92 replies to this topic

[greengreen]

In a brave move for a newbie, I thought I'd start a new thread! The first half in May/June/July was interesting, but I'm wondering if anyone still has a first time race coming soon.

I'm working towards a half marathon in mid September. I've only been running since April but am really enjoying it. I have some new shoes and gadgets now that make it easier to train: a double running pram for the kids and a garmin for when there's no one to run with (and when there is too).

I'm running three times a week: a shortish 'fast' run (5km), mid length (9.5km) and long run (last week was 15.5km, increasing over the remaining five weeks before the race).

Is anyone else working towards a first half? I'd love to hear how some others are going.

[Willow73]

Hi greengreen, welcome to CR. I was writing in the may/june/july first half, but it didn't eventuate so my first half is August 30 at Lake Macquarie. I'm really looking forward to it. I have done the distance twice and also have a few other nearish distances below my belt, so very confident on the day will be no problem.

Looking forward to hearing your updates

[Chelbub]

Hi Greengreen,

I too am aiming for my first half in Sept - Blackmores. Very much looking forward to it despite having a few self doubts at the moment. I'll get over that!

Did an 18.5km run last Sunday on a flat course and it was good but pulled up fairly fatigued due to poor diet. Reminder to self: always eat well!

Looking forward to the City 2 Surf on Sunday for some fun!

Good luck with your training it sounds like it is going well.

Rach

[Bellthorpe]

Chelbub, if you can run 18.5k in training, on your own, you can race a half marathon. Don't forget pacing.

How do you know your fatigue was due to poor diet? Perhaps it was just the normal response to a long hard run?

[allrounder]

hey greengreen

good to see you posting about your training...training with that double pram will make racing easier on the day!

[bennie]

greengreen, on Aug 6 2009, 02:46 PM, said:

Is anyone else working towards a first half? I'd love to hear how some others are going.

Hiya...

Yep.... i'm working towards my first 1/2! at Melbourne Marathon...

My training is coming along quite nicely at the moment. I signed up with Pat Carroll about 3 months ago on a 26 week program.. I've got 10 weeks to go!! :-) I've come from pretty much no running, straight off the smokes into a gentle program that is enabling me to achieve my running goals/dreams! :-)

I've just started speed sessions in the past week (actually did one just tonight). My longest run so far has been about 12kms. However this Sunday (around the Tan or somewhere near it) i've got slated down a 1:20 min run.. So at my 'marathon pace' of 5:21 I should be able to get 15km, which for me *will* be more longest run! eeek!!!

Nice work on the thread btw: A few of us where in there talking about our first 1/2's but it does look nicer in a thread of it's own! :-)

Hey.. you started in April!!! hehehe, then we started together! that's when i finally pulled my finger out!!!! From what you're saying your preparation looks great! nice one! Have you done any 10km race's? There quite fun and it's nice to know what your time will be etc....

Nice work with the gadgets are well!! they are fun! But running in the end has to come down to feel! :-) Just get out there and enjoy it!

Well.. have fun in CR! It's a great place!! and if you can, integrate yourself in your local area with some fellow CR people! Running with them is fantastic! Heaps to learn etc!

nice to meet you greengreen!

cya.
bennie!

[greengreen]

Hooray! Company!

Yes, the running pram saves me (and my sanity) some days when there's not enough hours or others around to get some time to myself. I had a break through with my 5km time after spending some time pushing the pram. At 2 and 4 years old, my boys weigh 30kg between them. No problem on the flat or with the wind, but is definitely a challenge when conditions change.

The only real running event I have been in was a half marathon in April where I did a relay in a group of three: two runners at around 5km and the third runner did the remaining distance. It certainly was different running in a big group. At the time I couldn't really imagine completing the whole distance myself, but now after some longer runs, it doesn't seem so daunting.

[Chelbub]

Bellthorpe, on Aug 6 2009, 09:53 PM, said:

Chelbub, if you can run 18.5k in training, on your own, you can race a half marathon. Don't forget pacing.

How do you know your fatigue was due to poor diet? Perhaps it was just the normal response to a long hard run?

Hi Bellthorpe,

I don't really know if it was due to poor diet (my extrememly uneducated assumption!) ...but I know I didn't eat properly for two days before the run....had lost my appetite and was pretty emotionally drained as well. Now I think about it, it was probably a combination of things, mmmmm. And, yes, maybe just a normal response - considering it was my longest run to date.

