Last weekend I took on my first race since the London Marathon in 2018, following a twelve week training block. I’m over the moon to have finished with a sub-2 half marathon PB of 1.51.30! It’s definitely reignited my love for running and I’m excited to build on this base. Here’s what I learned from the experience.
Consistency is key
This is was the first time I’ve followed and stuck to a training plan and I learned a lot from it that I wish I’d known when I was training for London. I used the 10 week Runner’s World sub-2 plan and adjusted the speed of the tempo and mile repeats to match my own pace goal. Before taking on the plan, I took two weeks to get myself up to a good mileage so that the jump to twenty-plus mile weeks didn’t feel too intense. Running consistently 3-4 times a week, speed work, active recovery, cross training and strength work out all combined to make a huge transformation. I enjoyed this more regimented approach to running as I was quickly seeing progress, hitting new mile and 10k PBs as well as finding it easy to fit in a 5 or 6 mile run after work where I’d have only managed 3 miles before. Running with a plan is essential if you’re taking on a longer distance race!
Community makes all the difference
I started going to ParkRun at the end of last year and was amazed by how much quicker I could run with others around me. I’ve never considered myself a fast runner, always favouring cross country to track growing up, and I never pushed myself much but there must be a bit of a competetive streak within me as I dropped my 5k time from 27 minutes to 24.03 in a matter of weeks. I’m keen to go back and really push to get this to sub-20 in the next six months! I also tried out a couple of different running clubs and, although I didn’t quite fit them into my training plan, found that I really enjoyed the feeling running in a pack – it’s something I’m keen to explore more in the next couple of months. If you’re struggling with motivation, or want to give yourself a push, I definitely recommend finding a running club or community.
Strength training is important
In the past my training has almost exclusively focused on long, steady runs which are the bones of any training plan but it’s just as important to keep yourself strong to stay injury free. I have to admit, the gym is not my favourite place to be but I’ve learned how important building a strong base is and have tried to include a mix of strength workouts at least once a week in this training block. I’m definitely feeling a few niggles post-race so want to look to include some mobility exercises and improve my knowledge in this area moving forwards. Don’t slack on this aspect of training! If you’re looking for tips I’ve found Liz Newcomer’s, creator of the Resiliency in Running podcast and TikTokker, post-injury journey to Manchester marathon hugely inspiring and motivating!
All in all my race experience was better than I could have hoped for, despite a technical hitch with my watch which meant I was without a total distance and time marker throughout (!), I felt positive throughout and I know that the hard work I put in the weeks leading up to the race really paid off. I’d love to know what you’re training for at the moment, and how you’re finding it, in the comments below!
