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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.

OP posts:
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oliversax · 02/04/2017 19:23

Love that pic maid that's what I keep in mind when I'm struggling. The post marathon elation. Well done.

Twodogsandahooch · 03/04/2017 05:27

Maid you look so happy. Well done!

I'm having a nightmare. Hacking cough ongoing -stupidly tried to run this morning. Managed about 1.5 miles before coughing got so bad I nearly vomited. On day 5 already . Really really really hope this doesn't bugger up the run. Think I'll avoid running for a few days but keep up strengthening excercises. But worried

KittyandTeal · 03/04/2017 07:50

Wow that's a brilliant photo. You don't look like someone whose just run 26.2 miles! What's next for you?

Yep, chocolate, definitely taper time for me and not a week too soon either. Although after yesterday's long run I'm a bit sad I don't get to do that again, at least for a while anyway

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MaidOfStars · 03/04/2017 11:48

Oh, I meant to mention that I didn't do a single iota of exercise in the 7 days before. No running and sacked off netball and weights. And I ate anything and everything (I usually keep tight control on what I'm eating). Massive bowls of pasta, full fat stuff, chocolate etc. I felt really fresh at the start, itching to go.

Feeling good today. Minimal soreness, just low level muscle ache. Might hit me tomorrow. You'll all be prepared for this but two of my toenails are floating on full top-of-toe blisters so they are strapped down but will be lost within the week.

What's next? Already looking for the next one. Might not feel the same tomorrow Grin

Elba84 · 03/04/2017 17:11

Maid wow what an amazing time! Well done! Sounds like it was all worth it in the end then?!

Lobster how annoying about your run- I've had runs like that too where I just can't do it. Never quite sure if it's body or mind, or a combination, but something just says no! Are you going to have another go at if?

Kitty you sound so keen and up for it. I'm sort of looking forward to my 20, but have to admit that that's largely due to the thought that if I manage it I never, ever have to do it again!!

Twodogs that's so frustrating. Definitely rest up- you have trained hard, and won't loose your fitness, and you have nearly three weeks to recover. Look after yourself and try not to worry too much.

20 miles is planned for tomorrow. I've been trying hard to psyche myself up for it and prepare by eating a bit better (sick of pasta already!). Only managed one run since my 18 last week though but feel like maybe the rest is better preparation, especially since I am still covered in bruises.

Stupidly nervous about it after last weeks disasterous run. I still haven't fully accepted that I might actually be running a marathon... I've actually only told a select group of people (never been convinced I can do this), and since my half have been saying I will announce it after the next long run. I guess if I manage tomorrow it's time for the dreaded facebook announcement...

MaidOfStars · 03/04/2017 17:28

I may already be scouting for my next marathon.....

emummy · 03/04/2017 18:34

I thought you hated long runs Maid......!

MaidOfStars · 03/04/2017 18:58

But shiny medal Grin

Nicknacky · 03/04/2017 23:02

Maid That's fab to read! I'm new to this thread but I'm doing London this year and I'm stupidly excited! Been planning it so long I can't wait to do it.

Elba84 · 04/04/2017 20:14

20 miles done! Very slow but at least managed to stay upright this time GrinGrin. Was running on very tired legs from the start so more than ready for the taper..guess I'm running a marathon then Grin Still in a bit of disbelief that I've actually got up to 20!

MaidOfStars · 04/04/2017 20:21

waves pompoms Gooooo Elba!

LobsterMac · 04/04/2017 22:54

If I do my 18 miles at the weekend, do I still have enough time to taper?

Elba84 · 04/04/2017 23:06

Thanks Maid!

Lobster I am absolutely no expert, so don't go by what I say, but I'm sure some plans have a two week taper anyway. I would say 2 weeks is probably enough time to recover so go for it- but like I said I am not exactly the voice of experience!

My legs hate me tonight- very sore, but I still have a grin on my face. For so many reasons I would never of imagined I would be running 20 miles on my own. Whatever happens on the day, I'm happy and proud. I think we all should be!

Awholenewstart · 04/04/2017 23:19

Could I ask for some advice from you lovely MNers.
I did a half marathon on Sunday and attacked it too fast. Managed to keep the pace up, rested yesterday then today did a gentle recovery run and have pain in my knee. I've been so careful to now, reckon it was th speed that did it.
What is best course of action now? Supposed to be tapering, should I just simply rest? Should I row or something but not run?
Feeling gutted and just want best chance of getting round on 23rd

Twodogsandahooch · 05/04/2017 06:51

I would rest it for a couple of days then try another gentle run. I've had the odd run when have had knee pain, for it to completely disappear within a few days .

