Marathon Running and Race Support

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Spring 2021 Half Marathon Group 😍 Let’s find ourselves some motivation 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🥇

linda9389Administrator•

Hi there all you lovely HM runners!

★ How’s it going?

Life’s a bit pants still isn't it?

All that excitement over saying goodbye to 2020 and welcoming in 2021 for a brighter, better running year … and what have we got? Lousy weather, dark days and a nationwide lockdown in the UK and many other countries too, which means spring events are once again under serious threat of cancellation. Pants. Just pants! Easy to give up at this point, write off the idea of a spring Half Marathon altogether, snuggle up on the couch with a good book …

But wait!

We’re better than that! Stronger than that! We’ve got a Half Marathon group (with 47 names on the list) and can’t just go throwing that away! We’ve got each other and plenty of support and motivation to share. We can keep those gremlins at bay. In short, we’ve still got this!

★ What next?

I see only two options - we can either

✔ keep training or

✔ we can start our training (if for some reason you already fell off the wagon or indeed, if this is the first you’ve thought of joining the group) !!!

★ Need some extra motivation?

★ Strava club

Remember the optional strava club - giving kudos or commenting when you see someone has completed an awesome run, or struggled to complete a run when the odds were against them; it really does help. Here's the link if you haven’t joined yet but would like to

strava.com/clubs/HUHMspring21

★ Real events

There’s nothing quite like a live race, with a fixed date to focus our efforts. It is still possible to book spring events but do check the T&Cs carefully as, sadly, the likelihood of spring events being cancelled has to be pretty high for Feb and March at the very least. To see what’s still available, sites like RunBritain, Find a Race or Let’s Do This are a good place to start.

★ Virtual events and associated goodies

There are many virtual events that you can enter. There is usually an online leaderboard, sometimes official race bibs, often a medal or other goodies such as tshirt, or socks etc. These events generally fall into two categories:

✔ Those that replace a real event set up by the race organiser who has already committed to spend on events that have been cancelled or postponed and is trying to recoup some of their losses; paying for their virtual event might help keep them alive until things are better

✔ Virtual events set up in their own right (sometimes the entry fee will include a donation to a specific charity)

I have started a list of some of the virtual HM events available, but if you know of any more to add, let us know in the comments below. You can view the list here: docs.google.com/spreadsheet...

★ The HealthUnlocked spring 2021 Half Marathon

This is breaking news!!! Roseabi and I are looking into the possibility of our very own HU event. Most likely towards the end of March. It’s in the very early planning stages at the moment (think brainstorming and R&D), but we really hope to put something together that we could all do, on the same weekend, possibly guided with a simple app so we can all share the same experience!

★ Keep your comments coming!

As ever, the strength of this group is in shared information, experiences and support. Do let us know in the comments how it’s going for you, how you’re progressing, how you’re feeling. We will make regular posts now - let’s do this!

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

roseabi & linda9389 xxx

January 15th, 2021

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

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

Virtual events list: docs.google.com/spreadsheet...

Previous posts:

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

Check-in and strava club:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

127 Replies

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Even though I'm re-running couch to 5K at the moment, can I still be part of the group? I would love still hear all the amazing tips, I found the group so useful last time.

You're always welcome. C25K now. Just one step on the way to your next HM right? 😊

Yes definitely, thanks!

Just what I needed to hear this morning. Here in Portugal, nationwide lockdown from midnight last night. Still able to run with one more person so likely to continue my 3 x a week runs. So think a HM end of March will be doable. Of course, am hoping the LLHM at the end of May will go ahead so want to keep fit and strong enough to do justice to that.

Arrived back from a 4km walk with my husband. Beautiful morning - very warm in the sun but cold out of it. We are having a bit of a cold spell at the moment!!

Thanks so much for the motivation. Really appreciated and needed xx

Pick up your motivations here 😍Fingers firmly crossed for LLHM. It really is that bit later isn't it. I have an ultra and a cycling event planned for May and am not giving up on them just yet 🤞 Great to hear you can still get out to run despite your restrictions.

Love the idea of the HealthUnlocked spring 2021 Half Marathon. Really hope this can happen. Thanks, as always, for inspiring us.

Excellent! Let's make it happen!

