Hello Iβm Sarah and I’m training for a half marathon! I blog over at www.sunshinesarahxo.com where Iβve been documenting my running journey and my somewhat crazy decision to enter not one, but TWO half marathons this year, after graduating from the Couch to 5K in April 2021. I have the Leeds Half Marathon in May and the Great North Run in September.
Even I sometimes think Iβm crazy, but only in the best way! Throughout the training, itβs been good to see how much further I can push myself and how my body feels whilst doing so. I remember when I ran in my first 10K race since graduation β tired, with achy feet and feeling like I wouldnβt finish on time β to now being able to run that comfortably. It still kinda blows my mind that I can do that without dying, or needing a lot of down time post runβ¦
TRAINING PLANS
So, Iβve been following the 14 week training plan in the Nike Run Club App (which is great by the way, loads of guided runs and training plans designed to help you reach your full potential) Although Iβm slightly ahead of it in terms of week until my race β 4 weeks as opposed to 7 weeks β itβs still useful to push myself in terms of longer runs, recovery runs and speed runs.
I still donβt like speed runs though! I just feel like I donβt have enough inside me to complete them. But at the end I feel pleased I completed it so I guess you could say, I love to hate them! Hopefully these will get easier with time, but I think Iβm built more for endurance than speed!
During my half marathon training, Iβve found that my times for Parkrun have been slowly improving each week. Especially in the last two weeks Iβve been finding Parkrun easier. Which makes me so happy because for a long time I worried about my times a lot and being left behind by almost everyone else there. But since starting training and sometimes combining it with a longer run, Iβve found it easier. So who knows, perhaps Iβll start finding 10ks easier too?
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HOW I AM FEELING
In terms of training, Iβm feeling pretty good. I know I could do better but actually, considering this is my first ever half marathon. Iβm hopeful Iβll be able to get round in less than 5/6 hours. Less than that even and Iβll be probably be that person who wonβt shut up about βthat time they completed a half marathon in less than X hours!β.
With every run I do I become more confident that I can finish the half marathon in a semi decent time. Even if I find myself flagging on the day itself, Iβm hoping that the crowd will perk me up and keep me going!
Itβd be foolish of me not to mention here that Iβm also nervous. Nervous because Iβve never done anything like this before. Nervous because I donβt want to let anybody down, nervous because what if I canβt do it? And nervous because I donβt know what to expect on the day, or how to feel about my abilities, what if I canβt do it?
In the main Iβm excited and looking forward to it. But Iβm also nervous, anxious and unsure of what to expect of myself being able to run 13.1 miles.
RUNNING FOR CHARITY
One of the biggest motivators for getting around the 13.1 mile course is of course, are the charities Iβm supporting over the course of the two marathons. Firstly DOTS London for the Leeds Half Marathon in May & St Michael’s Hospice for the Great North Run in September.
DOTS London are a voluntary run and not-for-profit charity dedicated to the welfare of dogs belonging to the UKβs homeless community. I have been following and supporting DOTS London personally for a couple of years. And with this in mind, I knew this was the charity I wanted to support for my first ever half marathon. Iβm aiming to raise Β£200 for DOTS London.
St Michael’s Hospice support people living in Harrogate and Ripon district to get to the end of life care and bereavement support they want, need and deserve. They help thousands of local people each year and make no charge, each year they must raise Β£6 million β they rely on fundraising and support.
For the Great North Run I have to raise at least Β£300 for St Michael’s Hospice β instead of waiting on the ballot for this race, I chose instead to βbuyβ a space with this charity and run for #teampurple.
I like to think that having these two fantastic charities to raise money for during my two half marathons this year will definitely spur me on and motivate me to get round the course in one piece.
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BEING MY OWN COACH
One of the things Iβve learnt since starting this training and something that Coach Bennett always talks about during our runs together, is that I am my own best coach. Iβm not quite sure if Iβm there yet, but I do try my best to really tune into my mind and body to see how Iβm feeling during my runs.
Although I am more likely to let myself walk if I need to, especially during a longer run! But even with this, Iβve come to realise that itβs perfectly OK to do so. I know that I can also slow my pace down when I do start running again. Iβll still finish my run.
But that in itself is a double edged sword because once Iβve allowed myself to walk on a run, itβs easier then to walk further on when the run is getting tougher β especially when Iβm coming to the end of it!
I am planning on doing this during my first half marathon in May as Iβm using it as practise for the main event in September, when Iβm running the Great North Run. Hopefully Iβll be better prepared by the time I get there, fingers crossed!
Many thanks to Olivia for having me on her blog today, I hope you enjoyed reading about my running journey. Feel free to come follow along on my blog and social media, as Iβll definitely be documenting my journey there!
Sarah
xoxoxox
Awesome stuff Sarah! I started with C25k too and did my first half marathon last May – not a race though, just down the back roads from home. I’ve done the same distance maybe 5 times now and I love it! I haven’t managed more than 7km in a couple of months after an awful cold though and that makes me sad.
Great post! What I loved about Sarahβs experience of running is that she shares that she is her own best coach. That is very inspiring.. .
π Well Done Sarah; very good, carry on
…πππ…
It must be so challenging!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
My DIL is doing the same. You are so inspiring.
Great post. Thanks for sharing
Awesome. Please check my blog on mid night run , runners will surely enjoy this .π
Awesome, Sarah. I too did the couch to 5k running plan. I haven’t signed up for any runs yet but would love to in the near future. I hope your runs go well and that you have a great experience. Thanks for sharing.
Well done! Heard a lot of good about the Nike App. Try Strava or Garmin training plans if you haven’t already – they give a lot of good variety!
Thanks Tim π