Melbourne Marathon 2008 Options

[luckyguy]

Anyone in Melbourne who feels like a long run this weekend remember there's a group of us doing the Capital City Trail Sunday morning-about 30km. Info here.

I know it's a bit early for Melbourne training but it should still be fun!

G'day WOOH. Nah, it's not to early to be training for the MM - it's only 4 months away and I would think anyone making a serious attempt, should already have their long runs up near 30 K's already (or at least in the 20's). What is it with these 12 week marathon programs - I seriously don't get - anyway.

looking forward to it Frankie! I just hope I can actually run 30km or I'll look a little silly!

Then we might look silly together Dave. Sustained a minor injury Wednesday and resting it today hoping to get up for tomorrows run. I'll be annoyed if I can't make it.

[staypuff]

hiya luckyguy
hey dont knock 12 weeks thats what i will be doing i havent even started on my base yet but because mines already huge i've been assured that i will be fine

It really depends on your background. personally i'd rather be doing some serious km's now but its not going to work that way so it will be interesting to see how it all pans aout

there is no garantee yet that i will even be there i havent run on this leg will be doing test run in one more week its all a bit scarey lol

[luckyguy]

hiya luckyguy
hey dont knock 12 weeks thats what i will be doing i havent even started on my base yet but because mines already huge i've been assured that i will be fine

It really depends on your background. personally i'd rather be doing some serious km's now but its not going to work that way so it will be interesting to see how it all pans aout

there is no garantee yet that i will even be there i havent run on this leg will be doing test run in one more week its all a bit scarey lol

Hello S, how you going? Battling on I see. I thought afterwards, that I'd probably get a reaction or two from that comment. I was being lazy and couldn't be bothered quantifying the remark. I was actually referring to the weekend warriors who have a base of 5 K's and then decide to run a marathon on a 12 week couch to 42 K's that seems to be pretty popular these days. I guess I belong to the old school of thought that the marathon is the pinnacle for middle distant runners and something to strive for and earned. Anyway, that's just how I feel, doesn't necessarily make it right.

Got myself a bit of a niggle in the lower leg (bit of a strange running injury for me) but still hoping to get up for tomorrows CCT run. Hope to see you there.

M.

[wombatoutofhell]

My marathon was done on about 3 1/2 months prep-but I had a 1/2 marathon base to start with. It should be noted I still didn't run it as well as I'd hoped.

[luckyguy]

My marathon was done on about 3 1/2 months prep-but I had a 1/2 marathon base to start with. It should be noted I still didn't run it as well as I'd hoped.

If I remember right you were also carrying a bit of an injury and still finished with a respectable sub 4 hrs. Good for a 1st effort. By your 4th or 5th marathon you should be getting under 3 hrs.
Just imagine what you could do with a 6 month concerted effort, focused on a goal marathon.

[SouthAustralian]

I am really looking forward to this years MM. It will be my third but my other two were not very pleasant experiences so hopefully it will be third time lucky.

If you are on facebook then dont forget to checkout the Melbourne Marathon facebook group.

Good idea, thanks for that.
Frank

[luckyguy]

Hi everyone, I have just registered on Coolrunning after a year of using the site for tips. I ran the melbourne half marathon last year (which I just loved-such a scenic run) and I would love to run the full marathon this year. I generally run 10kms alt. days in about 48mins and wondering about how soon I should increase my distance and by how much ? I think I would like to do just one marathon and then return to shorter distances as even though I enjoyed training for the half I felt quiet tired and didn't have energy for other aspects of my life and seemed to pick up every virus going (willing to put up with this for months but not long term) I have checked out a few training guides but they are so long winded and complicated. Also does anyone have any opinion on running on the treadmill? How does it compare with running outdoors? Does it sometimes get windy along the beach during the marathon? I usually run there in the evening and I have had some really difficult runs when the wind has been r. strong.
Thanks for any advice ( not even sure if posting in the right place!)