Yay a HU 2021 spring HM would be brilliant! 👏👏👏 I'm back from the IC and slowly building up, so I hope to be able to resume my HM training soon🤞

Fabulous! The more of us there are the better it will be! Slowly building back will get you there - don't be tempted to rush and that patience will all pay off in the end 😊

🙏🤞🤞

I’m still plodding away, just completed week 5 of the BUPA HM plan. I set off at 6.30 on my long run this morning, trying to find a happy medium between getting back to start work and it being a bit lighter for some unlit stretches. Safe to say I miscalculated and ended up having to change my route as the unlit bits were still...well unlit. This resulted in an unplanned hill at about 7k, which was fun!

I took NRC and Coach B along for company. He suggested picking up my pace at one point, “no thanks Chris, you’re ok!” 😂

7 miles done, not fast about 1hr 22, but it’s a (half) marathon not a sprint! My plan finishes early March so loving the idea of a HU virtual.

Happy running everyone 😀

Fantastic!!! Not the light bit obviously, although the hill will have had it's benefits! You were much more polite to Coach B than I have been in the past 🤬. Your long run is supposed to be slow and easy, so no worries there 👍

HM training is essentially on pause at the moment - I can't get out in the daytime due to work/homeschooling taking up more time than I have, so I have to run at night, plus by the time I get out I'm limited to about an hour tops, which has totally messed up my longer runs. All on lit roads too so I miss my lovely trails!

I'm trying to at least maintain my fitness by getting out 3 times a week, aiming to do 10k at least once a week, and trying to do some strava challenges set by my local running club. To make the most out of the limited training time I'm trying to do plenty of hills and speed work to make up for not being able to increase my distance. Not sure when I'll be able to get back to longer runs again but hopefully I'll have at least maintained my fitness and will be able to pick up my training again when I can. Don't quite dare to commit to an event at the moment though something on HU in March sounds interesting.

It's really tough isn't it, especially with younger children at home. You're doing the right thing! Regular runs with no pressure, using the time you have and trying to add variety. With any luck you will lose far less fitness than you fear. An occasional longer run every two or even three weeks would go a long way too if you find an opportunity - they don't have to be every week so long as you are fitting in some regular shorter runs. good luck, and keep running as you can 😊

Wish I could be there to help with the home schooling (and the HM training). Love to the pupil and the runner.

Me too!

Thanks Linda. I was struggling to start my plan and now I'm on week 2 I've been struggling to fit the runs in this week. Hoping to catch up this weekend and get back on track. Enjoying the few runs I've done so far in the plan - sure it will get easier. Have a great weekend 🥶

Well done! Getting started can be the hardest thing! We can expect to drift from plan in normal times, and right now even more so. But stick with us, stay flexible and hopefully we can help keep you motivated and n track 😊

Thank you - and I forgot to say your HU HM is a great idea - just what we need.

An HU HM sounds fab! Loving the Virtual events list 🥰

Excellent! If you have any virtuals to add, do let us know

👍🙂

Hi Linda9389 and running friends!

I’m keeping up with my HM plan with a scheduled date of 25 April for completion. I’m also carrying on my LEJOG challenge (over 600 miles running done in 5 months) and also my virtual Route 66 challenge (over 60 miles running in 15 days) so I’m pleased with those.

Overall I’m very happy with how things are going but trying not to be over-confident as I’m sure there are plenty of obstacles ahead!😊

Happy running everyone! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

It all sounds to be going great! Do you think you'll be at HM distance by the end of March?

Hi Linda, yes I’m almost certain I could bring my HM date forward to the end of March instead🙂 I might then be able to finish LEJOG with the HM🤔 but it doesn’t matter if I can’t 😃

Sounds great!

Hi Linda9389, I’ve now redrafted my HM plan so it finishes with a HM at the end of March 2021. I’m already running at least 10K twice a week and smaller runs on most other days so I’m sure HM will be achievable if I just vary run lengths in training🙂👍

Indeed! That's a lot of running!

