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Original poster

2015 marathoners.... newbies, seasoned, scarred

80 replies

SummerHouse · 28/04/2015 06:59

I got some essential help at a critical time on here in my 10k training and I will never forget that. I am now booked in for my second marathon (14 years after my first) in sept. I feel I have come a long way. But I have a massive way to go! Anyone looking for support or with wisdom and encouragement to impart.... Please join.

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Original poster
SummerHouse · 28/04/2015 07:01

I mean scared!! I can't spell.

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Mooogles · 28/04/2015 10:37

Hi Summer,

I have just entered my first ever marathon.. it is not until April 2016 so I have a year to train - but we can still chat and support each other! I have done a half and quite a few shorter races but all a long time ago - 9 years ish. Since then my running has been stop/start and I thought the marathon would give me a goal to stay focussed on.. that's the plan!

How much running do you currently do?

Original poster
SummerHouse · 28/04/2015 10:51

A goal to stay focused was exactly why I signed up. I run three times a week but I am only up to 15.6k. I did that last week in 1hr 19 mins and thought there must be something wrong with my iPod! Very fast for me. Suddenly I love running where I have previously really not liked it at all. Suddenly kit is exciting and interesting where before it was just a necessity. And I am reading up. Nell McAndrews book is perfect for me as it covers every base from the beginning. I am really a total beginner despite having done London in 2001.

Congrats on your first marathon application. That feeling when you finish and think "I did it" is brilliant!

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Original poster
SummerHouse · 28/04/2015 10:54

Oh and suddenly I am on this section instead of aibu! Its much nicer here.

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Mooogles · 28/04/2015 11:06

That is a great time for your 15.6k. I am currently in the phase of building up my mileage again. Would like to get to a regular 30-35 miles per week for now. Currently on about 20 miles per week.

I did 11.7km in 1hr 7 mins on Sunday which is my longest run in ages. It was slow though - and I got a blister half way round which is still bothering me. Intend to run again today though. Not sure if it my old socks or my newish shoes causing the problem...

How long are your other 2 runs each week? I am currently (trying) to run 4 times a week..

26Point2Miles · 28/04/2015 11:19

I want to do SOMETHING!! but I'm not sure what.....next race booked in is the race for life 10k which I want to train well for to get a pb! I want to lose a stone too as I feel I will be faster and fitter with another stone off (lost 5)

I'm currently sat in a mist of deep heat in post mara emotion

mabelbabel · 28/04/2015 11:28

Can I join you? Am seriously considering applying for London next year, or failing that, then possibly Manchester? I have done some running (jogging actually) in the past, and find it hard to keep up momentum sometimes. But currently not running at all. Is a year too long? About right?? Where to start?!

26Point2Miles · 28/04/2015 11:33

mabel start on Monday when the London marathon ballot opens. give it a shot.knowing you might get a ballot place will spur you on

I ran it on sunday with my ballot place......it was amazing!!!!

Tiredemma · 28/04/2015 11:34

Im applying for London but if I dont get a ballot place then will consider Manchester or Stratford next April.

I have only gone as far as Half Marathon which almost killed me so im not sure how I think I can double that distance!!

mabelbabel · 28/04/2015 11:35

Good idea... when do the ballot places get announced? Maybe I should plan something to spur me on further at about that time (whether it's a yes or a no).

26Point2Miles · 28/04/2015 11:40

October. but for me the thrill of just entering....believing I could give it a go.....got me out running. parkrun was great for motivation. as was an online running community. theres lots of support out there

Original poster
SummerHouse · 28/04/2015 11:56

stupid question alert 26point2miles but have you just done a MARATHON! Whoop whoop! This is awesome! Feels like having a famous person on the thread! How was it? All the deets please...?!

Mooogles sometimes I just fit 5k in my lunch break at work. But I have probably only been doing about 25k a week.

Sorry about the blister. What shoes do you wear?

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Original poster
SummerHouse · 28/04/2015 12:01

Get in early with ballot. I think it had closed before I even went to enter.

