BS: Running a half-marathon

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 08:02 AM

Peter K I used to run round Sutton Park some twenty years ago and was a regular in the Sutton Fun Run.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 07:59 AM

ooo k. I've seen that one John mentioned on World sports. this one actually looks fun as you get well covered in mud and grubby. hahahaha

I used to sleep all day on my painkillers.

Say hello to Donal if he's there tomorrow from me.

Keep meaning to call over with my flute to Avonmouth.

All the best... ps... did you know it's national talk like a pirate day on sunday... you'd be well equiped me hearty to partake..

Suze

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 04:41 AM

Andy - carrying a piano accordian...? WHY?! Isn't the run itself punishing enough??

Yep, those painkillers are mighty fine Sooz - unfortunately sleeping on my desk is apparently unproductive, so I'm restricting myself to half-doses. Mind you, I can get about much faster now that I've lowered the seat on my bike and used it as a sitting scooter. Still, I think I'll take the bus to Avonmouth for fiddle lessons tomorrow!

John J - a mountain marathon sounds great fun, but I'm not sure I'll be back to peak (ho ho, mountain pun intended) fitness by then! I just checked out that website you mention and it looks fantastic - that's something I might try out next year alright.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: John J
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 04:32 AM

Very well done Fibula! That's an impressive time, you should be proud of yourself. Go easy until your injuries heal, then just ease yourself back into the running......always assuming that you actually intend running again!

Now then, the Karrimor Mountain Marathon ( www.kimm.org.uk )is held on 30th & 31st of October in the Brecon Beacons and I need a partner....how are fixed?? Mountain marathons are just so much more fun than road events, honest :-)

John

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 04:25 AM

OOOoooo K. My ex used to get shin splints all the time, he used to tell me they were really really painful. It's maddening too that REST... REST!!!!! is the only cure!

So take it easy, and watch out for those painkillers, if they are anything like the ones I got when I came out of hospital then they knock you sideways, I didn't know who I was after a week, and had to wean myself off them. Sheeeeshhh them buggers is strong!

Fiddler, playing a piano accordion - mad thing! and running!

Not a fan of running but admire those who can!

Suzie

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: fiddler
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 03:57 AM

Brilliant!

My first was 1:54 and it hurt

Big hugs (assuming you have had a shower by now - or even if you've not)

I ran one playing a piano accordion once (only a 48 bass) about an extra 14 lbs weight!

When is the next one!

Andy

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 10:46 AM

Well, I'm on crutches and strong painkillers, but I still think it was worth it. Mary - thanks for the great card - it was on my desk afer I dragged myself up two flights of stairs this morning!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 07:43 AM

ps a pal of mine did the London one recently, she said is was very disconcerting to be over taken by two gorrillas, at least you over took them.

You got to admire the loonies who dress up - now that guy in a diving suit, phew, it'd take me a year...

fabbo!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 07:40 AM

pub not put... doh!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 07:40 AM

Bloody hell K. Well done on ya. I'd still be doing it today if I attempted it, either that or I wouldn't get past the first put, I'd call for a taxi and get it to drop me a mile around the corner from the end... and even then I'd still be doing it...

Never wuz any good at running, at school cross country runs, the hedges were for jumping through and cutting off big chunks of the run and to miss out the worst bit. Art lessons were for hiding in during cross countrys and the library second best when the art room shut.

Running yuk, but I've always admired those who can. I can't, I was never taught how.

Well done pal, take it easy now... get someone to go out for some arnica ointment - that is meant to help bring out any swelling or bruising.

rest on your laurels for now though.

Suzie

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 06:54 AM

Well done, Fibs, even if you didn't break a leg. And well done on the sponsorship front too. (If it's not too late to PM me details, I'll be glad to chip in with a quid a mile.) If your first half-marathon was anything like mine, the first 3-4 miles will have seemed like an eternity, and the last few - when you will have been passing people by the score - quite good fun.

What's Bristol like for canals? I used to do my training around Birmingham, which has more canals than Venice. They're quite attractive now, but in those days some were fire hazards. The beauty, or downside, of towpaths was that they had fartleking built in, in the form of a serious climb every half-mile or so, to get past the bridges. My journey to work was a five-minute walk down Gravelly Hill, where I got on to a towpath running under Spaghetti junction, then a five-mile jog to the far side of the city centre, where I emerged from Gas Street Basin about 50 yards from my office. The same thing in reverse to get home. All a world away from the popular image of Birmingham as a city ruined by motor traffic.

