OMG I am in so much trouble!

[MJH]

Originally Posted by lloydwatkin

I didn't get in, and I'm not going to bug everyone again about charity giving to get one of them places (besides when I run a marathon I want it to be for me!).

Got another 1/2 at the start of March and then I'll find something fun to do after that

Good luck!

I didn't get in through the ballot

and this isn't a charity place

I am running for me

[SoggyFox]

I missed the ballot this year and isgned up for the South Downs Marathon instead....

as for training for the marathon, most programmes go along the lines of runs for 30mins 3 times a week and then a days rest and a long run on the weekend and then a shorter run. Then start again. Or some sort of mixture of this, have a look on runnersworld website.

Most also suggest that you only increase your mileage by about 10% a week upto about 18 miles. Something that i read in runners world was indicating thats for marathons like London its not always about running the distance in preparation its also about running for the time it'll take you to complete, so instead of trying to run for 26 miles run slower but for 4 hours to get your body ready for the marathon. I can vouch for that fact it will hurt, it will really hurt.

[uwila]

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

I can vouch for that fact it will hurt, it will really hurt.

Don't listen to the wimp! I ran the London marathon 12 years ago and it didn't hurt a bit (spot the lie). I loved every minute - apart from 40 of them when I had excruciating cramp in both calves simultaneously.

However, the next day is another matter...

Good luck - it's a great day out.

[SoggyFox]

Originally Posted by uwila

Don't listen to the wimp! I ran the London marathon 12 years ago and it didn't hurt a bit (spot the lie). I loved every minute - apart from 40 of them when I had excruciating cramp in both calves simultaneously.

I ran the Gatliffe marathon, which was cross country through mud in November and my hips hurt like hell for the last 5 miles, ran it leaning forward.

but that all said the sense of satisfaction and the high at the end is amazing.

the beer tasted pretty good too.

[Bimbler]

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

as for training for the marathon, most programmes go along the lines of runs for 30mins 3 times a week and then a days rest and a long run on the weekend and then a shorter run. Then start again. Or some sort of mixture of this, have a look on runnersworld website.

Most also suggest that you only increase your mileage by about 10% a week upto about 18 miles. Something that i read in runners world was indicating thats for marathons like London its not always about running the distance in preparation its also about running for the time it'll take you to complete, so instead of trying to run for 26 miles run slower but for 4 hours to get your body ready for the marathon.

This seems like sensible advice.

I didn't get in on the ballot this year, but have done several races using internet training programmes and they seem pretty reliable. Runnersworld is a good source of information and this year I am giving the Lucozade on-line running programme a go. It tells you what stage you need to be at, maps your progress and you even have the option of asking an expert - although I have yet to try this. Did you get a copy of a training programme in your Marathon magazine? They usually seem to be pretty good. mapmyrun dot com is also a good site for tracking your distance and covers most (?all) of the UK.

The idea is to be increasing your distance by 10% per week, but then tapering down for the week or two before the race. This is usually incorporated in the on-line programmes. Again, you don't want to be doing a full marathon before the event. Getting to 20miles before and then crossing your fingers should be good enough!

Lots of luck

[MJH]

Thanks for all the advice - I will look at Runner World when I get a chance

I only found out I had the place late yesterday so haven't had a chance to do much about it yet

and no I didn't get a Marathon Magazine