Newbie (in this section)

[Reggit]

Thought I’d best say ‘hi’ as I’m likely to be loitering a bit and probably asking those daft questions that have been asked time and again.

Recognise some names in here from C25K and ‘bridge’.

Those that use ‘bridge’ may have seen a post of mine a few weeks ago where I got roped in at the last minute to run a 10k relay spot in the Manchester marathon. It was the first time I’ve run with anyone….

Anyway, enjoyed it far more than I expected, and have decided to try for a half sometime…. No plans or anything, nothing like doing it ‘just because’…

Using the Garmin plan that I’ve put a screen shot of my progress on. Just finished week 3 of 17, quite someway to go 😂

Wish me luck, I still find 10 hard work and have always struggled to pass 12k

No one warned me when I started C25K last year that this running lark is addictive!

Cheers,

Dave

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Hi and a very warm welcome to this forum! Training for your first half is a lot of fun, seeing the distance gradually increase is very satisfying and completing 10 miles and then your very first half is just amazing! Lots of friendly, supportive and encouraging folk here, loads of helpful information in the pinned posts and no such thing as a daft question!!! Enjoy 😊

[RunWillie Metric Marathon]

Still very much a rookie Reggit so can’t offer any advice but cheering you on 👍🏻

[Frenc Half Marathon]

Well done on your Manchester run! Sounds as though you had a great time. I’m no expert - I make it up as I go along 😁. I build up then go back down, then back up again - sort of a recurring theme really! Best of luck with your plan! 😊😊😊

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Hi Dave and welcome. That's a seriously long half mile in your screenshot!

[Reggit Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Haha, it is isn’t it. The annoying (until you get used to it) thing with the Garmin plan is a 10 minute warmup/cool down phase. Out of habit, I fast walk to my usual starting point then start the program, so usually end up running the warm up bit of the workout.

That module was supposed to be a 10 minute warm up, 2.41k run/walk/run - then I intended turning round (but forgot) with a fast half mile, then 10 minute cool down. Ended up extending the run so I could get home (ok any excuse for a few extra kms).

Have noticed though that the early stages of the program should be far less running that I’ve been doing, so extending a lot of the runs to where I’m comfortable and can complete my circuit.

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Reggit]

Hi Dave

Likewise, I’ve just finished a Nike Run Club plan and, because I warm up beforehand, found myself running their warmup.

It seems that the plan you’re following is a bit too easy for you at present. Is it worth considering jumping a few weeks? There again, if there’s no rush and you’re doing extra anyway, I don’t see the harm in staying with it.

For what it’s worth, I reckon it’s OK to push the 10% rule occasionally (after all, a lot of training plans require more than a 10% increase on race day). Just don’t overdo it like I did (power walking, I jumped from 7 miles to 17 then had three months getting over the shin splints).

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Welcome aboard! Yes, this hobby is super addictive! 🙈🤣 I can still remember thinking "I just don't have time for 10k" 🤣🤣🤣🙈 gosh was I wrong!! 🤣

"Just because" is the best reason in my book, and it takes some of the event pressure off, get there when you're ready, not on a schedule. 👍🏻 Good luck.

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Welcome to the dark side of the forum: we have medals. 🤣

Seriously, though, you're right about it being addictive.

I didn't actually follow any formal plan to achieve the HM. I just kept adding a bit to each week's long run. Then I had an enforced break from long runs in April/May due to a pulled adductor muscle, then we had the July heatwave, and I eventually reached the distance in September.

What has changed in the last six months is my perception of what a routine run distance is. It used to be about 5km. Since late September it's increased to 10km. I only reached 10km back in February.

Best of luck. Maybe we'll bump into each other some day at a race in the Manchester area.

[Reggit Marathon]

Thanks Nowster, I remember you doing couch about the same time as me I think…I’m generally shuffling around 5k in the mornings, as not enough time for anything more although I’d probably like to - should have done the speed first 😂- however the Garmin mid-week runs at the minute are probably 2-3k long, thought that was a backward step!

I’ve just had a bit of time freed up on a Saturday morning where I can fit a long run in, so that’s why I’m going for it now (and if I’m regularly ‘busy’ at that time, there’s less chance of being asked to do something else 😂

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Reggit]

5km is a good mid-week distance. My usual mid-week distances when going from 10km to 16km were between 3 and 6km.

I really wouldn't have suggested going for "speed" as such. Whenever I've pushed for speed I've had something go "ping" and the wheels have fallen off, resulting in a spell on the IC.

A slow plod is sufficient to do distances. The more distance you do you'll find yourself getting gradually faster naturally. My first 10km had me doing 7 and 8 minute km splits. Nowadays I'm often doing the same route with every split being under 6 minutes.

Of course, auto-Jeff might have different ideas for you. 😆

[Reggit Marathon]

Haha, auto-Jeff!First time I’ve tried this Jeffing thing (on this plan) and not sure I’m keen, although Garmin seems happy with it - faster times and VO2max is increasing, so I’ll stick with it for a bit longer.

The speed was a tongue in cheek joke as I’m not all that quick….