But, having said all that I gave myself an extra day off and had a run yesterday and the legs were fine. Going to do a light run tomorrow and then just enjoy the City 2 Surf. Next week back to half marathon focus and positive thoughts. Perhaps I am starting to overthink things.

Rach

Edited by Chelbub, 07 August 2009 - 09:57 AM.

[greengreen]

Hello everyone. Hope your training is going well this week.

I have a bit of a training dilemma, and I'd appreciate some input. Being new to running, I'm still not entirely sure what my potential is for the HM. Based on one of the running calculators, using my fastest 5km time (average pace 5.03), it predicts 1.54. I'm being more conservative, and looking to come in 1.58 - 2.00hrs.

In my training, my first long runs were quite steady, around 5.45 - 6.00km/min. Looking towards maintaining 5.38 for the entire HM distance, I have stepped this up to low/mid 5.30's without any trouble. I feel confident after running 15.5km at 5.33 average pace, that I will be able to maintain around 5.38 to 5.41 required to bring me in within my goal time.

Here's the dilemma. I've been reading that long runs should be considerably slower than 'race' pace. As a rower, I have used an online training program for the ergo (indoor rower) so have seen that miles done at a steadier pace do contribute to race pace outcomes. I guess I hadn't applied those ideas to my running yet.

Being so close to my race (13 Sept leaves three weekends for a long run, one for taper and the next is the race), should I modify my approach now and back off on the pace of the long runs, or keep it up? In running parlance, is under 20km even considered a 'long' run?

All advice welcome!

[allrounder]

hi greengreen

my first HM goal was to go no worse than 2hrs, I ended up with 1:57...my long run pace was around 5:50 pace (varied between 5:45 and 6:05)...my longest run in the lead up was 2hrs (done once 2 weeks out 20.75k @ 5:47 pace)...I wasn't sure that training at a slower pace would work but I knew I could stay on my feet for that long comfortably...

I think you are definitely on track...the long runs for my last three weeks leading into my first half were 100mins/120mins/90mins...ideally some of your midweek runs would be at a quicker pace but over a shorter time...

hope that helps!

edit: after my first one ended successfully, I then set about getting quicker!

Edited by allrounder, 11 August 2009 - 04:20 PM.

[silverfish]

Hi

I'm in for my 1st ever HM in September! Eek! (at the Blackmores Sydney running festival)

Longest "training" run = 5km
Most recent fun runs = 10km, 14km (City 2 Surf, sub 89 mins)

Why can't I run for a long time in my training runs? I don't get it! Because if I'm going to do a HM I better get going on those long runs...

[NvrGiveUp]

Hi Greengreen - im also in the same boat and will be aiming for blackmores as my first HM!

i did 18km 2 weeks ago no dramas, still slightly sore today from a balls out effort at the C2S.. currently doing nothing this week on Doctors orders to get over this flu ive had thats been going on and off for 3 weeks.

ive been training on 3 runs per week... basically 60mins, 60mins, and 90mins (and building)... hoping to peak with approx 110mins-120mins as my long run 1 wk before race day...focus for me at the moment is time rather than distance.. dont know if this is the right thing to do.. but its working for me in terms of minimising injuries.. and ive been building slowly since March..


im no expert but i would suggest continuing with building time/distance at your 5.45-6min pace for your longer runs.. on race
day someone will most likely pace u into the 5.30's mark.. iam thinking if u now push urself into 5.30 pace for your longer training run, u might cop an injury... and we are only 5 wks away from race day..


again im no expert, but i think what you hear from people saying about longer runs = slower pace, and ur rowing experience are same thing.. also relates to heart rate training.. so longer distance = slower pace = assumingly lower effort =lower heart rate = aerobic building zone...

Cheers

Edited by NvrGiveUp, 12 August 2009 - 10:47 AM.

[Fiftyplus]

Hi all, I'm aiming at my first Half Marathon (since I was 20something) at the Blackmores.

So far have been slowly building up the time and distance on the feet to 18km on firetrails on Saturdays and backing up with a longish ride on Sunday.

Aiming at sub 2hrs and hoping this plus strength and core training at the gym is enough.

Good luck everyone

[greengreen]

Thanks allrounder and NvrGiveUp.

I think I may ease off the pace just a little and keep the time increasing as I really want to avoid any injuries especially as the race is so close. I'm getting to the gym two or three times a week and working on core strength too, so hopefully that's helping.

