27 replies to this topic

[Theuntalentedrunner]

Hi-
about to do my 1st 1/2 in 3 weeks- today i did my longest run to- date 18k & although i was happy with  the run - i ran a consistent pace of 6 - i just found the last 2ks a bit of a sruggle.
I stopped twice for water and although i didn't eat breakfast (just coffee) i make sure i eat alot the day before.
My aim is just to finish  and enjoy it- though i would love any tips on running the last 6k of 21k - i seem to manage 15k ok- also i seem to be recovering quite fast lately from my workouts- don't know if this makes any difference.

Edited by Theuntalentedrunner, 28 April 2012 - 08:10 PM.

[Running Angel]

Hi

In my opinion the reason you are struggling at the end of your run is probably because you have no breakfast or nutrition throughout the run. You will definitely need something during the race if you don't want the same problem

[arrtgrrl]

I agree with Sara.. your glycogen levels would have depleted a bit over night.. at the very least have some breakfast before the run.. and 1 gel at about the half way mark.

[Andrew2]

Get the first  5-6 k behind you with minimum effort by going slow and letting people go by you, then settle into whatever pace you can keep up for 10 or 12 k, then cling on, or go like crazy, in the last bit,  depending how you feel.   Overtake some of the ones who you let go earlier on.
Above all, enjoy the first half marathon.   Pacing strategy can wait till next time, when you have a bench mark from this one.
All the best and good luck!

[Theuntalentedrunner]

Thanks for the info -i will have a banana before i leave the house
- just in regards  to gels- i have a really sensitive stomach- which ones would you recomend & do i need to take them with water -i don't carry water- i take water at water stops along the way
i know i probably need to experiment -but i've only got 2 more  long runs until the 1/2

thanks Andrew- great advise !

[PinkDrinkingPony]

Your next long run is a good chance to try out your race day plan, have breakfast a few hours before hand. You should be ok without a gel if you have trouble stomaching them. Drink some electrolytes before you go out, preferably the same type they'll have on the course. Doing this on your second from last long run will mean you can adjust it on your last run if it goes pear shaped.

[Running Angel]

Theuntalentedrunner, on 28 April 2012 - 09:27 PM, said:

Thanks for the info -i will have a banana before i leave the house
- just in regards  to gels- i have a really sensitive stomach- which ones would you recomend & do i need to take them with water -i don't carry water- i take water at water stops along the way
i know i probably need to experiment -but i've only got 2 more  long runs until the 1/2

thanks Andrew- great advise !

Not everyone can stomach gels so you would definitely need to trial beforehand, and yes generally they have to be taken with water, but if there is water on the course this wouldn't be an issue. Electrolytes are another way to get carbs in during the race but again try out the brand that they have on the course beforehand, especially if you have a sensitive stomach, as they can cause cramping. If neither of these things are an option then consider carrying some jelly beans or other types of lollies to give you an energy boost, or find out if they have them at the aid stations. Its unlikely you will be able to finish strongly with no carb intake at all

[Theuntalentedrunner]

thanks for everyones advice-did my run on Saturday -( wasn't going to run as i felt slightly crook the day before). Though decided to run - had half a banana at breakfast & a GU at 10k - stomach felt fine & had a good energy hit- i was so happy it worked without my stomach cramping !!-- anyway ran the full 21.1 !
Didn't run a great time 2.10  but at least now i know i can run the distance.

Thanks again!

[Ding]

Theuntalentedrunner, on 06 May 2012 - 10:38 PM, said:

i know i can run the distance.

Well done, top effort.

[NKOTB]

Theuntalentedrunner, on 06 May 2012 - 10:38 PM, said:

!-- anyway ran the full 21.1 !
Didn't run a great time 2.10  but at least now i know i can run the distance.

That's naughty and not allowed . You should now be asked to gradually cut back on your running before the HM race.

New_Kid

[Theuntalentedrunner]

NKOTB, on 07 May 2012 - 12:56 PM, said:

Theuntalentedrunner, on 06 May 2012 - 10:38 PM, said:

!-- anyway ran the full 21.1 !
Didn't run a great time 2.10  but at least now i know i can run the distance.

That's naughty and not allowed . You should now be asked to gradually cut back on your running before the HM race.

New_Kid

I did run further than i was supposed to which i know is naughty! - just wanted to see if i could do it so i don't have any excuse on the day !!  - the race isn't until 20th - so i have factored in a taper week &  so will defo  be cutting back

[NKOTB]

If you pace yourself well I think a sub 2:00 hr is on the cards for you. Will have to change your username.

