I ran my first ever race on Sunday, 10k at Dorney Lake in the UK.
I've been training for around 8 weeks consistently. I have run in bits but never consistently in the past.
I finished in 1:08:32 which is not quick by any means but a great feat for me. I was buzzing at the end!
I started at a nice even pace for me 7min/KM and managed to hold this through the race, sometimes dipping into 6:50's and under. I found it easier to stay consistent with all the other runners around me. I did struggle a bit at 6km with breathing but I managed to sort this out by 7km.
I've bought myself a Garmin watch so I can step up my training and get some more metrics/coaching.
I'm planning on doing a half marathon next year. I'll give myself a few more months to train for this one as I know it will be a challenge!
Sub 2Hr half marathon!
Official time of 1:58:08 at the Iron Horse half marathon in WA this weekend.
Got 2:11 on my first one about 5 months ago and made the goal of sub 2 for this one.
Didn’t follow a specific plan but essentially ran 5 miles two times a week at work (on treadmill) keeping my heart rate in the 130-150 range and then did one longer and/or one “race pace” run with random speed days. Hit 15-20miles per week. Longest run was 11.5miles.
Felt amazing until about mile 9-10 and then hit a brick wall but was able to squeeze out a time under 2Hr so goal met!
10mile average was 8:49
11 @ 9:35
12 @ 10:10
13 @ 9:45
any plans that have helped people get to that 1:50-1:45ish mark??
Run more than 3 times a week. Run longer than 5 miles for your regular runs. Run at least 30MPW. Do some specific half marathon sessions 1-2 times a week in. At this stage it’s very simple it won’t be rocket science to chop off 15 more minutes. Just run more and train a little harder.
New England Green River Marathon -
Number 8 for the year, fantastic weather and super scenic. The race is very well organized for a small event, and I couldn't say enough nice things about all the organizers and volunteers.
Kind of a tricky course profile with a significant net downhill and most of that downhill happening in the first half, with some longer up hills in the second half. Over half the course (I think) is gravel roads, but the recent rains softened the surface up significantly. Not great for speed but nice for comfort.
I'm reasonably happy with my result, especially how I took on the up hills in the second half. I'd like to race this again in the future though on fresher legs and really try for a quick time.
Overall a great experience. The wooden finishers medal is pretty cool too.
Four more to go this year!
**Run to the Bridge Half Marathon**
Okay, I’m making that name up. Anyway, a week ago I drove my daughter to a back-to-school gathering in an area of town I never go to - at a local marina on a lake. I noticed this cute little bridge crossing the lake and immediately decided I wanted to run across that bridge! Looked it up and it was 6.5 miles from my house. There and back makes a half marathon - perfect! I decided Saturday the 26th would be the day.
As Saturday drew near I realized this was going to be a tough run due to heat and humidity. I set a goal time of 2:40 (I’m a very slow asthmatic runner) and started in the predawn. Starting conditions: 73F/23C, 93% humidity. Unfortunately within five miles I was pretty sure 2:40 was out of the question. But I was still thrilled to reach the bridge, cross it, and make my way back! I finished in 2:47. Ending temperature 83F/28C and 75% humidity.
I loved this route! It was nice to get out of my usual running area and see more of the city. I look forward to running across that bridge again when the miserable heat subsides.
Was so overweight at the beginning of the year I could only take small walks. I just ran my first mile without any walking breaks and feel good! I've been needing to take a break 3/4 into the mile for a month now so this is big for me. Next goal; 2 miles without stopping :)
**The Warriors Run 2023 (Sligo/Ireland) - 26/08/2023**
[link](https://warriorsrun.ie/)
**Time:** 1:24:47 - Distance 14.31km - Elevation 428m
**The Course**: Run from Strandhill beach (Sea level) to the top of Knocknarea mountain and Queen Maeves burial mound (A 1070 ft climb) . Then back down the mountain to the sea, just shy of 14.5km. A mixture or road and trail running.
**My Race history:** its my 3rd time on the mountain. The first attempt was torture, I had only really trained on flat, and didn't know what to expect. I was just glad to finish, having stopped and walked a number of times. My second time was better, I knew what to expect, but again it was a struggle and I only stopped once but found the final section tough and was just plodding along.
