No Water Half Marathon

[jrunner]

Sometimes no plan is the best plan ☺️

That's what brings out my best today - my longest run (distance and time both) and my second half marathon (no event and no 🏅 this time).

I normally run 10k 4-5 times a week, so today also I went out to run 10-12 km, mid way I thought I'll do 15k as it's weekend and I have plenty of time for rest. Point to mention I don't carry water or any sports drinks with me as I run only 10k, so today was nothing different.

I was on a new route along with canal so went too far and I was feeling good so thought why not attempt half marathon distance. Toughest moment was 16th km, because my home was just few 100 meter away and I thought about giving up as I started to feel tired without water, but my mind said if not today you'll never do it outside event, so pushing myself for another 5km, last km was too tough, I was badly needed water but still had a km to reach home. I did it finally and I am so overwhelmed myself.

Only thing that bother me is the difference between my sports watch - Garmin Venu and runkeeper. According to runkeeper I ran 22.5 km while Garmin says 21.5 km, I am pretty sure runkeeper is correct (my Great Scottish Run official time and distance identical to runkeeper).

From last 10-15 days Garmin started showing 0.5 km less than runkeeper for a 10k run. While map is correct, for a 1.5km segment (tried tested many times), Garmin showing only 1 km, which is actually hampering my marathon preparation plans.

Anyways I am happy that according to both app/sports watch I ran my best half marathon 😁, that too without water (may be my will power is strong). I just ate overnight soaked almond (3-4) , a banana and 500-600 ml water before leaving home.

**Piece of advice - don't try this, I mean running long distance without water/sports drinks etc. It's dangerous, can cause injury or have serious health issues. I just got lucky to get away with it (till now).

I am attaching comparison image from Garmin and Runkeeper to show difference.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Blimey, did you eat a big meal last night? I know we’re all different with what we need food-wise but I consider what you had beforehand just a wee nibble 😕

Well done, hope you’ve eaten huge quantities since 😋

[jrunner Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Honestly yesterday was too busy to eat anything.. I woke up early to go and finish my run before I start my office work (Software Engineer WFH), but it was raining heavily so cancel yesterday morning run and logged in to start work around 8:30 am, got busy with some serious work related issues, had breakfast around 11:30 bread and omelet.. nothing after that.. had dinner at 9:30 pm just 2-3 potato stuffed naan bread and yoghurt.

But yes today after running like horse I ate black chickpeas curry with rice like a horse 😁

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done on your HM jrunner - great achievement! I certainly couldn't run a Half without water or fuel but we are all different I guess! Strange about your Garmin run times - does sound as though it is measuring out.

Rest up well ...and eat loads!!😀🍔🍕🍟🍩!😉

[jrunner Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank You 😊

[Hidden]

A terrific achievement! Half Marathon distance is such a journey. I find the last 2-3 miles really tough. You did it though and number 2 is in the bag! Superb.

[jrunner Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thank You 😊

Yes last 2-3 miles are always tough if you have a target distance.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Well done on another HM, although I agree no food or water is not going to work for everyone!

You could try plotting your route in strava or komoot or another app, and see what distance it comes up with as comparison.

[jrunner Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank You 😊

I did plot my route in Google maps (desktop version) and it shows much more compare to Garmin, but close to Runkeeper, it shows 23km, although I"ll say it follows roads, while I run on pavements/footpath, so it can be 0.5km here and there due to GPS.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Amazing on so many levels jrunner. 👏👏 I absolutely couldn’t run a HM, or probably even 10 miles, with no water or a jelly baby or two. I’d expire, even when the weather is cool.

I don’t need much beforehand - a banana normally does the trick, or for later runs (ie races) I’d have porridge and blueberries first thing. 🏃‍♀️

I used to run MapMyRun alongside Garmin and found they never agreed. Garmin appears accurate enough for me, so I stick with that nowadays. GPS satellites are a bit random sometimes, so I guess none of them are an exact science. 🙄

[jrunner Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank You 😊

Though I done it, but I'll never try this again in future without proper fuel/energy drink/water. It tough in last couple of km, it was only my mind which was constantly telling that you did all the hard work for 18-19km, just don't loose it. Also it was started raining which cooldown my body and head and eventually help me.

Regarding Garmin, I sent mail to they to understand, I didn't had any doubt until last 15 days.. before that all app were almost identical.

[Buddy34 Half Marathon]

I've ran 10 miles without water but not 13. But you just felt good at the time and sometimes that's all you need. I only go by my garmin watch but running in the background is the samsung health app and it always says about 2km more.

Hope you had plenty water and food n return 😊👍

[jrunner Marathon in reply to Buddy34]

Thank You 😊

Yes I had plenty of water, juice after reaching home and a good lunch.

Also celebrated with couple of 🍺 before dinner 😁