1077 replies to this topic

[Greenman]

With the success of the 2011 Marathon Training Thread, I though I would start next years much earlier (47 weeks to go and counting!).

This is the place to post your 2012 goals, to communicate how your training is going, how you're feeling etc. A place for accountability, encouragement and motivation.

Together we can train to be our best on the day!

[meinmuk]

Good on you, Greenman. I'll put my hand up. Marathon debut at Gold Coast 2012.

However, I've got a few other things to focus on first... 10km time, then lots of vertical metres on trails, so that I can enjoy the Mt Glorious trail run (hopefully in February) and then marathon preparation. I figure that the strength and distance training for Mt Glorious will be a good base for the marathon.

How are you approaching it?

[KnockoutMouse]

I will be there again next year, I just love this event.

However, my goal for next year's event is far more different than previous.  Thanks to a long stint of consistent, hard training without illness or injury, I have taken almost 20 minutes off my marathon PB this year.  Firstly at the Gold Coast (10 min) and again one month later at the Sydney M7 event.

While all that effort was to qualify for Boston 2012, which I think I have now done, this raises the very real prospect of running a sub-3 hour marathon soon.   I doubt that will happen at Boston, and sInce the GC is the flattest around, I've already set next year's race in July as the time to have a shot at this.

So a few half-marathons later this year, the build-up to Boston in April, recover and then on to the Gold Coast again.  Nothing like having the next year mapped out!

[Greenman]

I didn't end up running it this year due to injury (it was going to be my GC debut). I have a different approach for next year. I am dropping my weight down to what it was 20 years ago when I ran a 3:07 PB in the Melbourne Marathon (a mere 20 kg loss to @65kg). I should have shed about 14kg of it by the end of September.

Yes...I am having a red hot go next year to crack 3:00. We'll see?! I've got my family knockers already LOL.

If you don't have a goal, you'll never reach it!

Keep me accountable please!

[UnfitnessFanatic]

Good to see some people setting goals nice and early.  I'm hoping gc2012 will be my second half and would love to be setting a Target at sub80.

[DonBob]

I will be back again next year for sure this will be my 3rd GCM and this is my fav event, I have already booked my accomodation and am hoping for a sub 3hr to if I dont get it at the MM in October  

[Greenman]

I'll have to start thinking about accommodation soon as well, I guess.  Either that, or I get up early and drive from Brisbane.  Really looking forward to this Sunday's 20km training run.  If you live in SE QLD, the Sunshine Coast Half Marathon is on near the end of September!  I'll be having a crack at that one.  Should be good.

[Unlikelyrunner]

Should be back for my 4th consecutive full marathon at the coast. 1st 3:58, 2nd 3:52, 3rd 3:42, 4th ??:??

[BrizBlue]

This year was 4:09, I wasn't ready for the 30+km wheels totally falling off, aim for next year's GC is sub 4hr with lots and lots of mileage between now and then to prevent the same.

[Olmy]

I'm hoping to do it too. My second, with the first at 4:02. Definitely hoping to go under 4 hrs!!

[sammo72]

yep i will be there again. #2 GCM.

really hoping to beat my time of 4:40, so a nice 45 week program and peer support should help.  
thanks.

[jasegroom]

I'm planning to do this as marathon number 2. I did my first at Melbourne last year, and was planning to go back there this year, but an injury has put paid to that idea. I was going to do Gold Coast 2012 as my next one after that anyway, so I'm going to stick with that, just without doing Melbourne 2011 in between. I was shaping up for a good crack at sub 2:50 for Melbourne, so that will be my initial focus for GC, but I hope in another 9 months I might make a bit more progress, and maybe even be able to get the other side of 2:45. We shall see!

