Marathon Training

I thought the organisation of the Rome marathon was fantastic. The only real problem was slippery cobblestones (it rained last year), other than that there was only one proper hill and the last 5kms you run around some stunning parts of the city. There was something else, if you are unlucky enough to be in one of the last departure SAS you also leave with the walkers. I was in one of first SAS so it wasn't an issue for me but other runners got quite held up at the start by the nordic walkers

I might have a few questions boobz (it reads like you live in Rome?) Boring house keeping stuff mainly!

I've lost a week somewhere!! 9 weeks til the marathon, only 6 until my 20 miler!!

Really, really didn't feel like doing my long run today - bad nights sleep, stiff shoulder, generally feeling scuzzy.

Then went and knocked 19 minutes off the same 15 mile route from last week!

I will see you there Karate - am also doing the Rome marathon - and I also did 15 miles on Thursday - my longest one ever too!

Morning all, I hope no one minds the intrusion but I was pointed over here from the running thread. I'm training for Rome marathon, I can't believe how quickly it's coming round! I'm aiming for 3 runs a week - longest one so far was 15 miles, and core strengthening Pilates and kettle bells. I've been using parkrun as a speed session and also doing some track work. I'm halfway between wanting a sub 5hr and not wanting the pressure of trying for a time! I'll be happy to finish I think! Sounds like you are all working hard, anyone long running today?

I did my long run yesterday (3hrs) 20 miles and another 10 miles today. My bum has been hurting for 6 months, I have tendinitis in both buttocks and sitting down is extremely painful, especially on hard surfaces. But it doesn't hurt too much when I'm actually running and that's the important thing.

15 miles done. I got lost but managed to keep my pace to 5:23/km, which would be a 3:47 marathon.

My bum aches.

You get more endurant with age too, even if you don't get much faster. I don't expect my pace to increase now as over 50 it only decreases but as I only started running 3 years ago I can't complain. Most of the women my age who are faster have been running since they were young, it helps a lot. My aim was to run a marathon before I was 50 which I did, just need to run a 100km before I'm 52 now

OMG well done Anglaise - I thought you were 30s like me with the pace you are running! Gives me hope I can still get a bit quicker!

Boobz I'm 50 so in the Veteran 2 category 49 - 59 years. Its easier to get podiums as there are fewer women who run in that category than in the younger categories. There were only 45 women in my category on Sunday's race. But last year I won two races and had other scratch trail race podiums too, so it I don't just get podiums because of my old age!

Well done Anglaise - that's an incredible - you must be so chuffed! What is your age category? And 15th out of 340 is really amazing.

And well done for your 15 miles Imbroglio - I have that distance on Friday - sort of looking forward to it, as I think it will be the furthest I have ever run in my life in one go!

7 miles today for me, in 5:08/km pace - all going the right way! (I always do total distance in miles, but pace in minutes for the KM - not sure why?!)

You all put me to shame! 15 miles for me today. I wasn't feeling great but its the only time I will have until the weekend so I forced myself round very slowly - I ache all over now!

Hoping to get some cross-training in this week to buck me up.

Glad your training is going well Boobz and your pace is excellent if you can keep it up. I don't use Higdon's schedule and do a lot more speedwork than in his plan to up my pace.
Did a 10k race yesterday, it was a tough course so not my best time but 46 mins with hills and a podium for 3rd in age category (15th out of 340 women overall) so I was happy, I didn't expect a podium as the competition is big and attracts a lot of good runners. It was nice to get a week off from the long run too. 6 weeks to go to M day.

Well done Imbroglio.

I just did 10 miles - the Hal Higdon schedule seems to take a step back in distance every 3rd week to give you a bit of a rest, but it's up to 15 miles next Friday - eek. My pace steadily improving - less than 5:30/km now.

I am also taking part in an event called Toughest about 2 weeks after the Rome mara in April, so am wanting to mix up my training schedule to include more cross training and core work - so I have taken Hal Higdon's schedule and created a hybrid with Insanity and HIIT and P90X Legs & Back work too. And slotted in a bit of skiing when we are off to France during half term! I really like the look of it - I hope I can fit it all in!

Phew! 12+ miles today on the flat. Feeling good.

Well done migrant!

I've finally broken my lazy-arse syndrome and I've run properly for the first time in ages. Just a steady 10 miles but it's given me more faith in myself for being ready for the half in February.

You've all got me thinking about doing another marathon... It won't be this year but will possibly attack Brighton for the 2nd time next year and go for a PB.

Wow that is inspiring - 3am start?! Brilliant.

Lots of inspiration running happening!

I've been very restrained and substituted my long run with a second hills workout on Saturday and a 5 hour strenuous walk today with lots of hills. Plan to swim and spin again before tackling a long run mid week.

Sounds amazing. Apart from the 3am start!

Amazing! Sounds awesome. Well done!

Thank you for the kind words, lovely of you. The ultra was amazing, such good fun. Setting off at 3 am in total darkness was awesome, but then the sun came up over the water and it was just stunning. Temp got to 30 deg. Drank lots, finished strong and went out for long boozy lunch with friends!

Got a time I'm very happy with and very minimal aches. The 100km runners were really something to watch. Now that's hard core!

Good luck with this week's training everyone!

Good luck Migrant!