Does this seem reasonable?

[SkiMonday]

I'm considering entering the Cornish marathon on 3rd November and I'd like your opinions on whether or not I'm ready.

Currently, my long run is 29k. My plan was to hold at 30k in preparation for my HM at the end of September. Most of my long runs include around 300m of climbing because that's about what's in the HM and the total climb on the marathon looks similar.

I'm thinking that I could either build up to 35k over the next few weeks and then drop back to 30k a month or so before my HM or stick at 30k until after my HM but that only gives me a month to get up to the 35k (22 miles, which seems to be the recommend training distance for a marathon) and to taper before the event.

I'm not sure if I've got my head in the clouds or if this is reasonable so I'd appreciate your opinions to help me decide. If I've missed out any relevant information, please ask!

[benwill Marathon]

Sounds like a good idea if your running 30km regularly you will have no problem going up to 35km and then doing a full marathon should be okay (it's always going to hurt). Just keep doing the same fueling etc and just check the elevation of the cornish marathon.

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to benwill]

Cheers Ben

The climb looks OK (ish) it’s 50% more climbing than on my HM training run and the gradient is slightly easier that what I’m training on. There again it’s sold out, probably a good thing because WorldsMarathons.com described it as “the toughest Marathon in the UK”. Maybe not great for my first attempt.

I see that you broke your hip 5 months ago, I trust that it’s on the mend by now?

[Decker Ultramarathon]

My first mara is in late October and I am only up to 20-25k in my weekly long runs, so I think you are in great shape if you are doing 30 regularly for a November race!

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks Decker

The Cornish Marathon is sold out (maybe next year?) Anyhow, I've signed up for the Thames Marathon.

I trust that your training is going well?

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Sounds like you are serious about challenging yourself!

My training is going ok I suppose. Loosely following a plan but find I am usually going too fast or too long. Feeling a bit burnt out yesterday so I am resting today and Fri before the next long run. It usually gives me a bit more in the tank.

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

Resting when needed is a smart move! Think I tend to push too hard on my long runs and maybe you do too?

I guess one thing that's pushing me is having power walked the HM last year in 2:40. I'd be gutted if I failed to run faster than that. I'd like to complete it in under 2 hours but that would need a pace somewhere between my 5k & 10k so it's going to be tricky. Not so worried about the marathon because it's flat and I'm just aiming to finish it (although that may change nearer the time).

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Yeah I know it is a problem for me. I only slow when I am tired. But the long runs are supposed to be slower.

I’m sure you will beat your power walk time, and maybe even snag that sub-2. I just barely got a sub 2 in my second HM and it was tough even on a fairly flat course.

Same boat on the mara plan, just aiming to survive it

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

This is crazy! I’ve entered the Thames Meander Marathon on 2nd November but, because it’s so flat (compared to the Cornish Marathon) I feel like I’ve wimped out. Think I need to change my mindset or this is going to go very bad.