It must be pretty daunting for anyone attempting their 1st marathon. I feel as if the 1st marathon should be a memorable and exhilarating journey but it must be confusing sorting through all the information out there (particularly these days) and then formulating a training plan to best suit ones ability, expectations, time restraints, race day tactics, etc. I may have achieved my sub 3 a year or two earlier with what I now know, for example. But perhaps that's part of the journey - learning about what fits, and what doesn't? Though in Caz's case, who is only thinking of doing the one, how does she get it right for her one and only (possibly ) ? I'd almost recommend a personal coach, Caz except it's probably more expense than you'd want to pay.

Good on you for having a go and I'm sure all will go well. If you have any queries, their are many here who will offer their support and wisdom as am I, of course.

How did you go with your above questions?

[maryclaire]

G'day WOOH. Nah, it's not to early to be training for the MM - it's only 4 months away and I would think anyone making a serious attempt, should already have their long runs up near 30 K's already (or at least in the 20's). What is it with these 12 week marathon programs - I seriously don't get - anyway.

Interesting point - and as an unitiated novice, I can see exactly what you mean. But surely it's a fine balance between being overtrained and underprepared? I will be doing Melbourne as my 1st marathon and I am a relatively new runner with little racing experience. I have been eying this event off and in fact training for it via an online coach since January - and am currenty up to 25k long runs, so it'll be a long and steady build up, which suits me down to the ground. I am enjoying every minute of it but a bit nervous about peaking too early. So how do you stay fresh??? Or once you have built up these distances and this type of endurance fitness, do you simply maintain it beyond the goal event? (these are rhetorical questions). This is something I have been wondering about a bit lately. I hope I am not in the weekend warrior category!

[staypuff]

aounds to me like your doing it right
long steady build thast what i did for my ultra

and yes you can maintain the endurance quite well after the event though after melbourne if i am there i will be dropping the long stuff for a while until the start of next year at least

[luckyguy]

Interesting point - and as an unitiated novice, I can see exactly what you mean. But surely it's a fine balance between being overtrained and underprepared? I will be doing Melbourne as my 1st marathon and I am a relatively new runner with little racing experience. I have been eying this event off and in fact training for it via an online coach since January - and am currenty up to 25k long runs, so it'll be a long and steady build up, which suits me down to the ground. I am enjoying every minute of it but a bit nervous about peaking too early. So how do you stay fresh??? Or once you have built up these distances and this type of endurance fitness, do you simply maintain it beyond the goal event? (these are rhetorical questions). This is something I have been wondering about a bit lately. I hope I am not in the weekend warrior category!

Hi Maryclaire, thanks for responding to my comments. I think you understand what my interpretation of a 'weekend warrior' is and you and I know, that you don't fit this category (not to say that there is anything wrong with someone who only exercises on the weekends [occasionally] and only in summer or after getting the guilts for downing several bars of chocolate). Besides, with 7 children, I'm in absolute awe how you manage to find the time to train as much as you do

I'm glad you can see exactly what I mean - can you explain it to me?

But in all seriousness, I don't think that there is necessarily a fine line between over-training and being under-prepared. Certainly you can do both but I think those two are poles apart, particularly if you attack your individualised training with a measured approach (which is what you are doing). This way you can help avoid injury and control the peak but more importantly enjoy the process (again what you are already doing).
I plan my training schedule over a 12 month period - 10k - 1/2 - then marathon training. I choose a favoured marathon event and then work backwards for a measured incrementally increasing approach. I control where I peak through the intensity of my training. The down side is that I'm only good for 1 maybe 2 marathons a year but that's OK with me as I can pretty well race 10's to 1/2's anytime (not that I do a lot these days). Anyway, that's how I stay fresh and get myself into the best shape I can, lots of variety and a very long build up with defined breaks between distant training.

And talking about marathon training, this is turning into a marathon thread - sorry about that.

Cheers and all the best, luckyguy.

[aura111]

How did the capital city "convoy" runners go this morning?

I nearly came along to support the cool running creed, but:

a/slept in (big night characterized by beer and home-made mexican food (great recipes in last weekend's Age!)

b/wasn't sure if I could make the 30km as my longest long run lately has been around 25km.

