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Original poster

London marathoners assemble

832 replies

KittyandTeal · 11/10/2016 08:41

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.

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Awholenewstart · 26/03/2017 21:58

Also up for VLM 😊
My training plan has me tapering down now but still only 2 rest days a week. Anyone else have similar? Have adapted it all the way along anyway as I couldn't fit it all in, but hoping to stick to last few weeks so I get right balance of rest and final training. Was just expecting more rests as well as shorter runs.
Also (haven't read whole thread sorry) any good advice re blisters? Only just started getting them on 20 mile runs....

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 27/03/2017 08:00

Out for my 20 miles this morning and really nervous. God knows what I'll be like on race day!

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Awholenewstart · 27/03/2017 09:30

Have fun Kitty!
I'm coming down now - such a relief. The next (and only) long run I do will be the marathon 😊😊
Hope it goes well today. Good weather (well it is here) for running

emummy · 27/03/2017 09:48

I haven't had blisters Awholenewstart(touches wood). Good socks help, otherwise Vaseline on the blister prone spots? And I have heard some people put tape over areas that get blisters.
Good luck today Kitty

emummy · 27/03/2017 09:49

I haven't had blisters Awholenewstart(touches wood). Good socks help, otherwise Vaseline on the blister prone spots? And I have heard some people put tape over areas that get blisters.
Good luck today Kitty

Twodogsandahooch · 27/03/2017 10:17

Good luck Kitty enjoy the sunshine. Awholenewstart I'd be interested in blister tips too. I got a couple of little ones yesterday too. Not terribly painful.

Elba84 · 27/03/2017 10:44

Good luck kitty

I'm attempting 18 later...can't say I'm exactly full of enthusiasm for it! Weather lovely though, so hopefully no rain and hale this time.

MaidOfStars · 27/03/2017 12:49

Final long run yesterday - 21km. I Jeffed it - 9 minutes running at 6-6:20, 1 minute walking at 9:20. Felt miles better than after a regular half distance. The walking time gives you space for your heart rate to even out, to take on food and water without fear of choking, to give your muscles and connective tissue a bit of a break. Psychologically, it breaks the run down into manageable ten minute sections, with each a fresh start over the last. The best (and most perplexing bit) is that my average pace was the same as normal - 6:18 min km yesterday. I think the break means that the 9 minutes of running happens a little quicker and more evenly.

My worst case scenario is now running about 30km non-stop, then having to walk the remainder. I'm resigned to this - anything else is a bonus Grin I figure building the intervals in can only extend my running portion. It helps that I walk pretty quickly, hitting 8:30 min km at some points. In theory, this means I could walk the entire distance in 6 hours.

MaidOfStars · 27/03/2017 12:50

Good luck for all the long runs today and in the coming week!

Twodogsandahooch · 27/03/2017 17:41

How did it go Kitty and Elba? Fab weather for it .Maid I stopped during my long run to eat and drink. Really couldn't see the point of inhaling my drinks.

Elba84 · 27/03/2017 18:08

That was a total disaster! Think I must of properly experienced 'the wall' for the first time from about 12-15 miles. Pushed through, got going again at 15 and then fell over in front of a bus stop just before 16. Nothing but minor grazes but burst into proper uncontrollable tears Blush. A lovely lady walked half a mile with me then I ran the last 1.5 extremely slowly. Then burst into tears again as soon as I got in the door Blush Not actually sure I can do this, or even want to do this anymore. Think I tripped because I was knackered- not sure I have another 8 miles in me!!

chocolatepastry · 27/03/2017 18:19

Oh no Elba Sad sounds horrible but honestly YOU CAN DO THIS!!

You've put all those hours of training in and when you've got the crowds on the day it'll help loads (that's what I'm telling myself anyway!)

Is that your last long run? The taper will help you recover some energy reserves meaning race day will be easier.

Look through the marathon mag, imagine yourself finishing and how awesome that will feel and believe in yourself!

(Ps- can someone tell me this after my 20 on Saturday?!)

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 27/03/2017 18:46

My 20 was good. Hard and painful but good. I think I walked and ran equal amounts for the last 2 miles but that's what I expected. Not sure I've got another 6.2 in me but I'm sure the crowds will carry me round.

Elba that sounds rough, do you know why you hit the wall? I did on my 12 mile a while ago when I tried out tailwind, it was absolutely awful.