[Kanjetski]

greengreen, on Aug 12 2009, 08:56 PM, said:

Thanks allrounder and NvrGiveUp.

I think I may ease off the pace just a little and keep the time increasing as I really want to avoid any injuries especially as the race is so close. I'm getting to the gym two or three times a week and working on core strength too, so hopefully that's helping.

Hey Folks... Just wanted to say that I'm pretty excited I've found a new interest here. Reason I'm posting is that I see a few new excited people particularly in this thread that are on the same mind set. I did the the C2S last week first time ever in 87 mins. I'm stoked considering I was way back of pack after #73000 and had to battle my way through... what a nightmare it was but what a buzz to finish ahead of my goal! (yeah I know it's not fast but I'm rather a diesel engine than a petrol turbo )

I never thought of even considering a HM but when I think of it... I never though I could do reasonable in the C2S and I'm 2/3's there!

Anyway, will be looking forward to reading tips on increasing efficiency, diet and tricks to help out for this 40yo good looking and modest gent ;-)

Just a thought to all this... I've noticed when I have a few drinks the night before training (I'm a scotch man) the next day I've noticed my heart rate can be up to 10bpm more than usual and I struggle. Not surprised to be honest but would like to hear other experiences...

[Bellthorpe]

That could well be caused by dehydration, owing to the diuretic effect of alcohol.

Try drinking some water before retiring.

[loubee]

GreenGreen I'm no expert having run only a couple of halves but I would definitely lay off the pace on your long run. You can increase speed with intervals - long or short but running your long run fast will tire the legs unneccessarily.

Just an optional suggestion on this thread is to change the title by removing the aug/sept/oct. The success of the first time marathoners is that it has no closure so people have jumped aboard and departed as they reached their marathon goals.

Good luck to you all.

[Lateentry]

loubee, on Aug 13 2009, 08:37 PM, said:

GreenGreen I'm no expert having run only a couple of halves but I would definitely lay off the pace on your long run. You can increase speed with intervals - long or short but running your long run fast will tire the legs unneccessarily.

Just an optional suggestion on this thread is to change the title by removing the aug/sept/oct. The success of the first time marathoners is that it has no closure so people have jumped aboard and departed as they reached their marathon goals.

Good luck to you all.

It is great to hear about others new to running. At 46 I have definitely taken up running a little late, having started this March. My best 5km time is 5.3 minutes but my long runs (at this stage 12-14 km) are at around 6.3. I would really like to do the Melbourne half marathon in October and think my time for that distance would be around 6.5. Is that good enough? Also does anyone have any thoughts on wearing compression tights. At my age I probably need all the help I can get and the 2xus fit nicely. I thought the Women's elite tights sounded good. Do you wear them during the run or only afterwards to aid recovery? Thanks in advance for any advice

[greengreen]

Hi everyone. Looks like a lot of us are around the same age: I'm 38.

Allrounder, when you said midweek runs shorter and faster, can you give me some suggestions for distance and pace?

Today was my longest run yet at 100 mins. Conditions were not great: very blustery wind. I did as suggested and eased the pace off. I feel fine this afternoon.

Think I'll plan for a similar line to allrounder in the lead up: 110 next week (and leave the full distance for the day), then 100 and 90 in the two weeks prior. Or maybe reverse and do 100 again next week, and the 110 the week after and then 90 as the taper week?

[Chelbub]

greengreen, on Aug 16 2009, 03:35 PM, said:

Hi everyone. Looks like a lot of us are around the same age: I'm 38.

Allrounder, when you said midweek runs shorter and faster, can you give me some suggestions for distance and pace?

Today was my longest run yet at 100 mins. Conditions were not great: very blustery wind. I did as suggested and eased the pace off. I feel fine this afternoon.

Think I'll plan for a similar line to allrounder in the lead up: 110 next week (and leave the full distance for the day), then 100 and 90 in the two weeks prior. Or maybe reverse and do 100 again next week, and the 110 the week after and then 90 as the taper week?

Okay, I confess - I am 38 as well!

[bennie]

Chelbub, on Aug 21 2009, 11:00 AM, said:

Okay, I confess - I am 38 as well!

lol!!!! I'm 'almost' 38... On October 21st for me! hehehehe! :-)

[allrounder]

greengreen, on Aug 16 2009, 03:35 PM, said:

Allrounder, when you said midweek runs shorter and faster, can you give me some suggestions for distance and pace?

