I've started a HM plan....

[Curlygurly2]

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!

[Jonno34 Marathon]

Go girl! Best of luck. Are you aiming for an event?

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Jonno34]

No, no event...just a bit of structure. I like the guided runs, they keep me interested.

[Cmoi Marathon]

Great stuff  Curlygurly2 ! Are you going to join us for the HUHM? See Linda's post here: healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Could be a good way to run solo but not alone. 😄

I'm not a fan of real-life events myself - too many people, too much noise, too much pressure.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

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!

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

I should add - that first Parkrun was the first time I had ever seen another runner, I'm sure you know what I mean!

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

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.

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

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!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Whoop whoop! Enjoy it all CG and keep us updated here. The NRC plans are popular around here as I believe they are pretty flexible. Have fun 🤗

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I've used the guided runs, but this is the first plan I've downloaded. I think I'm going to enjoy it! xx

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Thats good to hear, and we all have faith in you Curlygurly2 😁💪🏃‍♀️xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Excellent! The NRC plan is so flexible and varied. Enjoy 😊

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

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.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Sounds perfect 😊

[Folkylass]

Good luck Curlygurly2 ! 👍👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️You’ll smash it I’m sure!😀😀

[Meanmommab 10 Miles]

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.🍀

[Katnap Marathon]

Fantastic news! Fingers crossed! Best wishes ! Bon courage!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Brilliant! Good luck, that sounds a great challenge too.... 👏💪

[CBDB]

Fabulous! I love a good plan, so completely understand the joy of starting on one! Im on the NRC 10k plan, so hello 👋 fellow NRC plan-runner!

[Freecloud Marathon]

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.

[StringsandKeys Half Marathon]

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

[TailChaser Marathon]

Great news CurlyGurly 😍 All the very best with your plan 👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

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. 🥰

[dory950 Metric Marathon Half Marathon]

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

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to dory950]

That's a good idea, thank you

[misswobble Marathon]

I’m doing the NRC HM plan but it’s been interrupted several times due to injury and OH getting so I’ll. I’ve picked up where I left off

The guided runs are great Curly! Especially the intervals. They stay with you and keep you going when you’d otherwise give up 😀

Have fun out there. That’s what it’s all about 👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

I’ll check in with you to see how it’s going xx

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

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.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

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 😁🏃‍♀️

Have fun out there 😀🏃‍♀️👍

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

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.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Yes, let’s hope so have fun out there 😀👍🏃‍♀️

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 😀👍