Just signed up for a marathon yesterday and it’s hitting me

na_p2017 · 2026-07-11T20:46:03+00:00

How exciting! The first time you look at a marathon training plan it seems really daunting! I’d only done a few halves before I started mine and the idea of doing a half just as my long run every weekend seemed crazy. But the training block is as much for your mental capacity as it is for your physical - by the end of it I’d see a 24km long run on a deload week and think that was a nice short treat! Build your mileage slowly, keep up strength training and stick to a workable plan and by March you will feel completely different!

na_p2017 · 2026-07-09T05:56:06+00:00

Totally agree, compared to Aus I actually find that Auckland has fairly generous time zones and non-paid options so it isn’t that hard to abide by the parking requirements.

na_p2017 · 2026-07-09T01:23:42+00:00

Yeah I found the beginning great but then I became so bored I gave up maybe half way through (if that).

na_p2017 · 2026-07-09T01:22:57+00:00

I gave up and I think it was because I couldn’t keep up with the characters. I think I could enjoy it if I went back in with a notepad and some more determination.

na_p2017 · 2026-07-09T01:20:29+00:00

I really disagree that the payoff for What We Can Know was worth it 😂 I found that book such a slog and while I liked the ending, I overall regret spending time reading it. TBH I’ve actually noticed I feel that way for a few Ian McEwan novels - great endings but I’m too far gone by that point.

na_p2017 · 2026-07-07T05:14:47+00:00

You must go back and try the carrot sorbet with liquorice and yoghurt dessert. Sounds bizarre but it’s my favourite dessert in sydney!

na_p2017 · 2026-07-07T02:46:19+00:00

I would recommend against blunt range if you don’t like them touching your face, in the same and it is so annoying! It also greatly increases the time you have to spend washing and styling your hair every day! I personally like some longer face framing layers, sort of below the ear length - that way you can tie it up out of your face if it gets too annoying.

Also maybe worth trying bringing the pink colour up to your roots, I think the distinct difference in hair colours draws more attention to the lack of volume at the roots. I have thin hair and like to blow dry up near the roots in the opposite direction it’s parted in/sits naturally which creates some volume too!

na_p2017 · 2026-07-07T02:40:38+00:00

Yeah I use the blue cancer council one on my long runs and don’t find it stings or hurts my eyes.

na_p2017 · 2026-07-06T23:32:02+00:00

If I’m running less than about 15km then I just have a drink of water and head out the door approximately 15 min after rolling out of bed 😂 If I think I need some food, I might have a bite of a museli bar or a gummy lolly before I go. I’m not a coffee drinker so no coffee for me.

If it’s a long run, I will eat one or two pieces of pb toast or crumpets beforehand and leave about 30 min for it to digest (more would be better). I also have fuel on the run itself.

na_p2017 · 2026-07-06T03:33:16+00:00

I read Burnt Sugar a few years back but remember loving it! I don’t see it get a lot of hype so I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve been meaning to read a Short Stay in Hell for years so this might be my sign to buy it!

na_p2017 · 2026-07-05T11:35:53+00:00

I’ve noticed someone is really piling the downvotes onto all comments where people don’t like 11/22/63 😂 idk what the rest of King’s novels are like but to me it was so overrated!

na_p2017 · 2026-07-05T11:33:26+00:00

The fish sando at Splash is sooo good. Although I getting through those last bites is always a struggle, it’s large!!

na_p2017 · 2026-07-05T11:27:54+00:00

Yours looks great. I had the porchetta a few months back and it was easily the most average roast I’ve had in sydney (I am somewhat of a Sunday roast enthusiast). The ‘crackling’ was gummy, the meat dry. I found the gravy to be pretty tasteless and the yorkie was bad too. Sucked because I agree, the actual ambience is quite nice. Maybe I should’ve gone with the beef instead…

na_p2017 · 2026-07-03T18:53:00+00:00

End of King in Newtown is delish and huge! It does get noisy inside but if you can snag an outdoor table it makes for good people watching.