Think I'll plan for a similar line to allrounder in the lead up: 110 next week (and leave the full distance for the day), then 100 and 90 in the two weeks prior. Or maybe reverse and do 100 again next week, and the 110 the week after and then 90 as the taper week?

hi greengreen

i run for time rather than distance...bearing in mind that my current HM pace is about 4:53 I do the following:

1 midweek run at about 5:20 pace (50-70mins)
1 tempo run (10min @ 5:25-5:30 pace; 20-25min @ 4:55-5:00 pace; 10min @ 5:25-5:30 pace)
5k handicap race on Fridays @ about 4:45 pace
1 long run at about 5:40 pace (90-120mins)

I also do two nights of speed work with a running group with the speed stuff at 4:15 pace or quicker depending on what we are doing...

I hope that gives you a better feel for what I meant! (Please note that I'm not saying this is the ideal schedule but it is what works for me!)

Edited by allrounder, 21 August 2009 - 02:43 PM.

[redandsilver]

I'm new to running too, started May this year and just love it. Started with a couple of km and realised I enjoyed it, then before I know it I'm doing fun runs and now I'm training for my first half marathon on 29th Aug. At first I just ran until I started to get tired and each time I could go for longer, then I bought a Nike+ iPod thingy and found I was running 10-12km on my weekend runs so I entered the Sutherland to Surf (56:26) and City2Surf (78:49) and really enjoyed running them so I entered a half marathon (Sutherland Half Marathon) and have also entered a second one (Sydney Running Festival on 20th Sept).

I got some advice about training - there's a whole new world I'm discovering! - and have been doing 3 days of running a week (a faster shorter timed run, interval training and a slower long run) plus doing some weights at the gym. I've found the timed run and the interval training have really helped me with my pacing and strength. My longest training run was 19.5km which took me 121 mins, I got a bit achy towards the end but my breathing and energy were good and I recovered well. I'm now tapering and I'll see how I go on 29th! Not sure what time I'll do, my aim is to enjoy it and finish in good shape, then build up to the next one.

For the record, I'm 34...

[Willow73]

9 days to go!

Planning about a 15k ish run on Monday- slow, a recovery run Tuesday with my gym girls, then maybe some speed work Wednesday/Friday and that'll just about do me I think.

I'm 36 by the way

Great effort redandsilver on starting running. Goodluck with your taper week and your first half next week too

[redandsilver]

Thanks Willow73, I never expected I would like running enough to make it my focus, just thought I'd try adding a bit in to my exercise routine but now it's becoming the main thing for me. Been looking at the running calendar and there's a lot of events to choose from!

Good luck with your run.

[greengreen]

Another long run done! 100 minutes again today. Two weeks training left before race day...

Good luck for next week, Willow73.

[Nattie]

Hey all.
I decided this year would be my first HM.
I have done the C2S 3 times now and love it, but I have been a bit slack with the training. I hadn't run further than 14km til last week where I upped it to 20km. I know this is not the best way to train, but I am very limited with time.
I was slow at 2h20min but ran the whole thing. I got sore towards the end, but my recovery has been great.
I dont have a goal time in mind for the HM, just to have completed it this year.

I look forward to hearing everyone else's training and good luck.

Nat (26)

[bennie]

Willow73, on Aug 21 2009, 04:34 PM, said:

9 days to go!

I'm 36 by the way

Wow! 6 days to now!!! :-) good luck with that!!! you've tried hard willow!!! go for it! :-)

re age: lol.. all of us seem to be the same age around here..

I was talking to a running friend of mine the other day and he said, most definitely it's a mid to late 30's thing where guys/girls get into running! mid life crisis territory! lol! :-)

greengreen, on Aug 23 2009, 09:11 PM, said:

Another long run done! 100 minutes again today. Two weeks training left before race day...

Wow!!! that's awesome greengreen!!!! congrats!!!! two weeks left... What have you got planned schedule wise over the next couple of weeks?

cheers.
bennie.

ps. my own plans for the Melbourne 1/2 are continuing along nicely..... Had a pretty relaxing weekend with a slow-easy 15km yesterday!!! very relaxing!!!!

cheers
bennie

[Willow73]

My 15k run turned into a 10k walk The wind was blowing an absolute gale, I was running forward 1 step and being blown back 3! Still on schedule for my easy run with the gym girls tomorrow followed by sprints Wednesday.

