What did you do this weekend? I had a personal best in my Half-Marathon time!!!

[SKKY]

Here's some pics of me and the crew. I'm the bald guy.

[underpants]

1. Way to go

Where was it?

I am going to start answering the 5 AM right again right after Christmas.

[SKKY]

5. In Los Palacios, Spain. Just south of Seville.

I don't often run at 5 am, but I have before and absolutely love the feeling of being out on the road knowing
that almost eveyone is still asleep. Here in Spain, I usually run later at night, around 10:00pm or so, and
at that time most people just look at me like I'm crazy between bites of choco frito or albondigas and sips of
cruzcampo beer. Plan on trying any distances like a 10K or a Half? One great thing about races like those, you
can get some really cool tshirts.

[underpants]

13. Actually yes

My goal is to run the Marathon in Richmond next November. I may be biting off more than I can chew (since I haven't worked out in over a month) but that is the plan.

[SKKY]

18. If I could make a suggestion, I found this plan a few years back...

...that works well, especially for your first. I used it on my first Half, and it got me through without being constantly
tired or sore.

http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

[underpants]

19. Thanks

I have to say that that looks great and 18 weeks is a good time to prepare but "novice" means STARTING at 3 Miles????

[SKKY]

20. Yep. Also, I it cannot be overstated how important the right shoes...

...are. I highly recommend getting fitted by a professional who can watch your stride/gait and make
an intelligent recommendation.

[underpants]

22. Yeah I always go to a local running store

I prefer Asics (wear feel and look) and they usually hook me up with something along those lines. Not a chain and they always make you walk up and down the store. Good people.

The balance thing really helps too. I read about it in Runners World and incorporate it into my stretching it really helps.

[justice1]

2. Cool, your friend looks a lot like a someone I know.

[cwydro]

3. Congratulations!

I hope to run my first half in January. Where was this, in Spain?

[SKKY]

6. Yea, in Los Palacios, just south of Seville....

...I'm going to run my first full marathon in February. This was my 5th Half, and I think I'm ready
to step up. Good luck on your half! Where are you planning on running it?

[cwydro]

15. It's here in Key West

but the longest I've run before in a race is 7 miles. So I'm a little intimidated by the distance. Not sure if I'm training correctly. And good luck on your full marathon!

[SKKY]

17. Here's a plan I'm using that has worked well for me in the past...

...The general rule is that whatever you can comfortably run, you can tripple it race day. I tried that on my 2nd
half and it seems to be true. The cool thing about a half is that, just as you really start to suffer, around
mile 9 or 10 for me, it's almost over! And you'll be amazed at how much easier it is running 7 miles in a large
group of people than it is alone. I don't anticipate you having any problems, if you've run 7 before.

[cwydro]

21. Hey thanks!

I've heard that rule of thumb too, but yeah was kinda dreading that 10 mile mark...

I appreciate the encouragement. It means a lot.

Yeah, it should be fun; races down here generally are since they invariable start and end at a bar - in this case, The Half Shell Raw Bar.

[crim son]

4. One doesn't quickly forget what you look like, ALiberalSailor.

Congratulations on making your personal best!

[SKKY]

7. Thanks! Yea, but so many people drop in and out of the lounge...

...I thought it would be approprite to point out who I was.

[flamingyouth]

8. Congrats!

That's very cool! :applause:

As for my weekend - meh - cleaning up after a massive windstorm we had in the area; not nearly as productive or as warm as yours! :D

[SKKY]

9. Oh no, it was cold. Believe me. Well, perhaps very chilly...

...and I've got the chaffed nips to prove it! Chaffed nips, that's a battle wound only a runner could appreciate!

[flamingyouth]

11. Uh oh

I do know what you mean in a way. For some reason, it looks much warmer - I guess the sun was deceiving. I need to get back into running seriously.

[AllegroRondo]

23. To avoid chaffed nips

put band aids on them before you run, and wear a non-cotton t-shirt.

Awesome job, and good luck on the full marathon in Feb! I'll be running my 4th this April.

[Jimbo S]

10. Great job!

Good luck on the marathon. Are you on any kind of training plan?

[SKKY]

14. I'm following one, rather loosley to be honest, I found on Runnersworld.com...

Here's the link if you're interested. It works well. I used guys plan for my first
half marathon and made it through quite well.

http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

[Jimbo S]

25. Higdon has his supporters and detractors

Since it's working with you, stick with it!

Also, keep in mind to respect the marathon. Cutting corners will get you in trouble.

[LaraMN]

12. Sweet! Love the pics!

I can't wait until it's nice enough here that I can run outside, again. It should only be...oh...three or four more months. :eyes:

[SKKY]

16. On the course, there was 1 parent pushing their kid in a stroller...

...I've already decided that next year, Sergio will be coming with me!

[LynzM]

24. Congrats, dude!!!

That's awesome! :bounce: I can't imagine how good that feels! :yourock: