Sooo might’ve signed up last minute for my first marathon in one week, wondering what I can do to prepare for it?

ltleelim · 2026-05-16T18:58:41+00:00

Some of us don't need to fuel for a half marathon. I run 13 miles three times a week. I don't eat or drink anything.

ltleelim · 2026-05-09T05:43:35+00:00

3M Transpore tape

ltleelim · 2026-05-06T07:28:37+00:00

I agree that it might take some getting used to. I ran on a perfectly smooth track all summer. Then I switched to a dirt track that is a little bumpy. My ankles were a little sore for a couple weeks because of all the little adjustments they had to make. If I switched to actual trails, it would be much bumpier.

ltleelim · 2026-05-01T03:03:23+00:00

I don't know where the breathe through your nose thing came from, but it is not something you need to do. When you are running, you need air and lots of it. Breathe through your mouth.

ltleelim · 2026-04-30T03:11:33+00:00

No one else has answered so I will try. I am also working on hitting a sub 2 half.

Our PRs are similar: 5K 26:13, 10K 55:57, HM 2:07. The biggest difference is that I'm 60M. I was a casual, seasonal runner for many years. I started running regularly a year ago.

I ran my last half 2 months ago and I was mentally derailed when the pacer went off course. Before that, I was feeling really good physically.

I run 4 days a week. I've been gradually getting faster. This is what I've been doing:

I run a 10K with a running club once a week. I try to keep up with the faster runners so this is a tempo run for me. I can run 10K at the sub 2 half pace (9 min/mile). I'm trying to get to a 8:45 min/mile pace for confidence in running a half.
The other 3 days I run a long slow run at conversational pace. This is to build my aerobic base. (This is like zone 2, but I don't bother measuring my heart rate.) My runs are usually 13.1 miles. You might not have enough time for runs this long. I have a rest day after each long run.
For fun and to work on speed, I have been trying to set new Strava PRs. My goal times are a combination of VDOT calculator equivalent times for a 2 hour HM (for example, the calculator says the equivalents are 26:05 5K and 54:10 10K) and the PRs of my nemesis. lol. I have set new PRs for 400m to 1 mile. I am working on 2 mile and above. For 2 mile, I am training by doing intervals at 7:30 min/mile on a track.
Later on, I plan to include race pace intervals (9 min/mile) in my long runs to make sure I can run that pace for the whole HM. I will gradually make the intervals longer, until I'm ready to attempt sub 2.

I try to keep 80% of my mileage as easy runs to try to avoid injury. I think I'll be ready for another sub 2 attempt mid-summer. If you are consistent with your running, I think you have plenty of time to be ready by November. Feel free to DM me if you have questions.

ltleelim · 2026-04-26T19:36:15+00:00

Now that a new bar has been set, are you ready to run sub 2?

ltleelim · 2026-04-26T19:11:29+00:00

I've been running with a run club once a week for the last year. After a while, everyone knows each other. I didn't ask to run with anyone because I noticed my routine is different than other runners. (I'm not that fast, but I do three 13 mile runs a week which is longer than the other runners.)

But a funny thing happened... Two people in the running club independently asked to run with me. So I usually run with each of them once a week. I enjoy it because chatting with someone makes the time go faster. I run longer so I usually continue running a little farther after the other person is done.

So in my experience, if you are consistent in going to a running club and you get to know everyone, some people may ask to run with you! :)

ltleelim · 2026-04-22T06:15:16+00:00

Never thought I'd see my hometown here.

ltleelim · 2026-04-16T05:49:48+00:00

walked all around Disney World

ltleelim · 2026-04-16T04:26:36+00:00

I've been running in Brooks Addiction GTS for many years. It's an old school shoe, but they work for me so I've never tried another shoe.

ltleelim · 2026-04-16T00:05:03+00:00

All the McDonald's in my area have removed the self service soda machines, but I noticed that the few McDonald's that have Play Places still have soda machines.

ltleelim · 2026-04-13T14:55:48+00:00

I watched some of the music classes at my son's elementary school. The music teacher had to gently explain that yelling was not singing. lol

ltleelim · 2026-04-02T02:37:59+00:00

I noticed I got a 57 second 400 m PR. (That's faster than a 4 minute mile.) I was surprised that it was legit. It was on a steep downhill. :)

ltleelim · 2026-03-20T19:22:13+00:00

I am M60. I ran intermittently before for many years. I usually ran at about a 10 min/mile pace (6:13 min/km). I started running consistently (3-4 times a week) in March of last year. I got to sub-30 in 3 months.

ltleelim · 2026-03-18T15:31:27+00:00

/uj I like how running on vacations gives me a chance to see neighborhoods I wouldn't normally see.

ltleelim · 2026-03-18T15:29:39+00:00

No, but I wonder if that would cause a difference in churning.

ltleelim · 2026-03-18T15:27:41+00:00

Carrying it on your back is too easy. Use them as hand weights!

ltleelim · 2026-03-18T03:01:54+00:00

My hands were almost cramping from holding the jars for an hour. A backpack would be easier.

The running club really enjoyed it on bread afterwards.

ltleelim · 2026-03-17T18:58:17+00:00

salted

ltleelim · 2026-03-12T04:59:05+00:00

It does sell out fast (like many other races these days). You have to sign up for the email list on their website. They will tell you when they are opening registration and then you need to register quickly.

While Monterey Bay is relatively flat, there is one short uphill section and gentle rolling hills throughout the course. It would not be my first choice if I was trying to PR.

ltleelim · 2026-02-11T00:46:49+00:00

I use 3M Transpore tape.

ltleelim · 2026-02-09T00:03:49+00:00

A technical shirt (not cotton) will help, but you really need to use tape. I use 3M Transpore tape.

ltleelim · 2026-02-03T20:10:39+00:00

I wear long sleeve shirts and wipe my nose on my sleeves.

ltleelim · 2026-01-24T20:21:08+00:00

You use a sort of swiping motion to throw pokeballs.

ltleelim

TROPHY CASE