After two weeks of hardly any running since running a half marathon on the treadmill, I went into the main event concerned about my fitness and various injuries. All I’m going to say is that it’s the hardest run I’ve ever done but I completed it.
On a beautiful warm day, cramp threatened to ruin my day as it kicked in from around 7K. The run was torture at times but the cheers and generosity of the crowd and other runners, especially on the home straight, spurred me on to the end.
I realised about 2 miles from home that my right hand was swollen and once I crossed the finishing line I went straight into the medical tent but it turned out I’d banged it in my rush to get back from my brother’s wedding in Newmarket yesterday. I was his best man and I remembered I whacked my hand on the car door in my hurry to get back and get enough sleep before the big day.
Today was an amazing occasion (as was yesterday) and all of the gazebos and food stalls on Hackney Marshes made it feel like a rock concert. There were thousands of entrants and though my group started late, I really enjoyed the occasion. As the race started there was an immediate incline which sapped my energy and I felt like Anthony Joshua for the rest of the run: beaten up! But I did it and it feels good.
All things considered I’m pretty chuffed with myself.
Written by
Dodgylungs
Half Marathon
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All things considered…so you should be!😀👏👏Really well done! I’ve heard good things about the Hackney HM and bet you are glad you pushed on to the end - that bling looks fab!🙂
That's fantastic news DL!!! So pleased you made it through after all your trials and tribulations and doubts. Such determination. I hope you feel very proud of yourself. Congratulations!!!
Thank you very much. I do feel very proud of the achievement and money raised for charity. I will have to take a break from outdoor running for a bit until I’ve had my hernia op. I’ll continue on the treadmill (may even chuck in the odd slow 21K on there) but I need to address my diet and other niggles before coming back to outdoor long distance running.
Don't forget you can do short easy runs now - you're free! You may enjoy the odd short easy excursion outdoors to break up the treadmill stuff. You don't need to remain at 21k fitness. Have some fun for a bit and then build it back up next time you have your sights set on a half!
Yes very true. I’ve discovered that 21K treadmill fitness is not the same as 21K outdoors but part of me wants to be able to run it when the mood takes me and maybe get my time a bit quicker on the treadmill. The faster time is probably dependent on having that op though.
Not too bad considering thank you. My heel was sore yesterday but that’s eased today. I’m a bit stiff and achy but overall I’m feeling good. I’m going to switch to the treadmill for a bit and then see what’s what. How are you doing?
Well done on the Bristol HM. How was it? I loved the Hackney Half. Such a wonderful day. I think I’m going to aim for another half marathon at some point. I didn’t feel as fit as I was hoping, but that’s probably due to not being able to train for two weeks. I’m going to get my groin issues sorted and then start training again after all of that. In the meantime I’ll do three days a week of gentle short distance training. Might chuck in the odd treadmill long distance run and see how I go.
Sounds like the Hackney Half. Lots of bands and people cheering! I’m waiting to hear about a hospital visit to the consultant so will see how it all plays out. I’ve probably had the hernias for years, but it will be nice to get them seen to and resume pounding the pavements.
Congrats Dodgylungs, great achievement, especially with the issues you've had to deal with. It being a warm day can't have helped either (although I do find that running in sunshine gives me a boost).
Have you tried an electrolyte drink to help with muscle cramps?
Thank you!! They told me that cramp is more of an issue in the heat. Apparently lots of people were suffering. I put a dehydration tablet in my water. I’ll start looking at electrolyte drinks. What do you recommend?
I use Active Root Electrolyte, mainly because I wanted to avoid artificial sweeteners and wanted something that wasn't too sugary. Tastes like flat ginger beer which I find is OK.
For fuel, I'm using Chi Charge flapjacks (which include electrolytes i.e. salt).
That combination and perhaps my stretching prevents any muscle cramp (it tended to affect me in the middle of the night).
I'd say it's worth trying those but the best approach is to experiment on your training runs to find what works for you.
I’m really suffering with cramp so I started yoga today. I think my back, hamstrings and calves are all tight, so will see if the yoga makes any difference. I’ll look into those products, thanks.
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