#42

If I’m going to run a marathon (which is the tentative plan for next year), I’m going to have to do things other than running, to protect my knees and ankles. My aim is to start swimming again and start cycling into work a couple of days a week, and hopefully both of those will help with hips and glutes.

Ideally, I don’t want to actively change my running style, but instead I’d like to target a couple of areas of my body so that my running style adapts to suit.

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#43

Well done all the eventers this weekend, cracking efforts.

Got another 10k in myself so slowly getting back to where I was a couple of months ago. Need something to sign up for ideally though.

#44

Guys, I managed 6.7 miles yesterday. I know that’s nothing to you lot but it’s the most I’ve run in YEARS.

It’s pretty hilly where I live too so… y’know.

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#45

6.7 miles is not nothing. Well done!

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#46

6.7 miles is a considerable distance pal. Nice one!

#47

Well done @marckee!

My half marathon is in two weeks. Yesterday I ran 10 miles for the first time ever - a bit of walking thrown in, but overall pace was about 7 minutes per km, so hopefully can think about a 2.30hrs for the half, all being well?

My question for the serious runners (@colinzealuk?) is how much more running should I do before the big day? Another ten miler next weekend, or just some short runs inbetween? And in terms of eating and stuff, is there anything I should think about on the day before?

#48

Longest run I did before my half (which was also my first ever) was 19km and then I only did two short 7.5kms in the build-up to the run itself (with nothing at all during the week before it).

Shitload of pasta the night before innit and nothing too heavy for breakfast, Bananas if you can stomach them and make sure you stay hydrated but slowly, no gulping down a shittonne of Lucozade or anything.

#49

I generally don’t have anything before a run, I go first thing, just a swig of water and out the door. Probably not good form, but I’m worried now eating anything beforehand will just feel uncomfortable…

#50

Yeah, don’t do a half-marathon on an empty stomach. Seriously.

I know what you mean, it feels a bit uncomfortable and bloated so try and make sure you eat something a good hour and a half at least before the start (if you can squeeze a shit out do that as well, needed one for the last quarter of mine and it wasn’t fun)

#51

No expert but bananas seem to be the thing for half marathons, judging by the piles of skins all round the start of the last half I did.

#52

Slow-release energy innit. Shame they’re fucking shit and boring to eat and by the time you’re halfway through one you’d rather die than continue eating the fucking thing.

#53

They’re really not THAT bad.

#54

I had a banana right before an 8 mile run I did with my dad, even that gurgled oddly.

I guess it will be a case of getting up really early and having it then.

I ALWAYS take a shit beforehand. That is key. God I hope there are adequate facilities in place.

#55

Running on the coast is fucking lovely innit. flat, expansive, easy to pick out markers in the distance, nice breeze. Was in Blackpool this weekend and did a run from my GF’s parents place to the tower and back. Was the easiest 12k I’ve ever done. Might try to hunt down seaside half marathons in the future

#56

I’ve said it before, repeatedly, but what does your training plan say?

I would make your longest run about two or three weeks before the actual event. If you’re looking for a guide of what to do in that period, then something like this should be suitable, if you’ve been running three times a week so far: https://www.lucozadesport.com/dyn/_assets/_pdfs/running-training-guides/halfmarathon.pdf

For food and drink, don’t just aim to hydrate and carb-load over the 24 hours before, but spread it out over the 48 hours beforehand instead.

Dishes with rice, potatoes, pasta, noodles etc are good, but don’t go for anything too spicy and don’t overload on the day before.

#57

Had some VERY close calls out running the day after a takeaway curry.

#58

Cool, I guess yesterday counts as my long run then. Will take it easier until the big day.

#59

Just remembered, had my first sore nipples yesterday too. Felt like a real runner.

#60

I’d start tapering now. Go for a shorter run next weekend, and run during the week on the same days you usually do, but a bit shorter and/or easier. Then probably don’t run at all for several days before the race.

Get your gear sorted the day before (number pinned on correctly, timing tag on your shoe, gear all laid out and ready). You don’t want to be running around sorting that all out on the day.

Food: carb-loading is good for long distance. Maybe not necessary for a half, because you’ll have enough stored carbs to get you more than 13 miles. But a pasta is probably a good meal anyway (tomato-based sauce, not heavy cream). Agree with Ant about the light breakfast. Personally I find toast fine, but you may not.

Have fun, don’t be afraid to walk early and conserve your strength.

#61

Re. on the day: Not sure how long it will take you to get to the start of your race, but I would aim to eat a normal breakfast (cereal + yogurt + fruit juice or something similar) about 2 hours, maybe 3 hours before the start of the run. This will give you time for your stomach to settle, for you to have a dump, and for you to travel to the venue and do your warm up.

I’d have a banana about an hour before the start, and go to the loo again about half an hour beforehand - there will be queues for the portaloos, but well-organised races will have enough that they’ll be bearable.

Drink to thirst on the way around. I tend not to take on any water until about mile 4 or so. Any earlier and I’ll be carrying a full bladder and desperate for the loo from about halfway around.