Intro & Questions

[Deleted]

Hi Everyone! I usually post on ML, but am in the process of training for my first half and thought I'd check in over here.

Now to my questions.

Would you recommend running with a pace group for your first race?

When should I start testing out sports beans or gels?

Any tips for first timers?

[clseale]

Welcome! My experience has been that I really prefer to run my own race, and I'm a little hesitant at trusting the pacers. Ex: For my last half, I positioned myself just ahead of the 1:45 pace group. Luckily I had no intention of joining them, but I heard them say that their plan was to run fairly even splits, but maybe run the first few miles a bit slower since there were hills. I ran a 1:44 half and I was behind that pace group until the last 1/4 mile. The first 4-5 miles when I was a decent bit behind them, I was running in the low 7:50's. The pace for a 1:45 half is 8:01. Yes, they got the half done in 1:45, but by the end, they had lost most of their group because they had killed them with much too fast a pace in the beginning. That's probably an extreme example, but I like to use the pace groups as check points, keeping them in my sights, while still running my own plan.

For fuel, I might start playing around with it when you get to 7+ mile long runs. You won't need it for a 7 mile run, but that will give you a few weeks of long runs to try out some different options and see what works best on your stomach.

Good luck, and have fun with it!

[Deleted]

OK this might be a dumb question, but do you keep gels in a spibelt or something similar? I did 7 miles this weekend so I may start experimenting with things in the coming weeks. I tend to have a sensitive stomach so I definitely want to be solid on the fuel for the race.

[clseale]

I only use spibelts for my marathons, but that's because I have shorts that can hold 1-2 gels. For fulls I tend to have 4 gels and a pack of cheez-its (lol) so a spibelt is required. If you need something to hold a gel or two, a spibelt will work well.

[wambam]

I'm not a runner and have no advice, but I just wanted to say welcome!

[gt7301b]

I really think your goal for your first half should be to finish and not worry about your pace, there will be plenty of time to worry about that in the future.

I think running with a pace group is a personal thing and only you can determine if it is right for you.

I don't like chatting with random people during a race so I'm not really a fan of running with them. I have positioned myself just behind them during a race, but I don't run with the pack.

[Deleted]

Thanks everyone! I'm starting to get nervous about the race (October 20th) but I'm sure once my wedding is over I'll be more worried.

[emuni04]

Personally, I think for your first race it's better to stick to your own pace. I have run with pace groups in HM's and I do like them, but at this point I'm familiar with my goal times, etc.

Good luck in your training! Crossing the finish line at your first HM is such an awesome feeling

[cinco]

Sept 3, 2013 10:01:00 GMT -5 @amoosed said:

OK this might be a dumb question, but do you keep gels in a spibelt or something similar? I did 7 miles this weekend so I may start experimenting with things in the coming weeks. I tend to have a sensitive stomach so I definitely want to be solid on the fuel for the race.

I use a spibelt. I have a sensitive tummy too, so I fuel to get in the habit and toughen up the digestive system. I think it is working because after over a month of hitting the bathroom every time, I've been running poop free for a couple weeks. Yay! It is the little things with running, lol.

I prefer not to run with a pace group, but it is personal preference. Some runners love it.

Good luck with your training! 

[kams]

Hi!! Welcome!!

A spibelt is a great option if you need to carry your own fuel.

I've only used a pace group once before, and I liked it. I just told myself that it was ok to get ahead of or fall behind if I needed to. I enjoyed the conversation, but I'm pretty chatty.

Do whatever feels right to you, and have fun!!!