hi hope i could have some advice. In a moment of madness i decided to enter the great north run to raise money for marie curie. However the problem is even though i have been going for training runs i feel that i'm no where near ready and i'm now feeling like i'm coming down with a cold which is hindering me even more. As a result I'm stressing out about it as i don't want to fail but what with problems at home and everyday life i'm wondering whether i should defer and do it next year. What do you think defer or just go for it?
How long are the training run's you've been doing and how do you feel doing them? I've never been much of a runner but a mate entered me into a 10k and running with others around you and with supporters towards the finish line makes a real difference.
Running is a good time to process 'problems at home' and clear your head.
Personally I'd say don't back down 🙂
Three and a half weeks to go.
How much training have you actually done?
What's your longest training run to date?
How many times and what distances have you run in the last 7 days?
What else do you do? Presumably some mountain biking? Gym?
Do you want to get round or have you got a target time?
For what it's worth I was running two miles twice a week when my brother offered me his half marathon place at 8 days notice. I ran it all but it was a deeply unpleasant experience and hurt so much at the time and for the following week that I didn't run for another three years. Not recommended.
As above really, the crowd of runners is huge, so they'll be someone around you at all times for encouragement etc. plus good crowds cheering you on.
I would be surprised if you did not get nervous or start thinking you have'nt trained enough, even if you had. If you don't think you have put in enough hours why not do it but just take it steady. Walk and jog and take your time, take in the atmosphere and enjoy the event.
Sometimes people over talk these types of running events and make them sound harder than they can be. If you are fairly fit and have been running a few times a week, have the right clothes etcetera, there is no reason why you can't make it and enjoy the experience.
As toby1 said, running can be very meditative or therapeutic and a very way to clear your head. If you keep running wait and see how you feel in a couple of weeks. If you don't do the race this time, at least you have had a little time to unwind and enjoy a run.
Can you do 8 miles comfortably? Great run folk reckon you should be able to do 8 miles a month before the event. If you defer will you take it any more seriously / train more next year?
I'm entered and although I can do the 8 miles and probably a bit more I'm getting a bit worried but hoping momentum/adrenalin/atmosphere will help me with the last 5 miles.
I'm starting in the back pack and just happy to get round.
Give it a go & Good luck
It'll be my 6th half marathon and got to say none of my prep has ever quite gone according to plan. Furthest run this year is 7 miles so far but doing a lot of biking and swimming as also tri training and doing End 2 End and Dusk til Dawn, so am relying on stamina built up from that. Have managed it off the back of 5 miles being furthest run before but would not recommend it, it will hurt like ****!!
It is a fantastic atmosphere and that will help but think hard about it as there are always some people who think they can do it on a couple of 2 mile runs who keep the poor St Johns Ambulance very busy!!
Thanks I have been riding and have been for some 6 mile runs but I just want to enjoy the event and feel that I have been putting too much pressure on myself. I think I will go for a run at the weekend and see how I feel before making any decisions its just hard when you have children and finding the opportunity to get out amd motivating myself