Gotta love carb loading. Let it begin!

6 sleeps to go!

[craigus]

bennie, on Aug 24 2009, 02:49 PM, said:

re age: lol.. all of us seem to be the same age around here..

I was talking to a running friend of mine the other day and he said, most definitely it's a mid to late 30's thing where guys/girls get into running! mid life crisis territory! lol! :-)

I am just having a bit of chuckle with everyone having a mid life crisis in the 30’s. Same thing happened to me last year. At age 34, I thought it was my last chance to get off my backside and achieve a few long held dreams before I got old and fat. Suppose it’s cheaper than buying a sports car (the wife would never agree to that)!!

I’ve still been popping into this thread even though my first HM was earlier in the year. 2nd HM is coming up in 3 weeks

Good luck with your training everyone.

[AaronR]

37 and running my first Half at blackmores.
Seem to have gotten my 10k down to about 51min, which has only just happened recently.
Running 3 days a week, 1x10k, 1x6k,1x16k. All hills...sadly
long run will go through to a 19k this week and will do a 21k two weeks out. then back to 10k on each run until the event.
Diet, well lets just say, there isn;t one. Im not playing for sheep stations.

Hoping to do the half in 120, but will be happy if it is 180.

[gorlaz]

lol - where was this thread when I needed it!! I ran my first HM at Mudgee last Sunday in 1:38; whole run felt terrible - so to come out with that time was fantastic. Moral to the story - No matter how bad it feels on the day, keep going (assuming you know ur limits) . One foot in front of the other for the last 5kms was the mantra

I can't see who it was asked earlier in the thread but definitely get your distance up prior to the race, doesn't matter about the time - the furthest I'd run was 16km the week before C2S (which was also a first - wow there are some ppl!!) and was really hoping to do a 18-20km the week after C2S but it didn't happen.

Reason why the HM felt terrible & the long run didn't happen; I ran C2S in 68mins but pulled up with some soft muscle dmg in my foot, so hadn't been able to run between C2S and the HM. Missed one week from running/bootcamp completely and then jumped in the pool the second week and got a boot camp in without ended up in too much pain then rolled up to the HM feeling decidedly unprepared.

So trust in your preparation and just run it how you feel; and enjoy it (as much as one can with legs burning, sweat dripping etc) - you only get one first HM

[Willow73]

redandsilver, on Aug 21 2009, 02:38 PM, said:

I entered a half marathon (Sutherland Half Marathon) and have also entered a second one (Sydney Running Festival on 20th Sept).

Good luck for your Sutherland Half today redandsilver! Can't wait to hear how you went.

1 sleep to go! Aaargh

Training all complete, nice easy day (running the kids around everywhere, but no sport activities for me), I just need to pray to the weather gods that they give me the weather we've had of late and NO WIND pleez!

[greengreen]

Willow73, on Aug 29 2009, 06:40 AM, said:

Good luck for your Sutherland Half today redandsilver! Can't wait to hear how you went.

1 sleep to go! Aaargh

Training all complete, nice easy day (running the kids around everywhere, but no sport activities for me), I just need to pray to the weather gods that they give me the weather we've had of late and NO WIND pleez!

Good luck Willow! And looking forward to hearing about redandsilver's run too.

Thanks for the encouragement Bennie, training has been going well, we've even accumulated a new running enthusiast, one with 24 marathons experience (!!!) so that's pretty inspiring! Managing four runs a week and two or three trips to the gym. Our run today was the wettest yet, steady rain after the first 15mins for the remaining hour and a quarter! At least it was perfectly still.

[redandsilver]

Had a great time today running my first half marathon. It's such a beautiful course along Lady Carrington Drive. I finished in 2:00:19, which I'm really happy with. I'd estimated between 2hrs and 2hrs 15mins, so to get right on 2hrs was great!

Felt good the whole way apart from a slight stitch between about 12.5km and 16km. Now on to the next one on 20th Sept! Starts at 6:20am and I have to travel for an hour and half, so be getting up very early...

Good luck Willow73! Hope your training goes well greengreen.

[Willow73]

redandsilver, on Aug 29 2009, 11:54 PM, said:

Had a great time today running my first half marathon. It's such a beautiful course along Lady Carrington Drive. I finished in 2:00:19, which I'm really happy with. I'd estimated between 2hrs and 2hrs 15mins, so to get right on 2hrs was great!

