I've been running regularly since August, gradually upping the distance, getting faster, and learning how not to obliterate my hips, knees, legs and feet. Although it took longer than I had hoped I finally managed to run a half marathon yesterday in the town of Aomori, Japan. It just so happened that the start line for their half marathon course was outside my hotel so I thought why not just go for it.
I set out with 2 running gel sachets and a bottle of water and started pounding down the coast road. 8.5km to the outside of the city, turn around back to the start, then over a road bridge for a few more Kms before returning home. I managed to PR my 10km, 15km, and 10miles and got a 1:51:03 for the half marathon.
I'm super stoked. Insanely pleased I got sub 2 hours on my first attempt, and I can't believe I finally did it.
My legs feel fine today, a little sore but nothing terrible.
Next milestone is the 30k. Let's fucking go!
You can get some pretty great headlamps that help with light, around $75 for something with decent quality, battery and bright enough. I typically get most of my running in while the kids are asleep which means very early or late runs. I'm lucky enough to live in a place with well lit running paths all night though so I haven't had much experience with unlit roads. I do trail running with a headlamp sometimes though which works well enough.
For the sun, I'd highly recommend covering up vs sunscreen. A long sleeve lightweight shirt + a bucket hat would go a long way, or those weird running sleeves that people wear.
I don’t have an issue with bleeding nipples myself, but I’ve heard people swear by products like nut butter or body glide. I just use normal Vaseline when I’m having chafing and it does the trick.