London marathoners assemble

[KittyandTeal]

As the ballot spaces start being allocated I thought I'd start a thread for those of us lucky enough to get a space.

I was rejected through the ballot but I have had a charity space since June so I'm running (and raising £1400) I've been training for a half so I can get the distance under my belt. Im up to 11 miles now in just over 2 hours. I'm slow but getting there. I'd like to get in under 5 hours but I'm happy to just be running it.

8 miles and NO PAIN!!! First run since 5th Jan which didn't result in aches or pain! My fitness has dropped a bit- was tired after the 8 where I wouldn't have been three weeks ago, but got plenty of time to get that back so feeling positive now-finally.

Rest is magic people!

Brilliant chocolate! I hope the rest of training goes more smoothly!
Chilly wee run for me this morning, I do feel quite tired, mostly because dh was working away all last week. Next week he's away again & the children are off so probably won't run till Wednesday night. Not amused! Looking forward to tomorrow's 14 miles though.

Woohoo. Brilliant news chocolate. Goes to show what rest can do.

Excellent news chocolate! Glad your feeling more positive!

I did 12 miles today- furthest I've ever run in my life. Took 2 hrs 14 so probably quite slow but I don't care! Tried out the negative split recommended earlier in the thread, and it worked well- started at 11.25 ish/mile, finished on 10.40 with the fastest split of 10.20 at mile 10. But those first 'easy' 6 miles felt so monotonous! It's given me an big confidence boost, I felt more like a 'proper' runner. And very pleased that I have finally found an easy pace that doesn't equal walking!! Had a big grin on my face ever since I got back!

I'm a little worried about my progress. I can run 3x a week. Run one is a quick 2 miles, an hour rest, then a quick 3 miles back. Run two is a steady 4-6 miles with local mates. These done really vary. Run 3 is my long run and is currently 10 miles, increasing by 2 miles a week approximately. Longest run is 20, 3 weeks before vlm, then taper. My comfortable pace is 12.5-13 min miles. I can plod on for ages at that. Does it sound ok as a plan?

That's pretty much my plan super. I was on the vlm plan but a running coach advised I swapped the speed work for another mid length run.

My longest so far has been 10miles. I've got a dip week coming up with a 5 then up to 12 after that. My pace sounds similar to yours too.

Well done Elba. That's not slow at all. My half time was 2:18 and that was at race pace! I cannot for the life of me get the hold of negative splits. I think it's a psychology thing for me. I might keep trying though as I tend to go out too quickly.

Sounds fine Super.
Well done Elba, what a great boost to your training.
14 miles done this morning. Lovely morning, great run on quiet country roads then back along the riverside path. Got my feet wet again, so cold! Feeling happy now but next week is 16 miles, I've never gone past 15 so it will be interesting!

Long run day. Am going to try to repeat last week's route (13.5m) then push another couple on top.

However, it is blooming freezing up here in the NW. And snowing again. And winds.

At least I am not hungover like last week though

22.7 km/14.1 miles done. 30kph headwind/40kph gusts/snow/exposed hills. I never want to run like that again.

6:03 min km average pace. Passed the half mark in 2:07:41. I am wiped out with the effort of just keeping my feet going. It is going to leave mental scars.

You guys all seem so much further on that me. Feel like I've not tackled a decently long run for ages. Got 5 on the plan tmrw and then 12 nest week. From next week it racks up a bit.

I'm running before you though! You're on plan with long runs?

Are you maid? Yes, I go up to 22 miles on the first week of April then a 3 week taper.

Yes, three weeks before. I'm at 22 miles in first week of March.

Well done on all the running! Hope everyone got rid of all the bugs!

I managed to get out on Saturday. Did just under 9 miles (paused my bloody garmin and didn't realise for about a mile and a half or so) Not as far as I should have gone but didn't want to overdo it on first proper run after being knocked out with the cold. Made it to the gym today but only did 15 mins on the cross trainer and some weights and core work.

My plan is in minutes and not miles. But think I'm going to do minutes in the week and miles from a different plan for my lovely run. Although am perhaps over thinking things.

My weekday running buddy has knackered himself apparently so going to try summon up some self motivation tomorrow lunch time.

My race number clips have arrived. Bought these......

Although randomly the picture has appeared at the top of post. Bloody modern technology

Not long now then maid!

Pickled I love those. I think I'm going to invest in some bib clips too.

I managed a slow and stead 5 yesterday. Ankle help up fine, my hip is a bit twingy now but I'm pretty sure that's just my body adjusting. I'm aching this morning though 😳 I've not ached after a run since I did my half, not even after last weeks 10 miles. Dunno what's going on. Hoping my body behaves for next weeks 12.

I've ordered some tailwind to try out on long runs. Gels etc work well for me but it would be nice to be able to do the whole thing on just fluids and a few jelly babies.

This gel stuff is bothering me too.

I have one at 10km in, then had planned every 30 mins after that (maybe a bit longer). So far though, I've only had one gel over 22 km or so.

They don't make me feel sick or anything while running. But the next day, my tummy is doing all the gurgles and I have had the runs (TMI, sorry). I am worried that if it does that after just one gel, what will I be like after 4 or 5? If it still holds off until the next day, that's fine, I can cope with that. But on the day? During the run? Eeek.

I feel like I'd rather go for standard sports drinks as well - will check out Tailwind.

I'm hoping to get by on jelly babies and a piece of flapjack at about mile 17... I only have 3 runs planned that are over a Half (16,18 and 20) and don't think that enough times to practice with gels etc. Would also be concerned re: digestive issues so hoping food I'm used to will be safer!

I'm using actual food too as tried gels on last long run (12 miles) and had terrible cramps the next day 🙁

I can't stand the texture of gels. I took lucazade instead of water on my 12 miles. Think it made a big difference. Also took my sports jelly beans but nearly choked on one so might have to rethink that one!

I tried one of those Clif Bloks the other day. Really tasty but no bloody idea how to run and chew at the same time. I'm really dreading anything messing up my stomach. Running already does terrible things - I have at least 3 Immodium before my long runs and do a lot of my other runs indoors on a treadmill because of it. I'm hoping that pre-race nerves will sort everything out before the start so I don't have to worry about it (sorry, all that was far too much information!)

I've got some high5 sugary electrolyte powder that I'm going to put in my water for my Saturday long run.

I use the electrolyte powder in drinks and find it helps. Pickle I use the blocks; I often bite them in half first, or else you can just let them dissolve in your mouth, though it's not quick. I take one at 45 minutes, then every 30 after that.

Hi please may I join?
Running my first marathon at grand old age of 49, must be mad.....
Haven't read whole thread yet, my biggest problem is fuelling, am literally starving after an hour and so worried about trying gels and stuff. Will read back to see if anyone has any good ideas

Hello please may I join too?

I've just read the whole thread from start to finish and you all sound so lovely and supportive.

I am not actually doing the London marathon but another one in the Autumn and so it is very interesting to read all your progress. I did 10 miles on Sunday in grim weather and was over the moon as have suffered ITB problems in the past over longer distances. Have only ever run one half marathon.

I use High5 isotonic gels and found them ok digestion wise as they have quite a lot of water in them. Also almost choked on jelly beans !

Hope ok to join in even though not an actual London marathoner

Oh I am 51 years old and it will be my first marathon too!