How've you been getting on this week? Do let us know! 😊😊😊
Several of our HMs have been run since I last posted to the group, and we have at least three more this weekend! Mine is less than two weeks away now and I’m getting very excited (if rather concerned at news of events being cancelled …).
At this point, we thought it might be an ideal time for everyone to reflect on the whole experience. So, roseabi and I have two questions for you:
★Tell us one standout thing you've learned while you've been training for this spring HM
I’ve learned that cross training really does pay off! It’s only my second time through a HM plan but I am so much stronger and faster than the first time, despite a long injury layoff last year. Finding two activities I enjoy – cycling and yoga - means I have managed to stick with them throughout my training.
and
★Tell us one standout question you feel is still unanswered?
For me, this must be how on earth do you prevent blisters when you’ve already tried wide fit shoes, heel lock lacing, twin skin socks, compeed, fixomull with leukotape, rocktape and Vaseline?
Please do share your own answers to these two questions in the comments below and let’s see what we can all learn!
If you haven’t run your half yet, then good luck with your continued training; if you have already, then good luck with your recovery and whatever you have planned next!
Hi. I'm kind of still doing things adhoc! whilst now sticking to the 10% rule.
OK, what I've learnt - obvious one, but not to over do it and get carried away! at the start of year I didnt up my distance that much, but I did do 3 days consecutive running, and my legs paid for this a bit.
Unanswered question.... gait analysis, I've read various stuff regarding this. Oh and another one, how to calm an excited/nervous tummy?!?
luckily i've not been to bad for blisters. Hopefully somone might have the answers tho
When you don't have an event date putting pressure on you, it must be really nice to be able to do things in an adhoc way. As you say, not overdoing it is always important - but the longer we run the easier it is to spot the signs of overdoing it I think.
I'm no expert on gait analysis, but more and more I think a shoe shop gait analysis is suspect at best. I also think it's something to revisit as we get stronger because our gait can change as we strengthen the appropriate muscles. Having said that, I would love to have a proper biomechanical analysis with a sports physio at some point, but it's very expensive and I do wonder whether that would be their way of selling their own products, be that orthotics or general physio etc. Oops,I sound like a right old cynic! 😍
I have seen people using Immodium for races - is that the sort of tummy help you mean?
i think your right! there has been more and more reports that the comfortable shoe is the right shoe! I have run in both supported and neutural and didnt see much difference although i do prefer supported.
I shouldnt really be doing things adhoc!! as I do have a few events looming.
Ive had gait analysis twice, but in the same shop by diff staff. outcome was the same, not too sure about it either but I did buy new trainers on their advice and I've had no issues.
I have found how amazingly therapeutic slow, recovery runs are. I’ve never liked running too slowly but the day after a long run I have little choice. I promised eldest kitten I’d take him out with me to get him into a routine and it gives me the added push to do them. Last week’s post long run 20 minutes was good but yesterday’s was a revelation - I could get up and down the stairs again!
Meanwhile, I still need to nail the hydration and energy gel/ snack thing but I think I’m getting there.
It is getting exciting isn’t it? I’m just keeping everything crossed nothing gets cancelled 😬🤞🤞🤞
Interesting! I've only ever done slow runs as long runs (on a regular, planned basis). I never run on consecutive days, in fact I take two non run days between pretty much every run, so I've always cut out the slow recovery run. One day I will be brave enough to try it, but not til I've given this stress fracture at least a year to strengthen 🙄. I found swimming was another way to loosen up after a long run. You still have some time to crack the fuel and hydration question, it's so personal but you'll get there 😊
That’s what I thought Linda, I’m still experimenting at the moment. I’ll probably take the hydration vest out with some SiS drink in it on my long run on Sunday.