As it turned out, ended up running just a shade under 32 km (stupid as that's way more than 10% increase) down from Coburg, through city to join the capital city trail then turn off back up Sydney Road past all the very tempting food places.

Hobbled a little through the door but surprisingly ok - putting that down to running in tights and going very easy.

Bring on the 16 week program.

This post has been edited by aura111: Jun 8 2008, 08:35 PM

[Grechy]

The url for the Melbourne Marathon facebook group is: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6131428874&ref=ts for anyone who is interested.

[kezza13]

im thinking of staying overnight in the city for melbourne anyone want to join me hehehe

seriously though saves stuffing around in the morning

Hi Staypuff,

I can give you a lift in if you decide not to stay in the city overnight! Let me know.

Had a bad run this morning............very dissapointed. Run to Melb in 2 weeks - have done 4 half's before but struggled with 17km today. I know that I wasn't feeling 100% (having some appetite issues - great for weight loss issue, not so good for energy requirements!). Feeling very disiullioned for first marathon (although it's a long way off). I'm sure things will turn around.

My full on traing wasn't going to start until after Run to Melb (16 week) program After reading the recent posts, I hope that's enough!

[staypuff]

Hi KEz
Thankyou i may take you up on that offer yet

Dont worry your in my boat i wont even get a 16 week program mine will be 12 weeks will start base building on the 23rd but Mr Watson has assured me its enough time for me that is if the ol leg holds up when i runon it

we may be able to do some of our lng runs together as it sounds like your program will probabaly be similar to mine which one are your using

[kezza13]

we may be able to do some of our lng runs together as it sounds like your program will probabaly be similar to mine which one are your using

I have looked at many training programs over the years and thought 'can't do that', 'can't do that one', 'that's too hard'. etc and finally found one in Runner's World in Jan this year. It's one for those who are stepping up from the half - I read it and thought 'I can do that!' and thus my decision to try a full marathon (plus some motivational reading). So keeping my fingers crossed.

[staypuff]

cool havent kept my old runners world probabaly should have hey lol

[ican]

And talking about marathon training, this is turning into a marathon thread - sorry about that.

Since it's about timing for the MM I think that's more than appropriate and much appreciated by me, thanks Luckyguy & Marieclaire

[michaelyw]

I have joined half marathon for MM and it is my second time to join this event (did 10km in 2007 MM)

can anyone recommend an appropriate training session for this events?

so far I live in city.

[bruncle]

Hey Michael, you study at Monash uni right? There are some running groups that operate from the clayton campus (are you at clayton or caulfield?). My friend does one every Tuesday that sounds pretty good. Otherwise you could join a running club. Monash Uni is affiliated with Glenhuntly Aths Club, so that might be good (wouldn't know myself, it's too far for me to go and I don't feel like paying $100 for half a year). If you want any help with working out a training schedule, I'd be happy to help.

[TFive]

I'm in for the Marathon - 722. Can't wait

Can someone add me to the list ? My IT skills are woeful.

[dropbear]

I'm in for the Marathon - 722. Can't wait

Can someone add me to the list ? My IT skills are woeful.

"You're on the list". Do you want to do it twice, like staypuff?

db.

[staypuff]

i did it once somone else must have added me too but i would happily run melbourne twice if it were the old course then i wouldnt have to find a way home rofl

[michaelyw]

Hey Michael, you study at Monash uni right? There are some running groups that operate from the clayton campus (are you at clayton or caulfield?). My friend does one every Tuesday that sounds pretty good. Otherwise you could join a running club. Monash Uni is affiliated with Glenhuntly Aths Club, so that might be good (wouldn't know myself, it's too far for me to go and I don't feel like paying $100 for half a year). If you want any help with working out a training schedule, I'd be happy to help.

thx bruncle~
I have read your blog. You are really the speeder and enthusiastic sporter
I am at Caulfield Campus and I know sth about Glenhuntly Aths Club. However, similar with your, it's too far for me to go there (I live at city)
Fortunately, I have found a running group at city recently and hopefully I will plan my regular training schedule after the exam.
I'd ask you if I experience any problem in relation to training schedule. Thanks again

Michael

[staypuff]

well i have started my melbourne marathon campaign Two 20 minute runs pain free not bad huh

[TFive]

"You're on the list". Do you want to do it twice, like staypuff?

db.

