As far as we can tell, everyone has run their half marathon now - but if you have a race coming up in the next week let us know in the comments and we'll pom-pom yer 😁
Thank you and huge congratulations to everyone who took part in this Autumn 2020 Half Marathon Group, you are all superstars and Linda and I have had a blast posting for you and chatting with you!!! Right at the bottom of is a list of all our previous posts, a pretty good half marathon resource if I say so myself 😎
Here's a link to the Half Marathon Woohoo board again, let's all give ourselves a MASSIVE WOOHOOOOOO 🥰
So, now November is coming up fast, and winter not far behind, what should we do?
Well, my advice is - DON'T STOP NOW!
Here are a few things you can do in the "off season":
★ Enjoy some rest!
Have a break for a week or so, take some walks to keep you moving.
★ Vary the distance of long runs and keep most of them a little shorter...
Perhaps try a four-week cycle where you run the HM distance once, and make your other longs runs a little shorter. Keep most of it easy, but you could plug in a little intensity on the shorter long runs, say with a long tempo interval in the middle.
★ Enjoy some proper short runs!
(not) parkrun? Why not?! 😊
★ Try out hills and new terrain
If you have hills and/or trails at your disposal, give them a try - great for improving your running strength and lots of fun too! The inaugural Beachy Head Half Marathon happened this past weekend, and their social-distancing measures were a great success. If you are looking for a real race to sign up for in 2021, the smaller offroad events are likely to be your best bet!
★ Cross train!
If it's not too cold to get on a bike 😂 I'll be fetching my turbo trainer out from under the spare bed shortly...
If you've been dreaming of trying out a duathlon or triathlon, I'd think these are another type of racing event that is more likely to be available next year.
★ Get working on strength and mobility
Winter's a great time to build a solid workout habit! Even more so if we're going to get locked down again 🤔 Check out our indoor workout recommendations on Strength & Flex: healthunlocked.com/strength...
★ But above all, enjoy!
And we will be back in the new year with a Spring HM Group!!!
Wow, what a lot of Woo-Hoos roseabi It’s great that we all got out there.
I’m doing the virtual Vitality 10,000 on Sunday, along with many others of our HU chums 🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♂️
I’m going to keep plugging away with my runs over the winter- I need to keep up with my Lands End to John O’Groats schedule after all 😊 I’m nearly 10 weeks in and I’ve done 235 out of 874 miles so far.
I haven’t got any ‘live’ events planned yet but I’ll keep an eye out for smaller off road runs.
Thanks very much for organising this. Great fun and very inspiring. As always, this forum is an absolutely brilliant source of support and encouragement. So pleased to be a part of it with all you kind and helpful people.
Well done to everyone including Roseabi and Linda. What a successful marathon season you’ve had in the circumstances.
Pleased to report that I will also be doing the virtual vitality 10000 with a few friends on Sunday. It will be nice to fix that bib on, even if we can only run in a 6. Pom Poms waving to the Yorkshire , Bognor and Stratford-upon-Avon groups, And anyone else running it this week.
It was fabulous running all my virtual runs with my buddies on here! The thought of all of you definitely carried me over the line during my HM last week. Brilliant bunch of people, and what a fantastic idea for this group! 🥰
I also have the Virtual Vitality 10000 this weekend. I’m lucky enough to be running it with a handful of VRBs, so it’ll be a blast! Good luck everyone. 👊🏃♂️🏃♀️😀
Thanks so much for doing this group roseabi and linda9389 its been great to be part of it even if i didnt manage to complete my hm this time around but well done and massive WOOHOO's to everyone who did 😁 fingers crossed to be back for the spring group 😁 xx
I didn't manage a HM either!!! Tomorrow is the deadline for my virtual event, but it won't be happening. You did really well, and we'd love to have you back in spring.
Hi! I've just signed up for the Milton Keynes Winter half (12th December) as I remember you saying it was nice. Let's see! No space left on 13th but still some on 12th.
Many thanks to both roseabi and linda for hosting this group, and to all the people who have been a part of it. It's been a great experience to have a training group, and it's been great to prepare with all you and all your support.
I have only managed a couple of runs per week in the last few weeks, but I plan to continue running over the winter (an excuse to buy warm running clothes :)), not half marathons, but I'll keep my long runs between 10k and 10 miles and I will try to fit shorter runs, easy, hills or speed work, some days during the week. I feel going out for a run has helped me so much during this period, I don't know if I'll manage if I stop
I've also joined a recreational football group We meet once a week and I've only been twice, but it's something I probably would never have dared to do if the lockdown hadn't forced me out of the treadmill and into the real world. I find it a bit challenging (more than a bit actually) to take that first step and join a group of people, but always loved playing football when I was a little girl so I plan to continue as long as it's allowed...
Finally, like many here I will be doing the Vitality 10k, at some point during next week (I was going to be on holidays but a problem at work is going to make me change my plans, so I don't know what day I'll do it) and I have another 10k race (a real one :)) planned for November.
