Runners?

hill sprints - sprinting properly uphill with a good high knee lift really works your core. nothing too steep and not too far, 50-100m is plenty - but really go for it, as fast as you can! start with a couple of sets of 4 with a walk/job back down and a 5 minute easy run between sets (run a mile or so either side warm up cool down).
Also, try a circuits class - HIIT - metafit (seems to be a UK thing) or insanity type workouts improve your core hugely - add one or two sessions a week and change one of your runs for hills.

I am currently doing C25K, so totally not Marathon material here, lol. But I do the program 3 days a week.

I've managed to add a great deal of strength to my core with kettlebell workouts. (I do Zuzka Light Kettlebell series at home) and yoga at a studio (we do a ton of planks in yoga and engage the core in most poses.
The yoga also helps me not be tight (thus prevent injury) after running.

Also, I just bought a home Body Weight Suspension Trainer (like a TRX, but not that brand) and it is supposed to be fantastic for core strength too.

I like the kettlebells idea. I add some upper body work after my runs -- sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, etc. That increases the workout.
Lifting heavy weights is hard while training for a race because it can wear you out, which interferes with running well.
Be careful. As you probably know, it is hard to lose weight while training for a marathon.

Weight training and cross train with spin class or swimming to prevent overuse injuries. Run 3-4 times a week to get ready for your training to start. Yoga is great too!

MamaMollyT wrote: »

Weight training and cross train with spin class or swimming to prevent overuse injuries. Run 3-4 times a week to get ready for your training to start. Yoga is great too!

^^^ Agreed 100%

Check out runnersworld.com/workouts/10-essential-strength-exercises-for-runners

moyer566 wrote: »

yoga and pilates are great core builders and help with flexibility too

+1 on the yoga and pilates!

I'm at 10k level and I mix it up. I do a core body conditioning class once a week and try to remember to practice planks several times a week. I also spin once a week and find that the spin class helped my core (and runners knee when I had it) the best.

I have a tilted pelvis and got really bad runners knee this summer. Physio advised I do more core and strength work and it has really really helped! Losing weight at a slower rate than if I was just running but way more balanced and my fitness has become very transferable.

Lifting heavy helped me quite a bit, but you'd need access to barbels, a squat rack, and a bench to do Stronglifts or, really, any of the beginner routines. Plus, it might be too much once marathon training starts since you'd be a beginner and if you follow the program, the weights advance quickly.

I think a body weight program would work well for you. TRX might be something you'd want to look into as well - you good work on balance and stretching as well as strength with that system. And, you don't need a gym.