I have been busily training away in the background on my marathon adventure. The event is booked but I can still drop down to hm until mid march if training doesn't go well. The last 4-5 weeks have been increasing distances from 13.5, 14.5, 15.5 and then a 16.8 which became 18 miles as I felt quite good! I have been running 3 times a week with 6 and 5-8 mile runs in addition to the long run. I have been pleased with my progress so far and have taken a cut back week this week with a 6.5 miler, a 10.5miler followed by a sports massage. My legs are a bit achy today to I may do a 5 mile run at the weekend. The next four weeks on my plan is a bit muddled due to working weekends so the long run has to move to a Thursday or Friday. I have seen a run coach about accompanying me on some of those long runs as the other marathon runners in our run group do weekend runs only. I am hoping to get up to 20 or 22 miles!
Kit wise, my legs have been ok with my current trainers until I got to 18 miles. I suffered a small blister on my big toe on the outer edge of my shoe. The toe box is roomy and I wear toe socks so it is frustrating! I need to work out how to protect that bit of my big toe! Otherwise I am possibly going to buy the next pair of trainers......
So I am still running and my legs haven't fallen off yet. My long runs are slow, maybe slower than I would like but heyho!
I only trained up to 30k for the marathon which was (just) enough to get me to the finish looking like a "runner". If you've got to 30k + in goid shape then you are in clover imho. When is your race?
The date has changed to 5th may from end of April. So I have a bit of time to train still. I think the longest runs are at the end of march before tapering (well life gets a bit in the way!!). The 18 miles felt good but I will see how it goes next weekend when I attempt the 18 mile run again. I don't think I have it cracked!!
I know it is a massive commitment and totally overwhelming at the moment. I just keep plodding on a bit at a time. The long runs are getting to 3.5 hours long so a big chunk of the day by the time I get back, stretched, bathed and fed. Fortunately my other half is very understanding. The kids are ok with it so far.
I keep getting books about marathon training from the library and none of them really agree, and they all assume their Plan is doable
Because of time, cash and ability - I think it's like watching the "Home Improvement" type shows, those guys have state if the art tools, prime materials, experts to call on etc
So - you posting your experience is worth gold!
Please - keep us updated, it's inspiring and comforting to know it's NOT "easily done"
Thanks Irish-John! I have read some books, looked at marathon plans with 5 runs a week with cross training etc and I just couldn't fit that with work and family. I have also heard people hardly training at all and surviving a marathon. I have paid for some sports massages and some accompanied long runs with a run coach. I find solo runs this far harder than my HM training. I also need to allow some recovery between runs, hence three or four runs a week and keep injury free. This week is cutback week with night work etc so a sports massage and rest is in order. I hope I can keep going to complete my victory lap, only time will tell.
Wow. I'm super impressed. I really can' imagine going a step over HM distance, and with young children as well you are doing an amazing job! All the very
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First 10 mile run!
Still training for GSR
Another Manchester Marathon Race Report
Another pretty disastrous attempt at distance ☹️
