Triathlons & Half Marathons

Anyone out there done any tris or halfies? I did them a few years before kids & surgery and would like to get back on the wagon but I'm nervous as far as training goes. I'm slow so even at my best it would take me 2:30- 3 hours to finish. I worry about dehydration or food consumption. Prior to surgery I would eat gu or gels to help during a run but I'm not sure if that is an option now. Any recommendations or suggestions would be helpful, even on things I haven't listed here. I can run a steady 5k at about 15-16 minute miles (really slow I know but I am trying to get back to at least an 11 min mile). 

It's never been about speed to me, just finishing the race. I want to do one in all 50 states. I have 12 done so far. Thanks in advance!

My partner is a marathoner - he wonders why wouldn't GUs be an option?  

They may very well be fine, I'm just reluctant to try it during the middle of a long run because my stomach is a little more sensitive to foods than before. I just wanted to find out what other experienced. 

Ah, gothcha. You can always try them in the middle of some random day first!

Hi! 

 

Yes I did my first tri a couple of months ago, I'm doing a half marathon in a couple of weeks, and am training for the Chicago marathon in October!  Eeek!

I found that as I lost weight that I got much faster.  For the triathlon (sprint) it took me just about an hour and a half.  I did not refuel at all during this.  My training runs now are getting to about 2 hours -- I have been crashing in these, so I know that I need to start bringing fuel with me.  I have some gus that I am going to try.  I think we just need to try a bunch of things and see how our bodies react.  

Don't stress about it.  You really can work out for a solid 1.5 hours and not need to refuel -- I'm not a doctor, but this is my experience.  

 

Good luck & enjoy the races and training :)

I'm training for my first half in April!  I've never run longer race than a 5k.  I'm right with you on pace, so don't feel slow, because some of us have to allow room up front.  ha!

Running one in each state is a really awesome goal.  And wtg on 12!!

I must be walking compared to you since I'm at a 17+ min mile.  Oh wait I DO walk Half Marathons (4 so far).  My body is now keto adapted so I use fat to fuel my runs.  My first 3 races I was trying to buy into the whole carbs things and Gu's made me feel like vomiting.  I could do gatorade but only really limited.  I fat load the day before a race and I carry nut butters to fuel me during the race.

Ms Shell

I also bring nuts.

Fat loading is an amazing idea!  I never would have thought of that.  I've been in ketosis since surgery so I'm thinking that should be my plan once I'm going long enough to need fuel.

Hi Jamie,
That is great that you are getting back to running again. As you know, the longer you train, the faster you will get. Just remember to always listen to your body. You do not want to over do it and wind up with an injury.
I have ran 5 half marathons and 1 full marathon since my VSG 2 1/2 years ago. I forgot to mention a few 5 and 10K's along the way as well. The water stations seem to always be too far apart for me, so I always carry my own water in a waist pack and sip on it as I need to. I tried the gu on one of the halves I did and I almost puked. However, I like to use Honey Stinger gels. They are not as pasty as the gu's are. I have not had any problems using them.
When I started to get into running, I was like you. It was never about time. I just wanted to cross that finish line. However, I am now training to qualify for Boston and I have to run a full in 3:30. I know it sounds very CRAZY, but I differently caught the running bug.
Good luck with your running and keep us all posted with your progress.