SteveTries Member

You're referring to the final week in the plan? I think the first 2 mean "Race Pace". So 5k at race pace on Monday and 6k at race pace on Wednesday. Personally I'd drop that Wednesday one and just rest. I'd also drop the Thursday weights session in the final week. Going to the start line fully rested and well fueled would…

I too have my second marathon coming up later this year. For my first, I followed a calorie deficit for most of the week, but I ate well for about 36 hours before the long run. It was a fairly successful strategy for weight loss, but I have wondered if it contributed to the burn-out I felt about a month from the race. This…

I fall into this camp too - although as someone else stated, race conditions do seem good for 10s per km! I'd contend that a PR is specific to the course. Unless you are going around a track, every race has a different profile and differing difficulty. If I get a PB half mara time at the upcoming (and very flat)…

How did it go? Did you hit your goal? What are your thoughts on the training plan you undertook? With the learning from this time, would you change anything next time?

Thanks for replies. AutumnBlue4 - that's great info thanks. I am excited about it. I'm worried a little about the downhill actually. I have a bit of a knee issue that's worse downhill and the course profile looks like it's got some long downhill section. polskagirl01 - sorry to hear the logistics are so challenging. I…

I'm happy to add any other runners who are looking to share motivation and tips. Having not raced in a year or two, I thought I'd sign up to a few to give my running structure and motivation. Currently signed up for: - half marathon 4 March, Warwick, England - half marathon 1 July, Royal Leamington Spa, England - Marathon,…

Dr Google makes me believe I was struggling with Runners Knee in the final 3 months of last year. I believe the cause was foolish, dogged determination to stick to my monthly mileage targets, despite work/life getting in the way at times, so I would try and cram in my mileage in the final 7-10 days - too much mileage, not…

I've been running since Jan 2011 and I'd have to say my performance has been really variable over that time. Two things that influence that are 1) consistency - I've never stopped running in those 7 years, but my mileage and consistency had been variable as life gets in the way. 2) bodyweight - you look like a slim guy so…

I've just noticed that the strap on my 630 is split, on the inside (wrist facing side), in two places. It looks like the strap has been bent backwards until it cracked. That's certainly never happened. I notice that the white inner strap is discoloured at the points it's split. I surmise the damage has been caused by…

I've certainly seen plans that have long runs up to 24K/15M, but as you say, it's more typical to see below HM distance. The ones that go longer tend to be aimed at runners going for a fast time, certainly sub 1:45, 1:30 for sure. So I assume these faster, more efficient runners aren't as taxed by a 24K run as you and I…

Happy to share motivation. Feel free to add.

I was in that situation when I ran my first (and so far only) marathon. I revised my goals to be realistic to the circumstance. Instead of targeting sub 4 hours, I merely wanted to get to the finish without stopping. Easing the pace made that possible and I was very happy on the day to come in at 4:15. You might consider…

I'd say that's generally true. The exception being if you are operating at a calorie deficit, such as dieting or if you ran long the day before and haven't fully refueled. A minor point, but I thought it worth making for anyone in those circumstances.

I have had long run GI problems ever since I started running 5 years ago. I don't get cramps, just an urgent, undeniable need to empty my bowels, which (sorry for TMI) has become almost water-like. So my issue may be different to yours. Since the start of the year I have not really had the problem anymore. The two things I…

Another vote here for the 630. I love mine and only take it off to charge it. I won't repeat all the benefits the other folks did above, but I'll call out a few more: - battery life is excellent. I get 7-10 days from mine which includes 30 miles of GPS use whilst running - Garmin's run dynamics satisfy my one data-nerd…

I think this is a perfectly sensible question to ask, especially as this is something fairly new to you. We've all gotten started doing something in life, only to learn we began wrong and held ourselves back inadvertently, so it's great to seek out answers. You do have to be careful of course, there is so much nonsense out…

back to 90kg as of this morning (ok 90.8, but close enough) - Paul how are you getting one?

Early July for me - first one in several years

The earlier point about beginning runners taking their time and building up the muscle, tendon strength etc is good advice. As to why more experienced runners aren't doing every run flat out, there are several reasons outlined by others in this thread, but the main reason for me is that training at different intensity…

SIS Gel at 40 minutes in and every 30 minute thereafter worked for me through the one marathon I have run. I was 93kgs at the time, so others would need less. For half marathons I didn't use any, because I was well rested (and well fed) - but I DID in training, because long runs would typically be happening whilst I was…

105kg to 90kg and back to 106kg by the end of last year. Good news is we know how to get it done and we know we've done it before. Just got to swap the bad habits for the good. Personally I've quit the drink until back in shape, restarted the running and reinstated the calorie tracking. As on this morning I'm at 98. 7…

I wrote a similar question a few years ago on here and was convinced to give going au natural a try. I absolutely find it much better. Bit of run glide for longer runs sorts out the chafing.

Here's what I wrote after my first (and thus far only) marathon just over a year ago: I hit 40 this year and in a stereotypical manner I decided I wanted to set myself the challenge of running a marathon. I've been a recreational runner since 2011 and have run 3 half marathons before this and a couple of brutal 10 mile…

Some nice sounding races there people. I love the half, it's a great distance but reading this I realised I'm not signed up for any - I'd better get busy! Leicester marathon in October for me, 2nd time out and I want to improve on last year so a couple of half's in the run up will be good. I fancy a trail half next I…

Sotanax - that's well worth a try. Insoles will be 10% of the price of new Kayano's so I'll go to the run shop and get some help. Thanks!

Ditto. 100% the same. Works for me too. However there is nothing wrong with fueling if you want to; the value of the psychological boost shouldn't be underplayed. I certainly felt that I was benefiting from it back when I did it but having experimented without I now know for sure I don't need it. Was a similar story with…

Just thought I should close this loop - I did try swapping the insoles from the old shoes to the new and it removed the sensation of having my skin rubbed by sandpaper. I would still say the shoe beneath the insole feels less comfortable. For whatever reason I think I have landed myself with a bad pair of shoes. I'll stick…

bloody hell - that's an amazing looking (and sounding) race. Well done and such a shame about the DNF but a great achievement nonetheless. Loved reading your report, nicely written.

Thanks guys, some good input there; things I hadn't thought of. Having run 10k in the newer shoes yesterday I'm suffering a lot of lower back discomfort today - could be a coincidence but I think I'm done with that pair and need to pick up something new.

Hi, thanks for the input Yes 100% positive they are both 20's. Exact same codes, same size, same width etc. It was because I was so happy with the 20's that I didn't want to risk buying the 21's when they came out so went hunting on eBay. Insoles is a good suggestion. I scrutinised them side by side and they appear…