Runfessing about Fall



Sadly this is the extent of the leaves that are falling around here. Not too plentiful yet, huh? 

So as we finally approach Fall around here, I have some things to Runfess.......

1. 5K races are pretty plentiful around here, especially in the fall. I planned to do that Lights 5K that is run at night time and I also planned to do a few Halloween themed ones in October.  Well, the night time 5K was this past Friday night and I didn't end up signing up and I probably won't sign up for any in October either.  My reason is,  I need to stop using my weekends to run 5Ks and start using them for long training runs! 

2. My longest run to date has only been 8 miles.  I have never felt so behind on a training plan before. I don't want to ramp up mileage too quickly but I wonder if I should even try to do 13.1 before race day?  I've always gotten in a 13 mile training run during every other cycle.  I know people who've only ever trained up to 10 miles for a half. I can definitely get in 10 miles by then.  If I DO ended up squeezing in the 13 miles, I definitely won't have any taper time.  What do you guys think on this one?

3. I'm meeting one of my favorite running friends this weekend! I can't wait to show her my favorite places to run and walk. Unfortunately it looks like our lovely weather is coming to the end and we will have rain this weekend.  Boo...

4. I haven't gone shopping for clothes (running or work clothes) since May. I'm planning a weekend to hit up some of my favorite stores sometime in October. I'm also hoping to pick up a few fall decorations for my house.



5. I've been trying to keep a better handle on my post run nutrition. I am one of those people who can't even begin to think of food after a run so I rarely eat anything. This certainly isn't good. I've stocked up on these Quest protein powders for after my runs. I've already had one of each of these flavors and the one I keep buying more of is the Salted Caramel! I mix mine with Vanilla Almond milk so I'm thinking it's sweeter than what it probably is suppose to be.

What is your advice on #2?  Share anything else about Fall with me!  -M


We are linking up with the gals from the Friday 5.




29 comments:

  1. I have the same problem with running 5ks instead of doing my long runs. I like that 5ks are usually on Saturdays so I can still run long Sunday but it means I miss a rest day, which I hate. Priorities are all over the place right now!

    I prefer to run 13 miles before a half; it mentally gives me the boost I need. But if I can get to 11 or 12, I feel pretty good, too. I've never run a half with the peak run being 10 miles.

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  2. I don't think you need to get to 13 miles before a half. My sister generally gets up to 7-8, but she also is a unique runner. I don't think that works for everyone. I try to get to 10-11 if I am training for a half. Also, you have done this race distance before and I think those last few miles are a challenge mentally more than physically.

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  3. I've done only 10 miles for a half many times. You'll be fine.

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  4. I like to run a 12 miler before tapering for a half but I think you'll be ok with 10. That last 5k or so may not be the most pleasant in the race though. I'm the same way with fall 5ks. They sabotage my long runs. Ugh! My kids enjoy Quest bars. I'm happy they're getting the protein.

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  5. When training for a half my longest run was 12 miles before tapering, then I would do 8 miles the weekend before the race. I know you mentioned that there are a bunch of 5ks in your area. Have you ever thought of incorporating a 5k race into a long run? Run 1-2 miles before the race, run the race, and then a few miles after. I have been doing this for my long runs for marathon training and it's been working well so far!

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  6. When I was injured with ITBS, I could only do at most an 8-mile walk while training for the WDW half. It wasn't ideal, at all, but I was able to do the half on race day. I've done anywhere between 10 and 11 miles while able to train, and I think you'd be fine with 10 if you're behind.

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  7. It can be hard to resist signing up for local races especially this time of year when it's so much nice outside. Hope you will join us for the coffee date tomorrow

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  8. I think you'll be okay if you run 10 prior to the half. You've run plenty of other half marathons before so you know you can run that distance.

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  9. Fall 5K's really are the best! It's finally a bit cooler this morning too! I'd love for you to stop by today and linkup your favorite post of the month for Best of Blogs!

