Marathon Training

Writing this we are currently 8 weeks away from Manchester Marathon!!! Eek!!!

These are the weeks now where the training really ramps up. Long runs are getting longer, hill repeats are getting more repetitive, and the appetite is increasing!

For this marathon I am following my own running and strength and conditioning programme which so far is going well and my body seems to be coping well with the demands I am putting on it.

To give you an idea of how I am approaching my training generally my weeks look a bit like this however this does change depending on work and children’s taxi commitments!

Monday- Some kind of interval session whether that’s speed or hill intervals.

Tuesday – Swim and S&C

Wednesday – Leading a group at my running club which is generally a 10km Tempo run

Thursday – S&C

Friday – Long run or rest

Saturday – Long run or rest

Sunday – S&C or rest

(I keep the Friday, Saturday and Sundays flexible as there is always so much going on with the kids).

Every 4-5 weeks I have a ‘deload week’, reducing the mileage and intensity allowing my body to recover slightly and absorb the training up to that date. This is always welcomed as the legs do feel the fatigue.

As you can see, I’m actually only running 3 times a week. This is the least I have run in a block so I’m hoping it’ll pay off come marathon day choosing quality sessions over quantity. We will see! Alongside this I swim once a week and aim for three S&C sessions if possible, however the 3rd S&C session on a Thursday (or doesnt happen) isn’t as intense as the other 2 so I’m not too fatigued for my long run.  As I get closer to the marathon I will reduce to just two S&C sessions each week with only 1 light session the week before the marathon.

So, what do the next few weeks look like?

Tomorrow, I have my longest run of this block so far, 20 miles.  These miles will be done at a very easy pace, aiming to keep the heart rate low.  The intention is to complete time on feet and not try and run marathon pace. To prepare for the miles I make sure that today I have hydrated well and eaten enough, in particular carbohydrates.

In the morning I will practice what I will consume on race day; Porridge with a blob of peanut butter, a banana, a cup of tea and a glass of water, this seems to sit well in my tummy and touch wood I haven’t had any upset issues. During the run I will take my Veloforte carbohydrate/electrolyte powder mixed with water and a selection of normal and caffeinated Veloforte gels.  I still can’t decide which way round I will do all of this so tomorrow is the time for me to experiment.

Post run is all about replenishing the body with protein and carbs. Luckily for me I have a lovely evening planned with friends eating Wagamama's and watching a film at the cinema

putting my feet up and resting!

Happy Weekend all!