Some advice please for a first timer !

Its prob asked on here time and time again, but some advice would be great ...

Am I doing enough training for VLM ?

This is my first marathon, having only run 10ks before, and I am following the Hal Higdon novice schedule, but tweaked a bit due to work/kids/hubbie working shifts .... I would like to run VLM around the 5 hr mark, though my main aim is to finish!

The rest of my training is like this (I am just running mileage, not pace, but try to push myself a little harder on the shorter runs, pace around 10.20-30 M/M)

2 x 3, 1 x 6, 1 x 13  (22)
1 x 3, 1 x 4, 1 x 7, 1 x 12  (26)
1 x 3, 1 x 4, 1 x 7, 1 x 15   (29)
1 x 3, 1 x 4, 1 x 8, 1 x 13 (Bath 1/2 race) - also my first 1/2    (28)
1 x 4, 1 x 5, 1 x 9, 1 x 18    (36)
2 x 5, 1 x 9, 1 x 14    (33)
2 x 5, 1 x 10, 1 x 20    (40)
2 x 5, 1 x 8, 1 x 16    (34)
1 x 3, 1 x 5, 1 x 8, 1 x 12    (28)
1 x 3, 1 x 4, 1 x 6, 1 x 8   (21)
1 x 2, 1 x 3, 1 x 4  then VLM !!    (35)

 Hope this is clear ? I am also supposed to do 1 day cross training which to be honest I havent really done yet as its hard enough fitting everything else in ... would it be worth just running another day instead, of just a gentle 3 miler ?

 Any advice would be greatly appreciated !

Thanks

think I will put this on beginners .......

Hi Albion

I'm following this plan too, though was a bit late starting.

It's my first VLM too, but all I can say is that I followed the Hal Higdon intermediate plan for my first half, and was really pleased to finish in 1hr 48.

I'm no expert then, but I do know the Higdon plan follows a few things I've seen elsewhere ...
• Making the sum of the weekday runs add up to
the distance of the LSR
• Making the longest run 20 miles
• A decent level of rest !

To make up for my late start, I'm personally swapping one of the rest days for an extra day's cross training.

I'm aiming just to finish too - so we're in it together !

I'm a first timer too so I'm no expert but it sounds like you're doing just fine. You have a clear idea of your schedule, and if you're getting the long runs in OK then I think you're doing alright. Your target of 5 hours sounds fine too.. although some do say your first marathon shouldn't be about time, it should be about getting around.. but by all means set yourself a goal.

I'd say carry on as you are.

Hi,

Firstly, yes you are doing enough to finish, there is no strict cut off as such at London though they start opening some of the roads once the sweeper bus has gone past, I think the sweeper bus travels around approx 7.30/8.00 hour finish pace, most people could do it on crutches in 8 hours.

Its very difficult to equate training time to finish time as there are so many other variables in peoples starting point and preparation, also race day itself e.g. pacing/ starting to fast etc.

The Hal Higdon schedules are tried and tested so as long as you pretty much stick to the schedule and concentrate on the key sessions and target paces then you should have a very good chance of achieving your aim.

Bath will be a good test of your training progress, if you can finish sub 2.15 I would say you have a realistic chance of finishin VLM sub 5.00.

Good luck.


If you want an extra cheer as you pass mile 17 put your name down on this thread:

Marthaon Runners and Supporters

Am running my first london marathon this year ,and have had a really tough couple of weeks with flaming ,frustrating knee painAAAAh so am behind on my long runs ,and am so worried i won't be able to catch up!!!!! I really wish i could understand what your training schedule means,but it looks really impressive !! good luck xx

Nadia,  I presume 'the' Nadia?   and welcome to RW 

If you are having knee pain now I would get to a physio asap,  it may be something very simple to cure and sooner rather than later,   dont try and catch up on your long runs as this may be causing more damage as well
Rest Ice Compression and Elevation ...a good old bag of peas will do the job

I assume you have the right shoes for the job and have a rough plan that you are working to?

Stick around,  plenty in a similar boat I would think !

nadia sawalha wrote (see)

Am running my first london marathon this year ,and have had a really tough couple of weeks with flaming ,frustrating knee painAAAAh so am behind on my long runs ,and am so worried i won't be able to catch up!!!!! I really wish i could understand what your training schedule means,but it looks really impressive !! good luck xx

The plan posted in the first post is a list of weeks up until the big day. The (26) is the total miles covered in that particular week. The 1 x 3 = 1 run of 3 miles. The 1 x 4 = 1 run of 4 miles. 1 x 7 .. you guessed it. And the 1 x 12 = the long run of 12 miles.

I presume you're already following your own training plan as you mention long runs. Good luck, you can do it!!!! Hope the knee pain eases up soon. And if you're Nadia herself, good luck to you and Mark with the Marathon.