Half Marathon tomorrow
Discussion
Well, it's a common story; a friend of mine, his mum is dying of cancer - and so we decided to run together. He is however a professional athlete of sorts, and although not used to running, is considerably fitter than I am. We've only been training for ~8 weeks, already managed to loose a lot of weight and feel good. Do not feel ready for this though, but will try and push through!
Any other half marathoners with any tips? It will be quite hot here (20c~) in the morning. I have carb loaded for 3 days and have been boosting with supplements. Have various for tomorrow - so lets hope for the best!
Goal: To reach the end
Any other half marathoners with any tips? It will be quite hot here (20c~) in the morning. I have carb loaded for 3 days and have been boosting with supplements. Have various for tomorrow - so lets hope for the best!
Goal: To reach the end
Done a few half marathons and marathons (last one being London in April). The fact that you have carb loaded with supplements for three days means you should have a good energy level & reserve already, so I wouldn't worry too much about supplements tomorrow.
As it will be warm, your best friend will be fluids so drink some beforehand and make an effort to take on fluids at EVERY water station, no matter how little.
As your intention is just to finish, then make sure you don't go off too quickly at the start, despite the temptation to do so. Let everyone pass you at the start, maintain a nice steady pace, and you'll find that you'll be passing most of them in the last quarter of the run while they are on their last legs from going off too quickly!
You may already be aware, but lubricate (with Vaseline or something similar) anything that rubs, including your nipples. I always rub a little Vaseline all over my feet before putting socks on, as it reduces the chances of friction which can lead to blisters.
And, last but not least but definitely the most important thing......ENJOY!!
Good luck.
As it will be warm, your best friend will be fluids so drink some beforehand and make an effort to take on fluids at EVERY water station, no matter how little.
As your intention is just to finish, then make sure you don't go off too quickly at the start, despite the temptation to do so. Let everyone pass you at the start, maintain a nice steady pace, and you'll find that you'll be passing most of them in the last quarter of the run while they are on their last legs from going off too quickly!
You may already be aware, but lubricate (with Vaseline or something similar) anything that rubs, including your nipples. I always rub a little Vaseline all over my feet before putting socks on, as it reduces the chances of friction which can lead to blisters.
And, last but not least but definitely the most important thing......ENJOY!!
Good luck.
/\/\/\ that's pretty good advice right there. Agree totally with avoiding the temptation to head out too quickly and about keeping hydrated. Personally, I use a bit of micropore etc over my nipples, rather than vaseline.
As your first one, I'd remember a logo I once saw on a marathon runner's shirt - run at the speed of chat. For one thing, it'll stop ypu going too fast and for another, chatting to someone is a great way to take your mind off the distance. Jog when you can and walk if/when you have to.
Definitely enjoy it though-all the best and have fun
As your first one, I'd remember a logo I once saw on a marathon runner's shirt - run at the speed of chat. For one thing, it'll stop ypu going too fast and for another, chatting to someone is a great way to take your mind off the distance. Jog when you can and walk if/when you have to.
Definitely enjoy it though-all the best and have fun
Sorry for the late reply; posted the whole thing on my phone then lost it ! Gave up the will that day
It was harder than I imagined. It was 23-24c in direct sunlight ( I haven't previously run in much sunlight, training at night outdoors and at the gym ) so this was a big factor I did not consider. My shoe broke the day before so I had to get new Nike running shoes (tried to match models). Managed to artificially break them in by putting them over a kettle to let the steam go into the foot hole and then man handle them a bit. After putting on the shoe once it's hot from steam it became supple and molded to my foot better. I then plastered everything I could and was ready to go. On the day itself there wasn't really enough water stations considering the heat. It was probably one of the toughest things I've ever done, having not trained enough and big gaps in training due to a chest infection and minor knee injury. Suffice to say it felt like a journey of self discovery - I had not considered what my body was capable of before, with cramps, stitches, dehydration, swollen tendons, aching muscles, dizziness, you name it... I felt it. But what an experience. Followed a full marathon running group for a while, they helped me push on from 14-19km, one guy had a beeping pace maker which was a life saver. I just focused on running in tune with the beep, as they were around 10-11km/hr, it was slow enough for me. The last 2km was absolute hell - when I crossed the line I couldn't think of anything except, water, stretching and staring into space! Only the day after do I realise what i've achieved. My time was around 2hr15 which isn't brilliant, but considering I haven't run much for 12 years and only ever run 10km in one go, I thought it was a good result. Aiming for another half marathon in Belgrade in April with friends, hope to break the 2 hr barrier. My friend did amazingly well considering how often he runs, 1hr40. The Nigerians on the day were amazing, the winner was 2 hr 10 minutes or there abouts, which wasn't far off the new WR, but I realise a minute here or there to them is "hours" in terms of our perceptions.
Anyway sorry for the ramble; it was pretty emotional.
It was harder than I imagined. It was 23-24c in direct sunlight ( I haven't previously run in much sunlight, training at night outdoors and at the gym ) so this was a big factor I did not consider. My shoe broke the day before so I had to get new Nike running shoes (tried to match models). Managed to artificially break them in by putting them over a kettle to let the steam go into the foot hole and then man handle them a bit. After putting on the shoe once it's hot from steam it became supple and molded to my foot better. I then plastered everything I could and was ready to go. On the day itself there wasn't really enough water stations considering the heat. It was probably one of the toughest things I've ever done, having not trained enough and big gaps in training due to a chest infection and minor knee injury. Suffice to say it felt like a journey of self discovery - I had not considered what my body was capable of before, with cramps, stitches, dehydration, swollen tendons, aching muscles, dizziness, you name it... I felt it. But what an experience. Followed a full marathon running group for a while, they helped me push on from 14-19km, one guy had a beeping pace maker which was a life saver. I just focused on running in tune with the beep, as they were around 10-11km/hr, it was slow enough for me. The last 2km was absolute hell - when I crossed the line I couldn't think of anything except, water, stretching and staring into space! Only the day after do I realise what i've achieved. My time was around 2hr15 which isn't brilliant, but considering I haven't run much for 12 years and only ever run 10km in one go, I thought it was a good result. Aiming for another half marathon in Belgrade in April with friends, hope to break the 2 hr barrier. My friend did amazingly well considering how often he runs, 1hr40. The Nigerians on the day were amazing, the winner was 2 hr 10 minutes or there abouts, which wasn't far off the new WR, but I realise a minute here or there to them is "hours" in terms of our perceptions.
Anyway sorry for the ramble; it was pretty emotional.
Edited by stuart-b on Monday 13th October 13:30
Asterix said:
Well done mate - good work.
Thanks! I do recall a few funny moments. One was seeing a huge fella, panting in the sun, bit overweight - probably not prepared for the day. His t-shirt said "RUNNING SUCKS" in big letters 
Another was "ATHLETE" in big words, then in tiny letters underneath "Over there ->"
Wasn't many fancy dress people as it was so bloody hot - but lots of people to assist when you were on the verge, pulling you along. Great experience.
- well done mate. definitely emotional when you cross the line as 'finished' as that.congrats for doing it, despite the brand new shoes, the heat and the 'lack' of sufficient training (in your opinion). i have to say that running in the heat, when you're not used to it, is really quite a change - so well done
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