sub 4 hour group,if anyone wants to get together

Thanks for the all the ideas! I'm going to test out my camelbak again this weekend and see how I go, it usually has work clothes in it and no bladder.. things might change when I use it properly  

Slack Susuan - I'm in South London, though my long runs are stretching all over the place at the moment. I'm trying to keep them interesting, I don't take well to laps! 

Finding it hard to get back in to the training since Sunday, I have funny little aches all over the place. Cycling to work today and might fit in a little 5km over lunch, but will see how it feels.  

Scott - Sounds like our running club with only 2 people.

Struggling to get proper runs in this week with my youngest doing a pantomime over the weekend (lots of dropping of and picking up). Managed to get out for a quick 5 miles last night (if you can call 41min quick).

Negative splits are definitely great if you can set of at the correct pace. 2011 Chester went through half way in 2:15 and finished in 4:24. Mentally it was great for the last 10 miles as i was just passing loads of people. I remember thinking that I never saw so many people walking in a marathon but then realised that i was normally one of them.

Hopefully get out a couple of times before the weekend and will probably have a run with the wife on sunday with extra tagged on at the end to get time on my feet.

Yes, I did so much overtaking on Sunday. Def a good feeling...

(Cough) Speedy Ikle.. Over taking.. You mean when you told us you weren't racing? Hmmm.

Also see post above. Brighton is April 14th - so last long run of 18-22 miles for most people (3 week taper) would be approx March 24th (a particularly fabulous date... ), even the week before is reasonable. 2 perfect long runs this weekend and fortnight later are much better than 3 average, ones that leave you drained.

Main aim now is to get to the start line in one piece - without hurty knees or other aches caused by too much mileage. You can still do 10-14 mile runs, medium long runs @ MP and speed work in the 3-4 weeks after.

frc, I am glad you say that about less is more, my next two weeks are both 18 and then 20, last weekend was suuposed to be 18 as well.  I won't be g oing up to 22 according to my schedule, and I never have.  When I keep reading 22 for others I keep getting worried. Sticking to my schedule though.

that should say 18 then 20 for next two weeks btw.

Yes FRC right as always. I was not racing as much as I could have, that's the point. And I think I mis-read my plan anyway. Will follow your advice. Do not like speed runs either. Am glad that all my hill running is done. I did loads of that. Need to do 7 easy this evening. Just that. Easy.

I think that the good thing about 22 is that is really is nearly 26.2. But I know, that's what's bad about it too. =)

Wabo - My schedule has me running 18 this week, 20 next as well. No sign of a 22 and I'm pretty happy to keep it that way at the moment.

I haven't gone for my lunch time run, instead I am on here and eating soup. Maybe after my cycle home.. the shower at work is broken so I couldn't wash my hair if I went for a run. Good enough excuse?

I overtook quite a few people towards the end of Bath as well, made me feel like a champion.

Ikle - Impressed that you did loads of hill running. I haven't been so good following such instructions on my schedule. Hill run/ pace/ intervals have all been replaced with 'just run the distance on the sheet.'

The hardest thing about doing the 20-22 mile runs is the time it takes to do your runs.

Will try to get 4/5 runs in of between 2:45 and 3:00 (maybe a little more if i can) before the marathon.

Yes 18 was my max in all other maras. (Heh. I say all) I think that a longer longest run is psychologically helpful because you know you are near as anything to full distance. Quinn agree with the time element.

According to McMillan my marathon pace is 8:39 based on my 1:47:45 - well under 4hrs! Are they just being crazily optimistic?

Hello all nice to see some new people

Sorry all not read back bit hope all are OK. Been out for 10 today better than Sunday but a long way from recovered. I HAVE to slow down or Im not going to make the start . Rhyder 20 next Saturday so going to take it very easy until then

Khanivore- Honest answer would be maybe the weather will be a big factor. Which Marathon you doing?