14 replies to this topic

[Ayla2010]

How many KM do you do each week?
Particularly those training for their first half (although interested in all responses).
Thanks heaps

[Ponytail]

Hi Ayla2010, well done on the weight loss to date.  My first HM I only committed to a couple of weeks prior and decided the week beforehand I should bump my Sunday long run from the usual ~15k to 18k just to convince myself I could go the distance (was running around 40k/week at the time).  I managed the distance with no real dramas (in 2:10, nothing impressive but I was just focused on finishing).  I completed the same HM last month and took 25 minutes off that time in 12 months - although I now run 80-90k/week.

I see you have a little one so you will be limited, obviously, in how much time you can dedicate to your training.  If you can manage a couple of runs around 15 - 18k you should be fine.  That said, given that weight loss is obviously part of your motivation, even if you don't run the whole thing you should pat yourself on the back at the finish line.  There is always plenty of time down the track to build on the weekly k's.

Just do what you can fit into your busy schedule and think of the calories burnt with every extra minute you manage to run.  Congrats on the size 14 pants - you probably won't get much wear out of them because, I imagine, with the diet and the running you will be downsizing again in no time!

Good on you for making yourself a priority - it's something alot of Mum's with little one's fail to do and, ultimately, he will benefit as much as you!

[Ayla2010]

ive been doing about 20 km a week. But March and April I had around 6 weeks off running, due to an injury, which is fine now, but did keep up my cardio, so didn't lose any fitness.
I was following the beginner half marathon plan from the GC marathon website. But worried I wasn't doing enough so just this week changed to using the smart coach app on my phone, and had it set to around 25 km a week. But I am now questioning myself and worried im not doing enough. Ive changed the plan to do 33-40 km a week.
Short runs were 5 km and long were 10-11 km. Now they are 8 km and 13-16 km. I can fit in the runs, but I just worry if I can do them really.
I guess everyone questions their abilities at some point right? I can easily run 5 km non stop and 10 -11 km with a couple of very brief walking breaks. I just worry I won't be ready, but if I do the longer runs than I was doing before (speed and tempo and slow runs).
Just feeling a bit sick tonight and worried I am aiming too high. I know tomorrow ill feel better about it all. But just having a panic moment.

I have 2 children
I just love running and I know how good I will feel crossing that finish line at my first half.

[Ponytail]

Don't worry about aiming too high - aiming too low is more of a problem.  You're right, everyone does doubt themselves; there is not a race I've started where I haven't questioned my ability.  The best thing you can do is prepare yourself as best you can and then take some of the pressure of by telling yourself that you will finish but so what if you have to walk some of it.  You're not aiming for the Olympics or anything.  The fact of the matter is you will do everything you can to run the whole thing and you probably will...but just tell yourself you don't have to - believe me makes all the difference.

I have 4 ankle biters and know how hard it can be to devote the time required to the training.  I would love to increase my Sunday morning runs but the fact is when I come home 2 - 2 1/2 hours later I already feel like I've been away too long.

You will cross that finish line (picture it in your head - that does actually help) and you will find the adrenalin on race day will give you more energy than you could anticipate.  I don't know exactly how long you've been running but it does take time for your fitness to build to the point you can run longer distances comfortably and I don't think that can really be rushed.

When's the HM you're aiming for?

[Ayla2010]

Ive been running for 10 months now. Started with c25k program and then increased from there, done some 5 km and 10 races plus running club once a month (although missed 2 when I was injured) just did 10 km there on sunday in 74:19 .
July I'm doing gold coast half.

Yeah I feel bad when I'm gone for over an hour, I'm breastfeeding my almost 1 year old too,

Oh I've pictured crossing the finish line many times lol

[Ponytail]

You've got a great training base so take comfort in that plus you still have plenty of time.  Maybe your main problem is you set your sights on your first HM goal so early.  I think it maybe easier to jump in at the deep end without giving it much thought so you don't psych yourself out.  Maybe try focusing on each run more rather than the GC HM in July.  Take your eye off the prize for now.

