Way back on Boxing Day I decided it was a good idea to enter the Manchester Half, after all it’s 10 months away… loads of time to get there 😂
I’ve run a couple of training HM’s using Jeffs plan, but decided I wanted to try and run the entire thing and improve my PB. I’m using a Garmin coach plan with Amy.
It’s gone somewhat awry with the hot weather and holidays getting in the way of runs. I’m at the stage of thinking, can I actually do this? Of course I can - bad attack of the gremlins today, and a painfully hard and slow 10k this morning, I’ve pushed my long run back to Monday as it’s the bank holiday. The way I’m feeling, it doesn’t bode well for a good run, but it’s a different day so I’m sure it’ll be OK, and I’m sure I’ll have to Jeff the last 5k - I always seem to run out of steam at 16k (it’s a just over HM distance run)
Never done a full big event (did relay marathon last year), so entered Preston 10k 2 weeks before the Half to get the idea of organised events.
Sorry for the waffle, just not feeling it at the moment….
Anyone else doing Manchester?
Written by
Reggit
Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hmm. With a metric marathon (26.2k) in about 5 weeks, after today's slow 16k ... in which I couldn't pick up pace to anything like my target for that run ... I can wholeheartedly empathise!!!BUT.
After a tricky run I often find the next one much easier - and I'm banking on that for my next run 😍
Around this point in my training I invariably come to the conclusion that I won't be able to do it. Par for the course I think. But I remind myself that a solo training run is very different from the real thing; the atmosphere and 'race magic' of a big event make such a difference!
So, give yourself a good talking to, have a short, sharp word with the gremlins, and then go out and enjoy your next run. Because you can 😊
Hi Reggit , while I've run a number of HM distances with neither water nor snacks (I don't do gels or Tailwind) that's usually been an hour or two after breakfast or lunch.
If you've only eaten a piece of toast beforehand and aren't drinking or fuelling other than sweets during your run, it's not surprising that you're running out of energy, particularly when it's hotter.
Think that’s probably half the problem. I tend to jump out of bed and out of the door. Never wanted to risk eating much in case I get a stitch. Just eaten a load of pasta and chicken for tea, hoping that’s going to help…. May try a bowl of porridge and wait half an hour before running.
You will get there. I really struggle in the heat too, hence choose spring marathons with winter training🤣 Hopefully it’ll be cooler on the day. Are you fuelling enough?
I ran a HM this morning. I took far too much fluids with me. It was still far too warm for a long run, and I stopped approximately every km to take on fluids and grab some fuel.
Glycogen reserves will take you to about 90 minutes. After that you'll need a little something to add to the furnace.
Took notice of eating before long runs, got a bowl of porridge at 05.45, intending to go for the run an hour later. Next thing I knew it was 09.00 - oops fell asleep - and I had to sort the kids breakfasts. Finally got out of the door at 10.30
Managed the distance, although as usual the last 5k was Jeffed.
I had to stop in 2 shops on the route for liquid, half a litre in each - I think I’m not drinking enough!
It wasn’t fast and it wasn’t pretty, but it’s done!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Nutrition 
Is this a challenge too far??????
Reflections on training to improve my 10k time or, more simply, to just be a stronger runner 😃