In other weird marathon news the BBC are possibly interested in me being one of their featured runners 😳😵 Exciting and scary. Not entirely sure what it will entail but it's quite cool.

I've got another 20 on Sunday then taper time. I'm so ready for this taper now!

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Elba84 · 27/03/2017 19:58

Thanks all- feel slightly more human now, but can feel bruises developing so anticipating being a bit sore tomorrow. Think the fall was the last straw!

Not sure if it was a combination of running in the heat for the first time this year and going out too quick. Also need to try and eat better I think- not got a great appetite at the best of times, then feel like I'm force feeding myself the day before a long run.

I'm worried I've not trained enough though. I've only missed one long run, but have missed lots of the shorter ones. Felt ok cardiovascularly but it was my legs that just hurt like crazy. Have still got 20 to go next week- think I will just go really, really slow and see how it goes. If I defer now I will have to do this all over again next year!!

kitty wow that sounds exciting! Will be looking out for you on the news then!!!

Twodogsandahooch · 28/03/2017 08:08

Elba try not to over analyse. It could just have been one of those runs. My 18 miler was awful. When it comes to the big day you will be far more refreshed beforehand.

Well done to Kitty too (our soon to be celeb runner!!)

I need to get motivated again. Was meant to be doing a 3 miler this morning but turned the alarm off instead.

Twodogsandahooch · 28/03/2017 08:10

Just reread your post - I bet that going out too quick was your downfall. On your next long run take it ridiculously slowly. It will give you your confidence back x

Awholenewstart · 28/03/2017 08:26

I had the most hideous 14 miles at the weekend. Hated every step, had to run into wind on way home and was knackered. It really does knock your confidence but keep at it. We have done so well and it really is countdown now. I'm sure the crowds will keep us going on the day. I'm not doing any more long runs til the day and that thought alone keeps me motivated 😂

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 28/03/2017 08:56

Elba I hope you're not too sore this morning.

Tbh I doubt you have undertrained. If you felt fine cardiovascularly thats the main point, my legs were so, so painful and burning from 16 miles onward yesterday, I think that's just part of running that distance. Please stop doubting yourself. It's a really, really hard thing we are doing, it's not surprising that we are struggling and finding it hard.

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emummy · 28/03/2017 10:36

My plan had a 35 minute easy run today. It was brilliant! Went to woods with dog, trotted around muddy hilly very rough paths, had a lovely relaxing time! After slogging out 20 miles on Sunday it was very nice, such a change to finish without aching legs & feet! Nearly there folks!

Awholenewstart · 28/03/2017 11:12

Well done emummy!
Lovely to have a high after a tough one. I've been swimming today, so nice to have a change from running.
I remember at the start of all this when 35 minutes felt like torture, now that's an easy run. How far have we all come 💕

Elba84 · 28/03/2017 17:45

Thank you all- so lovely to have people that get it! It is really hard what we are doing, I think I underestimated the pain element (my friend was laughing at me earlier when I said I hadn't factored in that this would actually hurt!).

That said, aside from a few bruises, I'm not too sore at all today. I'm also now determined to do my 20 next week (slowly!) as otherwise yesterday's torture was for nothing. The fall knocked my confidence but I guess it's a case of getting back on the horse. This time next week I will hopefully be tapering- can't wait!

It is amazing to think how far we have all come, and I guess it's easy to forget when in the middle of a horrible long run. Three and a half weeks to go!!!

MaidOfStars · 28/03/2017 18:02

Things are starting to feel more positive here! Well done on runs, picking yourself up after falls and the determination to get out for the next one.

My week plan of 'no running and eating what the fuck I want' is going well. My feet are starting to itch anyway Grin

oliversax · 29/03/2017 14:19

Well done everyone on long runs. Glad everyone starting to feel a bit more positive. My 18 at the weekend was just thoroughly painful too so goodness knows how 20 will be. A few good comments above, this is really hard but we have put the work in and we will do it. Not long now to race day.

MaidOfStars · 29/03/2017 17:28

Just printed off my race booklet.

chocolatepastry · 29/03/2017 18:46

Good luck maid!

Can't decide whether to run tomorrow or not. Got a pain on top of foot which is made worse by running but actually hurts less during running. Doesn't feel like something that'll stop my marathon but wondering whether rest tomorrow (and I rested on Monday too) would be better before my 20 on Saturday (which I'm determined to do before taper) or better to do a short one to keep fitness up? Got a busy week as well involving a fair amount of being on my feet as well...

Roll on my taper!