Melbourne Marathon - Half
#1
Posted 30 July 2010 - 12:23 PM
I have entered again this year for my 5th Melbourne Marathon half. I had to downgrade from the full last year due to my pesky feet. They are still annoying me and half's don't give me too much trouble and I haven't been able to get them fixed yet, no-one seems to be able to help.
Anyway, if things look better in a month or so, may attempt to upgrade if I can - but doubt that is going to happen.
Looking forward to it again.
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#2
Posted 30 July 2010 - 12:48 PM
So anyway, I’ve bitten the bullet and entered! This will be my first so I’m (excuse my French) kakking myself.
I’m not bothered with times, just hoping to cross the line somewhere under 2:30ish but my mindset still varies daily on whether I’ll be ready or not and whether I'll be able to withstand the increase in mileage in my build up. One day I think I am, the next I don’t think I’m going to make it.
I guess there’s only one way to find out. 10 weeks to go!
Edited by SirPlod, 30 July 2010 - 12:53 PM.
#3
Posted 30 July 2010 - 09:57 PM
#4
Posted 31 July 2010 - 12:46 PM
My number is 9187 (I entered last weekend though).
I might be a tad on the crazy side - I only started running in February this year. So far, I've done 4 fun runs of 5k, 5k, 8k, 10k. I'm also considering doing the Grampians Springtime Classic of 15k but I know just how nasty those 2 hills are, yikes!
I have at time goal in mind but I think for my fist, it's all about not walking and just plain old finishing.
Kezza13 - any tips you can offer a newbie?
#5
Posted 31 July 2010 - 01:49 PM
#6
Posted 31 July 2010 - 02:30 PM
This will also be my first half so I'm just hoping I make it
#7
Posted 31 July 2010 - 09:39 PM
Number 11466 reporting for duty!
This will be my third MHM. 1:47, then 1:50. Let's hope the time goes in the other direction this time. Each of them have been a fun time on a great course.
Looking forward to it.
Greg
#8
Posted 31 July 2010 - 10:20 PM
There again, I'm not getting any younger so why not have a go.
Thanks for the heads up about a good atmosphere, that is THE best thing about the C2S.
#9
Posted 01 August 2010 - 08:22 AM
I will have been off the couch for over 6 months by the time this one rolls around (and off the smokes for twenty four weeks) so looking forward to sliding under 2 hrs following my maiden 1/2 Marathon @ Run Melbourne in 2:05:29.
Good luck all
#10
Posted 01 August 2010 - 08:35 AM
Great to see SirPlod stepping up. You will be fine Ed just stick to your own race plan and you will have no worries at all.
All the best to everyone running their first. It is a lovely course & great atmosphere. Keep training slowly and sensibly dont panic about the distance. So long as you keep running consistently, gradually increasing your distance you will make it to the finish line. See you there, K
#11
Posted 01 August 2010 - 11:51 AM
zandrsmum, on Aug 1 2010, 08:05 AM, said:
Great to see SirPlod stepping up. You will be fine Ed just stick to your own race plan and you will have no worries at all.
All the best to everyone running their first. It is a lovely course & great atmosphere. Keep training slowly and sensibly dont panic about the distance. So long as you keep running consistently, gradually increasing your distance you will make it to the finish line. See you there, K
I am seriously thinking of doing the Melbourne Half - I have my first Half Marathon in Adelaide in 14 days (eep!) and am wondering that if I see how I go in that and wait to enter the Melb marathon.... I might miss out on entering! Do we know what the limit is for entrants?
So what is the course like? I have looked at the map but being a south aussie I would love to hear a Vic's perspective on it. It looks like a great event to be a part of
#12
Posted 01 August 2010 - 02:33 PM
stacytoby, on Aug 1 2010, 11:51 AM, said:
After the lap of the lake, the marathoners head down to the foreshore for some extra kms down at St Kilda and Port Melbourne, but the half-marathoners head back the way they came, up St Kilda Road. On the way back, though, there is a little diversion, taking you down and under St Kilda Road through one of the road tunnels - going down into this and coming back out represents pretty much the only non-flat section of the course, and it's pretty mild. Once back on St Kilda Road you head back over the Yarra and turn right into Flinders St, where you keep going past the Rod Laver turning, and head down Wellington Parade South, through Jolimont / East Melbourne (where you can see how the other half live), and down to the MCG. This section is slightly downhill, compensating you for the little uphill section at the very beginning. You finish the race by coming up into the MCG, where you run a lap to finish in front of the member's stand. Remember to look up at the big screen and give yourself a wave as you do!
