26.2
It’s now taper time and we have time to reflect on our training and our road to Manchester. We have been so lucky in having support from ASICS and our mentor Mel. Their support throughout as been invaluable and I feel a little sad that’s it’s all about to end.
Marathon training isn’t easy and should never be taken lightly. The impact of running 4/5 times per week and over 100 miles in a month can have a massive impact on your physical and mental health.
So from both of us we would like to share some things you may want to consider if you are going to take on the challenge of running a marathon.
Get a plan! There are lots available online or speak to your club coach. Choose one that suits your target time and that fits in around your other work/life commitments.
We were given our training plan from Mel. It all seemed very daunting 15 weeks ago but Mel suggested not looking too far ahead and just taking it week by week. I have it stuck on the fridge and I get great satisfaction from ticking each section off as we complete it.
Find some friends that will be willing to accompany you on some of your runs (or even just for part of your long run) or join a running group/club. Some people prefer to run alone but we found getting up at 5:30am for a 6am run was a lot easier if we had prearranged to meet friends. Our club night was the best way to get our speed sessions done. Running with others that were completing the same session made it feel easier but also make us work harder,
Get kitted out! Having the correct running shoes is essential. Incorrect shoes can cause injury and the right kit helps you get out even on those cold wet windy days.
We had our gait analysed in the ASICS London store but there will be somewhere near you that will do gait analysis and ensure that you walk out with the right trainers for you.
Read some books or blogs or listen to pod casts about training your mind for running a marathon. We have been given some really good advice from Stuart Holliday, Mel and the other ASICS marathon challenge mentors.
We have done the hard training but now we need to hang tight and remember all the mental strategies we’ve been given.
WE CAN DO THIS!!!