VLM 2012 first timers???

Hello everyone!  For some reason I stopped getting notifications that people had posted on here  so thought it had all gone quiet.  Couldn't have been more wrong there, and too many pages to go back through.  Seems like there are quite a few of us first timers now 

My training is coming along nicely, although I still don't have a plan!  Doing the Norwich half on 27 November, which I'd already entered before I got the VLM acceptance.  Training's been a bit sporadic for that, although I've managed to get my long run in every week.  Not expecting anything other than to finish and then it'll be time to sit down and plot out a schedule for London!  I've got too confused by all the training plans out there, so I'm just going to do my own based on increasing the mileage by 1 mile a week for three weeks and then dropping down for a recovery week on week four.  Lucky I have a couple of friends who are experienced marathoners who are going to check over my plan for me!

Hi everyone! Interesting reading, everyone has their own approach and starting point...be great to see everyone at the finish line .

I'm up to doing run 10, walk 2 , 3 times, so it adds up to 36 mins and about 3 miles. I'm happy with that, and puts me on track to start my training plan in mid-december. That will give me a couple of spare weeks for illness and snow!

x

Morning everyone,

I went along to my running club last night but my usual partner wasn't there so  I decided to be brave and have a bash at the speed work session, just for something different to do.  Oh my gosh, my knees hurt this morning!  Ouch!  Think I'll stick to my slow running and just concentrate on my stamina for now. 

I'm doing the Shakespeare 10k in Stratford on Saturday, so it'll be interesting to see if all this work I'm doing on strengthening my core has worked!

Hi All,

Just saw this thread and wanted to wish you all good luck! I was on the 2011 frist timer thread and did VLM last year for the first time and it was a truly amazing experience. I also couldn't have done it without all the support and banter from the thread and it was deja vu reading some of the posts on this one so again - all the best!

If I can give you just one bit of advice -  don't overdo your training - no matter how good you feel as you will get injured (as happened to me - lots!!!)

LJW - I'll see you there on saturday!  I'm doing the half marathon there on that day.  Wish I was wise like you though and entered for the 10k!

 kiwiscanfly - great advice thank you.

I now have some horrible head cold, so am forcing myself to not train until I get rid of it.  Plus being out here is making training for the next few weeks sporadic! if its not dust its snot thats stopping me at the minute! Cant wait to get back to the UK and probably get another cold due to the massive temperature drop!

 I also found out that there is a running track on the cruise ship that I will be on, not sure if all inclusive food and lots of alcohol plus running track will work out, and im sure my other half will happily sit on a sun lounger whilst i run around the running track!

Wow 154wint, running while on holiday - there's dedication for you! 

I had a bad moment this morning, I fell off the fit ball in the gym while trying to do some crunches.  Wouldn't have been so bad but I let out a bit of a yelp, so anyone who hadn't already noticed then heard and saw.  Oh dear.

Hi everyone I'd love to join you here - I'm another VLM first timer....first marathon. I alternate between terrified and excited!!

Did GNR this year, GSR (10 miles) last year  and a fair few 10kms.  Picked up calf problems in GNR and only just getting back to running, so slowly but surely getting there!  Anyway my plan is to build back up until the end of December then follow a proper programme from end Dec until the race - I'm thinking myabe the RW sub-5hour one...??? How's everyone else getting on?

I'm running VLm 2012, too! Just found out.

 I'm planning on starting training until the New Year, though.  It's not until April 22.  That almost 4 full months.

Hi all

Just got back on the thread. have begun  my training after a 6 week break from running the Belin Marathon.

They always say have at least a month off afterwards. I'm aiming for The Gloucester Marathon where I am running it just to help a coaching colleague of mine to help him nail his pacing,  and then the Bath Half, then BRING ON LONDON !!! The Berlin is another great marathon to do. The people are great and it is one of the big 5 and Berlin is such a neat city. As big a marathon as London, however I still think that London is better organised. I really like the way it is run. Especially having the 3 different starting zones.

I haven't read back. How is everyone doing ?

Hi

just read the post by kiwiscanfly 14/11/ 11 and am greatly encouraged.  Not only been totally confused with all the running plans I have downloaded, but also been flumoxed by tempo runs [ ????] speed runs etc etc basically I run if that makes sense.  So I was relieved to read that I shouldn't worry about any of these different types of running sessions. 

many thanks for putting my mind at rest........ well sort of , still terrified though.

Enjoyed a half marathon at the weekend- didnt realy have a plan in mind. It was a lovely sunny day, and my legs were fresh from having been at work all day sat. Came home in 1:48- although was starting to slow by the 12th mile.

Does anyone have any good 4 day training plans?

think im winging it at moment= slowly inc long runs-1 session intervals- 1 tempo, and fourth run depending on day week/ what ive already done.

Hi Siony

It sounds as if you are used to doing the tempo runs,speed work etc. Which is fine if you are doing that regularly already. How about using your 4th run as a recovery run. No need to do much more than 4 runs a week really. Recovery runs are important as you are running when the body is in a pre-fatigued state. Because of this you actuallly activate muscle fibres that are not tired or damaged from previous more stressful sessions. The more muscle fibres you activate the better you run. Recovery runs do this. An easy recovery run doubles up as a rest day as long as it IS a RECOVERY RUN and nothing more. It can be as long and as quick as you want (2-6 miles) as long as it stays within the guide lines of what a recovery run is. IE Very Easy !!!!.

Hi Philippa, I'm terrified too!  When I think about the marathon my stomach starts churning!  I am very excited though. 

Kafeeg, I came last in my one and only half marathon - the good side is the stewards cheer you on more and you get lots of support!

I am a bit nervous, more so because I keep getting moved around with work which messes up my training plan. 

 I was chatting to someone at work about a sub 4 hour first marathon, and he told me the last 6 miles took him an hour!!!! that kind of scared me a bit!

 Planning on a run this afternoon but i think the combination of a really runny nose plus lots of dust out here will be interesting! maybe it wont be 11 miles.

 Cant wait to get back to the UK and go running around sherwood forest!

How is everyone getting on in the cold weather? luckily I dont have that out here!

Hi all. Went out for 11.5 mile today as I am starting to  build up mileage for next year. Nice and steady and not too quick!!

Hi again 154wint. There is a saying that says the second half of your marathon begins at the 20 mile mark, but as long as you have built up the miles you'll be fine. Remember there are going to be literally thousands of others in exactly the same position as you. Try and enjoy the run in after 20 miles.  I tell myself there is only 10k to go at this stage.The crowd support is fantastic, especially near the end. As long as your trainig goes ok , I am telling you, if you get to 20 miles, you will finish. Those that don't have not prepared properly.Unless they have become ill or whatever before, which would just be damn bad  luck, you will get around. There is alot of comraderie and support from the other runners around you and I wouldn't be surprised if you match up with others and help  each other through as well.