Marathon first timers 2024

[LittleLize]

Hello! I thought I’d start a marathon thread for those of us signed up for our first marathon.

I’m running Manchester for Cancer Research. I did a couple of half marathons this year, and am 55, so thought it’s now or never!

Had minor surgery a few weeks ago, so today was my first run in 5 weeks. Just going to slowly build up the miles over the next few weeks

Well done @LittleLize for doing 12 miles yesterday. It will get easier overtime as you increase the mileage.

Due a 7 mile run tomorrow but forecast is for 55mph winds. Not sure what I do now!

I hate wind for running, especially when doing intervals amd speed work, but go out anyway!

Just seen this thread pop up on Active.
Like some previous posters I'm turning 50 in 2024 and doing Brighton as my first (only?) marathon.
I've been running 5 years and have done 3 half marathons during this year.
Currently sort of following a training plan from Women's Running magazine, but I believe the organisers of Brighton are sending out a plan early in the new year, so I might look at that too.
Good luck and happy running!

I love women’s running magazine!
Anyone listen to their podcast? It’s my go-to when I’m running!

Marathons are behind me, but I'm just wishing good luck to everybody train8ng for one this year 👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Well done on everyone's recent runs ...as this week is a deload week for me just a 10k for my long run today (heading out in a bit ) ...Runna says to push the pace on this so will see how I get on!

@DreamingofGinoclock good luck!! A Runna question if you don’t mind- I’m starting a plan with them on Monday. I have a Garmin and have linked Runna to this and Strava. Do you know if the run workouts will appear in my watch, or do I need to programme them separately?

When you go to run on the screen before you press go, press up and then workouts and they should be there to select.

Or alternatively you can add to your calendar in connect app ...they will be in the workouts section of connect app and add to calendar on day you want to do.

Then will automatically ask you if you want to do that workout on your watch when you go to run.

Hope the above makes sense!

Also I think the calendar thing may be automatic in next update as I saw them mentioning something of the sort (may already be but I messed up the plan dates in Runna when setting up!)

As long as my plan has synced with my Garmin it offers me the planned run when I select Run on my watch (assuming I’m running on the right day! You can move runs around in Runna if needed).

Haven’t decided if I like it on my watch though. I’m hopeless at remembering what I’m meant to be doing next!

Just popping on to say, fantastic - good luck ladies. Enjoy the process!

How’s it going for everyone? My plan today calls for hill training, which is a first for me. I’m away at the moment and it’s very hilly, so no shortage of choice. There may well be shortage of breath though!! I think I’m putting it off by posting here …..

Going well here so far, this first week of my 16 week plan I've done an easy 6k, Tempo 7k and an intervals 7k. Just my 14k long run for this week to go!

I don't seem to have any hill workouts on my plan at all... although did have one session in my baseline plan ....which I was also dreading but actually ended up really enjoying!

My plan started this week. First run was 5km easy. So I did NYD parkrun. Except I set a parkrun PB. So Runna has revised my plan - the target paces all look a bit more daunting, but they were very relaxed before.

So, need to work on running slowly!

Today is a hot spot run. It’s the first training run that I’m doing solo. I’m dreading it! But I need to get my head round it.

On the lookout for podcasts and running playlists. Amazon have got rid of my go-to playlists ☹️ (80s Rock and Pop for Runners & More 80s Rock and Pop for Runners).

I'm using Runna too - done an interval and a tempo run so far. Both felt challenging but were totally doable so I'm feeling positive so far.

Done 2 strength training sessions as well at the gym, as I'm predisposed to weak knees so need to try and keep up with that as much as possible if I'm to get to the marathon in one piece!

Hope everyone else is off to a good start.

Week 1 for me too. Have done 2 x 5k’s and an 8k. Sunday I’ve got a 12k to do.
I seem to have pulled my knee. Soooo frustrating. I’ve run 3 times a week for weeks now and all been fine, then first week of marathon training and it’s pulling.
Anyone know how to stretch the inner part of the knee out?

as for podcasts..I listen to Womens Running podcast. Bloody love it, they make me laugh a lot and there’s a lot of good advice on it too. They release 2 a week so often something to listen to.

I find it hard listening to music as I don’t concentrate on it and then get fixated on the run, which I then struggle with. With a podcast, I get engrossed, so forget about the running process.

Arghhh. Went for a short easy 10K yesterday and my knee has decided to give up on my. Sure it’s my MCL. Am absolutely gutted. I’m elevating and icing etc. No swelling just feels twisted.

is this my marathon dream over? 😢

anyone?

Oh I’m sorry to hear that @Bananaandmarmite ! Can you get to a physio next week to find out what you’re dealing with. Don’t lose hope.

This week’s long run done. Very muddy in parts so walked those! Looking forward to being back on known routes next week

I’ve got a physio appointment booked for Thursday anyway. I see him once a month just for an mot. I’m praying it’s going to be ok.
Ive had some really difficult times in the last year and the dream of the marathon was keeping me sane

Did my long run this morning - 14k progressive run ...didn't eat before hand so need to sort that out ...first bit although slower pace was harder as was uphill!

Good luck with the physio tomorrow @Bananaandmarmite.

I managed 5 runs last week, which is a first (and possibly last!) for me. Am going through the phase of being hungry all the time - I remember this with training for the half’s last year but can’t remember if it got better or I just ate more!

Omg I am sooo hungry all the time at the moment 🤣

I have been consistently managing 4 runs from since November... I'm just hoping I can keep it up 🤞🏽

Have done three runs on a row this week due to juggling with work commitments tomorrow and then having to do my long one Friday eve due to weekend plans! ...does mean I get two days off in a row at the weekend 🎉

Week 3/16 done. Full on week, mainly because I forgot how far away the hill was for my hill training!

15 mile long run today, and 33 miles for the week. Luckily next week is a recovery week!

Well done @LittleLize on your 15 miler.

You've earned your recovery week!

Fab @LittleLize!

Im still injured. Feel like having a big cry over it! Have dreamt for years of doing this marathon! Have raised all the money already for my charity place too!
my knee is still stiff and sore. Apparently a pinched meniscus plus bursitis.

I did Cardiff Half in oct and was still doing 8-10 miles easy.

I did 4 miles today as that’s all my physio would let me. Ok to run but very sore afterwards for couple hours. But ok again now.

just don’t know how to play it!! just so sad

I'm sorry to hear that @Bananaandmarmite

No bright ideas from me unfortunately, but I can feel how upset you are in your post and I hope it heals swiftly. Injuries are maddening.