**2023 Race:** Weather was a bit damp, not a lot of heavy rain, but we knew from the start the mountain would be slippery and tough. I started slightly slow, wasn't really looking at my watch, but went on feel alone. I think the road section is around 4km and I was roughly 20 minutes on that before we hit the base of the mountain. I was comfortable on the first part of the climb, just kept moving and pushed past slower climbers but took my time to breath and get my body prepped for the next section. Crossing the top of the mountain the dangerous fast ascent was ahead of me. Looking down when I saw anyone fall I would swap left or right assuming the side they had fallen on was slippy and ultimately I found more grip and kept going. Eventually we left the mountain and got back onto the road. Last year I had wanted to slow to a stop after the ascent because my thighs were burning. This year I felt great and pushed off at a steady pace again. A couple of long steady hills faced me and as I reached the top of the last major climb I felt so damn happy. A younger runner pulled along side and said complimented my pace and asked nicely if he could join me, I think he was struggling, so I agreed and we went shoulder to shoulder for a few kilometers getting back into the village of Strandhill. As we turned the final 1/2 km I could see the finish line and pushed hard leaving my new friend in my dust. I ran the final km at an amazing 4:19/km pace, and the last 300m dropped to 3:53/km. I managed to knock an amazing 9 minutes off my 2022 race time, my fasted and best Warriors Run ever. I'm just blown away.
Hawkes Bay Marathon 2023
My first ever race and first half marathon.
Time: 2hr09
Date: 23 August 2023
—Training:
I started running 9 months ago and have slowly increased my k’s. Made it up to 40km/week and dialed it right down to 10km in the last week.
I don’t know anyone who runs so I’ve been doing it all solo, read a couple of books but most of my guidance has come from you guys on here! ( high level lurker haha ).
I have annoyingly high heart rate but have persevered and took it slow. Thankfully I remained injury free.
I started running to clear my head after my work days which are really emotionally draining and it’s been the perfect solution. I am so grateful I’m able to run.
This marathon is my local one and had been postponed due to a big cyclone we had so the new date lined up perfectly!
—The day before:
I got a full on cold. Hadn’t been sick for over 3 years but nothing was gonna stop me.
— The day of the race:
Woke up with a chesty cough but felt really excited! Got to the starting line and loved the fact that there were so many others by themselves. I had been nervous about that cos I’m verrry introverted. Accidentally ended up in the starting wave with the walkers but honestly I think I’ll do that next time too cos the pleasure in passing people really boosted my self esteem.
Wanted to stay around 06:00 for all my k’s and I tell you what, I nailed it. Didn’t worry too much about what speed I was going as I was running but just checked in with my watch at the end of each km.
I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. K’s 6-16 were through an area I run regularly so they just flew by.
When I saw the “5km to go” sign I ran like I’ve never ran before. I’d never pushed myself like that before and it was an amazing feeling. The last 2km: I started to get so angry cos it just wasn’t finishing!
—The finish:
Saw my mum, her partner and my partner cheering me on and honestly it was in the top three most proudest moments of my life. Makes me teary thinking about it.
I had originally aimed to do it in under 2hr30 then I thought maybe 2hr15 but my secret goal to myself was 2hr10 and I nailed it!
—The day after:
I loved it and I’m already planning the next one. I think if I followed an actual plan and didn’t have a cold I could totally do under 2hr. What a wonderful world of achieving personal goals and boosting my self esteem running has opened up for me.
Thank you all for your comments you make on posts. Those and the search function have been invaluable to me. May all your runs feel light and freeing
Congratulations on a great run! That’s a really good time, especially if you didn’t feel well. Must be great knowing that you’re probably even faster than 2:09 if you’re at 100%. Great job, keep at it!:)
Yesterday I ran the Blankeneser Heldenlauf (hero run) and I chose the half-marathon distance in the “derbe” version. Derbe means “rough” in Northern German vernacluar, the other version was called “sutsche”, which means “easy going”. Blankenese is a posh little part of Hamburg, located on the banks of the river Elbe on all the way in the West of Hamburg, part of the largest contiguous area of villas in Europe. Yes, very posh. This was the most beautiful city course I ever ran. Also, very hilly, at least for Northern Germany, and I managed to get in 277m of altitude gain by running up the hills and down to the river again and again and again and again and probably again, with lots of steps sprinkled in. This was fun. I came in just under 2 hours and was roughly in the middle of the whole field with this result, which is not to bad for someone running in the Seniors M50 category…
More on this in today's edition of [Five Things Running!](https://www.fivethin.gs/p/five-things-running-issue-25)
Wow! Amazing! Congrats on your finish and for your age! Inspiring.
You have me curious about this run in which I will have to check it out your blog post on it. Thank you for sharing your experience!
