Half-marathon diaries

Add your words of encouragement, or add your training tips, to Ali's blog by filling in this form.

Mavis and Arthur Marrow
Well done, Ali.Have put some money into Wotton C & G for Sports Relief.Thanks for S. Glos Music Festival plug On behalf of Chipping Sodbury Rotary club. This is my first message on Broadband - you're honoured.

CLAIRE @ TEAMBATH
Well done to everybody for braving the conditions and finishing the Bath Half!! If, like Ali, you want to train for Bristol Half, then do give us a call so we can help you improve your performance. WELL DONE AGAIN!!

Paul from North Devon
Well I had a nightmare. Arrived in good time to sort myself out and hydrated as well as carbo loaded ready for 1100 warmed up and stretched to be told that there was an hours delay. So started very cold but thankfully had the throw away sweat shirt. There was far to many runners and I was still dodging people at the 10k point which I past in a very respectable time then it all went wrong hamstring went and I limped to the side tried to restart but couldnt. My training buddy did the right thing and abandoned me although I hated it as they disappeared into the distance, but the view was good, to come in in a very respectable time for a half marathon virgin. I was not inmpressed with the medical cover I got no assistance from the road side team I reported to and had to prompt them to inform the race director that I had dropped out. I then had to limp the 2 miles back to the now very muddy runners village and recover my bag. I was absolutely amazed how badly the event finish was managed and it was only by sheer luck that it didnt endup in a disaster. That said I enjoyed the build up, the training, the race, well half of it and the blog. To you and every Mr and Mrs Joe average who finished well done you are heros. As I sit here with a heaverly strapped thigh and 4 to 6 weeks recovery ahead of me would I do it again? NO not until the next time. Did somebody say there was a 10k in 8 weeks time. All I can say is it is not about the running and it is all in the head. Beep Beep.

Mike Vowles
Congratulations Ali! I finished in about the same time 2.06.25 not the 2hrs I wanted (suffering from a cold) but a pb nonetheless. The time discrepancy may be the difference between the official elapsed time and your chip time which takes account of how long it took to cross the start (possibly about 5 minutes)Good Luck for Bristol. There are a number of local races between now and then including the towpath series which I believe is not yet full - excellent for keeping the enthusiasm up!

Mike Fuller
I have run the Bath half on a number of occasions and this year's was very poorly organised - too many runners and poor preparation for predited poor weather. Also, the park and ride system was appalling. Not next year!!

jim from Porlock
Well done my legs are very sore too - prob because i started very cold I got pins and needles in my hands at 3 miles just warming up and my feet at 6 miles. the bristol is at a warmer time of year and the course is easier (one Lap) see you there!

Julie from Taunton
Well done the both of you,just over your 2:05. I ended up doing 2:12:58 10.08 min miles ( I was only managing 11 min miles a few weeks ago and over much shorter distances) so well chuffed as goal was 2;30 when i signed up for it and changed that to 2:15 about 4 weeks ago with my progress. The hour delay the start did not help matters. My friend and i were hyper organised and got to the start at 10.15 only to be told of the delay. We had already deposited our bags and had no money or phones but could not face going back to the runners village were it was like Glastonbury with out the music so we took refuge in a door way, thankfully wearing extra sweat shirts recommended by the booklet to chuck in a skip after the start once we were warm and a stunning yellow plastic poncho a another friend gave me which in the fashion stakes on the streets of Bath was the Armani of the make shift water proof apparell, ie the black bin bag brigrade. Even so this meant a good hour and three quarters standing around This did include at least 5 loo trips, thankfully they were close by and the queues were not to long. ( This did cause problems, try having a wee in a confined space in a bright yellow flapping poncho. )By the time we started I was freezing and legs were twitching like mad which i am sure did not help my muscles and aided them not working in the last mile, well that is what I am going to blame it on!Any way this was my first half and i only started running this time last year when i could not run half a mile. So I am well chuffed.Even more so when finishing, i looked around and saw so many fit young men around me who were half my age. I did a steady 11 miles but began to suffer at 12 and my legs went completly in the last mile. The crowd were great and I got a lot of support, willing me on for my charity, Guide Dogs For The Blind, but my legs were buckling under me up that last incline, but I carried on and ran all the way. The Finish was mad but ended up with my fantastic medal, unexpected t shirt and a goody bag which had the best Mars Bar I have ever tasted in my life. Recovering today, legs are stiff but still on a high. Well done to Graham who did 1:55 and Helen who did 1:05.That's it now, done it got the T.Shirt..Thanks for the blog, really enjoyed it.Keep on running.

