Is anyone training for a marathon?

[imamearcat]

I'm training for a marathon in July, got a couple of halves coming up too.

Anyone else? It's my first so would love to get any tips?

[AnnPerkins]

I did a half marathon today which went ok. Final time was 2.39 which was a bit disappointing but I had a sore knee from the start (and had to stop for a country wee) and we also had to keep stopping to find the correct way due to rubbish signposting.

I simply could not imagine doing the same distance again though. I’m feeling extremely daunted at the prospect of London in October now ☹️

[fellrunner85]

What time were you hoping to run today, @annperkins , and are you aiming for a time in the marathon in October?

[FellRunner94]

I am!

I’m doing my first trail marathon on the 6th June in Coniston... go hard or go home

How’s everyone finding their training? I need all the motivation and support I can get if you don’t mind me joining

[heyyellowyellow]

May I join you? I’m running the Stirling marathon in October. I have a number of hms under my belt and prior to this year, 19 miles was my longest run. I’ve lost my mojo though and am at a point where I’m trying to build my stamina back up. Such useful advice for scheduling runs on here, I really appreciate it, thank you!

[Icenii]

I'm thinking of signing up for another half. I'm not sure my bunion will last a marathon. Anyone else have them? My foot was so painful after my last half to walk on. Felt like the arch had collapsed.

Currently running under a runpack, they've created me an improvement plan and have scheduled strength and flexibility sessions which are great but I don't yet have a race goal to aim for. My siblings have had a few moved to later in the year so not sure whether to wait or join them for October ones. I think they are doing Bournmouth.

[fellrunner85]

I've done Coniston before @fellRunner94 - for a Lakes race it's actually surprisingly flat and runnable. Really beautiful course too. I'd like to do it again one day

[FellRunner94]

@fellrunner85 oh good to know thank you!
I’ve done a road before but this feels quite challenging...

@Icenii if you’re not sure how your feet will hold up maybe wait until October, take the training slow and hopefully hold off any injuries

[AnnPerkins]

@FellRunner94 I had a stretch goal of around 2.15. I’m sure I would have got closer to that if it was on the well-marked course through London’s royal parks as originally planned.

My biggest concern at the moment (apart from a very sore knee) is the foot pain that started at about mile 11. Not sure what I can do to avoid that and I wouldn’t be able to continue with it for another 15 miles.

I will be on holiday in the Lake District in August so will have to do a long run while I’m there. I would love recommendations for a flat route where it’s not too easy to get lost 🙄😀

[fellrunner85]

A long flat route in the Lakes?!?! There aren't any
Most of the lakes don't have paths all the way around, and most of the roads you could theoretically use are too fast and dangerous as they don't have footpaths outside the villages.

Your best bet would probably be several circuits of Tarn Hows. Pretty, accessible, and flat.

But I'd suggest doing something hilly but slightly shorter for the same training benefit. You could piece something together easily enough around Keswick, Portinscale, Latrigg and up the old railway line.

If you let us know where you're staying I can be more specific though.

[AOwlAOwlAOwl]

Did 28k for a long run last weekend, having not run anything further than 15k since Christmas so feeling pretty good about that. This weekend will be 30k or so, need to drum up some company as I get so bored on my own.

[AnnPerkins]

A long flat route in the Lakes?!?! There aren't any

Yes I realised as I was typing how unrealistic that sounded

I'm staying near Whinlatter Forest which has a couple of running trails which I imagine are pretty hilly! I'm really looking forward to trying them.

[fellrunner85]

Whinlatter is lovely, but the trails are a bit too full of kids and bikes for my liking! And yes, it's hilly - the hilliest parkrun in the UK is at Whinlatter, I believe.

From there it's only a v short run down to Keswick/ Portinscale/Grange/Latrigg etc though, so you've got loads of options.

[AOwlAOwlAOwl]

I think just go with it and pick something scenic @AnnPerkins - walk the uphills and enjoy it. Time on feet is just as good as a flat long run.

[AnnPerkins]

Good advice, thank you. I'm really looking forward to it

[FellRunner94]

How’s everybody’s training going? I did a long run this morning and it went really well.

Feeling positive for June

[fellrunner85]

What distance are you up to, @fellrunner94? And are you doing some of your runs at race pace?

My training is going ok ish - doing lots of long slow stuff, nothing impressive!

[Dentistlakes]

@fellrunner85
I’m training for a half and I’m hoping to be spending some time near Keswick when it’s ok to travel and would love to know some possible routes around that area. Is there somewhere I can go to to find route maps for running? I’ve been along the railway line with the kids on their bikes but we didn’t get particularly far as they were young at the time. I would be very grateful for any recommendations.

[AOwlAOwlAOwl]

Long run today, watch died and had to get the Strava app on my phone to track the rest. I think there was a bit missing as it doesn't quite add up to 30k. Then went and did a long hike this evening. My legs really ache now

[FellRunner94]

@fellrunner85 I’m at a comfortable(ish!) 17 miles now and it was race pace today. Tired at the end but felt that I could finish the 26 if I had no choice

@Dentistlakes Hope you don’t mind me answering but I get route ideas from Strava and mapmyrun by looking at what others have done if you use either of those?

@AOwlAOwlAOwl Ohhh no, I hate it when that happens, sounds like you need a chilled out evening!

[potatoes]

I'm doing a marathon 2 weeks tomorrow! I entered a local trail marathon last December which ended up being a virtual marathon, so this will be my first 'proper' marathon. It's a small, hilly, local event so I'm panicking slightly thinking that I'll be the only first-timer and everyone else will be experienced and super-fit and zoom round in 3 hours!!

[fellrunner85]

@dentistlakes - as @fellrunner94 says, Strava is good for finding new routes, if you go on the Explore section and specify your preferred distance and if you want hills or not.

There are loads of great routes from Keswick, but none of them are flat, if that is what you were after! Up and down Latrigg is a lovely little run, and you'd go up the same way through the forest if you want to do a big one up Skiddaw.

Alternatively, if you want a flatter route, down to Portinscale and back is probably your best bet. The Borrowdale road should be a good option, but lack of a pavement on there makes it a bit busy and dangerous for my tastes!

[AOwlAOwlAOwl]

Good luck @potatoes I find small races are generally super friendly. I bet you'll have a great time. I'm also sure you will not be the slowest person there!

How do people use Strava to find routes? I'm a subscriber and I've still never worked it out! I just create my own all the time. You used to be able to use Google to search for activities by name so you could look for things people have done but that's no longer possible.

[AnnPerkins]

Good luck @potatoes. A hilly trail marathon doesn't sound like the easy option but I'm sure there will be some amazing views to distract you

I haven't been able to run since my half last Sunday, my knee hurts even to walk on, especially up and down stairs. I was happy to rest for a week but there doesn't seem to be any improvement yet

[Dentistlakes]

Thanks for the advice @fellrunner85 @FellRunner94! I haven’t used Strava much but will defiantly investigate it. Hilly runs are fine (I just walk when it gets to steep).

[Dentistlakes]

Definitely not defiantly, although I’m known for being defiant on occasion!