Suffragette1 Â Â 10 #25 Posted January 31, 2012 I did my first half marathon in 2011 (Sheffield half). My estimated time was approx 2 hours - 2 hours 20mins. I finished in 2 hours 19mins. Â The last 3 miles were really hard. My knees and feet were hurting by this point. I followed a 12 week training programme which I got online. I only trained up to 11 miles as they say that you do not need to train for the full distance. I ran 3 times a week, 2 short runs during the week on Tues and Thurs and then a long run at the weekend. The training was nowhere as bad as I thought it would be. I actually enjoyed it. I lost a lot of weight doing this and felt great. I also got married last summer too! Â Previous to this I have only done 2 x 10km races and park runs at Endcliffe Park. I am not a member of a running club. Â This was a big achievement for me and I will certainly do it again! This year 2012 I am concentrating on my speed and doing 10kms. My first is in March the Dronfield 10km. Â Go for it! I would say make sure you invest in some good running trainers, follow a training programme, eat well with plenty of carbs (especially the week before), drink plenty of water the day or so before, have a good breakfast (porridge etc) on the day, and on the day take some sort of energy/sports drink and gels etc with you. You will be given water on the course but you will need a little extra something also. Â Good luck!! Â I now have the running bug - any suggestions anyone for a good running club? I live S17 Totley/Dore area. I have looked at a few but they all seem quite serious and very fast runners! Â I did a run with the Totley one the other week, blimey, I had trouble keeping up with them and I am not unfit myself although I do half marathons/10ks etc, I am not a fast runner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Grappler   12 #26 Posted January 31, 2012 (edited) I signed up at Christmas but looks as though it's filling up fast. I think the entries closed by feb last year. The first half is quite good, the last 3miles are grim though...  I agree with that, I have done it about 4 times, once back in the mid 80's, and then three times recently but missed the last two years. The last few miles running towards forgemasters, where you don't appear to be getting anywhere, are dreadful.  I can't remember what time I ran in the 1980's, but my best recently is 2 hours and one minute.  I would love to do sub 2 hours just once!  Think I will enter.........  Entered Edited April 1, 2012 by Andy Fixed quote tags Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
gr8_bhu   10 #27 Posted February 13, 2012 3500 entered....and theres still just 15 weeks to go!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
foxforcefive   10 #28 Posted February 21, 2012 I've entered after about 3 years of threatening to. I don't run, I haven't exercised in months and I have less than 14 weeks to train. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
1978   14 #29 Posted February 21, 2012 I've entered after about 3 years of threatening to. I don't run, I haven't exercised in months and I have less than 14 weeks to train.  You won't be the only one like that! Aim a. to start, b. to finish, c. for under 3 hours and you might get nearer 2:30. Get near 2 hours and there'll be no stopping you  Good luck. The slower you are in 2012 the easier it will be to get a better time in 2013! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Kthebean   10 #30 Posted February 21, 2012 I'm in training for the sheffield half now, practicing my shouting clapping and cheering, also my smiling encouragement and wolf whistling, I like to shout NICE LEGS at the oldies and KEEP ON GOING at the ones who look like they're giving up, my hands hurt last year from clapping so much, I had to go home and have a bath to loosen up the muscles. Think we're going to stand further along than ecclesall road this time, my friend told me theres not much support on the last few miles, think I may even take a banner! Can't wait! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
foxforcefive   10 #31 Posted February 22, 2012 You won't be the only one like that! Aim a. to start, b. to finish, c. for under 3 hours and you might get nearer 2:30. Get near 2 hours and there'll be no stopping you  Good luck. The slower you are in 2012 the easier it will be to get a better time in 2013!  Thanks, my plan is pretty much as you mention.  Not sure there'll be a 2013, but ta for the encouragement. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Isabelle   10 #32 Posted February 25, 2012 I thought about it, but I think 3 months is too short for a total beginner, I am going to try in 2013. I want to do the Fun Run though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Fudbeer   12 #33 Posted February 25, 2012 Wow its filling up fast now 4259 entered on the 21 feb am guessing we down to last thousand places now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Suffragette1 Â Â 10 #34 Posted February 28, 2012 Good luck everyone, with your training. I've decided to give it a miss this year. Have done it twice now, it's a horrible route, all road surface and the training is just too much: 2 shortish runs during the week and one long one at the weekend. I'm also put off with it being so late this year, it could be really hot. I'll cheer you all on from Ecclesall Road. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
foxforcefive   10 #35 Posted March 1, 2012 Good luck everyone, with your training. I've decided to give it a miss this year. Have done it twice now, it's a horrible route, all road surface and the training is just too much: 2 shortish runs during the week and one long one at the weekend. I'm also put off with it being so late this year, it could be really hot. I'll cheer you all on from Ecclesall Road.  With a nice cold glass of something?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
emma.82 Â Â 10 #36 Posted March 3, 2012 Ive entered its the first race Ive ever done, I took up running with the sweatshop, now I run with them on monday, run with active sheffield on tuesday/thursday and find routes on a saturday. Also pound the gym for my upper strength, cant keep me away from there, but last week I shouldnt have run on tues after running on monday, my bad! chesterfield road was a killer! think it was karma telling me to listen to my legs, or maybe heed Paula Radcliffe advice? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...