Marathon Thoughts
January
For most runners this is where it all begins. To start with there will be little change to your normal running, just the occasional extra session, to get you into habits that will serve you well later on. Don’t get frustrated by the slow start, you need to build up gradually to the larger mileages to avoid injury. Come the end of March these sessions will be a distant memory, and you will wonder what you were worrying about. If you follow the training plan you should be getting the pace and distance just right.
February
Beginning to move out of your comfort zone a bit now. You will need to run your long runs during this month. Try and find a like paced training group to run with, it will help the miles go by. The cross country season is coming to an end, and the spring half marathons are starting. You might well be able to incorporate one of these into your training, if your scheduled long run is longer than 13 miles, how about running the race then jogging back down the course to make up the extra miles.
March
This is the month where it all happens. Your work load should be a lot more than you’re used to, and you will feel like you’re always running on tired legs. Don’t worry, that’s the idea, it’s this hard work that will really see you through on the day. You need to be strong to work through these tough weeks. Keep in mind that the hard work will soon all be over, try to run with someone to keep your motivation levels high. If you are a member of a club remember: Listen to your coach, don’t be tempted to run too far, or too hard, remember it’s only training.
April
All the hard works been done now, it’s too late to catch up the mileage now … “What’s Done, Is Done”. This month is all about making sure you’re as ready as you possibly can be, for the Big Day. Take part in a Half Marathon which is an ideal start to your tapering, make sure you drop right off the mileage in the last few weeks, remember your legs need to be fresh for the big day. Have fun and hopefully you’ll get the most out of your marathon .