Edited by jasegroom, 01 August 2010 - 02:36 PM.
#13
Posted 01 August 2010 - 07:39 PM
ican, on Jul 30 2010, 09:57 PM, said:
Ican - My number is 10467 so not sure how this goes. As far as I remember, I think you would be able to downgrade even if the half is full as I think I asked the question last year. You could probably check now and they will let you know. The half and 10km get full first. (By the way, I had a very successful 18km on Saturday, usually my feet start giving me issues by 15km!!!! - can't win.)
Congrats lauraruns for entering your first, it will be very memorable for you. My advice is not to have a goal time in mind, just a goal for finishing. The atmostphere is fantastic - so many people and it is better to take it easy and enjoy it. It doesn't matter if you have to walk for short bursts (maybe through the latter drink stations) as this will ensure that you do not burn yourself out and make it difficult to complete. You don't have a lot of klms in those legs, so take it easy and enjoy.
Many of the CR's meet up at the Tranport afterwards, so pop in and say hello if you can. Good luck.
#14
Posted 01 August 2010 - 10:28 PM
#15
Posted 02 August 2010 - 06:27 AM
#16
Posted 02 August 2010 - 01:29 PM
This will be my first half. Started running on 26 March this year, having never ran more than 5km in my life.
I started with a 5km run that day that took me 34 mins and was aiming for the 10km Run Melbourne event. As training progressed and my pace started falling to around 6min/km, I decided to have a crack at the 21.1km.
Training has been going really well so far. I did Run Melbourne in 46.12 (very happy) and am hoping to break 1:45 for the half marathon. Training three times a week - running to or from work Tues/Thur (~8km, incorporating speed work) and long run on the weekend. Did 13km yesterday in 1:04, for just under 5min/km so have my work cut out to sustain that pace to reach my 1:45 goal. Thinking about maybe adding in a fourth run (maybe do the long run on Saturday and a gentle run on Sunday).
Can't wait to finish with a lap of the MCG!
#17
Posted 12 August 2010 - 09:43 AM
My long runs are up to 17k now but the trick for me is the recovery process. Long runs kill my appetite so I hardly eat and then the next day feel like a bit of a zombie.
jasegroom - thanks for the description of the course. It sounds like fun and I like that it's mostly flat. Living in the mountains, all I train on are hills! They can get a little tedious at times. Rounding a corner at 16k only to find another hill on the home stretch is quite daunting!
#18
Posted 12 August 2010 - 10:46 AM
Not bad over here – last week I thought the dream was over because I developed shin pains which according to the Doc are shin splints – turns out it might be my new Brooks. I’ve changed back to my trusted Asics and the pains have gone – so I guess I just bought myself an expensive pair of Brooks gardening shoes…
Did a 10km this weekend with a PB, so it can’t be all bad.
Recently got myself a Garmin 405cx, and it’s changed my life. It’s allowing me to pace myself much better, and helps the geek in me analyze my runs.
9 weeks to go! Good luck with your training folks…
#19
Posted 12 August 2010 - 11:02 AM
SirPlod, on Aug 12 2010, 10:46 AM, said:
Not bad over here – last week I thought the dream was over because I developed shin pains which according to the Doc are shin splints – turns out it might be my new Brooks. I’ve changed back to my trusted Asics and the pains have gone – so I guess I just bought myself an expensive pair of Brooks gardening shoes…
Did a 10km this weekend with a PB, so it can’t be all bad.
Recently got myself a Garmin 405cx, and it’s changed my life. It’s allowing me to pace myself much better, and helps the geek in me analyze my runs.
