The end is in sight!
I’ve completed my marathon training. Just the big day to go now…
The Running
I knew when I booked this marathon that I wanted to put in some proper training to build up that base first. Overall I’ve put in around 6 months worth of consistent running each week.
At the beginning I was just doing easy paced runs, nothing strenuous. I slowly had speed work added in, and then with 12 weeks to go I started on the more dedicated marathon training. I am of course still using plans on Runner’s Connect (disclaimer: I was previously gifted this membership, but am not required to keep mentioning them – I just love them!) and they have helped tons. I’ve had everything planned out and I’ve had coaches to ask for advice. I would have been lost otherwise.
I’ve had a couple of missed runs here and there, but overall it has been good. I don’t think I’ve ever done anything so consistently as I have done this training and I’m really happy to be able to say that. Over the past 6 months I’ve run 4x per week almost every week.
It has been hard work. It has been tiring. I’ve had many aches and pains throughout. I’ve been through the countryside, along various canals, down many streets and along main roads. I have run through glorious sunshine, I’ve run through torrential downpour. I’ve done a few races in between, I’ve had some unplanned rest days. But I’m here, I’m at the end.
2019 STATS SO FAR
- 133 runs
- 150 hrs 8 mins run
- 1,272.3 km // 790.57 miles
- 1 pair of trainers completely worn out, now wearing separate road and trail shoes
- 2 blisters
- 0 toenails lost
The Taper
The taper has been strange.
I’ve never really done one before, and I ended up having a full week off before I started a two week taper so that was probably weird. I feel like I’m even more tired, but I’ve been doing less. I’m getting nervy and feeling anxious, but also a little excited. I just feel ready for it to be done and over with now.
I’m glad I’ve chosen an Autumn marathon though because even though it’s very likely to be raining this weekend, I’ve been able to train throughout the summer. I’ve had light evenings and long days. We’ve had a few weeks now of dark evenings and I’m already not a fan. I’ve ran through so much rain since the beginning of September, and I dread having to put all those layers back on. But then, if my London ballot is successful, early 2020 will be a wintry start with training again…
I’ve learned a lot over the past few months, and I’ve enjoyed the experience. I’m feeling ready to go.
Anyone else doing or have done Chester Marathon?
