Things are hotting up now, eek!

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!

[Lordi Marathon]

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?

[Hidden in reply to Lordi]

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!!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Sounds as though training is going well RFD - really well done on your run and good luck ! We totally believe you can do this, you know!🙂

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra! I don't know that I believe I can do it yet but hopefully if training goes well and injury free I might start believing 😉

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Well done you, a marathon is such a massive commitment.

[Hidden in reply to Whatsapp]

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.

[Whatsapp Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I'm sure they are very proud of you.

[Irish-John Marathon]

I love a post from the "real world"

Thank you RFD

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"

[Hidden in reply to Irish-John]

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.

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Will be cheering for you on the day RFD

That's a good idea about post-run massages, now I'm thinking of that and also scheduling a chiropractic session for after my HM

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

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

best with your training and the event itself.

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda. It still feels like early days in the training and I hope I am not peaking too early! Just a couple of months to the event.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Wow! You're doing so great and look like you're well on track for race day. Definitely keep us posted.

[Hidden in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thank you, I will review my training on here for march when I have a few more runs under my belt!