Marathon Training 2023 - Who's in?

[xsquared]

I've registered for my first marathon in Manchester which takes place on 16th April this year.

My half event is next Sunday, so I'm coming to the end of my half training which is loosely based on the Nike Run Club App. My runs until then will be mainly shorter and easier runs, so I will start on week 3 of the actual marathon plan once I've done the half.

Anyone else training for a marathon this year?

Let's keep each other motivated.

I'm doing my first marathon in March nearly halfway through my training. I did my long run yesterday 16 miles and have a 10K race tomorrow. I have run the marathon distance before but not as an event it took me just over 5 hours so I'm hoping all the training will pay off and I can get a better time

Me 🙋‍♀️
I'm training for marathon #10 but the last one did was 5 years ago.

Hello both!

When and where is your marathon @Fizbosshoes ?

What sort of time are you aiming for @HoopaPoop ?

I've got my deferred entry for Manchester after injury thwarted me this time last year.

I'm "jeffing" and my goal is to complete- hopefully in the 5-6hr zone...

I've got a HM distance to run this week and hopefully I'll feel happier when that's done. The injury knocked my confidence a lot especially as it can still niggle, but I know what I'm looking for and how to calm it better than last year.

I'm running London in April and Loch Ness in the autumn. Back into another marathon cycle it is!

@xsquared my half time from last year was 1.54 so using the formula on the other thread that gives me 4 hours 8 and 10 min miles would be 4 hours 20 so somewhere in that region. I'm 51 so some days I think I will be pleased just to finish.

I am training for Brighton marathon in April. Training has really ramped up for me - I just hope my motivation can stick around for the next 12 weeks!

I’m hoping to do 10 miles tomorrow - wish me luck!

First marathon end of April this year. Only halves to date including a training one today.
Nervous but excited. I’m following quite a few first time marathoners on TikTok so they are keeping me motivated.

I got a PB for my 10K today so the training must be working although there was quite a battle going on between my head and my legs. Head said come on we can do this and legs thought stopping and sitting down was a better option.

Well done @HoopaPoop on your 10K PB. It's so satisfying when that happens.

Did you manage to do your 10 miles today @DFI000 ?

I've got this throat lurgy that's going round at the moment and nearly didn't do my run today. Dragged myself out and got it done!

I did it! Hooray! It would’ve been so easy not to go with the weather so I’m proud of myself.

i need to start focusing on hills and speed sessions so I can hopefully get faster!

How did everyone else get on?

I’m training for my first marathon - Brighton in April. Im quite good at tagging along with a friend for a long run at the weekend but finding it hard in the week to juggle work, horse and a toddler!

@DFI000 @Horsesandatoddler
Hi I am doing Brighton marathon too. I've done it before but I think there might be some changes to the course since I last did it.
I'm training with some friends doing London marathon so hopefully will have some company during the long miles. Need to do an interval session tomorrow but although my DC are older need to work around finishing work/taxiing them to activities. Hopefully DH can do a drop off or a pick up. If I wait til I've picked up , Ive sometimes lost motivation or had too many snacks!!

I've got a ballot place for London - will be my first. Quite scary really. I plan on Jeffing it and am looking at 5-6hours but at 56 will be glad just to finish frankly. I managed 18.5 miles on 30th December but have now got a slightly niggly hip so have not done much so far this year. Physio booked for tomorrow and just hoping it isn't ItB

Hi everyone 👋 I’m training for the Brighton marathon in April ! I started my training back In November . I’m doing a 20 week training plan as I like to really get my mileage up and I like to throw in cutback and down weeks . I haven’t done a proper marathon in 11 years 😯 !!!

2 club runs this week and 13 miles long run this morning that’s it for this week probably visiting my daughter for the weekend I might be able to drag her out for a 5 K. The weather has been shocking this week who thought winter training was a good idea

@HoopaPoop i actually prefer winter training for a spring marathon to summer training for an autumn one! I find there's more stuff on during the summer to distract from training plans and doing 18-20 miles in even the british summer heat is hard!

Well done @HoopaPoop . Weather is miserable where I am, but it's all the better for discipline and character building! Enjoy your weekend.

Just come back from my easy 5k before my half race on Sunday. Then I will have an easy ish week for recovery as well as follow week 3 of the training plan!

I don’t like running in the heat either there’s a very narrow temperature range I’m comfortable in I’m just not sure what it is. Wind blows my hair can’t see where I’m going. Rain need windscreen wipers on my glasses. Cold chilblains and Raynauds. Sun need sunscreen. Having said all that once I’ve managed to get out the door I don’t mind.

@HoopaPoop about 14-16 degrees, over cast but not windy for me!

It was actually lovely this morning running along the seafront in the sunshine but my hands are suffering from earlier in the week

I’d much prefer running in the cold than the heat!!

Went for my long run today with a friend. It’s the first of our long runs that I really hit a wall on. First 15km were good but we then battled 3km of Brighton seafront wind straight in our faces which really took it out of me and I struggled to finish. But a half marathon distance done and I can have a guilt free rest day tomorrow when it’s pouring with rain!!

this is my first marathon and I have no idea about fuelling and gels so I think I need to work on this next to stop me hitting the walls.

@Horsesandatoddler start testing your hydration and fuelling strategy now. If you’re trying new products then I would use them close to home or even in a gym for the first time in case they don’t agree with you! I usually start to fuel over 10 miles if I’m marathon training to get my stomach used to the gels again and check they’re still ok. Check what your event is offering (if anything) and maybe try those, but I prefer to carry my own supplies for peace of mind. I’d go for a gel every 5 miles in a road marathon with maybe an extra one nearer the end, and I carry hydration tablets in the water in my backpack then use the race water stations for fresh water (which often goes over my head as much as in my mouth if it’s warm). The only time I haven’t taken my own water was London where there was water nearly every mile. Make sure you’re drinking if you’re taking gels as using them without is often why they don’t agree with people. The guide is that you should take 1g of carbs per kg of body weight per hour but I’ve never managed so much, even in ultras. Also consider jelly sweets and even dried fruit if you can eat it and run without needing to 💩

I need to order some more gels. I would normally have 1 for a half marathon (at around 8-9 miles) but I'd probably aim for 4 or 5 during a full marathon, like @emmathedilemma
I often have a few jelly babies or haribos before a long run, I might have to take some with me on Sunday in the absence of any gels.

Thanks so much @emmathedilemma and @Fizbosshoes thats all really helpful info!
I think going after work and not being hydrated properly was the main problem today. Definitely time to start trialling some gels and jelly babies!