I’m thinking about the Battersea marathon end of November
Other than the Manhattan 10K in February, things (life/work/family) have systematically scrapped all my races for the year. That’s how it goes sometimes… we’ll see what next year brings.
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Already Oct. Are you still able to signup? Have you been running?
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Yeah it’s coming up quick isn’t it?
Ramped up my running well in August but work and some hrs biking cut into it in Sept.
If I get back on track through October I’ll go for it, otherwise I’ll go for a half mara.
It depends how you look at it. Most of my stats have always indicated a 4hr target, but I’ve twice failed and got 5hrs. So I’m looking for a 4h30 now and a 4h in 2025. So with volume and hydration I’ve got a shot.
Other question - I don’t want to buy a hydration pack, how much luck have people had with belts hold a bidon?
I was doing repeats yesterday holding a 750ml bidon, phone, tshirt, gloves and sleeves - it was a bit of a palaver.
I have a FlipBelt. I’ve stuffed it full w/gels, keys, iPhone, etc… I love it since it doesn’t move around like a SPIbelt. If you get a FlipBelt, it should fit snug to tight. Otherwise, it will move around. I got a L and sent it back immediately for a M.
In training, I’ll use a Nathan handheld , but during a race I grab whatever from the water stations. I’ve seen people running w/a handheld in each hand. Some of my friends prefer the soft handhelds like the ExoShot or ExoDraw (also Nathan).
You also might want to consider half tight shorts w/pockets. Quite a game changer those pockets!
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Personal preference, I think. For me, water bottles beyond 10oz are just too much weight for a belt.
I far prefer a vest like the Solomon 4- or 5-liter versions. The vest holds two 600ml soft bottles and Does. Not. Move. It disappears on my body because it’s anchored on far more skin and bone than the belt. And for long runs, the vest can hold a hydration bladder in the back. I can carry anything from 0.5L to 3.2L of hydration comfortably that way, and of course it carries my phone, keys, and everything else too.
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I think you’re more or less stuck with a hydration pack if you’re looking to carry any significant amount. IMO the belt bottles are kind of a weird in-between where the amount of you’re able to practically carry isn’t that much more than just grabbing a few cups from aid stations, and potentially a lot more awkward/annoying. Maybe there’s a use case for unsupported longer runs, but for a heavier sweater who’s potentially out there for a few hours I’m not sure it would be worth the hassle for a small amount versus just planning a route around a few loops/water stops.
That being said I don’t usually drink much during marathons, so I can’t claim extensive experience- maybe you get used to it to a point? I don’t envy the big guys on that front.
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Thanks all, I’ll hold off the belt and save for a hydration vest.
Picked up a calf strain anyway so long runs off the table for a while…
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Just finished my first full. I’ve never been a super strong runner, but was able to put in a 4:06. Had a sub 4 in the back of my mind but 
got in the way 
Running has been a nice distraction from the bike since my season ended in August, but I’m looking forward to starting base after my upcoming rest period is done.
Any tips on keeping some of this running fitness onboard for the next one?
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Go for a run at least once a week to keep your body used to the abuse of running. Run easy and throw in some strides at the end.
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Hey all, long time…
I’m off the bike in a competitive spirit, still love riding, but not feeling the training aspect of it any longer.
Of course, there’s always a glimmer of competitive nature in me, and with running, it’s a lot healthier as I don’t think of myself as a runner, so if I fall short in my goals I don’t seem to take it to heart. I don’t have any serious event goals beyond an upcoming 8K that we all sort of do for fun. I think last year I did it in 39:00 and change.
Beyond better consistency, what are your suggestions for improving short distance pace? I almost never run longer than a few miles. I seem to default to a 8:00/mi threshold pace unless I’m really putting in the time and I can nick that down to 7:45/mi - now that I’ve been running more regularly than I used to I think I can put in more volume. Should I attempt about 2 speed workouts a week with slower runs thrown in? Any specific training advice to improve 5K, 8K, 10K times?
Thanks!
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If this is what you mean by short distance then these are still aerobic endurance focus. Generic standard process is a long run, a speed session and a tempo run. Interspersed with short easy runs. Basically like a TR plan with a long weekend endurance, a vo2 and a threshold ride.
Advice would be to train within yourself with moderate progression and
overload.
Check out vdot for pacing.
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Any advice on how slowly to reintroduce running?
First off, don’t go out tonight and try to run on it. I know the first few minutes jogging seemed fine, but still no. Yes, the third minute abit faster felt good didn’t it?
And now you’re in pain limping down the street.
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I feel your pain! If you can go slow w/out aggravating it, then just go slow. Otherwise, stay off of it and ride the bike until it feels better.
I’m sorta going thru the same process for a diff injury. I was able to go slow today which is better than not at all for the past 3d. Will try again tomorrow AM.
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Has anyone dealt with a long-term bone stress injury? I’ve been dealing with pain from a midfoot stress fracture for nearly two years now (confirmed with MRI scan). I’ve worked with a physiotherapist on a return-to-running programme and strength training and with a dietitian who had me increase energy intake and supplement with calcium for a couple of months. I still can’t get beyond four thirty-minute runs without the foot pain flairing up. I’ve ordered another scan, but that doesn’t help with the symptoms.
Any similar experiences or advice on this? I even had to take up cycling again!
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No but if just leave off entirely for a while. You’re still getting cycling stress into the legs.
I’ve had a couple of periods of complete rest over the past two years. The healing doesn’t seem to be taking place of its own accord
Entered Manchester Marathon yesterday.
I thought enough time had pasted since I got Covid for the first time two weeks before the 2023 edition and had to missed it when in 3h20 ish form. All that training no race smarted a bit. Took ages to get over it.
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Good to see you back! Time for some revenge 
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