9 weeks to go! Good luck with your training folks…
Ed
Good news you haven't decided to downsize to the 10K (you'll have to leave that to me to win it now eh?!!!!! - fat chance!)
Keep up with the trusty old Kayanos
#20
Posted 12 August 2010 - 11:21 AM
hezza, on Aug 12 2010, 11:02 AM, said:
Good news you haven't decided to downsize to the 10K (you'll have to leave that to me to win it now eh?!!!!! - fat chance!)
Keep up with the trusty old Kayanos
Hey Hez… Yep, sorry, I’ll have to leave you to smoke the 10km competition alone…
Yep, I re-jigged my plan yesterday, and provided I don’t have any huge setbacks in the next 9 weeks, I should be ok – it just leaves me much less (or none at all) margin for setbacks.
As much as I didn’t want to buy Asics anymore… I can’t argue with the fact that the Kayanos are the best for me.
#21
Posted 12 August 2010 - 10:20 PM
Lauraruns - I never have much of an appetite after a long run either!
#22
Posted 14 August 2010 - 02:42 PM
#23
Posted 14 August 2010 - 04:49 PM
Acey, on Aug 14 2010, 02:42 PM, said:
I'd recommend this thread - there's a wealth of information on this subject over there.
#24
Posted 14 August 2010 - 06:00 PM
SirPlod, on Jul 29 2010, 10:48 PM, said:
The last half I did was the Marysville in November 2009 (a pw but that's another story). So I decided it's about time I did another. Entered about 4 weeks ago, then next day came down with a nasty cough/bronchitis - so now I have 8 weeks to train up after doing nothing at all for 3 weeks.
Target is now 2 hrs, maybe 1:50 if some kind of miracle happens. Guess it was never going to be a pb anyway. My number is 8599.
Beardless
#25
Posted 15 August 2010 - 10:11 AM
#26
Posted 15 August 2010 - 12:43 PM
Had previously been considering Melbourne full but reality kept nagging me about the weather and what I am like in the heat, so maybe Williamstown or Gold Coast next year.....
However not feeling like a half next weekend at all - massive dose of the winter lethargy hit this week after CITY2SURF.
Like Grey Beard haven't done a half since Marysville which was also a PW.
Not sure where my training is at, have been doing what I do which is intervals and tempos and long runs but not sure if I really have enough ks in the legs!!!
Karyn glad your calf is healing.
#27
Posted 15 August 2010 - 08:30 PM
zandrsmum, on Aug 15 2010, 10:11 AM, said:
Good stuff K, good to hear you're getting more confident about it.
Did my longest run ever (EVER!) today - so far 10km has been the limit that I just haven't seemed to get past, but ran 11km today. Went very well, despite a headwind and pouring rain. The shin pains are still under control, so I'm felling pretty happy about it all. 12.5km next week.
Good luck all, keep it up...
#28
Posted 15 August 2010 - 08:41 PM
My run this morning was tough. No energy in the legs. I need to eat more on Fridays and Saturdays
#29
Posted 16 August 2010 - 09:09 AM
lauraruns, on Aug 15 2010, 08:41 PM, said:
I wish I had that problem...
Admittedly, I didn’t read the instruction manual on the Garmin (how manly!), so I’ve been swearing at it a few times this week, but since I finally managed to turn the virtual partner off and just concentrate on pace/distance/time, it’s been great.
Very surprising to see how pace differs on different surfaces and depending on the conditions!
#30
Posted 16 August 2010 - 10:35 AM
SirPlod, on Aug 16 2010, 09:09 AM, said:
Neither did I
I'm still eating fairly low cals - working my way to maintenance calories (I used to be 64kg heavier). So I think I still have the low-cal mindset which I don't think is very conducive to long distance running. Making myself eat more is harder than I think.
#31
Posted 16 August 2010 - 01:31 PM
lauraruns, on Aug 16 2010, 10:35 AM, said:
I'm still eating fairly low cals - working my way to maintenance calories (I used to be 64kg heavier). So I think I still have the low-cal mindset which I don't think is very conducive to long distance running. Making myself eat more is harder than I think.
So you've lost 64kg, Laura? That is simply fantastic.
