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Ann
Ann Sendmail

Running my first Half in April 2012....motivation needed

posted 4 months ago | Report

I'm running my first half in April. I started training in December but have been running for 5 years. I'm up to 9 miles for my long run but made the mistake of building miles since December without having recovery weeks built in. Now that I'm getting closer, I'm feeling nervous and a little beaten down. I also have ITB issues and now my arches ache. I need motivation! Anyone else out there need some help?

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  • Wendy
    Wendy Sendmail

    Ann...I, too, am running my first 1/2. Mine is scheduled on March 31st. I had made it up to 11 miles in December but then I joined a running group and I'm running with a friend, so we dropped the mileage. We're scheduled for 7 on Saturday. I have not been a runner for long, just over one year. So I'm still learning...I'll send an FR! Good luck...you can do it!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Frank A.
    Frank A. Sendmail

    Hi Ann - I am also traiing for my first half marathon. I have run off and on for the past 30 years, but only somewhat seriously for a year. I started training in December using the adidas miCoach app, with all of my sessions pace and time-based. I have one long run perweek which is slowly increasing in duration. I'm feeling really good about where I am.

    FR sent - you cannot have too much encouragement!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Ann
    Ann Sendmail
    in reply to what Wendy said:Ann...I, too, am running my first 1/2. Mine is scheduled on March 31st. I had made it up to 11 miles in December but then I joined a running group and I'm running with a friend, so we dropped the mileage. We're scheduled for 7 on Saturday. I h... read more

    Wendy you are doing great! I've got your friend request and have read your message. I look forward to our journey together. Thanks for reaching out.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Ann
    Ann Sendmail

    That's great Frank. How many times do you run per week? Since you've been training since December like I have, do you find it challenging at times to keep up the pace? With the help of my new found DM friends I will surge forward w/ lots of motivation! Thanks!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Frank A.
    Frank A. Sendmail

    I'd run every day if I could, but that doesnt work with my obligaions! I try to run early in the morning 4 times/week - depends on what is going on with wife's schedule. Usually I only run on back-to-back days on Friday-Saturday (long run day). I have not found it too difficult to keep up the pace. I have run three days in a row on a couple of weeks the past month and didn't have problems with that either.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Wanda
    Wanda Sendmail
    in reply to what Ann said:That's great Frank. How many times do you run per week? Since you've been training since December like I have, do you find it challenging at times to keep up the pace? With the help of my new found DM friends I will surge forward w/ lots of mot... read more

    Hi Ann, I'm running my first half in 11 days. Yikes! I tend to run 5 days/week ... I usually do 2 quick 3 or 4 mile runs, 2 base runs of 5 or 6 miles and then 1 long run ... and I give myself 2 rest days. I mostly haven't focused on speed, but endurance ... the speed has improved on its own. Recently I have thrown in a few quick runs where I focus on speedwork.

    FR sent! :)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Andrea J.
    Andrea J. Sendmail

    Hi Ann - I too am running my first half in April (28th) - when and where is yours? I TOO started training in December and have been running for 6 years on and (mostly) off. I am up to 6 miles on my long runs but this week I've taken extra days off b/c my knees and shins have really been aching since Sunday (long run). I am running a 5k on Saturday so going to move my long run to Monday this time (another 6 miles). Back in December, I purposely added a week to my training for "bumps in the road" and then realized I really padded it by 2 weeks. Geesh. BUT I think I'll be glad I did. I haven't missed a beat til yesterday so this week will be one of those padded weeks I believe.

    Well, didn't I just ramble on! FR sent. ;)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Dave N.
    Dave N. Sendmail

    Hi Ann, if you're up to 9 miles with a half in April, you're right on target. My first half in 2009, I had not run more than 11, and finished it middle of the pack (15,000 runners).

    You'll get lots of encouragement and motivation here. FR sent, and looking forward to following your progress.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Steve P.
    Steve P. Sendmail

    Ann, 5 years of running is a GREAT base to work with! Based on my first experience, I remember my obsession with every new ache and pain leading up to the race---real or otherwise. Most of that magically disappeared by race day. And once I was standing next to other first timers at the start, everything just fell into place. Take a deep breath now...and good luck the rest of the way. FR on the way.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Michael G.
    Michael G. Sendmail

    Me too and welcome! FR sent :) There are a lot of training programs out there, but most are from 12-15 weeks long or so with a peak base mileage around 20-25 miles and a peak long run between 11-13 miles. You can adjust accordingly and read up on the various training plans. Anyone else feel free to add me too! :)

    posted 4 months ago | edited 4 months ago

  • Sang Y.
    Sang Y. Sendmail

    The most important thing is to go into your race healthy and rested. I f you are up to 9 miles, you definitely have enough fitness to complete it. You are doing great and almost there. FR sent!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Ann
    Ann Sendmail

    Wendy, not sure if I ever saw this! I think I did. Sounds like we are on the same track! Forward and then backward, in a way. That's how I feel. talk later on DM. Good job!

    posted 3 months ago

  • The-Kid
    The-Kid Sendmail

    What is the longest run you have done during training? I did an 8 mile run and that's it. I am going out for the full 26 in 3 weeks.

    posted 3 months ago

  • The-Kid
    The-Kid Sendmail
    in reply to what Ann said:Wendy you are doing great! I've got your friend request and have read your message. I look forward to our journey together. Thanks for reaching out.

