10 replies to this topic

[McKnickers]

Hi - I've registered for my first half marathon on 31/5 at Williamstown...was recommended this one as it's flat..

any hints and tips for me...?

Cheers

[Maggot]

McKnickers, on Apr 13 2009, 08:43 PM, said:

Hi - I've registered for my first half marathon on 31/5 at Williamstown...was recommended this one as it's flat..

any hints and tips for me...?

Trial using the same drinks the organisers plan on using.
During a half, you will be working hard and hydration w the sports drink will be important. Also, do some speedwork to try accurate pacing: perhaps alternate between 10k race pace and then half mara pace ~ reps of 6 laps, X 3 sets. This should get you used to running a good half mara race pace while fatigued.
Maggotman

[wombatoutofhell]

I ran this 1/2 last year and yes it's pretty flat. I ran the 10km the year before and found that Williamstown can also be very windy. Hopefully you don't have that problem as it was terrible.
The Sri Chinmoy people put on a top event and this is their big one each year.
21.1km is a long way and it's easy to go out too fast. Pacing is critical to a good result. Start at a slower pace and pick it up after a few km if all feels good. Do not be afraid to back off or even take a short walk if it gets too tough. Try to get a couple of 18km runs in training before the day. I like the idea of running full distance at least once mainly as a confidence booster so you know you are capable of it. It's not essential though and in some ways it's nice to have a bit of the unknown on the day.
Don't forget to get some coolrunning gear if you haven't allready-the cheering will give you a lift!
Good Luck

[peterpan]

I've been considering doing either this or the great ocean road half.
Still undecided.
My pros and cons look as following:
GOR
Pro: It's apparently an amazing experience, with great views and a great atmosphere.
Con: It's rather far, and will be costly.
Williamstown:
Pro: It's about 10 minutes from home. I can practically run there as part as warmup (if it were legal to run over the westgate, that is).
Con: It's not the GOR.

I have until early May to decide. :S

[wombatoutofhell]

GOR is also longer than a 1/2-23km I think. I believe they give you a 1/2 time and a full distance time. You can decide if that's a pro or con.

[peterpan]

wombatoutofhell, on Apr 16 2009, 10:42 AM, said:

GOR is also longer than a 1/2-23km I think. I believe they give you a 1/2 time and a full distance time. You can decide if that's a pro or con.

From what I've read, there are mats on the floor that collect your time as you run past them at the 21k mark.
You then continue on running and get another set of time when the race is finished.
Not sure if it's 23 or 25.. can't remember.
I suppose it can be a pro.. Any chance to get more running done..

Another con for gor is the fact that I'll have to arrange transportation either to the start line at the beginning or at the end of the race..
Or get my partner to drive me in the morning or meet me at the end .....
I think Williamstown might be a better idea..

[GrizzlyBear]

Hi Peterpan

Not trying to confuse you but I am going to do both!

That way there is only pros, not cons (I think!).

I did Williamstown last year as my 1st half marathon and loved it. Well not the last 3kms but that's a different story!

And a few friends have raved about GOR, so I thought why not?

Maybe they're too close together (2 weeks apart) but as long as I listen to the body I (hopefully) should be right.

Dave

[peterpan]

GrizzlyBear, on Apr 17 2009, 05:31 AM, said:

Hi Peterpan

Not trying to confuse you but I am going to do both!

That way there is only pros, not cons (I think!).

I did Williamstown last year as my 1st half marathon and loved it. Well not the last 3kms but that's a different story!

And a few friends have raved about GOR, so I thought why not?

Maybe they're too close together (2 weeks apart) but as long as I listen to the body I (hopefully) should be right.

Dave

Hey,
I thought about this ..
I know they're only a couple of weeks apart but surely that's enough time to recover!
In my case though, I don't think I can justify spending that much money on running .... :S

Good luck though, and stay away from injuries! I think Williamstown is looking like a better option at the moment so I'll see you there!

[Morley]

Back to McKnickers request for 1st Half Marathon tips. Williamstown was my first Half in 2006. As Wombat said your long run should be up to at least 18K. I did two at this distance before my first Half. A 20 or 21K is obviously better and I found my second Half two months later easier and quicker with the extra distance in the long run. Don't forget to taper during the two weeks before the Half. Do your longest run 2 weeks out and maybe an easy 12K the Sunday before. Cut back your milage over the two weeks and add an extra rest day or two the final week. Personally unless you have a good running base or you have been doing speed work, I don't think you need it for your first Half.

As far as the race goes it's easy to go out to fast just like other distances. Make sure you take water or the sports drink early in the race. If you take it when you are thirsty it's to late as you are already dehydrated. The wind can be challenging at Williamstown as Wombat mentioned - particularly as you go around the point and head towards Williamstown beach. You may need to put some body glide or other substance on the inside of your arms and inside leg. I don't have rubbing problems on long runs but sometimes do in races over the same distance. Good luck. I'm undecided about the Half or 10K but most likely will be there. Cheers.

[McKnickers]

hi - another question....maybe I'm thick but I've just got the map for the run and can't work out where the half marathon goes to - can anyone help?
thx

[jasegroom]

McKnickers, on May 11 2009, 03:39 PM, said:

hi - another question....maybe I'm thick but I've just got the map for the run and can't work out where the half marathon goes to - can anyone help?
thx

It is a bit of a confusing map isn't it? My take on it from looking at it is this:

Start is marked - from there it goes south then west down the little yellow line, which joins the main black line, heading south all the way down the Strand and round the sea front to Gloucester Reserve, where you do a little loop and head back more or less the way you came along the dotted line. You then carry on north along the dotted line past the Start area and up to the West Gate Bridge, turning round just north of it and heading south again down the grey line. You then come round the finish area, and back down the Strand again as far as Stevedore St, where you do another turn and head back up to the Finish area.