Training for a marathon

[Rhythm Thief]

I know this probably isn't a cafe thread, but I couldn't think where else to put it without it being even more off topic than it is in here.

My other half announced her intention to train for a marathon next year. Anyone got any tips? She's reasonably fit and runs a couple of miles most evenings, but a marathon is in a different league altogether.

 

[mr Mag00]

not wanting to be lazy but there are loads of training plans on the interweb. runners world isa good place to start

 

[rich p]

Loads of tips but here's a couple

Get proper fitted (expensive!) running shoes

Don't increase your weekly mileage by more than 10% pw

Try to find other runners to train with, for motivation as much as anything else. It's a lot easier to go out in bad weather if you're meeting someone.

 

[PaulB]

Not wishing to p*ss on her chips or nowt but as a 12 time marathoner myself, I'd have to say this isn't a good time to start. The weather is bad now and the darker nights are coming. That's bad enough for a man out on his own but I know from women at our club how difficult it is for solo females out running. The alternative is to run with a partner/group but they always have difficulty finding someone who runs at the same pace, lives nearby and wants to go the same distance as them. It's tricky and running on a treadmill in a gym! Boring and expensive. My advice would be for her to keep ticking over for now and wait until April until really getting into the distance. Unless of course she is lucky enough to be able to run in daylight hours in which case, most of the above is not relevant!

 

[mr Mag00]

Paulb is right, however i have coerced my partner to come out on her bike with me. it means i run on the wrong side of the road but she rides behind me when the cars are around, she has lights and all the reflective gear and i wear the reflective gear too.

 

[Macka]

As PaulB says she should wait until April...problem may be that the marathon MAY be IN April.
A few tips...
Over winter training is a great mental test for running a marathon. Having to go out in those cold winter mornings/evenings wind, rain hail, snow etc.
Don't skip runs...if its on you sched, unless injured get out and do it..
Stay safe..IF you have to go out alone, stick to well lit loops and stay close to home using laps.
Ipod (or similar) for long runs get an audio book, you'll want to get out to find out what happens in the next chapter...or download podcasts.
Have fun!

 

[Yellow Fang]

If she can find a good running club, that helps. They usually do out-runs on weekends and have training nights once or twice during the week. Sweatshop sometimes hold evening out-runs too, at least they do here.

 

[accountantpete]

My other half announced her intention to train for a marathon next year. Anyone got any tips?

I think they are called Snickers nowadays.

 

[Jim_Noir]

Shoes are a must (Don't need to be exspensive just fit right), and as PaulB said the weather ain't great for it, I am mostly treadmill running now... only seems like I got two weeks road running this year.

 

[Perfect Virgo]

I found this Marathon Training website to be quite comprehensive and the recommended training schedule is free, unlike on many sites. Most marathon events are held in spring or autumn temperatures so unless your wife already runs 20 - 30 miles a week then she may be marginal in building for a race next spring.

As some have said, training in poor weather can be beneficial because so much of the event is achieved "in the mind" and overcoming the elements is a sure test of stamina and commitment. Local running clubs could provide the important "safety in numbers" feeling when training through dark winter evenings.

I ran 4 half marathons last year and apart from agreeing with others' advice to get fitted with the best quality running shoes affordable, I would say the best advice I was given was to stick rigidly to my training schedule including the all-important "taper" for the final 2 weeks. That left me bursting with energy on the big day. Good luck to her.

 

[montage]

Run 3 times a week, one Temp/intervals run, one recovary jog, one long distance run. Sorted

 

[PaulB]

One other ESSENTIAL piece of kit, and I'm not having a word said against this, is Sorbothane. Quite simply, it added another ten years on to my running career. I first saw it demonstrated at a Marathon exhibition and the guy on the stand had a lump if it on his hand and asked people to whack it with a hammer. He then invited the sceptics to be hit while the Sorbothane was on their hands or wrists. Result? It was impossible to feel the hit. I became convinced of its benefits and now never run without them in my shoes. It HAS to be Sorbothane as well. Shop owners will tell you this or that is better; it's not. Sorbothane lasts forever and will dissipate about 90% of the impact of your feet hitting the ground. Seriously, if anyone is contemplating a marathon as a distance, Sorbothane is going to be your very best friend.

 

[montage]

One other ESSENTIAL piece of kit, and I'm not having a word said against this, is Sorbothane. Quite simply, it added another ten years on to my running career. I first saw it demonstrated at a Marathon exhibition and the guy on the stand had a lump if it on his hand and asked people to whack it with a hammer. He then invited the sceptics to be hit while the Sorbothane was on their hands or wrists. Result? It was impossible to feel the hit. I became convinced of its benefits and now never run without them in my shoes. It HAS to be Sorbothane as well. Shop owners will tell you this or that is better; it's not. Sorbothane lasts forever and will dissipate about 90% of the impact of your feet hitting the ground. Seriously, if anyone is contemplating a marathon as a distance, Sorbothane is going to be your very best friend.

Not heard of this.... Looks like I may have to invest

 

[PaulB]

Not heard of this.... Looks like I may have to invest

Seriously, they are essential. Buy the full footbed type and put them under your insoles. Do a medium length run in them and see how you feel. Then a day or two later, do the same length run without them! It's like you've run a third the distance with them in and they will doubtless reduce and even eliminate most injuries, particularly over-use ones.

 

[montage]

Seriously, they are essential. Buy the full footbed type and put them under your insoles. Do a medium length run in them and see how you feel. Then a day or two later, do the same length run without them! It's like you've run a third the distance with them in and they will doubtless reduce and even eliminate most injuries, particularly over-use ones.

Tis good seeing as I am prone to shin splints (compartments) .... Would they be ok to replace the insole? I wear orthotics, so an orthotic, insole and full gel thingy would add around 20 inches to my height.