I've just introduced myself on Strava - we seem to be within a couple of miles of each other at Loch Lomond on lejog4!! 🤣🤣

Thanks Cantstopmenow, I’ve just sent you a follow request on Strava. Small world!🤣

Got it! I'm following you too. 🤣🤣👍

God, I really needed a pep talk! It's hard to find motivation for anything these days, and I usually feel like I can rule the world after a good run, but the ice and the snow has defeated me for the last few days 🥶🥶🥶 I won't give up though! Thanks for sharing and caring everyone, I'm sure we've got this💪💪💪 Also, a HU race sounds great!😊

It is hard isn't it. Some days are even harder than others! Do what you can when you can. Working on some indoor Strength and Flex exercises to complement your running might give you a bit of a boost while you can't get outdoors - but choose something you enjoy not something you would normally avoid at all costs! Failing that, use the run time to do something nice and relaxing and feel just a little bit better for taking care of yourself. The snow will thaw. The ice will melt. And then you have no excuses!!!

Thank you, I will try to do these, I definitely need to work on my core! I managed to go for a slow, careful run yesterday and I actually ended up running on a new route to avoid the ice. There's always some silver lining 🌞😊😊

Excellent! You value the runs all the more when you know they're hard to come by 😊

Hi Linda and everyoneI'm aiming for a spring hm just to help keep me motivated and give me something to aim for. I'm trying to enjoy my runs and pick up the pace after my half marathons last year. I've managed a 10k run this week and am hoping for a further 5 this week then a 12k and 5k next week. It's all weather dependent though.

I find the autumn strava hm group and following others help keep me motivated and I'm enjoying Yoga with Adriene, I think its helped my running too. Hope all's well with everyone x

Sounds like it's going well! I find that thinking of the yoga on a long run is really helpful, especially as I get tired. Imagining the 'energy flow up my front and down my back' helps lift and open my chest and shoulders which in turn lifts my head; I feel stronger and it's easier to breathe .... and that's a few more metres behind me! Yes, the yoga helps in all sorts of ways 😊

I'll have to try that. It seems to help my posture and helps me tune into the rhythm of my breathing when running.I couldn't grasp my raised ankle from a kneeling position in today's session (number 14 space). I managed to grab the hem of my trousers then got cramp in my hamstrings 🤣. Practice makes perfect. Have a good weekend 😀

I was OK today, but I've had cramp before trying to reach back like that. Not nice!

Yesterday's session was about the only time I didn't get cramp in my hamstrings in that pose, I was amazed!! I kept thinking where's the cramp? It must be happening soon?? Nope 😂

I'm planning on doing a virtual HM on 30th January. I was aiming to do the Brighton HM in February but it's postponed to June, and I am registered for The Big Half in April but I reckon that'll be off.

My runniversary is on 20th February, so I'm going to celebrate with a HM then, close to when I'd have been doing Brighton.

Ahh, disappointing! But a great way to mark your runniversary!!! Well done for sticking with it. Which virtual are you doing on 30th?

It’s called Run England. I don’t know how serious it is, I just googled half marathon January.

I think I may have seen that one - I'll check it out and add it to the list. By the way,, 'serious' was not a criteria in the compiling of the list 😃 I did a virtual duathlon of theirs last summer 😊

Thanks linda9389 and roseabi for all this. I've been enjoying the Strava club, though I do find myself comparing myself to others more than is good for me 🙄

The last few weeks have been weird: I ran lots just before Christmas and up to New Year's Day, including 22.7k on 22nd December. Then snow arrived on 2nd January, and I found myself on an enforced two-week break as surfaces were too icy and risky to run on.

Finally got out and ran 6k this morning, and this evening it's started snowing again! 6pm- 6.00am curfew kicks in tomorrow for two weeks minimum, so I've decided I just need to go with the flow, run when I can, and not stress over targets and performance.

Absolutely - no stress and no comparisons (other than to yourself). Let running be the antidote to all your stress rather than the cause of it 😊

Just plod along, don't worry about comparisons everyone's conditions are different. We are all different ages with different builds, I am 57 and have never been into a sport which does not have wheels and a motor!

Just looked at my December and January distances ☹️☹️☹️ Pants!The preceding 4 months were going so well! Combination of weather and calf. Only answer; get my ass in gear and get out there. Ice permitting, I will try a 5k tomorrow and either kick on from there or surrender to my physio. HM seems a long way off, but still in my sights!!

Oooh, I know that feeling BC! On the other hand, I've been here so many times I now know better than assume it's TOO far off 👍😀 I do hope you get on top of that calf issue and that the weather cooperates for you 🤞

I am not about to give up, that is for sure! Maybe I should move south! 🙂

It's the reason I won't move back north!!!