[Clark]

OMG what have I done. Silly me started reading this forum and then I went and have booked and paid for my accomodation for 2012.  Well! here we have the best laid plans of mice and men and we never find out until the day!  Maybe the booking of accomodation has something to do with going for my run this morning and at the end of the run (5K) being completely pain free (writing this 12 pain-free hours after the run ) - this has only been two years overcoming a hip problem to get to this place!  Now to just curb the enthusiasm and not re-injure myself with an overly quick increase in kilometre-age (if there is such a word?) - yes I know only 10%/week.  All the best fellow runners.

now please imagine some really profound quote here so you think sh*t this guy has got it together :0

[Ayla2010]

I am planning to do this again (well the half) making it my second half, first was GC this year, and wasn't that great, I got disqualified for coming in 3 mins over cut of time. It wasn't a great lead up to the day, with having some time off due to injury, but I am happy to have finished, and am looking forward to being much lighter next year and more prepared.

[Shazzabaddaza]

I am super keen to do my second marathon next GC - did first last year (4.26) and half this year (1.53) I am shooting for a sub 4 hour and have decided to get a running coach to give me some hot tips - starting end of Oct this year. Accommodation booked a few hours after finishing this years GC. Love the atmosphere, temperature, course, view and that fantastic buzzy high at the end. Life is awesome when you run!

[BostonCalling]

Having done 2008 (Debut Marathon) and 2010 (3rd Mara & PB), it looks like I am due for my two-yearly trip to Australia's greatest Marathon. I already have a long range plan that if it all comes together will see me break 3.10 and post a Boston Qualifier.

I might get busy with accommodation too as this event just gets more popular every year. Good to see some familiar CR's signing up again.

[Hoary]

Can I get some opinions please ??!!
Im a new runner at nearly 53 yrs of age... after 30 yrs of sitting on a barstool & a recent separation, I decided in Aug 2010 to get myself together , lose some weight & achieve something for myself after kids, mortgage etc. I was 91 kgs so started some walking. The walking turned into walk/run. I started to eat better. By March this yr dropped 25kgs....I entered the 10km Herald Hill run as my first race. I struggled a bit & ran it in 1.09. Since then I have really caught the running bug with completing C2S in 87mins, Lake Macq 10km in 1.01 & more recently a PB at Forster 10km ( actually 9.7km ) 0f 54.57.
SO I,M GETTING TO WHAT I WANT TO ASK..
My goal is to run the GC marathon 2012.....
I have run a few recent training runs of 16kms with no probs ( a little general glute soreness )averaging 5.45 min kms. I will do the Central Coast half in Nov then rest a bit & then do Herald Hill half in April & slowly build to 32/35km..I believe I can do it.
My goal time is 4.40 in GC marathon.
Is this possible for me to do or should I have another season of halves & look at GC marathon 2013?

[Kentox]

I've signed up for the Cadbury Hobart Marathon in Jan 2012 but yet to sort out accommodation and flights. Ran Canberra this year as my 1st marathon so I want to do that again and see if i can do a better time. Sydney Half Marathon in May and once again beat my time if possible. Didn't run GC but might go next year. Ran my best marathon so far at M7 so of course I'll be back for more. Ran my worst time at Sydney so I wouldn't mind redeeming myself. Melbourne is still a maybe as it would be 5 marathons in one year and see if the cash holds out.

[CountryMuzz]

Hoary, on 23 September 2011 - 04:47 PM, said:

Can I get some opinions please ??!!
.....
Is this possible for me to do or should I have another season of halves & look at GC marathon 2013?

My two bobs worth. Can you do it? Yep - if you really want to, and all goes well.
Would it be better to do a few halves next year and do the marathon in 2013? Yep
But the best way to do something is to have a goal and do it - so have a crack. You can always change your mind in six months time.
My experience - I planned a similar route to you - and realised after my first half marathon that I was way underdone to be contemplating a marathon on my planned timetable (with a finish in the style that I imagined).
But that is only my experiment of one. There will be plenty of others that will give their success stories - and only you will know how you will go.

