Hello hello everyone! I’m thrilled to be hosting this week’s chat and have been busy thinking about what we could chat about. So many possibilities …. 🤔 I do love a good natter and it was the one thing I always got told off for in school. Well, apart from the time I accidentally ripped a National Geographic 🙀 I got caned for that! Those were the days, eh? Anyway, that’s a story for another day….
I can’t believe it’s June already. I mean, how did we get from January to now in the blink of an eye? It’s true that the older you get the quicker the passing of time 🙀 I don’t know about you but I feel as if I’ve somehow “lost” a few months and now wonder where they’ve gone. Admittedly I didn’t run for the whole month of January but still, the weeks have flown by and I’m not where I thought I’d be half way through the year. I’ve been taking stock a bit and looking at how my current running stacks up against my initial plans and the bottom line is it’s all a bit pants 😂
I expected to be further on distance-wise at this point. I was aiming for going beyond HM. I just wanted to feel comfortable at longer distances and then see where that took me. I decided this last year and it’s fair to say that the path has been a bit up and down with some gains and some losses. It was all going well, I was running 18K and 20K regularly but then a few niggles set in and some life stuff got thrown into the mix and as a result my routine went to seed. I just wasn’t able to get the long runs in but at least I was able to keep to shorter distances which was something.
But you know what? The past is done and finished but we have the rest of the year to catch up and get back on track if needed. I have the Bristol HM in September and I need to start thinking about that and perhaps this time I’ll train to an actual plan instead of doing my own thing 🙂
So how have your plans turned out? Are you on track? Perhaps you’ve overtaken your original goals and surpassed yourself. If so, tell us all about it! Or perhaps, like me, things haven’t gone to plan and it’s time for a reset. If so, what happened? What do you see yourself doing in the second half of the year? Tell all here, we’d love to know.
As always, if you’re new here, or just browsing through the community posts, this is a great place to introduce yourself and let us know how you are doing. You’ll find plenty of support and knowledge from your fellow runners here.
Have a great week everyone!!!
The Marathon Team xxx
If you are planning a virtual race, visit the post linked here to let us know about it and we’ll try our best to give you a pom pom cheer:
Hello IP. How nice to see you as the Chatmaster. Really pleased to know you will be more involved in the forum, as your posts are always a treat.
Re: targets and progress, I have somehow crept out of the doldrums. I need to because London Landmarks is on 1st August. Not long now. Was concerned that I wasn’t getting in the longer distances, but I managed a half marathon distance on Saturday and that went well.
HM on Saturday!!! Whoop, brilliant Stephen, it sounds as if you’re already there for 1 August, just need to keep ticking over now.
Last week was good and I got a couple of 10K’s done so I can use that to start building up the mileage again. But I’ve worked out that if I use a 12 week plan for my HM then I’ll need to start at the end of the month 😳 mmmnnnn……
You will see my post this morning, my plans didn't go quite as I'd have hoped, my Covid jabs rather knocked me out, but I kept plodding along and did a 10K race yesterday. It was hard and I was last but I didn't care!
I'm going t take a few days off then think about my HM in October.
Hi CG 🙂 I haven’t seen your post yet but I’ll have a look. It sounds as if you’ve been through it so good for you for doing the race! It must have been great to have an actual real-life race - I assume it was - was that your first one back?
I haven’t done any races yet, I might do a 10K next week but I am totally unprepared…..and I don't want to mess up right at the start of a HM training plan 🙄
Ye, it was the first real race, I did a parkrun a couple of weeks ago, they wanted to test the new route, or so they said! I think it was an excuse for a get together, it was practically the same as the old route..
What a wonderful host! How lovely to have you corral us all this week IP. 🥰
I always consider your running as absolutely solid. You get knocked down, you get back up again (of course I sung that sentence 🎶) and you bounce right back. Kudos for even considering running beyond HM - something I won’t be doing UNLESS I ever get into London. Part of me hopes I’m never successful! 😂
I too need to start thinking about my HM training again. As you know (squeal) we’re due to have our long awaited meet-up in Bristol! 👏 I’m considering trying a NRC plan this time round. I’m generally not a plan follower, but I thought I might give one a whirl. Why not? It’ll be my 6th HM but my first proper real life race.
