Bath Half Blogs
4th Dec - YOUR BATH HALF STORY
We all have different motivations for deciding to run a half marathon. Over the coming weeks we’d like to share some of our runners’ stories with the aim of inspiring and motivating others on their journey to Race Day
Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned half marathon runner or maybe you’re running to raise money for charity, or as part of a Corporate Challenge team, then we’d love to hear from you
This is your opportunity to share the unique details of why you have chosen to run the 2012 Bath Half. Your story may be featured on the Bath Half website, or in our Bath Half blog and/or newsletter, or in our news releases sent to the local media
Please send us an email with 'My Bath Half Story' in the subject line
You might want to include details of why you’re running in this year’s race (e.g. health and fitness, personal goal, raising money for a charity, in honour of a friend or relative or as a workplace challenge)
Let us know how you’re getting on with your training, what challenges you have overcome so far and how your friends, families or colleagues are supporting you. You might have some great training or race day tips for other runners ?
What’s your aim on race day ? Are you hoping to set a new personal best, or are you simply working towards getting around the course ? What time are you hoping to run ?
Hearing your stories really inspires us all down here at Bath Half HQ, so please do get in touch. We can’t promise to feature everyone who sends in their story but we’ll do our best to pick ones that really highlight the variety of our amazing Bath Half entrants. We’ll get in touch directly with those runners whose stories we’re planning on using
Best wishes
ANDREW TAYLOR - Race Director
28th Nov - WINTER TRAINING – OUR TOP TIPS
Although the recent run of mild weather has made it feel like this autumn was here to stay, there’s no denying that the clock change, the darker evenings and the recent drop in temperatures signal the start of winter
We’ve now reached the sold-out point for ‘own place’ general public Bath Half runners (still some corporate challenge and charity places remaining), so we know that many of you will now be starting your training in earnest. This certainly isn’t made any easier with the reduction in daytime hours and the slowly cooling off of temperatures
Being properly kitted out for winter training goes some way to easing the challenge of getting out of the door on these darker evenings or chillier mornings
Our top tips for winter training
- If you’re running in the dark then make sure you are wearing reflective clothing. It’s really important that drivers can see you - it could save your life
- Wearing layers is the easiest way to stay warm – but don’t overdo it – if you feel toasty warm before you step out of the door then you’re probably wearing too much. A long sleeved top and water-proof jacket worn with running tights should keep you warm but won’t let you overheat
- Cover exposed skin – wear a hat and gloves – you can always take them off and tuck them into your tights if you’re feeling a too warm
- Remember that stretching and warming up are very important parts of training and should not be overlooked. Do it right after a run when you muscles are warm and loose. This will help you feel better after a run, improve your stride, and help prevent injury
- Stay hydrated, but avoid overdrinking. Try drinking a measured amount of water (or weak squash or fruit juice, or energy drink) 30 minutes before you go out for your run and again after you finish. Drink slowly over time, don't gulp in one go. Adjust the amount you drink to ensure correct drinking balance - your urine should be light straw in colour, but mild dehydration and feeling thirsty after a run is normal. You shouldn't need to carry drinks on shorter runs
- Wear the right footwear and take extra care if conditions turn icy
This is our first Bath Half 2012 blog post and we’ll be writing more over the coming weeks in the build up to the Bath Half. We’ll post these on the website and also signpost them through our fortnightly newsletters and through Facebook and Twitter. If there’s a topic you would like us to cover in our blogs, then don’t hesitate to get in touch using our ON-LINE ENQUIRY FORM
Best wishes
ANDREW TAYLOR - Race Director