Prep for the Dublin Marathon

cloudySky

So the next year I am thinking to try myself. The thing is that my physical condition is quite poor. For the last few weeks I run more less regularly up to 3 times a week. Maximum of continuous run is 10min but I have no problem to run 30min with two 5min breaks.

What should I do to improve my condition? Could you suggest some plan/timetable? Any advice is welcome

Should I eat after evening run?

catweazle

This is probably the plan that might suit you best, he also has a novice 1 and 2 which are a little more testing than this one

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51143/Marathon-Novice-Supreme-Training-Program

I certainly wouldn't eat before your evening run

cloudySky

Thank you catweazle!

This really bothers me. At what time should I have my last meal? Sometimes I run after 10pm and later I feel hungry but don't think that eating late is OK.

david-d

http://gerryduffyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/32Marathons-Full-Level_1_schedule.pdf

Heres the plan Im trying this year, had a similar one last year but got injured in the half marathon. this one seems a little easier/ hope wont injure me. Slow the pace down if your struggling to run for longer periods, less is more. Your pace per km will go down but your distance/running time will increase. best of luck

cloudySky

Thank you david-d for sharing! Sorry to hear that you got injured. I do hope it wasn't serious and you recovered quickly. Hopeful all will go smoothly next time!

meathcountysec

You are starting from a very low level of activity. I would suggest you concentrate on increasing your current fitness level so as to be able to complete a 5K continuous run comfortably. Then build up to running a 10K distance (Pick some suitable races as an incentive for you to maintain progress).

When you are running (racing) at 10K comfortably/regularly then would be the time to consider the longer distances (half/full marathon).

You need a good foundation of running behind you before considering embarking on a specific marathon training program. Maybe target a half-marathon for 2014 with the full in mind for 2015.

Good luck with your training/targets.

cloudySky

Thank you meathcountysec. A half-marathon is a better idea. So probably I will stick to your suggestion.

Cheers.

Thinking about a marathon at this stage might be just putting yourself under a lot of pressure. Why not aim for 10kms and fun runs, plenty of them on around the place, lots of them are pretty easy going and people can walk or jog at their own pace. I find people get much more enthused once they do one. Also, if you are running for 10 mins, might it be a good idea to slow down and see if you can keep going for longer at a more gentle pace. When you get more comfortable, and have done a few 10kms and can run them at an even pace, maybe then start thinking of the half marathons and even beyond.