So I knocked 30 minutes off last year’s admittedly very slow time and finished the run in 3hrs 10mins - that was my target time as I ran that around Regents Park a few weeks ago.
The Hackney course is much harder than Regents Park, it has more inclines and today’s warm weather made it very challenging indeed. I set off at a faster pace than last year and kept going for longer. However, I did start to Jeff at around 5K and then basically Jeffed a lot of the run from then on. Last year I Jeffed from about 2K in and I felt a bit drained much earlier on than today. I got cramp last year from about 7K and struggled with the rest of the run (hence the time). This year, Jeffing was my Plan B if I discovered I was struggling.
Today, the first 5K I ran strongly and felt like a proper runner. I purposely gave myself respite due to the weather, as I suspected the heat would lead to cramp. I was correct but this time the cramp didn’t hit me until 12K. Nevertheless, I swore loudly when it did as I had taken alot of precautions this year to stave it off (including coming off my blood pressure medication). Luckily, the cramp wasn’t as bad this year but it still meant that I practically walked the last 3K, though I did manage a sprint finish which pleased me no end as last year I could barely walk.
Once again it was an amazing event with lots of people cheering us on and the camaraderie among the runners was very moving. I did see a few people being given treatment towards the end and I was glad I had run cautiously and despite feeling a little sick, I finished in fine fettle. Nowhere near as immobile after the run as last year.
I did have swollen hands again same as last year and brown pee (sorry) but I Googled both of those and I’m not unduly alarmed. I did keep myself well hydrated during the run but apparently dead muscle cells can cause the second effect and taking in too much water the swelling. In any case I feel fine now and will keep an eye on the second symptom which has not yet alleviated but I don’t have swollen hands now.
My phone ran out of juice so I had to wait until I got back to my car before taking the victory photo! I’m actually going to pay for the photos this year (much as it annoys me) but I want some photographic momento of my PB event run!!
Thank you to everybody who has supported me on here. My journey has been a spectacular success. When you consider I have all kinds of things wrong with me including dodgy lungs still (at night mainly) and a double hernia, not to mention a twisted ankle that I picked up on Friday and was sore towards the end of the run. It truly is astounding how I’ve managed to get through two half marathons. I also have a dodgy hip (wear and tear according to the x-ray) but my mental strength is such that nothing ever stops me now. That is the thing that has improved the most during this journey. I now have formidable mental strength and in my opinion if you have that you can do anything. It’s been a privilege to share this with you all.
DL
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Dodgylungs
Half Marathon
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No the swollen hands thing is due to over hydrating. Google said this about brown pee: In rare cases, intense exercise can cause muscle cells to burst and leak into the bloodstream. This condition is called rhabdomyolysis, or "rhabdo," and it can turn your urine brown. If you have brown urine because of rhabdo, you might also notice: Muscle pain.
I didn’t have any muscle pain aside from cramp. I have a slight concern it could be my kidneys as I’m hypertensive and have type 2 diabetes, both risk factors. So I’m going to keep an eye on it and see my doctor if it persists.
This was a slightly more worrying Google result: Dark urine is most commonly due to dehydration. However, it may be an indicator that excess, unusual, or potentially dangerous waste products are circulating in the body. For example, dark brown urine may indicate liver disease due to the presence of bile in the urine.
Hopefully that isn’t what’s afflicting me (or a kidney problem) but will keep an eye on it! I’m sure it’s probably just the running.
Is awareness of health being a hypochondriac? I saw many people laid out on the floor today so I think I’d be an idiot to not be aware of things. It’s my 59th birthday next week. My brother in law sadly died at that age. One person’s hypochondriac is another’s life saver.
It wasn't meant that way. The problem I was highlighting is self diagnosis is no substitute for consulting a specialist in that subject. There are many subtleties that don't turn up when consulting Doctor Google. There are enough caveats on this website to that effect.
Without giving you my whole health story, there are very good reasons why I’m concerned about my kidneys. I thought this forum was partly concerned with health, that’s why I’m talking about it. If not I’ll stop sharing on health issues.
Humour is good and I don’t want to come across as being earnest. I was just a bit concerned about what happened today. However, I’m happy to report that everything has now returned to normal.
It is true that Googling medical conditions is the worst thing you can do and actually you were right, I think I spooked myself by doing so. Lesson learned!
Sorry to hear about your sister. It’s a very difficult condition.
So glad you managed it Dl. Don't know how you could in the heat, I'd die! I'm hoping to do my first this summer but it won't be in heat, in a race....it will be at dawn, on my tod in hopefully less than 12'c. I'm hoping for round 3 hours but will probably be longer.
Thank you. It was very challenging. However, if you train, you’ll be fine. My advice, just take it slowly and don’t worry about your time. Concentrate on structuring the run. The NRC app has really good guided commentary from fitness coaches and I’d recommend you train using that. I have found it very helpful in developing mental strength, which I think is just as important as physical fitness. The ability to keep going when your head is telling you otherwise is crucial to running distances. I also allow myself to walk/run long distances as it’s a really good vouchsafe against overdoing it.
I've just started listening to coach Bennett so I'll carry on. Ive realized that my body will be able to do it physically, I'm lucky with no niggles, my head will be saying ' I'm getting bored now!' that will be the bigger problem. I will allow myself to Jeff too if I feel weary.. I'm not worried by time, 18 months ago I couldn't run! ( except to sprint after a tennis ball). And after I've done it I still have the rest of the day to have energy for so I don't want to be wrecked!
I guarantee you that boredom will not be the biggest issue. It’s true that the first time you run 21K it seems like a monumental task. First time I did it was on the treadmill which I did in 3hrs and is still my best time. When I did my first Hackney Half last September, I felt totally unprepared despite training hard. The inclines sapped my legs, the hoardes of people distracted me and it seemed to go on forever. A few weeks ago I did one around Regents Park and that seemed pretty straightforward. I Jeffed a bit of it but ran most of it up until 19K then cramp kicked in. Today I walked far more of it than around Regents Park but did the exact same time. I just ran the first 5K alot faster today and my Jeffing was faster too. I think you need to do a few half marathons before really getting to grips with them. I can’t imagine running a marathon but maybe in a couple of years I might want to attempt that if I ever cure my cramp issue (but most likely I’ll settle for the half!). If you follow the NRC app it will help you structure the run and you’ll have all kinds of running related wisdom occupying your mind. I doubt you’ll be bored.
Well I'll give it my best shot. I still find it amazing that I'm contemplating it. My second ten miles last week was much the same time as my first last year, but I felt so much better after it, so I must be fitter. I'll do it on my tod so no crowds to sustain me!
Oh, well done DL! And knocking off 30 minutes from last year is brilliant! You must be thrilled, especially with the heat. But you did the training and put the miles in so hats off to you.
That’s lovely bling 😍 and you don't look as if you’ve just run for over 13 miles 😎
Thank you! I’m sure I will do it again next year. I have the stately homes one to do later this year. Also doing the London 10K in July, which I’m hoping won’t be crazy heat. I’ve got my appointment with the consultant next month for my hernia so alot will be dependent on when I get that done.
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