Wales Marathon 2012

Hi all,

I far as I can see there is no thread for the 2012 Wales Marathon so I thought I'd start one and see if there was anyone out there that would like to share any tips/advice about it.

This will be my first marathon. I ran a half in Cardiff in Oct and another in Brighton last month after which I made the snap decision to enter a full one. It seemed like a good challenge at the time but i'm starting to think I've bitten off a little more than I can chew!

The course is apparently quite hilly which I can't think is great for a first timer plus the race is on 10 June so it could potentially be pretty hot.

I suppose what I'm looking for is someone to say that 3 months is ample time to get from where I am (running a half in 1:53) to where I need to be (finishing a full marathon). I'm not worried about finishing in a particular time - just getting around will be enough!

 I've put a training plan together in Mi Coach, which has served me well in the past. This has me out running six days a week - up from four - with a focus seemingly more on total miles covered in a week rather than doing one very long run. Does this seem correct? And i suppose more significantly, how big is the step up from training for a half to training for a full - will my little legs be able to take it?

If anyone run the course in the past, how is it? Is it 'hilly' and does this make a serious difference?

Thanks in advance for anyone's help!

Rob.

 Yes it is part of the Long Course Weekend but I don't think it's the route that you mention. Here's the map: http://www.thewalesmarathon.com/thewalesmarathoncourse.asp. I've done a bit more googling and it's definitely not flat but apparently not too gruelling for a first timer either.

 I wish I'd read your tip before going out running last night. I don't think 6 consecutive days is the plan for me - pulled a muscle and had to hobble 3 miles home! I'm going to go back to 4 runs a week and build up my long run like you suggest. I'll also start trying gels etc. once I'm going over 2 hours.

 Thanks for the help.

Hi Rob

I did this race last year, and am doing it again this year.  It is quite undulating in parts (I don't know Pemrokeshire very well and previously thought it was all very flat...!) - I recall a steep climb up onto the Ridgeway at only mile 2 in particular.  I loved it though - fantastic scenery, great cameraderie, great marshalling and lovely feeding stations.  It's the most fun I've ever had running a marathon and I can't wait to do it again.  You'll love it.

I've run most of the course over the last few weeks and have come to the conclusion that there's three more demanding sections of the course, two of them involving the rise and fall onto the Ridgeway section.

I've used this link posted in an earlier post to point out the sections, etc.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/76221710

Firstly you have the rise from Penally up onto the Ridgeway section between the 3km-5km distance which envolves a rise from 20m to 80m. Into and out of Pembroke is then reasonably straight forward, the next section that needs some extra attention is the exit from Lamphey down to Freshwater East 21km-24km distance, rising from 15m to 70m down along the coastline. Lastly once we get down to Manobier beach we have the run from there back up onto the Ridgeway 30km-35km, another final rise from 30m to 80m.

Personally, my plan is to make sure I don't break myself on the initial ascent onto the ridgeway early on in the race, i've hated it everytime i've ran the section. Anyhow, look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

Aha, got the "Race Pack" email yesterday evening, when I was just beginning to wonder what/when/where/how you need to register and collect number & chip.

I must say that sending it out with just a couple of days to go is a bit disappointing - since I've now only just found out that Gu gels will be on offer (and other energy... drinks?? at the regular feed stations). I haven't used Gu gels yet, so don't think I should try them for the first time on Sunday!

To be honest though I haven't been very organised in planning for this marathon, it being my 3rd in 21 days.

Is anyone doing the Pasta Party on Saturday? Haven't made plans as such yet, and will most likely be registering tomorrow afternoon. But may show up for the carb loading too, can't beat it!

Say hi if you spot me - I'll be wearing bright orange with "Ulen" on the front and "madfrog" on the back on Sunday.

I haven't had a racepack e-mail, can anyone on here confirm what I need to bring, just photo ID? Registered back in January, name "Jonathan Roberts"

Can't wait for the official results - but my Garmin tells me I got a 2012 best time (fastest of the 5 marathons I've done so far this year). Not bad for my 3rd marathon in 21 days!

Great, albeit hilly course (how come there seemed to be so much more uphill than downhill?!?), with fantastic marshalling and well appointed drinks stations. The website was a bit thin on detail beforehand, but otherwise a very well organised marathon, very enjoyable!