So here I am in the middle of week zero, although I haven't followed a formal training plan The last week pre marathon remains the same for any runner.
My last long run, a 15miler, safely completed 3 weeks prior to race day. A 10K at race pace ticked off the Sunday before the marathon, my last effort run completed on Tuesday and now just a final few miles tomorrow before a gentle loosener on Saturday and then that's it race day.
I have tapered down in the last two weeks significantly reducing my mileage and I have upped my card intake over the last few days with an even higher intake to come in the final few days.
Marathon paranoia (maranoia? I thought it was a thing, but turns out I think I imagined it) struck last week, the realization that my training has been done and I can no longer do anything to positively change my marathon experience. My general observations on my training were as follows:
- I should have done at least one more long run in the region of 18 miles
- My shorter harder runs have not been hard and fast enough
- My long slow runs have not been long and slow enough
- Not enough cross training
- No where near enough strength and conditioning work as this has slipped away to become almost non existent.
- I should have incorporated a more focused midweek longer run.
From my experiences being part of the Asics Target 26.2 competition I have made the following changes to my marathon preparation:
- Every run and pretty much every kilometer of my training has had a focus (this has been the biggest change to my training ever and really 'flicked a switch' in my training approach)
- Moved my last long run from 2 weeks prior to race to 3 weeks prior
- Ran my longer runs aiming for 30 seconds plus race pace per km.
The taper stage of training has gone well and I have really eased up on my activity levels and have noticed a marked increase in my energy levels. My legs feel good and aside from the odd niggle in my calf, knee and shoulder I feel good. I have eaten well and have (so far) managed to stay off the booze for the 2 week period prior to race day, not easy when the week prior to race day contains three evenings out and going to a football match!
So now I sit and patiently wait for the clock to tick down to race day while scoffing all the carbs in sight. The following links are some resources I have found useful in my marathon preparations:
Runners world Asics Target 26.2 training plans: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/target262/training.aspx
Runners world Asics Target 26.2 training plans: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/target262/training.aspx
Runners World 'How to carb load'http://www.runnersworld.com/fuel-school/how-to-carb-load-for-marathon-week?cid=NL_QOTD_-_07282015_HowtoCarbLoadforMarathonWeek
Race day tips
http://www.mapmyrun.com/blog/10-day-race-preparation-tips-4008/?utm_source=silverpop&utm_medium=email&utm_content=racetips-button&utm_campaign=newsletter&spMailingID=49165746&spUserID=NzU2MjYyNTk2MjUS1&spJobID=723001597&spReportId=NzIzMDAxNTk3S0
10 tips to master the marathon:
http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/10-tips-to-master-the-marathon?cid=socTP_20150728_49588246&adbid=625893486626107392&adbpl=tw&adbpr=14882900
Foods to help running performance:
Foods to help running performance:
What to eat the week of a marathon
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