Thank you so much for organising this group roseabi and linda9389 - your support, advice and encouragement have been fantastic 😊🤩
A massive Woohooooo to everyone who has completed their half marathon 👏👏👏 Can't quite believe that I managed to complete one too! I'd like to say a massive thanks to everyone on here and in the strava group who have inspired and encouraged me. I have enjoyed watching your journeys as much as my own 😊🤩
I have no organised race in near future but planning to keep running and looking forward to joining you all in the spring 😊
This has been a great forum, informative, supportive and motivating and has got me to the hm distance, so thank you.😃
I am doing another hm on Monday with some runners who agreed to run the hm with me in October. Unfortunately, I jumped the gun by running the hm alone at the end of September. So please wish me luck, I'm not backing out now ! 🏃♀️😊
I'm feeling quite sad that it's over really but we've *all* done amazingly well haven't we?! The thing with me is that last year I just couldn't manage it and now I've done it twice! And after the first one I said exactly what your picture said at the top, roseabi! Didn't say that after the second one...that's probably unprintable...but still...🤣
Very annoyed this week that our local marathon/half marathon, the one that I ended doing virtually in April, has been cancelled for good already, so not even a deferred place any more. I can understand it but now I'm already deflated for next year, probably adds to this sadness, but....I signed up for LEJOG like David_G and that's already giving me loads of motivation (although I was told off by Windoze for walking as well as running, but that's only because I'm catching him up 😁😉 Last time I checked we were glaring at each other from either side of Bodmin Moor!)
And I've also decided (not sure this will happen but I'll give it a go) to try and do one HM a month, that will definitely get the LEGJOG mileage up. Maybe some squishy off roaders as well, my trail shoes are wondering what they've done wrong as I've not worn them in ages. Virtual Vitality 10k on Sunday with the Stratford Six, so loads to look forward to really!
Roseabi and linda9389 , thank you for organising and keeping us going, time to spread those metaphorical wings once again!
Yes, I spent ages umming and ahhing about Lejog, so consequently I’m two weeks behind everyone. I’m on number 6, I think most of the HUers are on 4. I’m now really pleased I have joined it as it’s the nearest I’ve had to a race in 12 months!
Will do roseabi. I was going to try some Jeffing last week but I enjoyed the running so much it never happened. I think I’ll definitely be trying it out in these HMs though as hopefully it will make those last 3k a bit easier. Sort those mind games out!!
I don’t know if Windoze knew how close I was to him but he does now 🤣🤣 xx
I’ll definitely join you again Linda. Funnily enough, yesterday I had an email regarding the Vitality Big Half which is on exactly the same day as my cancelled HM (25th April). They said they’re putting in all the social distancing/hygiene measures to ensure it goes ahead. Tempted but not sure I want to be disappointed again 🤔
Thankyou so much and a massive wooohooo to everyone in this group for the support and encouragement and all smashing your races. I still get a buzz when I remember I’ve done a HM. Special thanks to Roseabi and linda9389, your experience and advice has been invaluable.
I’ll be running the vitality 10000 this weekend too, and I’m looking forward to some relaxed running over winter. But to be honest I can’t wait to do it all again in Spring. Hopefully at a real race!!!
I’ve also signed up for a 10 week runner’s conditioning course with a local physio. It started this week, which I hope means I’ll be stronger than ever for the new season 😊
Would be great to know a bit more about your course - it sounds intriguing. Look forward to having you with us again in spring and 🤞for some real events
A big thank you Roseabi and to Linda, for all your hard work and all the useful information you have posted for us. It’s been much appreciated. This forum has been such a support and inspiration from everyone’s stories, it’s been great being part of it. I’m certainly enjoying the shorter autumnal runs at the mo with no great pressure. xx
You did brilliantly! It's always nice to have some freedom after weeks of focus on one target. But then I'm always ready for a new plan when one comes along 😊
Thank you Roseabi and Linda for what you did in organising this and providing all the support and sharing your wealth of information and experiences on here. While unfortunately I didn’t manage to get even close to running an HM, I seriously underestimated how difficult it was going to be training in our winter. I will carry on though, the weather has to get better soon! 😅
It has been fantastic watching everyone’s progress on Strava well done everyone, you’re all amazing. x
If I've learned anything since I started running it's that we can all achieve much more than we ever thought we were capable of if we just keep at it...and that a bad run is just a bad run, there's always a better one just around the corner. Even if sometimes you don't realise how great it was until after you've stopped 😆🏃♀️👍
I’m amazed I managed to complete a HM this autumn, never having run further than 10k until I took on this challenge. I ran my HM in the Virtual GNR - it’s tough running this distance on your own, but having done so, 10k seemed like a relatively easy thing to aim for. I too signed up for the Vitality 10k but have had to have 4 weeks off running whilst trying to throw off a seasonal (non-Covid) virus... so only just having got back this week, it’s going to more of a challenge than anticipated! Anyone running it today? And how do I join up to the Strava group?