Well done 26point2miles cross posts mean my stupit question is now more stupid. You must feel proud?

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alleypalley · 28/04/2015 12:09

Well done 26point2. How was it? It was a bloody cold day.

I'll be applying for my place on Monday. I've done it twice before and it's an amazing event. It really annoys me though that they take so long to let you know if you got a place or not.

I had a place at Paris this year, but had to pull out due to injury. I'm signed up now for Amsterdam in October.

rb32 · 28/04/2015 12:31

After watching the London Marathon highlights this morning I'm thinking about doing another. Did Berlin last year but didn't run it all, took just over five hours! So, unfinished business with marathons.

Bugger, just entered Brighton Marathon next year!

mabelbabel · 28/04/2015 13:22

OK I think I'm going to do it. I will enter a half marathon for October, and then fingers crossed for a full marathon in April. Does anyone have any recommendations for a book or other reference source? I will try and start park runs in a few weeks time.

26Point2Miles · 28/04/2015 13:29

yes,London was fab. cramp in my calf scuppered me tho. loved it,but was a bit of an obstacle course....all those people and discarded bottles!!

Mooogles · 28/04/2015 13:31

Well done 26point2miles! Can you walk??? or very achy? I watched it on the TV!

Summer wearing Brooks GTS but have now resorted to wearing my ancient Asics which never gave me blisters but really should be thrown out as so overused! I do 5k in my lunch hours pretty often too. Need to find a way to do some longer ones :)

rb32 I have entered Brighton too Grin

26Point2Miles · 28/04/2015 13:36

I'm walking....bit sore still,but I survived it.

gotta say,those crowds were amazing....and the marshalls and staff. would definitely go along to support and cheer or even volunteer if I don't get a place next year

Original poster
SummerHouse · 28/04/2015 14:36

Mabel Nell McAndrews book is great but only I imagine if you don't know anything like me.

Rb32 Grin excellent work!

I am booked for notts but nearly did mablethorpe (Oct). Has anyone done either of these?

mooog I have a master plan. I work about 9 miles away. I plan to run home on a Friday and back in on a Monday morning. I guess this will take over an hour and a half but I am sat in traffic for 40 mins anyway so I gain that back. Just researching little running bags at the mo.

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Mooogles · 28/04/2015 16:37

Summer if you can do that, it's a great use of time. I always have so much to carry - lunch, laptop, books, purse etc so it doesn't work for me. Fantastic way to start the week - you can feel smug all day :)

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 28/04/2015 17:40

Another one here signed up for Brighton next year.

I last did a marathon in 2011 and swore I wouldn't do another. I went to watch my dbro run Brighton this year (very fast) and loved spectating, entering didn't cross my mind at all until the next morning when I just decided I wanted to give it another goConfused

I feel I have unfinished business. I got injured during the race last time and finished in a great deal of pain. I'm hoping for a better time and less pain next year.

I currently run 35 -37 miles a week and plan to try and get faster this year. Not sure how, I'm naturally pretty slow but I've upped to 5 runs a week and I'm determined to do weekly speed session.

Original poster
SummerHouse · 28/04/2015 21:33

Thanks mooog. Its yet to be done though! I know what you mean about stuff! Just worrying about my tag, keys and phone is enough. A laptop would rule it out.

I love the references to unfinished business. My last (and only other) marathon was 5 hrs 36 mins. Oh yes, I have unfinished business!

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lastqueenofscotland · 28/04/2015 23:14

The London Marathon is remarkable, i've run it a few times last time (2014) with a stress fracture slightly unsound.
I should NOT NOT NOT have been doing it, had to walk the last 8 as was just utterly crippled but did it.

Aiming to do a few next year

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 29/04/2015 07:49

A few marathons lastqueen Shock

How do you find the time and energy to keep training?

I did 4hrs 47 SummerHouse and I'd like to get nearer 4 hrs 30. Just don't know how yet!