Runners

Luckystar2

Trying to post something since its been painfully slow in here!!

I know we had some runners here...how's it going this summer so far? Any races planned or already completed?

I started off slow this spring getting back into running but have been doing great. I Am planning on running a 5k in early August with a friend (her first race). I'm toying with the idea of doing a half marathon. I never thought that was possible but I've been pushing myself. I'm loosely following a plan and just did an 8 mile run this week. If I can get up to 10 miles I'll feel a little more confident I can do it and will probably sign up. It's not until September so I have a good bit of time to finish my training. Anyone else do a half? Words of wisdom? I may ask some more training questions in a few weeks!

Meghan&Rich

I have a few 5ks this summer, and am debating on doing a half in October or the EQT 10 miler.  It will depend on how my running goes this summer.

If I can run a half, anyone on the planet can run a half, lol!  If you are up to 8 miles, you can definitely do it.  A lot of half mile training plans only have your longest run at 10 miles.  I followed one of the Hal Higdon novice training plans and it really helped me.  Two short runs a week, and one long run a week.  Your long run increased by a mile each week.  Plus cross and strength training the other days, and a rest day.  It took a lot of dedication, but it was manageable. The last few weeks were probably the toughest just trying to fit in the long runs. 

My words of wisdom would be to not blow off your cross/strength/rest days because those are just as important as your running days.  Pay more attention to your nutrition/hydration.  You'll learn a lot about what works/doesn't work for you during your longer runs.  For example, I learned I needed something like a running belt vs. and arm band, that using an energy gel like Gu, helped me get over some of the "walls" that I hit during my long runs helped, etc.  Good luck!

Luckystar2

Thanks Meghan! Yeah that is the plan I'm kinda following. I think im going to cut back to increasing 1/2 mile each week since I'm already up to 8 miles and the half isn't until late September. I also think I need to make my longest run more than 10 miles. I feel like adding 3 i race day is too much for me.

I've definitely started learning a few things I needed to do/change already. Like my arm band had to go because it bothers me on long runs!

Meghan&Rich

Yes, there is no way I could have only worked up to 10 miles before running the half!  3 miles is a lot for me, so there is no way I can just add that on to the end of the run like it's NBD.  My goal was to run more than 13 before the race - more as a mental thing so that race day wasn't the first day I was running that distance, but I just didn't have the time.  You have a lot of time to get there, you'll do great!

MaryM

Hi! I want to say if I could run a marathon, anyone can run a marathon! I was a social smoker, ate fast food, and was not very fast initially...So all I can say is if you put in the time to train and are reasonably healthy: you can do it! Remember: even Oprah ran one! As I'm getting back into running, I'm realizing how more overwhelmed it is to be a runner these days... So many apps, training guides, blogs, garmins, etc. crazy! Don't get wrapped in too much of that or you'll feel defeated before you even start. Find a plan, follow it, and you're golden! I just had an old fashioned watch to keep track of pace/splits and ended up doing really well by just following my racing plan. I recommend finding a fun first race. My first half was the IKEA 1/2 at the montour trail and personally found it so boring. Only later did I realize how much more fun and motivational the race can be if it's with a good crowd or a good place. You'll be addicted! Good luck!!!