First Half Marathon

radleyboo · July 2013

Hi Girls-

So, I won or lost a bet depending on how you look at it and am going to run the Grand Rapids Half Marathon on October 20th. I'm putting it out there so that I'm accountable, and hopefully, I can get some support from some of the other runners here. I know there are a lot of girls who run here, so I'd love to hear your ideas/tips/trick for successful training, especially in the heat!

I plan to follow the Hal Higdon Novice 2 training plan and will likely walk for 30 seconds at aid stations. Here are some questions that I have for you:

What is your advice for training in the heat through the rest of the summer?

Do you wear compression socks, and if so, what benefits do you see from them?

Do you use GU or any other nutrition aids during training or races?

Do you use a hydration belt for training or for races?

Thanks in advance. I'm nervous and excited!

cnf2013 · July 2013

I'm going to go ahead and sub in on this conversation since I'm running my first half that same day.

entropicbeauty · July 2013

I have zero advice for running a marathon, I just wanted to exclaim that I also live in Grand Rapids!

radleyboo · July 2013

@cnf2013-we had the same colors at our weddings, purple and orange. I don't have a link to my pro photos, but there is a thread in NEY from a couple of weeks ago if you wanted to see. I love your purple shoes, mine were one of my favorite details!

Which race are you running? How are you training? Let's help each other out, happy to 'meet' you!

@entropicbeauty-Nice to meet another girl from GR, train and run with me!

daria24 · July 2013

I've run two half-marathons so far. I used the Hal Higdon Novice 2 the first time, and then a modified version the second time since I had a lot more experience. It's a great program. At almost every race I do, I end up walking through the water stations, it's almost impossible to keep running anyway!

I use the GU gels, with 20 mg of caffeine. I can't handle the 2x or 3x stuff. Experiment with different levels of caffeine/no caffeine. I have tried other companies and I prefer the GU texture. I know a lot of people that use ShotBlocks because they need something to chew, the gel is too hard to eat. If I'm running more than an hour, I bring the GU. You are supposed to eat one packet every 45 minutes, usually I am in no mood to have a second one after 90 minutes though.

Running in the summer-it sucks. This year for some reason I am having a LOT more trouble than normal. Drink ice cold water-as cold as you can get it, in the hour prior to your run. Wear a hatvisor and use lots of sunscreen. Your pace should be 30 seconds slower per every 10 degrees over 65-70. It kills me to see my pace so slow but it is what is it. . Run before 8am or after 7pm until it starts getting darker earlier. Buy lots and lots of Body Glide and use copious amounts between your thighs and under your boobs. Bring it with you and reapply.

I do wear compression socks-most of the time I just use the short ones, for races I tend to wear the knee high ones. And in the winter I have some really thick tall ones that I love. They make my feet feel better. It's hard to really describe the benefits, they just feel nicer?

I finally broke down an bought a hydration belt this winter. In the past I just used the water fountains in the parks or carried a bottle in my hand. But I started having trouble carrying the water bottle and getting weird cramping in my shoulders/upper arms. I don't use the fuel belt in a race though, I just carry the GU in my pockets.

My last piece of advice is make sure to include hills in your runs, even if your race is a flat course. The hills suck, I know, but it makes you so much stronger in the long run. Good luck!

entropicbeauty · July 2013

@Radlyboo - I can barely run as it is, I just started C25K so "training" with me would probably just hold you back. Goodluck though! You can do it!

daria24 · July 2013

Also-invest in a bunch of tech shirts. They really do make a difference compared to just regular cotton tshirts. They make the biggest difference for me in the colder weather, because nothing is more gross than a sweaty ice cold cotton shirt clinging your body. But it helps keep you cooler in the heat too.

ktbabe530 · July 2013

Awesome! I'm doing my first half in November in Vegas. Good luck in GR one!

@xcalygrl - you are in Houston, right? You should check out the Rodeo Run in February, they do a 5k run/walk and a 10k run...it's super fun! Everyone dresses up and afterwards the carriages all parade in for the start of the Rodeo.

lovelyheather · July 2013

I am training for my second half marathon right now. Capital City River Run (Lansing) on September 15.