Ooh Munks! I know! It’s not that long until Bristol. When I first started looking at dates I did a double take as I couldn’t believe it was around the corner 🙀eeeek!
Yes, I’m quite keen to try a plan this time but haven’t looked yet so if you do find a good looking one then let me know. We could train “together”.
Never mind the running, I can’t wait to meet up with you 😍
I know! 👏👏👏 It’ll be fantastic meeting up at long last. So many aborted efforts. Thanks Covid, for literally nothing!
I’ve just looked at the NRC 14 week HM training plan and it looks good. I think that could be the one I plump for - even though it’s only 13 weeks until the big day! (Whaaaaaat?). It’s flexi thankfully. It just recommends you start with more than 6 weeks to go. I think I’ll start this very week! 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️
Wow, 6th HM! that's brilliant. I would be interested to hear about your training plans Cheeky because I am hatching a plan to go for a HM this Autumn (before my big birthday.....shhhh 😉). I will probably write a post because hubby is fed up with me procrastinating! I will look out for your posts about your plans.
Aww shucks SS, that’s really kind to say. I’m a total trundler, no speed involved, and I’m obstinate. If I set my mind to something, I do it. I run every step whether my legs are shouting at me or not!
But I’ll see what effect the NRC plan has. Maybe I need more structure to my training, and maybe I’ll shed a few more snails! 🐌🐌
Brilliant that you’re planning a special HM too. Go on, write that post! 👊🏃♀️🥰
My husband went to Uni in Bristol so we’ve got a picture on our wall saying homeward bound. There’s not much chance of us leaving Western Australia now but Bristol is a great city. What fun you’re all going to have running an actual race again.
I started the year struggling to hit 100k per month but I’m now at 778.9km and loving my running ❤️🏃♀️
Will go for another HM attempt before the heat comes back and everything feels hard again 😎
You’ve surpassed your target! That’s absolutely brilliant, you must be so pleased 👍It’s always a fantastic feeling when we hit and then overtake our original goal, well done to you 💪 and good luck with the HM.
That’s a lovely picture, what a small world. The HM route takes us on this road as did the 10K which cheekychipmunks and I have done. It is a great city and we’re so looking forward to it 🙂
Lovely to read your enthusiastic introduction. Can I join the Half Marathon Better Join A Training Plan Gang too! I am doing a Garmin plan where you set the time you wish to achieve .Running my first HM with real live people in September (hopefully) at Badminton.
Hello! Of course you can! The more the merrier 🙂 Some folks here have done the Garmin plans - from memory I think they’re good for mixing things up. I’ll take a look at that one too.
Good luck and enjoy the training - Badminton is local to me but I had already signed up for Bristol (the next day from yours) and I reckoned I couldn’t quite manage two HM’s in two days 🙀
Hi Princess, I am contemplating doing a HM in the Autumn so interested to hear about your ideas about which plan to go for. It seems quite a few folk are doing the same 😊
Oooh brilliant! How exciting! The little posse is gathering momentum! I generally don't get on with plans Sue and have never trained to one before but thought I’d quite like to improve my HM time and so it’s probably a good idea to have a plan this time. I’m going to do some research but there are a few suggestions from others above that are worth looking at.
I would have loved my HM to be in October, but it's at the beginning of September, It would have been so much better when it was cooler
My HM training is beset with small ups and downs, but I'm trusting myself and my body and we'll see where I get to - as soon as I'm running without calf problems and no walk breaks (I hate walk breaks, if feels like I'm not doing it right) I'll add my Saturday trail run back in. It's nice in the fields and the forest.
I am happy to be "back" (although not quite) running and if I don't make it ready for my HM, it won't be for lack of trying - giving it my best shot.