Felt good the whole way apart from a slight stitch between about 12.5km and 16km. Now on to the next one on 20th Sept! Starts at 6:20am and I have to travel for an hour and half, so be getting up very early...

Good luck Willow73! Hope your training goes well greengreen.

Well done redandsilver, thats awesome especially after only a few months running!

The weather gods haven't been kind to me for my debut today! The wind is blowing an absolute nightmare gale, and the fact that the race is held along the waterfront its going to be 50 times worse

Fingers crossed I get through, might have to change my goal to sub 2:15, although a miracle could happen and the wind stop completely in 2hrs, lets all prayer together

[Solace]

Willow73, on Aug 30 2009, 05:49 AM, said:

The weather gods haven't been kind to me for my debut today! The wind is blowing an absolute nightmare gale, and the fact that the race is held along the waterfront its going to be 50 times worse

Fingers crossed I get through, might have to change my goal to sub 2:15, although a miracle could happen and the wind stop completely in 2hrs, lets all prayer together

Breathe Willow.......

I've just checked the weather and the wind out at the lake isn't too bad. It's blowing from the west so it'll help us get home.

Stay calm, forget about changing your goal time, and just have fun.

[redandsilver]

Hope the winds eased off for you Willow and that you had great run.

My recovery has been good, slightly stiff when I first got up this morning but the kinks are stretched out now.

[Solace]

The winds didn't ease but Willow had an awesome run!

Top work girl!

[Willow73]

I did it yay 1hr 59min. WOO HOO

I was so excited at about the 17k mark when I knew I was on schedule to beat my goal time.

It was terrible conditions, blowing an absolute gale. Waiting at the start we were freezing and the wind seemed to be picking up even more, the 2nd lap the wind seemed even stronger.

Well done to everyone who ran today also. Nice to finally put some CR faces to names and catch up with Solace

Can't wait for October for race No 2!

[Willow73]

Thanks Solace! Felt very good, although I'm sooo sore now, time to hit the radox bath I think

[redandsilver]

Well done Willow, great time, especially in those conditions!

[greengreen]

Great work Willow! Congratulations.

I was wondering if anyone has some thoughts about when might be a good time to push a little harder. I've read lots of warnings about going out too fast, and I'll do my best to keep to my planned pace. 17km might be a good point for an increase if feeling good? Can you have a race plan if you've never raced the distance before??

[redandsilver]

greengreen, on Aug 31 2009, 12:01 PM, said:

I was wondering if anyone has some thoughts about when might be a good time to push a little harder. I've read lots of warnings about going out too fast, and I'll do my best to keep to my planned pace. 17km might be a good point for an increase if feeling good? Can you have a race plan if you've never raced the distance before??

I'm a newbie and no expert so I can only share my own experience, hope it's a little bit useful! I was nervous about pacing too, especially as I had been fighting off a bug the week before so I wasn't sure if my planned pace would be OK. It turned out I was able to stick to my planned pace to 12.5km, then I got a slight stitch so I eased off on my pace for a bit. By 16km it was gone and I was feeling good so I picked up my pace and by the last couple of km I felt good enough to pick it up again and felt great running fairly hard to the finish.

I found the training I'd done really helped me judge my pace and I avoided the trap of trying to keep up with other people which I had heard can be a problem. I felt great at the finish and have recovered well. Only a little bit of stiffness the next morning but after a walk it went away.

All the best with the rest of your training.

[Dr1Villar]

Hi all,

I am also a new runner starting in June this year with the Central Coast Bay2Bay 12km (hadn't run that distance in about 25 yrs lol). I have since been doing some runs (6 so far) with the Terrigal Trotters (great bunch). These vary from 10km to about 15.5km & some are quite challenging.

Surprise.... I am also now contemplating my 1st HM in December up at the The Entrance (if it's on), I saw the Blackmores (?) in Sydney a little too late to prepare for. Mind you I don't think I could've afforded this one as yet.

So I'm taking note of all your training suggestions. I do Weights, riding swimming & running & am pretty fit. Just getting myself (particularly my legs) used to the longer distances.

For the record.... 41yr old ... I keep being told it's the middle age crisis thing lol.

Dr1Villar

[Willow73]

Welcome Dr1Villar to CR and to running

The Mardi Gras run is on Sunday December 6th this year. Very nice, follows the bike path from The Entrance to Chittaway Bay, also nice and flat course.