Richard Simpson
Good luck Ali and all runners today. Hope the rain isn't too bad.

Claire Lane from Team Bath
Wishing Ali, Natalie and all other runners the very best of luck for the run on Sunday - I'm glad some of you have also benefited from the nutritional tips! If any of you are keen for more information on fitness testing (like the VO2max test that we conducted with Ali) or nutritional support for future events, then do get in touch - [email protected] LUCK EVERYONE!!

Martin, Yate
I feel like I'm the only one not running. I'm so envious! Unfortunately two of my lumbar discs have lost their inner 'gel' meaning I can't run anymore. Even one mile and I'm in agony next day. So, run for me and all the others like me. Best wishes.

Andy @Maggie from Tetbury
Good luck Ali and everybody else entering the half marathon on Sunday. We will be thinking of you all.

Julie from Taunton
Ps, shaved 2 1/2 Minutes of my 10 k time on Sunday, first time under the hour 57.40.Bring it on.Feeling good.

Paul of North Devon
I thought you may have stumbled at the final hurdle with the delay in your blog but no it looks like we will be at the start. Long distance run went really well although my training partner suffered coming good towards the end. Really focusing on the nutrition now after your tips. Bounced back this week with a fast 6 miler (well fast for me) and am no looking forward to the carb loading and rest up before the big day. It looks like the weather will break just in time so its to late now. See you Sunday. Best of luck and thanks for for the blog. Beep Beep.

Julie from Taunton
Hi sorry me again.Well I managed my 12 miler on Sunday, I struggled to 6 miles but then I seemed to get a second wind and the second six was not so bad. Timed at 2 hours and 7 mins, so working that out to do your 2 hours 5 mins I have got to do 1.1 mile more in 2 mins less, mmmmmmmm. The run did take it out of me, I did a swim session on Monday, a 3 mile recovery run on Tuesday where I was convinced I had pulled something in every part of my legs, so I have had a few days off. I am planning to do a race pace 10k on Sunday and hoping to chip off the 17 seconds I have run previously over the houralthough the weather looks awful. Fingers crossed it will be better next Sunday, after doing the Weston 10K in December when there was a gale and gusts of wind of 60 mph, I can't face that again. I will keep an eye on yor page for updates. I have enjoyed reading your blog, as you say no one really understands what we are going through.Good luck to you and Nat and all you other Bath Half Marathoners. I am getting all excited now. It has come around so quickly.I am even mader than you, I thought whilst I am at the prime of my trainer, ( if only )I could run the Taunton Half 3 weeks later. But as you say I will review that after next Sunday. Ps Running for Guide Dogs for the blind, with Juls on my back...See you there

Beatrice
Still havent done my 10 mile run, but did stuggle to do a 7 mile run on Saturday. This has been my worst 12 week training schedule yet! I think I will just struggle through on race day and use this as a lesson to not be so lazy in future. No 2hr 05 min finish for me this race day them...boo hiss! Keep going Ali, sounds like you will be fine.

Paul of North Devon
It was great to read your blog this week. Having cracked the 10 miles last week it was a bulid up to a timed 6 mile run. Knocked 3 minutes of our time. But your advice on Carb loading and liquid replacenment was very useful as I was debating whether it was worth it well this week has proved it and now all I have to do is train to take it on the run. Father Christmas brought me a Garmin Forerunner 305 and I can recommend it as well as the HRM etc the GPS and computer programme training centre that comes with are brilliant. How lucky you are to get a VO2 max test I am trying to get one done. I have done a couple of heavy cross training sessions this week that I have found have improved my endurance while making me use parts of my body not associated with running.Your blog is really useful for us who can only occassionally get out with their training partner. It looks like there is a group of us going to be hitting the finishing tape at the same time. Thanks for the inspiration. Oh by the way there is some good footage on You Tube of the race it gives a good idea of what to expect on the day.

