Half marathon training with Garmin, starting week 3.

[Jericho2332]

Good morning runners!

I've not posted a lot lately, not masses going on, decided a couple of weeks back I needed a target so decided to train back to HM distance (my furthest ever run a few years back)

Decided this time to try the Garmin coaching on the super computer I have strapped to my wrist but barely use for anything other than recording my runs/walks 😂

I chose a 20 week target, seems a nice number to build to HM distance. I was already running regular 5kms and the odd 10km so the plan seemed kind of easy at first but figured I'd go with it.

It usually recommends 3 runs a week, sometimes with multiple rest days but it's easy to reconfigure the schedule to work around work and free time. Il usually aim for 4 runs per week.

The first two weeks were straight forward, cadence drills and run/walk longer runs though I've not found myself having to walk at all during any of the runs so far as there not all that long.

I am running a lot slower than usual, trying to stick to recommend slower paces and have to say im enjoying it and the feeling today when I got to switch from 7min km pace to a very welcome 5min km pace was hugely enjoyable. There's a lot of moving up and down through the gears and il admit I'm having fun!

Today was the first run of week 3 and I noticed the next one set for Wednesday is called The Magic Mile and sound like I may be allowed to take the breaks off again 😁😁

I hope everybody is well and il try to keep updated regularly!

Healthwise BP is still on the high side.

Still waiting on GP call about Statins.

Lost another 3lb and have hit 50% of target weight loss, currently 176.2lbs.

Getting there slowly but surely

Happy Running!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

All headed in the right direction Jericho. Weight reduction is a personal thing, but certainly increased pace and fitness can be bi-products. I enjoy the freedom of tempo runs; the pace of intervals and the more controlled running required for distance work. Bit of variety 👍

[Jericho2332 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks Beachcomber 👍🏻 yeah didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I am! I'm usually constantly faster faster faster 😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Jericho2332]

At age 72 I have to be more circumspect and focus on technique. One thing the Nike Run Club HM app taught me last year was how to run long runs faster without increasing effort. Building up the leg strength to carry my 5k stride length into HMs knocked about 13 minutes off my pb, and there was no injury at the end of that. I do like a bit of faster faster though. 🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Having fun is the way to go! It sounds as if this plan really suits you. There are so many plans out there and sometimes it takes time to find one that suits us, so it’s great news that this one is working for you so well.

Enjoy the Magic Mile 😊

[misswobble Marathon]

Sounds like you’re enjoying your running 😀👍

If you keep eating and drinking healthily, getting yours runs and strength done, you should be achieving your health and running goals. One follows the other 💪

I’m glad the festive treats are done with and we can get back to normal patterns of eating ☺️ I’m back on the salads at lunch time with a healthier protein choice😇 Pigs in blankets have now all gone ☺️ My weight has crept up quite a bit as I ate more for my late November marathon, plus I’ve got another big event for early March 😬. Getting enough nutrition whilst not piling on the pounds is a balancing act. I think we eat more stodge when it’s cold too, so hopefully better weather and wearing fewer clothes will help focus our minds 😀

Have fun out there 🙂💪🏃‍♂️

[Jericho2332 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Summer weather certainly makes healthier eating easier 👍🏻 I'm a long way from proper healthy eating as I think of be miserable if I cut out all of the good stuff 😂 I'm just trying to loosely eat no more that 1500 calories most days or exercise enough to balance out any extra calories. Stay in a deficit and the weight should come off eventually. Doesn't stop me having a takeaway or a few beers though, just not as often as I used to 😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That sounds like fun! Variety of runs makes such a difference. Twenty weeks is quite a long time so I'm not surprised it's starting you off gently.Amazing progress on your weight loss. Great job. You should really see that reflected in your running progress. Keep up the good work.