1/2 marathon

[s&swtr]

I am on Day 11 of induction. This Sunday I will be jogging/walking 13.1 miles for the P.F. Chang's Rock'n'Roll 1/2 marathon.

How should I proceed? This is not something I normally do, so I haven't worked out the food plan with this kind of exercise. I've done about 4 miles on Atkins induction, but that is it!

I could possibly stash a cheese stick somewhere, but I am afraid I won't have enough energy to finish. Right after I am head to CPK for a caesar salad and the refreshing treat of a diet soda. But what about the morning?

I thank you for your input - everyone is so eager to help!

[Alexa]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Hi Jules,

I don't know the answer to this, but I'd be interezted to hear what the experienced runners say about this too. I'm running a 1/2 in March.

[Richt]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Hi.

Have you ever ran / walked more than 4 miles in training before? If not, you are really under prepared for this weekend.

I have completed 16 half marathons in the last year and a half. The main advice I can give you -

a) Make sure you are thoroughly warmed up before starting, stretch all of your leg muscles
b) Make sure you are fully hydrated, and take on plenty of water on route.
c) Food before a race. Normally, I try not to eat too much as it can hamper my performance, I like scrambled egg a couple of hours before a big race. I do not eat during the run though.
d) Dont start off too quickly. This is my main piece of advice to runners in their first race, its so easy to get carried away at the start of a race that you run far too fast. If anything, start slower than you normally do. You can always increase your pace if needed, but if you start of too quickly you will ruin your whole race.
e) Ideally in training for a big race like this you should comfortably be able to cover 8 miles. If you can run / walk 8 miles then 13 is feasible. I am a little concerned if all you have done is 4!

But, Good luck with it, take care and enjoy!

Rich

[Bluebelt2007]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Hi,

The first time I did Atkins, I ran the Marine Corp Marathon. I did nothing different in regards to food and felt fine. In addition, I had no problems during my longer pre race runs (15, 18 and 22 miles). I did make sure I was very hydrated and while doing the long runs I did drink water every 4-5 miles during the run ( would stash/hide bottled water in strategic places along my route). During the marathon I did make sure I drank at every water station (which generally is every two miles).

I would just on stay on plan, burning fat is an excellent and effecient fuel.
You will feel great.

Good luck.

[ttdriver]

Re: 1/2 marathon

I agree with Rich, if you've only run 4 miles, you are not prepared to run 13.1. If you proceed with the half marathon, you are putting yourself at risk for injury.

If you have run 10 miles in training, then I say you're ready for 13.1, although some folk would argue with me on that... The bottom line is, you have to build up to a half marathon S L O W L Y by steadily increasing training miles. You have to teach your body how to deal with several hours of pounding .. and that doesn't come any other way than by slow progressive training.

As for food, I can easily run a half marathon with eggs and bacon at least 2 hours before the race. If I don't eat anything, I find that I hit the wall at about 10 miles .. so some food is a good idea, IMO. Just make sure its fully digested before the run starts. Only water throughout the race is sufficient, unless its HOT/HUMID and then I suggest some sort of electrolyte replacement (ELECTROMIX is GREAT).

Again, I hope you rethink your decision to run the race if you are not adequately trained for those miles.

Betty

[Richt]

Re: 1/2 marathon

If you have run 10 miles in training, then I say you're ready for 13.1, although some folk would argue with me on that... The bottom line is, you have to build up to a half marathon S L O W L Y by steadily increasing training miles. You have to teach your body how to deal with several hours of pounding .. and that doesn't come any other way than by slow progressive training.

Betty, I had heard that for a half if you can run 8 then you can do 13. And for a full marathon, as long as you can run 20, then you can do the full 26.

[ttdriver]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Hi ya Rich,

Well, depends on who you ask .. and how old they are! It may just be psychological, but once you get to 10 miles and can tell yourself "only a 5k left" .. it somehow gives you the lift you need to finish. At least that's been my experience.

As for the full marathon .. let me tell you unequivocally .. don't believe that if you can run 20 you can run 26.2. I wouldn't think of attempting 26.2 unless I had completed several runs of 22 or more miles. The last 6 are the most grueling, painful miles of all. And the last .2 is sheer torture.... If you haven't built up to 22 miles, don't attempt 26.2.

Betty

[Richt]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Betty. I will let you know how I feel when I finally get my mileage up to 20! (with this chest infection, thats not going to happen soon).


Many apologies to the OP for taking this a little off topic

[s&swtr]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Thanks everyone! This is my 5th 1/2 marathon! My friend is a walker, so this year we made a compromise to jog/walk. So I trained differently. Normally I come in around 2 and 1/2 hours. I was more curious about the eating, since I used to eat lots of carbs before long runs and stuff.
I was running more before the holidays, about 6 miles on the loop around my house, but that fell to the wayside w/ holidays and even more so w/ induction. I just couldn't get beyond 4 these past few weeks. But thanks for all your advice on the matter.

[ttdriver]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Hi ya Jules!

Congrats on finishing 4 half marathons in the past! I know you'll do well this go round. I'd just encourage you to eat good fats and lean proteins prior to your race. Water should get you through the actual race without any problem.

BEST OF LUCK!

Betty

[Richt]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Good luck Jules, let us know how you get on!

Rich

[s&swtr]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Thanks! I'll post my time on Monday!!!! I just love getting the medal at the end!

[Richt]

Re: 1/2 marathon

What sort of time do you see yourself finishing it in?

[s&swtr]

Re: 1/2 marathon

i've not walked/run one before, so I am not sure. I am hoping for like 3 hours and 15 minutes, we'll see.

[Richt]

Re: 1/2 marathon

Walk running should see you around just short of that I think. Good luck though and enjoy the atmosphere. (and the medal)