Julie from Taunton
Great to hear your weekly update. I look forward to it on a Monday. All sounds very interesting, very technical. For Christmas I had a Garmins Forerunner 305 which I will thoroughly recommend. It does your heart rate, tells you how far you have run ( did my 10 miles on Sunday ) how many calories you have used, how long you have taken and your fastest and average pace time, along with this you can also transfer all this to your computer and see it on a graph. Very satisfying after the event. It is a great incentive and from a running beginner, i can see my fitness improving and time coming down.I have just got into the proper drinks too, just tried a sports gel on my last run which seemed to work well, but have found a jelly baby every 2 miles sucked under the tongue gives me a sugar boost. 2;05 sounds really good well done, I would be well chuffed if I could do that, Thinking on about 2;15 ish at the mo, but as you say 4 weeks to go, who knows... Might be at the finish post with you.

Bea Hope
Well done Ali. I was doing really well with my new years resolution of not missing a training session but have now missed a whole 2 weeks due to being tired, ill and over stressed....Need to start running again this week as I havent yet done my 10 mile stretch. Wish me luck!

Philippa Webb
Go for it Ali, best wishes from Dubai..

Paul from North Devon
It seems that we ar all going through the build up to the big day. 10 miles this weekend so you will not be alone tramping the streets.Keep going. I am not just doing it for the running. See you on the day I will be wearing all black.

Julie from Taunton
Hi again. I can relate to every thing you are saying. I have just done 9 miles today. The Bath Half is looming for me too. I came back to find my sock soaked in blood and like you one of my toe nails is just about to drop off. Lovely. Never mind feel well chuffed nine miles in the bag and 10 miles next week. Keep going Ali. See you there,,,,,,,:@)

Darren From Bristol
God Luck with your Training for the Bath Half.I had entered but due to Torn Ankle Ligaments i have had to pull out, so Bristol Half is now my target.2007 was my first Half(Bristol) and it was great, you'll love it...Good Luck.

Try this to measure your distance
If you go on the internet and search for GMAPS PEDOMETER you can look at a normal google earth map that you can zoom down close enough to see individual houses and roads etc and you can measure your runs/walks easily .

Hayley
Hi Ali, Hayley from the TeamBath Team here! I am not checking up on you, but thought I would say welldone and you seem to be on the right track!Keep up the good work and I will see you soon!

Julie from Taunton
Well done,i am doing the Bath Half too. I am a 44 year old who could not run 400 meters at the begining of the year. Just come back from an 8 miler today, first time more than six so feeling well chuffed. Well done with your 9. Ten next week, see you at the start aggggggggggggh

Robert
Ali, a friend of mine, Duncan, is trying the Pintleck method. Have you tried it? You run hard for 10 minutes, stop for a pint, then run less-hard for 8 minutes to the next pub, etc. It works for Dunc.

Martin from Yate
Go for it Alison! I wish I could run but my body won't let me. Thanks for your help at last week's 'away day' at Broadcasting House. Martin

Northbank
We love your flat feet, Ali! Good luck with them and lots of love from Maria, Simon, Rob and Neil.

caroline webb
i wish you the best of luck. I too am just starting to train fro Bristol's 10k in May, yes getting the correct trainers is definately the best way to go. i too have done the same. Listening to your favourite music on ipod helps, as well as taking in the scenery. Good Luck, im sure you will do well for yourself and your charity.

Beatrice
Keep going Ali, it'll all be worth it when you get to the start line and know you are prepared! I am sticking to the Runners world training programme and have not missed a training day yet (my new years resolution not to miss training sessions is still working...just) Good luck and see you on the day!!

Polly
What about your endorphins? I've heard that women like you in their middle 30's get a huge boost when they start running. Has it happened to you?

Kate Mac
Go for it, Ali. We're behind you all the way (or maybe in front, if you're as slow as you say!) No, seriously, it's admirable that you're taking on the challenge. Good luck!

nick
Great stuff and a week of getting up at four in the morning to present can only be a help I'm sure. x