VLM 2012 first timers???

Hey ladies and gents

I have gained a charity place in the VLM 2012 , I have never run a marathon in fact I have never run a half marathon ????

So really after some training tips and advice .

Are there any other first timers out there ????

I'm a first time marathoner too!  Done a couple of halves; the GNR in 2010 and one earlier this year though.  And I have the Norwich half coming up at the end of November, if it doesn't snow again and they have to move it like the last two years!

Can't offer any advice I'm afraid as I have no idea what I'm doing, but maybe we can support each other?

I'm still trying to find a training plan that doesn't keep telling me to run at X or Y race pace on different runs though; I only have one pace whatever distance I'm doing!  Have you got a plan yet Rachel?

Hi

well my mum thought she was being helpful and got me a book called ''The marathon trainer for the non-runner'', thanks mum what you trying to say ? It has a 16 week training programme in it , 4 runs a week max running distance 18miles in the latter stages of training . I dont know if thats a good programme as thats all I have seen but it seems comprehensive enough , its just getting out. Need a running partner really as my husband is not into running and doesnt fancy joining me !!!!

I'm a first timer too! Maximum I've ever run is 8 miles lol. It's going to be fun. I'm just returning to running after a break (had an operation, was about 6 months off in total) so between now and New Year I am just working on my fitness and run/walking. If all goes well, I'll start a training programme in New Year.

Where do you live Rachel? I could do with a copy of that book lol!

Think most of the plans usually go up to 20 miles long runs Rachel, although to be honest I'm not really comfortable only taking it that far as an extra six miles on top of the longest you've trained seems a hell of a long way!    I generally have to train on my own too, but you get used to it after a while.  I found the hardest thing is being out on your own with only your own thoughts to keep you company, sometimes the demons can be hard to overcome, but I got there eventually

Sounds a good plan Len, you don't want to do too much too soon and be off again!

I am a first timer for the London marathon, got a place running for Muscular Dystrophy and really looking forward to it. I have not run a marathon for about 20yrs but have been doing a few halves this year.

Started my training schedule already with a steady build up in mileage over the months, the longest run being 23 miles, the schedule is from the Marathon Training site and looks a good plan, we will see on 22nd April next year!

Wouldnt be without my i pod nano and nike+ which keeps an accurate record of all my runs while playing my favorite tunes. Good luck to you all. 

I'm running the VLM (check me out jumping on the abbreviation train) for the first time in 2012.  In fact, I will be running for the first time ever.  I can currently run for about 30 seconds before I have some sort of respitory failure.  Currently, I have no idea how I'm going to get to the point of finishing 26.2 miles.  Actually, I have no idea if I'm ever gonna get to the level of 'beginner'!

 Here's to 6 months of attempting to train so that I don't die on the day!

 PS if anyone is in a similar non runner position in the east sussex part of the world and wants to spur each other on...I could use all the help I can get!  

hi Niks Welcome to the forum - I'm sure you will get lots of help and support here! Are you following a training plan? I'm currently only doing run 1 minute, walk 2 mins (coming back after injuries and an operation) so I'm at about your level, plus I have lots of weight to lose, and a dodgy knee! Sadly i don't live near you, but I'm around on here

Have you read Dawn Dais's marathon training book? It's really funny and motivational for beginners - she had never run either!

Good luck!! x

Hi All

I am looking for a running partner/group in Woking area to train for 2012 London Marathon as I will eb training on my tod otherwise. I  am looking to run 4-4.30hr time and already run albeit irregularly.

I have run thee half marathons in the past. The last being July 2010, but never further than this.

If I don't hear back - Good luck everyone!

 Karl

Hey peeps , we should definatley stick together being first timers , very scared . Starting to get sponsorship so no going back now ?

Len I live in leeds, if thats any good . If anyone is in leeds and looking for a running partner let me know , posted on my facebook account for a running buddy and surprisingly enough no takers to join me as yet !!!!!Cant think why , who wouldnt wanna run in the freezing rain in west yorskhire !!!!

There certain are a few of us first timers then!   Am working towards getting through the Norwich half at the end of November and then will start to bump up the mileage from then towards the marathon

Anyone thinking of doing it in fancy dress?  I thought it would be fun to dress up a bit and be part of the party atmosphere

Rachel Watkins 2 wrote (see)

If anyone is in leeds and looking for a running partner let me know , posted on my facebook account for a running buddy and surprisingly enough no takers to join me as yet !!!!!Cant think why , who wouldnt wanna run in the freezing rain in west yorskhire !!!!

Brrr Rachel!   One thing I like about living in Norfolk is that it's the driest place in the country!

Fancy dress!??! Are you insane?! lol I think I'm going to have enough to contend with just getting round! What did youhave in mind? I'm lucky to have a ballot place so i am not even sure whether I am going to fundraise yet. I'd like to - but I  might leave it till a LOT nearer the time.

Rachel - Leeds is a bit far, but on our longest training runs we could probably meet in the middle quite easily (eeeeeek - how scary is that?!).

I got the non-runners marathon training book at the weekend and it's really useful, a good read. 

I'm not lookiing forward to the drop in temperature at the end of this week much - I don't mind rain, dark, wind....but the local hills on ice aren't fun! Aarghh!!

x

Well, not insane Len, but I seem to have developed the ability to take a challenge and make it harder for myself!  I just think there are plenty of marathons out there where you can try and get a fast time, but I'll only be doing London once (I don't think it's fair to others to keep doing it when there are so many people who really want to do it but don't get in) so why not make it an amazing fun day as well as it being a challenge to get round   Not really sure what I'm going to wear yet, wasn't thinking along the lines of something over the top like Mr Blobby, but want to do it in more than a token tutu.  Have been having a look on some of the dance sites as their costumes should provide flexibility for running in but not decided on anything yet. 

You're braver than me though, I only run in the dark with my club and there is no way you'd get me out there if it's icy, it would be just asking for trouble

Len - yeah the book is good sooo American though some bits make me laugh , and they anecdotes are funny !

Where do you live ?

Has anybody sorted accomodation for the marathon weekend , trying to sort it but its impossible to find anywhere , so places said they have been booked up over a year !!!!

Must admit I was panicking about staying somewhere, but am now going to go up on the day on a coach that's being laid on by a friends running club.  Have you tried further out of London and then get a tube in on the day? 

Sounds like I might have been lucky then, I booked a hotel room about a week ago. It's a Best Western, have you tried them?

And I'm North Sheffield - do you know Sheffield at all? Not far from J35 of the M1. Totally agree with you about the American-ness of that book but hey, I will take hope from wherever it comes .