Spring Marathon 2025

[xsquared]

There doesn't seem to be a thread for those training for a marathon this spring so I thought I'd start one.

London and Manchester I believe, is in 12 weeks time. How is everyone finding the training so far?

I did London last year but I'm doing Boston this time round which os the week before London. It's a pretty hilly course going by what I've read so I am trying to incorporate a bit of elevation here and there especially in the longer runs.

Amazing! Well done!
I was meant to do that yesterday but am now following a training run which is increase every other week due to injury. So only 10 miles yesterday. Can’t believe I’ve just said ‘only’ 10 miles! Will be 25.5km next weekend. Feeling scared!
Hope recovery is going well today!

How is everyone getting on?

It's just under 6 weeks for me and I know that it's 7 for London.

Did a tough hill workout today, which I was dreading but the feeling of elation is immense when you get to the last downhill rep!

Intervals for me today, agree it's such a good feeling to get the last one done!
I did my first 20 miler of the training block last week, which went well. This year I'm following a plan which only increases the mileage on alternative weeks. Will be interesting to see how race day goes! Last year I did Hal Higdon which wasn't great for me.

I'm cutting back the training slightly this week as got a half marathon on Sunday. So I've just done an easy 10k. I decided to skip my intervals yesterday but perhaps the half on Sunday will be my speedwork instead 🙃 😜😅

I did a 30k long run on Sunday though and planning a 30k hilly trail race on 23rd March which I'll also take as training and not a race pace

My injury in this training block mean I’ve had to officially defer London and am continuing rehab for the foreseeable future. Am devestated but I suppose that’s life

Oh, what a shame! I hope your recovery goes well.

So sorry to hear that. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

20 miles done today. I just took it easy, not putting pressure on myself to do faster paces, and actually felt good at the end. I think better weather than the last couple of months also helped!

Thanks @xsquared and @RandomUsernameHere . I’ve been doing absolutely everything I’ve been directed to by physio so really hope to be fit to start racing late Summer all being well. No marathons this year though. I had 2 including London scheduled but I couldn’t do that to my body.
Am going to stay on this thread though to see how everyone gets on.

Got my long run done for this week so just one last 20+ miler to go now before the big day.
Probably my best training block yet (ie no injuries along the way - fingers crossed) but not counting those chickens yet.

Did my last 20 miler on Wedneaday and felt pretty good.
Did some long hill intervals yesterday and they weren't as bad as I was dreading.

Had a relaxed 5 miles today, with a bit on trail and will be doing a relay race tomorrow, but I'm in the slower team as I know I won't be at my fastest.

Not long to go now. Most of the harder runs are out the way, and I feel better now about the preparation I've done.

Longest run of the block 35km/22 miles done. Good to get that one out of the way!

Taper time for quite a few of us on this thread. Paris is next week, Boston the week after and Manchester and London the week after that.

How are we feeling? I'm pleased to get the hard long runs out the way. Today's parkrun sandwich of 14 miles felt good. Apart from waiting for parkrun to begin, I managed to get an average of marathon pace for a good chunk of it.

Hooray for the taper, @xsquared ! I did 20 yesterday and will be doing 15ish next week, with a chunk at MP.
Then a proper step down week before Manchester the week after.

Relieved and happy to be in the taper now after 20 miles done today. Proud of myself and exhausted! Well done to everyone on the last long runs 💪

I read your update on the long run thread @Starlightstargazer and I'm really pleased you got through the 20 miles feeling much better than last time.

The sense of relief at the end is overwhelming, having felt like an imposter a few weeks earlier. I know!

You know you can nail that marathon now!

Well, 20 weeks later, and I did it. Boston was an amazing experience but those last 6 miles felt so long and tough even after Heartbreak Hill!

I think I might just let my body recover and not do a marathon next year!

Good luck with London and Manchester for next week everyone.

Well done @xsquared ! Hope you've got your feet up with a cold drink and lots of carbs by now. Really glad to hear it was amazing.

Oh, I'll be treating myself to something like pizza and chip this evening!

Well done @xsquared I imagine the atmosphere in Boston was insane.

In terms of atmosphere and the overall experience, @xsquared , how did Boston compare to London?
I'm considering running Boston next year but am weighing up whether it's worth the expense of the flights etc.

Well done @xsquared!
@FeelinTwentySixPointTwoLondon doesn’t come anywhere close to Boston in my opinion. The atmosphere at Boston is so special. I suppose it’s different though being in holiday mode, so it’s bound to feel a bit more exciting. Will be interesting to see what others think.

The whole of the finish area is decked out in blue and yellow days before the race, and it's Marathon Mania along Boylston Street and Newbury Street. Everyone is hyped up for the big day and non runners treat you like a celebrity.

During the race itself, it feels very much like a festival or parade, everyone is out of the homes greeting runners, offering pretzels, orange slices, coke - the drinking kind, ice pops and it's joyous. I would say that the crowds are more supportive and really into the marathon compared to London.

If you can afford it, definitely go. Make a trip of it, and go a few days earlier to catch up with jet lag and visit places as well.

Thanks @xsquared - you're selling it! Did you take the family as well and if so, how did they find it from a spectators' perspective?
Not entirely comfortable with taking the kids out of school but then Boston is never going to fall in the Easter holidays (at least not in the near future while I'm running BQs anyway)