By the end of any three-month training spell I usually managed to be covering the miles in less than seven minutes each, but never managed to do that over the full marathon. This was seriously frustrating because it put me within three to five minutes of a three-hour marathon, without ever achieving it.

I had a pal and rival in Belfast who also ran marathons, but as we never got to be in the same one, our bets were always based on how far ahead of, or behind, Jimmy Savile we would finish. (Savile seemed to be in all of them.)

Since a heart attack last year, I've been trying to get back to that level of activity, but mostly with walking and cycling, which are much less punishing on the joints.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 06:34 AM

1:56:37 was the official time from the chip. As for the leg... I hobbled to the doctor this morning using a pushbike as a crutch. He thinks it's muscle damage and/or a stress fracture. I can't put any weight on it. I've been told to immobilise it for 48 hours and have people bring me food and drink! Thank heavens for laptops. And fiddles. They might keep me sane for 2 days.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 04:01 AM

well done and what ane effort to get in the top third of the field first time. That was some determination and courage you showed. Hope the calf is OK and you recover quickly.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 11:16 PM

Did you have a chip on your shoe that alerted the official clock when you crossed the starting line? If not, taking 12 minutes to get there means you had fantastic time!

Are you ready for your next race? The rubber legs only last a day.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 02:55 PM

Doctor Fibs Super Athlete . Well done Kate and thanks for keeping us informed . See you in February .

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 12:45 PM

Official time = 1:56:37. I was 4158th out of about 12000. Worth every bit of pain!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,Augie
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 11:18 AM

Congratulations !! And under 9 min/mile-darn nice time.
There are few things more enjoyable to be addicted to than long distance running. Well, Bluegrass, maybe. And Michael Smith's music for sure.

And rest assured, there is a special place reserved in Hell for race directors who design a course that loops past the finish line (and many of us who, by the end of a race, would send them there prematurely if we had any energy left).

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 11:12 AM

Ok, you're ready for international competition!

See you for the 1/2 Marathon in Berlin, Germany in April then!

Cheers,

Brian

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Amos
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 11:04 AM

CONGRATULATIONS< Fib!!! I yam SO proud of ya!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 11:02 AM

You Go Grrrl!

Thanks for letting us know. I was thinking about you all morning!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 10:56 AM

I DID IT!
And under 2 hours as well. My watch says 1hr57mins, but I'm still waiting for my official time - I think they put them on the website tonight.

It took 12 minutes to get past the starting line, and I was trapped behind 2 people dressed as gorillas for the first couple of miles.
The painkillers wore off at the 8th mile and my calf started to hurt. By the 12th mile I was going on adrenalin and determination - every time my right heel pushed off the ground my calf was twingeing. The 13th mile was a nightmare - the route went pretty much past the finish line and doubled back quite a lot - very disheartening.

Anyway, I enjoyed it, I loved the atmosphere, the crowds were great, and it was very well organised. I'll definitely do another. I can't actually walk at the moment, so I have my leg up on the sofa with ice on it, wondering how long it'll take before I can stand unsupported again - I think I've torn the muscle.

Thanks for all the tips and encouragement everyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 03:27 AM

Thanks Becky, although it might be a bit too late with the training plan at this stage since the race is tomorrow! *grin*
I started the thread to hear other peoples' stories about running, rather than to get advice. I've got a nice mix of both though, and will reflect on them as I plod through the 13.1 miles tomorrow morning.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 08:05 PM

I mentioned this thread to my husband, the runner, and he rolled his eyes and said "There's plenty of good and easy to find information out there. Go to the Runner's World web site."

So here's a link: Your Ultimate Half-Marathon Training Plan, "Presenting a can't-fail nine-week program for beginners, experts, and everyone in between".

Good luck!

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 04:04 AM

now take it easy.... nothing much more than a genle jog between now and race day. Get a good nights sleep and a meal than you can realy enjoy the night before to put you in a good frame of mind.
Race day a VERY gentle warm up a stretch before you start and RUN AT YOUR OWN PACE. It is very easy to get carried away and run at a pace that is too fast because you are in a crowd.
Have a time worked out that you should do, NOT could do for each mile and at the marker check if you are keeping to it and how you are feeling. If you feel it is a bit fast then slow it down.

BEST OF LUCK.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 10:10 AM

3 days to go! Madness. I have a bit of a strained calf, but think I can manage the run okay. The nice thing is, I've raised about 185 quid for the mental health charity "Mind" (http://www.mind.org.uk/ - a great cause and a personal choice). There's no way I'm backing out now. Thanks for the sign, Mary!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 08:09 AM

Won't be long now. Here's a sign for you, Fibs. I want you to think of it at the 10-mile-mark (or when you hit the wall)!

