Hump Day Half-Marathoners Check-in!

[boston340]

Good Morning H&F Half Marathoners!  

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race?  When will you start your taper?  What does "taper" mean for you?

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?

[boston340]

Hahahaha!!!

[gt7301b]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
NW1/2 - DC April 27th

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
Gu around miles 3-4, 6-8, and maybe 9-10.  I usually take gu at miles 4 and 8, but I might try taking it a little earlier to help me get through miles 6-10 which are tough for me.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
I'll do a shorter long run the week before the race, probably 8 instead of the 10-12 I have been running.  For a half the two big changes I'll make will be no medium long run and two days of rest pre race.  The week before is planned as: 5m (6x400), strength, 4m, cross, rest, rest 14.1.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
Get to the race an hour before the start and run a mile warm up, allow enough time for a long wait for the bathroom, and head over to line up.

[cinco]

1. I'm pretty sure I'll be signing up for Western MD Half (early Sept), and Freedom's Run Half (early Oct). One flat, one all hills.
2. For a half I use all the water stops provided, usually every 2-3 miles, and a gu or gel at mile 7.
3. I will probably take it easy the week before Western MD Half, because I want a PR, but since I will be marathon training that means no double digit runs the week of, and a day off the day before. I do it wrong.
4. 1-2 slow miles.

[Deleted]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
Pittsburgh Half Marathon, 5/4


2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
Course hydration will be sufficient, I'll fuel pre-race with gu chomps then a gu @ 4, 7, and possibly 10? I'm not sure, this is my first. Could use some feedback on this. 

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
12, 9, 5, race from this point on, but the week of 12-9 is still pretty high mileage. I guess taper starts with the 9? Taper to me is dropping back mileage so your legs can heal up from months of abuse and be well rested. I'll be dialing back on all of other workouts in the meantime. "taper" also means 'eat all the things and try to not go crazy'. 


4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?

It's about a mile walk from the car to the course where we park, which is fine to get my legs warmed up. I'll do some active warmups if there's room in the corral (high knees, butt kickers, high kicks). 

Good questions, boston340!

[breezy8407]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

Lake Minnetonka 1/2 on May 4th


2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?

errm...I am really bad about practicing this stuff. I will probably use Gu chomps for fuel and grab water on the course. I usually don't like drinking a lot of water during my runs because I get side aches. 


3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?

I follow a Hal Higdon plan, and the last week is really the only one I would call a taper. I will do my longest long run of 12 miles a week before the race, then the final week is easy 3 milers and one 3 at goal race pace. 


4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?

I don't really warm up beyond some stretching. I might jog a little, but my last half I was just trying to stay warm. 

[breezy8407]

Apr 9, 2014 8:20:19 GMT -5 @mn06 said:

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
.  Minneapolis Half Marathon, 6/1.

exciting! I had been eyeing that one if Lake Minnetonka didn't fall into place. 

I am trying to decide if I want to do another June 1/2 and keep up training. I don't think my H is too keen on the idea

[boston340]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
Indy Women's half on 6/7

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
I will take a swig at all the water stops.  I train with Nunn now, but will have to try Gatorade/Powerade a few weeks before to get used to it.  I usually mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of Gatorade to water it down.  Do I need to use Gu or similar for a half?

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
I will do a shorter long run the weekend before my race and do lots of yoga the week before probably.  I'm definitely looking for ideas here though too!

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
I have no idea!  I will definitely want to warm up at least a couple of miles though.  I'll be stalking this thread for tips.

[jene]

Apr 9, 2014 8:20:19 GMT -5 @mn06 said:

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
.  Minneapolis Half Marathon, 6/1.


2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
 I stick with water and will be using Honey Stinger Chews.  I'll probably start eating them around mile 6 since I space them out quite a bit.


3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
 I'm using the Hal Higdon Intermediate plan so I would consider the taper the week of the half.  Taper to me means reduced mileage and/or lighter workouts.  Still doing something but conserving some energy for the big race. 


4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
 I will run about 10-15 minutes and then do a little stretching before the race.  