Thanks - once will be fine.

[caz]

It must be pretty daunting for anyone attempting their 1st marathon. I feel as if the 1st marathon should be a memorable and exhilarating journey but it must be confusing sorting through all the information out there (particularly these days) and then formulating a training plan to best suit ones ability, expectations, time restraints, race day tactics, etc. I may have achieved my sub 3 a year or two earlier with what I now know, for example. But perhaps that's part of the journey - learning about what fits, and what doesn't? Though in Caz's case, who is only thinking of doing the one, how does she get it right for her one and only (possibly ) ? I'd almost recommend a personal coach, Caz except it's probably more expense than you'd want to pay.

Good on you for having a go and I'm sure all will go well. If you have any queries, their are many here who will offer their support and wisdom as am I, of course.

How did you go with your above questions?

Please share "what you know now" Anything that makes the journey easier would be appreciated. I have been doing 16kms few times a week in 1hr 20mins and been enjoying that and plan to do 1/2 marathon next weekend and then hopefully increase length of runs from there. I did read a few training guides but so longwinded and rigid so decided to base my training around Sols reply!! so open to any suggestions and thanks for reply

[luckyguy]

Please share "what you know now" Anything that makes the journey easier would be appreciated. I have been doing 16kms few times a week in 1hr 20mins and been enjoying that and plan to do 1/2 marathon next weekend and then hopefully increase length of runs from there. I did read a few training guides but so longwinded and rigid so decided to base my training around Sols reply!! so open to any suggestions and thanks for reply

Hi caz. Feel free to send me a message and we can move on from there.

Cheers, LG.

[kezza13]

I have joined half marathon for MM and it is my second time to join this event (did 10km in 2007 MM)

can anyone recommend an appropriate training session for this events?

so far I live in city.

Hey michaelyw - noticed your 'new' picture - is that your bib for the Melbourne Half?? If so, why is it green (or looks like its green)? Half bibs are yellow, the green ones are for the 7.5km according to the 'Participant Information' brochure!!!

This post has been edited by kezza13: Jun 16 2008, 05:19 PM

[steviecat]

Ok. Bit the bullet and registered for the full. First one so fingers are staying crossed that the next 116 days are enough to get me there. Look forward meeting some CRs pre/during and post race. Need to get that cap now.

Bib number: 824

Woohooo.....gulp!
Steve

This post has been edited by steviecat: Jun 17 2008, 11:02 AM

[michaelyw]

Hey michaelyw - noticed your 'new' picture - is that your bib for the Melbourne Half?? If so, why is it green (or looks like its green)? Half bibs are yellow, the green ones are for the 7.5km according to the 'Participant Information' brochure!!!

thx for your concern, my Run Melbourne bib is yellow for sure.
my 'new' picture is just an old bib of 2007 Mebourne Marathon 10K, which was my first running event in Melbourne.

[pjc]

I'm just contemplating registering for my 5th Melbourne Marathon. Each year it gets mentally easier. My only hesitation is a slightly sore knee that has been bothering me since before the 2007 MM and caused me to back right off the training for the last 6 weeks before the big day last year. 07 was fantastic though on the new course. Well organised, perfect weather.

To all you newbies out there who are saying you are nervous - my approach is simple: If you are just planning on finishing without going through a living hell ( I had that in 2003) It is all in the preparation. Build up the kms gradually on a weekly long run until you are doing 30-35kms on that long run. Do 2 or 3 in that range between 7 and 3 weeks out from the day and taper back for the last 3 weeks. Try and do 3 shorter (8-15km) runs per week - but you can get away with less. If you do this and don't try and run too fast and don’t get dehydrated - you will finish and you will enjoy it. Think about keeping hydrated throughout all of the time and drink water - and practice taking some Gatorade, gel, whatever works at regular intervals.