Also, would you PM me your snail mail address. I want to send you a card, wish it could have been a surprise though.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 11:09 AM

I'm following the official training plan, and it seems a good mix. I did 70 minutes running in the rain last night. Did about 6.5 - 7 miles (hard to tell exactly). It started slow and a bit achy, but finished fast and lovely. I have been trying to do the fartlek stuff, but picking up my pace makes my asthma kick in quite fast. There is exactly 1 month to go before the big day!!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 11:05 AM

My training routine was

Jog 400m followed by a quick 400m as a warm up
Then
1 Sprint 100 walk/jog 100 Repeat 8 times
2 Sprint 200 walk/jog 200 repeat 8 times
3 Sprint(well sort of) 400 jog 400 repeat 4 times.
4 run 1500 steady pace.
5 jog 400m or so to cool down.

this works out at about 10k.

keep a note of how long each section takes and once a month make a big effort to reduce the time taken for the whole set.

Alternate this with an even paced distance run of 10k and have a rest day each week. Dont forget to measure your time for the even pace run.
Worked for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: fiddler
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 03:41 AM

All sounds great to me - fit fast catters ooh err what is the world coming too?

Make hay with the vaseline and enjoy - it is hard to wash out of your kit though!

We'll have to start a catters running Club!!!

Just be prepared (if you begin to push time and PBs) for pain Pain and More PAIN.

If you're not marrid then this is a good substitute - lots of benefits that you can't see and a lot of pain *G*


I'm back at it on Drs orders and am loosing blood pressure and heart rate rapidly now - it is very good for you....

Boring..............................


Andy

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Musicman
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 02:43 PM

ok.. here's my little bit that i've recently learned...
as you are training.. start with about a 6min run.. 1 min walk (lowers heart rate), then 6+1 etc.. till you've run your distance.. gradually increase that to a 10+1 (run 10, walk 1) dosn't really affect your timing and gives you that little break during... (so i've been told.. I'm doing a 7+1 at the moment.. ) when you do the actually race.. if you're not going for time but for completion, (ie racing for the top spots), then run the 10+1 and apparently it won't affect your overall time that much.. ps.. drink lots during the walk..

so.. i could be doing my first half marathon in october.. only for completion... lol

good luck..

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 11 Aug 04 - 01:48 PM

Thanks Tim, I was trying to remember the word "fartlek." Even with Google, I couldn't come up with the correct spelling. (Got some interesting sites though. ;-))

Fibs, if I get my camera back in time, I'll make some pictures of me holding a sign for you to remember at the 10-mile mark!

When I ran, the course went by
Fraternity Row, and all the drunken frat boys were having parties. They would run out into the street and ask my name, then chant a cheer for me using my name!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Big Tim
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 03:41 PM

Better explain that one: it's "fartlek", Swedish for "speedplay"; easy running with some fast stretches, up and down hills, usually on nice wooded trails, golf courses, etc.                                                

The best general advice: train as much and as hard as you can without getting injured, not always an easy balance. As for joggers nipple, it's a lot easier to snigger at than it is to endure, I know!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: muppett
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 06:18 AM

A bit of vaseline around the tops of the arms close to the arm pits wouldn't go a miss either,I found it just started to get a bit sore there towards the end of the run where they'd rubbed against my vest.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 10 Aug 04 - 05:39 AM

Oh Fartleck!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 06:54 PM

Ahh, the application of vaseline to the erogenous zones - truly, I have found a sport to love!

Thanks for all the support everybody.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: fiddler
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 05:28 PM

Sorry McGrath that doesn't work!!!

Nipple is hell groin is murder both can be solved with vaseline and not to much worry about your cool dude looks.

I once changed next to a pair of boys with their girls in a half marathon the boys thought we were peculiar the girls told them to listen - they didn't - 13.1. miles later when we were still fresha nd not bleeding incame 4 roun d puddles of blood - I doubt there was much in the way of amourous embraces taht night~!!!!
He HE HHEEE!

Ach weell gud luck I've done more halfs than I care to remember and 3 at 26.2 miles

Hugs

Andy

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 04:27 PM

Runner's nipple I've heard of, and I hope my well-fitting sports bra will prevent that, but runner's groin??!!

I imagine that's why in the original Greek Olympics they dispensed with running kit entirely...

