, and the 4x15 were fitted around commuting – running to and from the train station twice a week. I think all the talk about 'mental toughness' is a bit of snake oil. Ultras aren't that hard. Running 100 miles slowly is much, much easier than running 26.2
the shortest cool-down that does the proper job (10-15min) rather than doing a long cool-down for the sake of a few more easy miles. However (remembering the earlier "if"), the only time I'd be concerned enough about retaining activation patterns to even
have to do it during the session, and this can have a major impact on your time. People say they want to conserve energy before a race, but I read somewhere that the body (liver) stores up to about 2,000 calories in glycogen. At marathon pace
black coffee before training in the morning. Training on empty helps promote fat-burning metabolism to kick in – and minimises the need for a mid-session loo! – Slow-coachI can't leave the house before a long run/race (10 miles plus) without having my
. Every week I do one 15-mile hilly run, one 10-mile hilly run, one 40-min speed session, one 4-mile fast run and two 6-mile runs. I used to suffer from an eating disorder and have always been a size 8. Running is helping me with recovery mentally, but I
opinion building muscle on your upper body just means extra weight to carry round 26.2 miles. I'd forget the weight training until after marafun, and enjoy the fact that those skinny arms and chest will give you a bit of extra speed on race day. – Ultra
comfortable under your belt as your first goal – easily reached goals are the way to go. Start off with 10 mins now, do that for a couple of weeks, than add 1 or 2 mins (or whatever you reckon) a week. You'll improve in leaps and bounds, way faster than you
in my training when I am on my own; less so in races. When I ran my 2nd half last month (I ran all the way) I so wanted to walk from miles 7-9 when it was really windy and slightly uphill, but I was determined to get a PB – and also what works for me
and rehydrated but was feeling quite grim. The night before, I smoked 30 fags. The marathon was an ordeal. I ran about 18 miles but walked the rest. It took me 5 hours 47 minutes. I'd say that you can get drunk a week before and probably recover in time to do OK
injured. There are much better ways to improve your core strength. I've just finished 11 miles with a pack, and I probably won't be doing any exercise until Monday (three days away), when I might be able to move again! – VezzaIf you want a little more
