Week 11- Marathon training - claiming a sub 4 ... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

133,934 members159,343 posts

Week 11- Marathon training - claiming a sub 4 hour marathon.

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate
18 Replies

I am very much heads down at the moment with training. I am sticking to it but feel like I have gone off the boil (it has been suggested I have peaked to soon - ha!)

This week I had a very nervous Tuesday - literally gave me nightmares. A colleague and I were to run on a treadmill at work to complete- a Marathon between us-- each to complete a half marathon in 4 mile relays. I was so nervous - because he is a much faster runner than me and I was really worried about making a twonk of myself. So to combat nerves - I elected to run first- cheered by some lovely work mates. I was so wound up i actually did manage to run faster for each stint and it became a great workout. Between us we completed in 3 hours 50 min Marathon- amaze balls. So i didn't let myself down or make a prize idiot of myself. And proved I can run faster with the right motivation :-)

Work ridiculously busy - so curtailed much of any other activity this week.

Managed a 45 min spin session yesterday- masochistically hard!!!

Today - My long run day - I was tired after a tough week at work. I also had a very late night waiting up for my 16 year old to return from a party.....I wasn't at my best this morning, grumpy and just not in the mood. Despite the near perfect running conditions- warm with a cooling breeze, the sun shining and all should have been well with the world. And it was- I just didn't feel like running. But I also know if I don't run I will feel like I have failed. My compromise was an hour in the gym and an hours running. Did the Gym- treadmill and cross trainer. And then could not be bothered with run and drove home. By the time I got home (not long) - convinced myself that I had to do something or it was all a waste of time and I would spend the weekend berating myself. Ran a good 4/5 miles - quite enjoyed it- in fact quite looking fwd to the days post April when I can just go out for a 4/5/6 mile run. not enough running really - but still out doing something for 2 hours.

So what have l Iearnt this week- actually I can run faster if I put my mind to it- just need the right incentives. That sub 30 min 5k, 60 min 10k and possibly a sub 2 hour HM -could be on the agenda. (We shall see!). On the long front I am struggling a bit - not with the thought of running - but to be honest I do get a bit bored and it is a bit lonely. But as I and others keep telling me - if a Marathon was easy we would all be doing it all the time....so maybe I need to take that into account.

Current pre-occupations - how to fuel on long runs - settling down into SIS energy bars and isotonic gels - which are gentler on the stomach - and sweeties. Music what will be the perfect play list

.....and get this I will (amongst 1000s) of others be running in the footsteps and the same race as Mo Farah- how completely fantastic is that.

Thanks for reading - Happy running:-)

Written by
suzybenj profile image
suzybenj
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
18 Replies
iwillbefit profile image
iwillbefitGraduate

I feel a bit of a fraud replying to you! We'll done for where you've got to and the treadmill race with your workmate - what an achievement. You mentioned your music playlist. Have you tried listening to any speech.programmes? My favourite is desert island discs (huge podcast library on radio 4). Not for everyone I know but thought I'd mention it! All the best as you work toward your goal - maybe then you can join your. 16 year old late night partying!!

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate in reply to iwillbefit

I wondered about desert island discs - I do enjoy them- I will check them out. Thank you.

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

Well done Marathon Queen.. Sounds like you are getting there...you may prefer ear plugs if there are plenty of crowds , on the music front I bought Running Trax 2014 by the ministry of sound especially for Bath and it has some good running beats!!!

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate in reply to ju-ju-

Thanks JJ- V hungover this morn - too much compensatory wine last night. Off to Rugby touch line now with my sunnies on - lovely:-)

gypsydepp profile image
gypsydeppGraduate

Suzy.....I think you're a hero!

I managed my first 5k of 2014 yesterday, I graduated 2 years ago, but was injured last autumn.

It was really hard, I just can't imagine doing what you do.

Legend x

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate in reply to gypsydepp

Thank you so much. This running is an up and down thing- i feel pleased with progress so far - but have also and my periods of no running or exercise- just pleased where I am now :-)

Jennyh543 profile image
Jennyh543

Amazing progress! I'm in awe :)

If I was running the London Marathon one tune I'd have on my iPod is the London Marathon theme tune they play on the BBC. I think it's called The Trap. It makes me all emotional when I hear it even though I've never run 26 miles.

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate in reply to Jennyh543

The Trap -I' m on it - thank you

carole01 profile image
carole01Graduate

Oh my gosh! Cannot imagine running that long!!!! Hoping to reach my 7k mark today and will think of you for motivation! Good luck with the marathon I am sure your family must be very proud! :)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

It seems very hard work this marathon lark so hats off to you for going for it. I understand how long and lonely those practice runs must be - mile after mile, day after day but I suppose that's the stuff that makes us what we are. You'll be a stronger person for it - not just physically but in your mindset too. Just think when you've finished your quest and you pass the marathon finish line, and can say "I'm a marathon runner", just imagine that! What a sensation. It sets you apart from the rest of us mere mortals. Keep going and stay strong. We're right behind you. LOL

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate in reply to misswobble

Thank you - you are very kind- I knew it would be hard - but I have been surprised at the different range of challenges- which in a sense is half the battle - conquering the demons :-)

notbad profile image
notbadGraduate

Congrats on that relay that sounds really hard work - especially with everyone watching, must have been nerve wracking. Best wishes for next weeks training. :-)

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate in reply to notbad

Thanks for your support not bad. I was totally nervous in the week- but feel pleased with the outcome. Off to Spain end of the week - which is where I started C25k last year in April. running shoes packed :-)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

A change is as good as a rest they say and I bet a change of scenery will give a fillip to your training. I suspect running there won't even feel like training!

Have a lovely time

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate in reply to misswobble

:-) - you are right - the scenery is amazing and so restful to the mind. the only thing I have to contend with is running faster fleeing dogs :-)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Hmmm dogs! I run on the trails (when I can get on them - flooded at the moment!) and loose dogs can be a problem as they always want to run with you and are so fussy. I've not had any nasty ones that want to bite me, thankfully! I do get jumped up at very often and my clean running pants end up covered in paw marks. Maybe I smell of tripe! LOL

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70

Wow sounds like a hectic schedule! I think you're doing a fantastic job, i have to admire you for your dedication in getting through each week! Keep up the great work. I've just been reading the "Running like a girl " book, so understand a little more of the high and lows of doing a marathon.................

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate in reply to aliboo70

Thanks aliboo- busy planning my runs this week - and where I can fit them in :-)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Sub 2 hour marathon

Is anyone else following the attempt to beat the 2 hour marathon barrier tomorrow at Monza? I for...

Week 10 - Marathon Training- Easy does it:-)

I am all smiles this week - at last my rather creaky body is starting to adapt to the rigours of...

Week 1 - Marathon Training!!

Never thought I would be typing those words. I started c25k in April 2013 and was somehow...

Half Marathon 'Training': Running Once a Week?

Winter, injury and general 'blah' has done a bit of a number on my running activity and I've scaled...

Week 4

Just completed week 4 day 2 finding the 5 min run hard although completing them I'm running on a...