Cambridge Half 17.10.21 - who's in???

[Joster]

I said never again after practically crawling over the finish in March 2020, but of course, I couldn't resist entry and I'm through the ballot! Emails came out this morning. Anyone else taking part?

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I think Madge50 and Curlygurly2 might have done this before so perhaps they’re doing it this year.

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Madge50 definitely has!

[bubblebird123 Half Marathon]

Joster I too have signed up for this. Feeling very apprehensive as I have never managed more than 10k and I am only back to running 8 weeks after being couched due to injury. I must say it's kept my motivation high to get out and run 😁....also spending a lot of time wondering what I have gone and done

Hoping for lots of tips...good luck

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to bubblebird123]

Hey! Great to hear from you. I did it for the first time last year. I had only been running for one year previous, started before turning 50 and in a moment of madness signed up for the HM, also having never done more than 10k at that point. I won't say it was easy, but with planning and training you can do it. I slightly ran out of time in the month before the event, I had (possibly) an early case of COVID in the February and was utterly floored for two weeks. Even on the day of the race, my breathing was still difficult. But am so glad I did it - last couple of miles were tough, just had to slow right down but felt great to do it.

I am squarely back in the "no more than 10k" category again so need a bit of a mental and physical regime to conquer to persuade myself I CAN do over 10k and build up the distance again. Found out my running buddy also got a place, saw her this morning and we are equally nervous, but having the target is a real motivation.

This forum is great for support and tips and just generally motivating, stay in touch and you can do this! WE can do this!

[bubblebird123 Half Marathon in reply to Joster]

Ha I am still thinking I was totally bonkers and am just going to keep getting out for a few regular runs and keep checking in here for mojo boosts.

I think the mental battles have already begun but i will keep plodding

That pesky covid can really knock you out of whack ...glad it didn't stop you in your tracks.

Joster I have just seen your time...that was an amazing run 😁😁

[Madge50 Marathon in reply to bubblebird123]

I promise you, you’ll love it, it’s a fab course, great atmosphere, it was my first HM so has a special place in my heart......you’ve got loads of time to get ready, take it steady, you’ll be great! Feel the fear and do it anyway! 🤗

Mx

[Madge50 Marathon]

Well........I’ve got a ballot place......but not 100% decided....🤔.....I’m in the same place as you by the sounds of it .......although I’m just about getting myself out for 5k’s at the moment......don’t know what it is really......seemed to lose motivation once I finished LeJog and OH has had a rather bad stress fracture, so keeping myself getting out on my own all the time has been a struggle.....We’ll see, got until the end of May to decide......😉

Mx

[bubblebird123 Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

I am definitely going for it...I have announced it far and wide so gotta keep face 😁....feeling the fear...keeping the faith 😁😁😁

Congrats on the place..it may be the thing that gets that regular mojo going

.I love running on my own....my other half detests running...I have found signing up for the HM has kept my running more regular so it has definitely helped with running

Good luck whatever you decide

[Madge50 Marathon in reply to bubblebird123]

I do like running on my own too, but it did become a bit of a slog, absolutely no company and the way the weather has been, my beloved trails have been completely off limits because of the mud (quagmire)......(and I don’t mind mud! - but I draw the line at swimming in it....)the choice of road routes I have has become very boring......and of course no parkrun....☹️

Yes, we’ll see, the route of the HM is fabulous.....🤔.......

Mx

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

Hi Madge, good to hear from you and glad you are thinking about the HM again!! I know what you mean about choice of road routes, it becomes a bit monotonous doesn't it? OH has taken to hopping in the car and taking the dog up to some nearby woods (which are beautiful) just for a change of scenery. He loves to run on the tracks and trails so suits them both perfectly (no lead needed!). Lack of parkrun is such a shame and looking iffy for 5th June. Cambridge have said NO, Fulbourn presumably won't as NHS property, and the last thing they need is 150 random punters on a Saturday morning. Wimpole also a no, so are a bit stumped round here. Only one of "mine" that has said yes is Hunstanton. And I may just be there on the day as it's half term! But it will be swamped, if it's allowed to go ahead.....

[Madge50 Marathon in reply to Joster]

Yes, i see that about the parkruns, I got a message back from the Milton team....☹️....let’s hope it’s not permanent........I wondered whether St Neots (pocket) or Huntingdon might be a goer, they both have more space...... have you heard anything about Coldhams?Mx

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

It's been so long I had forgotten about Coldhams! It's on the list as a YES!

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Joster]

Coldham's Common has said yes, but presumably won't be the only one to open if the others don't, there would be too many runners descending on it...

Where is the list?

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

blog.parkrun.com/uk/2021/04.... They update it every couple of days and make announcements on Twitter. Now the government and Lord Coe have waded in and told them all to take their dummies out let’s see what happens!

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Joster]

Thank you xx

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

Yes, I'm in, You get a guaranteed place if you volunteer, which I did last year. I'm following a Garmin Connect 10K with a time goal plan at the moment for Flaming June, then that will leave me 3 - 4 months to do a HM plan.

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Great stuff! So glad you are in too. I'm working on Vitality 10k which I am running in around two weeks with my regular parkrun ladies, then will also focus on upping the distance - slow and steady! Paid for my pace, so no going back now. 😂🏃‍♀️