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Original poster

Marathon Training 2023 - Who's in?

443 replies

xsquared · 03/01/2023 13:48

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.

OP posts:
Chesneyhawkes1 · 31/03/2023 21:42

@xsquared I'm wearing the shoes I've worn for 2 of long runs and my 20 mile race.

I've bought a brand new pair in a different colour and I'm going to stick 30 miles on them before the marathon.

I wear vaporfly for half marathon but I don't fancy them for a marathon.

Teawaster · 01/04/2023 07:20

Certainly not great timing @GrannieD and @MatchesinEyes23 . Hope you both recover soon and your energy levels bounce back . I'm in Poland at the moment about to do a HM and I was convinced I was coming down with covid a few days ago but things are better now, apart from not getting enough sleep over the last few days.
@xsquared , I use Vaporflys for my marathons . I tried Alphaflys at one stage but found them a bit heavier. I'm afraid I'm a bit of a sucker for the vapors and have a few pairs. I use the older ones for training because I don't want to spend any more on training shoes and my old sauconys are very worn.
If you look at the feet of people on the start line of a marathon, apart from those who may start at the back and who just want to get round, I would say 90% of them are in vapors or alphas.

GrannieD · 01/04/2023 08:55

Thanks.

Hopefully will be able to still run as long as it doesn't get on my chest. I'm hoping to get out soon for a few miles on a local industrial estate so I'm not breathing on anyone.

A friends son has had covid for 3 weeks and on second lot of antibiotics. He's only been allowed to defer manchester as hes running for charity. Fingers crossed I recover!

Original poster
xsquared · 01/04/2023 22:40

Ran a 5k leg of a regional relay race today in Vaporflys. Nearly beat my PB.

I'm still unsure of whether to use them for the marathon though, as there is barely anything of them, and I wonder whether I can keep up the pace to make it worthwhile in the marathon.

It is my first marathon and I am aiming for an average pace of around 8:30min/miles. When I wear the Vapors, I feel propelled to go quicker, but I am worried that I'd go out to fast and not make it past mile 20.

OP posts:
Fizbosshoes · 01/04/2023 22:57

Bad luck for the cold and covid @MatchesinEyes23 and @GrannieD Hope you recover in time, probably all the hardest training is done now?

Good luck for anyone doing Brighton tomorrow, the weather is looking fairly good

GHxx · 01/04/2023 23:02

@xsquared I would wear them. I wore mine at last year’s london and the main perk (other than them probably propelling me a bit) was that when my legs had turned to bricks later in the race I still had that nice light feeling in my feet. I’d wear them again, I find for a half they are amazing as you basically float round it. I’m just reading through all the comments now to see who’s doing which marathon so don’t know which one you’re doing yet.

I’ll be cheering on anyone at London in 3 weeks though 🥳

fellrunner85 · 01/04/2023 23:05

Hmmm @xsquared - decisions! How many long runs have you done (say 18m and over) and have you done any of those with large sections at race pace? That'll give you an idea as to what you can sustain on the day.

Speed isn't going to be an issue on your first marathon as much as simply keeping going for the distance. In my experience, "super shoes" can help in the final stages of a race so I'd recommend the Vaporflys in that sense, but not if you think it'll encourage you to go off too fast.

Not going out too hard and then blowing up should be your main priority- it's the trap most first time marathon runners fall into. I know I did.

GHxx · 01/04/2023 23:09

For anyone doing london or really any other marathon I would strongly urge you to watch Nick Bester’s video from london 2022 on YouTube. I came across it tonight and it’s totally made me want to be fast! 😅 The girl he coaches, Anya, has gone from a 4 hour 30 marathon to 2:36 last year, it’s insane! It then lead me down the rabbit hole of finding other fast girls and there’s a runner called rose Harvey who was a lawyer and did the same, now since lockdown she’s a professional runner!

I think it just goes to show that the fast people are most often the people who put in the hours, not necessarily someone just born with a talent. I bet some of the fastest runners on earth don’t even know they can run just now

GHxx · 01/04/2023 23:12

Also print a pacing band and ‘laminate’ it with sellotape if you’re worried about going off too quick. Depending on which event you’re doing your gps will most likely be thrown off anyway so the time on your watch, pacing band time you should be at and mile markers are the best thing to go off. I wore a faster one and slower one last year so I had a back up goal time if things didn’t go to plan

Original poster
xsquared · 01/04/2023 23:39

fellrunner85 · 01/04/2023 23:05

Hmmm @xsquared - decisions! How many long runs have you done (say 18m and over) and have you done any of those with large sections at race pace? That'll give you an idea as to what you can sustain on the day.

Speed isn't going to be an issue on your first marathon as much as simply keeping going for the distance. In my experience, "super shoes" can help in the final stages of a race so I'd recommend the Vaporflys in that sense, but not if you think it'll encourage you to go off too fast.

