Need support from my fellow runners!

I've been training for the Diva Half Marathon at the beginning of October. I don't follow a specific training plan (mostly because my ankle is tempermental and have to plan my runs around it sometimes).

The longest I've run is 10 miles. Last week was an 8miler, this week a 9miler.

I'm so nervous that I won't be able to get up to the 13 miles by Oct 3!! I dont think its a physical thing...I'm in great shape. I think its just mental. I get discouraged because I can't always run as much as I want due to my ankle.

I think I just need some support and/or advice!!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

I did my first half marathon in May. I followed a schedule and it only went up to 10 miles. Well I finished it about 3 weeks before the race with the intentions of adding a few more long runs...except I had a really bad pain in my shin bone. I went to the doctor and he told me to stay off of it for 3 weeks, then run the race, and then take another 4 weeks off after that to really let it heal. In that 3 weeks I only did the elliptical and didn't run at all. I was really nervous for the race, but i did it! I was really sore afterwards, but the feeling of accomplishment was awesome! I think you are in a great place now and will be SO ready for the Diva Half!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

To me, not knowing how your ankle feels, I think you are in great shape for a half marathon. You are really so far! you have 6 weeks and only need to increase another 3 miles!

I have never had ankle pain, so I don't know much, but could it be your shoes?

are they new?
are they old?
have you tried insoles (mine have changed my life!)

do you know your pronation? Is there more wear on the inside or outside of your shoes?


Also you don't always have to train by distance. You can also train by time. Can you get to 2 hours even with walking if you had to?

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

Thanks ladies!!

Erica- my ankle problem is due to a break I had a few years back. It hasn't been the same since. It's hard to deal with because its my heel so there isnt really any way to wrap it. I have Asics gel and they seem to give my ankle alot of support.

As far as time, the most I've run straight is about an hour and a half. Sometimes I tend to focus on time too much. I like to keep my long runs at a 10:30 pace. I do alot of treadmill training b/c of my ankle that when I go outside, I have pacing trouble!

I'm sure I could do the 13 miles..like I said though, its all mental! I have this huge mental block thats getting to me!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

maybe orthodics would work since it's the heel? I use Power Step Pinnacle insoles (not orthodics) and they really do help (I have Plantar Fasciitis - which is inflammation of the muscle on the heel/foot) I bought a new pair of shoes (different model - bad idea) and came home after 8 miles (of my scheduled 12) with shin and heel pain, crying to DH "How can I run a marathon if I can't run 8 miles," etc I got my new insoles, went back to my old show model and all is great.

As for the TM - put a towel over the read out. A friend of mine did that when she had a similar mental barrier and she said she felt liberated...LOL

Is your long run 45-90 seconds slower/mile than your race pace. (I know it's hard to slow down, I have trouble myself, but it is beneficial). It really does help to get time on your feet.

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

Where can I get those power step insoles? They sound great and are definatly worth a try!

I actully did REALLY good not looking at the time today. I had originally scheduled only a 7 mile run but ended up doing 9 because it was going by so fast.

And my long runs are usually slower. I average a 9/9:30 mile normally.

Thank you Erica- I love following your posts on here. You're truly an inspiration for runners!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

You're Welcome

I get my insoles at Super Runner Shop. They are about $30, but sometimes your insurance might be a better option if they cover orthodics.

Congrats on your run today! Runs like that really help me get out of a funk.

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

Thank you so much! I will definatly check those out!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

I think you are going to be fine! I am also training for the Diva, and I hired a coach. This week I did 11 miles....but I do think he is overtraining me a bit since my last week before I taper off I will be running 14.5 miles.

Get on a program - you have a solid 5 weeks of training left...and if you can run 10, you can run 13!!! good luck!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

I think you'll be fine! I did a half in May and the plan I followed only went up to 10 miles before race day and I finished with no problem. I'm also doing the Diva and following Hal Higdon's intermediate plan this time and I'm only up to 8 so far. If you're already able to do 10, you could definitely do 13!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

Thanks everyone! I did my first ourdoor 10 miler on Saturday. It was no problem at all until the last mile. My legs just got very heavy and I was running at a 12min pace. I just couldnt push myself. I came home iced my legs Sat and yesterday.

I'm gonna go for even longer next weekend!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

Great job! getting out there and doing the milage/time is the important part. pace is secondary.

Next week you are going to be that much stronger!

Re: Need support from my fellow runners!

Oh my gosh girl - you are up to 10 miles?! You can probably run a half marathon next week!

I only usually train to 10-11 miles when doing a half marathon so you are GOLDEN! I have overtrained for them and it never improved my time so I stopped doing that!

You are so good to go and have plenty of time, you will do GREAT! And you will see that even if you are a bit tired your adrenaline carries your through!