And EVERYTHING is hurting. I have come to realise how different marathon training is to other training that I have done. I have done a few HMs over the past few years and while they have also been about the distance 21.1 , they have also been about the pace involved. I was so daunted by the 42.2 distance when I signed up for the event , I decided that I would forget all about pace and simply select a slow pace to allow me to finish within the official finish time . 9 mins per K - that should be easy enough -- well I have found that that pace is definitely easy -- BUT THE DISTANCE!!!!!!! For the last few K's of all my training runs, I have almost been hallucinating by the finish and almost unable to walk after I stopped run/walking. This morning I am walking like a crippled old man. I am happy that I extended the longest lonrun out to 24 miles - rather than stop at 20 miles like most do. I realised after doing that first 20 mile longrun that it was not far enough for me
Last marathon training longrun - 24 m... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...
Last marathon training longrun - 24 miles yesterday!!
So there is a difference between HM and a full 42k/26 mile marathon even going at 9 minutes a kilometer pace, that is 45 minutes for a 5K, it's just the sheer length of time you are out for, 26 miles is a long way, just walking it without stopping is very tiring to say the least.
Yes - it IS a long way!!! I am starting to wonder whether my decision to run/walk it at a slower pace was a good one ?? 
If I did it at 8 mins perK , I would finish 42.2 minutes sooner - but perhaps I would not finish at all at that pace.
Perhaps if could run it at about 37 minutes 5K pace you would complete a marathon in around 5 hours, which is long enough to to be out, that is a slow and steady pace, of course as you say it's a big IF for the distance. 😊 🏃.
Wow Bazza, what a distance. That must have been a long time on your feet. Really well done! At least you know physically what you are in for and can better gauge your expected finish time. Rest those legs now after that serious workout
I have been following the Galloway marathon programme and his plan goes out to the actual race distance before the event. Most people say to only go to 20 miles - but I found that it "only ' took me 4 hours 45 for that but my actual race plan has me going for up to 6 hours 30 mins on my feet - so to me it seemed that 4hours 45 was not enough "experience" - so I have done two runs of 6 hours each , one being 35K and the other a bit faster for 38K. I am now well aware of what that "time on feet" feels like
I also intend to get to 23 miles. Have you tried ice bath? Say ice but just very cold water is fine. Wear a fleece and a woolly hat- 5-8 minutes is fine. I find it really helps leg recovery. Well done BTW! I’m only just starting training 🥴
I don't normally have much problems with recovery. I am a bit sorer than usual this morning because I actually ran this distance in a pair of zero drop sandals - and the impact upon my Achilles was greater than usual . I am currently walking around the house in shoes with heels as I was finding my usual barefoot to be a bit "painful".
Hope you recover soon, that’s a great achievement 👍👍
Well done Bazza. I went up to 22 miles in training just so I knew I could get that bit closer to the finish. My training runs went really well though my legs were sore after the 22 miles, stop/starting at traffic lights etc was hard! The reason most plans dont go beyond 20 miles is the risk of injury increases as does the recovery time. Do make sure you allow recovery from this longer run. I took a lighter week of training after my 22 miles before reducing down and tapering.
Thing is that "most" marathon training programmes are aimed at runners who run the distance continuously. I am a different kind of fish - a slow "run/walker" fish Nobody would ever say that you mustn't walk for longer than 20 miles - so we all have to understand who these different training programmes are aimed at . Today I walked 5K so recovery from yesterdays 38K is moot!!
Yes but you want to be fit for race day!
I ran over three hours in training, once. i will do up to three hours in training now and that’s me done. 22 miles is enough and the rest is just unfinished business 😁
The event itself, with all its distractions, will carry you the rest of the way 💪🏃♂️👍🏅
Do you run 22 miles in 3hours??? Problem is for us "slow" runners is that we have to run the distance on the day, as does everyone else . But that distance takes me 6+ hours , so I HAVE to train for longer than 3 hours at a time.
For my first marathon my longest training run was 28k My first marathon took me a gnat’s under 6 hours
My longest training run for my second marathon was 32k.
Once I’d nailed the distance I eased back You want to save yourself for the big day
I did a coached run yesterday with free app Nike Run Club. It was a fully coached ten miler, and I really enjoyed it. He had some very wise words about longer runs.
Don’t worry too much or over-think everything. You’ve done loads of running Baz, and now you've nailed the long training run, you’re all set. 💪👍🏃♂️🏅🎊🎉🍰☕️
Wow.... gosh...that is exhausting.. rest up you... I am in awe
Yes in awe Bazza.⭐️💥
Inspiritational and looking on with interest.
Pushing boundaries alright.
👊💥🏃♂️⭐️👏👏
Well done. Bazza. Good luck with the Marathon!!
Well done Bazza. I doubt I will ever do a marathon but now I would have to go beyond the distance most plans stop at. I don't even look at plans that work on time rather than distance as I run slower than they account for. Recover well and good luck for the big day.
Blimey! Very well done! 💪👍😁
It is hours on the feet that count. I've always thought the up to 20 only training odd. I would definately train longer distances like you to know I could get there.
Do you use a recovery drink? I do find mine definately helps after long runs. How much fluid did you carry and consume? 🤔
I ate two gels, an oats bar and about a litre of ENDURA drink over the 6 hours. - it was a cool morning as it is winter here - got to about 24C by lunchtime I think. We went to a cafe for lunch almost immediately afterwards where I had a BIG chocolate milkshake - and then couldn't eat any solid food, just couldn't get it down
Wow... I get through over a litre in 3 hours and roughly the same in snacks. 🤔
The choc shake, or just whole milk, is a good recovery aid 🥛. I make my post long run food beforehand. Something with rice which slides down, eg curry or chilli 😋
Yesterday I came back to a chicken dinner. The thought if it kept me going
Great great job. As it happens, Kipchoge goes to 40k runs in training, so there’s a lot to be said for not stopping at 20! You’re within a parkrun of that 26.2, and the crowd will give you a boost... enjoy tapering.
Kipchoge only runs for a bit over 2 hours for the marathon - I have to run for 6 hours. I'll bet he couldn't do that!!! m
I think that too! Same for any faster runner - I’m running a lot longer than they are so must have more stamina.
I bet he couldn’t! I was talking to my friend about him after London this year... he was waving to the crowd before the line, smiling, didn’t look like he was really trying... so I’m sure he will nail that 1:59:59 if the weather is good. I’d be happy to see that finish line at all!
Good luck Bazza, you know you can do the distance/time on your feet now! Try not to get too carried away by the atmosphere on race day and stick to your plan.
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