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  10. There are so many training plans that only go up to 10 miles for a half marathon - I think that as long as you do get in your miles, you'll be fine. I'm in a similar situation, as I got injured during the first part of my marathon training. Now I've gone through and "graduated" from physical therapy, I'm struggling with how quickly can I get back to my training plan without risking re-injury. Good luck!

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  11. When I train for a half, the farthest I run is usually miles. I don't think you necessarily need to jump to 13. I am long overdue for a shopping trip too!

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  12. I know what you mean. I keep saying that I should skip the 5ks and train for my half. And yet I keep signing up for them.

    I never run 13 before a half. I do always get in 12. If you run 10, I think you won't have a problem. I did run one where I had only run 6 (cuz I had an injury). I walked the last 6 miles and still had fun.

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  13. Cant wait to see what all you come home with after your shopping trip.
    Hope the weather breaks so you & your friend can at least get in a little time together

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  14. I would maybe forgo the long run and make sure to get a taper in. In knowing you can go 13.1, having your legs fresh and ready for race day will probably do more good than those few extra miles.

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  15. I NEVER do a 13 mile run. 10, 11, or 12. This training cycle it was 11. And 11 has worked just fine for me. But I also got int at least 3 double digit runs (maybe more, can't remember offhand) -- for me it's more about weekly mileage than length of LSD, but it's important, too.

    I love to shop, you may have noticed. And I have totally wanted to shop! And every time I think I'll actually have a little time, something crops up. :(

    I did get a few nice things at Target in the last few weeks.

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  16. I don't think I've ever run 13 miles prior to a Half Marathon (unless it's part of a training plan for an even longer race). If it were me, I would prioritize the taper. I'll have to be taking my own advice here as well because I'm behind on my marathon training plan :( I haven't been clothes shopping in forever and really am not a huge fan of shopping. That probably makes me a horrible girl! I should really consider updating my wardrobe. Can't wait to hear how your half goes!

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  17. I think you can totally do a half without actually running 12 first. Maybe do 10-11 and then taper?

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  18. Skip the 13 and "just" do 10. I have never trained any farther than 10 for a half, and I have never had any problems. Since you have limited time already, why use up all that time (and energy) prior to the race? Save it for race day ;-)

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  19. In regard to #2, for a half I usually train up to between 10-12 miles without any problems on race day. Good luck with your training!!

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  20. I love runfessing! I also need to do some clothes shopping... sweaters are my favorite so it's a good time of year :)

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  21. I don't think you need to run 13 in training for a half. I think that running 9 or 10 would be better than increasing mileage too fast. Have fun at the race!

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  22. Since you've done a half before, I think you'd be fine to max out at 10. It's always better to be slightly under-trained than to be over-trained and risk injury. Have fun with your friend.

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  23. I agree with most other folks that running 10 would be fine - better to build more gradually than risk injury.

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  24. Ive never tried Quest but its definitely better to eat something after a run than nothing! I think a slow build is best, you dont want to overdo it!

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    1. I love these Quest powders. So much easier to take in after a run then chewing food!

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  25. Don't do a 13 the week before a race. If you aren't racing it and and aren't as worried about the taper then do 10/11.

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    1. I think I'll have enough time to have a week of taper!

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  26. I think you will be ready for the half, but I also think it depends on your Half Goals. Do you want to PR? or is your goal only to finish it?

    I hate not being able to do 5Ks because of training! it feels like I'm in runners jail!!

    I hope you had a fun shopping weekend!!

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    1. Since this will be the first half marathon I will not be injured for, I am just excited to complete it injury free!

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Fairytales and Fitness is a personal blog authored and edited by us, Meranda and Lacey. The thoughts expressed here represent only our own and are not meant to be taken as professional advice. Please note that our thoughts and opinions change from time to time. We consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind in an ever changing society. Any thoughts and opinions expressed within our out-of-date posts may not be the same, nor even similar, to those we may express today. Some links may contain affiliate links. Some links are just to pages we'd like to share.