I lived in the Surrey for 18 months. Different climate!

Hi Linda, Whereabouts was "back north"?

I grew up in Cheshire til my early teens, then North Wales and hubby was near Glasgow. All lovely but wet, windy and several degrees colder than Bucks!

I'm originally from Hazel Grove, which was in Cheshire when I first started off. The government redrew the boarder because it benefited them but, as far as I'm concerned, it's still in Cheshire.

Stayed in that area for 40 odd years (apart from a stint as a student). Then had about 8 years in Swindon, now in Bristol. And, can you believe I'm only 35?

No way!!! Castleton Road til I was 13!!! Small world 😃

That's close! My folks house was on Jacksons Lane and I bought my own place on Conway Drive (it overlooked Moorfield).

Currently just trying to keep things ticking over until the risk of ice goes away. That said, seem to be having a break from it at the moment so I'm getting back to my routine (although I'm expecting it to be messed up again before winter's over).

Your post had me thinking about virtual HMs, I guess it's possible to do two (or more) on the same day! That's something that would be much harder with "real" HMs!

Wow, I guess you could! Or even the same one twice!!! Thankfully our forecast changed overnight from heavy snow to sleet this morning. I'm a big wimp in snow and ice. Your 'ticking over' looks to be going very well, nicely on track for two HMs in one day 😊

Thanks Linda. On the virtual HM front, I was thinking of running them concurrently

😀

Ahaha! Duh!!! Of course 😅. I took me a London marathon medal AND a virtual 26.2 for my attempt in October. Who's judging 🤷‍♀️

I spoke too soon. It's already white out there ❄😪

Please add me to the group, I’m aiming to run half-marathon again at the end of March beginning of April. I’ve normally followed a NRC plan but the latest “upgrade” of the app has removed that feature. I’ll need to follow an off line plan instead.

Brilliant! will do. That's shame about NRC. I think quite a few HU folk have followed their plans before now. Is it about to become a 'paid for' feature perhaps? NRC always strikes me as very good value for money for a free app!

Yes to was the real benefit of the app, I don’t think there is a version you can pay of but maybe they plan to introduce one. Here is the official view.

We’re always updating the Nike Run Club App to serve you better. We've removed Coach Plans in their current form to focus on new features and experiences to help you reach your running goals. Don’t worry, if you’re already in a Coach Plan, you’ll still be able to finish your current plan. And you can download NRC training plans online—you can pick 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon.

Hmmm!

Needed to see this! Have found the cold weather has particularly hit my motivation! Signed up to the Strava group, so 🤞 I get that mojo going! Thankyou!!

It's hard isn't it! We've got snow this morning, so hoping it will do one before my run! Have accepted you into the Strava club so we can keep an eye on that mojo now 😊

Thanks,Love to be part of this. Just back running this week after nearly 3 weeks unwell😷, taking it easy though building up to 15k then aiming for hm so in need of tips, motivation and encouragement👍👍

Oh yes, do take it easy and build back gradually. Hope you're feeling much better and happy to be running again. The HM is waiting patiently for you 😊

This is absolutely brilliant and I salute you all for putting it together and supporting all of us so well. March for me will probably be the earliest. FWIW I did Race at your pace challenges each month last year, they were good and I gained some bling however I feel the need for something to aim at and some "Real" Virtual HMs would be good.

I agree virtuals can be really good for a bit of focus. So you have a plan - a March HM for you, you can do it !!!👍😊

Have you registered a HU team on the Cambridge Virtual?

Charlies1 has done so. The link on the virtual race list should take you to register with that team if I did it right! This is the original post about it from Charlies1 healthunlocked.com/marathon...