These very slow runs are a bit like having a 20 minute stretch rather than it being a run, and there’s no pressure about distance as it’s just to a time. I always used to take at least a day between runs too but I’m hoping this flexible plan approach will work so I can fit everything in. Not got the choice of swimming unfortunately because I’m hopeless at it (currently anyway...). So far so good *touch wood*! 😊
I wore my vest at the Brighton Half so I didn't have to bother with the water stations. I'm planning to do the same for the marathon, although I think I may get a bit hot in it! Hoping for another cold day 🙄
Yeah, I wondered about that Abi. End of April can be hot too. Mine was ok over the summer but I haven’t used it in proper anger yet. Also, it’s more environmentally friendly too!
I got chafing when I wore just a very light vest underneath, which is what I'd like to do ideally. At the half marathon I had a long-sleeved top on, which is made of slightly thicker material and protected me from chafing. More work needed to figure this one out! 😊😊😊
Ouch! Very sensitive skin in that area!!! Mine was more or less in the middle of my chest, about level with my armpits. It's about where the vest is fastened.
im not a good swimmer either and can only do breaststroke, but I do think it helps sometimes. esp the sauna and steam room! if i'm the only one in, i try to do some stretches whilst Im in there
My stand out lesson is that HM prep and 2 winter chest colds don’t mix! Second lesson is that it is pointless for me (youngsters may be different) to try to short cut the recovery. I slipped in a 10 mile run post the first bug, but I could feel that it wasn’t secure. So, back to basics this week. 2x5ks (one with hills) and a strong 8k, which I enjoyed today. The only race on the horizon is the Vitality 10000 (Coronavirus permitting) . I will build up distance towards HM again, but I am going to take the time to focus on upping the pace as I go.
Those aren't nice lessons to learn, but are very valuable! I discovered the need for recovery first time around - hence only running every three days now. I do think cross training has helped though. I have had far less niggles this time around (touching wood as I type)
Training update: currently in a bit of a bizarre position. My charity kindly moved me back from the Big Half to London Landmarks, giving me almost an extra month to recover from the recent ITB injury. Training is going well and I am optimistic. But... now it looks likely that this 29th March event might be cancelled (like so many other big gatherings). It would be a cruel irony if I am finally fit enough to run and then the event doesn’t happen. But obviously they should do anything they can to minimise the risk of spreading the virus, so no one can complain! In the meantime, I continue to train...
One thought is that there may be smaller, less elaborate HM events that still go ahead. Maybe we will need to consider these instead. I’d be interested in any recommendations for smaller events in and around London taking place across 2020.
Re: the questions...
★Tell us one standout thing you've learned while you've been training for this spring HM★
The body is unpredictable and injury can always strike.
★Tell us one standout question you feel is still unanswered? ★
This amazing forum has answered every sensible question I can ask. Thank you again to all the wise, kind people who take the time to share information and advice. What an incredible community this is.
Great news that you're back training again and looking to be ready for LLHM. Fingers crossed it does go ahead. Racecheck, Let's Do This and RunBritain are all good sites for finding local events, and Racecheck often has reviews too. I had a similar thought re. Bath HM in less than two weeks - its been stressful getting to this point and it would be a shame to waste the effort so I would probably look for something smaller too.
Good to know this forum has answered lots of questions, and I simply can't argue with you on the injury observation 🙄
Good....ish thanks. I did a 5K yesterday with minor niggles and I’ll aim for 7K tomorrow, so three weeks of taper instead of two! There seem to be so many people with pains and aches here, let’s hope we can all get out on Race Days and that Race Days actually happen! 🏃♀️🏃🙂
Weston super half at the end of the month, getting nervous now but so far all going to plan (ish). Standout thing I’ve learnt, you will have set backs but they can be overcome, it’s a journey enjoy it! Unanswered question, what is that blooming pain I get in my foot and will it ever completely go away?
Nerves are just anticipation and excitement in disguise - all good and totally normal 😊. That's a really good point - adaptability, being flexible, is key to success. Painful foot doesn't sound much fun though - have you seen anyone about it?
