Perhaps this is an odd time of year to be writing this post, but I have been contemplating the lessons I have learned over the last year and how I can build on them for the new race season. So, here are my five marathon top tips for those who, like me, feel they have no clue what they are doing.
Way back in late December 2015 I decided to set myself a challenge for 2016 which would take the whole year to complete. The 12 medal challenge was simple (in terms of the rules, not the actual challenge itself) all it involved was achieving one medal per month for the whole of 2016. Any distance, anywhere, just one per month.
Today, Sunday 4th December, I have just completed this challenge and with it my race calendar for 2016. So here is a little summary of the year race-by-race. You’re welcome.
I must also add here that you are right in thinking that there are 16 medals in the picture. Overachiever.
I am extremely grateful to have had my second article make it into print. And a double page spread this time, no less!
Again, there has been complete radio silence on here for a couple of months and for that I apologise. But this summer has been extremely busy. And I haven’t even been away!
I recently had the honour of being featured on the Ultrafinishers podcast, hosted by Scott Johnson.
It seems recently UKA have changed their rules on competitors wearing headphones during races. From what I understand, if the race is (even partially) on single carriageway roads which are not closed off to traffic, then the use of headphones is not permitted under UKA rulings.
I am a data geek. I always run with my Garmin. I love to review my runs and look at the routes, splits, elevation gain and compare my progress from previous runs. I know there are two schools of thought on this and some people are firm believers of running for the joy or running and not focusing on the data behind it, but that’s just not me.
It is almost marathon taper time. With this in mind, I have decided to give myself some other little challenges to focus on over the next couple of weeks to avoid the maranoia setting in like it did last time. For those who aren’t familiar with it, maranoia refers to all the self-doubt that creeps in during the taper in the last few weeks before a marathon when you scale back your mileage in preparation for the big day.
So, I have decided to set myself 3 health challenges to keep me occupied and my mind on other things and I thought I would outline them quickly here.
I have recently embraced the world of run commuting, or at least half of it, as I have mastered the back but not quite the there.Funny, exciting and sometimes action-packed vegan-friendly children's comics, stories, picture books and nursery rhymes, FREE TO READ HERE and available in paperback from our bookshop.
But growing up is optional 