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Original poster

Marathon Training 2023 - Who's in?

443 replies

xsquared · 03/01/2023 13:48

I've registered for my first marathon in Manchester which takes place on 16th April this year.

My half event is next Sunday, so I'm coming to the end of my half training which is loosely based on the Nike Run Club App. My runs until then will be mainly shorter and easier runs, so I will start on week 3 of the actual marathon plan once I've done the half.

Anyone else training for a marathon this year?

Let's keep each other motivated.

OP posts:
123InTheSky · 17/04/2023 16:32

Well done everyone! Some great results!

So…anyone tempted to sign up to another? I’m eyeing up Valencia in December!

GrannieD · 17/04/2023 16:20

The relay medals were red. It’s a pretty decent medal ain’t it

VaulterTech · 17/04/2023 13:44

There was a Manchester marathon relay on too I think, maybe for that?

(I hope I haven’t imagined hearing about that 🤣)

MatchesinEyes23 · 17/04/2023 13:15

Question from my daughter… she’s adamant she saw some people wearing red medals. Anyone know why? (Mine is navy blue).

GHxx · 16/04/2023 21:07

Well done all 😊 I sat watching the finish line footage on YouTube live, how strange I would have watched you all finished and not known! Hope your legs aren’t too sore tomorrow (or the next day) 🙈

Original poster
xsquared · 16/04/2023 20:37

Thanks @londonmummy1966 and @Forestcantrun .

Well done @BogRollBOGOF , @MatchesinEyes23 and @GrannieD . I hope you've all had lovely carby dinners and a relaxing soak or shower.

I'm feeling comfortably replenished in calories, so I shall unpack my bag, get ready for the week and then head for bed!

OP posts:
GrannieD · 16/04/2023 19:34

Yaay I did it !!! 5.14.59….. had it in my head I was going for 5.15 so 1 second out! Quite enjoyed it but never again. Well done everyone and good luck to those at London next Sunday x

Chesneyhawkes1 · 16/04/2023 18:45

@xsquared I reckon I'll be as stiff as a board tomorrow. I've just been to walk the dogs and I was shuffling along 😂 I didn't warm down or stretch. Just stopped my watch. Grabbed some water and sat down 🤦‍♀️

I have a massage booked Tuesday and maybe a really easy, short recovery run after that. I'll see.

@BogRollBOGOF well done!! I'm glad your brain enjoyed it! 😁

MatchesinEyes23 · 16/04/2023 18:13

Well done everyone!! Just over 5hrs for me. Bit gutted with the time but my training just hasn’t been enough this year so just happy to have finished! Great marathon, loved the route and the crowd. I’m tempted to do the Half Marathon in October. Hope everyone gets a nice hot bath and a good sleep tonight!

londonmummy1966 · 16/04/2023 18:08

@Chesneyhawkes1 @BogRollBOGOF @xsquared well done all of you - amazing achievements by all of you!

Forestcantrun · 16/04/2023 18:01

@Chesneyhawkes1 @xsquared @BogRollBOGOF well done. Enjoy all the carbs today, they are well deserved.

BogRollBOGOF · 16/04/2023 17:47

My marathon is done in a very leisurely 5:15, mainly jeffing but ran the first 5k as there wasn't the space to slow to a walk without being a hazard. Ran most of mile 25 too as by that point it was easier to keep in flow and not transition knowing my joints and muscles had enough left in the tank.

My training was decent and did the job although I'd have liked another long run or two. It wasn't physically easy at any point but my brain enjoyed it.

The crowd support was great with lots of funny signs along the way. It picked up a bit on the way back into the city after tailing off a little in the suburbs- it's a long time for people to be out by that point.

My body wax worked, no screams from previously undiscovered chaffing as I got in the shower!

Original poster
xsquared · 16/04/2023 17:10

That's very convenient! You'll have sweated it all out!

I'm not feeling too bad but it might be a different story tomorrow. How about you?

OP posts:
Chesneyhawkes1 · 16/04/2023 17:01

@xsquared amazing. Well done! I lucked out as my hotel was 0.1 miles from the start line. So I ran back to use the loo 😂

Portaloo queues are the worst. It's the worst part of racing for me.

How do you feel now? I've drank 3l of water and still haven't need a pee 🤦‍♀️

Original poster
xsquared · 16/04/2023 16:38

Wow! That's an absolutely amazing time @Chesneyhawkes1 . Well done!

I ended up starting in a wave 30 minutes after the one I was allocated to, as I had misjudged how much time I needed to get the tram, queue for bag drop amd queue for the toilets.

Still, I aimed for 3:45 and my official time was 3:44:28 over a distance of 43.13km. It must have been all the weaving adding to the distance. Anyway, I'm happy with that for my first marathon.

Good luck to those running London next week!

OP posts:
Chesneyhawkes1 · 16/04/2023 15:12

@fellrunner85 I can get a championship place at London for sub 3.14. I had one this year based on a half time I ran - but it's not my weekend off, so didn't bother entering it. I don't fancy a 4am start the day after a marathon.

Maybe next year! I was on for 03.05 but I suffered towards the end. But I've learnt some lessons - which is the main thing. And finished it most importantly 🤦‍♀️

fellrunner85 · 16/04/2023 14:04

3:09 is incredible, @Chesneyhawkes1 ! And if that's your first marathon then you've definitely got a sub 3 in you for the future.
A GFA to cash in as well (presuming you're a woman?)

Chesneyhawkes1 · 16/04/2023 13:55

Hope everyone got on well. I did 3.09.50 which for my first marathon I'm happy with.

I was running strongly until 18/19 then had a few tough going miles, which cost me some time.

And I definitely needed more electrolytes, as my gels don't have any in 🥵

Original poster
xsquared · 16/04/2023 09:26

Queueing for the portaloo. I'm meant to start in 25 minutes!

OP posts:
VaulterTech · 16/04/2023 08:14

Good luck everyone!

BogRollBOGOF · 16/04/2023 08:12

I never sleep brilliantly when in a different room for the first night away. Accepting that helps. I slept well enough in the end though.

Time to sort my life out and head to the start. Perks of being at the rear of the start!

MatchesinEyes23 · 16/04/2023 07:22

Crap sleep over here too! Let’s do this!! 💪

GrannieD · 16/04/2023 06:43

Good luck fellow Manchester runners !!

Not had the best sleep and nerves are kicking in but we've got this. Have a great day everyone!

BogRollBOGOF · 16/04/2023 00:06

I'm in Manchester and there's a lot of nightlife outside.

Come on body, go to sleep!

Zerotorunninghero · 15/04/2023 16:38

Good luck to everyone running tomorrow! I've signed up for the loch ness marathon in October and find the posts on here very motivating and inspiring so will be wishing you all well as you tread through the miles tomorrow 😊