And I'm in for the half too! My first one. Never run further than the R4K distance.
#33
Posted 17 August 2010 - 09:14 AM
And I can't wait too!
#34
Posted 22 August 2010 - 10:45 PM
Weak, I know.
Meh, I'm just having a whinge. I'm fit, healthy and not injured. And it was sunny and kinda warm on my run.
There are 6 weeks left, so only 4 really long runs to go. I ate like an ogre yesterday to fuel today's run. Nothing outrageous, just more than usual. I felt the difference for sure.
Hope everyone else is enjoying their training!
#35
Posted 23 August 2010 - 12:52 PM
I did my longest run of 12.5km yesterday. I’m cutting it pretty fine by only increasing to 19km two weeks before race day, but that’s the best I can do given the 10% rule and my starting point.
Felt pretty ok for 12.5km, and no real soreness today – I’m not sure what I’m going to feel like at 18km though… let alone 21km. I have to keep reminding myself that all I want to do is cross the line, not in any time… just cross the line…
Also ran my fastest 5km on Friday – wasn’t trying to though – I went for a run with a work colleague who’s faster than I am and I just sort of held on…
Good luck!
#36
Posted 23 August 2010 - 01:03 PM
SirPlod, on Aug 23 2010, 12:52 PM, said:
I did my longest run of 12.5km yesterday. I’m cutting it pretty fine by only increasing to 19km two weeks before race day, but that’s the best I can do given the 10% rule and my starting point.
Felt pretty ok for 12.5km, and no real soreness today – I’m not sure what I’m going to feel like at 18km though… let alone 21km. I have to keep reminding myself that all I want to do is cross the line, not in any time… just cross the line…
Also ran my fastest 5km on Friday – wasn’t trying to though – I went for a run with a work colleague who’s faster than I am and I just sort of held on…
Good luck!
Ed, you are going further than me. I am only up to 10k at the moment! It's all relative. Up to 19k will be fine. No need to do anymore. Keep it up. K
#37
Posted 23 August 2010 - 01:08 PM
lauraruns, on Aug 22 2010, 10:45 PM, said:
Weak, I know.
Meh, I'm just having a whinge. I'm fit, healthy and not injured. And it was sunny and kinda warm on my run.
There are 6 weeks left, so only 4 really long runs to go. I ate like an ogre yesterday to fuel today's run. Nothing outrageous, just more than usual. I felt the difference for sure.
Hope everyone else is enjoying their training!
They will start to put less on your body but is it 'normal' to run 18km? We are far from normal. Just stay consistant, that is the key and soon they wont make you want to cry and just reading back a bit if you have lost 64kg fairly recently your body will be making all sorts of adjustments. That you can run that far is such an amazing achievement. Just keep going Laura, it will get easier just cant tell you when. K
#38
Posted 23 August 2010 - 01:42 PM
zandrsmum, on Aug 23 2010, 01:03 PM, said:
Yeah, but you run like a greyhound... I run a bit more like a ...um.... Brahman Bull...
How are you feeling so far K? Going strong?
#39
Posted 23 August 2010 - 03:23 PM
I just entered the Melb Half as my first half marathon. I've been running 10k runs for a little while but thought it was time to step it up. I printed out the course map and have it on my wall at home. Looking forward to the challenge! Any tips for first time halfers!
Cheers,
Ingi
#40
Posted 23 August 2010 - 03:41 PM
On raceday, rule 2.1 is important.
Rule 2.1 basically says:
Double the distance, and your predicted time should be 2.1 times what ever your time for the half distance would have been
So, when you toe the MH start line, ask yourself:
"How fast would I race 10km in today?"
If(for instance), you think you could race 10km in 50mins, then, your predicted time for 20km should be about 1hr 45mins, so you try to average 5min 15sec/km from the start.(A 60min 10km runner should try to average 6mins 18secs/km, and a 45min 10ker should do about 4min 40secs/km).
The excitement of the race should carry you through the last 1.1km
#41
Posted 23 August 2010 - 04:29 PM
SirPlod, on Aug 23 2010, 01:42 PM, said:
How are you feeling so far K? Going strong?
