Hackney Half Training

[Dodgylungs]

So I did this today. It was tough going, especially the last 3.5k as I had a tight calf. Cramp threatened in both legs briefly towards the end but mercifully I staved it off. During my training last year, I kept attempting these longer distances outside and often failing to finish. So I thought I’d do this one inside as I knew it was going to be tough. Even though I managed to complete a Half Marathon last year inside with four weeks to go to the event, I actually feel like I’m in better shape this year. I definitely have more mental strength and even the harder runs like this don’t feel as mentally exhausting. I won’t really know where I’m at until next week when I intend on running 16K (or 10 miles in old money) outdoors. I’m hoping I’m in better shape earlier than last year. I also know one thing, I won’t be running 5 times a week this time as it proved too much for my old bones last time.

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Hi DL

Going well!

Since your calves were threatening to cramp up, I’d suggest having an electrolyte drink on your runs (I use ElectroLite from Active Root). It’s probably worth drinking more water between times as well.

Seems you’re well set up for next week’s 16K!

[Dodgylungs Half Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

I always carry water with an electrolyte tablet dissolved.

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Dodgylungs]

Ah, OK! Not a hydration issue then.

[Dodgylungs Half Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Maybe more stretching required?

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Dodgylungs]

Eat a banana a day 👍🏃‍♂️

[Dodgylungs Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I do most days actually.

[misswobble Marathon]

I’m in the old bones camp at the minute Dodge! 😖. Flipping freezing cold, and wet out today with the dog 🥶 which doesn’t help. I felt rigor ! 😁. I made a log fire when I got in 😁🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Running outside is hopefully going to be fun once this cold snap has bogged off. Fingers crossed Mother Nature will oblige and you can get out there and enjoy some sun on your bones 🌝😎 Good luck with it! Take a snack 😋🏃‍♂️

[Dodgylungs Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I’m really looking forward to attempting the 16K outside. Last year, I attempted more runs outside and failed a lot of them. This time I’m working from the principle that my brain knows I ran 15K the previous week and so 16K should be manageable. I’ll also take it slower outside. I think Spring is the perfect weather for distance running. I’m expecting the Hackney Half weather to be hot this year so that will be yet another challenge. I just want to get to the point where I don’t feel out of my depth.

[misswobble Marathon]

Yes deffo go slower outside as there’s more uneven terrain and moving obstacles. It’s less boring I guess so time should fly by 😀🏃‍♂️🔥

Relax, lighten up and have fun out there 🙂. You know you’ve done 15k so you’re not out of your depth. Set your stall out to do 16k. If you don’t quite get there then try again in a week’s time. You could do a few shorter runs outside in the interim. Keep your plans fluid and adjust to suit time and circumstances. Take adequate snacks/drinks/layers etc so you’re self-contained on your ten miler.

Good luck 🙂🏃‍♂️👍

[Dodgylungs Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Great advice. Thank you x

[Frenc Half Marathon]

Well done Dodgylungs, it sounds as though it’s all coming together. Nice work! 😊😊😊