21.1km - what can possibly go wrong?

[Fasterthanshizu]

I've been running, solo, for three years, and gradually built my long runs up to half marathon distance. I run the distance every week or two, quite comfortably. Wanting to try something new, I signed up to run the Cardiff Half Marathon in October. Wanting it to be more than just a personal indulgence I signed up to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Assocation (MND killed my little sister in 2016). Old friends have reappeared to make donations, as well as friends of Liz who I've never met. I'm publicly committed to complete it.

So what can possibly go wrong?

I might pick up an injury before October. That risk can't be eliminated but I can take care around ladders, rakes and power tools.

I might get carried away by the crowd, set off too quickly and run out of steam early. I did a Parkrun yesterday to try it out - the first time I've run in a group. Sure enough, it was the fastest 5km I've ever done. I couldn't sustain that pace for 21km so that's certainly something to watch out for.

I know from expereince that I can do a half marathon sustained by half a litre of water and a few jelly babies. Water will be provided along the course and by October it should be cooler so if anything easier.

What else can possibly go wrong? What's different about an organised event that might catch me out? Is there anything else I should do to prepare myself?

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

You sound more than prepared Fasterthanshizu (love your name!), and I don’t think you need much advice.

It sounds like you could be prone to speeding off too fast if anything. It’s easy to get swept off with the speedy throng during the first couple of kms which might affect you later, so stick to your preferred pace and resist temptation! Also don’t be tempted to try any different fuelling on the day. Doesn’t sound like you were planning on doing so, and it’s common sense really. I’m with you on Jelly Babies. My sweet little friends to give me a boost. 🙏

I’m doing Cardiff too. Not my first HM, and I know I’ll get round, but my preparation this time isn’t a patch on yours.

Keep doing what you’re doing and let’s hope for kind weather on the day. 🤞😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Hello and welcome! First up, you’ve already earned a shiny Half Marathon badge so here you go 🙂 Well done 👍

If you’re running the distance fairly regularly then you should have no problem at all. The one you mention about starting off too fast is the biggest risk as it’s so easy to do. You are excited and pumped up and there are others around you and off you go, tearing into the sunset with loads of energy. Then after a while you realise you can’t sustain that pace and you fall back and can’t recover the distance.

It is a good idea to have a race pace in your head and stick to it. Ignore the others, it’s your race and yours alone.

Other risk factors that can add extra stress are making sure you leave plenty of time to get to the course, know in advance where to park, etc. Join the loo queue early, don’t try/eat/wear anything new on race day. Oh, and don’t eat a curry the night before! 🙀

You are running for a brilliant cause and I’m sure it will be emotional for all sorts of reasons so watch out for that too. Crying when you get over the finish line is normal 🙂

If you’d like a pompom cheer from your VRBs here on the Friday beforehand then watch out for the October Events post where we ask runners to give us details of their races.

I think there are a few who will be running the same race so you’ll be in great company!

Good luck with the rest of your training and enjoy the whole thing 🍀🤗

[Fasterthanshizu Marathon]

Thanks for the responses - I'm reassured that I'm not missing anything obvious!

Running for the MND Association does feel a bit poignant. Here's me running and I remember Liz unable to even get herself out of her chair. My legs still do what they're told and I really appreciate that.

The Parkrun was certainly useful practice for running in a group. I found I wasn't tempted to chase the front-runners (blimey they were quick!). But I did feel a bit hemmed in, so dashed ahead to find some elbow room. I think the increased pace was mostly because it was cooler than it's been for months, and drizzly.

Looking forward to joining cheekychipmunks and 27, 498 others in October!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Fasterthanshizu]

Races are usually a bit of a scramble at the beginning and then it all settles down and you can find your own space.

[misswobble Marathon]

Enjoy the race day vibe, take in the sights and sounds as you run round the course. Don’t go off to quick!

Have FUN 😀👍💪

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Welcome to the forum😊 Nothing! Nothing will go wrong. You have absolutely got this 🥰

Logistics most likely be your biggest headache. Give yourself lots of time, check for any road closures, allow for loo queues. Take a bag with something warm for after, plus something to eat and drink perhaps. oh... and make sure you charge up your phone/watch/headphones beforehand!

Be sure to have a great time and to take a moment or two to feel very proud of what you are doing. We also love a race report if you have time to write one afterwards 😊

[Fasterthanshizu Marathon]

A quick update now that the Cardiff Half is less than three days away. The race pack has arrived, answering most of my remaining questions.

I'm just back from a trip to Scotland, where I did my last half-marathon distance preparatory run through the heather, peat and boulders of the awesome Cairngorms. After that rugged route the Cardiff Half should be a doddle! I'm planning on being lazy for the next few days so I can set off refreshed. Running kit is washed and dried, weather forecast is for a bit of refreshing rain, brightening later.

Fundraising is going better than I dared hope, donations have just topped £3k.

What can possibly go wrong? ... Mrs Fasterthanshizu has just had a positive COVID test. We've been living together in a van for the last three weeks. Oh swearywords! I'm in the clear so far, but watch this space...

[Fasterthanshizu Marathon]

I've been reminded that I've left this story unfinished, so here's a very late update.

In spite of living in a soup of virus I was somehow spared. I had no symptoms and no positive tests, so I fished my race bib out of the bin and set off.

The day was calm and dry; people were complaining it was a bit too warm and humid but it really wasn't that bad. Fantastic support all the way round, even in the districts where people had been marooned in their houses as the runners took over the streets.

I completed the course in 1:57:24 and raised over £3k for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. I managed my target time and didn't pick up any injuries, so I'm very happy with the outcome.

[Fiadh79 in reply to Fasterthanshizu]

I know this was a while ago, but you did amazingly! Both the running and the fundraising were amazing - I hope you feel super proud.

I'm also sorry to her about your sister - must have been a huge loss 💐

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

Don’t think about ‘the wrong’. Train and prepare, do your thing. I never ran in groups, l covered marathon and ultra distances solo and just went for it. In that respect events are waaaay better. They will have their thing (they are organised, there will be security, water stations, doctors, toilets, people will cheer for you). You’ll be looked after, don’t worry, simply run and enjoy yourself. 😀