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 03:00 PM

The home stretch!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 02:33 PM

Never heard of a half marathon. Which half is it that you run? :-)

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 02:20 PM

Keep focused on the fun and on how well your body is working, especially on 'thon day, to keep the chest pumping relaxedly. If it starts to tighten up RELAX-- it's just the normal response to the adrenaline from the race atmosphere, but if you panic it will get worse and worse and..... so just breathe and enjoy, maybe sing a bit while jogging a bit slower to reboot the breath.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 02:13 PM

Runner's nipple I've heard of, and I hope my well-fitting sports bra will prevent that, but runner's groin??!!

I can't maintain the 8 miles an hour thing for more than those 3 miles... it starts slowing down a bit. I did about 6.5 miles in 59 minutes yesterday. Still, I enjoyed every one of those 59 minutes!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: John J
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 12:01 PM

...and another thing(s)...

Don't over-train: consider putting hard-ish runs in, but every other day. This gives your body time to repair.
Don't run in knackered shoes, make sure you shoes are right for your style of running. A decent running shop won't sell you unsuitable shoes, they'll get you to run up and down the pavement outside the shop whilst they watch your gait.
Don't forget vaseline: runner's nipple / groin can be very sore.
Don't go out on the beer (even for just the one) the night before a race...you won't believe how much you'll dehydrate.
Don't forget a bit of loo paper.
Don't forget safety pins for your race number.
Don't forget to smile when you run....it's fun really!

Do listen to the advice of experienced runners, although try to be selective....not all advice is relevant to you.
Do try a couple of 10k races, they'll give you an idea of what goes on and they're good training too.
Do try to time your training runs to coincide with the time of day of the race.
Do drink plenty, consider 'electrolyte' drinks, or a much cheaper alternative: dilute some decent cordial (I use Rock's Organic Orange or Lemon) and add a pinch of salt.
Do rest plenty, but keep moving in the few days leading up to the race.
Do enjoy your day, I'm a seriously crap runner but I REALLY enjoy myself.

Very best wishes for your run,

John

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: John J
Date: 29 Jul 04 - 11:46 AM

Gosh, 3 miles in 24 minutes...that's 8 minute miles pace, a respectable speed indeed. Even at 10 minutes a mile I will promise you one thing: if you can do that sort of speed and maintain it for half-marathon distance you will finish a long way from the back.

Good luck!

John

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,Augie
Date: 26 Jul 04 - 11:50 PM

Remember to:

Get in a long run of ~10 miles 3-4 weeks before race day, at 2 to
3 min/mile slower than race pace

Taper back your daily milage-alot-in the week before the race

Hydrate i.e. load up on fluids, beginning the night before race day

Start out slow. Don't let your adrenaline get you out too fast in
the first few miles or you'll really pay for it in the last few

I've run 6 marathons and three or four halves and I can assure
you that the view is MUCH better from the back of the pack

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 26 Jul 04 - 11:05 AM

When I ran it, and I use the term "ran" loosely because I was a 12-minute miler -- a woman with an artificial leg passed me at about the 6 mile mark. She had to drop out though, nyah, nyah. ;-) Then the ambulance followed me up heartbreak hill, but the ambulance workers waved goodbye to me at about 8 miles when they turned in to a tavern. I was 41 years old and the only person out of several thousand with knee sleeves on both knees.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 26 Jul 04 - 09:52 AM

I will indeed let yous know how I've done.

Half length, I hope, Kevin! I imagine I'll be easily beaten by people only using one leg!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Jul 04 - 06:01 PM

Makes me tired just reading about it. Mind there was this 93 year old bloke took part in the London Marathon this year, so perhaps I'm not past it yet. Best of luck anyway.

This is the half-length merathon is it? Not the one where they only use the one leg>

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Big Tim
Date: 25 Jul 04 - 02:51 AM

Will you let us know how you got on?

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 10:39 AM

Thanks for all the advice folks! I picked up my training again yesterday - did 3 miles in about 24 minutes, which is back to my normal speed. I am following the official training plan, and now that my shins feel a lot better, I hope to get back onto the proper distances next week.

Yup, I'm aiming for 2 hours overall, but just finishing will be nice!

I know what you mean about looking forward to it all, Mary - those long runs in new, beautiful countryside, following the beat of the music, just relaxing into it - it's such a great feeling.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 12:59 AM

Fibs, I'm a little concerned here...this is why:

I too had never been able to run. Then I got my thyroid medicine, and felt so good I just couldn't stop running! I prepared for the Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon (half marathon) over a period of two years. The entire last year I ran 3 miles three times a week and then six miles on the weekend. Prior to the race, about two weeks apart, I ran 8 miles and 10 miles. All this to say -- it was probably not enough preparation! I finished the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes (I think). At least I got the T-shirt and bragging rights for a lifetime, but...for a serious jogger, longer runs would have been better preparation. And I'm concerned you don't have much time left to prepare. Just enjoy this one, and if you really like running, then work for next year.

