Running goals, motivation and chat 2026 - Part 3!

Wow there are some really fast runners here! Ahh I’m so envious! I’m very much a plodder.

@JantoDec I think it’s more stupidity than bravery! I get swept up in things.
I dont really enjoy running with loads of people I’ve discovered. Much prefer just me, nature and an audio book. Was really disappointed as was hoping to be swept up in the crowd etc. I’ve only ever done one race tho so figure it might be different next time.
Training starts in June. I’m using Runna. Have used it for a couple of years now and really like it. I generally keep my pace slow tho despite it telling me to increase.

@Cantbesure that’s a very respectable half time!! You also likely find that with marathon training your half time will naturally get faster.

I am starting with the elites but in no way shape for form am I an elite runner. I think anyone under 1:45 is in that wave. I’ll be aiming for around 1:35 if I’m feeling on form. There’ll be people in that wave doing it in barely over an hour. I will be in their dust!! But I must remember that and not be dragged on too quick! 😂

wow, that’s fabulous starting with the elites. Go you!!! My half PB is 2.08 so hopefully a reasonable base to build on. But not in your league!

@Cantbesure sub 4:30 is a good goal. My first marathon was only a small one and so they didn’t need to you put an estimated finish time.

For Newport I put 3.30 as an estimate as I’d already managed a sub 3:30 marathon so thought it was reasonable. It was nice as it meant I was in the second starting pen along with one of my running friends who was also going for sub 3:30. We didn’t run together but it was nice to know he was around. I came in in 3:25 and him in 3:27 so really pleased.

I’m a bit scared for Bristol half as I have found out I’m starting in the same pen as the elites and I’m worried about getting dragged on to fast at the start and then not being able to see it through!! I’ll have to be restrained.

@Whataninterestinglookingpotato wow, sub 3.30 is incredible. I’ve put 5 hours but I’ll train with a target of sub 4.30. Lots of us doing it and all different abilities so will find my gang as we get closer.

I’m honestly not that fit and fast and actually quite lazy with my training compared to others I know. That said, I think the marathon may be my distance. I’m comparatively faster at it than I am at any other distance. I think I qualify for England masters vet 40 with my marathon time, but not with any of my other times! 😂.

I didn’t know that when I signed up for my first one though. I’d only entered a handful of 10ks and one half at that point and I had no expectations of time etc. as I went through the training I started to think that I could do a reasonable time and decided to aim for sub 3:30 as that was what my friend from the club I was training with was aiming for.

you may well surprise yourself once you get started on training properly! But with lots of friends from the club doing it with you, you’ll have a blast!

You are super fit and fast. I’m scared to ask what your marathon time is 🏃‍♀️ I’m bizarrely looking forward to the challenge. But I’m glad I have a year to buildup my fitness and stamina. There are almost 30 at my running club who have signed up for it so far. A quite a few who will be doing it for the first time. So I’m sure we will support each other over the next year. Excited!!

Welcome new folks! Everyone running marathons had me swept along too, but I've resisted so far!
Interesting hearing what plans everyone is using, I've had mixed reports about Runna too. I've tried all the Garmin ones, they can be a bit inflexible I.e don't take account of how tired you are, any runs/exercise outside the plan. Although a friend says they are a bit better at that now. As I was training for a trail half and trail 15 mile race which didn't fit the prescribed plans I used copilot. Really liked it, gives lots of encouraging feedback and if a run didn't go well would explain why that might be etc Carrying on with it now, on the same running training script, for a 5k pb attempt next month.
I'm off with OH this weekend so may do a tourist parkrun if he thinks his niggle isn't too bad ( he refuses to call it an injury!).

I also signed up for Manchester yesterday. It’ll be my first marathon (at the age of 50) and doing one has always been on my bucket list

I use Runna and quite like it. Used it for my 10 mile in March which I managed to do in the Runna predicted time and currently using it for a custom 14.9 mile plan to hopefully get me round 2 laps of ultra warrior. I need an app or plan to help me with speed work as I’ve got no clue! Although it is always telling me off for running too fast on easy run days 🙈. I’ve also added a stretch and stability session on to my plan and finding that really useful as I’m not usually one for stretching 😂

welcome to all newcomers.