    What is the longest run you have done during training? I did an 8 mile run and that's it. I am going out for the full 26 in 3 weeks.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Ann
    Ann Sendmail
    in reply to what The-Kid said:What is the longest run you have done during training? I did an 8 mile run and that's it. I am going out for the full 26 in 3 weeks.

    Hi! My longest has been 10 miles, that was almost two weeks ago. But I had to scale back to do some healing....You are going for 26 in three weeks! You are amazing! How do you feel about it? Will you allow yourself to walk/run? Keep me posted on your progress!!! Good luck!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Ann
    Ann Sendmail
    in reply to what The-Kid said:What is the longest run you have done during training? I did an 8 mile run and that's it. I am going out for the full 26 in 3 weeks.

    Hi! My longest has been 10 miles, that was almost two weeks ago. But I had to scale back to do some healing....You are going for 26 in three weeks! You are amazing! How do you feel about it? Will you allow yourself to walk/run? Keep me posted on your progress!!! Good luck!

    posted 3 months ago

  • The-Kid
    The-Kid Sendmail
    in reply to what Ann said:Hi! My longest has been 10 miles, that was almost two weeks ago. But I had to scale back to do some healing....You are going for 26 in three weeks! You are amazing! How do you feel about it? Will you allow yourself to walk/run? Keep me poste... read more

    I am going to try and just run/jog. I feel like I can do it. The swarm of people is what keeps me going.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Jessica V.
    Jessica V. Sendmail

    Ann, I just registered for a half in April too. I started really running in December with my sights set on a 10k in March. I have been really committed and feeling great, so I added a half to my schedule! I'm new to DM, and I'm already loving the motivation and encouragement! Keep up the good work! It's great to see people in similar situation.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Evonne R.
    Evonne R. Sendmail

    Good luck to you! I started training for my first half back in August with the intent of running my half in November. But things fell through with the half I was planning to do and ended up "settling" for one 2 weeks earlier that was local. I was very nervous about moving the "due date" up two weeks and timing for it really caused some problems with my training. The longest run I did before the half was 9 miles and I was so worried. I had planned to do at least 2 runs of 10-12 miles but it just didn't work out for me. Everyone kept telling me I would do fine and that race day adrenalin would kick in. They were right! I actually even beat my goal by 3 minutes.

    I am thinking about doing another half at the end of April but have not been training for it. Trying to decide if it's reasonable to try to get back into shape for it with only 8 weeks to prepare. Currently I run 5 miles 3-4 times a month with other much shorter runs (about 3 miles) the rest of the time. I guess if I start now I can add one mile a week to my long runs and, in theory, be ready just in time for the half.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Victoria K.
    Victoria K. Sendmail

    Aloha Ann!
    My first HM is in April too. The Wahine Diva Half Marathon in Honolulu. The most I have run so far was in the Great Aloha Run last Monday at 8.15 so I feel really behind the 8 ball as far as distance goes. I finished in 1:48 but was on death's doorstep by the end. I am pretty worried about it. I think you will do great!
    Victoria

    posted 3 months ago

  • Ann
    Ann Sendmail
    in reply to what Victoria K. said:Aloha Ann! My first HM is in April too. The Wahine Diva Half Marathon in Honolulu. The most I have run so far was in the Great Aloha Run last Monday at 8.15 so I feel really behind the 8 ball as far as distance goes. I finished in 1:48 but was ... read more

    Aloha! I am so excited to have a friend from Hawaii! Woo hoo!! Makes me feel warm already! Nice job on the race Victoria! It sure is hard getting those miles up. But you and I can do it together! We are now friends on DM! Looking forward to the journey with you!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Ann
    Ann Sendmail

    Hi Evonne,
    That's good to hear that the adrenalin carried you over the line. And beating your goal even! Super accomplishment. I hope I do as well as you. You have a strong running base so you should be able to conquer another one in April. Good luck to you!!!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Ann
    Ann Sendmail

    Hi Jessica, nice to see you on my friend list! We'll have fun running together thru DM!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Brent P.PRO
    Brent P. Sendmail

    Hi Ann, are you still having ITB issues? I had the same problem training last year. I use a foam roller (and the "Stick") to roll after a run. Also, believe it or not, but a new pair of running shoes cured my knee problems.

    It sounds like you are right on track to making your goal. Remember the hardest part is getting to the starting line, after that you only need to move your legs until the end. Pretty soon you will relish the fact that you only have to run 13 miles for your LSR :)

    Happy Training!
    Brent

    posted 3 months ago

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