So.....I have just been informed I will be running the London Marathon in 2011

[glasgowlass]

Hi,

I am looking for anyone who can link me to running plans for marathons? Any help would be much appreciated!

I was an avid runner years ago but the pub's draw grew stronger and I fell away from it.
Just started back at the gym last week(go me!) and had agreed to run a 6k leg of a 24k relay race end of sept for a charity my friend is closely involved in.
However, just been told that I have got a charity spot in the LM 2011!(friend applied on my behalf, she is running it too) Was sceptical at first but now think, bloody hell, why not? Even if I walk some of ity, Im not aiming for a fast time, just to complete the course be that running, walking, crawling...whatever!

So I have just about 7 months to get my ass into marathon shape....can anyone please provide me with a link to a plan that works or even want to virtual train with me?

Runners World website has loads of programmes on. As you are getting back into running you will probably want to start now just building up to 5k then 10k, up to half marathon if you can, and then pick up a marathon programme around about christmas time as most of them are 16 weeks long.

I'm doing Brighton Marathon next year, the week before London, as my first marathon. At the moment I'm building up to half marathon distance (again!) having let my running fitness slide a bit due to an injury and doing more cycling. My plan is then to tick over doing 10-12 miles as my long run october to december before upping my training for the marathon.

Just remember to only increase distance by 10% a week and at the moment just focus on building your fitness and endurance.

Thanks so much!!

Will check out the website. Plans are to start "proper" marathon training early Jjan so that fits with what you say.

Have a 6k and a 10k in sept. just trying to get stamina and fitness up just now, feeling good though. The fear about this marathon has gone now, just cant wait to get properly into it!

Really appreciate your advice, hope your training goes well!

Hi,

I've done RW 16 week marathon plans and got on well with them. Others swear by Hal Higdon, Pfizinger and Douglas, or the FIRST schedule (also found on RW). If you google them you will find the info. Agree that you do need to build a solid base before starting a 16 week plan, especially if you do a RW plan, as they are quite intense and you need to be used to running 4-5 times a week.

I am a Hal Higdon fan (google him). The thing I like about his plans are that he does not rely on pace so much (tricky if you don't have a garmin) and is more mileage based. His chatty style is motivating too.

I ran London this year and was surprised at how I kept going and did not hit the wall. I followed Hal religiously and it worked for me.

Best of luck, I would be doing it again but I a expecting my third baby in February so I think that would be pushing it!! The atmosphere is amazing, I was on a high for days afterwards. Ooooooh I can feel the adrenalin again! A good website for support is Realbuzz, I blogged on there and the support was amazing.

Good luck - that feeling of getting up the Mall is just out of this world .