What is your advice for training in the heat through the rest of the summer?
Run early or late in the day. I prefer to run right when I get home from work (usually around 5), but in the summer that is just not an option. Stay hydrated. Wear wicking fabrics.

Do you wear compression socks, and if so, what benefits do you see from them?
Nope.

Do you use GU or any other nutrition aids during training or races?
Yes. I like Clif Shot Razz (caffeine free) during long runs. I also like the Margarita Shot Bloks right before a long run (I can't chew them while running). The added sodium really helps with the major stomach issues I get after long runs (especially when it is hot).

Do you use a hydration belt for training or for races?
No. I usually leave a water bottle on the side of my running trail and grab a drink whenever I go by it. FI thinks this is not very safe and has been trying to talk me into buying a hydration belt. For my first half, I wanted to train on the actual course, so FI dropped me off and drove ahead 2 miles at a time so I could grab a drink every time I caught up with him.

cnf2013 · July 2013

@Radleyboo, hooray for purple and orange! It was a pretty unusual color combination and some people really crinkled their noses at me when I told them. But I think we made it work. And my shoes were only $32 from DSW. Love them! And I will wander over to NEY and check out your pictures, for sure!

I'm running the Empire State Half Marathon in Syracuse NY. Training, eh. I run everyday. I do a base distance of somewhere in the 3-5 mile range 4-5 days a week then throw a long run in once a week. Coming back from my honeymoon slowed me drastically and I'm kind of struggling to get back on the long run wagon. I'm hoping after my first tri of the season on Saturday to really start chewing through miles again.

As far as fuel for myself, I know before a long run/workout/triathlon I'll eat one or two Luna bars a couple hours in advance and put a 50/50 water-gatorade mix in my waterbottle. I've been eyeing hydration belts with the intentions of getting one so I can start doing more long runs without worrying about staying hydrated. Because we're getting slammed with so much heat and humidity lately though I've been running inside, so I really haven't needed one just yet. But I do wear cooling/wicking synthetic clothes when I run outside and have found that to be helpful.

But yes, yay for having a half training buddy running a race on the same day! Woo!

Giaspo · July 2013

Hello! Congrats on your wedding as well as your decision to run a half! The Hal Higdon program is a great one to use for training. I do the water-stop walk breaks too. As for your Qs:

PPs give great advice The right clothes, timing and hydration all are important. It definitely gets easier as you run more in the heat... They say it takes 4-6 runs to get used to it, although I am not believing that this summer!

No compression socks for me. I see a lot of runners wear them and am not sure why.

I always use gels when training and during races, usually every 45 mins or 4-5 miles. I'll open one and take it as I'm approaching a water stop, so I don't lose time there chowing down. Try a bunch of different brands prior to your race... They are all different. I like Gus and Hammer Gels and dislike Clifshots and Power Gels. It's really preference for texture and taste, and what sits well in your stomach.

I find the hydration belts to be cumbersome and annoying. And they sometimes cause chafing. But again, it's preference. I found a few places to run where I can plant water or Gatorade, or do loops where I pass my car and can grab a new bottle. FREEZE them the night before. They will melt quickly and be nice and cold.

I'm planning to do the Runner's World Half on 10/20. Please feel free to ask any Qs and to keep us posted on you progress! :-)

EDIT: the other unattractive thing I do in the heat is carry a bandana to wipe my face every now and then. Not pretty but keeps me a little cooler. Oh and it becomes a tissue in the winter for cold-weather runny nose. Oh and if you freeze your drink, take the top off and take a sip, then freeze with the top off.

NonosGirl · July 2013

Good luck with your 1st half! I'm training for my fourth, the Detroit Free Press Half on 10/20!

I've used the Hal Higdon program and it worked well for me. I'm going to use a modified version this time. Running in the heat makes me a baby but some days I just have no choice. My best advice is slow down a bit and hydrate but not just the hour before you run. It's best to keep hydrated all day.

I use GU on my longer runs, generally anything more than 6 miles. I like to consume it somewhere between 4 and 5 miles. Like PP said try different brands, flavors, etc.

I hated a hydration belt because I can't stand the sloshing around but I find it necessary for runs longer than 6 miles. I prefer the one with a couple of little bottles but I never actually use it on race day.

I've used compression socks every now and then but didn't really notice a difference.