Slightly ahead on my plan, but only cos I pushed a bit further as I was jeffing it. If I'd been able to run it all, I would have stuck to it (probably ) - so mainly leg strengthening and aerobic fitness being worked on
I might throw in a step session or 2 (very 1990s of me) just to strengthen those calves and knees as I was reminded in the Strength and Flex forum
The weather in September can be unpredictable so it could very well be cool 🙂 At least with the recent hot spell you’ll be getting used to running in warmer weather just in case.
I love that you’re trusting yourself and your body 🙂and from your posts it all sounds as if you’re making good progress. Our best is all we can do at the end of the day.
I remember step classes, those leotards and headbands 😂… bring it on!!!
I had planned to reach my First HM by the end of next month, but had a bit of a setback with a skipping injury 😔
My own silly fault adding it into my non run days, was fun while it lasted, but obviously my old bones aren't up to it 🥴
I had managed as far as 10miles the week before and was feeling brilliant and all was going to plan, but suppose it's all part of running, injury.. recovery and as you say getting back onit and not letting the tough times stop us coming back! 💪
Ran my first 10K since injury this morning and all went well, think I'm ready to carry on with the plan , just might take a bit longer, but I'm not putting too much pressure on myself and however long it takes.. just enjoy the journey 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
But a skipping injury Sparky!! That’s the first I’ve heard of skipping interrupting running 😩 But I’m not surprised. I remember trying it a few years ago and found out immediately that I really needed to wear my sports bra as it was all a bit painful 😳 and I found it hard on the knees too 😂
But it sounds as if you’re back with 10K. It’s a great baseline for increasing distance.
Hello there Irishprincess! Well, having run my first 10 miles last week, my thoughts are turning towards doing a half marathon. Of course it’s only in the thinking about it stage at the moment, you know, when it’s sort of an idea at the back of your mind. I know it will take dedication and work, so I think coming up with a plan is the way forward at the moment. A plan that doesn’t take more than 3 days a week, I have to say! So for now I’ll aim to do a few more 10 milers and slowly slowly build it up. There’s no rush - it would just be an amazing achievement 😊🏃♀️👍🤞🦶.
Hello! If you can run 10 miles you can definitely run a HM. Most training plans take you to 10 miles so just adding a K once every week or other week might be an option. I got to 18K and then just ran the rest one day even though the last K was hard but at that stage you know you can cover the full distance.
You’ll know yourself when you feel you’re ready and you want to do it and it might very well be one day when you hadn’t planned it, but it sort of just happens 🙂
Hi IP. I think the word pants describes my running this year! Loads of niggles, nothing massive, but enough to keep my mileage right down. I considered withdrawing from the GNR in September given that I haven’t run further than 7k since Christmas, but, having arrived on our favourite Isles Scilly I am going to push as hard as I can to get in some proper long slow runs. If I can get to 10k by the end of next week, I think that I will have a chance of being ready. Sometimes you just have to say s*d it and go for it !! Wait for the crash 😂
Hi BC 👏 Isn’t it weird that one minute we’re running along like gazelles with absolutely zero aches or niggles and the next we’re booking a physio appointment? 😹 Honestly, what are we like?
But how lovely to be on the Isles of Scilly! Surely you’ll get some gorgeous running done there. Good luck for the 10K and, fingers crossed, no crash 🤞
Back in January my only plans were to get out running again once the snow and ice melted, and to complete the HUHM.
Then two months ago I slightly lost my mind and, encouraged by lots of lovely people on here, went and signed up for a distinctly hilly trail marathon at the start of October. Managed my longest-ever run yesterday, 27k with 745m elevation gain. So now all I need to do is add a further 15k and about 1000m more elevation. 🤯
I'm still struggling to get my head round it all. I only ever did C25K because a friend did! 🤣🤣🤣
Mmm....I can relate to your post and others here. it's all gone a bit pants for me too! February march time I was loving it and getting my distance up
But the last few months or more with one thing and another I've just lost it!