New_Kid

[Brick]

NKOTB, on 08 May 2012 - 10:11 PM, said:

If you pace yourself well I think a sub 2:00 hr is on the cards for you. Will have to change your username.

New_Kid

NKOTB

Maybe you need a new name as well.
2 years is not really "New kid On The Block" any more.

[Theuntalentedrunner]

Brick, on 09 May 2012 - 08:55 AM, said:

NKOTB, on 08 May 2012 - 10:11 PM, said:

If you pace yourself well I think a sub 2:00 hr is on the cards for you. Will have to change your username.

New_Kid

NKOTB

Maybe you need a new name as well.
2 years is not really "New kid On The Block" any more.

NKOTB, on 08 May 2012 - 10:11 PM, said:

If you pace yourself well I think a sub 2:00 hr is on the cards for you. Will have to change your username.

New_Kid

i think i'm a long way off changing my name! thanks anyway

[00Alchemy00]

My training runs were 2:12 for 20km and I did my first half in 2 hours. I had a banana for breakfast about 1 hour pre-race and had about 300mls endura plus a bit of water at about 17/19 kms. I don't think a huge amount of nutrition is needed in a half but towards the end, a bit does help. I carbo loaded the day before and had an awful tummy the few hours after the race good luck for the 20th

Edited by 00Alchemy00, 09 May 2012 - 09:48 PM.

[NKOTB]

TUR,

Good luck for the race and keep us posted.

(still) New_Kid

[Theuntalentedrunner]

feeling quite nervous about the race..... i have to get up super early as its about 1hours drive - i've not been sleeping well lately  & i need my sleep !

[Hoary]

Theuntalentedrunner, on 28 April 2012 - 09:27 PM, said:

Thanks for the info -i will have a banana before i leave the house
- just in regards  to gels- i have a really sensitive stomach- which ones would you recomend & do i need to take them with water -i don't carry water- i take water at water stops along the way
i know i probably need to experiment -but i've only got 2 more  long runs until the 1/2

thanks Andrew- great advise !

Schotz is a great gel....

[toolittletoolate]

Theuntalentedrunner, on 13 May 2012 - 10:07 PM, said:

feeling quite nervous about the race..... i have to get up super early as its about 1hours drive - i've not been sleeping well lately  & i need my sleep !

The pre-race nerves are pretty normal, I did my first half last year and found it hard to sleep the week before.  Try to take your mind off it with a good book or a soak in the bath.

With regards to the day itself have a light breakfast a couple of hours before the race starts and I would deff take a Gel at about 10 - 12km.
In my first I went out toofast for the first 15km and by 17km i was buggered but managed to hang on to the end.  Dont start out too fast and after the first 5km settle into a steady pace.   Once you get to 15-16km you can assess whether you can increase the pace to the finish.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Theuntalentedrunner]

Thanks Toolittletoolate- really helpful- trying to be relaxed about it!

[MG4R]

Mind over matter! Simple, cliche... but so relevant.

[Lukefrazz]

The last few k's of any race will always be tough, but everyone around you will be hurting as well. Confidence in your training, correct pacing early in the race and a little bit of race day magic and you'll fly across the finishing line.

Good luck!

[monocotyledon]

I'm excited!

[Theuntalentedrunner]

thanks for everyones support- all my friends & family are non runners - so they think i'm slightly mad!

Edited by Theuntalentedrunner, 16 May 2012 - 08:42 PM.

[Theuntalentedrunner]

i did it!!
A bit disappointed  as didn't manage to do a sub 2hrs- 2.06 instead. took a gu at 10k  & 1/2 of another one at 17k - but still really strugled the last 4k . I'm definately still the  untalented runner!

[toolittletoolate]

Well done that is still a great result for a first half.  Now you know how it feels and how to get through the last 6km you can prepare better for the next one.  Great Job

[NKOTB]

Theuntalentedrunner, on 20 May 2012 - 10:32 PM, said:

.... but still really strugled the last 4k . I'm definately still the  untalented runner!

Well done. A PB and you have something to really aim for your next HM.
Just look at why you struggled in the last few kms and you will knock off the few minutes to go sub 2.

New_Kid (still)

[Theuntalentedrunner]

I think i struggled for a few reasons:

- i had a really stressful week
- just finished building a house & spent all day friday cleaning- vacuming, mopping & was exhausted
- think i need to do more longer runs

I'm moving this week so i don't know how many runs i'll get to do - when should i start doing the long runs?