Leeds Marathon? Probably no....???

[Cowladyrunning]

I got offered a place today by a colleague. Errrr a marathon? When? I said....May 14th..... Now, since I entered the London Marathon ballot but failed to get in (first time, so obvious) I have been looking at marathons thinking whether I'd be able to train and do one. I mostly have my eye on the Loch Ness one as it could be an excuse to visit my parents too.... and it's in October which would give me the school holiday to train and possibly have the time to do it. But instead of saying no sorry I'm already doing a half on that date - (HU) I agreed to think about it. However - in reality I'm already struggling to get out training properly after covid and although I could feasibly take my training on from the half I'm doing in April - I don't think this is the right time. Leeds marathon looks quite hilly - and it looks like you can still get a place anyway.... AND I do not want to miss the HU half!!! There you go decision made - but maybe next year?😂

[Cmoi Marathon]

Looks like Leeds is 675m elevation gain overall  Cowladyrunning .

More importantly, if it's this one - runforall.com/events/marath... - it states it's sold out and that entries cannot be transferred. Here's the relevant info:

Can't run anymore?

Race numbers cannot be interchangeable and entries cannot be assigned, transferred, sold or gifted to any third party. Do not under any circumstances allow anybody else to run with your race number. Amongst other issues, this can create major problems for the medical team should they need to treat unknown runners. Anyone found to have done this will be disqualified.

On that basis I wouldn't touch the offer, however well-intentioned, with a bargepole.

Fwiw my personal experience was that training for a FM is a whole different ballgame to running a HM. I got to metric marathon with no plan or training, whereas I very much doubt I could've got round the trail marathon if I hadn't trained properly for it.

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you. I do value your advice knowing how far you've gone in past. Yes I wouldn't have taken a place unless it was a transfer and hadn't realised it was ended.

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you could train successfully for a marathon Cowladyrunning . 👍😀

The most memorable advice I got on here when I first broached the idea of doing the Trail du Gévaudan was from GoGo_JoJo , who said something along the lines of "Do it if it's the one you don't want to wait for. If it isn't, wait until the one you don't want to wait for comes along."

It made me realise that I did want to give that event a go, despite its being way above my pay grade! Just as well I did, as it's since been taken over by UTMB and has become horribly serious and expensive.

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

That's excellent advice! How lucky you did that race then!

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Very wise in not running the Leeds marathon and doing the half marathon instead, in doing that you should avoid injury.

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

What my husband said too, though he says that for any distance!

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Lol, even 1K😂

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

😂He is worse than my mother who keeps telling me I'll ruin my knees 🙄😂Life with non runners!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Tempting, but sensible not to after reading Cmoi s comment

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Ahh, sounds a little bit like my dilemma CLR. An extra month away, but even so.

I think we made the right decision! Next year? Who knows? 😀

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

One day we might get London when we want it

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

... and Loch Ness would be so much more meaningful for you, plus you'd be better placed to enjoy it. Your heart, your head and your legs would all be on your side come October 😊

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes. My thoughts - do it before winter virus's wipe me out!! I watched Anna Harding do it on the running channel on you tube and she is inspiring - she jeffed it. It looked beautiful though - even though that one is a bit hilly!

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Loch Ness marathon is actually downhill overall! Apparently 310m elevation gain, 614m loss. Looks like it's on roads too.

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you. Think you get the job as my race researcher.... do you do personal training? I can come and live off pain au chocolate no problem 🤣

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Fab news re the job, will add to my CV right now! 😉

Am currently finalising my research-based method "No pain (au chocolat), no gain! The ups and downs of a lazy runner" so expect a spectacular launch (off the top of a hill) soon. You're welcome to join me for personal training any time! 😁🙃

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

I love the Running Channel and saw that video too. What a beautiful running route 😍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Did you see the one of Sarah running the 5K in one shot?

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

No- I'll have a look!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I think you definitely made the right decision. I mean, Leeds Marathon or the HUHM….. a no brainer really 😍🙂

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Exactly what ever made me consider it? AND I have that lovely virtual medal to earn!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

It is very pretty 😍

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon]

Definitely sounds like the right decision. I’m having issues with HM training too-struggling to shake the tiredness after the cold so it’s all been a bit short and a bit irregular. You don’t want the pressure of a marathon so soon. Hopefully London 2024 will be our year!!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Here's hoping!