So I was actually taking stock yesterday too and looking at plans. Garmin HM is 16 wk... So I've downloaded that. Never downloaded a plan before! But I'm still looking for more. Gonna check at NRC. I tend not to stick to programs either and just make up my own ad-hoc stuff!!😂 I'm still trying to complete YWAhome.. !! Only a year and a half!!or longer? Yep definitely loosing time I am.
Beachcomber66 I'm also wondering about GNR.. even if goes ahead from what I've read so far it won't be the usual experience.
It’s definitely a snakes and ladders experience this running isn’t it? I looked at plans yesterday too - I’m quite liking Hal Higdon as it’s simple, easy to follow and is based on 3 runs a week. I can’t risk any more than that with my life atm 🙄 Do you think you’ll go with the Garmin plan? It’s popular around here.
Hello IP, it’s great to have you hosting😊 Your enthusiasm as always, is contagious! It’s good you’ve managed to maintain your shorter distances, which means scaling back up to 20ks should be easier. You’ve definitely got the time to swing it by Sept! 👊🏃♀️👊
I’ve just started my training plan this week and have been trying to work more on hills. So my Wednesday runs are hill repeats now. After a hot long run on Sat, I took yesterday off to watch a twinge in my right foot and hip. Feels better today. Hoping it is sorted by tomorrow. 🤞
I like the word “twinge” better than “niggle” as it doesn’t sound quite so bad 😂
I’ve now got a twinge underneath my kneecap but I’m hoping it’s to do with all the kneeling I’m doing in the garden and nothing to do with running 🤞Honestly, there always seems to be something 🙄
A twinge is always fixable with a one day rest and a short run to loosen it up! 😉 Hope your twinge goes away soon too. Our dog Otis is intent on twisting my hips out of their sockets while constantly chasing squirrels at right angles to our walking direction, so there may be more twinges to come 🙂
Haha you may be taking on more problems with him around! We do however have intact strawberries for the first time in years! Rabbits are nowhere to be found for some reason.
Our Cocker Willie has always been a pain on the lead but I’ve just recently bought a non-stop canix belt which attaches to my running bungee lead. It really helps our walks as he is allowed to pull whilst attached. It sits low on your hips so doesn’t hurt even if he lunges side to side. I’m still trying to train him into a future running partner….should have got a kelpie 🤣
Sounds like you have a good solution for Willie! I have a 15’ long line as well but Otis is not ready for that yet. Too many cars and distractions still. I need to be able to pull him back in a hurry. I’ve tried running through the park on the short line with him and I really have to keep up when he starts to motor! But maybe once he eases up a bit this might work for us too.
I just don’t think I’d like a plan telling me what to do, but on the other hand I want to improve my time so think a structured plan is the way to go……. Oh decisions, decisions…… 🤔I’ve looked at a plan and gone back to look at it but I have yet to bookmark it…..
I think it's almost impossible to find a perfectly tailored plan. Much more sensible just to steal bits you like from multiple plans and then create your own that fits your life/goals/fitness 😉👍🏻
Yeah I like the idea of a loose plan too Irishprincess we can def do this. I've been looking at plans, but know I probably won't stick too it. Even tho I do like a good plan!! 😂 GoGo_JoJo u have done amazing! So u kinda just did Yr thing? I'm liking this idea more. I was doin my own thing start of the year well march time and got upto about 28k...but it went down hill. Ive downloaded the garmin plan and might try a few of these.. Buy its 16 weeks and GNR is less I think. Its 2 weeks today ive not ran. So must get back on it before I loose my fitness. Sorry I've just had a rambling moan here!!! 😂
I’ve never got on with plans hence my hesitation now. Like you, I’m thinking I’d never stick to it. But I think I need something a tad structured atm….