[Road]

Hoary, on 23 September 2011 - 04:47 PM, said:

Can I get some opinions please ??!!
Im a new runner at nearly 53 yrs of age... after 30 yrs of sitting on a barstool & a recent separation, I decided in Aug 2010 to get myself together , lose some weight & achieve something for myself after kids, mortgage etc. I was 91 kgs so started some walking. The walking turned into walk/run. I started to eat better. By March this yr dropped 25kgs....I entered the 10km Herald Hill run as my first race. I struggled a bit & ran it in 1.09. Since then I have really caught the running bug with completing C2S in 87mins, Lake Macq 10km in 1.01 & more recently a PB at Forster 10km ( actually 9.7km ) 0f 54.57.
SO I,M GETTING TO WHAT I WANT TO ASK..
My goal is to run the GC marathon 2012.....
I have run a few recent training runs of 16kms with no probs ( a little general glute soreness )averaging 5.45 min kms. I will do the Central Coast half in Nov then rest a bit & then do Herald Hill half in April & slowly build to 32/35km..I believe I can do it.
My goal time is 4.40 in GC marathon.
Is this possible for me to do or should I have another season of halves & look at GC marathon 2013?

I was in a similar situation prior to my first marathon, contemplating between the half and full at Sydney 2009.
I had all intentions of doing what was probably the smart thing and run the half, but my excitement got the better of me and with 26 weeks still to go to the event I followed a 20 week training plan and managed a reasonable debut and the feeling at the finish was one not to forget, knowing you have acheived what less than 1% of the population will.
With so much time to Gold Coast it is a very realistic goal as long as you do the required preperation between now and then.
Good luck with your training and you should know by time entry comes along if your ready or not.

[af15]

meinmuk, on 06 August 2011 - 08:58 AM, said:

Good on you, Greenman. I'll put my hand up. Marathon debut at Gold Coast 2012.

The same for me. This will be my second attempt at preparing for a marathon. The first (Sydney 2011) was stopped cold by shin splints. Rested them, ran the HM instead, but now the injury is back. And so...

meinmuk, on 06 August 2011 - 08:58 AM, said:

However, I've got a few other things to focus on first...

...getting uninjured and fixing up my running style.

All going well, will aim for sub-3.30 at GCM 2012.

Good luck everyone and train well!

Edit:
Apologies for stealing your words meinmuk; you simply said it better than me.
And definitely thanks for getting this started Greenman, it's a great idea.

Edited by af15, 23 September 2011 - 10:48 PM.

[Hoary]

Road, on 23 September 2011 - 07:28 PM, said:

I was in a similar situation prior to my first marathon, contemplating between the half and full at Sydney 2009.
I had all intentions of doing what was probably the smart thing and run the half, but my excitement got the better of me and with 26 weeks still to go to the event I followed a 20 week training plan and managed a reasonable debut and the feeling at the finish was one not to forget, knowing you have acheived what less than 1% of the population will.
With so much time to Gold Coast it is a very realistic goal as long as you do the required preperation between now and then.
Good luck with your training and you should know by time entry comes along if your ready or not.

[Hoary]

Road, on 23 September 2011 - 07:28 PM, said:

I was in a similar situation prior to my first marathon, contemplating between the half and full at Sydney 2009.
I had all intentions of doing what was probably the smart thing and run the half, but my excitement got the better of me and with 26 weeks still to go to the event I followed a 20 week training plan and managed a reasonable debut and the feeling at the finish was one not to forget, knowing you have acheived what less than 1% of the population will.
With so much time to Gold Coast it is a very realistic goal as long as you do the required preperation between now and then.
Good luck with your training and you should know by time entry comes along if your ready or not.

Thanks CM
I'm going to train for it following Pat Carrolls program see how I go... if I dont think I can do it I'll admit to myself & run the half & save the full for 2013 .... my problem is I think I'm too old to do it but I know I run past a lot runners half my age in 10km races & I ran strong in C2S...so why cant I progress it further ..!!

Road, on 23 September 2011 - 07:28 PM, said:

I was in a similar situation prior to my first marathon, contemplating between the half and full at Sydney 2009.
I had all intentions of doing what was probably the smart thing and run the half, but my excitement got the better of me and with 26 weeks still to go to the event I followed a 20 week training plan and managed a reasonable debut and the feeling at the finish was one not to forget, knowing you have acheived what less than 1% of the population will.
With so much time to Gold Coast it is a very realistic goal as long as you do the required preperation between now and then.
Good luck with your training and you should know by time entry comes along if your ready or not.

