UKC

Hi everyone,

I've signed up for my first marathon in August. Well, I'm doing the running leg of a Relay Ironman (full marathon distance). Please can somebody recommend a decent training programme? I've done a couple of half marathons before (1hr 37 mins), and will be mountaineering in Bolivia for most of June, so hopefully should have a decent chance.

Unfortunately, I'm away with work until mid-March, so I'm limited to treadmills. It's driving me mad but better than nothing.

Thanks for any top tips! My wife and mate are doing the swim and bike, so I can't let them down.
Kieran

In reply to KieranT:

at 1.37 for a half just keep doing what you are doing and you will be fine.
maybe throw a long run in every week ,16-20 miles.

In reply to KieranT: Look at the runners world schedules.

Travelling for work need not necessarily mean treadmills - where do you go? I've never missed a day travelling, and almost always outdoors. Running is very forgiving that way, and the internet gives us access to maps and information

In reply to KieranT: My approach to this was to google around for marathon training plans - you'll find quite a few on race websites and they're often set up for different target times which is good. I think Hal Higdon's website was one that I used, too. I then looked at what elements the various plans had in common (e.g. long easy-paced run once a week, some strength and speed work) and made my own plan that suited me. For example I wanted a plan based on run time, not distance because I'm often in different places.

I'd also say that for most people a full marathon is quite a step up from a half so you're doing the right thing to start planning at this early stage. It might also pay, (if you haven't already) to read up on nutrition and have a good stretching routine - you're looking at getting your body through a large volume of work and avoiding injuries and illness is important.

In reply to KieranT:

Its too far away now. Start seriously training now and you'll lose interest unless you get intermediate goals.

Half marathon in April? Snowdonia half is around then? a few 10ks.

For the first few months I'd look at being quicker, 5-10k pbs. Then miles in but lots of long runs getting close to marathon pace for the final 3-6 miles.

Just get used to regular running with the odd race. I wouldn't start marathon training specifically until 3-4 months out.

In reply to AdrianC:


I think this is where many go wrong. LSD's are fine if you are doing good miles. But most do them far too slow. Not rapid but not a long way off race pace. Maybe 45-90 sec of race pace..

In reply to KieranT: however Ian, as we've discussed before for many people that simply makes 45 - 60 seconds below race pace their new race pace.

Mixture of long and steady and faster paced running

In reply to wbo:

yes long and steady, not long and slow..

Low mileage runners won't get much from long and slow.. it needs to be long and steady..