I completed the Nottingham Half the other day and feel really demoralised with my time. My PB is 2:08:00 and I got 2:24:00. It was a difficulty route and very hilly but I still feel like I’m going backwards with my running. I couldn’t even get to 6 miles without feeling tired. I had no energy what so ever even though I carbed up enough leading up to the run and got plenty of sleep.
For the last 7ish miles I was run, walk, run, walk. I know I can do better but feel really frustrated by it. I finished the run with very stiff shoulders too.
I joined a running club in January and have been doing around 20 miles a week including one long run and a Parkrun. Is there anything im doing wrong? My dream is to get below 2 hours but it feels like I will never get it.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Don't beat yourself up over it, everyone has a stinker now and again...unfortunately yours happened during a race.
Maybe too much carbing, hard to say but either way just keep doing what you do & the sub 2hrs will happen....and smile...smiling helps.
Easy to say don't be disheartened by it, but there is always another run out there to do. Just stick at the training and trust it will work in the end and you'll see the improvement.
Aside from what the others have said (which I also agree with), I'd recommend upping your mileage if you really want to crack 2 hours. 20 a week is quite low. Most of your running should be done at an easy pace to avoid burning yourself out.
It took me a lot of work to get under 2 hours myself (which came in my 13th half marathon) and I average around 1:55 now. My easy run pace varies between 1:30-2 minutes per mile slower than my HM race pace, so that's what you need to be aiming for.
What I find helps is not to obsess about the time. Just enjoy the run and aim to finish with a smile.
I will try and up my weekly mileage to 30 to see if that helps. My PB is 2:08:00. I am 28 but just feel a bit slow for my age?
I do enjoy running so will keep going .
Agree with all above comments. Get used to running comfortably (clothing, form, pace) and enjoy your preparations for the next one!
Did you taper? I used to dismiss this, but a quality taper leaves you with fresh legs at the start line.