More Goal ?'s & KU'd running questions. EDIT: Half Training

[wawa]

ETA: Ok - so yes.  I'm going to plan to train for a half in March (either RnR D.C. or the B&A trail depending on which one my local running friends are up for or if anybody here has any thoughts between those two)

I'm familiar with the Hal Higdon plan and it seems totally doable - is there any others I should look at instead though?


Original post:

I've written this damn post 3 times and my computer keeps eating it.

I'm going to make it short this time so hopefully it actually posts. This is hard for me, I'm wordy as fuck.

I'm doing a 10k in 12 days - decided the goal for that is a steady 12 minute pace.  Emphasis on the steady.  I know I can do 12 minutes since I just did 11:40 for my 6.5 mile relay leg, but I tend to start out too fast, walk too much through the middle and then play catch up at the end.  Trying to stick with a slow and steady, run a mile, walk a minute kind of thing.

then turkey trot 5k where I shouldn't have a problem getting a new PR as long as I keep at it, and then I have no idea what to do next. 

I'm contemplating moving up to a half marathon in the spring (rock and roll DC in March?  Or start training now and convince MH to travel to Charleston in January), but i'm also TTC and I can't decide if I'll be more pissed if I get close to doing a half and decide I can't because I get KU'd or if I don't train for a half and then it takes 4+ months to get a BFP and my local running friends do a half without me.

Somebody just tell me what to do.  I've been going back and forth on this in my head for weeks now.

Also thoughts on running once I do get KU'd?  Seems like several of you speed demons are mother runners.  I know I can keep doing it at whatever level I'm at as long as I'm comfortable - but pushing further/faster is a questionable idea, right?  Or not?


(side note: is there a TTC/Pregnancy/kid related tagging etiquette here?  I didn't pick up on one while lurking, but figured I'd ask)

[Deleted]

IMO, live life, don't hold off on signing up for things just in case of BFP. I signed up for a half the day I got pregnant, amusingly enough.

As for running, do what feels good, be prepared to run slower and definitely don't increase distance/speed beyond what you've already done. Speed and longer races can come later, I promise! I didn't like running when pregnant, it made me a bit green in the first tri, and after that just kinda hurt, so I stopped and continued with other types of exercise.

[Mushe]

Heyo, glad this one posted.

No TTC/pg/kid tagging etiquette, so post away!

I'm also TTC, so I'll answer how I would feel about training. I'm not sure that I would have wanted to be TTC while training for my FIRST half. I was pregnant this spring (had a m/c), and my pace was affected pretty quickly after I got my BFP. While the heart rate advice is outdated, generally, you're told to just watch your level of effort. That is really hard for me! I'd signed up for a half last minute and then got my BFP, and it was hard to not push myself in the race context, but I was only 5w at that point. So no, I would not want to be ramping up my running in terms of distance, and certainly not trying to improve my pace, while pregnant. I do plan to keep running when I get pregnant again, but just listening to my body's cues. I was wicked tired during first tri with my son, too, so that's something to keep in mind.

Anyway, that's how I would feel, but that's certainly not to say that you wouldn't feel differently re: training for your first half. I do think it's a good idea in general not to put your life on hold because you're TTC, though.

[ktzmoh]

So... years ago I had in my head to do my first marathon and got pregnant right before I would have started training. I did not run that marathon and here I am 8 years later signed up to run that same marathon (hopefully i make it to training this time lol) ... so getting pregnant postponed my big sur marathon by 8 years lol. HOWEVER, I will say that I wasn't bummed at all and I looked at it as a win regardless of the outcome. If I got pregnant right away, I'd be happy and not care about a marathon. If TTC took a while, I'd have the marathon to focus on and keep my mind off the TTC stress.

Maybe you'll even get lucky and be one of those people that can continue training during a pregnancy. I was not and could not even think about doing anything but wretching for the entirety of both my pregnancies. But lots of women run through pregnancies - you never know!

I say sign up and if you have to drop out, no biggie because then you get to do a nursery .