Please do a recap of this race!  It is on my list for potential races for 2015.

[lovesherheels]

Wow -- such good questions! 

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
. Pittsburgh, May 4


2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
Water at the hydration stations. I need to play with gu/gels during my long this weekend and see how it goes.


3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
My last long run (12 mi) is two Sundays before the race. The Sunday before it I'll do 8 mi, then down to a few shorter, easier runs from there. I consider the 8 mi run the start of my taper.


4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
I think the walk from the hotel to the race will be sufficient to get my legs going. I'll do some stretching and the like, but that's probably about all.

[libbygrl109]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
Mohawk Hudson Half 10/12

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
Gu Chomps around mile 4 and somewhere around mile 9-10, alternate water and Gatorade elsewhere, depending on what I need

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
Not really sure for this one. I'm planning to use the FIRST plan for this half, using the 10K plan to keep my base until I start the 1/2 plan in July

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
I try to keep moving, so I'll walk around the area near the start. Potty stop within the 1/2 hour before start, then do dynamic stretches, focusing on hips and calves, the last 15-20 min before the start.

[Susie]

Apr 9, 2014 7:45:45 GMT -5 boston340 said:

Good Morning H&F Half Marathoners!  

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon  it'll come after 1.2 mi swim + 56 mi bike  Patriot Half IM, 6/14/14.

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?  I use liquid nutrition on the bike + gel flask.  Run is more liquid nutrition + whatever sounds good to me at aid stations.  Caffeine in the last hour.  I carefully calculate how many calories I want to take in + grams of C6H12O6, but don't remember the numbers off the top of my head.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race?  When will you start your taper?  What does "taper" mean for you?  Well, I'm following a pre-built plan with a coach, so it'll mean following the plan.  But it's significantly reduced volume; my biggest week is 3 weeks before race day.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?  Probably dynamic stretching on the beach because I don't wear a wetsuit, and I don't think from last year that they allow people in the water pre-race.  It'd be freezing anyway.

[water*drop]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
Glass City, 4/27

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
I usually alternate water and Gatorade at aid stations, and I do Gu around mile 4 and 8.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
The weekend before the race is a shorter run (8 miles), and then the week of the race is two short (2-3 miles) runs. I definitely run better on fresher legs, so I probably taper more than necessary for a half.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
I usually do a slow jog from the car. I should probably start thinking about an actual plan for future races, though, since I'm hoping for a PR in the fall.

[andrealynn]

Apr 9, 2014 7:45:45 GMT -5 boston340 said:

Good Morning H&F Half Marathoners!  

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race?  When will you start your taper?  What does "taper" mean for you?

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?

1. Estes Park half marathon, June 22

2. Water stations every 2 miles, I'm not carrying anything extra. I typically Gu at miles 6 and 10, but we'll see. My last half was also at altitude (this one is at about 7500 feet, so not TOO high, but certainly higher than the 5400 where I live...) and I felt like I needed a but more. I may decide to bring some shot blox or something similar.

3. My training plan has a 2 week taper, and I will follow that.

4. I typically warm up by jumping up and down a few times in the corral. I should probably do something more than that, but I don't like getting to a race too early because I get cold just hanging out and waiting.

[patches31709]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

It's this Sunday!!! More Magazine Fitness Magazine Women's Half


2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?

Mostly I use the water stations for water/gatorade, but I do wear a fuel belt because it's a security blanket for me. I want water when I want water or I melt down mentally.


3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?

I'm just finishing up my taper right now! I did 8 last Sunday for my long run. I had done 10, 11, 12, and 13 the weeks before that on Sundays. I did 4 yesterday, a 30 min tempo today, and 2 tomorrow, then that's it. 


4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?


I just walk from the car to the start and stretch and try not to be nervous.

[lb2006]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon  hilly half on 6/1

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?  i'll carry my fuel belt with me and take a gel prob around mile 6-7

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?  for a half, not much.  I'll run 12 the weekend prior and then prob 3-4 runs that week of 3-4 miles each

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?  eating breakfast?!?!


and - i love the gifs for today!