Also thanks to Road....sorry mate

[NikMoo]

I'm a 40yo female in SA and only started my fitness training in February this year and have run 3 races so far ... 10km Barossa (54.18sec), 5km Botanic Park Loop (24.54sec) and more recently the City to Bay 12km (59.05sec).  I am absolutely loving my running and am also part of a team of 3 doing the October 100km Trailblazer in Adelaide next weekend (very excited/nervous about this event!!!).

My family and I are heading around Australia for 18 months in a caravan from Feb next year, so I thought I'd look up some marathons coming up and try to time them in with our travels.  The Sydney Marathon in September 2012 seems to be on my mind for attempting my first ever Marathon (eeek!!).   Realistically, a half marathon would show me whether my body is up for it, but I can't seem to find any halfs for WA/NT/QLD between Feb and July/August.

This is probably the wrong forum to ask (I'm new to coolrunnings as well!) but does anyone know of a website I can tap into for half marathon info?

Cheers,
Nik

[chariotlegs]

I'm thinking I'll do the half marathon for the GCM. This will make my 3rd. I'd like to complete my first full marathon next year but will wait until the end of the year. Any ideas for accomodation?

[Pom]

After running my debut Marathon at Sydney this year, I'm already eyeing up Marathons for 2012.  Glad to see I'm not the only one planning a year ahead!

I'm hoping to get to Canberra in April, and then Gold Coast next year.  

[BlueZed]

I will have to check the thread Pom ... but I am pretty sure you PROMISED to come to Canberra in April.  

[Pom]

BlueZed, on 28 September 2011 - 05:57 PM, said:

I will have to check the thread Pom ... but I am pretty sure you PROMISED to come to Canberra in April.  

ahahaha, you're funny!  

I think I had said "it's in my diary". Does that equal "promised"?

Possibly...

[meinmuk]

NikMoo, on 28 September 2011 - 02:06 PM, said:

...  Realistically, a half marathon would show me whether my body is up for it, but I can't seem to find any halfs for WA/NT/QLD between Feb and July/August.

This is probably the wrong forum to ask (I'm new to coolrunnings as well!) but does anyone know of a website I can tap into for half marathon info?

Cheers,
Nik

Hi Nik,
You'll find information for lots of local races posted on this site. For Qld - there is the Twilight HM around 18.3.12. Brisbane Roadrunners will have a much more low key event shortly before, I expect. There will also be some trail runs of distances that will suit you at various times - Mini-Kokoda at Nerang and TRAQ events.
good luck with your prep,
Andy

Edited by meinmuk, 29 September 2011 - 07:26 AM.

[CanadiangirlinOz]

Hoary, on 24 September 2011 - 08:03 AM, said:

Thanks CM
I'm going to train for it following Pat Carrolls program see how I go... if I dont think I can do it I'll admit to myself & run the half & save the full for 2013 .... my problem is I think I'm too old to do it but I know I run past a lot runners half my age in 10km races & I ran strong in C2S...so why cant I progress it further ..!!

Hi Hoary,  At 53  you are definitely NOT too old to run a marathon.  Last year in our club we had a lady do her first at the age of 59!  This year we had 2 60 year old do the full.  If you put your mind to it and start to gradually build up those km's now (a strong base is so important) you can do it.  

Good luck with your preparation

[NikMoo]

meinmuk, on 29 September 2011 - 07:26 AM, said:

Hi Nik,
You'll find information for lots of local races posted on this site. For Qld - there is the Twilight HM around 18.3.12. Brisbane Roadrunners will have a much more low key event shortly before, I expect. There will also be some trail runs of distances that will suit you at various times - Mini-Kokoda at Nerang and TRAQ events.
good luck with your prep,
Andy

Thanks Andy, I've clicked those links and there's a lot of info to keep in mind!

[copa2251]

I've been thinking about this for a while.... This thread had made me think I'll put my hand up and commit to it!
When do entries open?

[copa2251]

copa2251, on 02 October 2011 - 09:05 PM, said:

I've been thinking about this for a while.... This thread had made me think I'll put my hand up and commit to it!
When do entries open?

