We are proposing to start a new Half Marathon group next week.
I know some of you already have places in autumn events and, like me, are wondering if they will go ahead or whether they will be cancelled. The camaraderie of training and completing your HM in a virtual group seems more relevant than ever in these challenging times of Covid-19!
Anyone can join the group - whether itβs your first half marathon or your 101st, whether you planned to run solo or in a mass participation event, whether youβre already part way through a plan or not yet started.
We will each follow our own plan, with our own target HM date but will share info, ideas and experiences with a good helping of the type of support that HU is famous for!
We do recommend that people have run 10K before embarking on a half marathon plan.
Iβm due to start my own HM training plan next week - in theory for Oxford HM on 11th October, but it may well become my second virtual HM ...
From next week, roseabi and I plan to write weekly posts to help keep us all motivated, encouraged and informed! Your input to these posts and discussions will be invaluable as always.
Let us know in the comments below if you are interested in joining the group π
And keep an eye out for more posts! - if you follow myself and roseabi, you should get a notification whenever we write a new post
roseabi and Linda9389 xxx
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Brilliant! Thanks ladies. I don't have an event booked, but would love to be part of the group please. I'm not doing much distance at the moment but running regularly still. Be good to have a target of 10 Miles/HM to aim for!
Super! The group was invaluable last time and definitely helped me βget over the lineβ! I may hunt out a virtual event to really help me maintain focus....
Iβm entered in the Simplyhealth Bristol HM at the end of September. Might as well train for it and assume itβs going ahead - at the very least I suspect theyβll offer a virtual version like Bath did in March. π
Makes a change from maintaining a 2M distance! Sorry, that's a rubbish joke, but 2m is what I immediately thought when I saw the words 'maintain' and 'distance' π€ͺ
Fantastic! Welcome to the team! I can't find the time/energy/physical stamina to run HM distance on a regular basis, but aiming for one in autumn and another in spring gives me a welcome focus and structure. It's nice knowing I've done the distance before - definitely helps lessen the sense of trepidation, hopefully you'll find the same thing π
Brilliant! Welcome to the group π. It's a great goal, surprisingly doable and there's a huge sense of achievement when you get there. Have you chosen a training plan yet? What sort of distance are you running just now?
Hi there! Iβve done 10k a couple of times in lockdown then bought a Garmin 45 and am using the HM training plan with Jeff Galloway. Iβve got to do 9miles this weekend- furthest yet!
Can I join your merry band? I don't have a run to aim for but just want to try to get to the distance. I really need a focus and will be taking it steadily as only started running in January. Just about to start W5 of Runners World Beginner's Plan.
Fabulous. Welcome to the team π. That's amazing progress, well done. Steady is the way to go with your first HM, it's going to be a PR whatever pace you run at so it's the one to take easy and enjoy π. How many weeks is your plan?
That's a good idea when you aren't held to a specific date. I'm rather injury pronensonplan two non-run days between every run to give me some wriggle room π
Excellent. Welcome to the team π. Although I'm not that hopeful that Oxford will go ahead, it's good to have the original date as a focus and they may well offer a virtual race of some kind. Have you chosen a training plan yet? What sort of distances are you running just now?
Ooh! I used to live in Llanrhos. All my attempts to het back and run Conwy parkrun have been thwarted to date - most recently by Covid-19 of course! Will keep fingers crossed for you. Welcome to the group π
I did my first 10K on 9th May, a virtual Bath Two Tunnels race. I have consolidated and did 11K yesterday. I have been injured in the past so will need to take it carefully. Not sure at this stage whether I'll be able to do it or not but I'd like to try.
I'm with you on this. Injury is my middle name so I always start with the 'I'm going to try ...' (I had that in the post when I originally wrote it, but took it out π€£).
ooooh I recognize that race name, Bath Two Tunnels! I've done quite a few of their events and I live really close to there too! I cycle through The Two Tunnels every other day! I cycled the 5K running route of the Two Tunnels race that I usually do only yesterday and brought back some good memories!