Yes, a physio was as flummoxed as I was, the toes and foot could be manipulated without discomfort but the usual foot stretches cause rather than solve the pain, it’s so intermittent and usually starts at around 8K but not enough to stop. I found a foot massager machine which definitely has helped and dropped the distance for a bit which also helped. My furthest distance is 17K which should see me to the HM, I actually am starting to believe I can do this!
Training is somewhat erratic...but..this time around...I have learned to stay calm and accept that no matter how I try I simply cannot change the forces of life, nature or the weather.
One standout question...
Does the fact that my HM is taking place in 3 weeks time and I still have not managed any more than 10 K runs since my hamstring injury in January mean that it's going to be the slowest HM on record!
I ran every day in December and was feeling so strong until my injury...since then..weather, increased issues with Mr OF and extra days with small runner in training, have kept me indoor training and snatching runs outside as and when.
It's definitely going to be OK OF! After the mental challenges of the last couple of months the mental battle of your HM will seem a doddle, and you know your legs can do it. As for the time question? Well, maybe you should start a fundraising sweepstake and we can all have a go at guessing the finish time 🤣. For Bath our aim is that all four of us manage to finish before Bath 2021 ... hopefully that's a realistic expectation 😀. Just take your time - after all it's time for you, so what's the hurry 😘
I like that idea... I might get folk to guess and I will donate a £1 on my Just giving page for everyone who has a guess and £20 for the winning guess!
I believe you totally... I can do this... I can... and I will Thank you x
Floss, you will absolutely be ok. I see your runs on Strava. You’re smokin’, not a snail in sight (they’re with me!), and you know you’ve run a HM before. Your legs will remember how.
Floss, it’s going to be ok. You have miles on your legs and you’ve been very active and you’ve done it before so your running wings will remember 🏃♀️🙂 xxx
Hopefully...just hoping things like the local larger HMs are not going to be cancelled... I did have an excellent very slow and steady 70 minute run today!
I’ve learned that my favourite runs are my long ones, and I can programme my mind to know exactly how far I need to go. If I’m running 6k, I couldn’t possibly go on to 7k that day for example - but if I’m planning 12k, 16k or a even full HM, those shorter distances pass “easily” with barely a thought! I was going to say fly by, but those who know me I don’t do fast! 🏃♀️
My unanswered question is why do I hardly ever sweat - unless I’m in the gym or it’s exceptionally hot? Possibly something to do with my naturally low HR maybe? I’m not complaining, but it’s always puzzled me! 🤔
I can’t wait for March 15th. It seemed so far in the future when I entered the Bath Half and now it’s almost here. I can’t contemplate the possibility of it - and other races - being cancelled. Let’s all keep everything tightly crossed 🤞 🤞 🤞
Hi CC. Really hoping it goes ahead. Re: the sweat question, I think you must simply be super-fit. Unless you share the same rare condition as Prince Andrew!
Great point, you're so right! I find the last 3k of any run challenging. It takes me a good 10 minutes to warm up. No wonder my 4.5k this week seemed like a slog 😍.
I think you're superfit missis (either that or you're not even trying and that doesn't seem very likely 🤣)! Low HR and no sweat - lucky, lucky you 👍
Hi everyone did the first of my two March HMs at Eastbourne on Sunday and have Hastings coming up on the 29th.
I would say that the thing I've learned whilst training is that I find it much easier to run longer distances (10 miles+) when I run with my running club.
But the unanswered question is why I find it so hard to push myself during actual races. On Sunday I got to 10 miles really well and was on to finish in around 2 hours but as soon as we turned into the wind I just couldn't find the mental strength to keep going and ended up losing around 3 mins due to walking. It just seemed so pointless to keep trying especially as I knew that none of the other female runners from my club could catch me (guaranteeing me the 3rd Hastings Runners Lady spot).