Just checked the website, entries open April 2012, I was hoping I could enter sooner but I guess it'll have to be a plan for next year. I've got a few triathlons to do so might get Don Fink's marathon book and go from there.

Edited by copa2251, 02 October 2011 - 09:31 PM.

[JanitaEK]

OK...here's a question for everyone.
Did the GC Half in 2010 and 2011 (2:18:33). I am 51 yrs old (female).
I was aiming to do the full marathon in 2011 but after my work schedule settled into 3 consecutive days (Tues to Thurs), I found it almost impossible to fit the required mileage into the remaining 4 days AND allow time for recovery.
I work outdoors in a physically demanding job so training before or after work is 75% of the time impossible.
Am I being realistic in assessing that I should aim for half marathons only, because I definitely dont want to rock up to do my first full marathon UNDER prepared?
I have been following the Pat Carrolls training diaries for the last 3 years, and did follow the full marathon beginner program most of the way through my race prep for 2011, but could not fit in the 4 sessions weekly...3 is no problem.
Do you agree its unrealistic to expect to run my first full marathon with only 3 training sessions weekly? I may sound negative, but really I am just showing due respect to what a marathon is. A marathon is NOT a half, and its not a walk in the park, right?
Thanks in advance for your comments

[jjason]

Hi guys great thread, I  am hoping  to do the  GCm in 2012, will be my first one, really looking forward to it, have done a few 10klm in around 46mins and ran a half in training and came in at 1.56min, still alot of training to do,just started running last year after 2 knee reco's, so taking it slowly, and will follow this topic for tips,want to do a marathon before i am 40 next year!!,thanks Jason

[nrb62]

Hi JanitaEK. I too work outside, 5-6 days a week doing mowing and body corporate maintenance. I find I dont have enough energy at the end of the day to go for a run. I have targetted the GCM next year after getting back into running after an 8 year break so I get up at 4.30 to run during the week and have a bit of a sleep in on the weekends(run at about 6.00). I'm sure there are many other CR who are in the same situation as us, so I suppose it depends on how much you want to do a marathon. At the moment I am slowly building up the miles and imagine as I get closer to the race I will have to get up earlier to fit in the longer runs. Hopefully I will be able to look back on the training after the GCM and think that it was worth it!

[Greenman]

38 weeks to go.

Been carrying an ankle injury for the past two weeks.  I think it has settled down now.  Am I the only one enjoying the cooler weather here in SE QLD.  Great for early morning runs.  Not looking forward to training when the humidity kicks in!!!

[Pom]

nrb62, on 08 October 2011 - 07:01 PM, said:

Hi JanitaEK. I too work outside, 5-6 days a week doing mowing and body corporate maintenance. I find I dont have enough energy at the end of the day to go for a run. I have targetted the GCM next year after getting back into running after an 8 year break so I get up at 4.30 to run during the week and have a bit of a sleep in on the weekends(run at about 6.00). I'm sure there are many other CR who are in the same situation as us, so I suppose it depends on how much you want to do a marathon. At the moment I am slowly building up the miles and imagine as I get closer to the race I will have to get up earlier to fit in the longer runs. Hopefully I will be able to look back on the training after the GCM and think that it was worth it!

I'm in a similar position, in that I'm working outdoors, in a physically demanding job.  Plus Saturday is my only day off. I ran my first marathon in Sydney last month.  I followed the Marathon Guru program, which was training 5 days a week. All of my weekday sessions were in the evening, once I got my 3 year old to bed. My long run had to be on a Sunday, before I started work. This meant getting up pretty early to fit 20-30km's in before 9am.

My point is, yes I found it a bit of a grind at times, especially as the training was through winter with many cold and dark runs. And in the beginning, getting up early for the long run each Sunday was tough. But in the end it became very rewarding, and I acheived my goal and finished the Sydney Marathon.  If you really want to do it, you'll commit to it and find a way to squeeze in the training.

