Spring 2021 Half Marathon Group 😍 A quick check-in to open our new Strava club

[linda9389]

Hi Happy Half Marathoners!

Hopefully most of you now have a training plan in mind, I know many of you have started already.

★ Group list

We have a wonderful 35 members at time of posting. The latest list can be found here docs.google.com/spreadsheet...

★ Strava club

For previous HUHM groups we have set up an optional strava club, and the club for this Half Marathon group is now live: HUHM spring 2021.

Joining the Strava club is entirely optional, it’s certainly not necessary in order to take part in this HU group. However, if you already use Strava (or fancy giving it a try) you may like to join so we can follow each other and add our support and encouragement to each other’s activities (not to mention throw around some kudos).

Along with lots of others, I found the club camaraderie really useful during my HM training - it’s great to see how people are getting on and to share experiences on a run by run level.

So, if you’re on Strava and would like to be part of the club, you can request to join using this link: strava.com/clubs/HUHMspring21

We will only accept people we recognise from HU; if your HU name and your Strava name are very different, could you please message me using HU private chat to let me know who you are on Strava (or add a comment to this post letting me know you've submitted a request to join) so that I don’t ignore you!!!

I have also added a ‘who’s who?’ post to the Strava club so once you’ve been accepted into the group, do add a comment to let everyone in the club know your HU alter ego if it isn’t obvious. We can then follow each other and spread the kudos!

★ Keep the comments coming!

As promised, we will start regular posts in the new year - in the meantime do let us know how you’re feeling and how you’re getting on, either via the weekly chat or in your own posts.

Have fun, take care, enjoy the runs and happy training everyone 😍

roseabi & linda9389 xxx

December 3rd, 2020

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Spring 2021 Half Marathon Group list: docs.google.com/spreadsheet...

HUHM Spring 2021 Strava Club: strava.com/clubs/HUHMspring21

Previous posts:

Invitation to join: healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[2718281 Half Marathon]

I had missed the original post, I'm in for a spring half!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to 2718281]

Accepted 😊

[AllezLeChef Half Marathon]

Linda, just joined the Strava group (Gary). Thanks for organising.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to AllezLeChef]

Accepted 😊

[Jonno34 Marathon]

Still not 100% but would like to give it a go if it is OK to do so on that basis.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Jonno34]

The only thing that's 100% is that if we don't try we won't achieve it - right? Fingers crossed all will go well this time 😊

[Catho78 10 Miles]

Hi can I sign up for a spring half marathon as well please (can’t believe I’m saying me and half marathon in the same sentence 😬) loving the training 🏃🏽‍♀️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Catho78]

Haha, I wrote the exact same thing on facebook 2 years ago when I signed up to the 2019 HUHM group 😅 A very warm welcome to the group. Do take a look at the invitation post (you'll find the link at the end of this post). If you have any questions of choosing a plan to get started, then ask away. A half marathon is surprisingly achievable, very satisfying and a lot of fun - enjoy 😊

[Catho78 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Thanks, looking forward to it

[dijep 10 Miles in reply to Catho78]

I know how you feel, I still can't think in HM terms so I keep saying I'm aiming for the 10 miles 🤣

[Catho78 10 Miles in reply to dijep]

Yeah seems a big jump but in 3-4 months doable. Should reach my 10k in next 2-3 weeks then 10 mile next goal, I have to compartmentalise my goals lol

[Catho78 10 Miles in reply to Catho78]

Hiya. Just joined Strava group, same log in name. Competed 10K and consolidated 3 times, now looking towards10 miles then half marathon 😬Loving my long runs, and loving a challenge more. Let’s do this! Is there an end date goal in place? Spring seems very open ended lol

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Catho78]

Fabulous, welcome to the group. I'll accept you now. Generally spring events are in late Feb/March or April. This year some have moved to May - presumably in the hope that events will be possible by then. So no, at this point we don't have a fixed date. If real events are cancelled, then we may run a virtual HU event, but there will be lots of notice and we will see how the majority of people in the group are doing 😊

[Catho78 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Thanks. Will work on the challenge, looking forward to spring!

[misswobble Marathon]

I think I need a plan in my life. Need to be ready if an opportunity pops up 💪😃🏃‍♀️

Put me down please Linda. I don’t do Strava though so not that part. Ta 🙂👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Fabulous!!! Great to have you onboard. Everything crossed for events to be popping out of the woodwork in two to three months time 🤞🤞🤞

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you 🙂👍. I fancied the Monsal half but no sign of it yet

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

🤞

[Joster Half Marathon]

My planned Spring Half is now in October, but I may look out for another one, and being in the group reminds me to keep going!! Thanks for setting it all up.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

Such a shame 😢I think the group is even more valuable when there's no event focus - it certainly helps keep me on track 😊

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Absolutely. I've got my three lady parkrun whatsapp group and even that has been incredibly motivational, as although we only can run together occasionally at the moment, staying in touch and updating on latest runs etc has made us all keep it up!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

That's great, it really does work doesn't it.

