Marathon Training

OMG I am exhausted looking at all of that. I can't be bothered to run twice a day as I can't be arsed to have more than one shower a day! You are probably the fittest person I know looking at that - kudos!

It was only 80 miles on the really long run weeks!
I work part time so have more time than many of you, but I often run two or three times a day, before and after work to take the dog out (3 or 4 kms) + other runs, so the mileage adds up fast.. One long run a week Saturday (32kms), Sunday dog runs and club session (16km) and then Monday 13 kms (dog run in morning, longer run in evening), Tuesday dog run morning, club session and dog run evening (16km), Wednesday dog run + 10km, Thursday and Friday dog run morning, 10 k run afternoon (28km).
I don't necessarily believe you need a rest day if you feel OK, just easy run days between the speedwork and long runs.
You really accumulate mileage when you split runs over the course of a day. I'm not saying it is what anyone should do, I have a border collie who needs a lot of exercise so I run instead of walk because it is quicker. There is probably a lot of junk mileage in there too, but it worked for me. I'm back running daily, not tired at all after the marathon on Sunday.

80 miles a week?? I am only doing 4 runs (and then 2 x HIIT on top of that, for 6 x a week work outs and one rest day) so I would have to do 20 miles every run to get to 80! How are you splitting that 80 out Anglaise? And where do you find the time - it takes me nearly 3 hours to do a 20 mile run, so I would be running for 3 hours every morning!

Wow! 50miles per week is amazing. I just don't think I could keep the motivation going. I am really in awe!

My schedule is 1 club run typically 7miles, 1 track session, 1 long run. I also do an hours swim and 1 pilates session.

I only run so don't really notice a difference in weight across different exercises - Although I tend to eat like I'm marathon training all the time

Boobz you are doing brilliantly.

Now that I'm at 20 miles for the long run I'm only doing 1 or 2 5ks in between plus a weekly swim and 1 or 2 intensive spin classes.

My last proper long run is Sunday then I have a half the week after, then two weeks later its the big day.

Should add that also when trying to lose weight I increased my intake of protein rich foods to minimize muscle loss.

Boobz it is well know that marathon training often leads to an increase in weight - you are hungrier and perhaps have more muscle. I certainly wasn't losing any so did 6:1 with a few 16:8 chucked in throughout the weeks. It took a good month but I lost 2 kgs without any adverse effect on my training at all.
50 miles a week was the minimum, for the last couple of months it was 80 miles a week.

50 miles a week is a lot... I have been generally averaging about 35-40 miles these last few weeks, although the last couple of weeks were closer to 50 due to the long runs. This week is a 2 x 6, 1 x 9 and 1 x 13 which is only 34.

Really enjoyed my 9 miler today - a PB! Averaged 5 mins per km - which managing to maintain over 9 miles was pretty good for me. Would love to keep that pace up for a half marathon, so that's my aim on Friday - to do a half marathon in 1:45.

Have been reading up a lot about weight management whilst marathon training... I had no problem keeping a slim weight/body shape with HIIT when I was doing that (6 x a week with no running at all), but now I am doing mainly running and only a couple of Insanitys a week, my weight has gone up lots and I am hungry all the time. Apparently HIIT is an appetite suppressant AND a better burner of fat in the long run, vs long distance running, so now I am starting to understand why things have changed (and not really in a good way!) Don't get me wrong, I love running and all the benefits from it (de-stressing, higher fitness, meditative, stronger lungs and fitness etc.,) but I am not really loving the aesthetic effect. Am going to try to get back into 5:2 to try and combat it a bit.

I felt a lot stronger this time because since the summer I'd been running a lot (around 50 miles a week) plus I did a little core body strength training twice a week which I'm sure helped. I didn't have the muscle pain I had in my legs last year after starting to run again after each food station. It wasn't until the 35th km that I really started to wonder why I as doing another marathon. 5 minutes after finishing I wanted to do another one.

I'm not sure I'll do another one. I did one last year and I struggled so this year I've done a lot more training - started training in the autumn, lots of cross training, and I feel like I want my life back! But I do feel a lot more prepared this time.

(See this is where the wise words come out)...

You will do another marathon as once you have finished, you feel so elated and super human, anything is possible - even running another marathon!

Gosh, you don't need to apologise! I kind of forget people don't know

Apologies for my comments cMOT,I had no idea about your arm injury.
I'm in awe that you are doing a marathon

Respec' CMOT.

Should have said, my left arm doesn't work due to an accident in 2010, and my wrist is fused, plus I have a nerve pain condition, so its not just overuse or anything

I know, but unless I can get some surgery to stabilise my arm, I just can't do the long mileage as even bedecked in the best splints I can find its having an impact on my pain levels which isn't good. Tri lets me do the endurance sport while not causing too much problems - I swim one armed, bike is adapted

This will be my first (and only) marathon.
CMOT everyone says that, but a few hours after you'll want to do another one. I'm already contemplating one for next year, or maybe even the Autumn. No aches and pains at all, maybe I should have forced myself a bit more!

Alp, I've been told that panicking is perfectly normal. I've been doing a lot of it myself! This will be my first (and only) marathon.

I got sunburn on the back of my legs at Brighton last year!

Oh and well done on all the races already run!

Brighton is a lovely run, well supported and well organised. Remember sunscreen as I had very strange tan lines by the time I finished!

Hello all! Can I join?

I am training for VLM - I have done it before and know (I think) what I should be doing but....why am I so nervous, why am I having a complete panic about not running enough long miles and why oh why did I even tell people I have a target time!!

If I was talking to anyone else I am sure (shameless boast) I would have lots of wise words and helpful comments.

Please come and talk me out of this spin!!

Did it! 4:59/km.

Am going to try to eat REALLY well this week, as I am getting quite cross that my fitness is obviously improving but the scales are not!

OMG that's amazeballs - well done! No more marathons on the horizon then for 2016?

About to head out for a sharp 6 miles - may try and keep pace below 5 mins/km

Congratulations Anglaise, fabulous time

Great time!