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So this was supposed to be my highest distance training week and my last long (22 mile) run today and I've got a flippin cold.  Well it's more than that - it's the hacking cough that's stopping me running I've done three miles all week.  

I've already done a fair bit of training with 2 x 20 milers and 3 x 18 - over the past few weeks (ladders with shorter runs between) and have been training consistently since Nov.  However last week only did a 16 with the long run scheduled for this week.  

Is it likely to make any difference to my ability to get round the VLM?  I could try and knock out a v slow long run tomorrow - but wondering whether resting and resuming with some gentle runs later in the week would be better?  I think I know what you're going to say but need to ask anyway as am super anxious.

Cheers!

Training when you feel like that will do nothing to enhance your marathon chances and potentially more to harm them.  I guess what you decide to do depends on your goal and what your base level of fitness is like.  What was your weekly mileage before getting sick?  If you could easily bash out 10 miles and you start from mid Jan training consistently then you'll probably get round ok.  If you are less fit and/or you want to do more than getting round you might want to think about deferring and give yourself time to recover and train properly.

Hi

I'd suggest you join your local running club.  You'll find lots of worldly wise runners there with lots of experience and advice to help you along the way as well as company for those long runs.

I quite like Hal Higdon's training plan - http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51139/Marathon-Intermediate-1-Training-Program

He's a man who really does know what he's talking about.  I run with a club with coaches who tailor plans for us, but if you're going to follow something this is better than many IMO.

Finally make friends with the people in your local reputable running shop (see suggestion about running club for recommendations - I use Runners Need) they will  help guide you towards the right gear, supplements etc etc.  A decent running shop usually has a few marathon runners working there.

HTH

A

Glad I spotted this, it sounds like it will be a really nice event.  A few of us from my running club are likely to enter.  Slightly nervous that everyone may pack up and go home before I finish, but what the heck - I'm in it just for the fun!