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Original poster

2024 marathon

27 replies

raspberrytart · 24/04/2023 18:41

Inspired by all the amazing runners yesterday ive completely lost my mind and entered the ballot for next year.
Have been a halfer in the past and that was a few years ago but nothing on this scale.
Anyone else in their 50s thinking they are still in their prime...

OP posts:
xsquared · 24/04/2023 22:48

Hello @raspberrytart,

That's how I started. Running half marathon at least once a month, and then on a whim entered the ballot. Didn't get in though. New year's day however, I entered Manchester Marathon on the spur of the moment.

Someone in our running club in her 50s has just run her marathon PB in London, so I don't see why you can't do it!

I hope you're successful. I've entered the ballot, and entering through GFA, but I'm not so sure whether I'd get in still. It's a dream, and I'll keep trying every year!

AuntieStella · 25/04/2023 20:12

Good luck in the ballot!

I'm aiming to get back to the levels of fitness just before the start of the pandemic, when I ran 9 Halfs in a year plus a 20-mile race (I gave myself January and August off)

I'm in my 50s, and I know I can still do it!

Original poster
raspberrytart · 27/04/2023 08:21

Thanks both. Ill be bricking it if i do get a place. Im 3 months post bowel surgery so now is a good time to get some practice ( and motivation)

OP posts:
Idratherbepaddleboarding · 08/05/2023 21:29

My sister and I are doing Manchester in 2024. At the moment I can only do 10k but I think I can build the mileage up pretty quickly once my new trainers arrive 🤞.

Frazzled1502 · 08/05/2023 22:44

I’ve just been given a charity place for London 2024! Bricking it!! I’ll be 50 next year too!

I ran 3 half’s about 30yrs ago and dabbled in 10k’s since that. But not run for 2 years. I entered to make me get back to running!!

new running shoes ordered and lots of training plans studied.

im ready to start again!!

Chesneyhawkes1 · 08/05/2023 22:48

I'm planning to do London 2024 too!

I'm going to follow an actual plan this time too, not just download one and ignore it 😂

londonmummy1966 · 08/05/2023 23:09

Just wanted to say good for you @raspberrytart. I did London this year - my first ever marathon and I'm in my 50s. Training is hard work but the day was amazing - the crowds really pull you along. My advice though is to try and find a longer plan - most seem to be 16 weeks. I started as soon as I got my ballot place which allowed for a bit of time out/reduction in training for a couple of weeks when i picked up a bit of a niggle. At a more mature age I think a 6 month training plan is more practical. Also might be worth looking at the Jeff Galloway run walk method as it probably won't slow you down but will be kinder on joints etc.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 11/05/2023 21:42

How is everyone getting on? My new trainers arrived yesterday so I did 5k to wear them in bit today I felt good and comfortable so did 10k. I took 3 mins of my previous time with my new shoes 😵.

Frazzled1502 · 11/05/2023 23:22

I did my first run/walk tonight. I’m following ‘couch to marathon’ training plan. Seems reasonable.
I had really tight hamstring that hampered my session though.

I’ve had a knee injury in the past on the same leg and also a hip injury from cycling. Got physio tomorrow morning so hoping they can work some magic.

Came home and stretched loads so hoping I’ll be ok soon. Aerobically I felt totally fine. Just this one hamstring grrrr

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 16/05/2023 21:38

Well done @Frazzled1502! I did a 10k tonight but nearly gave up after about 2k as the wind in my face made it hard to breathe! Glad I pushed through and did it but it’s a shame I couldn’t do my favourite route along the sea wall as the wind was ridiculous ☹️.

Frazzled1502 · 16/05/2023 22:05

Idratherbepaddleboarding - love your username. I totally agree 😂. Well done on your run though

yes the wind is amazing currently. I live in Cornwall and it’s gorgeous but wild. And also very hilly! I’m trying to find somewhere flat to start again but it’s a bit tricky.