[melodramatic26]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
April 26 (16 days!), University of Illinois - 5k on Friday night, HM on Saturday morning.

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
water at every other stop- GU (bringing my own espresso for mile 5 and chocolate for mile 10). I don't do gatorade until it's over.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
Ugh, I HATE taper week. I'm dreading it. It sort of starts next week -two weeks out. My mileage goes down and I'm going to stop actively trying to lose weight. Then the week before is 4 runs - 2 for 2 miles and 2 for 3 miles. All easy.
It's also no wine and early bedtime the whole week before.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race
2 cups of coffee, PB toast- that's about it... I consider the first mile of the race "warm up"...

[melodramatic26]

Apr 9, 2014 11:47:54 GMT -5 patches31709 said:

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

It's this Sunday!!! More Magazine Fitness Magazine Women's Half


2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?

Mostly I use the water stations for water/gatorade, but I do wear a fuel belt because it's a security blanket for me. I want water when I want water or I melt down mentally.


3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?

I'm just finishing up my taper right now! I did 8 last Sunday for my long run. I had done 10, 11, 12, and 13 the weeks before that on Sundays. I did 4 yesterday, a 30 min tempo today, and 2 tomorrow, then that's it. 


4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?


I just walk from the car to the start and stretch and try not to be nervous.

GOOD LUCK!

[jchokie79]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

Pgh Half on 5/4.

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?

I've gotten used to running with a water bottle so I'll have my own water with a tablet of Nuun. I've used Honey Stinger chews in the past and just tried the Salted Caramel Gu this past weekend and it was yummy! So I think I'll switch to Gu instead. I took about 1/3 of a pack every 3 miles or so.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?

I have my longest run this weekend at 12 miles, then it's 8, 6 then race day. During the week of the race, I might just do one 3 or 4 mile run and rest up the rest of the week.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?

Probably just the walk from the hotel to the corral line up and maybe some stretches.

[Mushe]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

Local half on 4/26, capped at 4200 runners, on trail that goes along the river. Proceeds go to supporting trail access, which I love.

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?

I tried out Gu chomps during my 10 mile race last weekend. I think it was runaways that talked about fueling a little at a time. Anyway, that worked great! I took 1 per mile, for miles 5-9. I think I'll do that for this half. I just got a Nathan Speed 2 belt, and also tried that out during the 10 miler. I like it so far, and like being able to avoid the water lines.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race?  When will you start your taper?  What does "taper" mean for you?

I will do 12 this weekend, then maybe 8 the weekend before. I have probably over-tapered in the past, so I'm going to try doing 10-12 miles the week before the race, along with 1 day of strength training.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?

I usually just run a bit around the parking lot. I'm easy!

My AW is that I emailed about getting an extra medal for my I run 4 match, and the race director was so nice! He even offered medals from past years. I don't normally ask ahead, but did because this one is capped.

[Mushe]

@sessalee that would probably be over fueling for me, but everyone is different!

This will be my third half, and I've done two 10 milers, so I'm still a newb, but what's worked for me is a Gu/gel/chews before the race (15-20 min) and one Gu on the course. I've taken it ~mile 7. The Chomps this last weekend were great, though! I took 1 at each mile from 5-9, which worked out to half the package. I definitely had a lot more gas in my tank at the end than I had during my last half at the same point.

ETA: I think the reason to not take in too much Gu is that it could upset your stomach, especially if you're not used to taking it, or taking that much.

[skwcm80]

Good Morning H&F Half Marathoners!

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

Derby festival half - 4/19

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
I alternate water and Gatorade at every other aid station, and I'll chomp on some skittles around the halfway mark.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race?  When will you start your taper?  What does "taper" mean for you?

next week is the only week I'd consider a taper, although I still have some repeats to do. I've always considered a taper a chance to rest my legs before race day.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
I'll probably walk a mile or so and add in some light stretching.

[skwcm80]

Apr 9, 2014 13:00:17 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

Apr 9, 2014 12:57:50 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
I alternate water and Gatorade at every other aid station, and I'll chomp on some skittles around the halfway mark.