For the first one I would forget about doing hills, pace work, sets or anything complicated.

The above is my approach - and it worked well for me last year. It took me 3.45 (my second slowest to date) but I enjoyed it, felt no pain and was able to pretty much sprint the last few hundred meters. In hindsight I think I could have gone 15 minutes quicker and still felt the same. That is what I am going to try to do this year.

Check out the official documentary of my race last year on youtube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-IiaxI26W0

or search youtube for for "Daddy the Movie - Pete's 2007 Melbourne Marathon.


It's all about he 12 weeks starting July 1st. Look out for me on weekday mornings running into the city along the Yarra and all over the bike trails along the river on the weekends.

Enjoy the training.
pjc

[maryclaire]

To all you newbies out there who are saying you are nervous - my approach is simple: If you are just planning on finishing without going through a living hell ( I had that in 2003) It is all in the preparation. Build up the kms gradually on a weekly long run until you are doing 30-35kms on that long run. Do 2 or 3 in that range between 7 and 3 weeks out from the day and taper back for the last 3 weeks. Try and do 3 shorter (8-15km) runs per week - but you can get away with less. If you do this and don't try and run too fast and don’t get dehydrated - you will finish and you will enjoy it. Think about keeping hydrated throughout all of the time and drink water - and practice taking some Gatorade, gel, whatever works at regular intervals.

Thanks for the reassuring advice - you make it sound easy! I guess a large part of having a successful 1st marathon is not only doing the training but also trusting that the hard work over several months will indeed pay off on the day.

Great video - my computer doesn't have sound so I just got the visual but it still brought a tear to the eye when you entered the G. Can't wait for my turn. Loved the "Go Daddy Go" sign. Thanks for sharing it.

This post has been edited by maryclaire: Jun 18 2008, 04:30 PM

[SlowDave]

Look out for me on weekday mornings running into the city along the Yarra and all over the bike trails along the river on the weekends.

Enjoy the training.
pjc

Do you wear any CR gear? I commute along the Yarra so may well go past you in the mornings.

[caz]

[quote name='pjc' date='Jun 18 2008, 01:56 PM' post='338057']
I'm just contemplating registering for my 5th Melbourne Marathon. Each year it gets mentally easier. My only hesitation is a slightly sore knee that has been bothering me since before the 2007 MM and caused me to back right off the training for the last 6 weeks before the big day last year. 07 was fantastic though on the new course. Well organised, perfect weather.

To all you newbies out there who are saying you are nervous - my approach is simple: If you are just planning on finishing without going through a living hell ( I had that in 2003) It is all in the preparation. Build up the kms gradually on a weekly long run until you are doing 30-35kms on that long run. Do 2 or 3 in that range between 7 and 3 weeks out from the day and taper back for the last 3 weeks. Try and do 3 shorter (8-15km) runs per week - but you can get away with less. If you do this and don't try and run too fast and don’t get dehydrated - you will finish and you will enjoy it. Think about keeping hydrated throughout all of the time and drink water - and practice taking some Gatorade, gel, whatever works at regular intervals.

For the first one I would forget about doing hills, pace work, sets or anything complicated.

The above is my approach - and it worked well for me last year. It took me 3.45 (my second slowest to date) but I enjoyed it, felt no pain and was able to pretty much sprint the last few hundred meters. In hindsight I think I could have gone 15 minutes quicker and still felt the same. That is what I am going to try to do this year.

Check out the official documentary of my race last year on youtube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-IiaxI26W0

or search youtube for for "Daddy the Movie - Pete's 2007 Melbourne Marathon.


It's all about he 12 weeks starting July 1st. Look out for me on weekday mornings running into the city along the Yarra and all over the bike trails along the river on the weekends.

Enjoy the training.
pjc

Your clip is great, v well done and inspiring.
Just wondering if u have seen anyone re ur knee ? I had knee pain for ages ..almost a year and just thought it was something that no one would be able to do anything about - saw a physio eventually and got new runners and pain was gone in about a month and have not had pain since. Sure u had yours checked out but just in case...