I used (years ago) to run miles. But stopped due to injury. I’ve had physio the last few weeks so need to start again but I’m fearful also.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 17/05/2023 21:53

@Frazzled1502 thanks, we had our first paddle of the season on Saturday! We live up north but the wind is the same 😂. Where I live is totally flat which is great for building up miles but not so much for practising hills. You actually run (very slightly) up hill from my house to get to the sea so we must live below sea level!

You’ll be best building up your miles slowly to avoid injury!

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 19/05/2023 18:16

Another 10k done last night 🏃🏼‍♀️. I could definitely have managed 12k but it was getting late. I really wanna run tonight but know I need to stick to my plan to avoid injury and getting over tired so I’m gonna do a bit of self care, die my hair, do my nails and fake tan instead!

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 27/05/2023 11:16

Is anyone still here? I managed 11k today, was supposed to be 12 but I got too hot and stared to feel headachey and my shorts started chafing. I’ve also managed to sweat all my fake tan off 🙈.

Frazzled1502 · 27/05/2023 14:21

That’s a great run.
I’ve hurt my knee. Panicking it’s going to set me back but I’m not able to run. Soooooo frustrating 😫

xsquared · 26/11/2023 23:57

Anyone still here? How is everyone's training coming along? I suppose it's getting harder to fit long runs in atm with it being much colder and darker in the mornings.

I'm waiting for an email from TCS London Marathon for my GFA entry. My buffer was only 5 minutes so I'm trying not to get my hopes up.

If I don't get in, I may have a look at Edinburgh.

Can anyone recommend any others they've done?

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 27/11/2023 09:16

@xsquared also (very!!!) impatiently waiting for GFA results, it’s rare that women who make the time don’t get in, I’ve got in with about 15 seconds buffer before now…
However after Boston I’m not hugely confident. I’ll do a European one if I don’t get in, but Rotterdam is already sold out! Which was my first choice.

Chesneyhawkes1 · 27/11/2023 12:19

I'm still here. I'm waiting for London championship entries to open, so I can enter.

Have also entered Berlin for next year too.

LittleLize · 27/11/2023 14:06

Hello! Marking my place - will (hopefully!) be running Manchester. First timer, 55, feeling daunted by talk of Boston and GFA times, but here!

xsquared · 27/11/2023 16:36

LittleLize · 27/11/2023 14:06

Hello! Marking my place - will (hopefully!) be running Manchester. First timer, 55, feeling daunted by talk of Boston and GFA times, but here!

Welcome @LittleLize .

Manchester was my first marathon too, which is where I ran a GFA time before knowing there was such thing!

Do you have a particular time in mind?

Enjoy the training. It is tough and intense at times, but I did my long runs with my running partner, which made the miles pass a bit quicker. That could be worth considering.

xsquared · 27/11/2023 17:10

I got in! Really nervous and excited now!

LittleLize · 27/11/2023 17:31

Wow @xsquared ! That is very exciting!

My first half marathon time was 2:14, so realistically my best case is probably about 4:45ish. (My second half marathon was 2:24 but it was in 30 degree heat so I’m ignoring that!).

Been off for 5 weeks after surgery and did my first run back this morning. So not an ideal base, but hey ho.

Ponks · 27/11/2023 17:37

This is such an inspirational thread! I started running again this year (in my 50s) and am enjoying it more than I did in my 30s . Beat my 10k pb and in a moment of madness have booked in for a half marathon next March!
Was super excited and building up the miles nicely but now laid low with covid. Fingers crossed no long term effects.

xsquared · 27/11/2023 17:42

Thanks @LittleLize.

Just build up the mileage gradually, and be consistent with your workouts and runs.

Good luck with the post surgery recovery and training.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 28/11/2023 07:56

I’m still here. I did my first half marathon this month which was fine and am doing another in December. I can’t imagine having to do twice the distance in the full marathon though!