Well done Elba on your 20 miles!!! Such an achievement

Still feeling crap over here. Cough ongoing and chest feels tight. Doctor friend has just prescribed antibiotics and steroids- as so desperate to get better in time.

KittyandTeal · 05/04/2017 08:14

Well done Elba. That's brilliant. Are you feeling a bit more confident now?

I'm still absolutely shattered! I think last weeks 50 miles has really taken it out of me. I'm not achy but just fatigued. I've got a 30min run this morning which I may well struggle with.

I'm starting to get excited now.

Where's everyone starting btw? I'm a red start (charity)

OP posts:
MaidOfStars · 05/04/2017 08:31

If I do my 18 miles at the weekend, do I still have enough time to taper?
I did 18 miles two weeks before, a few little blasts, 13 miles the week before, then nothing. No taper.

Twodogsandahooch · 05/04/2017 10:27

I've got green start. Running with a charity too?

MaidOfStars · 05/04/2017 11:13

So, I'm three days post-race, and I feel great.

I've had two days of very low-level soreness. My quads and hamstrings were slightly achy when standing up from a seated position. My knees were a little creaky doing the same. Both walked off within a few minutes. Also, I have slept like a brick for three nights - deep and long. I have eaten well, no restrictions.

Today, and toenails aside*, I can detect no evidence in my body that I ran a marathon three days ago. No muscle soreness, not even any fatigue, my skinny jeans tell me I'm not swollen. I am back in my heels (after a couple of days of trainers).

I want to run again, but the Internet tells me not to Sad. Going to start eating properly from now (no more cherry pie; have put on three pounds in the last ten days Grin), and hold off on exercise until next week. I have been riding my bike to commute since Monday though (with the idea of lessening weight-bearing on my feet), and I think this may have helped work off any soreness.

*So, toenails. Second toe on each foot - blisters over top of toe are still intact and toenails simply floating on top of the blister. Fourth toe of left foot was similar but the blister has popped and the toenail seems to have stuck back down (is that possible?). No pain in anyway, just strapped over with tape to stop the weird wobbly feeling.

I am posting this not to be smug - I'm still prepared for some kind of tidal wave of pain - but to hopefully encourage you all that the aftermath won't necessarily be terrible! Fingers crossed you all find the same.

emummy · 05/04/2017 11:36

That's great Maid, glad there are no major effects!
I am blue start.

Awholenewstart · 05/04/2017 12:15

I don't know what colour start I am - how did you find out??
Walked dogs today. My knee just aches, not pain. Do you think it would be ok if I do nothing for a week then a couple gentle jogs before the marathon? Don't want to do any more harm but don't want to lose fitness either

MaidOfStars · 05/04/2017 13:13

but don't want to lose fitness either
It takes a while to lose aerobic fitness. VO2 max (a measure of peak cardio output, at which I hope none of you are planning to run a marathon at!) drops a little in the first week, but not your basic endurance level running output.

MaidOfStars · 05/04/2017 13:15

And we think of fitness in a very simplistic fashion - how out of breath am I and how fast is my heart beating. We tend to forget all the physiological changes we've undergone - the development of "fatigue" muscle fibres, capillary growth into muscle beds, etc. These don't vanish very quickly.

Elba84 · 05/04/2017 14:57

twodogs hope the meds kick in soon and you feel better. You still have over two weeks to get over it so try not to panic!

kitty 50 miles in a week sounds exhausting- no wonder you are fatigued! I've not got to anywhere near that mileage!

Im swinging between feeling more confident and absolutely terrified at the moment. Have a few random aches from yesterday but not too bad once I'm up and moving.

I'm totally confused as to what pace I should aim for. I had a vague ambition of attempting to get in as close to 5 hours (or just under) as possible, but my last two long runs have been far too slow for that (about 12.5 mins/mile). I did manage to do my previous long runs (up to about 16 miles) at around 11.20 which would scrape in under 5 hours but don't know how realistic that is to aim for on the day? I know the best thing is probably to just aim to get round and enjoy it.

MaidOfStars · 05/04/2017 15:35

12:30 min miles = 7:45 min kms. 11:20 min miles = 7:05 min kms. But you have deliberately slowed the last couple of runs?

How do you feel at 11:20 min miles? Could you see until half distance and then pull back if you need to (although you won't want to....)?

I couldn't have dropped 40s per km off my run (the metric equivalent). It would have put me at my 10km speed.