There! I've said it! Some of you will know I've not been in the best of health this last year, but I feel I've turned a corner, and feel ready to take on some longer distances again.
I marshalled the Cambridge Half Marathon last weekend, and although I get a half price entry for next year, I kinda get the feeling I'm not going to want to take part...I was utterly phased by the sheer number of people...
So, I've done three HMs, two organised races, one solo, two on run/walk, and the solo with lots of walking at the end where I just ran out of steam. I've long held the wish to run a non stop, no walking breaks HM, it doesn't really matter if it's solo.
I've started a Nike Run Club plan, so far I really like it, and have great hopes for it!
Wish me luck!
Written by
Curlygurly2
Half Marathon
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Thank you CMoi, I may well join in but I doubt I'll be ready for an HM and probably further in the plan than 10 K - that's if it all goes well...I'll see nearer the time.
I'm not surprised you're not keen on events, I did my C25K all those years ago in France, and was horrified by my first parkrun. Never really got the hang of running with others, I always start right at the back, and stay there, might as well just run at a time of my choosing!
I know exactly what you mean Curlygurly2 ! In nearly three years of running I've done precisely two events, the first in order to feel less stupid at the second. Apart from those, I've never run with anybody else, and have only ever encountered two (or is it three? I can't remember) other runners when I've been out running.
No problem re the HU events, you have to do what's right for you. Though at least HU's free and no obligation!
Apart from feeling pressured to run at others' pace when in a group, I just don't like being in large crowds these days. I don't cope well with loud, intrusive sounds either. Hence running with others, surrounded by loud noise from which I can't escape, with complete strangers shouting at me to get on with it, is something I'd find extremely stressful. So I choose not to do it!
Have you used them? I like it so far... because I'm not training for an event, I'm just going to do the runs in order over my own time frame, and not try to cram them all into each week. I'm away for a couple of days now, so I'll pick up again next week. I don't really mind if it takes a bit longer, I just fancied something different.
I started the NRC 1/2 marathon plan and was doing well (albeit slowly) until I got Covid and then Christmas. I like the voice in my ear giving me encouragement. Have started with a new social running club and it has evolved into 1/2 marathon training! The course is hard but will just see how things go. I run with them once or twice a week and the rest on my own. Will be interesting to follow your progress. Good luck.🍀
Fantastic! NRC are great for coaching. I listen to them all the time now when training and in events. Also, if you use a running watch try to only concentrate on keeping heart rate low and don't worry about pace.
I like how you’re not putting pressure on yourself and you’re doing it at your own pace. A structure is really key to running and like you I’m following a plan for me it’s the 10k one and I don’t do 5 runs a week I stretch it over two and it works for me. Last summer I booked to do an expensive HM and then I felt totally pressured to be ready in time and i wasn’t and did not get a good time. I’ve learnt my lesson and just doing it as a place to suit me less stressful and much more enjoyable Running
Yes CG! What great news. 😀 I’m a massive fan of the NRC HM Plan and have completed it a couple of times already. I’m about to resume it again ready (ish) for the HUHM in May (although running once since 21st Feb due a chest infection wasn’t a stellar start!!)
Good luck. The runs are wonderful and varied and yes, very flexible. You’ll get there. 🥰
It’s a great app. I have completed this in preparation for LLHM in April. The guided runs are great . If you struggle to do 5 runs a week I suggest you do the speed/intervals and long runs
I used to sometimes tag the 15 minute recovery runs on a speed run . Enjoy and good luck for your next half
Thank you MW, I like the fact that I can just do it at my own pace, and skip days if I'm too fatigued, or just do a recovery run. No idea how far I'll get with it, or if I'll finish it, usually on a plan I tend to sort of drop off around 15 KM, but even that would be a good distance to get to at the moment, and I intend to give it my best shot.
I love the fact that you run by effort. YOUR effort and not to a prescribed pace. I did some intervals on Monday using a guided run but as usual I found myself facing a hill or a bog 😁🏃♀️
Yes, I like that too. I did a Garmin plan that you downloaded to the watch, they told me I had "room to grow" when I did a benchmark test and suggested I give up and follow another plan. I ditched that plan soon after...they say for all abilities etc, blah blah...not everyone is a racing snake, I'm not last in races so there are people slower than me, and I don't care anyway, I do the best I can with what I've got...I'm hoping this plan will help me get back to were I was before my health went bandy.
I’ve missed a run (or two 🤔) as I’m dog walking but we’ve covered some decent mileage for old uns 🙂 Really slow miles though as he’s quite doddery. Slow miles walked or run is still good though 😀👍
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