[Wines Not Whines]

The Rock N Roll half in DC usually doesn't sell out. If you decide you want to train for it while TTC, I would go ahead with the training, but be mentally flexible. Keep an eye on their web site and facebook pages, but there's a good chance you can wait until February to sign up. Registration fees go up when you get closer to the race, but I think it's better to pay $20 more in February than pay $80 now for a registration that you won't use.

I think it's perfectly fine to keep running while pregnant (I did), but I personally wouldn't train for a new (higher) distance while pregnant.

[wawa]

That is a good point - not putting my life on hold because of TTC. You'd think I'd have learned that lesson after the first one since it took over a year of trying (m/c, complications from m/c, and then an extra few months) and I did the exact same thing that time - hemmed and hawed about making plans and then kicked myself for hesitating when TTC got stressful and took longer than hoped.

The last time I was KU'd we were also renovating our house, so my running which was just barely getting off the ground then took a total nosedive because I only had so much energy and was devoting it to tiling bathrooms and sanding trim. Both times actually...I had just gotten to week 3 or 4ish of C25k whenI got my BFPs and ended up quitting because I was just so tired all the time.

At least this time I'm not also trying to do all that - so hopefully I'll be able to keep running even if I'm not going to push for a new distance.

I guess I just need to pick a half to aim for and then let the chips fall where they will.

@mrsbecky I think St. Michael's is too far away. Have you or YH ever done the B&A trail race?

[G22]

Oct 28, 2014 11:11:18 GMT -5 @sessalee said:

IMO, live life, don't hold off on signing up for things just in case of BFP. 

I can't agree with this enough.

Granted my situation is different because I'm up again the demon of infertility. But if I'd held off signing up for races and putting my life on hold due to "I might be pregnant", I'd have missed out on 3 marathons, multiple halves, and other random smaller races over the past few years.

Don't let TTC control what you want to do. Sign up for those races, if your pregnant you can decide then if you want to run them knocked up or not. If your not, well then your signed up and you rock the race

[mrshandy]

Oct 28, 2014 11:19:45 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

The Rock N Roll half in DC usually doesn't sell out. If you decide you want to train for it while TTC, I would go ahead with the training, but be mentally flexible. Keep an eye on their web site and facebook pages, but there's a good chance you can wait until February to sign up. Registration fees go up when you get closer to the race, but I think it's better to pay $20 more in February than pay $80 now for a registration that you won't use.

I think it's perfectly fine to keep running while pregnant (I did), but I personally wouldn't train for a new (higher) distance while pregnant.

I agree with all of this. I ran a half 4-months pregnant, but it wasn't my first half. There are other halfs too (B&A?) that might be convenient to you. So if you decide RnR is too expensive, you could try another one.

[kams]

Oct 28, 2014 11:45:18 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

Oct 28, 2014 11:19:45 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

The Rock N Roll half in DC usually doesn't sell out. If you decide you want to train for it while TTC, I would go ahead with the training, but be mentally flexible. Keep an eye on their web site and facebook pages, but there's a good chance you can wait until February to sign up. Registration fees go up when you get closer to the race, but I think it's better to pay $20 more in February than pay $80 now for a registration that you won't use.

I think it's perfectly fine to keep running while pregnant (I did), but I personally wouldn't train for a new (higher) distance while pregnant.

I agree with all of this. I ran a half 4-months pregnant, but it wasn't my first half. There are other halfs too (B&A?) that might be convenient to you. So if you decide RnR is too expensive, you could try another one.

I agree.

Going longer would be particularly challenging to me, especially if it means the bulk of your training could be in your first trimester. I got pg 2 weeks after Ironman, and between the summer heat, recovery, and 1st tri, I could barely handle 5k. Things are much easier for me now, at almost 5 months pg, but I couldn't go out and safely run a half today (and I've had pretty significant mileage for a couple of years).

So, all this to say, I agree that you should go ahead and plan to train and run, but if you do get pregnant, allow yourself to be flexible with your abilities (even on a day by day basis). Everyone and every pregnancy is different.

