My Forum

RW - Sure it was frustrating not to break 4hrs, but given the course and conditions that a good time, well run. Whereabouts in Preston do you live. I live in Walton-le-dale and do runs around avenham park and long runs usually take in Longton, Hutton and Penwortham, and did Guild Wheel 5 times in training for Marathon.

RW - Yes we did share the Preston rain and wind. Don't think the weather could have been much worse. What made it more annoying was that the weather the day before and day after was sunny and calm, almost perfect running conditions. It was already a challenging course, and the weather made it even tougher. Even so I enjoyed it as it was novel to run a marathon in my home city. A lot of the route (from mile 8 to 22) was where I had done a lot of my running when I was living at home with the parents. I managed to get round in 3hrs 53, what time do you do?

Regarding time to do those mileages, I know where your coming from, with 3 kids and commuting to work in Leeds from Preston, I have to get up 4am at weekdays to do the runs, and 5/6am at weekends. For example today I am working from home, so got up at 5.15, out the door at 5.30. Did 15 miles, was back before wife and kids were up and also in time to do school run. 

15 miles today in 2hrs 12, included 10 miles @80%, which was average pace of 8.25/m. Pacing was quite good with 15 seconds between fastest and slowest miles.

RW - I too can echo Kier's discussion on mileage. For my last marathon in October, I averaged 50 miles a week. Through Hadding I have increased the mileage and have done 60, 62 and 69 miles in the last three weeks, with more planned in thew future. Patience is the key, the pace will increase, especially when 80% runs are introduced.

Dr Dan - The York Marathon appeals to me too. If after doing Manchester Marathon in April, I decied to do another marathon this year (not sure whether to just HADD and do HM after marathon), it will either be York or Chester.

 Hi All,

Been unable to post for a while due to work and family commitments.

I have been hadding now for 6 weeks and had my first big breakthrough/WOW moment.

I have over the past 7 weeks increased my weekly mileage from 45 to 68 miles.

At the start my 70% pace was between 10.15 to 10.35 m/m and my 75% pace was between 9.45 and 10.00 m/m.

Over the past week I have noticed a increase in pace in these zones. At 75% I am now running at 9-9.15 m/m and 70% I am running between 9.10 -9.30 m/m.

By way of illustration last week I did a 17 mile run in 2hrs 47 at 9.50 m/m with Avg HR of 73%. This week I did the same run in 2hrs 39 at 9.23 m/m with Avg HR of 72%.

Introduced 80% runs two weeks ago, last week did 8 miles at average pace of 8.50m/m. This week aimed to do 9 miles at 80%.However, got HR to 77% and pace felt fast so didn't push on to 80%.Pace was 8.30 m/m. Could have run for further at that HR/Pace. Is it normal after weeks of 70/75% running to find it hard to get to 80% or should I have pushed to reach 80%

Hi Chick, do you don't have a link to the P&D 12 week plan do you. I have a copy of the 18/70 plan.

Kier, I like you cake analagy, agree with your comments re: speedwork. I think I am better concentrating on base and then the icing for this marathon.

Brian, I think in hindsight the 10 mile easy/10 mile MP run, probably was too hard. I like the look of your progressive runs, will give both a try.