Mmmm a greyhound carrying 7 weeks of extra non running weight! Going OK, strong would be nice but getting better each run until I got this damn chest infection. Can not take a trick with regards to health at the moment. The kids are bringing home EVERYTHING grrrr... Hope to get up to around the 12k by the weekend but will take it day by day. Bring on the Robitussin isn't that how we met?? Take care, we'll have to organise another Lysterfield run soon. K
#42
Posted 23 August 2010 - 08:10 PM
Digger, on Aug 23 2010, 03:41 PM, said:
The excitement of the race should carry you through the last 1.1km
Self doubt?
I'm hoping for the adrenalin and excitement to push me over the line. I'm less concerned about a time than I am about finishing in one piece instead of a blubbering mess! If I do cry, it'll be because I made it, not because of pain!
Thanks for all the feedback. Much appreciated.
#43
Posted 23 August 2010 - 08:40 PM
lauraruns, on Aug 23 2010, 04:10 AM, said:
That was the whole point of my post.
-To make sure you don't spend all of your penny's in the 1st 10km, because if you do, and you haven't run this far before, you will discover a new hell.
-To make sure that when you get to The G,you have got there in one piece, in a time that will do justice to your fitness and preparation(or lack of it)
-To let you know, that not all of us who have BTDT, actually train over the 'race distance', infact a lot of us rarely run as far as our prefered race distance between races, and I for one, when ever I have stepped up a distance, have never run the distance prior to the race.
#44
Posted 23 August 2010 - 08:47 PM
Ingi, on Aug 23 2010, 01:23 PM, said:
I just entered the Melb Half as my first half marathon. I've been running 10k runs for a little while but thought it was time to step it up. I printed out the course map and have it on my wall at home. Looking forward to the challenge! Any tips for first time halfers!
Cheers,
Ingi
1) The heat gets to you. So try to make sure pick up the pace the last few kms or preferably 2nd half of your training runs (long, tempo or recovery, etc).
2) Soak in the atmosphere - high five the crowds. It helps.
3) Remember to look out of photographers in the first few kms and smile. Reason? I would rather have them take a decent pic in those 1st few kms than the last few kms.
#45
Posted 24 August 2010 - 08:41 AM
zandrsmum, on Aug 23 2010, 04:29 PM, said:
Heh heh, it was indeed - since then I've never used anything else for coughs!
Yep, will definitely organise another Lysterfield hit out...
#46
Posted 24 August 2010 - 08:49 AM
Digger, on Aug 23 2010, 03:41 PM, said:
On raceday, rule 2.1 is important.
Rule 2.1 basically says:
Double the distance, and your predicted time should be 2.1 times what ever your time for the half distance would have been
So, when you toe the MH start line, ask yourself:
"How fast would I race 10km in today?"
If(for instance), you think you could race 10km in 50mins, then, your predicted time for 20km should be about 1hr 45mins, so you try to average 5min 15sec/km from the start.(A 60min 10km runner should try to average 6mins 18secs/km, and a 45min 10ker should do about 4min 40secs/km).
The excitement of the race should carry you through the last 1.1km
Thanks Digger, using your rule that does get me to about where I was hoping to finish - probably even a bit faster. I'll be interested to see how I go once I get into the 15km to 19km territory in training and on the day... it's all unknown territory to me.
#47
Posted 24 August 2010 - 09:33 AM
SirPlod, on Aug 23 2010, 05:49 PM, said:
You can tell us all about that in 'The Transport', after 2PM in the afternoon after the race.
#49
Posted 24 August 2010 - 06:33 PM
SirPlod, on Aug 24 2010, 10:02 AM, said:
#50
Posted 24 August 2010 - 06:48 PM
Digger, on Aug 24 2010, 09:03 AM, said:
I'm looking forward to catching up with all of the Cool Running crew at Transport afterwards, we need to make sure we're all wearing some CR gear!
My training is on speedwork at the moment..... then my final leg of training will be long runs in Fiji as I am on a holiday there up until the 8th of October - should make for some interesting training!!!














