Great Welsh Marathon 2013

CymruCrawler - I can also confirm it's very flat. One elevation profile I've seen of the course suggests there's just 49 meters of climbing throughout the marathon. To put that in perspective, the London Marathon which is considered 'flat' has around three times as much climbing if the data I've looked at is correct.

How's everyone getting on with the weather conditions the past week or so? I've only done treadmill the past week as the snow or more to the point, the ice, has made it near impossible for outdoor mileage. A bit concerned as my longest run lately is only 14 miles. Hoping we've seen the end of it and the milder temperatures over the next couple of days in South Wales will see most of it go as I really want to try a 16-17 miler this weekend which could be make or break for whether I sign up for the full or not.

Thanks Legend, again thats very encouraging.

The weather has put stop to most of my running  at the moment but t cant go on forever....can it

Managed a 16 miler on Saturday. Living in the South Wales valleys, its difficult to do a long run without it being quite tough so taking that into account I was pleased with the run although I do feel I'm way off being able to do another 10 on top of that at the moment. 

I rarely check my pacing during runs which I definitely need to start doing as looking at the data afterwards, I did the first 6 miles way too quick and got continuously slower throughout. No aches / pains / niggles after which is great, and looking to go a mile or two further again this weekend.

Hi All - sorry, I've been a bit slack with this one! I'll be running this year, one of 2 marathons in 6 weeks (Kent Roardunner in June) but I've been staying off as I had a bad experience at VLM last year which I put down to anxiety from putting too much pressure on, so I'm keeping it all low profile.

But good to see the old regulars and some newbies on here. I always enjoy it (whether running or marshalling) and I'll be there on the day, I just may use it as a training run - also due to being injured since November!

But hope all the training is going well and I'll keep checking in!

Hello, Glad training is going well for everyone. For those of you still undecided about this race, I can definitely recommend it and happy to help with any recomendations of acommodation or local re-fueling estalbishments

Well this is the 4th year in a row my winter training has been put on hold...this time not an injury but constant, tiredness, shortness of breath and generally feeling cr4p. Think it may be anaemia, so docs apointment made....anyway, cut a long story short, probably wont be running a fast time in the llanelli 10 miler next weekend or the half in March.

Cable - the kent marathon sounds interesting - have you got any details? My parents live in Kent so it's v tempting.

Good luck to everyone with the training

Lifes too short, sounds like how I felt all the time untill I discovered that yeast was causing my problems and within a week of not eating any I felt much better.

P.S. I dont have any medical background apart from my 1st aid at work certificate.

P.S.S. also went to the docs had loads of tests found nothing wrong he said " its my age" cheeky devil, I was only 55.

Hello!

How is everyone's training going? This thread has become quiet. Guess things are busy with half term this week.

RS - thank you for your advice. Been to docs and I have hyperthyroidism and anaemia. it's put my racing plans on hold for a wee while, but I'm still training at an easy pace. For once, it's nice not to be injured though! Hope you get your health problems sorted soon, being fobbed off like you have is not nice - we pay enough into the NHS!!

Good luck to everyone doing the 10miler on Sunday. Weather looks good.

For those of you living in West Wales, who dont already know, a Parkrun has just been established in Llwyn Lech Owain county park near Cross Hands. Every Saturday morning at 9am. I'm hoping to make it in 2 weekends time.

I think I'm going to give the marathon a miss. Struggling to fit in the major mileages and want to just concentrate on half marathon and getting PB's at the shorter distances.

Signed up for the Llanelli half on March 3rd and I think there's a very good chance I'll be there on April 21st... but to do another half marathon.

Legend - disappointing for you, but sounds like a good plan B. Concentrate on the half and the shorter distances. The Llanelli half is a good race.

While it's disappointing not to do the marathon, there will be other races. There's a marathon Tenby way in the summer I think? You're doing better than me - past 3 years I've DNS'd 3 marathons and DNF'd one. Never had such bad luck with racing before!

They do a good 5k series in the summer too starting from Llanelli leisure centre.

Hope training is going well for everyone. Weather is improving...spring is almost here  

Just noticed my Crimewatch CCTV image

Not really been on track for this though I still think I can get there. Having a few motivational issues at the moment but determined to sort them out. I was so prepared to run my first marathon in Florida at the beginning of January but my mother died the day we were due to fly...so I never got there. Mad at myself for not keeping my discipline but at the same time know that writing this will make me go and run 10 miles in the morning

Has anyone had confirmation of entry?  I entered by post and have heard nothing and cheque not cashed yet.  There's no list of entrants on the website.

Entry done..

Hi T Rex - I entered via RW so usual email confirmation.   You at Conne this year?

I've just entered this one  - I've heard that there might not be any energy drinks, just water on the course. Has anybody who has run it in previous years got any insight on this?

Thanks,

Nick (Caroline's husband)

Actually I've found my answer on the race website - Water only

Yes Caroline, just water I'm afraid. Due to the out and back, out and back nature of the course though, it's ideal if you have anyone with you to provide you with sport drinks / gels when you pass by the start / finish at miles 8, 13, 21 ish,

Anyone else doing the Llanelli half this weekend? Anyone local who can provide some details on the course / terrian? Was hoping it'd be 1 big loop rather than a out and back, but as there's quite a few running from my club, then it'll be ideal to see how everyones getting on and give me a boost to maintain my position or try and catch up. Really looking forward to it. Aiming for PB (currently 1:49:14) but will be happy as long as I'm close to it.

Got my race pack yesterday .... but it was for the wrong event.  They've entered me for the half on 3 March instead of the marathon on 21 April.  Are these organisers a bit chaotic?

Hi, Shades!  Yes, Connemara ultra #9 in April.  Will have to pass on a PB attempt for yet another year.  Been out all winter with a broken collarbone and related issues.

Hi all, T-Rex oh dear! What a mix up on their part.

Good luck to all doing the half this weekend. Hopefully the weather will stay fine.

T-Rex - will see you on the start line at Conne then, I'm doing the ultra too

Bad luck with the collar bone, hope you're getting back your fitness now.