Ah! Sounds good. I entered the race as I wanted to aim for 10K and it was just at the right time and appeared like it must be quite flat!
I'm disappointed that it was cancelled as I'm sure it's an exciting route through the tunnels which I've actually never seen before as I'm based in Bristol.
I'll just have to sign up next time. Maybe for the HM!! π€π
Yes please! I was hoping for a local trail HM in September, but it's unlikely to go ahead. It will be great to have this group to encourage for a virtual event.
Me please Linda πββοΈ Like cheekychipmunks Iβve got the Bristol HM at the end of September, so this is great timing. I really enjoyed this group last time and am looking forward to reading about everyoneβs progress and picking up various tips and nuggets π
Many thanks for organising again, whoop whoop, here we come πͺπ
Yes please, winter over here now, so it will a be Spring 2020 10 miles/HM for me. Thinking 10 miles would be great. Had upped my distance pre lockdown, but have lost my way a bit and being part of a group, instead of on my own would be just fab.
Yes please! I was up to 12 miles when the Coventry HM was postponed. Itβs been rescheduled for Nov, so have fingers and toes crossed it will go ahead.
Apart from a couple of weeks of self isolation, Iβve carried on running 3 times a week during lockdown, but much less distance. Usually 5k with an occasional 8k thrown in, but Iβm finding them really hard. Need to get motivated soon to start building my distance back up.
To cheer myself up I treated myself to a special edition Parkrun vest, it had its debut today for my inaugural (not)Parkrun. π
Wonderful! Welcome to the group. Hopefully it will be just the motivation you need to get back on track. November is a fair way off yet, so fingers crossed π
Yep I'm interested I managed 10k in 63 mins a couple'a months ago and am back on Ju-Ju's plan for the time being. HM in the autumn seems a reasonable target
I'm in please. I had been 'persuaded' to run the Mount Robson HM in September by my ultra running son and daughter-in-law. I can't see how we can possibly get out to British Columbia now so a virtual HM will do nicely as a target. I have manged to get to 16k so far but have a long way to go yet I think. At least there will be less climbing when I pick the route!
Welcome to the group! Shame about the September event but as you say you're in control now! 16k is well on the way - some people don't run any further than that in training for a half marathon π. I should actually be en route back from Vancouver to Heathrow today - I've no idea when we will be able to reschedule that trip π. Hey ho, there's still miles to be run, plans to be followed, it's not all bad π. If you follow myself and roseabi then you shouldn't miss any of the weekly group posts. Here's to your HM!
I'm in! Since graduation from c25k in January then b210k in April I have increased to running 10k three times per week but struggling to do more than 13k at a time. Help!
Excellent, welcome to the team! Your weekly mileage is pretty high; maybe reducing the length of two of the runs would help you find the energy to increase the long run (which should be run at a slow easy pace)? Hopefully you will pick up helpfulhints and tips from the group as we go π. Following myself and roseabi should ensure you don't miss any of the weekly group posts π
Brilliant. A warm welcome to the group! Is this your first time training for a half or have you run the distance already? Either way, hopefully you'll find this group helpful, friendly and fun π. If you follow myself and roseabi you shouldn't miss any of the weekly posts. Lets do this (as they say π)!
Iβve been hovering around 10/12k for a while and would love to try and go further. I did 16k recently but with lots of stops, so donβt count that. I felt really dehydrated at the end and plan to invest in a hydration vest. Looking forward to giving it a go. Iβve also been doing off road running in the summer, which is great but finding it a lot harder, Iβm also surrounded by hills π
Sounds like you're definitely ready fof HM training. Lots of people use hydration vests for long runs - especially at this time of year. This is another option you could consider healthunlocked.com/marathon...
Lots of people very validly run/walk their HMs, Jeffing is a popular method. But if that's not for you, do let us know when you hit 10 miles and feel it 'counts' because we have a nice badge for that π
I had a 10k planned in May, which has been postponed till Oct (I did a virtual 10k at the time). As I can change the distance I'm now looking to do a HM instead.
