This year has been very odd as it has for everyone. Work for me has carried on in the NHS, lots of changes, full on ppe and now going back to elective surgery. This juggled with kids at home from school trying to do school work. If ever I have needed to run, it has been now! My race calender was full of promise starting with the Big Half in London and new PBs. Then lockdown and the cancellations of Fleet hm, race to the kings 50k. Since lockdown, I decided to keep up with the hm distance and have run 8. My plan now was to drop back and train back to hm and cycle the training over 5 weeks. However, a friend is running the new forest marathon. They asked me to join them but they are hoping for a 4hr 30 time for first marathon. My first one last year was 5hr 17 as I hit the wall and walked a bit whilst eating and hydrating. I have done training runs up to 27km with them so far. So the question is do I carry on with the training runs and look to run the marathon. I would love to run it with someone but friend will be faster and I wouldn't want to hold them back. I could improve my time though, maybe sub 5hr?? My last narathon was solo and it was tough so I'd love to share it with a buddy. Oh what to do??
Oh what to do!: This year has been very... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...
Oh what to do!
It's a rotten year really for running when you think of all the Events we are missing 
I'm hoping next year will see a resumption but unfortunately it's not looking good right now
I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I've entered two FM's, one is still scheduled for December and originally would have been my first ever. Then I got talked into the Marine Corp Marathon. They made it a Virtual one though.
Anyway, a group of friends I've run with in ten miles and a HM at some of the Bases are organising it as a "virtual real social distance event" in California and basically we will run the 26.2 miles on the same day, starting together at Camp Pendleton.
It's a compromise between running with all the "pomp and circumstance" of a "Real World" FM and just going out individually and running 26.2 miles on ones own.
Me, I think I wouldn't have a hope of finishing if I was running solo - and whatever hope I have is based on having other Runners at the finish line to look forward to seeing and knowing that I "made the grade" 
They will easily finish in less than three or four hours - me, I'll be happy if I break six
So it's not that I need to run "beside" them, it's the boost from running "with" them that, very hopefully, gets me to the finish line
And of course - the Pom Pom squad here
The New Forest marathon day usually consists of Marathon, HM, 10k, 5k and family fun run, all setting off one after the other but basically all running at the same time and coinciding at various points. It’s a great place to run, being in the Forest and many make a weekend of it by camping nearby. The atmosphere was great last year and the weather just perfect.
This year, because of Covid, the organisers have put their proposals to the relevant authorities for approval and it involves starting the running in stages based on likely completion time. It is unlikely that you will see much of your friends if your times are different so you could always consider doing the HM while they are doing the FM.
UpTheStanley and I are entered in the 10k. Keeping everything crossed that it will still happen. Numbers are lower than most events so it stands a better chance of meeting the guidelines.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
Of course you should do it. What else would you be doing? 😂 You’re doing the training, you can’t run up to 27K and not use it 🙀 And yes, perhaps your friend is faster and you won’t actually be running together but your friend will be there at the beginning to provide support and encouragement and at the end to share the experience and moments. Then, you can celebrate together afterwards 🍾🥂🍻
And just think of the fab post you can share here afterwards too!
Thank you for your reply. It wasn't my plan to do another marathon yet but the seed is sewn! I will see if/how the next training run goes which I think is 18 miles around the new forest. I feel like I have fallen into this rather than all of the planning and prep I did last year!
Maybe the best way! Good luck 🍀
Do ittt! I agree, just knowing someone who is running will make you feel like you're running with someone - in your case someone who will be ready and waiting for you as you cross the line - perfect! You'll also have someone to share the hardest part of the training.
If you don't enter will you 'wonder what might have been' forever more?
I know, I am wondering about whether I can improve my time already 🤦♀️ I will see how the next longer training run goes before I officially decide (in other words book myself in!). The event organisers seem pretty sure they are going ahead in September.
I will keep everything crossed for you. Go for it!
Run it. I’ll be there Lorising about.
Ooh are you going too! Which distance are you running?
If it happens it will be my first marathon.
Amazing! I think it will happen. How has the training been going? Have you a time in mind for your first?
I started a 18 week plan for a June marathon that was cancelled. I took a week off and reset the plan for September. Basically I’ve been running 4 times a week since February. I can’t remember not having tired legs.
Not sure on pace yet.
Mmm, tired legs and old lady kips on the sofa was how I was last time! Legs felt OK after 16.8 miles on Sunday though my feet felt sore.
I checked the website earlier and it was showing as sold out for the marathon. I was really disappointed. Later places were showing again so I have booked myself in. Oh goodness it has just become real!
Brilliant. I’m on a cutback week so only two long runs left before tapering. Sounds very close like that.
DO it!!!
An awesome person like you... doing what you are doing in this horrendous new reality... a Marathon will be no problem.... you will eat it for breakfast!!!
Run with your friend, but your pace....begin together, finish with a meet up... celebrate your achievement and post it here
And. thank you for everything you are doing for each and every one of us, even the ungrateful ones!!! xx
Thank you Oldfloss. I am scared of the distance, I hoped to do a few more long runs before deciding. The event is planning to go ahead so I see places being sold out. So decision made, which seems more scary now!
I hope we can run together, I need to slow her down so she doesn't burn out! No-one knows how they will be at 20 miles. I hit the wall despite fuelling with gels so will eat food too this time. Next long run is part trail, eek! But if I can't keep up then she must go ahead and achieve her dreams, I will hopefully find someone to run parts with. Oh gosh it is real now and not what I planned for this year.
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