28K!!! That’s fab! You should get a Metric Marathon badge for that!!! (See the link in my post) Really well done 💪
If I put together a loose plan I’ll share it - if you put together a loose plan can you share it. Between all of us, we should come up with something 🙂
I’m liking a Hal Higdon HM plan as there’s strength work mixed in too but then yesterday I found an old ASICS plan that I’d kept from yonks ago so I’m going to look at these today and see what I come up with. I’ll post whatever I’m going to use.
Yea, the only plan I've ever done is c25k, since then I've just added a bit each week/ month to longer runs, I got to 10k easily then reached for 10 miles then it was an easy reach to HM from there 14/16/18/20/22, poss a 23 before FM. Its not a big reach to 31
Moving onward I'll probably aim for 40 then maybe 50...🤔
Nice post IP!!! If I'm being honest, I have to say my year has been pants so far and shows little sign of improving. Nothing major, just one niggle after another and I just can't seem to get going. Have lost loads of pace and worst of all confidence. Hey ho. I'm not giving up just yet. But I am seriously thinking of ducking out of my ultra as I can't see any way I'm going to get there by September. Trouble is i'm signed up with someone else and she is doing it as a fundraiser for a friend, otherwise I would have cancelled already. She will be much faster than me so at this rate I suspect she may not even run the entire thing with me.
So right now I'm feeling a lot of pressure and very little joy because of that pressure. I guess it happens sometimes and it's entirely possible that there is a breakthrough just around the corner, right? 😊 Here's hoping so.
Oh Linda, that’s so frustrating. One niggle after another is hard to deal with and I totally sympathise!
You’ve been through a lot recently so your body is maybe asking for a little break and TLC for a time. Which is hard as you’re training! Not sure if my logic is any way helpful but when I’ve had to consider pulling out of races for various reasons I remind myself that “this is supposed to be fun” and it somehow makes the decision easier, one way or another 🙂
Thanks IP. If it was just me I'd have pulled out by now and be taking life easy. I'm having no problem getting myself out for a run, I positively crave that. As you say, the decision will become clear.
Hi IP! Saw your post and thought I’d check in, even though I am spending more time on Bridge at the moment, as I haven’t been running further than 10K just recently.
My running has been mostly ok, I guess. I think I started the year with a vague goal to ‘just keep running though this bloomin’ pandemic!’ 🤣🏃♀️These have been anxious times for many of us and if I’m honest, running has saved me 🙏 - I guess that must be some sort of goal met?! 💪😀 I did increase my distance earlier in the year but a niggly knee/IT band made me ease up. Interestingly since then, I have been working on my form and the knee niggle is no longer an issue, although the real test will be when I increase my mileage again.🤔🤞
I do recall my mojo went awol a few months back 😬 but not for long and all is well between us now!😂❤️🏃♀️
So, running three times a week when I can and mixing up my runs to keep it interesting.
Current vague goal: Just to keep on running through this bloomin’ pandemic!!🏃♀️🤣🤣
Oh, and definitely another Half Marathon in the Autumn I think - but where or when exactly, I have no idea just yet!🤷♀️
Hi Sandra 🙂 Well you've definitely got a plan there! And it seemed to have served you well.
I’d be interested to know if your form work fixes your knee issue as I share an ITB related iffy knee from time to time although I think mine is a result of a badly sprained ankle from years ago. I’ve been looking for a fix for years and haven’t found it yet but we’ll keep looking.
I have been experimenting with the Pose method IP. Trying to incorporate the tips from lovely coach Valerie from RunRx, which are posted regularly on Instagram (Pose- Fall - Pull). There are loads of videos on YouTube too. Not sure I have fully mastered it yet but I think I am getting there! The technique sort of makes sense to me.🙂
Given the 10K event I was working up to has now been put back from July 4th to October 31st, I'm going to resume my quest towards the HM and possibly MM. I'm feeling stronger and more stable than I was before the setback in April.
A 14 or 15km run this weekend, and gradually build up to and beyond my previous distance of 18km. I'll be going away during July, and have already plotted a possible (hilly) HM route around where we'll be staying.
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) - so mainly leg strengthening and aerobic fitness being worked on
