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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:
GrannieD · 27/02/2023 17:51

Well done. Trick is to tie up with an hair bobble !

londonmummy1966 · 27/02/2023 23:20

@Forestcantrun - so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.

I managed to mess up my half marathon dates thought it was yesterday but is next month. So I went out and did a hilly 13 miles and was really gutted with the time (only 10 minutes less than last weekends 15 and 20 minutes longer than a half usually takes me). Feel I bit flat today but have also been sniffling a bit so hoping that its just being under the weather than has knocked my speed.

Its quite a heavy week running wise this week - 18 miles mid week and an 18 mile long run which I'm going to have to do a day early as I've got a big night out on Saturday and there's no way I'd be able to do 18 miles after that.🍾

Original poster
xsquared · 27/02/2023 23:25

Oh, that's a shame @londonmummy1966 , but the upside is you have more time to train for the HM.

Don't be too disheartened about the time taken on you 13 miles. As you say, it was a hilly route so that will make it harder and therefore slower.

Just try to recover properly for now and not be too bogged down with times.

Good luck with the 18 miles.

OP posts:
londonmummy1966 · 27/02/2023 23:27

@xsquared - thank you!

Fizbosshoes · 01/03/2023 22:55

Sorry to hijack but thought this might be a good place to seek advice. During my long run on Sunday my left knee was really painful and I had to stop running a few times then it would be ok for a mile or so and then I'd feel it again, especially on downhill sections. I've had this issue before and saw a chiropractor who seemed to resolve/manage it....but I wasn't marathon training before (also it's the opposite knee!🙄) Since Sunday my left calf has been unbearably tight, despite stretching, foam rolling, spiky ball, self massage, deep freeze, ibuprofen etc. I'm seeing the chiropractor tomorrow but wondering if I need to see someone else to ascertain the problem. I can find the worst source of pain with my thumbs if that makes sense - in the fleshy bit of the inside of my calf. I've never seen a physio or anyone like that but wondering if I would get a better pic of what's wrong if I did?

Original poster
xsquared · 01/03/2023 23:09

Fizbosshoes · 01/03/2023 22:55

Sorry to hijack but thought this might be a good place to seek advice. During my long run on Sunday my left knee was really painful and I had to stop running a few times then it would be ok for a mile or so and then I'd feel it again, especially on downhill sections. I've had this issue before and saw a chiropractor who seemed to resolve/manage it....but I wasn't marathon training before (also it's the opposite knee!🙄) Since Sunday my left calf has been unbearably tight, despite stretching, foam rolling, spiky ball, self massage, deep freeze, ibuprofen etc. I'm seeing the chiropractor tomorrow but wondering if I need to see someone else to ascertain the problem. I can find the worst source of pain with my thumbs if that makes sense - in the fleshy bit of the inside of my calf. I've never seen a physio or anyone like that but wondering if I would get a better pic of what's wrong if I did?

Sorry to hear about your knee. I would definitely see a physio about it and see what they say. They may massage the area or give you exercises to do once they diagnose the problem.

OP posts:
Forestcantrun · 01/03/2023 23:24

@Fizbosshoes i second @xsquared advice and recommend seeing a physio, sooner rather than later.

GrannieD · 04/03/2023 19:44

Oh my days finally cracked my long run! 20 miles done today. Was planning 18 but had a detour at the resers. Just had Chinese chippy tea to replenish the salt.

Feel like it's a bit more achievable now.

BogRollBOGOF · 05/03/2023 13:04

My 20 miles is also done! It was a slog as I wasn't full power after last weeks race, but it was better to get it done before the weather changes for the worse. I've still got a couple of weeks to play with before tapering but knowing that 20 is ticked off leaves me a bit more flexible on fitting in long runs and balancing recovery. I have a niggle around my shin coming out a couple of days after long runs. I'm having an MOT next week anyway, so that might help, and I can play with more mid-length runs rather than squeezing in max-distance.

Original poster
xsquared · 05/03/2023 15:00

Well done on your long runs!
I did mine today at a running event. Completed 5 loops of 7k, bringing it up to 35k/22 miles.

Not feeling too bad, considering it's the longest I've ever ran and did XC yesterday.

I think I will make this week a down week.

OP posts:
GrannieD · 05/03/2023 16:56

Well done to us !!! We’ve got this

due to other commitments my next long run will be Sunday but the weatherman today has predicted snow. Might just have to loop an off road stretch as long as it’s not icy. Fingers crossed

Fizbosshoes · 05/03/2023 18:23

Well done everyone, brilliant milestone to get to 20 miles! (Or 22!)
and thanks for advice. I'm seeing a physio next week.
I was meant to be racing today but decided to be sensible....got major FOMO now.
But my reason for marathon training was to try and get a gfa time for London next year....so I'm hoping by resting now I might be able to resolve the issue and give myself more of a chance on marathon day

HoopaPoop · 05/03/2023 18:46

8 miles today and gradual wind now until the big day

Teawaster · 05/03/2023 20:27

I did 20 miles yesterday, my 4th one since I started my plan. My pace has been getting slightly quicker so I'm happy enough .
Well done everyone

londonmummy1966 · 05/03/2023 20:33

Well done on all the big 2 zeros. "Just" 18 for me today. I was a bit apprehensive as it has been a couple of weeks since I had a long one but I got through it with enough in tank to put my foot down for the last couple of miles (left it until I'd finished all the hills). I've also been really conscious of trying not to go off too fast and chatting to myself periodically to make sure I could. I suspect some people who saw me in the first couple of miles thought I was barking mad.