[OCH]

Unfortunately OCH is crocked!!! Shins have been acting up for the last few weeks and I've been advised not to run at all for the next week or two. Haven't done a long run for about 3 weeks. Think I'm gonna give the marathon a miss at this stage, but might downgrade to the half. Bit disappointed as I was really enjoying the training.

[ican]

Check out the official documentary of my race last year on youtube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-IiaxI26W0

PJC, thanks for that info. It answers a few questions I had, especially since I've put together my own training program for my first marathon at Melb this year. What a wonderful and supportive family you have to help put that video together.

Does anyone know how to check how many people have registered for the marathon and HM on the Melbourne Marathon website?

[luckyguy]

Does anyone know how to check how many people have registered for the marathon and HM on the Melbourne Marathon website?

G'ay ican. Go to http://www.melbournemarathon.com.au/

- Right click on 'EVENT INFO' at top of page

- Scroll down to '2008 ENTRANTS' and right click

- Then you'll be directed to 'Online Event Registration'

At the bottom of this page, you'll see total entrants, so far, to the marathon (which as I type is 2145) and you can also check to see who has enter (including yourself, of course)

Cheers, LG

[staypuff]

is that number for all events or just the marathon it doesnt say on the page

[N 5t3v3]

That is all entrants. Says it on the page. Too many for marathon at this early stage... Hopefully one more for the marathon for me too. Although Achilies pulled up sore this weekend, hopefully little niggle and training remains on track.

[Digger]

I've loaded up the MM Video "The Early Days" to here.

See, Bill Rodgers, Juma Ikangaa and Takeshi So.

Also see if you can recognize Steve Austin, Andy Lloyd and others.

[Eagle]

Unfortunately OCH is crocked!!! Shins have been acting up for the last few weeks and I've been advised not to run at all for the next week or two. Haven't done a long run for about 3 weeks. Think I'm gonna give the marathon a miss at this stage, but might downgrade to the half. Bit disappointed as I was really enjoying the training.

There is plenty of time to prepare adequately - am I right it is 12 October - a good length for a proper preparation is 12 weeks. Consistant training during that period will get you in shape to complete it comfotably but not quick.

This post has been edited by Eagle: Jun 22 2008, 09:01 PM

[pjc]

Do you wear any CR gear? I commute along the Yarra so may well go past you in the mornings.

I do ave a CR hat - but I don't wear it all the time. Other distinguishing features include the black ipod nano staped to a nike "bum bag" that is carrying my keys, phone and other essentials as I run too and from work. Fell free to say Hi. I normally run into the city Tuesday and Thurday mornings, and out of the city on Monday and Wendesday evenings. I am normally, though not always on the Tan Track side of the river between Mac Rob bridge and Crown Casino.

[pjc]

Your clip is great, v well done and inspiring.
Just wondering if u have seen anyone re ur knee ? I had knee pain for ages ..almost a year and just thought it was something that no one would be able to do anything about - saw a physio eventually and got new runners and pain was gone in about a month and have not had pain since. Sure u had yours checked out but just in case...

Thanks for the compliment on the clip. My sister is a professional movie producer - which helps. Altough she is not going to be here in Melbourne this year.

I am seeing someone about my knee tonight. To date I have mentioned it to my GP a couple of times and he tells me to come back and see him if it gets bad and we will get it looked at by a specialist. It as never got really bad - the bad part is that it has lasted nearly a year. So tonight I am gong to see a physiotherapist to get their opinion

This post has been edited by pjc: Jun 23 2008, 04:38 PM

[pjc]

Thanks for the reassuring advice - you make it sound easy! I guess a large part of having a successful 1st marathon is not only doing the training but also trusting that the hard work over several months will indeed pay off on the day.

Great video - my computer doesn't have sound so I just got the visual but it still brought a tear to the eye when you entered the G. Can't wait for my turn. Loved the "Go Daddy Go" sign. Thanks for sharing it.