[wawa]

Ok. This is good. I like this plan. I updated above. I'm going to plan for a half in March I think, but just hold off registering until closer to the event and see how I feel if/when I get KU'd.

Now I just need a half training plan.

[cinco]

I have used Hal Higdon plans and think they are solid (plus FREE on the internet).

B&A does sell out, usually in January I want to say? I am a fan of Annapolis Strider races b/c they are well organized and cheaper than RnR. RnR shouldn't sell out. We have lots of local Spring half marathons.

I have gotten pregnant during various planning/training phases of races. I bagged a couple races and also ran a couple pregnant. It is so hard to tell what will happen. I have never for a second regretted putting off training for a baby.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[skwcm80]

I'm also a fan of the HH training plans for a half.

[wawa]

Oct 28, 2014 12:34:27 GMT -5 cinco said:

I have used Hal Higdon plans and think they are solid (plus FREE on the internet).

B&A does sell out, usually in January I want to say? I am a fan of Annapolis Strider races b/c they are well organized and cheaper than RnR. RnR shouldn't sell out. We have lots of local Spring half marathons.

I have gotten pregnant during various planning/training phases of races. I bagged a couple races and also ran a couple pregnant. It is so hard to tell what will happen. I have never for a second regretted putting off training for a baby.

Good luck and keep us updated!

Have you done the B&A?  I've ridden the trail on my bike plenty of times so I'm familiar with it, but i'm having a hard time imagining a marathon+half crowd on there.  The first few miles are on the road, right?  I assume the pack thins out by the time it hits the trail?

Regardless I'm not sure that will work for me if it sells out by January - I'm not going to be sure what I'm doing by then unless I'm already KU'd and feeling really good.  I think I'd rather pay full price for the RnR than pay less for the B&A and have to just eat it...

Luckily I don't have to make this decision for a while.  I guess I'll get to the end of December and see where I'm at.

[Mushe]

I like the HH plans too!

Whee, have fun training, and come hang out with us to update as well!

[shellfish26]

B&A is a good first half! I did it last year as my first. It's mainly flat, with just one relatively minor hill at mile 6ish. It's a pretty small and low-frills race, with not a lot of crowd support. Last year was a challenge with the weather (40 and pouring rain). And the bonus is that you can try out the exact course beforehand to get a feel for it.

[cinco]

Oct 28, 2014 12:53:56 GMT -5 wawa said:

Oct 28, 2014 12:34:27 GMT -5 cinco said:

I have used Hal Higdon plans and think they are solid (plus FREE on the internet).

B&A does sell out, usually in January I want to say? I am a fan of Annapolis Strider races b/c they are well organized and cheaper than RnR. RnR shouldn't sell out. We have lots of local Spring half marathons.

I have gotten pregnant during various planning/training phases of races. I bagged a couple races and also ran a couple pregnant. It is so hard to tell what will happen. I have never for a second regretted putting off training for a baby.

Good luck and keep us updated!

Have you done the B&A?  I've ridden the trail on my bike plenty of times so I'm familiar with it, but i'm having a hard time imagining a marathon+half crowd on there.  The first few miles are on the road, right?  I assume the pack thins out by the time it hits the trail?

Regardless I'm not sure that will work for me if it sells out by January - I'm not going to be sure what I'm doing by then unless I'm already KU'd and feeling really good.  I think I'd rather pay full price for the RnR than pay less for the B&A and have to just eat it...

Luckily I don't have to make this decision for a while.  I guess I'll get to the end of December and see where I'm at.

I have run the half. It starts out in a neighborhood before it moves to the trail (although they have changed the course before. Don't hold me to this!) They cap the race and it doesn't get crowded. There are not many spectators and they enforce the no headphones rule if that matters to you. It was windy and wet when I ran it too, a different year from Shellfish.

[wawa]

Oct 28, 2014 13:16:47 GMT -5 cinco said:

Oct 28, 2014 12:53:56 GMT -5 wawa said:

Have you done the B&A?  I've ridden the trail on my bike plenty of times so I'm familiar with it, but i'm having a hard time imagining a marathon+half crowd on there.  The first few miles are on the road, right?  I assume the pack thins out by the time it hits the trail?

