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Original poster

First time marathoner getting very scared.... and confused

20 replies

IrianOfW · 28/03/2018 09:16

Applied for London but didn't get in so in a wave of stupid enthusiam I signed up for one in Dorchester. Then I found out it's 'quite a hard' route Hmm. I have tried finding running plans online but there are so many I got confused so I am doing my own thing. I've run for years but only started racing 3 years ago. Have done 4 halfs.

So could someone please cast an eye over this and tell me if I am doing anything really wrong. There are 9 weeks to race day.

Monday lunchtime - 5k along canal with dog - a bit of speed work.
Tuesday evening - 10k plus moderate pace with some hills.
Thursday evening - club run so breathing work (ie yacking constantly whilst running) about 7k usually
Saturday - moderate pace long run. 19 miles last week, 20 miles planned this week and will add a mile each week until I reach 22.

Planning to taper 3 weeks before.

Also what to eat and drink while running? I've got some SIS gels but they taste like fruity snot and make my mouth dry even when I drink with them. Anyone tried jelly babies or beans?

Thank you running people x

OP posts:
emummy · 28/03/2018 10:18

That looks fine to me. Having hills is important if your marathon is going to be hilly.
Fuel varies for everyone. I don't like gels either, I use clif shot bloks. I take the first one at 45 minutes, then one every 15 minutes after that, and you need a drink of water after each one. They are like blocks of jelly. Other people use jelly babies, or there is a company called Tailwind who do sachets that you mix with water so you are only drinking, not eating. Does mean you drink a bit more than you might do normally. It is important to drink enough, especially if it is a warm day for the race. You have got time to try out a few different things and see what works for you.
Also check what the race does - there should be water stations and they may give out energy drinks or gels. You can plan your fuel around what they offer but don't try anything new on the day!
Good luck!

Original poster
IrianOfW · 28/03/2018 10:41

Thanks emummy.

I think the hills may be a problem for me - fine for a 10 - 15k run but I seem to hit the wall when I run long distances with too many big hills. I think bit of route checking on mapometer is on the cards.

The race has drinks/gels every 2-3 miles (well that's what they say now). I've been in a few races where these promises don't seem to materialise.

I'll look into the bloks.

OP posts:
emummy · 28/03/2018 13:53

If there are a lot of hills on the route you could make a plan to walk them, or at least some of them. Bet you wouldn't be the only one doing that. Brisk power walking can be more efficient for a steep hill than running slowly.

Mumathon · 30/03/2018 06:51

Looks good to me. The taper is really important, in my mind more so than getting a few extra miles on your longest run (unless of course that fits in easily). I only went up to 20 for my longest pre-marathon run and it was fine, once you’re looking at those sort of distances so much of it is mental strength anyway.
I use jelly babies, haribo & mini mars bars for fuel, never got in with gels or similar. I have to carry some medical kit with me though so have quite a large bum bag to carry enough fuel for the whole race comfortably. If you’re likely to rely on whatever the race are providing it’s sensible to practise with that stuff.
Good luck!

Mumathon · 30/03/2018 06:52

Oh yes, and definitely incorporate hills in your training if you can. The best thing I’ve ever done to improve my running is hill training.

AuntLydia · 30/03/2018 06:58

Your plan looks perfect to me! I've only ever used jelly babies for long runs. Although on the day of my marathon they did have some sort of isotonic drink at the water stations and I had a couple of those as I went round. I did a super hilly marathon and ended up with very little hill training due to injury. It just meant I walked the hills, it actually didn't impact on my time much, I was a good bit quicker than I expected to be. So, yes, definitely get some hills in on your training if you can but don't worry about them on the day.

Original poster
IrianOfW · 31/03/2018 13:58

Thanks auntlydia and mumathon. I will try to incorporate some more hills.

Staggered round a 20 mile route that only turned out to be 19.26 and my forerunner packed up at 16 miles. Back is really hurting for some reason,

OP posts:
RunMummyRun68 · 31/03/2018 14:01

I've got London in 3 weeks

Tried the gels.... worked well and gave a real boost, why have I only just found them!?!!

Jelly baby or sports bean at every mile works for me but salty snacks are nice and prevent cramp. Can't find anything I can manage while running though

AuntLydia · 31/03/2018 14:14

Well done on the 19 miles though, that's a fantastic achievement. How gutting that your forerunner didn't record it, I hate it when that happens!! You are ahead of the game really so 19 miles is plenty with 9 weeks to go. Not sure what could cause the back pain, hopefully someone knowledgeable will have an idea.

Original poster
IrianOfW · 01/04/2018 10:19

Thanks runmummy - I too struggle to eat while running. I have a horrible sweet tooth so an excuse to eat sweets should be perfect - but even my jelly babies nearly came back up a few time.

Thanks aunty - am I really ahead of the game? I am quite surprised as I thought I was being a bit lazy!

OP posts:
Original poster
IrianOfW · 10/04/2018 15:06

My bad back was just strained muscles due to overtight hamstrings. Had massage - another due tomorrow - and done regular hamstring stretches. Tried running yesterday and it was stiff if not as sore. I am beginning to panic a little. Not in a fit state to run 26 miles - not by a long chalk. Feck it! The rest of my life is a mess at the moment - running and this marathon in particular was my escape.

OP posts:
MaddieElla · 10/04/2018 15:12

When is the marathon?

How long did you run for yesterday when you were stiff? I find after a sports massage I'm bruised and stiff but after 5k or so it loosens off.

You've got the maranoia. Happens to the best of us and you will be fine on the day. Crowd support will get you through the tough parts.

I have Brighton Marathon on Sunday and am also scared, despite running a marathon before. It happens to everyone so don't panic, and good luck. Smile

RunMummyRun68 · 10/04/2018 15:15

good luck for Brighton!!

i've got London next weekend.....not ready either!!

Original poster
IrianOfW · 10/04/2018 15:55

Thanks maddie - it's 27th May so a bit to go. Yesterday;s run was only 5k and possibly getting worse as I ran not better. Love maraoia! Grin

Good luck for Brighton Maddie, and for London runmummy !

OP posts:
Original poster
IrianOfW · 18/05/2018 15:05

Hi all

just over a week to go and feeling very excited!

Did 24 miles last week and that was OK admittedly quite flat. On taper and quite enjoying it Grin

OP posts:
RunMummyRun68 · 18/05/2018 15:20

hope its not too hot for you!! good luck....all that training will pay off for you on the day

emummy · 18/05/2018 16:34

Well done and good luck!

Original poster
IrianOfW · 31/05/2018 17:20

OMG that was so hard! 5.53 which was disappointing Sad but the route was far harder than I realised. Boiling hot day even though it started in a monsoon with thunder and lightning. Endless hills - all UP! No, really!

But I loved it. And after 24 hours of 'never again' I have entered another in September but this one is flat!

OP posts:
shutthedamndoor · 31/05/2018 17:45

Bloody hell, that's fantastic! Congratulations!!!!!

Rozzzzzalmost35 · 31/05/2018 20:05

That's amazing - well done you!

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