Chester Metric Marathon “Run Your Way” run report

[runningdad]

A while ago I signed up to the Chester Metric Marathon “Run Your Way” virtual challenge. I’d long coveted trying the 26.2km distance as a potential stepping stone to tackling longer distances. It also felt like a natural progression on my running journey. Accepting that a trip to Chester was probably not on the cards just now, I jumped at the chance to try the distance virtually around north Edinburgh. I plotted out a local run I’d done many times before as a half, but tacking on a bit extra at the start and finish. The run itself felt good for the most part. I planned my hydration and refuelling strategy in advance, which worked well. Though I’ll admit the last couple of km were a struggle. I really need to be building in longer runs as part of my training routine if I’m to continue tackling these much more challenging distances. While it was (mostly) enjoyable, my hips are not best pleased with me right now. A recovery walk this afternoon and a few days rest will sort that out I’m sure!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I think the last couple of kms of any run are hard - even a 3km run 😀. Sounds like it was a well planned and executed run which can be quite a challenge when you're running alone. Congratulations!!! Rest and recover well, then marathon here you come 😀

[Comfortnotspeed Marathon]

Well done! Give it a few days and I’m sure your hips will forgive you,

The last km’s sound like a slog but you must be made up now 🤩

My inspiration 🌸🤩🌸

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Absolutely brilliant RD. You overcame those pesky last kms. 👊 I’m in awe of you long distance runners. HM is my absolute maximum!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Did you not say that about 10K once Munks…….? 🤔🤣

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

No. Never. 🤥😂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

😂🤣

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Congratulations and very well done to you! That’s a fab pace for that distance 😳 I’m sure your hips will be fine after a few days rest.

Did you follow a training plan? I’ve considered a MM as a challenge but I can’t find any training plans and I’m not sure that’s a distance I’d just “wing it”.

[runningdad Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

No training plan as such. I used a training plan to get me ready for the London Landmarks HM in August, and just kept up with the routine I'd established, trying to extend my long runs a bit each time. Probably not the best idea, but just about got away with it. The organisers of Chester's MM have this suggested training plan (activeleisureevents.co.uk/m... It looks good, but is long. It's also running 4 times a week, which I would struggle with. I definitely need plenty of rest between runs.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to runningdad]

Thanks, I’ll take a look at that but I’m like you, I need two days rest after every long run and I would struggle to run four times a week every week.