I have entered so early if it hadn't been such a popular one, but it sold out a while ago so I didn't really have a choice 😀
There’s one road which, from memory, is long and slightly uphill. Not a hill as such, but one of those energy sapping inclines. Barely perceptible in a car, but the moment you need to run it ...... 😩😩
Tell your foot to get a grip. You want to run and how dare it get in the way! Tell it your VRBs will have something to say about it if it plays up! 😠
I'll be there one way or the other, worst case it'll be a weekend in Bath and an opportunity for us to cheer our son on - so either way I should get to say 'hello' 😀. Best case, I get to run it too 😍
I have a friend who did the Bathhalf a few years ago, and he said there was a 'rock school' competition going on at the same time, with bands playing all along the route. Do you know if that's still a thing? It sounds fabulous!!
Yeah it is going to be my very first HM too! I don't think it has quite hit me yet but I'm excited for it at the moment! I'm running 8.4K for my long run tomorrow and that's the furthest that I have run so far! 😃
Hello Running Beings, Dexy’s Midnight Runners brought out a song in the 80s telling me to ‘come on’. That song has been played on many memorable occasions since, including just before I walked down the aisle! It often pops up in my running playlist and it’s great when the public sing it during a race.
Having sat at a desk most of my life, 60 was my epiphany moment. Like both my late parents, I had high BP. I was gaining fat on my middle, and was concerned I would follow my mum down the diabetes 2 route. A friend mentioned doing c25k with her daughter so I downloaded the podcast. A few false starts and then started in January 2018 after seeing an inspiring Santa run before Christmas. Took a break for skiing and then picked up again in March. I then moved on to the app with the lovely Jo Whiley, graduated in May and then did my first parkrun. Love the concept and I’ve now done 60 runs and 16 volunteers.
I didn’t discover the c25k forum until my last few weeks - I didn’t do social media. But it was the lovely people on HU who persuaded me to join the bridge and juju’s magic plan, graduating 10k in Oct 18. Greatest running reward: being taken off BP medication. My BMI is down to 25.5 so I’m nearly in the healthy zone. 2nd greatest running reward: meeting up with VRBs at parkrun around the country.
I don’t intend to run a marathon , or even a half, but I joined this forum as I extended my running from 10k to 10 miles, along with the lovely cheekychipmunks , Sandie1961 ,and Beachcomber66 . Running the Great South Run on my doorstep was never on my radar until then. But I did it and I might even do it again one day.
Wise words there Beachcomber66 . I would never pressurise a VRB either - if I was put under pressure it would have the opposite effect and I’d slink away. I call it friendly encouragement! 😀
Right with you CC !! I need a friendly boot up the backside occasionally; first Park Run is a prime example. But that is something I really wanted to do but kept wimping out. Different story if I hadn’t wanted to do it. All for one ......😊
PR made a huge difference thanks to the other three musketeers! 28:17 5k Pb seemed out of the question until I started running with others. My 10 mile and HM efforts were prompted by roseabi and CC respectively, and Sandie found a 10k race for me. Talk about spoon fed!! All I had to do is turn up and run. Steady 13k today and what my youngest calls a “prehab” booking made at sports physio for next week. I seem to have drifted into 100k per month territory and steeper hills, so time to check the oil and transmission before anything decides to go twang! 👍
You’ve done brilliantly. UpTheStanley and I are meeting Sadie-runs at Beckenham parkrun tomorrow. A bit tougher than we are used to and v cold but it will be lovely to meet up.
I chose "can't stop me now" for two reasons , one, to remind myself that I'm not giving up and two, the names of both our dogs (one sadly no longer with us) were not availailable as usernames. When I manage to drag my lycra clad bones over the doorstep I really am having a good time. 🎶
I'm female, 58 and self employed (aromatherapist, massage and beauty). I know several people who have followed the c25k programme and noticed the difference it made to their health and wellbeing. After a friend told me she was buying a woolly hat so she could go running after work in the dark on a friday night (what!!!) I knew I had to try it!
I finally started c25k in April this year and completed Ju-Jus 10k magic plan in October. I run by myself and have found it hard going, but rewarding and totally addictive.
I signed up for the half marathon training because I love running and didn't know what to do next.
I've done one parkrun so far. From reading everyone's posts here, I could possibly do the Chester 10k, Monsal trail hm or most likely the Liverpool rock and roll hm in May next year.
I ran my first 12k this morning to prove to myself that I could do it. I'm looking forward to learning more about running, training with you all and having a good time . 🏃♀️🤸♂️🌞😊
Hi All. I turned 67 last week two days after my first runversary . I started C25K to try and reduce my cholesterol and in the process found a running buddy who runs at my pace. Together we have kept each other going. The running got my cholesterol into normal range but in the process I fell in love with running.
I do park run most weeks, we run with a local running group once a week and we often run together for our long runs.
I’ve always wanted to do the GNR but didn’t believe I would ever be able to do it but earlier this month we managed 8.25 miles and it dawned on me that maybe just maybe I could do it. So I’ve signed up for my local half marathon in June and if I survive I will try for the GNR. The sense of achievement and joy in what my body can do is all the motivation I need plus being able to play with my grandchildren and explore wide open spaces with my husband.