Not going out too hard and then blowing up should be your main priority- it's the trap most first time marathon runners fall into. I know I did.

Thanks for your input.

I have since the start of training at the beginning of the year done 7 long runs of 18+ miles with the longest being 22 miles.

During some of those long runs, I have done some sort of intervals workout at target race pace, above and below such as the following.

  • 4 × 5k at MGP, followed by 1k jog
  • Progressive 30K broken into 3 ×10K starting easy, steady, then MGP
  • 13 × 1K >MGP, followed by 1K < MGP

I know I can sustain my target marathon pace for 30K, but I am worried about what happens at mile 20!

OP posts:
Original poster
xsquared · 01/04/2023 23:45

GHxx · 01/04/2023 23:02

@xsquared I would wear them. I wore mine at last year’s london and the main perk (other than them probably propelling me a bit) was that when my legs had turned to bricks later in the race I still had that nice light feeling in my feet. I’d wear them again, I find for a half they are amazing as you basically float round it. I’m just reading through all the comments now to see who’s doing which marathon so don’t know which one you’re doing yet.

I’ll be cheering on anyone at London in 3 weeks though 🥳

I'm doing Manchester this year.

Like you, when I wore them for the half race, they felt very light and I got my pb with them. They felt fine today, but that was 5k and going 50s per km faster than my intended marathon pace.

I know about Anya Culling. I guess the fastest runners are those who train with a coach and have the time to put those hours in. It's phenomenal how she's improved at the rate!

OP posts:
GHxx · 02/04/2023 00:00

@xsquared i didn’t know if she was a well known name or not but I’ve followed her on Instagram and fully invested now 😂 I think it’s better to feel like you can go too fast and just rein it in, than wear your normal trainers, finish it then look back and think how much time you ‘could’ have taken off if you’d just wore the fast ones!

MatchesinEyes23 · 02/04/2023 07:35

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I’ve come to the sad realisation today that I’m just not well enough for my final long run. Chesty cough with green phlegm and a constantly running nose. I think I’d do myself more damage if I tried.
Not covid though thankfully so I’m hoping the recovery won’t be too bad. Will have to try and squeeze in a few short miles next week and then just hope for the best on the day!

Teawaster · 02/04/2023 10:48

GHxx · 01/04/2023 23:09

For anyone doing london or really any other marathon I would strongly urge you to watch Nick Bester’s video from london 2022 on YouTube. I came across it tonight and it’s totally made me want to be fast! 😅 The girl he coaches, Anya, has gone from a 4 hour 30 marathon to 2:36 last year, it’s insane! It then lead me down the rabbit hole of finding other fast girls and there’s a runner called rose Harvey who was a lawyer and did the same, now since lockdown she’s a professional runner!

I think it just goes to show that the fast people are most often the people who put in the hours, not necessarily someone just born with a talent. I bet some of the fastest runners on earth don’t even know they can run just now

I've only disciovered him in the last few days. He had 2 great you tube videos about trying to break 2:20

GrannieD · 02/04/2023 14:33

MatchesinEyes23 · 02/04/2023 07:35

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I’ve come to the sad realisation today that I’m just not well enough for my final long run. Chesty cough with green phlegm and a constantly running nose. I think I’d do myself more damage if I tried.
Not covid though thankfully so I’m hoping the recovery won’t be too bad. Will have to try and squeeze in a few short miles next week and then just hope for the best on the day!

That’s a shame Matches. I’m the same, just managed 4.5 miles this morning and 4 yesterday. I’m not running for a time just to get over the finish line in one piece. If I come in last I’ve still run the same distance as everyone else.

Take care of your self and enjoy the next couple of weeks with short runs. Don’t let it put you off !

Chesneyhawkes1 · 02/04/2023 15:50

I haven't done my final long run either. Was meant to be today. Had my little dog put to sleep yesterday and I just don't have the head space for running.

I might do it before work tomorrow if I can actually get some sleep tonight.

If not then so be it. I've done 6 runs of 18 or over miles. One of 22. That'll have to do.

Original poster
xsquared · 02/04/2023 16:25

Chesneyhawkes1 · 02/04/2023 15:50

I haven't done my final long run either. Was meant to be today. Had my little dog put to sleep yesterday and I just don't have the head space for running.

I might do it before work tomorrow if I can actually get some sleep tonight.

If not then so be it. I've done 6 runs of 18 or over miles. One of 22. That'll have to do.

So sorry to hear about your dog. Be kind to yourself and don't feel bad about not doing that last long run.

Now is actually the time to let your body repair, and reduce the stress and strain you've inflicted on it through training.

Take care.

