So we basically need to reduce the mileage but keep the same intensity in the runs you do complete? i normally do 2 5 mile runs in the week and a long run on a sat and a 3.5 miler on a sunday morning. This week I did 4 miles yesterday and 4 miles at lunch today and am planning a 12 miler on saturday and 3.5 on sunday. Does that sound ok?
I have been reading the comments on here for a few weeks now, and they have really helped me get out on my long runs. Especially when it is snowing/raining/freezing and just down right miserable outside!!
I did my last long run on saturday which was 21 miles at around 3:20 I think. I would love to go sub 4:30 but it depends if I have to stop for the toilet 3 times like I did last year!!
It is so nice to know you are not the only mad person to go out in the conditions that we do. I am always being called mad by my work colleagues and family!
I hope everyones race goes ok. I will be on here most days checking how everyone is feeling and how their tapers are going as it is nice hearing people having the same thoughts and emotions as me!!
My first marathon was the New York ING 2007. I travelled out there by myself with 2:09 events who were fantastic. It was the most amazing experience. I only found out I had been accepted 3 months before and am not really a runner, I mean I go to the gym to keep myself fit but haven't even done a half marathon except a walking one, but I was detiremined to do it! And I did!! Took me 6:19 but I did it! I walked/Jogged it and because of this I didnt find it anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. Beforehand I went to the gym most days and worked on the treadmill but apart from that nothing. I did it to raise money for my mums hospice and got £2050. I started off slowly as I had been told the main thing is not to set off quickly at a pace youwill not be able to maintain, and then crash out at mile 18 or so. I took water and gatorade at every station which I think is what got me through! My legs started to hurt at around mile 22 but it was nowhere near as bad as I thought. I was so worried I wouldnt get round so I was just pleased to complete it! I would advise taking a small bumbag which I put blister plasters in (didn't need them in the end) my hotel card, some money (didnt need it) energy gel (didnt need it) but I could have done with some small sweets (someone was handing out starburst which felt like a god-send!) I also found my fingers swelled up to twice there size as I was going round which might have been due to all the water I was drinking, so I would take any rings off beforehand. It was such an achievement for me and I was so proud and overwhelmed at the end but I had no-one there to meet me, so thats one thing I would say-to arrange a place to meet someone. We had to make our own way back to our hotel which was in the middle of Times Square and there were no taxis running so I had to try and navigate the subway where I got completely lost. Would have been nice to have someone with me to help as I was absolutely shattered and my legs had given up by then. I went for a gentle walk around central park the next day which did hurt my legs but I knew I had to sit through an 8 hour flight later that night so thought I'd better stretch my legs during the day. All in all it was an amazing experience and the best thing I have ever done in my life so far. I would say to anyone considering a marathon-GO FOR IT!!!! I will definately be doing more and am going to smash my time. Good luck x