Of course I don't know if it will go ahead in Oct either or if I can make the new date anyway (also have another event on the same weekend which may or not happen!). But I have just started a HM training plan in preparation anyway.
Welcome to the group! So much is up in the air just now, but that sounds like a great way to deal with it - just push on with training, regardlessπ I'll add you to the list without an event for now and if you do sign up for an HM event we can always add it. If you follow myself and roseabi you shouldn't miss any of the weekly posts. Happy training π
Oh yes please. I learnt so much in the spring hm group, that was fab. I got to 17k on 21st March then lockdown happened and had to cut back. This is the motivation I need to build up again. (Plus hubby's started running twice a week and I need to maintain my lead!) π x
Excellent. A very warm welcome to the group! Have you chosen a training plan yet? Hopefully you'll find this group helps π. If you follow myself and roseabi i you shouldn't miss any of the weekly posts.
Fabulous, welcome to the group. You've made great progress already. There's a 10 mile badge waiting for you - let us know when you've run your 16k (or technically 16.1k I guess π€£). Good luck π
Well, I made it to 16.34K according to Fitbit, but βonlyβ 16.07k according to Strava.... did I manage 10 miles?? Also, does it count if I walked some of it? A very hilly route and I just couldnβt run UP all the hills! π³
It definitely counts! Walking up hills is very much allowed - as is walking as part of any of these distances. Lots of people like run/walk methods for long runs - the Jeff Galloway method ('Jeffing') is particularly popular. I always walk during drink breaks for a HM - I just make too much mess otherwise ππ€£
Your badge looks great - congratulations on a fabulous milestone run πππ
Exactly - a goal and some structure, together with personal achievements, can be really helpful in such uncertain times. A warm welcome to the group! Have you chosen a plan yet? If you follow myself and roseabi you shouldn't miss any of the weekly posts.
I recommend the plan that suits you best! For me it's one where I only run 2 or 3 times a week and train to the full distance. For you the criteria may be different. There are a host of well respected plans to choose from. This post from our spring 2020 HM group may be helpful for you healthunlocked.com/marathon...
I recommend the plan that suits you best! For me it's one where I only run 2 or 3 times a week and train to the full distance. For you the criteria may be different. There are a host of well respected plans to choose from. This post from our spring 2020 HM group may be helpful for you healthunlocked.com/marathon...
I'm in!!! I'm trying to do a local one (BA Gatwick HM) in October, I don't know if it will go ahead, but if it doesn't I will be doing it on my own. I've run the distance in a very very long run (it seemed like that to me) but I want to be able to finish a bit, just a bit more comfortably... (so that I can walk home). I'm currently using a Garmin coach plan, but I'm looking forward to reading about other people's plans, suggestions, and experiences
Fabulous. Welcome to the group π Maybe Gatwick will offer a virtual event if they have to cancel, but fingers crossed. If you follow myself and roseabi you shouldn't miss any of the weekly posts.
Yes please, Iβd love to join a half marathon group! Was down to do the great north run in September but thatβs off now. Mixed feelings about that but training not going at all well!
Welcome!!! π Ahh, I'm sure that's disappointing but they may well run a virtual event instead (I see their website says they are working on something to mark the occasion). Hopefully being part of this group will give your training some renewed va va voom πββοΈ. If you follow myself and roseabi you shouldn't miss any of the weekly posts.
Please can I join your group. Iβve just run the accidental 10 miles, set out to do 10k. The head is asking weather it was a blip and am l capable of doing it again. All support and encouragement will be very welcome.
Excellent! Welcome to the group. Would you like your 10 mile badge just now or would you rather wait until you've proved to yourself that it wasn't a blip? It's waiting for you when you're ready! There will be lots of support and encouragement here, and it sounds like you're well on your way to HM distance already. Great stuff! Follow myself and roseabi to get notifications of the weekly posts.
