This month I will be running in The Virgin Money London Marathon. This time last year people would have assumed this is an April Fools joke but this year it’s not.
Having only started C25K in October 18 it’s been a huge personal challenge. I’ve stuck to a training plan but having a few wobbles as when I got my final instructions it has a timetable for when roads close.
As a slow plodder ther May well come a time when I have to finish it on pavements.
On long runs I average 15 min miles and medium runs I do around 14 mins per mile.
My question is do I try and do the first 6-7 miles at 14 minute pace to ensure I don’t have to do pavements too early on or should I be trying to do even pace at 15 minute miles throughout.
Good luck to all of you who are also doing VLM too x
Written by
Joruss
Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I would just go slow all the race. Slow and walk. Then you just might have enough for a short spurt at the finish
To get round on my first marathon (I’m 60 by the way) I did walk/run. I walked a minute every 2.5 km (sort of, give or take). I’ve been running longer than you but I know I couldn’t have run it all, let alone at pace
Good luck with it. It’ll go very quickly as there will be such a lot to see and take in that it will fly by 🙂👍🏃♀️
I would start as slow as possible to ensure you have something left in the tank at the end. It makes a huge difference by not going he’ll for leather at the start. You can save that for the finish line. Keep us posted 😎
Don't start too quickly. Honestly. I think misswobble is right to suggest a walk / run strategy too. Have you tried it on your training runs? Good luck, you will have an amazing time. I did it 2 years ago, and it was an incredible experience! Enjoy!
I'm nowhere near that target, very well done you, wishing you all the best!
Not long before l go for my first half marathon and although l can do 'faster' the key for us is slow. The idea is to finish, forget about time, do a slow mo, and you'll be fine
Thanks everyone. Sorry I forgot to add that I have a run walk strategy. Although I can run I have found that run walk doesn’t make a great deal of difference in my time but it does make a huge difference in fatigue and mental strength knowing you only have a short run time before a little walk.
I’ve worked this out against the reopening of roads so if all goes to plan 15 minute miles should be ok - I’ve also trained on an undulating route and I understand London is largely flat.
Hope I’ve worked these out right as I’m going to take a copy with me on the day. This assumes I will cross the start line at 10.40 as they are setting off the start in waves - 10.40 is the time they have given for the last wave to cross the start line.
Cutty Sark ( 6.5 miles @15 minute miles) = 1 hr 38 mins = time approx 12:18 pm
Tower Bridge (12.5 miles @ 15 minute miles) = 3 hrs 8 mins = time approx 13:48 pm
Canary Wharf ( 18.5 miles @ 15 minute miles ) = 4 hrs 38 minutes = time approx 15:18 pm
Tower of London ( 22.7 miles @ 15 minute miles ) = Time approx 4:21 pm
The Mall ( 26.2 miles @15 minute miles) = time approx 17:15
No advice as I am not at Marathon stage yet, but wanted to wish you great success. It looks like you have a very sound strategy going in. Would love to do this one someday. Best of luck!
Thank u - if I can do this anyone can. I’m not competitive though so time doesn’t matter to me as long as I finish before the cutoff time to get the medal and official time.
It sounds like you are all set to really enjoy this event Joruss. And from what others are saying, you will have plenty of time before the cutoff. Good luck!
I also have no advice, other than go slow, enjoy and drink in the atmosphere, if it were me, it would be a once in a lifetime thing, and I’d want enjoy every single step, I wouldn’t care about time/pace.
All the very best to you, I’m sure you will be magnificent. 👏
Aww thank you - time doesn’t matter to me really as long as I finish before the cut off time. I’d rather do as much on the roads as I can as it’s easier than going up and down paths in the latter stages lol.
I always thought it be once in a lifetime but I did this 29 years ago and said never again. Hadn’t run for 27 years until I found out I’d been accepted so only started running in Oct 17 with C25K. I am going to enjoy it and yes this is definately my last London Marathon 😂😂😂
Can't really offer any advice but there are words from wise heads above. Just to say I did a big event and definitely didn't get over the start line at the time they said and it will then be very congested for a while so be prepared to re-adjust your times. Good luck, that's such an amazing achievement.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Don't worry about the roads closing, they are very generous with the time - you should finish long before the cut off!
London Landmarks half marathon 
Virtual London Marathon 
London Marathon Volunteering