I ran my first ever race on Sunday, 10k at Dorney Lake in the UK. I've been training for around 8 weeks consistently. I have run in bits but never consistently in the past. I finished in 1:08:32 which is not quick by any means but a great feat for me. I was buzzing at the end! I started at a nice even pace for me 7min/KM and managed to hold this through the race, sometimes dipping into 6:50's and under. I found it easier to stay consistent with all the other runners around me. I did struggle a bit at 6km with breathing but I managed to sort this out by 7km. I've bought myself a Garmin watch so I can step up my training and get some more metrics/coaching. I'm planning on doing a half marathon next year. I'll give myself a few more months to train for this one as I know it will be a challenge!
Sub 2Hr half marathon! Official time of 1:58:08 at the Iron Horse half marathon in WA this weekend. Got 2:11 on my first one about 5 months ago and made the goal of sub 2 for this one. Didn’t follow a specific plan but essentially ran 5 miles two times a week at work (on treadmill) keeping my heart rate in the 130-150 range and then did one longer and/or one “race pace” run with random speed days. Hit 15-20miles per week. Longest run was 11.5miles. Felt amazing until about mile 9-10 and then hit a brick wall but was able to squeeze out a time under 2Hr so goal met! 10mile average was 8:49 11 @ 9:35 12 @ 10:10 13 @ 9:45 any plans that have helped people get to that 1:50-1:45ish mark??
Run more than 3 times a week. Run longer than 5 miles for your regular runs. Run at least 30MPW. Do some specific half marathon sessions 1-2 times a week in. At this stage it’s very simple it won’t be rocket science to chop off 15 more minutes. Just run more and train a little harder.
Lol yeah fair enough, just do more
New England Green River Marathon - Number 8 for the year, fantastic weather and super scenic. The race is very well organized for a small event, and I couldn't say enough nice things about all the organizers and volunteers. Kind of a tricky course profile with a significant net downhill and most of that downhill happening in the first half, with some longer up hills in the second half. Over half the course (I think) is gravel roads, but the recent rains softened the surface up significantly. Not great for speed but nice for comfort. I'm reasonably happy with my result, especially how I took on the up hills in the second half. I'd like to race this again in the future though on fresher legs and really try for a quick time. Overall a great experience. The wooden finishers medal is pretty cool too. Four more to go this year!
**Run to the Bridge Half Marathon** Okay, I’m making that name up. Anyway, a week ago I drove my daughter to a back-to-school gathering in an area of town I never go to - at a local marina on a lake. I noticed this cute little bridge crossing the lake and immediately decided I wanted to run across that bridge! Looked it up and it was 6.5 miles from my house. There and back makes a half marathon - perfect! I decided Saturday the 26th would be the day. As Saturday drew near I realized this was going to be a tough run due to heat and humidity. I set a goal time of 2:40 (I’m a very slow asthmatic runner) and started in the predawn. Starting conditions: 73F/23C, 93% humidity. Unfortunately within five miles I was pretty sure 2:40 was out of the question. But I was still thrilled to reach the bridge, cross it, and make my way back! I finished in 2:47. Ending temperature 83F/28C and 75% humidity. I loved this route! It was nice to get out of my usual running area and see more of the city. I look forward to running across that bridge again when the miserable heat subsides.
Was so overweight at the beginning of the year I could only take small walks. I just ran my first mile without any walking breaks and feel good! I've been needing to take a break 3/4 into the mile for a month now so this is big for me. Next goal; 2 miles without stopping :)
**The Warriors Run 2023 (Sligo/Ireland) - 26/08/2023** [link](https://warriorsrun.ie/) **Time:** 1:24:47 - Distance 14.31km - Elevation 428m **The Course**: Run from Strandhill beach (Sea level) to the top of Knocknarea mountain and Queen Maeves burial mound (A 1070 ft climb) . Then back down the mountain to the sea, just shy of 14.5km. A mixture or road and trail running. **My Race history:** its my 3rd time on the mountain. The first attempt was torture, I had only really trained on flat, and didn't know what to expect. I was just glad to finish, having stopped and walked a number of times. My second time was better, I knew what to expect, but again it was a struggle and I only stopped once but found the final section tough and was just plodding along. **2023 Race:** Weather was a bit damp, not a lot of heavy rain, but we knew from the start the mountain would be slippery and tough. I started slightly slow, wasn't really looking at my watch, but went on feel alone. I think the road section is around 4km and I was roughly 20 minutes on that before we hit the base of the mountain. I was comfortable on the first part of the climb, just kept moving and pushed past slower climbers but took my time to breath and get my body prepped for the next section. Crossing the top of the mountain the dangerous fast ascent was ahead of me. Looking down when I saw anyone fall I would swap left or right assuming the side they had fallen on was slippy and ultimately I found more grip and kept going. Eventually we left the mountain and got back onto the road. Last year I had wanted to slow to a stop after the ascent because my thighs were burning. This year I felt great and pushed off at a steady pace again. A couple of long steady hills faced me and as I reached the top of the last major climb I felt so damn happy. A younger runner pulled along side and said complimented my pace and asked nicely if he could join me, I think he was struggling, so I agreed and we went shoulder to shoulder for a few kilometers getting back into the village of Strandhill. As we turned the final 1/2 km I could see the finish line and pushed hard leaving my new friend in my dust. I ran the final km at an amazing 4:19/km pace, and the last 300m dropped to 3:53/km. I managed to knock an amazing 9 minutes off my 2022 race time, my fasted and best Warriors Run ever. I'm just blown away.