Good Luck!

freebread03 · July 2013

I've run dozens of halfs, 3 fulls, and do various 5ks, 10ks throughout the year (I ran in college and have run competitively since)-with all that running I didn't start using a hydration belt until 2011 when I was training for Boston. BUY ONE, they are great. I like the ones with multiple small bottles since I'll do two with accelerade (less sugar than gatorade) and 2 with water.

I also use Roctane every 45-60 minutes during long runs (don't use for runs less than 6 miles).

Running in the summer sucks. It just does. You'll be slower, you'll be hot, but get through it. Find shade, run early or late. I ran last night after CrossFit at like 7:30PM and was dying, but I slowed down and forced myself to get through it. Having cold water with you helps.

Wear dry fit socks to avoid blisters, buy some body glide to prevent chaffing, and make sure you wear shorts/pants that don't chafe!

lovelyheather · July 2013

@Giaspo Definitely going to try freezing my gatorades for my long runs! Thanks for the tip!

choagie42 · July 2013

Good luck and congrats on signing up, that's the hardest step!! I've only run 2 halves, but here's my $0.02!

Training in the heat - it sucks. Sorry, but it does. Take is slow, and take advantage of the mornings. With that plan, you'll have 1 long run a week. Plan it for a day when you can get up early and get it done before it's too gross out. Plus it's good training for the race, which is likely in the morning.

Compression socks - don't wear 'em, didn't think they were necessary.

Nutrition aids - with a half, you don't need to go as crazy with nutrition aids, in my opinion, as during a full. I tried a few and the only thing I found that worked was jelly beans. Just run of the mill starburst jelly beans. I tried to sport jelly beans and they were super gross.

Hydration - I have a handheld water bottle that I use. It only took a few runs to get used to, and I love it. On long runs I generally will loop back around the house to refill it, because it's not huge. But it works great and has definitely helped. I've heard good things about the belts though too, just no personal experience with them.

Good luck!! It'll be awesome to get your first one done!!

Giaspo · July 2013

@lovelyheather - it definitely works for long runs. I also got one of those mini-coolers and keep it in my car. Just be sure to take the top off a drink a few sips before putting into the freezer, with the top off. The first time I did this the ice expanded and cracked the plastic top right off!

We should make a list of the runs we are training for so we can support and root for each other!

firsttimersluck · July 2013

I might have an odd question... For those that have run a half or full already.. Do you ever NOT take a walking break?

I'm just curious if people seriously train to run for 13-26.2 miles straight without a single walk...

lovelyheather · July 2013

At my half I walked/jogged (depending on if there was a line) to grab my water, stopped by the trash and drank it, then started running again. I can not drink out of a little cup while running. I would spill all over myself. My half also had a ton of aid stations, I did not stop for all of them. If I wasn't getting a drink, I kept running.

Giaspo · July 2013

I run most races without stopping. The walking is really only a few steps to grab water, down it and go. Like Lovelyheather, Id slosh it all over me if I tried to run and drink. The walk break isn't like a slow walk, it's more like walk while doing something. And, sometimes it's only every other water stop, etc. In a full I time this so I don't get lazy. It's easy to walk longer at mile 20! Lol

choagie42 · July 2013

I'm the same way, I haven't taken a walking break during a race and I don't train with them either. I'd have a hard time re-starting to run I think. Please don't interpret this as judgment of people who do take walking breaks, because I TOTALLY get it, I just have a streak going at the moment where I've never had to walk during a race, and I like keeping that going!

radleyboo · July 2013

Thank you girls so so much for all of the advice and support, I think it's fabulous that there are so many runners here. I agree with the PP, maybe we could get some sort of Upcoming Race Sticky at the top of the page so we can check out who is training for what.

My 'official' training period starts the week of 7/28, after my birthday and after my vacation. I'm not going to lie, this seems daunting to me, but I know that if I train and put the miles in, I should be OK.

I've run a handful of 5 and 10ks. During the 5ks, I never stop for water. They are too short and I haven't found that I needed it. During my 10ks, I did grab water at 2 aid stations and walked 30 steps or so to make sure I got the water IN my gullet instead of all over me. I don't really count that as 'walking', but I'm not a stickler about these things. It was more important for me to get a quick drink!

Thanks again, everybody!

First Half Marathon

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