2015 marathoners.... newbies, seasoned, scarred

[SummerHouse]

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.

Fab advice Claybury. I'll remember that as my mileage increases over the next few months.
That is disappointing if London is 1 in 35 especially as I've just entered the ballot!! Someone has to get in tho so fingers crossed for us.

Thank you claybury you sound like you know what you are talking about but you put it so simply. I have read whole books and taken less away.

Agree with SummerHouse that it sounds like sound advice from Claybury.

Have been getting stuff in my Facebook feed about Race for Life marathon - which is local, and in Oct. Have stuck a thing on their Facebook page asking if they have timing chips and proper course measurement….it's really not clear from the website, and if I'm going to run 26-ish miles I want a proper fricking time that counts towards good for age if I manage to go fast enough!

I also really recommend Pilates / yoga at least weekly as an injury prevention measure. I am not very conscientious about stretching after a run, I'm often too tired / hungry / need a shower. Putting aside separate time in the week to devote to stretching , ideally in a yoga class, is really helpful. Runners will often think this is a waste of time, but the real waste is missed training due to niggles which are more often than not caused my muscle tightness. My running club is rife with injury, and frustrated runners. But most still don't get it !
Pootle - totally agree about course measurement - you'll need to check it has been measured and endorsed by UK Athletics. A friend recently wanted me to do a half marathon time trial on a track with him - I said no way, what would be the point in all that effort without an official result!

claybury I believe in yoga like its a religion. I recommend it to people for most ailments. Sleeplessness, depression, stress, fitness, weight loss!..... I was just feeling bad about not having run since Sunday but whatever I do I could always make time for a yoga session. So that's my new promice to myself.

The running falls by the wayside when I can't physically leave the house (dp out) but no such problems with yoga.

I often do some yoga stretches after running and I really enjoy it. It is so much a part of my routine I can't imagine not doing it. I look forward to it and it feels great. Maybe give a downward dog a try one time?