Forestcantrun · 05/03/2023 22:05

Amazing work everyone on the super long runs.
I did a half marathon this weekend to get back in the game. It was hard but its reassuring to get some miles back in my feet and I’m back on track on my plan

DaysofHoney · 09/03/2023 20:08

Evening runners 😁

just checking in, think I was here a while back with a different username!

how’s everyone getting ok?

I did half marathon two weeks ago in 1:58, very happy as expected 2:05 at least! Have been building to bigger since, and going to do 20 mile on Sun 19th, ahead of London Marathon!

Went for 15 miles last weekend and did in under 2.5hrs, but suspect I’m going to meet “the wall” when I try to go longer.

I haven’t used gels so far, has anyone got any tips on how to introduce them? Think I need something more than haribo!

Original poster
xsquared · 09/03/2023 21:11

Welcome (back) to the thread @DaysofHoney amd Well done with your HM time.

I'm surprised you haven't used gels at all. Have you used any form of fueling for your long runs, and not just water?

If you like mint, then I highly recommend Kendal Mint Company gels. They have raspberry, citrus, citrus caffeine, chocolate and classic mint flavour gels. I have used them for a while and find them refreshing rather than sickly.

It is recommended that you start your first gel an hour into the run, then every 40 minutes or so after that.

Since I started training for the marathon, I've decided to try cliff bloks and veloforte as well. It's a bit like eating blocks of raw jelly cubes.

OP posts:
DaysofHoney · 09/03/2023 21:29

No fuelling no, except normal sensible diet (a few extra oats and bananas perhaps)… but I am feeling the legs fatigue by the end of a HM distance.

I saw Revvies advertised online the other day - they look quite good I might try those. I tried a friends gel the other week and it made me feel really ill.

im also looking into a running belt as generally just go out with earbuds and grab water on the course, but I think I might need to carry some snacks with me?!

Original poster
xsquared · 09/03/2023 22:46

DaysofHoney · 09/03/2023 21:29

No fuelling no, except normal sensible diet (a few extra oats and bananas perhaps)… but I am feeling the legs fatigue by the end of a HM distance.

I saw Revvies advertised online the other day - they look quite good I might try those. I tried a friends gel the other week and it made me feel really ill.

im also looking into a running belt as generally just go out with earbuds and grab water on the course, but I think I might need to carry some snacks with me?!

Yes, you need to consume some form of energy during your long runs. You can just about get away without taking anything on a half marathon, but don't underestimate the struggle your mind and body will encounter due to fatigue over the long, long distances.

Try clifbloks if gels are not your thing.

OP posts:
londonmummy1966 · 09/03/2023 22:57

I bought a nathan belt as my phone fits in one pocket. I'm fuelling with 3 dried apricots every 30 minutes and they fit in the other belt pocket. Then a gel every 8 miles or so - I like Mountain fuel chia seed gels as they are pretty normal ingredients wise. They fit in the long leg pocket on my tights (with room for my gymboss as well as I Jeff). I carry salt sticks in the back pocket of my tights and take one each time I stop for water (every 45 mins or so). WOrking so far. I tried a Lucozade gel last week as they give them out in London but they do not work with my digestive system. Mercifully I left it until 4 miles from home as any longer and I would have had to seek out a loo.....

Fizbosshoes · 09/03/2023 23:47

I really struggled with lucozade gels as well and felt like I would throw up when I had them.
I now use torq gels and find them bearable.

Having not done much for 2 weeks I did a 6 mile run today which felt OK (in pouring rain!) so hoping I can get back on track and get at least one more long run in.

Teawaster · 10/03/2023 01:01

DaysofHoney · 09/03/2023 21:29

No fuelling no, except normal sensible diet (a few extra oats and bananas perhaps)… but I am feeling the legs fatigue by the end of a HM distance.

I saw Revvies advertised online the other day - they look quite good I might try those. I tried a friends gel the other week and it made me feel really ill.

im also looking into a running belt as generally just go out with earbuds and grab water on the course, but I think I might need to carry some snacks with me?!

I tried revvies way back and thought they were awful. They left a terrible aftertaste in my mouth for ages and they stuck to my palate. I tried all flavours as I got a multipack.
I have started to use Maurtens which I find quite good. They have a funny jelly like texture but are pretty tasteless and are easy on the stomach. I think they are popular but are pricy.

Forestcantrun · 10/03/2023 21:59

I use Tailwind. You make the powder up to 500ml. Took a lot of experimenting but I’ve found a belt to carry it finally. Tailwind is expensive too but I find it easy to take, you can put the lid on it unlike a gel and most of the flavours I’ve tried so far are palatable.
Im going to keep some Perch Pigs in the belt too though incase I need a solid pick me up😂

GrannieD · 11/03/2023 09:37

Lacking motivation this week. I need to go today as it could be snowing again tomorrow. Enjoy your runs everyone!