I started running about six months ago in order to try and lose some weight. Well, I have been bitten by the bug and now try to run four times a week. My mileage is about 20 - 25 miles per week. I have always been a plodder, runnig at about 9 min miles. I have entered the Bristol Half Marathon, due in ten days and am having a crisis of confidence. I lost four weks training eralier in the year due to injury and so far my longest run has been 9 miles in 1 hour 25 mins. I feel I should try one more long run (11 miles) before being confident for the Bristol half. What should I do!!!
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If you've done so much training already it would be a shame not to run it. Injury happens to all of us and you've obviously recovered so go for it. Take your time, don't go off too fast (with the rush of adrenalin at the start like I always do) and just enjoy the experience.
If you feel the need to do one more long run then do it.
I have completed 3 halfs since i started running 9 months ago.The longest training run i have done for each is ten miles.I would say go for it.Take it easy, for your first half all you want to be concerned about is finishing,also watch that first mile it is very easy to get dragged along in that first mile.
See you there.
I will be wearing a Mister Men vest as i am running for charity.
I had a similar dilema last week about whether to do a long training run or enter a half marathon on Saturday. I ended up being convinced to run the half and it was fab - great sense of achievement. If you can run 9 miles the extra will be easy what with the other runners and supporters there to egg you on.
Go for it and all the best
Gillian
I am sure you could manage the half without the 11 mile training run, as it sounds like you have been doing lots of training. However I do understand your anxiety. I did my first half recently and I did a 13 mile training run before. It did help mentally mainly I think, as I neared the end of the race and I got tired I kept going as I knew I could do it - there was no excuse!
Good luck.
You CAN do it.
Neil
Neil
Firstly 9 min miles isnt slow.
Secondly agree with top tipsters that starting further back means you won't start with the speed kings
Thirdly doing 11 miles at this late stage will do more harm than good
Fourth start slow, and aim to stick to 9+min miling at least for the first half of the race , if you find yourself at 6 miles in 50 minutes (quick-based off your 9 mile time) you will find the run in painful.Better to get there in nearer 56-60 , so check your watch at mile intervals and slow yourself if necessary.
If you get to 10 in around 90-95 and feel good then you can enjoy the run in and the race.
Fifth, the event,the crowds, the runners and adrenalin will be worth a mile or three anyhow.
Go fot it and we expect a report on the 'events' thread in due course.
Remember above all enjoy the run.You'll do fine.
enjoy
Good Luck
You honestly get carried along by the atmosphere on the day.
Good luck
I started running last year at the grand old age of 47 and did the GNR. The furthest i ever got it training beforehand was a couple of 10 mile sessions and I managed the GNR in 2.05 despite having problems with my hamstrings around the 10 mile mark. Its worth doing just to experience the feeling of completing the race at the end. Its the best feeling in the world - nearly !!! Good luck
Bec
Don't think you will have a problem if you can manage 9 miles. I'm in the Great North Run next month and the training is not going to plan. Only running 4 miles max at the momment!. Ran the Great South Run (10m) in 1h 32mins last year with max training session of 8 miles. Treat the first 2-3 miles as a very slow warm up.
Anyone else not trained enough for the GNR.
Second, you'll be fine on the training you've done, but if you are concerned you now have the time to do a longer run.
Good luck!
Feeling fine now and back to running 6 but is it too little, too late? Should I just pull out?
Good Luck with your GNR
No I'd go for 13.1
Ha Ha
Seriously though, go for it
p.s i run really'really slowly
You will be fine to do the New Forerst, just take it steady and if you are feeling good pick it up towards the end.