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Thanks again for organising this.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

You're welcome - it keeps me on track too!!!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Wow! 39 people already!!! It's fab to see so many aspiring HM-ers 😊😊😊

I've joined the Strava club, although I'm not planning a spring HM. I'll be hitting that distance at around February time though!

xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

That's good enough 😍😘

[dijep 10 Miles]

I've only got the free Strava account so is that OK? Also how does it work ? I can't say I ever really got my head round Strava and gave up trying when I got my garmin watch. But anything that's going to be motivational has to be good 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to dijep]

A free account is fine. If you join the club, other members of the club will be able to see your runs and you will see theirs. You can then click the thumbs up button to give kudos, or write comments in support. You can set your garmin account to automatically send your activities to strava.

[dijep 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda I've sent a request, I'm sure I'll get the hang of it once I start using it. I've already linked my garmin account to strava

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to dijep]

I'll look out for your next run 😊

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to dijep]

A free Strava account is fine - I have one!

Strava is basically a social media site for runners and cyclists. You can link your Garmin so that all your runs will show on Strava (with plenty of stats too), and then your followers on Strava can applaud and comment. The club that Linda has set up makes it easy to see what all our members have been getting up to. You join the club by following the link and tapping the button to join. Linda needs to approve you as a club member, so will need to identify yourself - an easy (and anonymous) way to do that would be to change your username on Strava to match the one you have on here. Unfortunately you do need a two word username on Strava - I have called myself "roseabi 😊"

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Ha linda9389 and I have cross-posted 😄

[dijep 10 Miles in reply to roseabi]

Thanks for explaining that I've sent a request.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to dijep]

I've just accepted you 😊

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon]

Hello wannabehalfmarathoners, hope everyone is getting on well. I have a 12.87k run tomorrow - my garmin HM plan appears to convert from miles! Have requested to join the strava club (Jess) though I tend to have my strava activity open to followers only for safety reasons.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Blackberrypie]

Depending on your strava settings, other club members may still see your runs but I'm not 100% sure of that. Following is defintely the best way to see activities. I like 12.87 - it would get around my aversion for anything 13!!! Good luck tomorrow 😊

[dijep 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Ha ha I hadn't thought about unlucky 13 when I ran on from 12.73 as it seemed "untidy" 😊 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to dijep]

Fair enough - not many people as scared of 13 as me (thankfully 😀)

[EThomas Half Marathon]

Hi Linda,

I have requested to join the group.

I don't actually have a plan to run a HM as yet but I think it is the logical next step. I did my first 10 mile run last weekend. Being in the group will keep me motivated.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to EThomas]

Welcome! I will add you to the group. You don't need a fixed date or an event - just the seed of an idea or intention is quite enough to join us!!! A spring half marathon is very achievable, especially if you have already run 10 miles, and very satisfying. Good luck, have fun and we'll do our best to keep you motivated 😊

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

OOh, me please! I've recently started a Garmin HM plan, I was hoping to use it for the Cambridge HM which is usually in March, but that has now been put back to October...I intend to crack on with my plan, and should finish sometime around the end of Feb or early March. Sent a request to join the Strava group.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Brilliant! I'll add you to the list and have accepted your strava request. Sadly Joster is in the same boat with the Cambridge half, but also cracking on with it. Good luck!!!

[Cmoi Marathon]

Hi linda9389 , I've just sent you a message re my request to join the Strava group.

I currently have absolutely no plan for the HM, other than go out and run when I can, and see how far I can get on a good day. It worked last time! 😱 🙄 😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

That sounds like a perfect plan!!! I've accepted you now 😊

[Lordi Marathon]

Joined the Strava group 👍 My runs look a bit pitiful at the moment as I'm building back from "zero"! Nothing running-wise since July then 1km, 2km and I graduated from C25k (again!) yesterday! Lots of 5k consolidation runs next to get basic fitness back, then B210k in Jan and upwards...(onwards) 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Lordi]

I saw the 5k yesterday, it looked good 👍👍👍 You've got this!!!

[O505k Half Marathon]

Please add me to the Spring HM group.Thanks for organising 😊🏃🏽‍♀️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to O505k]

I've got you on the list; if you want to be in the strava club you will first need to click the link in the post to ask to join and then I can add you😊

[O505k Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

I'll apply to join strava group because I'm going to need motivation!! I am Catherine on there

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Brilliant - I've accepted you.

[Roxdog 10 Miles]

Still aiming for that HM by spring, but things haven't gone terribly well in the last couple of weeks. Struggling to find time due to trying to intermittently see family members and a very sick dog, as well as work, work, work. So it's been a couple if weeks since my last 10k and I haven't managed to get a second 10 mile run done yet.I will be patient, don't have a major plan, just to increase gradually and also to mix up my shorter runs in these dark days. I'm an early morning runner, but that is proving tricky with the dark mornings.

I will shift to lunchtime, which will ensure I actually take a break from my home office!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Roxdog]

Oh dear, you have your hands full! I hope your dog is feeling better soon. Life so often gets in the way with a long distance plan. Flexibility and adaptability will be your new best friends!!! You can't fight these things, but you will find a way through when the time is right - don't out too much pressure on yourself 😊

[OnlineTwin Half Marathon]

I missed the previous post, but I'm definitely up for a Spring HM, so please include me. I've been out of action for a week following some minor (non-running-related!) surgery but should be back in the running habit Real Soon Now.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to OnlineTwin]

Excellent, good to have you on board again. Hope all's healing well 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to OnlineTwin]

Actually you're already on the list!!!

