Half Marathon Training - Day 1

[Dodgylungs]

Hackney Half Marathon (hereafter to be known as HHM) training schedule:

“If you stop you’re not finished. You’re only finished if you don’t start again.”

Week 1 Day 1

I walk/ran 5.5K around Regents Park. Although I’m horribly out of shape and walked for much of it (mainly because my hamstring is still a bit tweaky), the good news is that I am currently on track for running the 21K in my initial target time of 3hrs. With a bit more running I could easily run 7K in an hour and I’ve only got to do that three times. So I’m already starting from a good place. I’m not bothered about walking during these runs since my target is to complete the HM in 3hrs. Obviously, I’ll try to run all the way but I’ve got 12 weeks to build up it.

My post run breakfast this morning was a coffee and croissant. I will have to gear my diet more towards running as I go and will probably add smoothies and protein shakes to my regime, but there’s something about a post run coffee and croissant which makes me feel satisfied and at peace with the world. I also added a hydration tablet to my water bottle to stave off cramp. I will also need to stretch after runs and look after my aching body better than I have been doing.

I’m following the Runners World 12 Week Beginners Half Marathon plan. It’s doable and flexible, involving some uphill sprints and fartlek runs as well as easy ones. So I’m all set. I do need to find a better armband iPhone holder. The one I have at the moment cuts out the signal to my AirPods.

Today’s run isn’t part of the running plan which officially starts tomorrow with a rest day, but I just wanted to see what kind of shape I’m in.

Let’s do this!!

[nowster Metric Marathon]

I wouldn't bother trying to change your diet. Protein shakes are just waste products of cheese making wrapped in marketing. If you're eating well already, there's no need to supplement it.

For my HM near miss, all I did was buy a few bags of jelly babies and eat maybe two jelly babies for every km starting at 10km.

[Dodgylungs Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

My ex wife swears by jelly babies for mountain climbing. I have type 2 diabetes so have to watch my sugar intake a bit but I’ll try eating a banana before my runs. I’ve not been eating very healthily recently, so need to get back to my healthier regime.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Your head’s in the right place and I love your enthusiasm. Good luck and keep posting to let us know how you’re doing 🍀

[Dodgylungs Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you!