BoxRec

Alright Lads, got back from Silverstone earlier - managed to do it in 1 hr 53mins. Initially I was a bit gutted at my time as I was aiming for 1hr 40-1hr 45mins but considering its my first half-marathon I guess its not too bad. I was doing alright for about 8 miles - keeping up with the 8 minute/mile pacer but starting slowing after that and my legs were buggered for the last 2 miles. I'm still proud that I never stopped to walk but I think I left my best form in training. I've learnt a lot from this experience and managed to raise £400 for the Seeds for Development Charity which is brilliant.

Massive thank you for all the tips and advice, going to smash my time next year and hopefully take on a full marathon!

Well done. I usually take a couple of gels on a half mara. Neck one at about 7 miles and the other at about the 10 mile mark. Unless you're a racing snake you won't manage to run strong at the end of a half on just water.

housesecond wrote:Well done. I usually take a couple of gels on a half mara. Neck one at about 7 miles and the other at about the 10 mile mark. Unless you're a racing snake you won't manage to run strong at the end of a half on just water.

Ah yes, felt like I was running on empty at the end! Annoying thing was I wasn't out of breath, but the legs just couldn't hack it. I was hoping for a photo sprint finish but just wasn't happening.

First thing to do is go to a sports specialist shop to get the proper shoes. They will have you run on a treadmill for about 30 seconds and record your foot movement to study your foot movement. They will then advise what are the best shoes for you based on how your run.

Second thing to do is study the course plan of the marathon that you are going to run. Is it hilly etc. I ran Tucson marathon a couple of years ago and the mistake that I made was that I didnt tailor my training to the course. Tucson was mostly downhill - and this trashes your legs. Although, I thought I had been doing some hilly terrain it wasnt enough. I should have been doing longer and steeper stretches (particularly downhill). Also, with a hilly course like that I should have been some work in the gym to strengthen my legs muscles.

Luckily, there are a lot of good training resources on the net - so you should have no problem constructing a good training schedule.

oops, I just noted you have done this already lol Well done anyway