it's definitely been and still is total pants! and it's my running that has given me a focus away from the anxiety of it all. I finally managed to do my Autumn HM just before Christmas, I'd set a target and needed to do it and I'm glad I did but oh my goodness was I shattered at the end! I literally struggled to put one foot in front of the other for the last 100 metres or so and then had to walk my usual uphill 1km home which was the slowest I've ever done that too, normally I've got at least a bit of a spring left in my step anyway when I got home, despite sending a text home to say I'd done the HM, that I was shattered, had stomach pains and deserved a bit of a fuss, no one did and I have to admit I felt very deflated and tearful. Sadly they'll never understand but I'm so grateful for the support and kind comments on the Strava group after, it really lifted my spirits again. Anyway at the time I said I'd never do it again, why would I want to? it was bloomin hard work after two failed attempts before that because of injuries but in hindsight I loved it! (just not the end) and I'm sure it'll be easier the second time around with the Spring HM group support, so I'm hoping to do another in early Febuary. I did look at signing up for a Centurian virtual race aswell because they've got one on my birthday week in April but I like the idea of a HM group one especially as we're following each others progress. Thanks roseabi and linda9389 for organising the group and all of the encouragement given even when you've been having injury problems or worries yourselves it really means alot to someone like me who's not a member of a running club or got a running buddy to go out with xxx

Ahh, itshard when no-one at home understands- I have the same problem (I was talking about my strava 2020 distance goal, how I really wanted to reach my annual target- 'what are you? A salesman?' Spoken with such disdain!!!!)🙄🙈But the one thing we can all do for each other is absolutely understand the highs, the lows and most importantly, the whys too!

We can do more together 😊

As for 'I'm never doing that again' ... well, enough said 😅😅😅

They are all pretty amazing on here, especially the mods. I kinda know how you all feel. My OH is quite supportive but sometimes it feels like going through the motions and you really feel like you could do with a bit of enthusiasm. It was cold, wet and miserable here this morning and it was sort of "you should not be going out in that". I have done pretty much no sport that did not involve and engine and 4 wheels since I left school about 40 years ago, I was pushing some sedentary health issues before I started this and now I am running about 25k per week. It would be really good if someone would say (from home) I am chuffed to bits for you or I am really proud of you. Without all the excellent people here who send me good wishes from all around the world (usually NZ first because I am 2 hrs ahead of UK and in the summer I run at 5.30), I would probably be on about 4 different tablets from the docs. So, you are all great, mods especially and I thank you all.

Very nice of you to say so!I agree though, sometimes I feel so proud of myself I just cannot understand why my family aren't shouting it from the rooftops!!! They just cannot understand why I do it 😂

Hi Linda and everyoneYour ideas for a virtual HM sounds amazing and something great to aim towards although at the moment I think I'd be walking most of it as I've got knee issues. I've put up a separate post asking for a bit of advice as this is the first time I've really had an issue since starting in February.

Having never run with anyone else I think I'd be much happier with a virtual event anyway. I've never liked crowds of people before so this started. I can imagine I'll like them even less now 😂

I'm looking forward to learning more from you all x

Ohh, the knee issue is a pain. I'll take a look at your separate post. I generally don't like crowds and I like running alone, but I do love the atmosphere of a real race. I'm still running alone, but for a short while I'm immersed among people who share my passion. It's both empowering and humbling all at once 😊.

But virtuals are indeed a great way to share the race without the crowds!

After I wrote that I laughed as I'd been saying to someone else on here that I liked the idea of being a parkrun tourist. Obviously there would be crowds there!I won't know till I get to have a go I suppose.... One day anyway.

Depends on the size of your parkrun really 😊

My local parkrun regularly has between 600 and 800 people. The first one I ever did had 24 people, including me!!! You don't have to talk to anyone, but you often tend to find yourself involuntarily smiling, thanking people and ... well ... enjoying the atmosphere 😊

To be honest Linda, the start to 2021 was no more than expected I reckon. It's the one trip outside for exercise I'm having trouble twiddling with. Getting there slowly by adding extra warm down walks but then you have to layer for it... aha, call eldest kitten out for his one trip of exercise to join you in a walk and get him to bring your coat 💡Runs are going ok. Nothing longer than a 5k this week but I've done 6 of them so hoping the endurance is building in a different way. Never done that many in a streak before. 10k tomorrow...let's see how the old body copes 👍

Have safe fun everyone 👏👏

You're doing amazingly ! I agree the one lot of exercise is my main issue too. Having to ger creative to combine errands with dog walks, or to suck up a stupid treamill walk - still, all adds to the challenge and sense of achievement 😅 Good luck tomorrow, maybe not shoot for a PR?

Thanks Linda 😍 No, no PRs at the moment, unless you count the running streak.