Be careful if you are still breastfeeding - make sure you factor in the extra calories you need to nourish bubs.  I made the mistake of subsisting on a diet around 1200-1500 calories while breast-feeding my second while doing about an hour to an hour and a half of cardio each day...result screaming baby trying to get a feed off an empty breast (and we both ended up very scrawny).  Don't feel guilty, though, for looking after yourself - as I said before, you will both reap the benefits!

[russell2pi]

Ayla2010, on 27 May 2011 - 08:52 PM, said:

How many KM do you do each week?
Particularly those training for their first half (although interested in all responses).

I'm about to do my first half but haven't trained for it specifically. More just got to a point where I think I could do it and enjoy it. For the past couple of months I have done 25-55 km most weeks with long runs of 18-23 km. I would like to do more but most weeks there is one thing or another in my legs saying "no more". For me at least it is a slow process of adaptation.

For me, being able to run more than 21 km easily in training, at a run not a jog, and have something left in the tank at the end was what made me feel ready to race. However, if your goal is to finish, not to race with an eye on your time-- if it was me I'd be willing to give that a go if I could jog say 16-18 km in training. This is pretty well what your new updated plan has you doing isn't it?

No need to panic -- try the higher workload, and if it's too much for you, you will soon know! At the first sign of a niggle, back off.  How long have you got until your race day?

[Ayla2010]

Yep eating enough, I def have enough milk I've been breastfeeding 4 years straight now, and will probably for another year.
Yeah I think I prob did aim for a half too soon but I'll keep training and I'll be happy just to finish. Have also entered c2s and a half for sept and oct. Those I should be much better prepared for. Thanks for all your help, I do feel better now.

[Ayla2010]

Yep Russell that's in the new plan. There are now 5 weeks till the GC half. In my last long run of 90 mins I walked 3 mins in total and did nearly 11 km. Sunday I just did 10 km in 74:19 but that was really pushing it for me speed wise, but did feel good after and recovered very quickly.

[Ponytail]

Maybe use the July one as a "test" and then work on getting more out of the second and third ones...keep going like this and you'll be posting a picture of your size 10 pants in no time...! Just don't get too bogged down and enjoy the journey.  In 12 months time when you're preparing for your first FM you will look back and wonder what you were so worried about!

[Ayla2010]

Haha yes I'm sure I will I was planning on making gc next year my first full.

I think I will look at GC as a test for sure. Finishing before the 3 hour cut off is the aim, any faster is a bonus

[Ponytail]

Now just focus on enjoying your running...it really shouldn't be another thing you need to stress about because it will get easier!

[Ayla2010]

Thank you again pt . I really appreciate all your comments

[Waverider12]

ponytail, on 27 May 2011 - 09:39 PM, said:

You've got a great training base so take comfort in that plus you still have plenty of time.  Maybe your main problem is you set your sights on your first HM goal so early.  I think it maybe easier to jump in at the deep end without giving it much thought so you don't psych yourself out.  

I like this advice and parts of it resonate with how I started running.  My first real road race was a half marathon in Queens, NY and I had never run over 14k's before toeing the start line.  None of my friends were into running so had no basis to determine my level of preparation.  The only thing I knew about nutrition was to maybe bring along a powerbar.  My race strategy was simply to run hard and when I finished I found out that my time was pretty good.  My case is kind of extreme,  but I can tell you that going in with no expectations about how much I should or shouldn't be running allowed me to just focus on what was working best for me.  After that first half, my race addiction set in and I began to optimize my training and race preparation which helped tremendously.  Have fun out there and good luck.

[Ayla2010]

Well this week I finished on 30 km after todays 13 km long run.
I felt really good up until the 10 km mark, and then had a real lack of energy, but I think that was because I only ate a piece of toast before I went. A gel sorted me out and I was able to finish, yes I am slow, I did it in 1:52, but that is the point of the long runs right? Slow and steady? (I did walk a little between the 10-11 km mark, but otherwise no other walking, so I am happy with that.
I am confident on race day I will finish under the 3 hour cut off, how far under I am not sure, but even 2:59 ill be happy.