I'm a bit annoyed with myself to be honest as that's a pretty poor attitude to have especially considering the 1st and 2nd place ladies finished around 15 mins ahead of me so 3rd place is incredibly arbitrary and getting close to or breaking 2 hours would have been a much greater achievement for me ☹️
It's not really a question that I expect anyone to be able to answer but it does feel helpful to write it down xx
Cycling into the wind is a lot worse, but it does then give you the mental fortitude to deal with running into the wind. The more you experience it the better you get at coping.
Specifically speaking, it is really hard to run into the wind, so I suppose a good form of attack is to do it as much as possible in training, and carry on running hills (I know you're not short of them!) - make yourself run all the way up.
But regarding attitude, and this may be no help, but what I was thinking when I ran against the wind at the Brighton half was "I run all the way, I'm not a person that walks during a half marathon" xxx
Thanks! The weird thing is I'm fine in training. I only ever stop when it's necessary to safely cross roads but when it comes to races I nearly always give up. I say nearly always because it's happened to me over 5km and HM quite a lot of times but I can manage 10km alright?!
I think it might be something to do with wanting to run a "good" race. In training I just slow down to keep going and pace doesn't bother me but when I'm actually racing I do worry about slowing down. Stupid thing is stopping and walking slows you down a lot more than running a bit slower 😂
Poor attitude to running just doesn't sound like you PT! Is there some greater psyche at work here? Avoiding the test- not trying so you don't have to blame yourself for not making your goal? But then that doesn't sound like you either!
Maybe try roseabi s self talk plus some hefty self-bribery next time 🤷♀️.
I'd be dead chuffedat coming third and running the race you did, just saying ... I know it doesn't answer your question, but it should be said all the same 😍
I think you're right in that I do avoid the test. I never run anything faster than Tempo at parkrun because I'm really scared of failure. It's generally considered at my club that I can run quite a bit faster than I do and I think maybe there's a little pressure from that. People are being nice and encouraging and it's good that they believe in me but I have serious doubts about my own ability - and those doubts are the crux of it I think xx
I did hesitate to make the suggestion in case it was offensive, but it sounds like it's not a new idea for you. Hard one to get past though. You need to remind yourself just how frustrated you feel afterwards when you have given in - together with some sort of reward if you DON'T give in (something more appealing than a star chart 😍), I'm a great fan of self-bribery.
Thanks Linda! I would never take any offence - this forum is such a lovely supportive place ❤️
I've never tried extrinsic rewards I think maybe because when I was a child they were never on offer. I've always been very self motivated when I want to do something and pretty lazy when I don't 😂
I think maybe running just doesn't mean enough to me. I like it and enjoy it but music is my life - always has been and always will be.
I'm also very aware that even if I ran a sub25 min 5k or a sub 2 hour HM I still wouldn't actually be that good and I definitely wouldn't win anything. On the other hand those women that can run sub20 5k are nearly 6 mins outside the WR so it really can only ever be about self improvement 🤷♀️
This all sounds a bit negative but it's not meant to be it's just where I find myself at the moment x
hi 2 HM in one month is great!! well done. I maybe kind of know what you mean, i'm not sure. I dont really set a time at the moment, I'm just happy to finish. If I ran a sub 25 PR tho I'd be well chuffed (that is actually a goal, so I guess i set some!)
I'm not even sure I know what I mean 🤣 I would classify myself as someone who isn't competitive but I am a bit upset that people who I was faster than this time last year are now better than me. An example is a friend who ran 1:52 at Brighton HM where the conditions were terrible. She's 60 and I'm 44 - sub2 doesn't really seem that much of an achievement when put up next to that so that fact that it's proving to be such hard work feels like a failure ☹️
If I was giving advice to anyone else I would definitely (and genuinely) say that it's all about self improvement and not to compare with others but I don't seem to be able to take that on board for myself x
I kind of understand what you're saying .... but you just won 3rd place, and a sub 2-hr HM would be an amazing achievement and VERY good on so many levels 😍.
As for very self- motivated or very lazy; that pretty much sums me up too - nothing by half measures!