Greengreen its a good idea to have a race plan of some description especially if you have a goal time in mind. I went harder in my first 10.5k and eased off a bit in the middle and picked up again probably from about the 17k mark. Ours was a 2 lap event of the same course twice, the start of the second lap was straight into the wind and I found I needed a lot more water breaks on this lap, which is why I was a bit slower in the middle, then I was good with the tailwind behind us. I used my watch and kept an eye on my pace, although I was mostly just going with how I felt. First lap felt good so I pushed it a little, knowing that I had to do it again I knew I was ahead of my goal time enough to ease that little bit in the middle, I think I dropped down to about 5:50min k's for the middle section and then picked it up again. Just keep an eye on your time and go with how you're feeling. If you feel good, go for it!

[bennie]

Willow73, on Aug 30 2009, 11:38 AM, said:

I did it yay 1hr 59min. WOO HOO

YEAH!!!! Congrats Willow! that's awesome news! You must be so proud!!!

Lol: I'm proud of you!!! This thread ( and the one before ) has been great! Amazing watching everyone growing in their confidence (in most circumstances with well thought out training!).

Under 2 hours! That's a sensational effort! well done AND with that crappy windy weather as well!!!! :-)

Have fun on your 2nd 1/2 in October!

Regarding my own plans/training for my 1/2 coming up in October (11th) as well. Everything is going along AOK at the moment. I put in a good 18.25 km run on Sunday, taking 1:40:02 which put me @ 5:29 pace....

I'm becoming increasingly confident that i'll finish the 1/2 and hit my goal of a sub 2:00 race!!!! :-)

In two weeks time, i'm down for my longest run (via Pat Carroll's program), it's for 2:00 hours!! so (weather permitting) in 2 weeks time I would have run my first 'unofficial' 1/2! hehehehe! I can't wait!

I've got some interval type work this week! and i'm looking forward to it!

To everyone else that is about to complete their 1/2's... Train smart and keep up those kms.. A few people have mentioned that it's quite beneficial/recommended to get that long run as close to the 1/2 as possible! go for it!

Cheers!
bennie!

[Willow73]

Thanks Bennie Yes I'm super happy with my time, especially in the horrible conditions. I just wonder what I might of done on a good day?

I would definitely recommend doing the distance or as close to as you can (if you want to save the actual distance for race day). I ran close to and a little more about 6 times in training leading up to race day. I wanted to know that I could at least complete the distance, once I knew I could do it then I gave myself a goal time. All my training was done on a 2 lap course as thats what the race was but I doubt if my 2nd race will be like that so now I have to re-train to run an out and back, so that should be fun or even a point to point (although I think that would do my head in!)

October 11th will roll around very fast its only 6 weeks isn't it? Thats the week before my second (not sure how that one will go for me as its the last race of 3 (not all half's) in one week for the World Masters)

Keep up the good training everyone.

[Dr1Villar]

Willow73, on Aug 31 2009, 09:23 PM, said:

Welcome Dr1Villar to CR and to running

The Mardi Gras run is on Sunday December 6th this year. Very nice, follows the bike path from The Entrance to Chittaway Bay, also nice and flat course.

Thanks Willow73,

I did a bike ride of the track to have a look at it a couple of weeks ago. I'm not to sure about all the little foot bridges & pedestrian barriers, though I have picked this for my first HM because it is so flat. I intend to have a couple of trial runs on it before the date, thanks for confirming that for me too, was having trouble finding out.

Do you happen to know if there is pre registering for this event?

Cheers
Dr1V

[Solace]

Dr1Villar, on Sep 1 2009, 07:38 AM, said:

Thanks Willow73,

I did a bike ride of the track to have a look at it a couple of weeks ago. I'm not to sure about all the little foot bridges & pedestrian barriers, though I have picked this for my first HM because it is so flat. I intend to have a couple of trial runs on it before the date, thanks for confirming that for me too, was having trouble finding out.

Do you happen to know if there is pre registering for this event?

Cheers
Dr1V

Hi and welcome Dr1Villar,

There is not much info regarding this race available until right before it. Don't expect much until around November at the earliest.

If I remember correctly, you can post in your entry form before hand or you can register on the day. It is a very well organised event and there weren't any problems with registrations on the day last year.

Look forward to seeing you there.