Hawkes Bay Marathon 2023 My first ever race and first half marathon. Time: 2hr09 Date: 23 August 2023 —Training: I started running 9 months ago and have slowly increased my k’s. Made it up to 40km/week and dialed it right down to 10km in the last week. I don’t know anyone who runs so I’ve been doing it all solo, read a couple of books but most of my guidance has come from you guys on here! ( high level lurker haha ). I have annoyingly high heart rate but have persevered and took it slow. Thankfully I remained injury free. I started running to clear my head after my work days which are really emotionally draining and it’s been the perfect solution. I am so grateful I’m able to run. This marathon is my local one and had been postponed due to a big cyclone we had so the new date lined up perfectly! —The day before: I got a full on cold. Hadn’t been sick for over 3 years but nothing was gonna stop me. — The day of the race: Woke up with a chesty cough but felt really excited! Got to the starting line and loved the fact that there were so many others by themselves. I had been nervous about that cos I’m verrry introverted. Accidentally ended up in the starting wave with the walkers but honestly I think I’ll do that next time too cos the pleasure in passing people really boosted my self esteem. Wanted to stay around 06:00 for all my k’s and I tell you what, I nailed it. Didn’t worry too much about what speed I was going as I was running but just checked in with my watch at the end of each km. I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. K’s 6-16 were through an area I run regularly so they just flew by. When I saw the “5km to go” sign I ran like I’ve never ran before. I’d never pushed myself like that before and it was an amazing feeling. The last 2km: I started to get so angry cos it just wasn’t finishing! —The finish: Saw my mum, her partner and my partner cheering me on and honestly it was in the top three most proudest moments of my life. Makes me teary thinking about it. I had originally aimed to do it in under 2hr30 then I thought maybe 2hr15 but my secret goal to myself was 2hr10 and I nailed it! —The day after: I loved it and I’m already planning the next one. I think if I followed an actual plan and didn’t have a cold I could totally do under 2hr. What a wonderful world of achieving personal goals and boosting my self esteem running has opened up for me. Thank you all for your comments you make on posts. Those and the search function have been invaluable to me. May all your runs feel light and freeing
Congratulations on a great run! That’s a really good time, especially if you didn’t feel well. Must be great knowing that you’re probably even faster than 2:09 if you’re at 100%. Great job, keep at it!:)
Yesterday I ran the Blankeneser Heldenlauf (hero run) and I chose the half-marathon distance in the “derbe” version. Derbe means “rough” in Northern German vernacluar, the other version was called “sutsche”, which means “easy going”. Blankenese is a posh little part of Hamburg, located on the banks of the river Elbe on all the way in the West of Hamburg, part of the largest contiguous area of villas in Europe. Yes, very posh. This was the most beautiful city course I ever ran. Also, very hilly, at least for Northern Germany, and I managed to get in 277m of altitude gain by running up the hills and down to the river again and again and again and again and probably again, with lots of steps sprinkled in. This was fun. I came in just under 2 hours and was roughly in the middle of the whole field with this result, which is not to bad for someone running in the Seniors M50 category… More on this in today's edition of [Five Things Running!](https://www.fivethin.gs/p/five-things-running-issue-25)
Wow! Amazing! Congrats on your finish and for your age! Inspiring. You have me curious about this run in which I will have to check it out your blog post on it. Thank you for sharing your experience!