Regardless I'm not sure that will work for me if it sells out by January - I'm not going to be sure what I'm doing by then unless I'm already KU'd and feeling really good.  I think I'd rather pay full price for the RnR than pay less for the B&A and have to just eat it...

Luckily I don't have to make this decision for a while.  I guess I'll get to the end of December and see where I'm at.

I have run the half. It starts out in a neighborhood before it moves to the trail (although they have changed the course before. Don't hold me to this!) They cap the race and it doesn't get crowded. There are not many spectators and they enforce the no headphones rule if that matters to you. It was windy and wet when I ran it too, a different year from Shellfish.

The headphone rule doesn't matter to me, but it does to one of my running friends who was thinking about doing either this or the RnR with me.  Good to know.

[wawa]

I just floated to MH the idea of going to Charleston in January - I'd run the half and he'd do the bike ride the next day. (he's been saying he needed a training goal.)

He's actually interested.

eeeep!

We'd have to figure out logistics. And I'd have to start training like...tomorrow.
I'm not sure about this, but it'd be really fun I think.

[katinthehat]

HH has some great beginner plans, I think it's safe to say pretty much everyone here has used one of his plans at least once for a race. And like others have said, go for it, even while TTC. If it takes you longer than you think, the racing and training can give you something else to think about and focus on as well.

[shauni27]

I am late to the game and also childless, though TTC, and so I have no added advice that others have not already said. However, I am excited for you signing up and training for your first half! It is so exciting and might really help distract you from any troubles you may have with TTC (it sounds like the first time it was rough a bit).

AT this point I am thinking maybe signing up for a full might distract me and clear my mind from all of the troubles I have been having with TTC for the last year+.

Anyway, Hal Higdon's plans are great and I hope you have fun training (and TTC!)

[wawa]

Oct 29, 2014 7:00:30 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

I am late to the game and also childless, though TTC, and so I have no added advice that others have not already said. However, I am excited for you signing up and training for your first half! It is so exciting and might really help distract you from any troubles you may have with TTC (it sounds like the first time it was rough a bit).

AT this point I am thinking maybe signing up for a full might distract me and clear my mind from all of the troubles I have been having with TTC for the last year+.

Anyway, Hal Higdon's plans are great and I hope you have fun training (and TTC!)

Thanks!  The first time was a tad rough - and while there's no reason to believe the same issues will crop up again, the distraction can't hurt.

HH's Novice 2 Half training plan is now stuck to my carport door with the first two runs crossed off! 
The actual details of whether I can make it to Charleston are still very much unclear, but until I  know I can't go - I'm going to assume I can and train accordingly.
This is how it begins I suppose.

Oh jebus I have butterflies just thinking about it.

[CallingAllAngels]

Good luck! I ran the Charleston half last year and really enjoyed it. lb2006 is running the full.

[mrshandy]

Just signed up for the RnR DC today. It hurt to spend so much money, but it should be fun. No other halfs really worked with the time frame I wanted. We're on vacation the for like two weeks at the end of March.

Happy training! I love HH plans too, it worked great for my first half.

[shauni27]

Oct 29, 2014 9:01:44 GMT -5 wawa said:

Oct 29, 2014 7:00:30 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

Thanks!  The first time was a tad rough - and while there's no reason to believe the same issues will crop up again, the distraction can't hurt.

HH's Novice 2 Half training plan is now stuck to my carport door with the first two runs crossed off! 
The actual details of whether I can make it to Charleston are still very much unclear, but until I  know I can't go - I'm going to assume I can and train accordingly.
This is how it begins I suppose.

Oh jebus I have butterflies just thinking about it.

Yup.  This happened to me as well, I was excited and nervous and anxious just thinking about running a half!  But if you can run a 10K, you can easily run a half.  Enjoy training!  It is wonderful and tough all at the same time.