By special request I have decided to write my own account of the next five and a bit months, minus the help of Lucozade, VIP accommodation and first class travel, not to mention doing without expert coaching.
For those of you who don't know me I'm Andy Sly, 45 years old and a "veteran" of 31 marathons, five of which have been in London. I began my marathon career in 2003 in London after luckily getting accepted through the ballot, and after that experience I set my stall out to complete 50 marathons before I get to 50 years old.
My marathon debut wasn't at all bad managing 3:21, though my next effort was a 3:36 in Blackpool since then injuries apart there has been a steady and sometimes dramatic improvement, down to my now pb of 2:48 in Paris this year, in fact I think my last 8 mara's have been sub 3's.
Although I take my training fairly seriously, it is all self taught and pretty fluid and was hoping to get some expert coaching from the competition but alas it was not to be. My methods can't be too bad as I help with the training of some of the runners at my local club, and all of the group I look after have had very successful years and all have achieved pbs in every distance they have tackled, though I do get moaned at frequently, especially when 6 mile steadies turn into 8 mile quicks! It's nice to be flexible!
My downfall for those who don't know me too well is my allegedly poor dietary habits whereby I almost always have steak & kidney pie and chips as a pre-race meal and enjoy a few pints into the bargain.
Anyway that's a brief intro, I will attempt to follow this through in competition with the other six.
Comments
Vegetables are your friends!!!
I'm not sure why this needs to be in competition with the Super six - people who are following training logs will do so regardless of stuff like that. I would say good luck with training, but with the number of marathons you've done and your times, this is clearly old hat for you!
Aaahhh food advice......
I had been a bit worried about the training because I'm a really picky eater, and everything I've read seems to be on about the proper nutrition.
How important is this? Can I still eat some of the rubbish I like?
First Pre-London warm-up race booked.
Retford Half Marathon. 21st March.
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages.asp?dt=&UTN=150050&last=1&V=1&SP=
My methods can't be too bad as I help with the training of some of the runners at my local club
What are your methods?
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Steak and Kidney Pie
Count me in then !
OMG.......You're doing sub 3 marathons on pie and chips? I am so jealous.
Remind you of anyone ?
Just hang on while I bookmark this thread!
I'll buy you a bottle of Lucozade too Andy! If we all buy you one, you'll never notice you weren't a chosen sixer!
Except perhaps with the exception of the lack of professional advice!
Well......... as a pro, I shall offer you my pearl of wisdom.
When the gun goes bang, start running. When you see Lizzie's gaff on the Mall, put a birrova sprint on and smile for the camera after 26 miles!
Then have a beer.
That dear LB is everything i need to know in preparation for my first London marathon. It means i can have my husband waiting at mile point 25.5 with my lippy and hairbrush. With tips like that this thread is going to be so hot.
Now.... how do you bookmark a thread?
You go down to the bottom of the page LWJ and there is an option "Add to my bookmarks"
Then you can't lose him!
Got it!
I'm only following Andy because I'm about the same pace as he is....
Eating a pie that is.
Andy, 50 by 50 - great goal! You're bookmarked. I'm wondering if it's unrealistic to think I could run my first marathon next year on a similar diet. Substituting your pies for apple pies, beer for wine and peas for ice-cream . That'd satisfy the sweet tooth... might not help me through the wall though...!!
Yeti,
As for veggie pies the politically correct will accept this as a viable option as it does retain the all important pastry factor, but ........could the key be the red meat and gravy.
Interesting debate, we could form some different experimental groups, Veggie pies v steak and kidney v chicken and mushroom then put an article in the magazine.
Love the easy marathon thinking, turn left at Liz's and go for it, love it, just love it.
I'm obsessed with schedules, I'll write you one . You'll never know it wasn't written by a proper coach except that I'll factor in the pie eating and attending of footie matches. Perfect.
I've just had my abacus out and calculate there are 23 weeks to the London marathon. Just 160 sleeps to go. Focussed training will begin on 2nd January or maybe the 3rd dependant on hangovers and football fixtures. But for now my time will be spent ticking over and doing the last few races of the season, which include the Newcastle marathon next Sunday, Clowne half on the 29th, and Edwinstowe 6th December, so 3 races on the bounce with decreasing distances.
I was on nights last night so after going to bed for around 4 hours I was woken by the phone and Becky from our club asking if I was running today and could she join me. Fifteen minutes later we are on the road, Becky was struggling with a bit of a hangover and kept apologising for being slow but we still did 6 and a bit miles at around 8min/miling. Suited me to be honest as I've had a pretty intensive week with 49 miles before today 90% of which would have been 7 min mile ish.
Will just do a couple of easy runs this week plus maybe a short interval session on the treadmill at work on Thursday.
Plan - 16th November
Mon: Club Run - approx 7 miles - easy pace with club
Tues: Steady run of 5 or 6 miles
Weds: Rest
Thurs: Treadmill Intervals - 40 mins - approx 6 miles
Fri: Rest
Sat: Rest or possibly 2 or 3 miles at 7:15 ish.
Sun 22nd Newcastle Marathon
Surely turn right at Lizzies ?
and ... they have a marathon in Newcastle ?
Oh come on, please. This will be my first London, which way do i go at Lizzy's? I just know it, i'm going to have to run with my SatNav.