Good luck with the Vitality 10K - take it easy and have fun! Scroll through the replies on this post and you will see that a number of people are taking part xxx
Sorry I missed this. You need to request an invite to the strava club and then I will accept you (just reply to this comment once youvedone the request to join, then I'll know it's you. strava.com/clubs/HUHMa20
I have added you to the Woohoo board - congratulations for your half marathon!!!!
The Autumn 2020 Half Marathon group is now finished, but as mentioned in the post, we will be running a Spring 2021 group, so look out for our posts about it in January! If you follow linda9389 and me you should receive email notifications of all our posts (check your settings to make sure this is enabled). Looking forward to seeing you there!!!
Linda is the admin of the Autumn 2020 HUHM Strava Group and I'm not sure if she wants to keep it going or not. She will see this reply and respond when she can xxx
Oh no! I’ve just had a week off (in Cornwall), and had an email about the virtual Coventry half - we can run it anytime between 1st-22nd Nov. So I was a bit late starting and will probably be a bit late finishing 😊 Have appreciated all the support from the group - thanks everyone 🤩
We're all still here cheering you on. Hope you find a reasonable day for it and we will be looking out for your race report if you can write one for us 😊
I’m currently planning on next Tuesday, unless forecast changes a lot. My race pack has arrived, with my number, finishers t-shirt (!) and medal (which is safely tucked away until I can lay claim to it properly). Did my last long run yesterday, a great 10k, just one more little run planned before the big day😊 Will definitely keep you all posted.
Tuesday 3rd😊 Event was originally Sun 1st, but weather looks yuk, and one of the few advantages of going virtual is you can choose your day and thus weather ☀️
Thanks to everyone who participated in the group and to Linda and Rosabi for running it all!
I have enjoyed being part of the team even though I got injured halfway through and didn't manage the HM distance 😞
Actually, it has been a valuable learning experience for me in many ways. I learnt how supportive this group is for a start. 😊 I also learnt to be patient and not try to build distance constantly without taking some easy weeks now and then. I learnt to listen to my body more and to do more cross and strength training. I also appreciate the ability to run more than ever before.
I am still tentative but slowly building confidence. I did my first 5K this week since the calf tear which was 12 weeks ago now.
I would love to sign up for the Spring HM to see if I can go for it again but only if I feel ready and fit.
Good luck everyone with your future ventures and keep enjoying your running 🏃♀️🏃♂️😊👍
Nothing like an injury to teach us a thing or two (though not sure I'vealways learned as much as I should from mine)!!! We look forward to you being fit and well and confident for a spring HM 😊
I ran my first half-marathon today, if that counts (race report coming soon). I will give myself a week of short easy runs to recover, give blood, and --in what I consider a book-case example of masochism-- start training for my first marathon (post also coming soon).
Great work roseabi and linda9389 for running this group and very well done again to everyone who took part! 👏🏅🎉
I've found this group great motivation over the last few months, and still really pleased to have completed the HM earlier this month. Since then I have taken it a bit easier though have done a few short runs, and actually recorded my first (not) parkrun this week. Aim to mix it up a bit over the next few months with a bit more cycling, indoor rowing and maybe go the gym again (not been since Feb!) Will decide on my next challenge in the new year, so may be back for the spring group 😀🏃♂️
Thanks so much to roseabi and linda9389 for all of your constant encouragement both in this group and on Strava. And a big thank you too to all of my HUHM virtual running buddies who I've shared this with.
Getting to my virtual HM on track for what would have been the Great East Run was a great motivator, and very much enriched by all the posts sharing milestones along the way here. I'll definitely be up for another HM in the Spring, and also hoping to do the Jersey half marathon next June, (virus permitting). So, it looks like I'll be hanging around in this forum for a while yet!
Thanks to roseabi and linda9389 for hosting this, taking care and time for all the kind, thoughful replies. Congratulations to all that made their target and consolations to those that didn't quite get there for one reason or another. Seeing others' "journeys"(for want of a better word) towards the HM target has been so useful for me- it's been motivational, comforting and joyful.
I didn't make it to my HM target but will be running onwards through winter - there are a few stepping stone targets in mind and maybe there will be a run report or two if these come off. And there is the spring HM group to look forward to.
For now, best wishes to everyone and happy running and other things.
Hi! My half is Sunday, 1st November. I'm doing the New York Liberty Run at the same time (half marathon). Hope I'm still in time to get my medal here...
Nice and sunny here! New restrictions have just been announced and I have to close down my school again. At least, this time we have a plan B to go online and no restrictions for my run on Sunday!!
As with the other messages above - a big thank you to both of you roseabi and linda9389. It’s been a great experience and I’m so glad I joined. I’m absolutely sure I wouldn’t have got to HM without the group and all the fantastic runners who were/are a part of it!!
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