...and I'm planning to do it all over again for GC

[pacman]

Hoary, on 23 September 2011 - 04:47 PM, said:

Can I get some opinions please ??!!
Is this possible for me to do or should I have another season of halves & look at GC marathon 2013?

H.
I ran my first marathon (GCM - 2008), at the tender age of 48.  Similar size to you.
Mate, you can do it.  Set a goal, and work hard towards it.  Get a training plan (I used the generic Pat Carroll one to start with) and STICK TO IT.
It isnt going to be easy (if it was everyone would do marathons), but it is do-able.  After you cross the finish line you will be so happy (well, after the pain stops anyway) with what you have achieved.  Life is too short.  Dont put it off.  I have done a few marathons since, still learning, but the feeling of acomplishment will never leave you.

Will be back next year (missed this year), and looking for a sub 4.

Olmy, on 07 September 2011 - 09:29 PM, said:

I'm hoping to do it too. My second, with the first at 4:02. Definitely hoping to go under 4 hrs!!

Olmy.
I will see you there.  You will have to be good to beat me this time (well, maybe not).

[twosheds]

JanitaEK, on 08 October 2011 - 03:26 PM, said:

OK...here's a question for everyone.
Did the GC Half in 2010 and 2011 (2:18:33). I am 51 yrs old (female).
I was aiming to do the full marathon in 2011 but after my work schedule settled into 3 consecutive days (Tues to Thurs), I found it almost impossible to fit the required mileage into the remaining 4 days AND allow time for recovery.
I work outdoors in a physically demanding job so training before or after work is 75% of the time impossible.
Am I being realistic in assessing that I should aim for half marathons only, because I definitely dont want to rock up to do my first full marathon UNDER prepared?
I have been following the Pat Carrolls training diaries for the last 3 years, and did follow the full marathon beginner program most of the way through my race prep for 2011, but could not fit in the 4 sessions weekly...3 is no problem.
Do you agree its unrealistic to expect to run my first full marathon with only 3 training sessions weekly? I may sound negative, but really I am just showing due respect to what a marathon is. A marathon is NOT a half, and its not a walk in the park, right?
Thanks in advance for your comments

Hi Juanita,
Google  the "First" marathon training program. It is based around 3 days training a week and is very successful . We ( intraining ) use something similar in our Marathon School Program and while we do encourage people to do some  extra running or cross training- many people complete the marathon very successfully on  just the 3 days/week ( despite the many commenst they get that it is not enough and cant be done well this way). We have a very high completion rate  One woman - mum of 2 young girls  only has the time and energy to do the 3 days a week. She has a 10km PB of 46:30ish and ran her first marathon  in  a negative split in 3:45, second, still on 3 days a week , again a negative split in 3:38.  I think the key is try to be consistent in whatever you do. Dont try to do more than your constraints will let you- better to set realistic training targets and stick with it.
You can do it. Get good advice on carbo loading and race pacing to conserve glycogen and  you will get there. best of luck to you- and everyone else on the thread.
Twosheds

[Kaiser]

Hoary, on 23 September 2011 - 04:47 PM, said:

Im a new runner at nearly 53 yrs of age... after 30 yrs of sitting on a barstool & a recent separation, I decided in Aug 2010 to get myself together , lose some weight & achieve something for myself after kids, mortgage etc. I was 91 kgs so started some walking.
Is this possible for me to do or should I have another season of halves & look at GC marathon 2013?

Hoary congratulations on getting your life in order.
My 2 cents...You have 9 months to train for GC so why not give it a crack? After you cross that finish line it will be deeply rewarding.

[SlakPak]

Good thread people.  I'm aiming to be there also for my 2nd Full Marathon - only taken 5 years to get back to a full distance.  Goals for the year will be Red Rock to Coffs in March, Hill to Harbour Half in April, Macleay River Half in June all leading towards a sub 3:30 at GC, and thus getting a qualiying race under my belt for 2013 6 foot track!

happy training everyone

[Greenman]

36 weeks to go!

In sticking with the Accountability - Encouragement - Motivation theme of this thread, I was thinking we could post a summary our training with a format similar to what is listed below.  