[Guinea70 Marathon]

Hi linda9389 I've just sent a request to join the Strava group (Angela) hopefully I'll complete the HM this time

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Guinea70]

I've accepted you now. We're all behind you, you can definitely do this. Here's to an injury free spring 2021!!!

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

I would like to join the Spring half marathon group. I have a race scheduled June 6/21. I was a fall dropout. I will also request to join the Strava group. My name is Kelly.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Lavender1962]

Fabulous! Ooh, a real race - which one is it? I've accepted you to the Strava group and will add you to the list. Happy training 😊

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

Thank you for adding me to the group. It’s the Course des Pompiers (Firefighters Race) in Laval, Quebec. coursedespompiers.org/

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Lavender1962]

I'll add it to the list!

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

😊 Thank you!

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

Hi, is there also a M group and any training plans around on here, can't find them yet...

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

Hi. We've never had a marathon group - not sure if there have been enough people training at any point in time. Someone posted asking about marathon training plans recently healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[Couchpotato2 Marathon in reply to linda9389]

thanks. Maybe I'll start a HUMing Strava group and just have a post for check ins. Will think about it!

[Couchpotato2 Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

OMG JUST NOTICED MY BADGE!!!!!!!!!!!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

haha - you've had that a few weeks now 😅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

sounds like a good idea 😊 not everyone on HU is on strava, but a lot are

[TailChaser Marathon]

Only just spotted this! Yes please! My aim for completing HMs in Nov & Dec got knocked on its head by my Achilles again, but here's hoping they will behave themselves if I keep stretching them.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Brilliant and fingers crossed for the achilles 🤞

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda, I think it's just old age tbh. It's tried the rest of my body and given up so my heels are the only things left for it to have a go at.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

I know how you feel. It's literally one thing after another for me at the moment - a lot of it not even running related 🙄

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to linda9389]

But we're not going to let it beat us ✊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

I'm feeling a little cowed by it just now but beaten - NO!

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Hi Linda, I’m already on your list, but I’ve signed up for the Vitality Big Half which is due to be in London on Sunday 25 April (that bit isn’t on your spreadsheet)🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ I’ve no idea whether it will physically happen the way things are, but I’ll do it anyway if it turns out to be a virtual challenge. 🙂👍

Good luck everyone, we can do this! 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to David_G]

Lovely, that'll focus the legs 😊 I'll add it to the list

[MilliePuli]

Hi Linda - Happy New Year! I have just requested to join the Strava group - my name on Strava is Des CR. Thanks v much for organising.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to MilliePuli]

I've accepted you into the group. Check out the who's who post to work out who wveryone is!

[MilliePuli]

Thank you Linda. Looking forward to the challenge! I've not been able to progress beyond completing the bridge 2 10k programme last year. Had a few niggles so been mostly consolidating around 5k. Working on strength and stretching this week. Onwards and upwards - hopefully!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to MilliePuli]

Sounds like a good strategy. There's no hurry but it's always helpful to have a clear goal 😊

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon]

Hi, I'd like to join the Spring Half Marathon Group please🏃‍♀️😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Lazyfrog]

Hi and welcome to the group! I'll add you to our list - look out for the latest group post which should be later this week 👍

[SmilingTortoise1 Half Marathon]

Hi Linda can I join in with this group please. I took part in the Autumn 2020 Half Marathon and absolutely loved it. I'm hopefully doing the Cardiff half in October but as that is a way off it will be good to have some other challenges to keep me getting out there. 😃

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SmilingTortoise1]

I've added you to the list! Yep, October is just too far away ... definitely need something to keep you busy before then 😊

[SmilingTortoise1 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Fab! Thanks Linda. I've also think I've requested to join the strava group. I'm Alison M

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SmilingTortoise1]

I've accepted you now! Hopefully you've seen today's post too 😊

[SmilingTortoise1 Half Marathon]

Thank you and yes about to read today's post 😍

[JoePhoto 10 Miles]

Hi Linda, Just sent a request to join the group, any chance you can consider me for the HUHM Strava Gp too? I'm JoePhoto here and just Joe C on strava.Thanks, all best, Joe

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to JoePhoto]

Absolutely! I'll go to accept your request now. (I just edited out your full strava name from your reply to maintain your anonymity on here 🙂).

[JoePhoto 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Ooops, durrr - thanks!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to JoePhoto]

No problem 😊 I don't seem to have your request to join in strava though. You need to click tbe link in this post to get to the strava club, then click the 'request to join' button once you're in strava

[JoePhoto 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Just searched direct in Strava and sent a request from there?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to JoePhoto]

Got it and accepted.

[JoePhoto 10 Miles]

Hi thanks! Since then my personal phone's behaved bizarrely, won't ecognuse the hub or synchronise this morning's run... so now on the work device! More anon!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to JoePhoto]

Oh no! Off and back on? 😅