Do try learning how to reward yourself though, never too late to learn new tricks 😍
Did my first and possibly last half marathon at the Vitality BigHalf on Sunday really pleased with experience of running in big numbers and seeing the crowd on the way round. Was it worth the early getting up on a Sunday yes all the standing around because I was in the last wave yes, didn’t find out until yesterday that the winner was only 20 mins away from the finish when I started. What did I learn you go faster than you should and as a result must slow down which I did three miles from the end as I was knackered but didn’t stop I ran it all. I fought the demons on the way round saying you can walk if you want but I was there to run it for mum and the Pilgrims Hospice.
I struggled with drinking and picked a bottle up at first drink stage and still had half a bottle at last drink stage. I collected jelly babies on route but found all sweets hard to chew even though I had some with me. Training was strange as I didn’t specifically follow any plan as I just ran regularly maybe once or twice a week normally minimum of 3.5 to 6.5 each run. I did the distance once in training Christmas Eve, I also did an 8 and a 10 miles. I would like to wish good luck to everyone doing half or full marathons coming up. I have knocked the half off my bucket list and will now drop to 10 or 5Ks for the future.
It's great you enjoyed it if you really do intend to do just this one. I have to say it sounds pretty poorly organised - the wait at the start sounds longer than usual, and as we've discussed, I've never heard of anything like the way it all ended 😨. If you do try another, hopefully it will be better organised! I love your comments about going too fast - or rather about only slowing down when you had to! It's just so easy to get carried away by the atmosphere and adrenaline, but you ran a great time so it clearly worked out for you! 😀
Yes I really do only intend to do just one. I did it in memory of my Mum and to raise funds for the Pilgrims Hospice. I wanted to do it justice and wasn’t just going to take part which with my time and the funds I have raised it has been successful in fact the four of us that ran for the Pilgrims have raised £4967 between so I think we are all pleased. I won’t stop running just don’t need the big distances of a half or full. It’s the anniversary of my mum passing on my C25K Graduation Day next weekend and the event came up at the right time to remember her. I will celebrate as it’s the day after my birthday. So mum will be remember every year.
The majority of the event was well organised, the support was great but the ending was a disaster but that is not the reason I am not planning to do anymore. It was a bucket list item. I spent the whole of the first ten miles listening to my music and my Strava 1/2 mile messages, each time telling me I was going too fast with 9.xx minute miles and I had planned the later 10.xx minute miles as I knew that would leave something in the tank for the end. Well I did slow down as I felt the effects from 10 miles on but I didn’t stop and ran it all.
Still not running. I’ve missed a long run due to family visiting and then another due to hurting my calf. Darn it 🤨
Oh well, no good moaning At this rate, Old Floss and I will be enjoying a leisurely walk round the course 😁. We could drop into the caff for refreshments Gnash 😬🍰😋
I overdid it, that’s what I did. I was playing catch-up because of missed runs due to family staying with me. Coinciding with my plan increasing tempo runs and faster intervals Now I get to repent at leisure 🤷♀️😟
I’m meeting moving as walking is ok
Good luck with your training folks For those on the IC I wish you a speedy recovery 👍🏃♀️🏃♂️
Blisters! I’ve given up trying to rationalise that one. I am desperate for new shoes still but still potless. Everything else crops up to thwart my spending plans. Bah! 😤. I washed my destroyed Torins to make them look new 😁
Arrrghhh, so unfair! In the moment, catch-up always seems the right thing to do doesn't it - despite all the advice we'd dispense to anyone else 😍.
But just think of all the nattering you and Oldfloss will be able to do on the Monsal trail 🤣🤣🤣. Sending healing vibes your way and keeping everything crossed 🤞
What I’ve learned is to rotate two pairs of shoes! I started off perfectly and had bought another pair with exactly this in mind but stupidly didn’t wear them until the old pair gave me serious niggles 🙄 I really wanted to run Bath with my old faithful pair but that’s not going to happen now ☹️
My outstanding question is how come I can burn so many calories on a long run but I just don’t feel that hungry afterwards, sometimes the whole day afterwards! In fact, I sometimes have to make myself eat certain food just to get the calories in. This doesn’t seem to affect me or my weight as it’s remained pretty static so I must be eating what my body needs, but I just wondered if it is just me or do others find this too?