OP posts:
MatchesinEyes23 · 02/04/2023 16:30

Thanks @GrannieD, hope you get off mildly with the covid. Well done on the two short runs! I’m the same, just want to get round!

sorry to hear about your dog @Chesneyhawkes1. The hard work has been done now, just take some time to get your head right and you’ll be fine on the day.

londonmummy1966 · 02/04/2023 21:23

@GrannieD and @MatchesinEyes23 I hope you both feel better soon - Matches you sound as if you need antibiotics for a chest infection....

@Chesneyhawkes1 - so sorry to hear about your dog - just look after yourself and do what you need to - you've got plenty of miles in the bank now.

Longest run today - plan was 20 miles but I took it 22 just so I knew I could get there - still a bit in the legs at the end of it so starting to think I can make it. I struggled to get the pace down - my plan said 60 sec below race pace and the first 3 were more like 20 under but eventually managed to get it to settle down. Last 3 at more of a pace though. I also managed to find some rose scented epsom salts in TK Maxx so the thought of a scented bath and the start of taper got me round...

123InTheSky · 05/04/2023 07:17

So my marathon was Sunday just gone in Paris.

It didn’t quite go to plan as my stomach gave up at 20km, so I had no more gels after that point then dramatically slowed down after 30km as I felt horrific.

I managed 4:07 for my first marathon, but already planning the next one to bag my sub 4 given I was on for 3:55 before and feeling strong.

For everyone doing London and Manchester or with other marathons still to come, I love this sentiment.

‘Remember…this is the victory lap for all your miles of training’

Teawaster · 05/04/2023 11:00

Well done @123InTheSky . 4:07 is a great time for a first marsthon.
Sorry to hear that you have both been unwell @MatchesinEyes23 and @GrannieD and unable to do your last long runs as you would have liked.
Better to rest now and regain your energy for the event itself. The training is in the bag.
@Chesneyhawkes1, sorry to hear about your dog. Sounds like you have the miles in the bag too so I wouldn't worry.
After running a 10k and HM in Poland last week I did my last long run before London yesterday. It was tough enough as it was very windy here and I guess there are tired legs from last week, although I actually ran less than usual because of the races, although at faster paces.
I'm going to try and get my 13 due for this weekend done a bit early as I have a 5 mile race on Easter Monday, although I'm not too bothered about it.
Just looking forward to taper time. I enjoy 2 weeks of it but I hate the last week as the distances reduce further and I have to force myself to do little

GrannieD · 05/04/2023 12:55

123InTheSky · 05/04/2023 07:17

So my marathon was Sunday just gone in Paris.

It didn’t quite go to plan as my stomach gave up at 20km, so I had no more gels after that point then dramatically slowed down after 30km as I felt horrific.

I managed 4:07 for my first marathon, but already planning the next one to bag my sub 4 given I was on for 3:55 before and feeling strong.

For everyone doing London and Manchester or with other marathons still to come, I love this sentiment.

‘Remember…this is the victory lap for all your miles of training’

Well done on your first marathon, great time !! I watched it live on Eurosport…those cobbles and the wheelchair racers at end could have been a disaster !

I’ve just done a negative test so fingers crossed for another one tomorrow morning. Hopefully I can do Pilates class tomorrow night as stretching at home is never the same

BogRollBOGOF · 05/04/2023 16:46

123InTheSky · 05/04/2023 07:17

So my marathon was Sunday just gone in Paris.

It didn’t quite go to plan as my stomach gave up at 20km, so I had no more gels after that point then dramatically slowed down after 30km as I felt horrific.

I managed 4:07 for my first marathon, but already planning the next one to bag my sub 4 given I was on for 3:55 before and feeling strong.

For everyone doing London and Manchester or with other marathons still to come, I love this sentiment.

‘Remember…this is the victory lap for all your miles of training’

Well done for getting through it!

Halfway through my taper now and this week's "long run" is done. I'm quite enjoying the easing of niggles and being back to my normal ranges of distance, it's more casual running for fun now and easier to fit in.

I built up to 20mi, but between the snows and poorly children, I did that at the start of March and lost the chance to get out for 3+ hours after that point. I did manage a hard, hilly local 15 mi which was comparatively tougher than the gentler flat 16-20mi Jeffing intervals that I'd done so a fairly decent substitute.

I just need to get my head into gear for race day logistics now. I'd rather run 20 miles 😂

Forestcantrun · 05/04/2023 23:42

@123InTheSky well done on an excellent time in Paris.
@Chesneyhawkes1 my heart goes out to you. Look after yourself.

All going ok here, I’ve one medium sized run this weekend then the miles are going down. I’m finding it very difficult to get motivated at the moment. Grief had me fired up there for weeks and I was just running to distract myself, now I just want to sit in my pyjamas and eat biscuits! the rain is not helping!

RandomUsernameHere · 06/04/2023 21:38

Well done @123InTheSky !
Did my longest run before London yesterday of 32km. So nervous now!!! No particular reason, just the maranoia kicking in as always!