Thetownend.com

I have just entered next years Brighton Marathon in April, i wondered if anyone on here has done any marathons and could offer some advice, my plan is a 10k in Arundel in august, then a half marathon around early feb.

Decent trainers (a must), iPod shuffle, get a running partner or even better join a local running club.  Vary your distances through the week and if you’re training on your own work a route out and time yourself.  That way you have something to measure yourself by and also it gives you something to beat each night.

Don’t forget to have a couple of days off in the week to recover.

I also use a cheap pedometer to measure the distances ran, which is worth it for a few quid.

Oh and don’t be ashamed by getting beaten by people in their 80’s.  Some of these old codgers tour the country entering marathons every week and their fitness levels are unbelievable.  I have seen a lot of people push themselves past the older runners thinking they should be ahead of them only to end up in bits later up in the race.

Im not bothered about my time to be honest, couldnt give a fuck if it takes me fucking hours and hours :)

That's the spirit...a few years back, I walked a marathon distance, took me about 8 hours.

i did the swindon walkathon many moons ago,which was the same distance as a marathon.
fuck running that far

Mex might be one of the older runners.

I've only ever done a half marathon, so i'd imagine its twice as hard as that. Which was torture. I take my hat off to any who ever does a full marathon. Proper fair play to you mex

If only!  I have run two (NY in 2002; London in 2007), both very badly...but I got round.  The best advice I could give is do not rush your training.  Increase the length of your long runs gradually.  A rule of thumb that is often used is to increase the length of your longest run by no more than 10% or 1 mile each week, which ever is the smaller.  It can be tempting to be more ambitious than that, but you will often end up injuring yourself and putting yourself out of action for weeks or even months.  (I know.)

You definitely have time on your side, so no need to worry.  Enjoy it, and good luck!

Mex I can highly recommend joining a running club - Its kept me more motivated- Its made a real difference to me - being shown different routes and pushing myself to run with people that are much better runners than me
Ive also met lots of new people!

That reminds me - sponsor me for race for life please people
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/charlottehand

As your in Brighton, you could get some big builder in leather hotpants to chase you, that should improve your sprint time for the finish.

I entered a marathon once - got peanut butter and chocolate all over my knob.

Sorry, couln't resist.  Fair play to you, and good luck.

this is quite a usefull site, tells you inclines and declines

just completed my first 10K this morining, the south coast run in Seaford, it was full of proper athletes and NO fun runners, I came last and people doing the half marathon were beating me :)

Bet they all had fucking kidneys though.

fair play mate

Bump.....

right well heres an update, its just over 2 months to my race, I am doing the sussex beacon half marathon in 2 weeks as part of my warm up. Its pretty much the same course as the Brighton marathon so should be good practice. Im running about 20 miles a week at the moment and plan to double that in the next 2 months, I wouldnt normally stoop this low but if anyone can chip in even a quid would be much appreciated.

http://www.justgiving.com/iain-huddy

Bump again.

I'm due to run the London marathon next year. Although I don't know many of you on a personal level, I would greatly appreciate any advice or donations!

Currently running 6-8 miles at least 3 times a week, with a longer run at the weekend. I've also completed the Swindon half marathon earlier this year. If you want to sponsor me (not expecting a response) then take a look at my page. Every penny literally is welcome.

www.virginmoneygiving.com/Alex_smith

You're mad. :)

I'm sure if you pester the wife she'll give you some money. If not, let me know and I will send some dosh your way.

I take it Zurich are matching your donations?

Cheer Sam, I'll tell the boss said!  :D