Goal for 2012 Gold Coast Marathon: Beat my 20 year old marathon PB of 3:07.47 (a lot of work to do.)

Training completed this week: 42km over 4 sessions, long run 25 km.

Issues this week: Was in Darwin for most of it with work.  Hot, hot hot!  Had to run two of my sessions on a treadmill at a gym.

Aims for the coming week: Continue with 4 day per week program (will be looking to increase it to 5 days soon, hopefully).

I learned this week... that I may have finally seen the end of a lingering calf injury!!!  


So, what about you?

[meinmuk]

I've realized that I need to finish my degree before I sign up for the marathon. I can't sacrifice enough time to prepare for a marathon in the way that I would like to do - it's not going anywhere.
I've adjusted my goals to running a fast half, and getting through a few trail races that are shorter than a marathon.

That said, a good week nonetheless: 61 km with a long run of 23km, an intervals session, a sneaky lunchtime run, a short tempo run, an easy run with my Dad while visiting Sydney and a pilates class.

[brownsinglet]

HI everyone,

Good to see this thread is up nice an early   

This will be my second attempt at my debut marathon having tried 3 years ago but coming down with ITBS after 800+ k's of training. MY original goal was for a sub 3:30 and that will also be my goal next year as well as being injury free. So this time I have changed my training program around considerably. I plan on training 6 days per week varying between 3 running sessions and 2 weights sessions or 2 running and 3 weights with a self designed circuit on Saturday with a focus on fatiguing my muscles.  Time will tell if this approach works or not

A typical training week will look like this:

Monday: 30 min run medium
Tuesday: weights, pull/leg exercises
Wednesday: 35 min run hard
Thursday: weights, push/ab exercises
Friday: 40 min run easy
Saturday: Circuit training
Sunday: Rest

Best of luck to everyone this year, I hope we all achieve our goals and stay injury free

[brownsinglet]

Well training starts for me today. Checked the scales last night for the first time in ages and got a bit of a shock (75kgs). I have never been that heavy but I've also never let myself eat so much rubbish as I have in the recent past. I want to get back down to 70 kg's by marathon start, lower would be better for a faster time but I don't want to get to skinny.
How's everyone else going? This thread is pretty quite at the moment but given we have 8 + mths to the GCM it's not surprising.
Well time for the hard work to begin and looking forward to other progress reports  

[Greenman]

Great stuff SeriousBlack.

Weekly log:

Goal for 2012 Gold Coast Marathon: Beat my 20 year old marathon PB of 3:07.47 (a LOT of work to do.)

Training completed this week: 46km over 4 sessions, long run 25 km.

Issues this week: Tired, worn out, plodding.

Aims for the coming week: Continue with 4 day per week program.  Hopefully increase my long run to 28km.

I learned this week... that the more I increase my workload (and intensity), the slower I get over the short stuff.  

[Clark]

My training for GCM was going well until the other day   I was running 4 days a week and my body was feeling great - I missed a 5k day and so just added it to my next run which was a 7k day thus I ran 12 k's (@ LSD).  My long runs at this stage were 10ks so I though an extra 2k should be OK.  When I got home all was fine.  The problem was upon waking the next morning I had/have ITB soreness and it has been like this for about a week to 10 days.  I have cut down on the running however I still walk my 4ks each day (as I walk to and from work).  I am continuing to strech my ITB twice a day (very gently) and it does apear to be improving albeit at a pace too slow for me (I want it better yesterday!!).

I am annoyed and frusted at being unable to run and I am annoyed and frustrated at myself for doing such a silly thing as lumping two runs together.  I have been running long enough to know that is a no no.

On a positive note I still have 36 or 37 weeks to recover.

Sorry about my rant - does anyone else get a little (or read a lot) touchy when they can't run?  

PS If anyone knows any whizzbang ITB stretches I am all ears apart from the part that is ITB.