It’s certainly stretching the creativity. No dog or treadmill here. Have thought again about taking the cat out (I did actually buy him a harness shortly after we got him but it’s too small) but I think that will be for when desperation really kicks in as he doesn’t like the outside much😳!

😅😅😅

I’m definitely up for a HUHM, so count me in please Linda! 😀

My only issue is training during lockdown. I’m doing loads of challenges at the moment and running every day, but no longer than 7-10k as a long run. I’m going to have to bite the bullet and drive into Bristol once a week for some mud free pavements. It’s about a 7 mile drive. That’s ok isn’t it? 🤞🤞

I’ve been ultra good recently and have only run locally, but (as I’m sure you’ve noticed from Strava) I’ve only been on trails. It’s not safe running on our local small, busy, pavementless roads.

It would take picture perfect dry weather, with no wind or dog walkers and lots of imagination to run more than 10k on the common. I did do 10 miles there last summer but ohhhh the monotony! I had to be imaginative to avoid the worst of the hills. 🙄 I vowed never again! 😅

But I can’t be left out of this latest fun plan, so I’m going to have to hope it’s acceptable to run in town occasionally ....... 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

It's tricky balancing the books isn't it! Hopefully there will also be some relaxation of rules before the end of March. One other thing you could maybe try is back to back long runs - a lot of training plans use that strategy - you do two (shorter) long runs on consecutive days instead of the one (long) long run.

Ahh yes that’s a good idea. Plus the fact I know I have the longer distances in my legs from last year must be beneficial too. You’d think (hope) things would have relaxed a bit by the end of March ...... pleeease! 🤞

🤞🤞🤞

A HU half marathon sounds good! I think I'll have a look at some virtual ones. Thank you for providing a list!

Excellent. There are more virtual HMs out there, but there's a mixture there. More may be added if more live events end up cancelled. Let us know if you spot anything interesting 👍

Hello everyone 😃 As usual with me I’ve arrived late again 🙄 Once my Runnersworld quest is out of the way I am hoping to try once again for a half marathon and this time actually plan for it.

I really hope you get the March HU HM sorted as that would be a great target to aim for. I joined the strava club too 😊

Good luck everyone with your training 👍

Great stuff! Better late than never! I've added you to the posse.

Thanks for the virtual list, I love the idea of the Biryani half marathon!

Have just seen runningmad have a 19k Beat Covid-19 as well as Thanks NHS and Thanks Key Workers - I do feel one of these would be an appropriate memento of a rubbish year!

I'll take a look. I did come across a virtual for Keyworkers but it kept taking me to different links and in the end I was a bit suspicious of who was actually running it and whether or not any money was going to make it's way to charity, so thought I better leave it off. I'll take a look at RunningMad though and if I can find a HM one I'll add it to the list, thanks.

It's my absolute favourite on that list!

Thank you to everyone for being so encouraging, and I love the idea of a virtual HM.

I was signed up for the Chelmsford half, now postponed until October. I was doing okay up to Christmas, but since New Year my legs seem to have turned to lead. I set off today planning to do a 14K route, after a while my legs were really hurting and I thought I must’ve covered quite a distance. Checked the Garmin and I had done 3.5K! In the end, I did just over 10K, including my slowest recent 5K which I posted to the Chelmsford virtual race. The tracks around here are extremely muddy and even the back roads are flooded with edge to edge puddles, so I came back with very wet feet as well as leaden legs.

I’m beginning to wonder if I have a virus – hopefully not the virus! No real symptoms apart from lack of stamina. Anyway, I can press on with short runs, yoga, and other activities, and try again with a long run when my legs feel a bit better.

Thanks to everyone who has given me kudos on Strava for my incredibly slow runs – it’s really very much appreciated, and helps me find the enthusiasm to go out the next time.

Slow is absolutely fine - leaden legs not so good! Mud and water not only slow you down but also interrupt your rhythmn so you never quite get into your groove. Have a few freedom runs with no expectations, then try a longer SLOW run ... really slow, that's what you need to make a long run enjoyable 😊 In the meantime be nice to yourself and feel better soon.

