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Marathon novice - seeking tips and company

8 replies

WaahWaahWaah · 16/04/2022 15:46

Hi, I’ve signed up for my first (and last?) marathon in the autumn and would be really grateful for any tips. And for any virtual company in the run-up from those in a similar position!
The furthest I’ve run up until now is 10K, and the last one of those was last year, though I regularly do shorter runs, up to 5K. So lots of training to do!
My first question is about clothes. I’m on the chubby side and want to try and avoid chaffing. What clothes (and underwear!) would people recommend? I currently use some basic running leggings but not sure they will be comfortable over that long a distance….

OP posts:
grafittiartist · 16/04/2022 15:50

How exciting!
Lots of advice out there- I would go with listening to your own body.
Clothes wise- wear something that you have worn lots before, or have practiced in. Light and comfortable. Remember- there may be people running in bloomin costumes!! So really- any comfortable running gear is fine!

ToffeeNotCoffee · 16/04/2022 15:59

Decent, comfortable running shoes. A sports watch. Just about anything will do, doesn't have to be super fancy. Mine came free with my phone a couple of years ago. Does the job i.e. tell the time and counts my distance travelled.

You could look up the Hal Higdon running plan. It's what I followed when I was preparing for the Paris Marathon in 2009 which I ran in 2010.

Hal Higdon has several different plans from novice to advanced. Very relatable. I used the novice 18 week plan. Hal Higdon himself is a wizened little man, but he knows his stuff.

Take some snacks with you on the longer runs. I used to pack sandwiches. Yes, really.

Remember this: Nothing new on race day.

No new clothes, shoes, techniques, food drink etc. Do your tried and tested style on race day.

SummerHouse · 16/04/2022 16:08

Excellent! I just wear whatever but never something new for a long run. Make sure whatever you wear in the day has covered hundreds of miles with you. For me it's standard cotton everyday leggings and a cotton t-shirt and a really cheap florescent running jacket if it's cold. The only exception to forking out is to get the best sports bra and break it in gently. So 5 k first and if it's ok, build from there.

In terms of training, I would want to be doing a half comfortably before starting a three month marathon training schedule. So depending on when it is you may only have a couple of months to get there. So I would do something like this.

Week 1: three 5k runs plus an 8k
Week 2: three 5k runs plus a 10k
Week 3: three 5k runs plus 12k
Week 4: three 5k runs plus 12k
Week 5: three 5k runs plus 14k
Week 6: three 5k runs plus 14k
Week 7: three 5k runs plus 18k
Week 8: three 5k runs plus 20k

That's hugely challenging but I would think about intervals and speed on your short runs but forget about it on the long runs. Take it really, really slow on those. Just aim to get the miles in.

Then I would look up a beginner marathon schedule to cover the three month build up to the actual event. Again focused only on distance, not time. I think you have to see your challenge as completing it, not aiming for a time.

Fall in love with running if you can. I was obsessed! Anything to do with running. I read books, magazines, online. I was fascinated by kit and extras (e.g. gels). I thought about little else.

I also did loads of yoga. Always after running as part of my cool down stretches but also additional hour long sessions.

You will never be stronger, mentally or physically than when you are marathon ready.

Don't let anyone tell you you can't do this. You absolutely can.

BogRollBOGOF · 16/04/2022 18:45

Do strength work.
Go easy on the pace when training unless it's a session focused on pace.
Get any niggles checked out promptly.

I haven't actually run a marathon yet... I had to defer this spring's due to an overuse injury triggered by a congested race season in the autumn. I thought I was on good form until I got a twinge the week after a HM pb 🤦‍♀️
Better luck for 2023... I still can't run 5k yet.

Hohofortherobbers · 16/04/2022 18:49

Get Bodyglide for areas that chaf. Good luck!

Lastqueenofscotland · 17/04/2022 12:31

Respect the distance
You’ll have people who run 3/4 a year telling you they just go out and just do them with not specific training and it’s fine you can wing it. Ignore them.
Get a good plan, eat properly, rest properly (including downweeks in your training) I find keeping a training diary useful but it’s not for everyone!

Rrrunrunrunrunrun · 17/04/2022 12:37

Exciting! I did VLM in 2019 almost from 0. I could just about jog/ walk 5k.

I recommend body glide/ vaseline for the chaffing. I was quite slim at the time and got awful chaffing around my sports bra.

Get your gait checked and trainers that suit your feet.

The BEST recovery thing is chocolate milk. I had a chocolate friij after crawling up the stairs to my flat after long training runs.

This makes me want to do it all again….:)

Rrrunrunrunrunrun · 17/04/2022 12:38

Oh forgot to say, my one regret is not doing any strength work as part of the training.

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