It's been a while!

[clairer6873]

It's been a while since I've posted on here, but I've got back into running over the last year. I started again just before Christmas, using a cheap treadmill at home to complete weeks 4-9 of the c25k. I then did my first parkrun on Christmas day & got the bug.. I've completed 35 since Christmas day!! I decided to sign myself up for a 10k event, and was successful with this in August. To give me motivation to carry on, I've booked a few more 10k events over the next 6 months.

I've also started to try to increase my distance further, and I've managed 12k as my longest ever run!

I entered the LLHM ballot but wasn't successful. So, I entered the Great North Run half marathon and wasn't expecting to be successful, but I am!!

So my purpose for posting is to ask for any advice and tips for increasing my distance. I'm particularly looking for info/advice about fueling for runs & also during runs... thanks in advance! 🏃🏻‍♀️

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

How exciting! Lots to think about and plan. Many folk on this forum will be able to give you tips and advice. There is a HM training plan by Ju-ju on the forum- a ‘pinned’ post. I am sure others will be able to direct you. I used Tail Wind glucose drinks for my HM and they were good. Best of luck .

[clairer6873 in reply to skysue16]

Thank you 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Hi and welcome back! 35 parkruns this year is amazing - you do most definitely have the bug!!!

Running a half marathon is a great achievement, and if you're already at 12k then you are in a great position to start a HM training plan.

Take a look at this pinned post healthunlocked.com/marathon... - it links to lots of useful information for prepping for your first HM, from choosing a plan to turning up on race day, with a discussion on fuel and drink included.

A lot of people here (myself included) like the NRC plan which is now available online in PDF form or via the free NRC app which comes complete with lots of guided runs; but the post I've linked suggests many others too.

We're here to support and to answer any questions that we can. We also give a shout out each Friday to any of our Virtual Running Buddies who are entered into races that coming week - add your races to our monthly events post (October's post can be found here healthunlocked.com/marathon... ) and we can give you a shout out too!

When you hit 10 miles (16.1k) we have a lovely shiny forum badge waiting for you too.

In the meantime, good luck, enjoy your training and be sure to have fun on the way to your GNR 😊

[clairer6873 in reply to linda9389]

Thank you for the really great info 👍🏼

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Welcome back clairer6873. As Linda says, there are many plans out there. I found the NRC HM plan really helpful. Recently I swapped over to the NRC Marathon plan. I am not going to run a marathon; I have left that a bit late in life! I have found the link from the latter plan into the Nike Training Club app (another free one) so helpful. Bite size yoga and strength exercises (10 or 20 minute); plus, this week’s topic is fuelling. Loads of info out there you can look at. You will find a regime which suits you. 🙂

[clairer6873 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you, I did look at the NRC half marathon plan, but I feel like I'd be going backwards with week 1's long run only being 5k. I definitely need to incorporate some of the speed runs into my training though! I'm currently using the Body Coach app for yoga & strength, but maybe need to fit this into more of a plan alongside running 🏃🏻‍♀️

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to clairer6873]

I didn’t start at week 1; you can choose where you start, skip weeks etc. Not for everyone though.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

I always say “C25K started me running but parkrun kept me running”. Well done for your progress since Christmas and for getting a place in the Great North Run.

That’s it from me because I’ve never done a HM. But there are lots of people on here that have!

[clairer6873 in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you, isn't parkrun just the best?! 😃

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to clairer6873]

Oh yes. just love it.

[misswobble Marathon]

hi Clairer 🙂👋. There’s loads of posts hereabouts discussing fuelling longer runs, so get browsing 😀🤓 it’s one of our favourite subjects 🙂

There’s a recipe for homemade energy bars - Peanut Power Bars I think they’re called I always have a batch in my freezer 😋

Good luck with your training 🙂👍

[clairer6873 in reply to misswobble]

Thank you, sounds yummy so I'll have a look! 😋