Running a Marathon

[JT77]

So...
I'm contemplating running the Belfast marathon, what I'd like is some advice from folks that have done one please
As some of you may remember my daughter molly had a cancerous brain tumour about 5 years ago, and thanks to good guys at the royal in Belfast she is thankfully still here being her wonderful self
Her brain surgeon was a guy called Mano, he had just been on the island, and he is a true gent he is looking people to run the marathon to help the helping hands charity at the royal and I'd love to do it but I'm not sure my body would physically hold up to the challenge
Last couple years I did the GNR but had to pull out of this years because of injuries making training impossible
I feel about 70% at present but I'd dearly love to do it
Who has done one that can pass on some sound advice, thanks

 

[AmandaJR]

When is the marathon? Sounds like you may need to really build up the mileage slowly. Perhaps follow the 10% rule whereby your weekly mileage never increases by more than 10% and ditto your long run.

 

[AmandaJR]

Oh - and get some properly fitted running shoes for your running style.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Definitely go to get the running shoes fitted. There are a lot of running specific shops popping up and most will look at your foot movement and recommend a make and model based on that. If you've had injuries before, build up the training slowly and where possible try and run on softer surfaces and not keep pounding mile after mile on roads and pavements

 

[JT77]

Thanks guys. I’m for a foot specialist on Wednesday so will make sure and ask, I’ve had shoes fit previously as have done several tough mudder a and half marathons but it will be like starting afresh as haven’t trained in about a year properly.
I think I may even have to run walk the first couple weeks or so low mileage to get going
Amanda, it would be in May next year.

 

[AmandaJR]

Plenty of time then. There is a theory that using a run/walk method can reduce injury risk and still result in a decent time.

Check out Jeff Galloway's training plans:

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/run-walk/

 

[JT77]

thanks Amanda will do 👍

 

[larmen]

If it is in May you have to start training now. Try to build up to 10 miles until Christmas, then you are in a good spot to pick up one of those programs for a beginner marathon.

You probably need to run 3 or 4 times a week, one of them long, one of them fast, and 1 or 2 to build miles.
For fast I used to pick parkrun, died in in a fun environment, but that probably cuts into your quality golf time.
I would pick a couch to 5k now, maybe even see if you have a local club with a beginner school or similar if you need it, much easier to train with others. Then just build slowly until 12/16 weeks out and follow a program.
good luck

 

[Old Skier]

Quality training time and listen to your body so you don't over do it. As your slowly building up your mileage don't let the weather talk you out of going out. My Mrs does distance running and she always says that the hardest thing is to bend down and put your trainers on.

 

[pokerjoke]

Some sound advice about trainers.
Don’t just think running though for fitness biking and swimming will be beneficial also protecting your joints.
Good luck and put me down for £50

 

[Deleted member 18121]

I did 3 London marathons all at 17-19 stone.... Not ideal but I did learn some stuff!

1. As others have rightly said, get fitted for trainers. It really is invaluable.
2. Get monthly sports massages if you can afford it. Maintenance of your body is much easier than correction.
3. Vary your training.... I used to do a tempo run on a Tuesday (ie 3-6 miles at faster than race pace). I did hill training on a Thursday - normally 3-4 miles with either repeats of the same hill or a route taking in 4 or so decent inclines. Don't be afraid to walk down them to save your knees.
Then cross train with low impact stuff.... Swim/cycle. Then your long slow easy run on a Sunday for instance.
4. Build up your milage slowly, I didn't get anywhere near half marathon distance until mid January for an April marathon.
5. Don't overtrain, listen to your body.
6. I didn't like listening to my own thoughts, so relied on music.... Find whatever makes it enjoyable for you.
7. I really enjoyed off road running, so much better than pounding pavements. Just watch your ankles.
8. Enjoy it.... It's a hell of a challenge.

 

[Deleted member 18121]

Oh and on the big day... Don't over drink in pre race nerves. I did and got cramp at 8 miles and suffered terribly because of it. The only time I've ever had cramp whilst running was on marathon day.

 

[JT77]

Wow PJ that would be excellent thank you.
It’s great advice guys thanks, I’m gonna start Tuesday, I have Tuesday Thursday and Sunday to run and maintain a healthy balance, I can do Hiit on a Friday with some pals at the gym too to keep up some different exercise.
There is a local running club I know the guys from my old job so have messaged them, and park run on a Saturday would be ok for me as we could get an 11/1130 tee time which would mean I can run then head to the club for a shower and then head out.
It’s the mental side I have to sort I guess. skier your wife is right, I’ve always found getting my training gear on the hard part, after that I’m good!