One of my new and dear friends from Ragnar Cape Cod was a Skittles fiend. We became instant soulmates when I pulled out my 1lb bag of WildBerry.

We are going to get along famously.

Definitely! I cannot wait until June. 

[gt7301b]

Apr 9, 2014 13:00:17 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

Apr 9, 2014 12:57:50 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
I alternate water and Gatorade at every other aid station, and I'll chomp on some skittles around the halfway mark.

One of my new and dear friends from Ragnar Cape Cod was a Skittles fiend. We became instant soulmates when I pulled out my 1lb bag of WildBerry.

We are going to get along famously.

I prefer gummy bears to Gu, but Mr. GT eats my gummy bears even if I hide them.  Want to see a ragy GT, hangout at my house the morning of a long run and all of my long run candy is gone. 

[emjacobs]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
Nike Womens 1/2 DC 4/27

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
Gu @ 3, 6, & 9 + water stations. I go through a lot of water so I'll carry too.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
My goal is 10 miles next week and then a few 3 milers, rest 2 days before the race.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
A lot of calf stretching and some easy walk/jogs. I'm a turtle anyway.

[katyintx]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon - This Sunday!  Apparently it's supposed to be really windy. 

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race? I'll probably do a couple of Honey Stinger chews each at miles 3, 6, 9, and maybe 12?  At that point though I'm not sure if it's even worth it.  And Nuun in my camelback.  I'm like a PP - when I want my liquids, I want it now. 

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you? Well I was supposed to do 12 this past Sunday, but I only did 8 instead.  This week it's a few shorter runs.  Taper for me = not drinking so much wine throughout the week until after my race! 

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race? I'm admittedly awful at warming up.  I tend.... not to.  If it's cold I'll jump around...?  And I do walk briskly from the car to the porta potties.  Does that count?

[shauni27]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
Covered Bridge Half in Vermont on June 1. Point to point race over three covered bridges, simply beautiful.

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
I generally do two water bottles on my fuel belt, one with water, one with half water and half gatorade. I then also drink water or gatorade at every aid station PLUS I generally bring a chew with me as well.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
Taper for me just means no double digit run the weekend before the race Other than that I do like 2 3-4 mile runs during the week before.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
I just stretch it out for a half. I am running 13 miles, no need for a warm up, that's what miles 1-3 are

[shauni27]

Apr 9, 2014 14:47:40 GMT -5 katyintx said:

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race? I'm admittedly awful at warming up.  I tend.... not to.  If it's cold I'll jump around...?  And I do walk briskly from the car to the porta potties.  Does that count?

This is me...for a 5K I will do a warmup lap of like less than a mile.  I hate warmups, haha.

[sunshinejoy]

Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon
  Run For The Lakes, April 16, northern MN


2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?
 I usually drink at the water stops, I might fuel with jelly beans if needed


3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race? When will you start your taper? What does "taper" mean for you?
 I'm actually in my taper plan already which is good because vacation to South Carolina is next week and not sure how much running I will get to do

 
4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
 Just a good breakfast and my two cups of coffee  

[thom]

1. Basic details of your upcoming half-marathon

Earth Day 1/2 marathon on 4.19.14. Hoping to run sub-1:50.

2. What is your fueling and/or hydration plan during your race?

Drink at all water stations (every 2 miles) usually alternating water & Gatorade. One gel around mile 6.

3. What is your taper plan for the week/weeks leading up to the race?  When will you start your taper?  What does "taper" mean for you?

Not much taper. This is a weird one for me because I'm doing a marathon 3 weeks later. So, I'll do 18-20 the weekend before. Then, easier during the week of. I'll probably do 2-3 easy runs during the week, 3-5 miles, with some faster strides at the end.

I think taper is more necessary for a full marathon. Then, I like to cut back almost 50% from peak mileage for 2 weeks before the race. Really easy week of.

4. What will your warm-up look like the morning of your race?
Just 1-2 miles easy with a few minutes race pace at the end.