I led run club last night, there were only 4 of us and I had an idea of the route we were going to do but ended up just going where I fancied which is what I usually do when out on my own. Not convinced the others liked it but we managed 5 miles

Thanks @OhOneOhTwoOhThree .

It started and ended on sand, and it was mixed terrrain, so deciding on which pair of shoes to make me faster was futile as it was never going to be that sort of race. I wore trails last year, but this year I got away with road shoes, even if my feet got wet at the end.

It is hard to get any forward motion going on the sand, but I leaned forward and took light steps not quite letting my heel touch the ground before taking the next step. It felt easier doing it this time round. I don't know whether it was technique, shoes or just the laissez faire approach I had which took the pressure off somewhat.

Welcome @JantoDec and @whatsit84 . I hope your first half goes well at the end of next month.

I used Runna for a week during the free trial, and to be honest, the times they predict you are way too ambitious, and the workouts are far too intense for me when I did it. I know some people love it, but it wasn't for me.If you own a Garmin, they have their own programs for free you could try.

Welcome to the threat @JantoDec and @whatsit84 good luck with your marathon and half training!!

I have also heard of people getting injured using runna. I have also heard that the way to avoid it is to be really conservative about your running level and experience as it seems like quite an optimistic app!!

I got garmin to make me a plan for the marathon I ran last weekend but mainly just ignored it and did what I wanted 😂. Last marathon in October I didn’t have a plan at all but my marathon was the same day as Chicago and a really experienced running friend from the club was doing that so I just followed him around 😂. I feel more or less like I know what doing now though. The main coach from the club wanted to train me for this marathon as he thinks I have potential to be fast but I declined as I went into the block so injured I just needed to do what I could when I could. I might take him up for London next year if I get my good for age place and I’m not injured 😂.

I went to club run last night, it was inevitable as I can’t sit still. Nice to see everyone and a nice 7.5 miles mostly on trail with the gang. I didn’t feel too bad all things considered! Gym class tonight but kept to either body weight or very light weights. I’m not sure what the rest of the week will bring. I’ll take it steady though I’m part of a marathon relay team the week after. Happy running all.

Can i join? Been a bit of an on-off runner and now built back up a bit following some time off for endo surgery last year. Attempting a half in October (have done about 10 before I think).

@JantoDec I did a half in April that I trained for, but using chat gpt. I’ve had friends end up injured using Runna. I took LLHM as more of a ‘fun’ run and no pressure for time. I was over 15 mins slower 😂

You are very brave signing up for a marathon when you didn’t enjoy the half! Venice sounds amazing though. When do you start following the full marathon plan?

How did the LLHM go? Did you follow a training plan? I’m using Runna and it’s got me doing the full 13.1 in training this weekend at conversational pace while I’m part excited and part anxious about!
I did 11 miles last weekend and have had some pain in my outer sole since, not sure that that’s all about?!

Ooh well done @JantoDec we can support each other on our training. I only plan to do this once 😂

Hello, can I join please?
Also signed up for the Manchester Marathon next year and wondering what I was thinking! Got my first half at the end of May and training is going ok mostly but need to make more effort to get the strength training in!

I only started running properly last summer and have been so inspired by all your posts ☺️

@Cantbesure i signed up for my first marathon with only 2 months to train having never run more than 15 miles and it was fine. You’ve got a year! You’ll smash it!

Thanks @Whataninterestinglookingpotato I def recommend LLHM. The atmosphere was amazing. I was lucky to be asked to be part of a charity team.
yes Manchester marathon. I’ve never run more than a half. But I have a year to worry about it!

@Cantbesure well done on London landmarks half. I entered the ballot but didn’t get in. Is it Manchester marathon you’ve signed up for? That’ll be amazing!