I will be building up distance slowly over the winter as that’s the time I love best for running. 😊🏃🏻♀️
Hi everyone! Sorry, late to the party again...but then I’m living up to my name as I’m constantly chasing my tail! Anyway, I’m Katnap ’s other half, 52 yo mum of two teenage boys living in Shakespeare’s beautiful Stratford.
I’ve been running since March 2018 when I properly started C25k. My physio friend had tried it and it seemed a really good programme. I wanted to help my youngest who was struggling with his running, lose weight (fat, frumpy & fifty syndrome), get some fitness and also my pelvic floor back. I also just wanted something for myself that I could achieve things with again. I used to be very fit pre-children doing lots of cycling and gym work, but I’d always wanted to try running. Lack of support from both my family (big understatement there) and the sports bras of my teenage years got me on the bike instead.
I remember watching the London Marathon when I was 16 and saying to myself that I’d love to do that when I’m old enough. 2020 is the 20th anniversary of me recovering from a big serious illness and I thought, lets see if I can get a ballot place and raise some money for a related charity. I didn’t want a charity place as I didn’t want the pressure if I couldn’t make it. Anyway, I didn’t get one, but that’s ok, I realised I’m not ready - I found the Autumn half marathon training group tough to adapt my life around and also I struggle with imbalanced muscle development causing a lot of tightness on my right side (my fault, I used to pedal hardest on my right side - I have a huge right thigh that I call Chris Hoy). It was a great learning curve and I’m now getting monthly massages (ouch!) and doing more regular yoga (thanks Linda!!) to iron things out. I have signed up for my local half and I’ll see how I get on. Maybe I’ll try for the ballot again next year (watching Britney Runs a Marathon on Amazon got me started dreaming again... oh dear... )...
The sense of achievement I will feel when I get across the line will be amazing and I will be halfway to that marathon dream. I also know I can’t do it without being able to offload to this group, you have been my lifeline along this running journey. You are all so flippin’ amazingly supportive and have got me through so much so far, we can all get each other through this can’t we?!!! 😁👊👊👊👊😁
(Sorry, it’s not very brief...I got over enthusiastic, and I know I’ve missed loads out!!)
There's so much more I wanted to say too ... it's such a 'full journey' isn't it. You've got some great ambitions there, can't wait to read your marathon race report 🙂
OK here goes! My name is Chris, I’m 61 and all those years ago was delivered by Dr David Owen.
I started running in January this year on the C25K programme after being diagnosed with Type 2 in September last year and losing 2 stone in weight between then and Christmas ( Slimming World)
I have now lost 5 st and am in remission from diabetes
A couple of weeks ago I completed my longest run to date 10miles. That was a target!
My next target and hence joining this group is to be able to run a HM on my own, but to participate in an organised HM sometime next year. This is simply to test myself, push myself and achieve something else . I think setting targets is the motivation to keep running.
Wow, that's amazing! I find events are great motivators for my own running. Not much further than the ten miles you've already achieved, take it steady and build up gradually and the HM distance will be yours. In the meantime, head over to the pinned post to collect a shiny 10 mile badge to display against your name here on this forum healthunlocked.com/marathon... 😍
Hi, I'm Lysia and I'm not that reliable at reading and engaging with the forum, but my intentions are always good! I started running in April 2018 and March will see me running my second (official) half marathon, Brentwood Half Marathon. My aim when I started was to run a Parkrun, but I guess I just got a bit carried away...
Well, I guess I should step up and be part of this group too as I keep reading all the posts and have recently signed up for my second Half Marathon, Run Gatwick on 10th May! I am married with two teenage boys (one away at Uni now) and I work in a school - which I love. I will be 55 this spring and graduated Couchto5k over four years ago now.
I loved to run in the woods as a child and was pretty sporty at school but like many others became quite lazy after College. It was only as I swiftly approached 50😱, that I decided I should start looking after myself again. WHY did I leave it so long? Running has had a massively positive impact on both my physical and mental wellbeing and I love the energy that it gives me. My favourite place to be is out on my local trails but I also like an organised event sometimes, especially the bling!🏅I loved my first HM and am hoping I can stay injury free long enough to do another.🤞
I also have a black cat and aspire to one day be a crazy cat lady...who runs a lot!🏃🏽♀️🐈😉
Hi I’m Karen. I joined a Couch 2 5K group last year as I thought it’d be a cheap way (lol) of getting fit . One of the Jog leaders was a member of a local running club who said they were doing a Couch 2 10K course after the 5K course ended. I went along , did it and joined the club.
I did one 5K race, some 10K races and run with the club 2 x a week.
My biggest race was the club 10 mile Pudding Run in December. I did it in 2:07:36.
I’m doing my first half marathon , the Shakespeare Half in April. I love Stratford and I’m getting sponsored for this to raise money for my local Church.
I did both my 5k and 10k last year... I was working on simple things like improving my speed when I had a small bike mishap and dislocated my elbow last November.. Getting back into grove slowly and reluctantly since Jan 1st. I aim for a hill ultra half-marathon in September. I am doing a 12.5k in 2 weeks.
Good to be hear and peek into training plans and goals
Gi! Well done for making it back to running - that sounds like a painful injury! Hope you find lots of useful info in these posts as you increase your distance. Let us know how you get on with your training. Good luck and enjoy.
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