Hints for a first time marathon runner
Discussion
Hi guys - appreciate there is a running thread but I can't always get on too often and don't want to miss any possible replies amidst a larger thread.
I've signed up for the Chester Marathon in October having never previously done more than a 10k. I'm not the fittest of people but was moved to do it to raise money for a childrens cancer ward after a friends three year old son was diagnosed. I wanted to do something to get fit, and that seemed like the ideal reason - end of the day, I can't drop out when I've told a little boy and his family that I'd do it.
I've suffered with a bad knee for years so have been careful not to overdo it and have been working on smaller runs to build up the strength in with my longest run so far having been just under 12 miles last weekend. I've been trying to get out on my own at least three times a week and have also joined a running club once a week to run with a group, whilst I do a fitness class once a week as well.
I'm not running at a quick pace and am not setting myself any targets when it comes to a time (aside from wanting to beat the six hour limit that would mean I'm classified) but I wondered what hints anyone has for a 'first timer' to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
I've signed up for the Chester Marathon in October having never previously done more than a 10k. I'm not the fittest of people but was moved to do it to raise money for a childrens cancer ward after a friends three year old son was diagnosed. I wanted to do something to get fit, and that seemed like the ideal reason - end of the day, I can't drop out when I've told a little boy and his family that I'd do it.
I've suffered with a bad knee for years so have been careful not to overdo it and have been working on smaller runs to build up the strength in with my longest run so far having been just under 12 miles last weekend. I've been trying to get out on my own at least three times a week and have also joined a running club once a week to run with a group, whilst I do a fitness class once a week as well.
I'm not running at a quick pace and am not setting myself any targets when it comes to a time (aside from wanting to beat the six hour limit that would mean I'm classified) but I wondered what hints anyone has for a 'first timer' to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Thanks for the replies guys - in response to a few of the points...
The knee is just one of those things I have to deal with - it's bothered me since I was about 12 and I'm in my early 30s now so it's just a case of managing it. I've tried to run with and without supports on and to be fair, it actually seems to be better without. When I started to do my training, I had no chance of running two days in a row as it would be in too much pain the second day - which now isn't the case (touch wood!)
I've also been making sure that I don't run too much (if that makes sense). Instead I've been going along the lines of running for a mile or so, then taking a quick 30 sec break where I'll stretch and keep myself moving before going again.
Going off too quickly isn't an issue I think I'm going to have! I'm very much adopting the 'slow and steady approach' as I'd kick myself if the day came around and I went too quick and then couldn't complete it. I'd also then feel I'd let down anyone who was backing me, which I don't wanna do. I'm quite happy to let everyone else bugger off in front of me on the day; as long as I'm not stone last then I'm happy!
Running club is good as I find myself pushing myself a bit more during those runs. They're only around 4 miles but because I don't want to be the one at the back, I find myself going a bit harder than I would if I was alone.
Core strength work is definitely a downfall and something I need to work on more. In general terms, I know that my stamina levels have improved a lot so far as I'm not getting out of breath anywhere near as much as I expected to, but can feel it in other areas.
At the moment, my 'regular' runs are from 3-6 miles with a longer one of 12 which I know I'm going to have to raise soon. Main issue has been fitting it around a full-time job (complete with 80 mile commute), two kids waiting when I get home and freelance work that can take up some evenings and weekends.
In terms of measuring what I do, it's simply Strava on the iPhone as can't afford anything else at the moment. I was given an Apple Watch by the wife which gives rough measurements of things but doesn't have GPS so not 100 per cent reliable.
I did consider the blog idea but again, it came down to time. Instead, I set up a Facebook page that I just post my times on after each run - that way people can at least see what I'm doing and I know I can't slack off too much as people might notice!
The knee is just one of those things I have to deal with - it's bothered me since I was about 12 and I'm in my early 30s now so it's just a case of managing it. I've tried to run with and without supports on and to be fair, it actually seems to be better without. When I started to do my training, I had no chance of running two days in a row as it would be in too much pain the second day - which now isn't the case (touch wood!)
I've also been making sure that I don't run too much (if that makes sense). Instead I've been going along the lines of running for a mile or so, then taking a quick 30 sec break where I'll stretch and keep myself moving before going again.
Going off too quickly isn't an issue I think I'm going to have! I'm very much adopting the 'slow and steady approach' as I'd kick myself if the day came around and I went too quick and then couldn't complete it. I'd also then feel I'd let down anyone who was backing me, which I don't wanna do. I'm quite happy to let everyone else bugger off in front of me on the day; as long as I'm not stone last then I'm happy!
Running club is good as I find myself pushing myself a bit more during those runs. They're only around 4 miles but because I don't want to be the one at the back, I find myself going a bit harder than I would if I was alone.
Core strength work is definitely a downfall and something I need to work on more. In general terms, I know that my stamina levels have improved a lot so far as I'm not getting out of breath anywhere near as much as I expected to, but can feel it in other areas.
At the moment, my 'regular' runs are from 3-6 miles with a longer one of 12 which I know I'm going to have to raise soon. Main issue has been fitting it around a full-time job (complete with 80 mile commute), two kids waiting when I get home and freelance work that can take up some evenings and weekends.
In terms of measuring what I do, it's simply Strava on the iPhone as can't afford anything else at the moment. I was given an Apple Watch by the wife which gives rough measurements of things but doesn't have GPS so not 100 per cent reliable.
I did consider the blog idea but again, it came down to time. Instead, I set up a Facebook page that I just post my times on after each run - that way people can at least see what I'm doing and I know I can't slack off too much as people might notice!
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