6 weeks and 1 day to go and I’m finding it hard work….

[Reggit]

Way back on Boxing Day I decided it was a good idea to enter the Manchester Half, after all it’s 10 months away… loads of time to get there 😂

I’ve run a couple of training HM’s using Jeffs plan, but decided I wanted to try and run the entire thing and improve my PB. I’m using a Garmin coach plan with Amy.

It’s gone somewhat awry with the hot weather and holidays getting in the way of runs. I’m at the stage of thinking, can I actually do this? Of course I can - bad attack of the gremlins today, and a painfully hard and slow 10k this morning, I’ve pushed my long run back to Monday as it’s the bank holiday. The way I’m feeling, it doesn’t bode well for a good run, but it’s a different day so I’m sure it’ll be OK, and I’m sure I’ll have to Jeff the last 5k - I always seem to run out of steam at 16k (it’s a just over HM distance run)

Never done a full big event (did relay marathon last year), so entered Preston 10k 2 weeks before the Half to get the idea of organised events.

Sorry for the waffle, just not feeling it at the moment….

Anyone else doing Manchester?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Hmm. With a metric marathon (26.2k) in about 5 weeks, after today's slow 16k ... in which I couldn't pick up pace to anything like my target for that run ... I can wholeheartedly empathise!!!BUT.

After a tricky run I often find the next one much easier - and I'm banking on that for my next run 😍

Around this point in my training I invariably come to the conclusion that I won't be able to do it. Par for the course I think. But I remind myself that a solo training run is very different from the real thing; the atmosphere and 'race magic' of a big event make such a difference!

So, give yourself a good talking to, have a short, sharp word with the gremlins, and then go out and enjoy your next run. Because you can 😊

[misswobble Marathon]

Do you eat anything? I always do 😋. I did a long run yesterday and took two homemade power bars. I start eating usually on the first hour of the run.

Tailwind powder is useful if you prefer not to chow down on solids 🙂

[Reggit Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Not really, I usually take a packet of sweets on a long run, and may have a piece of toast before going out but that’s about it.

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Reggit]

Hi Reggit , while I've run a number of HM distances with neither water nor snacks (I don't do gels or Tailwind) that's usually been an hour or two after breakfast or lunch.

If you've only eaten a piece of toast beforehand and aren't drinking or fuelling other than sweets during your run, it's not surprising that you're running out of energy, particularly when it's hotter.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Reggit]

You can’t run on fumes I fuel up with porridge 💪😋

On my 22 odd kms yesterday I ate two power bars 🔥💥🏃‍♀️😁

[Reggit Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Think that’s probably half the problem. I tend to jump out of bed and out of the door. Never wanted to risk eating much in case I get a stitch. Just eaten a load of pasta and chicken for tea, hoping that’s going to help…. May try a bowl of porridge and wait half an hour before running.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Reggit]

I wait an hour 🙂

[Tasha99 Marathon]

You will get there. I really struggle in the heat too, hence choose spring marathons with winter training🤣 Hopefully it’ll be cooler on the day. Are you fuelling enough?

[nowster Metric Marathon]

I ran a HM this morning. I took far too much fluids with me. It was still far too warm for a long run, and I stopped approximately every km to take on fluids and grab some fuel.

Glycogen reserves will take you to about 90 minutes. After that you'll need a little something to add to the furnace.

[Reggit Marathon]

Took notice of eating before long runs, got a bowl of porridge at 05.45, intending to go for the run an hour later. Next thing I knew it was 09.00 - oops fell asleep - and I had to sort the kids breakfasts. Finally got out of the door at 10.30

Managed the distance, although as usual the last 5k was Jeffed.

I had to stop in 2 shops on the route for liquid, half a litre in each - I think I’m not drinking enough!

It wasn’t fast and it wasn’t pretty, but it’s done!

strava.app.link/Pj6fmix7Ssb