Thanks for everyone’s support. Loving this group and Strava support group. On wk 2 of 12 week plan, aiming for HM by the end of March. Today I ran 12K, my furthest and longest run to date and I hit a 10K PB by 2.5 mins as well. I have to trick my head as I mixed up my running routes, I ran a 6K, a 4K and a 2K, all there is too it lol. My legs now know they add up 😬Happy running

That's great progress and a very neat strategy. Similarly, the 'cross' approach (it probably has a better name, but if so I've forgotten it) is a good way to attack a long run - starting from home (or a base point) you run out and back 4k, then out and back 3k in a different direction, then out and back 2k, then out and back 1k (distances can be amended as appropriate). Lots of short runs, no need to carry water or fuel and lots of toilets along the route 😊

What a smart idea!

Not one of mine of course, but very useful 😊

Hi Linda, I have been lurking in the shadows so far this year but it is time to wave, say hello 2021 and admit that I am signed up for the Vitality HM. Can you add me to your lovely spreadsheet? My running really dropped off after my HMs in September and October but I am getting back into things and am currently on W4 of a Garmin training program. My HM plan last time consisted of simple distance plodding, but this one has progression runs, cadence runs, intervals etc which I am loving and loathing in equal measure! Anyway, it would be great to run a real race (I am not holding my breath) and shave some time off my first HM effort. Many thanks x

Brilliant. I will add you to the list! I don't keep my long runs going either. I usually want something different after either a spring or autumn HM - less structure usually, parkrun tourism maybe, or speed ... whatever appeals at the time. Three or four months out from the next HM I'm usually craving the structure again and a new plan is always exciting 😊 Enjoy!

Thanks Linda. I have have been taking part in the Fly5k on Saturdays now and then as a change from the longer runs; I certainly enjoy running faster and not having to think about sensible speeds.

It's always good to mix things up - physically and mentally 😊

Interested in the cadence runs - how do they work?

It was one of the earlier runs (ashamed to say I skipped that one 😜) but you had to do 20 second bursts of 150-200 strides per minute and then a 45 second recovery jog x 8. I promise to do the next one that comes up and report back!

Oh I see! Interesting, that is quite a wide range of cadence. xxx

I am guessing that it will become a narrower range as time goes on.

Actually I missed the part about it being 20 second bursts in that range - it makes more sense to me now 😊😊😊

I like the idea of a HU event in principal, although having run my first ever HM a couple of weeks back, I'm not ready for that commitment again just yet (still bathing in the glow of glory!) and wondered if it could include other options? Selfishly, I'd be up for a 10 miler (don't see many of those on offer) but a 10 or 15km option could prove attractive.I realise that I'm floating these ideas with zero involvement in having to organise any of it, so please feel free to ignore my interference 😀🏴‍☠️.

Haha! We'll just have to convince you!!! It's an interesting thought though. Noted. Really not sure how it will play out in detail just yet, so shorter distances may prove easy to incorporate, or not! Will keep it in mind, though by end March you may be desperate to HM again 😀

Thanks for the reply Linda. I'm unlikely to "desperate" to do another HM given that the last 3kms of my inaugural one were run on the knife edge of "will my legs cramp up or not?" but that said, I have only this morning been on the Bath HM 2021 website... and I live in Yorkshire! 😅

Teehee! Do it!!!I should've been doing that last year with Cheeky, Irish Princess and RedCello but it didn't happen 😪

Hi Linda, The HUHM sounds a great idea! I'm currently week 7 of the 16 week HU plan, so end of March should be just about perfect timing for me. There are now 3 of us signed up for Cambridge HM, so hopefully we can combine the that with the HUHM.

Brilliant. Your well on your way with the training. Wht are the requirements for submitting Cambridge results? Is there an app or anything you have to use during the run?

Cambridge are using resultsbase.net - so they can upload automatically from a linked Garmin Connect account, or you can enter your results manually (with photo evidence from Strava etc.)

Great. Thanks for the info. And good luck!

Hi, how do I join this group? I’m due to run a half marathon in May and would the love advice and support from the group.

Consider yourself in! All you have to do is express an interest 😀. I'll add you to the list for Hackney Half. If you follow roseabi and myself then you should get notification of any posts we make.

Thanks so much!! How many others are running Hackney?

Just one on the list at the moment docs.google.com/spreadsheet... may be more. You could always write a post saying you've entered and ask if anyone else has too 😊

Yes good idea.

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