Advice I received:

1. Don't run on uneven roads.

2. Get good shoes.

3. Build a consistent base of shorter runs (3 miles, often).

4. Don't forget some long runs

5. If you're concerned with speed, try the running exercises you'll find in a good runner's magazine.

6. Don't damage your knees with too much downhill work.

7. If uphill is hard, try zig-zagging.

8. In races, don't try to keep up with the "rabbits"!

Above all, enjoy your preparation. I really looked forward to my long runs through a beautiful wooded area, music in my earphones, and a GatorAid (salty drink) reward after it was over. My second wind didn't kick in until 1 1/2 miles, and I knew exactly where that was.

Let me know when the big day is. I'll be there. (in spirit, of course, holding a big sign at the 10-mile marker)

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Big Tim
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 03:52 AM

The main thing is to try and hit the right pace. You will probably have a finishing time in your mind, well, you will probably run about 2-5% faster than that, if you get the pace right. Mainly, don't get carried away with the rush at the start.

Having no idea of your standard, let's work on the assumption you will run 2 hours (you can scale it up or down accordingly). You will therefore actually run about about 1:55, that's 8:46 mile pace. So, start at that pace and stick with it until about nine or ten miles. Don't be tempted to chase after the big fat person who has just passed you at 3 miles! IF (!) you have anything left at 9 or 10, now try pushing on a little bit faster, only a little bit, you won't be sprinting.

I've done dozens of half marathons, and my best (76:40)came when I started at even pace and pushed hard over the last 3 or 4 miles.

No matter what you do, you're going to hurt! But but it's well worth it.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 11:50 AM

Good to hear there are others wot run. I like the sound of all that pasta... The shin splints were sore even when I wasn't moving, but I've rested a bit. I'm only on half the distances I should be doing by now because of it, but I'm determined to continue, albeit carefully. I've also raised a hundred quid for charity - so there's no backing out!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 11:44 AM

Is that why you do twice as much, noddy? ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 10:22 AM

I can never understand people who only do half a job.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 10:17 AM

I can never understand people who only do half a job.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Hrothgar
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 05:46 AM

Good shoes, watch the diet especially in the few days before the run, keep the electrolytes up.

Did a half marathon (my first) a couple of weeks ago. It hurt, but I'm very glad I did it.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: muppett
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 05:30 AM

Aye Rock Chick is right, I used to run half marathons, marathons and run in fell races and I ignored the pains I'd get in my knees and I'm paying for it now, I'm lucky if I can do 3 or 4 miles before the pain kicks in in knees now. Plenty of pasta and high energy food as well.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: rock chick
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 12:25 AM

Done half-mathathon some years ago, dont overdo it, when there is pain, rest, build it up over time, although sounds as if you are doing that. Good running trainers, this is very important, £70 may sound expensive but it,s not for running trainers, most important is they are speciallyt desinged for running.


Good luck

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 09:09 AM

I cant help with advice Fibs , but will send LOTS of moral support -Unless you would rather have Immoral support that is . Best of luck wharever .

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 08:48 AM

Oh, that's okay then. I once asked much the same thing to a jogger running past my house and he pompously said, "Death!" I told him he was losing.

Don't fool with shin splints. They can cut your time and even temporarily cripple you.

Can't run much myself; knees won't take it for long.

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 08:41 AM

From work, mostly!

Subject: RE: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 08:30 AM

Running from what??

Subject: BS: Running a half-marathon
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 07:58 AM

Three months ago I couldn't run the length of myself. Although I climb, walk and cycle a good bit for fun, I've never ever done any running as my asthma usually kicks in after a couple of seconds. Anyway, in May I was coerced into signing up for the Bristol Half-Marathon, which takes place on 12 September. I've been training for about 10 weeks and can now run for a whole 50 minutes non-stop (with the help of my trusty iPod to keep me sane). I've only had one asthma attack, and that was when I tried sprint training, so now I just plod along at my own pace.

So, any of you guys do much running? Any tips? (I'm currently having some problems with sore shins, even though I splashed out 70 quid on a proper, fitted pair of shoes.) Any marathon or half-marathon veterans who want to gloat/share their horror? This running high is amazing - no drugs required, just adrenalin and endorphins!