Interesting point on the two pairs of shoes. Noted 😍
I vary as to whether I feel hungry or not after a long run, but generally it depends on what I've used during the run. I've gradually cut out things with artificial this and that, because they left me feeling a bit nauseous. I'm down to one specific chocolate milk, and one specific protein bar if I need them post run, for the same reason. But once I've had my first glass of prosecco (reserved for post-race rather than any old post-run, I hasten to add) I could eat pretty much anything savoury! Nope, sadly I do not find the same as you 😍
I did nothing different before or during or after...I just ate normally up to... and only carried water and jelly babies.. ( sucked one) and sugar free polos..( sucked two).. ate two oatcakes with cheese, ( cold which I had prepared before the run, for Matt and I ), about an hour after
Then nothing until my meal in the evening. I did drink a tad more water though the afternoon, but that is normal for me anyway, I have always drunk water regularly throughout any day...
One of the inspirational runners on here gave me great advice...If you eat normally and healthily and really hydrate well all the time, you should be fine, maybe the odd extra potato or something the week before? ...... there are many, many folk who find that is enough... what is right for you.. and feels right. It worked for me... just another run.but a LOT longer xx
I’m just drinking more water this week and next but not eating anything different. Although I’m planning pasta for the second night before race day. But that first glass of something alcohol on race night always tastes THE absolute best 🍷😋🙂
i overheard a conversation at an event on Sunday and this was the fact that some folk just cant face food after a run? I can do either (I think) then normally starving the next day!!)
I certainly struggled to eat afterwards and even drink which I thought would not of been a problem. I did force myself to eat just could not manage all my meal out or a pint of lager either. Next day totally different ate like a horse.
I am doing the Bournemouth Half on April 5th and it is starting to feel very real! I am following a combination of a beginners half marathon plan and a plan on MapMyRun that tailors to your speed/mileage.
My legs feel like they are starting to fall apart with the extra distance, but luckily it all seems pretty superficial. Had some Achilles pain that I took a week off for, have been doing eccentric heel drops religiously and not had any more Achilles issues. My shins starting getting sore last week, also having really tight calves. Doing calf stretches and strengthening exercises, bought some kinesiology tape and taped up my shins (not sure about the tape, but figure it can't hurt and I will try everything at this point). I managed to pull my hamstring on Thursday when I did my speedwork. Luckily I've had Friday and today to rest before 14.5km tomorrow and my legs actually feel fine, no sore spots on my shins (did the tape work? lol) and hamstring seems to be back to normal.
One important thing I learned about halfway into training was to actually run my slow/recovery runs slow! I was running my recovery, long runs, etc all at quite a fast pace initially and was just feeling exhausted all the time.
Fingers crossed I hold together for the next few weeks! I am getting across that finish line one way or another, lol!
Oh, do be careful! Injuries are a real nuisance but at worst can be a showstopper! Make sure you've got lots of stretching in your training, maybe some foam rolling too. Have you thought about maybe treating yourself to a sports massage? That might ease out some of the kinks and tight spots. I've not been running all that long, but I've gone through rolls and rolls of KT tape 😍
Running slow can be incredibly difficult can't it - well done for cracking that!
A sports massage might be good shout I foam roll daily, do yoga after my runs and stretch. I'm not sure if I'm just a moaner, lol, I expect some soreness is normal! I've never done anything as strenuous as running/training for a half marathon before so probably overly worried about any pain.
Sounds like you're doing lots of the right things! I'm sure you're not a moaner. Every niggle should be heeded 🙂. Some go away, it's the ones that don't that you need to take note of 😍
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