Marathon Training

[yetanotherdeskmove]

Have anyone else just started marathon training and wants to support each other?

[CMOTDibbler]

Yes - this week is the start of my official training plan.

Which marathon are you doing?

[yetanotherdeskmove]

Brighton, how about you?

[CMOTDibbler]

Manchester. So apart from the start/finish not a massively iconic route, but all the closer ones in the right time frame (ie, before the triathlon and sportive season really start) trundle round villages so you see no one which I don't like. Manchester should also let dh/ds see me a few times using the metro.

[yetanotherdeskmove]

Isn't it also the flattest

[CMOTDibbler]

Yes! Which is a great thing in my book as I hate hills.

Whats the furthest you've run before?

[yetanotherdeskmove]

Yes I agree it's a great asset to a marathon route!

I've done two halves this year, how about you?

[CMOTDibbler]

I've done two halves in 2013 and 2014 - this year I was concentrating on tri and cycling so did a few 10ks and a duathlon which was 10+5 (with 25km of cycling in between) and nothing longer. But have run very consistently this year and am much fitter than before.

[Anglaise1]

Just started training for the Barcelona marathon in March, so only 10 weeks, but I run often and do a lot of races so I'm not too worried but I'd like to improve my time. Did the Rome marathon in March this year, have done lots of HMs and trails since. Hate road races so not sure why I'm doing another marathon but it sort of gets you once you've done one! When are the Brighton and Manchester marathons?

[CMOTDibbler]

Barcelona must be a gorgeous, but hilly, run.

Manchester is April 10th

[Anglaise1]

I thought it would be hilly, but apparently not, it is a course to do a good time on (at least that is how the organisers are trying to sell it!)
The main problem with it is that as it is so early in the season there aren't any HMs to run a month before the marathon which is always a good thing to do before a marathon.

[SummerHouse]

I am doing the Stratford upon Avon (long story!).

As part of my training there is a 30k in Stamford on 14th Feb.

[SummerHouse]

Would that be any good for you anglaise?

[CMOTDibbler]

Summerhouse, is that the round and round the track one?

[yetanotherdeskmove]

Brighton is 17th April. Barcelona must be a stunning looking one I would have thought.

when is Stratford?

[SummerHouse]

Stratford is 24th April same as London.

[SummerHouse]

Just checked the route for the 30k in Stamford and its mostly rural roads and tracks but not laps but sorry to say that its full now so entry is closed.

[Anglaise1]

Summerhouse I live in North West France so Stamford would have been lovely but too far. It sounds ideal for a last long race before the marathon.
Brighton sounds really good and Stratford is beautiful - but hilly?
I'll see if I can find a local trail race to do instead of a HM. I'm much more of a trailer anyway, not sure why I want to do another marathon as I have terrible GI problems and it is always worse when road racing.

[magicsoakingmyspine]

I'm doing Brighton too. Starting to seriously train now but finding it hard to stick to a proper scheduled training plan due to family life and just wanting to do long distance runs. If I get the chance to go out, I want to make the most of it and do a really long one not just 20 mins like the plans says. So I'm feeling all confused that I'm doing it wrong but it seems to work for me iyswim?

[Anglaise1]

magic I think it really depends on what sort of time you want to do the marathon it. If you are happy just to finish then long runs will so. If you want to increase your speed then you really need to do some speedwork such as intervals to help your heart rate. If you only run at 9kph you will become very good at doing that but will suffer if you want to run at a faster pace for the actual race.

[magicsoakingmyspine]

Thanks Anglaise, I hadn't thought of it like that. Just used an online calculator and the result was a bit longer than I wanted so I think I will throw in a bit of speed work - luckily live in a hilly area so hill work is quite natural

[yetanotherdeskmove]

Some hill reps will do you wonders

I have failed to run today, I've got a cough (getting over a cold thought it was gone but it seems to have just spread to my chest) and it's absolutely throwing it down and windy so I didn't really think that was a good mix. I do feel crap for not going though.

[SummerHouse]

You have done the right thing yetanother. There is no excuse for not running other than ill health and injury. I have a theory that people who run are really stubborn so its important to recognise when your body is not up for it. Don't feel bad just get better soon.

[Anglaise1]

yetanotherdesk you definitely did the right thing. My dad had a doctor friend who said he'd seen too many runners dead because they'd ran when ill. He said its OK to run if the cold is in your head, but not when it is below your neck, that's when it is dangerous.

[yetanotherdeskmove]

That's what I'd heard too. Still feel bad for not going though - trying hard not to see it as "failing" at training so early on.

[Imbroglio]

I'm in. Brighton.

Just back from a ten mile run and feeling good!

magic I have done marathon training when I've missed lots of short runs for much the same reasons as you and I suffered more injuries, so do be careful. This time I'm doing some spinning and swimming as cross training which is helping raise my fitness levels without putting extra pressure on my knees. You could also do some leg-strengthening exercises at home.