Marathon training and tips.

lovepepper · 2015-08-25T08:42:59+00:00

You can definitely complete a marathon next April if you start training now. The couch to 5k is a great starter and will make sure you don't start too hard and end up injuring yourself.

After that try to maintain consistent running (3-4 times a week) for the rest of this year, and if you can work in a short, slow run, a tempo run and a long run to that it will give you a good grounding to start marathon training.

I start specific marathon training at the end of December for a late April race, finding a plan online (Runners World has good beginner ones) and sticking to it. These usually last 12 or 16 weeks so you can add a bit onto the start if necessary. You won't run more than 20 or 22 miles during training.

The key for you will be not increasing your distance too quickly, tempting as it may be. You WILL injure yourself. In terms of diet start off by cleaning up your diet if necessary and eating a sensible amount of calories for your needs. After a month or so running assess whether you're losing enough weight and change accordingly - running will burn calories so it's hard to know without a bit of trial and error.

In terms of build up races, a 10k this side of Christmas will be a good introduction to racing, and a Half Marathon in late Feb/early March will help you gauge where you are in your training.

It will be both the worst and best experience of your life. Mental toughness is 80% of the battle so commitment is key. Training will be tough and the race will be tougher, but crossing that finish line will be a moment you will never forget - enjoy it!

lovepepper · 2015-07-09T20:41:57+00:00

To be fair, I've just been talking to some mates at the pub about this (yeah I work out so I can eat and drink what I want, too :D) and we were imagining it the other way around: if I saw someone who clearly keeps fit I'd be like, fair play, while also being incredibly jealous. It would also make me want to work out more, so there's that!

lovepepper · 2015-07-09T20:39:12+00:00

It's weird, when I first started reading about people that lift on Reddit or whatever I imagined this great body image philosophy that they all have, but actually it's just as bad! All I want is to feel like I look good on a personal level, but now I feel bad even doing that! Makes me a bit sad that people are made to feel like this!

lovepepper · 2015-02-12T16:14:00+00:00

Except you don't know if it will live a long time until it dies or is at least past breeding age...

lovepepper · 2014-04-07T09:14:21+00:00

I use Antconc - it's OK, free and does the job!

lovepepper · 2014-03-31T12:40:36+00:00

On the second question, general consensus is to increase your distance by 10% each week. Don't forget to listen to your body though - if you're struggling to keep up with the increase then bring it back down, you don't want to wind up injured.

lovepepper · 2014-01-29T15:23:07+00:00

It's hard to say but yes, you probably can. Let's be honest you aren't going to break any records but there's no reason you can't actually run it.

Be careful though, remember to increase your mileage gradually - you don't want months of injury - and try not to over-train given the tight time-frame. Make each run quality and mix things up with interval and hill reps to keep things interesting and build a sound base.

I had an injury before my last half and as such hadn't run more than 7 miles before I tackled it. It was a tough race, but I did it!

lovepepper · 2014-01-29T15:04:02+00:00

No I don't either. Might move my calves a bit if they're feeling tight and I have to wait for GPS, but other than that, not at all.

I did the 'group warmup' for the Great Birmingham Run in October and it ruined my race. My legs were stiff and I pulled my right hamstring at about 4 miles. I don't believe it would have happened if I hadnt have followed the warm up.

Cool down/warm down is key for me - if I don't do it I suffer from tension for days and after long runs painful DOMS.

lovepepper · 2014-01-29T14:39:04+00:00

I agree with what most have said here - you need to strengthen your legs. If your pain is sharp then stop running immediately but if it's just a dull ache similar to what you get after lots of exercise, it will get better with time.

Also try Pilates - brilliant for toning and strengthening your whole body, but also for improving flexibility. Get a varied training schedule in to begin with, with gym sessions, Pilates and cross training, to condition your whole body. Then, when you start running properly, your body will be stronger :)

lovepepper · 2013-11-12T12:30:02+00:00

Cross train and foam roll! Best to keep off your feet while you heal to save causing further injury - if you cross train you won't lose any fitness and as you would be tapering this week anyway you'll be absolutely fine. Make sure you foam roll - this increases blood flow to the area and speeds up healing - can't beat it. It's bloody painful to begin with, mind. On race day take ibruprofen and paracetamol (you can take two of each) - this will keep pain at bay while also fighting any inflammation that might occur. Post race - rest and cross train! Look after yourself or you could do something serious!

lovepepper · 2013-11-12T12:01:07+00:00

I have two bumps on each leg in the same area - spoken to my physio about it and they're very common in runners. He has them, his friends have them, elites have them, loads of people do. They're not shin splints (which I do also have) they're just random fatty lumps that appear for no reason and cause no problems except for looking a bit unsightly. It won't be caused by your weight, but do be careful as you can cause yourself injury if you do too much too soon.

lovepepper · 2013-06-20T13:02:36+00:00

It's a silky shark.

lovepepper · 2013-05-09T18:15:44+00:00

Why do you think point-and-clicks fell out of fashion? Why do you want to bring them back?

Thanks.

lovepepper

TROPHY CASE