[brownsinglet]

[/quote]My training for GCM was going well until the other day   I was running 4 days a week and my body was feeling great - I missed a 5k day and so just added it to my next run which was a 7k day thus I ran 12 k's (@ LSD).  My long runs at this stage were 10ks so I though an extra 2k should be OK.  When I got home all was fine.  The problem was upon waking the next morning I had/have ITB soreness and it has been like this for about a week to 10 days.  I have cut down on the running however I still walk my 4ks each day (as I walk to and from work).  I am continuing to strech my ITB twice a day (very gently) and it does apear to be improving albeit at a pace too slow for me (I want it better yesterday!!).

I am annoyed and frusted at being unable to run and I am annoyed and frustrated at myself for doing such a silly thing as lumping two runs together.  I have been running long enough to know that is a no no.

On a positive note I still have 36 or 37 weeks to recover.

Sorry about my rant - does anyone else get a little (or read a lot) touchy when they can't run?  

PS If anyone knows any whizzbang ITB stretches I am all ears apart from the part that is ITB.
[/quote]



Hey Clark,
I also got struck down with ITB problems last time I tried to run the GCM back about 3 years ago.  I stupidly mapped out an 18 km hilly course on a Sunday because I was looking for an intense workout.  One thing I wasn't thinking about was the running down hills o.O  This run ended with me not being able to walk without serious ITB pain and ended my chances of running the GCM (happened in May). The exercises that I found worked a treat were [url="http://www.itbsyndrome.com/itbs-stretches/walt-reynoldss-itb-special-exercise/"]Walt Reynolds ITB exercises[/url] Everytime I ran, cycled or did any exercise really, I got pain.  So I ended up just doing these exercises twice per day for 1 mth and then started back light running at a 1km max distance then increased by the 10% rule and this fixed my ITB problem.

Sorry to hear about your issues but I think you have heaps of time to overcome them.  Good luck mate and I hope this helps

Edited by brownsinglet, 06 November 2011 - 04:59 PM.

[Kaiser]

Clark, on 06 November 2011 - 12:13 PM, said:

I am annoyed and frusted at being unable to run and I am annoyed and frustrated at myself for doing such a silly thing as lumping two runs together.  I have been running long enough to know that is a no no.

On a positive note I still have 36 or 37 weeks to recover.

Sorry about my rant - does anyone else get a little (or read a lot) touchy when they can't run?

Hi Clark,


I sense and share your frustration at missing training runs due to injuries and having races compromised as a result. To share a few of my battle stories this year...By all accounts I'm not the most experienced/or clever runner here and have at times tried to run (In denial) of injuries and this resulted in a further lay off period. I've been down on my luck with the injury monster this year, spraining my left ankle while playing hockey 1 week before the Great Ocean Road marathon. I ran it...literally in pain with every step, completed the 45km but probably aggravated the medial malleolus bone chip. During the marathon, other runners pointed out this large blue-black patch of blood accumulating inside my calf, now that is scary! What followed was doctor visits, referrals, X-rays, MRI, a hefty dose of NSAIDs and rest (no running/hockey), not to mention the doctor bills.

July was a much better month with the ankle injury clearing (But still there) and I managed a PB 4.08 in Goldcoast!! Then came Melbourne and the preparation. Playing hockey and whilst sprinting, I tore my left hamstring (Grade 2 injury). Another few weeks on the sidelines. Back to preparation, on a scheduled long 33km run two to three weeks before Melbourne, I felt the same hamstring give way when I sprinted at the end of the training session. My hopes of a sub 4 at Melbourne gone. Melbourne really hurt and I rank it as easily my worst marathon, timing and overall experience (5:34 combined with diarrhoea and vomiting). Oh well, we learn nothing from the 'Good races' eh. I had signed up for the Marysville full in December, but I'm under-prepared due to lack of training, my legs feeling the effects of Melbourne for 2 weeks after, uni exam stress and hence downgraded to the half.

In hindsight, I shouldn't have run Great ocean road and Melbourne after injuries but...but...but...it's so hard to say 'No' isn't it. You said it yourself, there's still 36 to 37 weeks to go for Goldcoast and there is leeway with time. So my advice is to keeping looking forward and making what you think is the best decision. All the while having this great CR community as support. To everyone out there battling injuries, hope they turn out not to be serious and you're all back on the track/trail/roads soon.

Cheers
Kai