Yes please! I'm on week 4 of 17 of Greg McMillans Garmin HM plan. I've done 10k a few times but I need a focus and a training plan. If that goes to HM well awesome, if not, it'll keep me running X3 a week! π
Fabulous! A warm welcome to the team! Watch out for the weekly posts and there will be plenty of support to keep you focused and on track. You will get to HM ππ
Count me in! It was confirmed today the Edinburgh Marathon Festival events rescheduled from May to 5/6 September will now not go ahead. I was signed up for the half marathon and a bit disappointed if not surprised. The upside is they have made arrangements for the event to go virtual, and will be rewarding efforts with the bling and t-shirt. I've agreed with a friend to tackle this together - all socially distanced of course.
Fabulous. First, a warm welcome to the group. Second, a virtual focus is good - obviously not as good, but it's a great second best (to do it with a friend is even better). Follow roseabi and myself to get notifications of the weekly posts. Good luck π
Yes please Linda, I've been struggling with distance lately but in the lead up to my 1st HM in February I'd been actually enjoying a few 10 milers so I know I have it in me somewhere to build back up.
Brilliant. You're right, we can do this! I can't keep up those long runs on a regular basis either, but it's good to go for it a couple of times a year ππͺπ. I'll add you to the group π
I would like to join. I was supposed to run a HM the end of May which was cancelled. I recently started a plan but stopped. Now, I will have some motivation and support to start again! ππ»ββοΈπ
Ah, shame about the May event, but great to have you in the group! I think it should really help with all our motivation, especially where events have been cancelled. Here's to some successful training ππ
Oh no, that's rotten luck. Great that you feel recovered enough to try again now though. Welcome to the group! Follow myself and roseabi so as not to miss any posts - the first one should be tomorrow π
OK, so I've just signed up for the Great East Run on 20/9. No idea if it'll go ahead, but if I'm going to aim for something, that may as well be it!
I first reached 10k back at the end of Feb and have being trying to do at least one 10k per week along with a couple of 5ks (most of the time) -- so I think it's time I stepped up to the next challenge. 10k time is just about the one hour mark, although I seem to have been slowing down somewhat in the recent warm weather
Any recommendations for good training plans gratefully received!
Hi, welcome to the group π. It sounds like you're in a great position to start training for a half marathon. Fingers crossed for your event, but if it does get cancelled you could perhaps consider a virtual run instead. Tomorrow's post should have some helpful links to training plans, so watch this space!
Iβd like to join please. I will need to get a few miles in for LM Oct 4th. If it gets cancelled, as I feel it may, Then it will be great to have something to aim for. Lost my motivation after the last cancellation need to get it back now ππΌββοΈππΌββοΈπ₯°
Yes, please! My races have been cancelled this year in Spain. Luckily did the Barcelona Half in February just before lockdown. As my next two this year have been cancelled, I plan to run my own half marathon (number 6) in my village later this year (probably to coincide with the village festival in November, which may be cancelled too!).
I've liked your post, but 'dislike' would be more appropriate! It's so disappointing seeing event after event cancelled. But their loss is our gain! I've added you to our group and look forward to seeing you in one or more of our virtual HMs here on HU π. We will keep ourselves going π
Would love to have go, but not sure of myself. I'm new to this, but have done 5x10Ks so far. I run 3x per week usually (slowly), usually 5-7k during the week and the longer one at the weekend. Thanks for all the advice here - I'm going to look at some of these training plans!
Have you seen our Virtual Races? There's a 10K this week, and then a couple of 10 Miles coming next month, followed by three Half Marathons - here's the results post, which has the dates of the upcoming races listed at the bottom:
You're on the list - be sure to let us know when you have run it, so we can give you your virtual medal! Reply to the Results post and/or write your own race report.
Give it a go π Getting from 10k to HM is very doable and you can progress at your own pace. Lots of choice in training plans - pick one that suits you. Good luck, have fun, join the races if you fancy and keep losting to let us know how you get on. If you use strava, we also have a club set up there - HUHM Autumn 2020 - so we can support each other and throw some kudos around π.
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