Get ready for a tidal wave of questions!!!!!

[Runningfit67]

Well I’m one of the lucky 60 thousand to get a place on the GNR ( and now the work begins ).

I’ve not run for over a week because of work commitments and the weather so, I thought I’d start with a few 5K runs this week and try 10k next Sunday.

But,

1,when do I start half marathon training? I’ve looked at a few online guides that range from 13 weeks to 16 so, do I start at the beginning of March and double up? Or start 16/13 weeks before the event?

2,Can anyone recommend a good running book? I’ve looked on line at a few but not I’m sure which one is the best . I like the idea of having all the information in one place as they seem too contain a running guide, and to give advice on the right food to eat, hydration etc.

3 The most worrying thing I forget when I applied is that, I’m going on holiday at the end of July beginning of August for 3 weeks. Starting in Phoenix and finishing in Palm Spring where the temperature doesn’t drop below 100* so I doubt I’ll be running in that heat. I struggle running in a British summer and I don’t fancy running in the early hours in a city I don’t know. Will taking 3 weeks off just before the race ruining my chances of completing the full 13+ miles ?

4 Any advice on taking a break from training and how to get fitness levels back on track 3 weeks before the race would be very much appreciated.

I think that’s all the questions I have for now but, this is just the start of many.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Hi, welcome and congratulations on your place!

We are currently running a group for spring Half marathoners; there is a weekly post with lots of useful info and discussion. The latest one is always in the pinned posts and contains links to all the previous posts. Follow roseabi and myself to receive email notifications of new poss. Take a look at the latest post here healthunlocked.com/marathon...

As I've suffered from a few injuries and know the pressure that brings with a booked event, I would start 16 weeks before if I could so I had some contingency time. During your 3 week holiday, see if you can fit in lots of cross training to keep fitness up - hotel gyms? yoga in an a/c room? swimming? walking/hiking? - all will help and when you run again you will probably feel your legs are super refreshed and full of enthusiasm.

Can't help with respect to a book suggestion, sorry!

Good luck, enjoy your training and if you have more questions, ask away!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hi!

Welcome to the Marathon community, and congratulations on your GNR place - how exciting!

Great advice there from my colleague linda9389 ! I'm afraid I haven't a book to recommend either, and I suspect that using a book may be somewhat limiting - although I do understand how overwhelming the internet is! As far as food and drink goes, I think that there is no right or wrong, only experimentation to find what works best for you.

I suggest that you focus on 10k for the time being, and get some race event experience in. Try parkrun first, if you haven't already, and look for a 10K race at a suitable date - this will give you some good training motivation! Also, the GNR is a huge event, and you would be wise to get some experience of race-day crowds under your belt 😊😊😊

Good luck and have fun with your running!

xxx