 

[JT77]

Thanks Adam
I was 16 stone 5 years back, and after training got to 13 and felt good, I’m only 5’8 but my build suits about 85kilo, I agreed with my physio at the time that it was manageable and I’ve been good since up til the last year, and I am back to 14 stone but it’s better than the 16 I started at 5 years back.
I love the area I live in for running as it is quite rural so the runs are good locally, but I’ve never thought to change my training in to different sections I’ve always just ran, but different runs would be good. thanks again 👍

 

[woody69]

I ran the London marathon in 2012 having never run more than about 5 miles before as I loath running, but the London was something I had always wanted to do.

Personally I think it is more a psychological thing, rather than physical in terms of completing it. Ultimately even if your jogged around at a very very slow 4 mph you'll still complete it in less than 7hrs and lots of people do exactly that. The main difficulty is hitting the target you set yourself.

I hate running, but started training in early Jan of 2012. I used to run 3 times a week following a programme called run less, run faster where you would complete a short interval run on one day, i.e. run as fast as you can for 1km, walk for 0.5km and repeat, usually completing about 5 or 6 miles. Then run a short run at a pace slightly quicker than I wanted to complete the marathon in. That was anything from 6 to 8 miles. Then finally I did a long run, which started at around 10 miles and built up to just over 20 before tapering off back to 13 the week before the marathon.

If I was to do it again (I definitely won't) I would change my training slightly and drop the interval running for a more mid length distance at a slower pace than I intended to do and extend the long distance run to the full distance a couple of times. On the day I found I struggled and hit a bit of a wall at 19 miles and my speed really fell off and I was walking some of it, which had happened to me when I first started training and ran 12 miles, but by the end I was hitting the half marathon distance in just under 2hrs as my body had got used to the distance and sheer number of repetitions putting one foot in front of the other, which is why I feel if I had done a couple of full distance runs I would have been better prepared as the closest I got was 22 miles whilst training and that was only a few times.

I focused on speed, rather than stamina as I was aiming for a sub 4hr finish. Unfortunately I ended up in just under 4.5hrs after going through halfway at 1.57ish

As people said, definitely get proper running shoes.
Decide if you like the gels and or carry a water bottle with you whilst on your longer runs. I found them a big help and gave me an energy boost, but some people hate them.
Definitely don't over eat and try to eat properly especially on training days. It made a massive difference to my run when training based on what I had eaten that day as to whether I struggled or not
Find a decent physio that can give you a massage and/or sort out any issues. My IT band flared up a month or so into training as my body was obviously confused as to why I was still running. The physio sorted that out for me and it meant I could continue.
Get some decent clothing to run in. You might be training in the cold and wet and dark so make sure you're adequately prepared and safe.

 

[Rooter]

JT, have a look at www.trainasone.com its a site i use for my training, it basically learns your capabilities and tailors your training to your schedule and your goals.

Best of luck dude! I am running Amsterdam marathon on Sunday!

 

[USER1999]

I admire any one who runs marathons, esp people who don't normally run.

Buying shoes is hard. What fits and is great for 5 miles can be agony after 10.

Don't ignore injuries, they do not just go away. A good physio / sports masseuse is worth their weight in gold.

don't try to wing it if you find you are not training enough. It's a long way.

 

[JT77]

Thanks Woody I’m planning on setting a time target but it won’t be fast, I’d like to beat 4h30 but will see how the training starts !
Good luck at the weekend Rooter and thanks mate.
Cheers murph

Thanks guys. I have a lot to go over, starting tomorrow with a little run see how it goes then foot doc on Wednesday and go from there 👍

 

[*TQ*]

JT, have a look at www.trainasone.com its a site i use for my training, it basically learns your capabilities and tailors your training to your schedule and your goals.

Best of luck dude! I am running Amsterdam marathon on Sunday!

Both of my brothers are doing the Amsterdam on Sunday!

I did the Great North Run when I was a lot younger and had hoped to do a half marathon this year but didn't have time to train properly so I made do with the Worcester City 10K a few weeks ago.

 

[Rooter]

I can now confirm, 26.2 miles is a long way!!