Now, three weeks on from taking part in the first ever Big Half, half marathon, (and for many it was their first experience of this kind also) we asked some of the participants to reflect on the day and let us know how it went for them.
"I walked the whole way with Maria. We kept each other going as we completed the miles." - Geraldine
Maria Petrou:
I've never taken part in a Half marathon before but I've done a couple of charity walks, the North London Hospice walk and breast cancer.
The big difference was that I didn't do any training for those like we did for the Big Half. As well as our weekly Silverfit Nordic walk with Johanna I walked on my own for longer distances and I regularly walked with Adele up to Muswell Hill via Ally Pally. Also we trained with Johanna with extra walks to Finsbury Park and Hampstead. This was great fun, although challenging and it was good as we met up with Tottenham Silverfitters
I have always found walking very calming and de stressing and our group walks are a highlight for me. We talk about everything under the sun and always laugh. December was a sad month for my family as my Dad suffered a stroke and passed away. My friends at Silverfit were such a support and the training structure for The Big Half really helped me through it.
I got a bit nervous towards March, worrying I'd catch flu or something but was fine. On the day of the marathon a group of us travelled together to Tower Hill and although the walk was hard work the atmosphere was fantastic and it was very moving to see so many people giving up their time for all the good causes they were supporting. Once I saw the young lady on stilts I realised I had the easy option!
I would love to do something like this again, especially with Silverfitters and really recommend it!
Geraldine Anwar:
Have you ever taken part in something like The Big Half Before?
No
How often did you train for it and did you take part in any of the training sessions on offer from Silverfit?
I tried to follow the training timetable provided by Silverfit. I attended the walks organised by Johanna Green. They were very helpful especially the one of about 12 miles around Hampstead Heath.
Were there any challenges you had to overcome? (health/fitness/wellbeing wise)
I am lucky that I am reasonably healthy and managed to avoid the winter colds and flu this year.
How did you feel on the day?
I was excited to be taking part but apprehensive as I had never undertaken anything like this before. I had the support of the group from Broomfield Park. I walked the whole way with Maria. We kept each other going as we completed the miles.
Would you take part in something similar again?
Yes, I would definitely do something similar again as long as I had the support that Silverfit have provided.
What would you say to someone who is considering doing something like this for the first time?
Give it a go - you never know what you can do until you try. When I was younger I would never have imagined that I would Nordic walk a Half Marathon.
"I would say to train well and regularly and you'd be ready for it!." - Steve
Mazy Leung and Steve Leung:
Have you ever taken part in something like The Big Half Before?
Mazy: This is the first time.
Steve: No I've never taken part in anything like The Big Half before.
How often did you train for it and did you take part in any of the training sessions on offer from Silverfit?
Mazy: About 2 or 3 times a week, yes I went to all the training sessions on offer from Silverfit. They were very helpful .
Steve: I trained about 2/3 times a week for it and did take part in a few Silverfit training sessions.
Were there any challenges you had to overcome (health/fitness/wellbeing wise)
Mazy: My heels and my right knee gave me some trouble sometimes.
Steve: No there were no challenges for me to overcome.
How did you feel on the day?
Mazy: Felt ready and great for the challenge and excited on the day.
Steve: I felt fine and ready for the challenge.
Would you take part in something similar again?
Mazy: Definitely.
Steve: Yes, I would take part in something similar again, given the chance.
What would you say to someone who is considering doing something like this for the first time?
Mazy: Go for it, it is a wonderful experience and very nice feeling.
Steve: For someone considering doing something like this, I would say to train well and regularly and you'd be ready for it!
"Identify others you can train with and start planning and implementing your training programme." - James
James Simpson:
Have you ever taken part in something like The Big Half Before?
No
How often did you train for it and did you take part in any of the training sessions on offer from Silverfit?
I went to several weekend training sessions over 5-9 miles with Johanna. I also increased my weekly walking mileage and steps targets
Were there any challenges you had to overcome (health/fitness/wellbeing wise)
I have a problematic right knee, due to injuries sustained playing squash and rugby when younger.
How did you feel on the day?
I felt great!
Would you take part in something similar again?
Definitely!
What would you say to someone who is considering doing something like this for the first time?
It is a great experience. Once you commit yourself to doing the event, identify others you can train with and start planning and implementing your training programme.
Barbara's show a united front!
Barbara Beer, Barbara Carlisle & Barbara Styles
Have you ever taken part in something like The Big Half Before?
BB: No I have never participated in an event like this before.
BC: No
BS: No
How often did you train for it and did you take part in any of the training sessions on offer from Silverfit?
BB: No specific training, did not manage to find the time, but I always aim to keep active with cheerleading, dancing and nordic walking.
BC: Followed Silverfit training programme of 3 walks a week until the middle of February when I went away for a week. Then the Beast from the East made going out walking rather unattractive! Joined Sid a couple of times.
BS: I trained 3 times a week and yes, took part in some of the Silverfit training sessions
Were there any challenges you had to overcome (health/fitness/wellbeing wise)
BB: I was slightly anxious that a side effect of my medication causes shortness of breath from time to time, especially when I am involved in physical activity.
BC: No
BS: Speed was a challenge plus I have some shin pain
How did you feel on the day?
BB: I felt excited, positive and proud to have completed the Big Half, I enjoyed the encouragement from friends walking with me..Not being used to the marathon experience, I found the signs which displayed the distance to the finish had a negative impact. The spectators willing me on was brilliant.
BC: Excited. It felt good. And at the end a great deal of satisfaction at having done a good time.
BS: I felt ok on the day. I suffer from claustrophobia and was worried about the crowds on the day. It was a little bit unnerving but ok in the end
Would you take part in something similar again?
BB: Maybe a shorter distance
BC: Probably - to get a better time under 3 1/2 hours!
BS: I’d like to do something similar but not a race / timed event again
What would you say to someone who is considering doing something like this for the first time?
BB: Go for it, do what you can. Determination kicks in.
BC: Go for it! It’s a great experience, not something you do every day and it’s an achievement to finish. You can be pleased with yourself, plus you are raising money for an excellent cause!
BS: Definitely have a go. It’s a great feeling to finish and it’s also a great way to help the charity
Thinking of joining us next year?
USEFUL TIPS & WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM NELLY LI:
"First - congratulations for taking the challenge! Welcome aboard.
Be positive, do not to be discouraged if there is a set back.
Try to stick to the training program.
Second - check how one will mentally and physically fit in to the training program.
If in doubt, consult the doctor for advice.
Third - start reading as much as possible on the the relevant topic.
Fourth - try to make plans, on how to incorporate the training to everyday routine
Fifth - A log book for the training would be a good idea.
Sixth - train with the apparel, clothing, shoes etc that you will wear on the race day.
Seventh - when in doubt, always seek for advice.
Eighth - the most important -Train Safely."
