Half Marathon question
 

I will be run/walking a half marathon on May 1st. During my training, I've had a hard time keeping my energy level up. I have been taking the gel HSNs and 'shooting' them at periodic times during the route. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thank you in advance,
Sandy
:?:

Well, I haven't done a half-marathon...but I have done a couple things that the center helped me with.

I did a three hour Zumbathon back in the fall. They told me to have an extra dairy right before (like a greek yogurt) and a citrus fruit.

But I got different advice from them when I did my Zumba training (all day dancing workshop). They told me tons of extra protein (cheese sticks) and extra fruit, and to add in some nuts when I felt really tired.

Now I was able to take a break at the training, unlike running a half. You might talk to the center and see what they advise since you can't take a refueling break. I would say to eat a lil extra before...but I'm not an expert. :-)

i ran a full marathon while on the MRC program... the center told me to go ahead and use the runners goo or gel shots/candy/jelly beans/pure sugar during my runs and that since it was going to be used immediately as fuel it wouldnt be a problem... go ahead and do a carb-load the night before as well... sure, your next weigh-in might not be the best (dont worry... its only WATER WEIGHT) but youll have the energy you need to complete the race

I'm running a half on May 1st as well. Here's my plan.

The week before: up your intake of carbs. Carbs doesn't necessarily mean breads and pasta- but maybe veggies and fruits. Also, make sure you ramp down properly- you don't need to train full speed that week- give yourself a break.

The night before: have a carby dinner. I think the traditional pasta dinner is fine, fun, and it seems to help.

The morning of: have a breakfast that you know won't upset your stomach. Fruit, yogurt, granola bar, bagel... whatever it is that will get you good fast energy but won't make you sick.

Just before the start of the race- take a goo. Take a goo every 45 minutes you're out there. Find one you like. I like Hammer's Mountain Huckleberry. Tasty.

DRINK the water. DRINK the electrolyte water! I'd avoid the gummies that they might give you- found it hard to chew and run at the same time.

And PACE yourself. You'll be tempted to go out too fast- don't do it. :) Go the pace you expected to go.

And GOOD LUCK! You can do it!

actually, you should drink EITHER water OR electrolytes.. not both.... the water will dilute the electrolytes which can make things worse... also theres no need to carb up at all during the week leading up to the half-marathon... i would say there is no need to carbo load AT ALL for a half, EXCEPT that the MRC diet is so LOW carb... you definitely need higher glycemic index foods tho...... my fave night before a marthon carb load is PANCAKES with REAL SYRUP..... YUMYUMYUMYUM

Thanks all for the advice and encouragement. I am still in shock that I am doing this when less than one year ago I would have thought it impossible.

Good luck with your marathon!

EITHER water OR electrolyte

Good to know- usually I alternate at the stations.

I just wanted to update everyone on my half marathon. I finished with a time of 3hr 17mins 1 sec. I am very proud of the time because I completed something that I never imagined I would be able to do. I am already planning my training for next year. In the meantime, I have registered for a 3k next month and two 5ks over the summer/fall. I have also started biking and will be doing a couple of 25 mile rides during the summer. I feel amazing and love the fact that I can now be active and not tire quickly. :)

I did gain at the weigh in immediately after the half but know that this will come of quickly. Thanks everyone for the encouragement!

That's awasome!! I have signed up for our local 1/2 marathon this fall and am both nervous and excieted. You are very inspiring.

Mariah

Great Job Sandy!

I told a friend of mine that I would run a 1/2 marathon with him sometime next year. He's traveled to Napa Valley & NY to run marathons. Don't plan on going at his pace but I plan on being there and going my thing.

Thanks for the inspiration!

I cannot support all of you enough in the decision to get out there and just do it. It does not matter how long it takes you. It does not matter if you walk, jog, or run. What matters is that you cared enough about your health to get out there and do it! When I signed up, I never imagined how great it would make me feel to say that I had done it. A lot of my skinny, athletic friends are inspired by me. How crazy that is to say!! I though about making a shirt to wear indicating the one year ago I was 90 lbs heavier but never got around to it. That is my only regret. :)

I am late to this thread sandy and just wanted to say congratulations.

I too run and have run 2 half marathons and scores of 5ks and 10ks. Come July I will be training to run a full marathon in December.

Like you, if anyone had told me that I would have been able to do this a year ago, I would have never believed it. Now, almost 100 lbs. lighter, I don't even feel like the same person. I am an athlete, and so are YOU. Good job!! Keep going!!

Make sure to also increase the amount of water you are intaking.