Just agreed to 1/2 marathon - in 3 days!

valleyfree
on 10/14/10 8:34 am - OR
My running buddy has been registered for a half marathon happening this weekend for months. She and another friend were going to do it together. I've been running the training with her up until two weeks ago. So, my longest run has been 9 miles and that was two weekends ago.

Needless to say, her friend backed out and she wants me to run with her under her friend's name. I went ahead and agreed to do it.

It is a run/walk, but I don't want to walk. Does it seem possible that I could run 13.1 with my longest run only being 9?

They will have water/gel/electrolyte fluids every two miles, so I will be well hydrated. I had no friction issues on the 9 mile run and it isn't supposed to rain...the temps will be in the upper 50's.

Anything else I need to worry about?
HW 247/SW 232/CW 135/GW 140 Height 5'4"  Age 43 A BIT BELOW GOAL

        
Jillian O.
on 10/14/10 9:41 am - Fort Riley, KS
The 9 mile run is good "hay in the barn" and seeing that its Thursday now you might want to take rest days until the race. Keeping a postive attitude,metal focus on the finish line, and proper pacing, you'll be able to run the whole thing. Do you have a nutrition plan? I did my first half on the second and I took in a salt tab at mile 6, half a pack of sport beans at mile 7, and the other half of the pack at mile 8. Thats just an example, but I tried it in training before the race.

The only real concern I have is racing under someone else's name, sometimes they ask to see ID at packet pickup.

Jillian
Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, Army Wife, 3x Ironman Finisher

Cassie W.
on 10/14/10 9:52 am
Although your longest run is 9 miles, you've been putting in the miles for the last 5 months, so you have a decent base built up.  I think the key for you is going to be pacing.  It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the crowd, but it makes those last 3 miles tough if you've spent all your energy early.

If you're planning on using the gels/fluids on the course, make sure they're ones that you've already tested in training.  Otherwise, it would be a good idea to bring your own.

Consider walking through the water stations.  I think that slight walk break helps  to ensure that your hydration is on track, gives you a chance to reset your pace and gives the legs a brief reprieve to help them go the distance.

And finally, have fun!  Whether you run the whole thing or need to walk, this will be your first half marathon, so savor every moment of the journey with your friend!

Cassie
"Hard things take time to do. Impossible things take a little longer."

mcarthur01
on 10/14/10 11:06 am - Cumming, GA
last year my longest run before my first half marathon was 10 miles (on a treadmill)... you can definitely do it!  good luck!
Where are we going??  And why am I in this handbasket??

right now.  somewhere.  somebody is working harder than you.

DANCBJAMMIN
on 10/14/10 1:18 pm - Fort Worth, TX
Do it and have fun. Look at it this way. If it is a tough day, the results are in your frienjds name, if you do really good (Like I know you will) You tell everyone you swapped with your friends number and brag til the cows come home :)
Your Friend In Health & Sport,

Dan Benintendi - OH Support Group Leader
www.trimywill.com 
www.swimfromobesity.com
www.trimywill.blogspot.com
Support Group: www.obesityhelp.com/group/Post_Op_PRs/


nate2009
on 10/14/10 10:21 pm - Lebanon, OH
I did a half trail run a couple of weeks ago on 6 miles as my longest run in 3 or 4 months. I think my longest ever was 8 or 9 miles a long time ago. I just told myself I was not going to quit until I finished. Go for it .... if your running 9 miles already then it won't be the physical part that will get you , you will just need to push through the mental part.
Have fun !!!!
    No longer about weight , it's all about living.            
valleyfree
on 10/14/10 11:16 pm - OR
Thanks for the encouragement. I will try to make it fun! It's an all women's race with lots of goodies anyway! :)

I'll report after!
HW 247/SW 232/CW 135/GW 140 Height 5'4"  Age 43 A BIT BELOW GOAL

        
bandhope
on 10/15/10 12:43 am - TX
You go this one!! Best wishes! Keep us posted.
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