I really don't mean for it to sound "easy". The concepts are to me quite simple, but there is nothing easy about running 35kms on cold Sunday mornings through the winter when your friends and familly are tucked up in bed! The key point as you say is doing the hard work and then having confidence in your ability. Those two things are closely linked - if you feel okay at the end of a 35km run then you have every right to feel very confident on the day and the sheer physics of the training will ensure you make it to the end. Just don't allow that confidence to cause you to go too fast at the beginning. That happened to me in 2005 and it was not too much fun in the second half of the race. If you stick to my plan then the only thing you are doing for the first time on race day is the last 7kms. And in the case of the Melbourne marathon this is the most scenic and inspiring part of the course - through St Kilda and up St Kilda Rd, followed by Birrarung Marr and on to the Holy Grail.

[firecracker]

hey everyone,
just completed my first half yesterday and pumped for the next one.
i know there has been a lot of posts in this one so sorry if this has been asked already. Just wondering if there is a group that is going to be doing some training runs or running parts of this track over the next few months? maybe ones that build up to the distance? i would love some people to run with but a warning, im quite slow. Managed to finish without stopping and a proud time of 2:07:33, looking for a sub 2:00 perhaps a 1:45 - 1:50 for next half and seeing as i did no training at all for this half, i am determined to give this next one everything and i have the bug so ill be training hard.
please tell me there is not as many hills as yesterday, and why of why have a hill at the 18km mark! LOL
thanks
chubbs

[GrizzlyBear]

I'm very pleased to announce that I have just signed up for the full marathon in October.

Since being at the G last year it has been my aim.

I have gradually built up since then. My first run back then was 4km, then upped it to 6km.

Then I set myself the Olympic Dream (48:19) as a target, Run for the Kids (1:08:26) and in more recent times the Williamstown half (1:46:31) and Run Melbourne half (1:43:43) last Sunday.

So I am feeling stronger, quicker and definitely capable of doing this year's full marathon.

I have read a truckload of posts on this site about the marathon.

I think my preparation from here will be 1 long run on the weekend and 3 shorter ones during the week. I am breaking the weeks to go into 3 weeks of increasing kms and 1 week recovery. And the 3 mid week runs to be a mixture of speed, hills, tempo etc.

I did a marathon back in 1991 and to be honest looking back at my preparation then, I pretty much just woke up and ran. I did a 4 hour 30 from memory. Hopefully this time, I have a bit more conditioning in my legs and whilst being definitely older, hopefully I am wiser!

For any of the experienced marathon gurus out there, any words of advice?

Thanks in advance

Dave

[SouthAustralian]

I'm very pleased to announce that I have just signed up for the full marathon in October.

Dave

Hey dave....Welcome to Cool Running mate! great to have you on board. You sound like youve got a good solid prep behind you, and now your posting here you have access to the best runners around

Keep posting, and consider keeping a blog. That way we can all catch up on your progress. See at the Melb. Marathon

Frank in SA

[GrizzlyBear]

Keep posting, and consider keeping a blog. That way we can all catch up on your progress. See at the Melb. Marathon

Frank in SA
[/quote]

Great idea - thanks!

And I've added one!!!

See you in 15 weeks!

Dave

This post has been edited by GrizzlyBear: Jun 24 2008, 01:55 PM

[maryclaire]

If you stick to my plan then the only thing you are doing for the first time on race day is the last 7kms. And in the case of the Melbourne marathon this is the most scenic and inspiring part of the course - through St Kilda and up St Kilda Rd, followed by Birrarung Marr and on to the Holy Grail.

BRING IT ON!!!

[staypuff]

Ok my prettys i need some info. Not sure what everyones plans are for the mara but i need to know about the surfaces through the city i figure once out toward sandringham i will be fine but i may need to bring in a guide runner for the first and last part of the run at least. I know there will be offers to run th whole thig with me but everyone has their own races.

I will also be contacting the organiser about that if someone runs the whole thing with me why should they have to pay entry i mean they arent running for themselves and it is expensive to enter. this is something that has bugge me lately