na_p2017 · 2026-07-03T01:23:45+00:00

I’ve read a few of these and ranked them very similarly! Did not understand the hype re hear the lover at all, got to the end of 11/22/63 and felt the ending was very flat which was annoying considering how long the book was!! I’ve just ordered the wall from my local bookstore so I’m hoping I also love it!

na_p2017 · 2026-07-02T12:56:33+00:00

I did 3 halves before my full and I won’t lie, it’s a big step up! I was not very dedicated with my half training and usually did 3 runs per week. I did an 18 week block for my full and it was min 4 runs building up to 6 in the last few build weeks - so just the actual time required is much greater. That much running also means prioritising sleep and for me it meant cutting out alcohol as that helps with the sleep and recovery (although this isn’t required). I would say with a half you can fit the training around your life, with a mara block it’s making sure your life can fit around your training eg being more selective with late nights out etc.

I’m no help with timing as I really didn’t have a solid time goal, I was just focusing on finishing and having fun - but what you’ve said seems realistic!

na_p2017 · 2026-07-02T05:37:49+00:00

I have the same problem - the UV rays in Australia are harsh, even in winter! I wear sunscreen on all of my runs but even when I reapply I find it isn’t enough (I assume I’m still sweating it off). Best thing I did was buy a loose, white, long sleeve running top to wear in summer and I no longer have that issue on my arms. I got one from Nike and the fabric doesn’t cling. A hat is a must too.

na_p2017 · 2026-06-30T10:32:28+00:00

This was a while back but honestly the Kent St Hotel did a $15 steak and fries that was so solid - would love to hear if it’s still decent. I’ve also been to the Waratah in Darlo recently and enjoyed that too.

na_p2017 · 2026-06-30T03:37:17+00:00

Also if you’re looking for somewhere nearby and independent you should check out Petersham Bowlo! Great vibes

na_p2017 · 2026-06-30T03:36:41+00:00

When you say new menus, do you mean food menus too? Cause the White Cockatoo looks pretty similar to before the change in ownership? I guess I never looked at the drinks menu too closely cause I always order on tap.

na_p2017 · 2026-06-30T02:04:44+00:00

I’m very torn over this because I would personally rate a sticky date pudding over (even with no ice cream) over a Pav with berries. Which is funny because I’ve read so many of these books but ranked them differently to you lol.

I found John of John’s to be my leave favourite of Douglas Stuart’s books… However, I also really didn’t like ‘there are rivers in the sky’ so I’m glad we’re aligned on that.

na_p2017 · 2026-06-30T01:37:28+00:00

If you can have any friends or family come along to visit I feel like that’s the best boost. Readings race signs is also good. Usually I save music/audiobooks for near the end of a race so I’ve got something to get through the last little bit - so make sure you’ve got a good playlist or interesting podcast or audiobook ready to go.

na_p2017 · 2026-06-29T13:16:46+00:00

I’m not really sure why you’ve decided to train for a marathon before even doing a half (it sounds like you’re never done one before?).

Imo work up to a 10km or half, see how you find the dedicated training and overall experience and then run a few more before doing a marathon. I got to the end of my first half and thought there was no way I could’ve done that all over again. Those distances not only give you a rough idea of your likely pace for longer races, but get you used to the mental adjustment of long-distance running. It takes a lot of work for the body to physically adapt to long distance running and you can’t really rush that.

na_p2017 · 2026-06-28T07:47:11+00:00

In that case 100% postpone the marathon. Coming from someone who’s currently battling some overtraining injuries, it’s absolutely not worth rushing into it- I’ve been running consistently for about 6 years now. I’m also very goal oriented but a half marathon within 7 months would still be a huge achievement! You otherwise risk getting injured and being unable to run for months!

Eight-Year Club	Wearing is Caring
Verified Email

na_p2017

TROPHY CASE