Is it time to get serious?

OrlaBar

Hey
I am training for the Dublin Marathon,, but I dont think too seriously,....
I have been trying to follow the Hidgon programme but some days skipping the miles and making up for them a couple of days later...
Like last night I did 5 m.. tonight i'll do 4m.. and Friday 9 .. and thats it for the week when it really should be 3 6 3 and 9 at weekend...
I am quite fit but I feel now there is only 14 weeks to marathon I suppose it is time to get serious... it is my first marathon.. should I focus on speed... I am not fat but not a skinny little runner like you see....speed wouldn't really be something I think I am very good at... so maybe to just enjoy it I suppose...

Thing I really want to know is.. can you make up your own training plan... is it advisable.. do you have to follow a training plan exactly as some days Im tired or doing other things....

Also is anyone using the Nike Plus range?? it monitors your mileage , calories etc.. the runners are great but not sure if they are marathon runners.

hunnymonster

It is advisible to follow a training plan that has been written by someone with experience and is pitched at the right level for your abilities and experience. Higdon sounds perfect for you.

That said, I ran my first marathon 12 weeks after buying my first pair of trainers (Dublin 2004 so this time 2004 I hadn't even started), I did all the training on a treadmill and the furthest I had run in training was only 10 miles. Finished in under 4, so it can be done. I couldn't walk properly for a couple of days afterwards though.

It's really about deciding what you want and what you are able for. If you simply want to finish (like me first time around). Then do what you can and enjoy the journey. If you want to do the best you can then a plan is really the way to go. It will get you out the door when it's raining, it iwll make sure you don't over do it when you're feeling strong and most importantly it will mean you are well prepared for the race and able to recover properly afterwards.

OrlaBar

thanks for that

i just wondered if it had to be followed to the exact mile or do people just get a feel what is good for them.... if you know what i mean

does annette kealy have a website??? i think she's great... she is 40 and winning... i'd love to know when she started and what she eats etc...

my cousin is Vinny Mulvey.. he is amazing.. so committed.. i dont think i could ever be like that ... maybe after the marathon i'll get to either love it or leave it .. it is great at the moment though

TheRoadRunner

OrlaBar wrote: »

my cousin is Vinny Mulvey.. he is amazing.. so committed.. i dont think i could ever be like that ... maybe after the marathon i'll get to either love it or leave it .. it is great at the moment though

I think the best thing you could do is either ask Vinny to write a program for you or ask him to recommend a trainer to you.

No plan is set in stone but you do need to hit certain targets. You learn these with experience. You need a one to one with somebody to explain the ideas behind your training etc.

Peckham

OrlaBar wrote: »

Hey
I am training for the Dublin Marathon,, but I dont think too seriously,....
I have been trying to follow the Hidgon programme but some days skipping the miles and making up for them a couple of days later...
Like last night I did 5 m.. tonight i'll do 4m.. and Friday 9 .. and thats it for the week when it really should be 3 6 3 and 9 at weekend...
I am quite fit but I feel now there is only 14 weeks to marathon I suppose it is time to get serious... it is my first marathon.. should I focus on speed... I am not fat but not a skinny little runner like you see....speed wouldn't really be something I think I am very good at...

I think it's important to try and stick to the plan as closely as possible - each run in it is there for a purpose, and whilst missing a run every now and then is expected, it's best if it's not a regular occurence.

I wouldn't worry about speed at all. Speedwork isn't everyone's cup of tea, and is not that important if your main focus is getting around the 26.2 miles.

That said, you've got a very talented cousin who could probably advise you on training better than anyone here!

hawkwing

I'm tinkering with the same program, but trying to make sure i do the same length or more as the long run they have in every week and also trying to get the same number of miles as the program almost.Hope i am doing ok and will try a 15miler next week for the first time:o

Week 1
Program total miles 19m--mine 15m//long run prog 8m--mine 7.5
2
Program total miles 20m--mine 19m//long run prog 9m--mine 10
3
Program total miles 18m--mine 17.75m//long run prog ??--adidas 5 mile
4
Program total miles 23m--mine 19.5m//long run prog 11m--mine 12.5
5
so far 17.5m with 2x7.5m (long) runs

How Strange

IMO, a plan is important because it gives you a structure which encourages discipline. Without a plan you'll start missing days here and there and won't accumulate the mileage.