VLM - My first marathon & I can't wait! by k8greene

I can glady say that since my last post I seemed to have been blessed with a miracle!

I had a half marathon booked for the weekend just gone, and the weekend before I said for me to take part I would need a miracle to happen. Well I completed the half marathon in 2 hrs 12 mins! After the disaster of the weekend before I got my a*** in gear during the week and managed 3 decent training runs.

7 miles on Tuesday, 8.75 on Wednesday and then 10 miles on Friday! All before work, it did mean that I had to get up very early to do them but to any other morning runners out there you know how nice it is out early. As the week went on I started to feel more confident about taking part in the half, I ended up emailing the organisers on Friday to ask if there was a time limit as I did think I would need walking breaks but I got reply saying as long as I finished that day then I had no worries.

The half went well, there was a few bad hills but I surprised myself by not stopping once, it was such a confidence boost. I've got the Silverstone half marathon this coming weekend which should be nice and flat, the only thing I'm dreading is that it doesn't start until noon, with running the earlier the better.

My ITBS didn't effect me at the weekend although I'm very paranoid about it coming back, I didn't even sprint at the finishing line! I have an appointment booked to see a physio on Thursday, I do want it treated as I believe it's just lying domant but I'm worried about being poked too much and it being aggrivated.

Hopefully onwards and upwards for the time being, it's getting so close to the big day that I'm starting to read about tappering! 48 days to go...

Well my first marathon is less then 2 months away!

I went on holiday for just over 2 weeks, this had been booked way before I found out that I got a place. I had a lovely time but coming back my training has suffered. I was deteremined to enjoy the holiday and leave behind the stress of training which I did. With the ITBS I said I would have a total rest rather then use the hotel's facilities. I don't regret the decision, just wish I didn't have a marathon looming!

I've managed a couple of training runs since I got back and they been only ok. I did a race at the weekend but really struggled with it and it was only a 10k, something which used to be a walk in the park for me. The route was multi-terrain and will all the rain we had had we were slipping and slidding everywhere. Also the race was at midday, the later I run in the day the less my body can cope! Those were factors against me but my lack of fitness was by far the main cause.

While I was taking a walking break during the race, I started thinking should I just defer my entry? The ITBS is a lot better for the time being but it's still a problem. Thankfully I came round to my senses and thought that although my training plan was going down the drain it's alright if I have to walk more of the marathon then planned. The atmosphere will be great and the longer I'm on the course the more I get to soak it up!

I started out training so early, way back in October and I hoped as I was giving it so long I would have the perfect lead up to it but I'm realising that sometimes the best laid plans go wrong, there are just too many factors outside of my control.

Have started suffering from ITB syndrome which if you've ever had it, you understand how painful it can be, and if you haven't had it pray that you don't! In short what starts out as a niggle on the lower leg, on the outside of the knee when running. It can become severe pain during the run or more commonly after the run, particulary when going up & down stairs. I should be resting my leg completely but have a marathon to train for! I've just been giving myself much more recovery time in between runs.

Had been doing about 7-9 miles in the mornings before work and then the weekend before last I managed my longest distance of just over 12 miles! Really pleased but my leg was in agony for the next couple of days. Took it easy last week and only ran once during the week but did a 10 mile race the weekend just gone. I was really worried about my leg & worst fear was having to pull out half way through. My leg niggled a bit but managed the whole race what I feel was a respectable time (for me anyway!) - 1hr 34 mins, I was expecting 1hr 45! 

Pain after the race was a lot better but still taking it easy. I'll be off on a 2 week holiday next week and was planning on using the hotel gym to keep up my fitness but will now use the time away to let my leg recover and then commence full marathon training when I return. I hope I don't live to regret this but have entered a few races on my return, starting a few days after I get back! Two 10ks and then 2 half marathons all on consecutive weekends.

The marathon is coming round quickly and I'm trying to make the most of the whole experience.  I've waited so long for this opportunity so I don't want to waste a moment of it.

Well as we all know the weather has been far from favourable lately. Getting to the gym hasn't been an option & I wasn't risking the pavements which had become an ice rink.

But this week I'd had enough! No longer was this weather going to stop me, I have a marathon which is fast approaching (101 days away - eeek!). Luckily the main roads are clear enough to get out & run. I've been making myself as high vis as possible & joining the cars on the road. Thankfully at 6.30am the roads are quiet enough to get away with it. Where it wasn't possible to run on the roads I took baby steps on the icy pavements.

Managed a good run on Tuesday, about 6.5 miles. Wednesday we had bad snow but got out again today and managed almost 8 miles. Was really worried that my fitness would be back to square one & running half a mile would be challenging but I've found it a nice a nice level of tough. Hopefully the weather will continue to clear up & I can join the pavements again.

Time is becoming a factor too. I only can run in the morning so will need to get up even earlier then 5.45am(!) to accomodate my increasing mileage.

All is going well for the time being so pleased. Fingers crossed there will be no more obstacles!