WR team marathon training update
‘We’re training for the Brighton Marathon!’
Last year, the Women’s Running team signed up for the Brighton Marathon on 10th April – and two of the girls will be running their first ever marathon. How are they getting on with their training? Here’s an update on their progress...
For more information about the Brighton Marathon, including training plans and useful tips, visit the Women's Running
Event Zone
Claire Chamberlain
- Sub Editor
Have you run a marathon before?
Yes, I ran the Flora London Marathon in 2009.How’s your training going?
Not bad! I’m into the fifth week of my 16-week training plan and I seem to be on track at the moment (pretty much, anyway!).How often are you running at present?
I’m currently running three times a week. This is once a week less than the previous marathon I trained for, but I always seem to be short on time at the moment.What sort of mileage are you achieving?
I’m up to about 25 miles a week, and my long weekend run is up to 11 miles. It’s slow going though!How do you feel physically and mentally?
Mentally, I’m still feeling positive about the marathon, although I’m focusing on taking things one week at a time, which is making the whole experience feel less daunting! Physically, I’m starting to feel a little more tired as my long runs increase. Plus I’m fighting off a cold at the moment (and hoping I’ll win…)Where are you doing most of your training? Treadmill or outside?
The majority of my training is done outdoors. I love running outside – even running in the rain can be exhilarating if you’re in the right mood for it!Who are you running with?
I tend to do my interval training and long runs by myself – I find I can get lost in my thoughts. But I do a weekly tempo run with the girls from work. I must admit I’m not a great conversationalist when my heart is racing from the exercise, though!How are you varying your training?
I do something different on each of my sessions in the week. One run will be interval training or a hill session, one will be a tempo run, which I find really challenging, and then there’s the obligatory long run at the weekend. This seems to be enough variety to keep me interested.Are you doing any other type of training, such as weights or classes, to help with strength or overall fitness?
I try to go to a body pump class once a week, as I’m hoping all those lunges will make my legs a bit stronger. And I enjoy the odd spinning class if I have any energy left.Have you had any injuries or aches and pains?
A run along icy roads back in December saw me slip and land heavily on my back, which led to a trip to the osteopath and two weeks off running. I’m all better now though! And on my first long run in a new area, I got completely lost, which was a pain. Does that count?What sort of support are you receiving from family and friends?
My family and friends are amazingly supportive of my training. Every time I moan about having to head out for a session I don’t feel like doing, my husband practically kicks me out of the door, telling me I’ll love it once I get started (he’s right); and I’m enlisting friends and family to come and cheer me on during the race itself. They seem to be quite willing to hit the seaside!How do you feel about doing the marathon now? Are you still excited and motivated?
Definitely! Having run one marathon before, I know the atmosphere on race day will be electric, so I’m looking forward to the big day. And knowing I’ll be raising money for a charity close to my heart (eating disorder charity Beat, www.b-eat.co.uk) is keeping my motivation high.What are your expectations come race day?
I just want to have a fab day out and be able to run the 26.2 miles feeling comfortable.How will you celebrate afterwards?
Hopefully with big hugs from my friends and family who come along to Brighton on the day, followed by fish & chips on the beach. What better way to celebrate?!
Christina Neal
- Editor-in-Chief
Have you run a marathon before?
No, this will be my first. I’m excited! And of course scared!How is your training going?
Although I kept a good base level of fitness over Christmas I didn’t really start training in earnest until the start of January. But it’s been consistent since then.How often are you running at present?
Three to four times a week and no more, because I’m desperate to ensure I don’t get injured. I do one weekly session on the cross-trainer and I’m also doing core and leg strengthening exercises.What sort of mileage are you achieving?
My longest run to date has been eight and a half miles, but I felt like I could have reached ten comfortably, but didn’t want to increase the mileage too much in one week.How do you feel physically and mentally?
Elated, tired, hungrier than ever before. All I can think about is food!Where are you doing most of your training? Treadmill or outside?
Both. Usually two outdoor runs and one or two treadmill runs. I don’t get so stiff after a treadmill run and I do enjoy the variety of both.Who are you running with?
During my outdoor runs I run with my husband Eddie and our two running buddies, Eva and Eric. We’re all roughly about the same speed and we keep each other company on the long runs. It’s great fun. Last night we did a different route that involve a long hill climb that really challenged all of us.How are you varying your training?
I’m making the most of my Fitness First gym membership by doing cross-training and using the various leg machines. I also use the foam roller at least every other day to massage out those knots in my leg muscles. I’m just starting to do more weights and balance work as well. When you think about it, running is basically all about hopping from one leg to the other, so good balance is key for injury prevention.Have you had any injuries or aches and pains?
Now and again I get nerve pain in the hamstring area, though it’s not been quite so bad lately. My shins ached on my first few long runs outside but I think that’s because I used to do a lot of my running training on the treadmill and needed to get my body conditioned to the demands of regular outdoor running. The shin pain is beginning to wear off as my body gets accustomed to running outside.If so how have you treated them?
I don’t run on consecutive days and that really seems to aid my recovery. The foam roller is my best friend.What sort of support are you receiving from family and friends?
As always my husband has been fantastic and keeps encouraging me, especially on low days when my body aches or I start to question whether I can do it. I know I can do it deep down. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that others have confident in you as well though.How do you feel about doing the marathon now? Are you still excited and motivated?
Yes, more so than ever before. When I first signed up last year it seemed so far away and I didn’t really give it much thought before vaguely agreeing to do it. Now though, it’s becoming an all-consuming goal – in a good way. I honestly feel that doing this will make me feel like I can accomplish anything!What are your expectations come race day?
I want to get round without getting badly injured and to enjoy the experience. I’m not bothered about my race time. I just want to get to the finish line and tell myself how much I enjoyed it and not be thinking: ‘I hated that, never again!’How will you celebrate afterwards?
I’m going to crack open a bottle of Champagne with my husband and I also fully intend to have fish and chips on the seafront in Brighton. I’m trying to be good with diet and cut right back on alcohol until after the marathon, so this will be a real treat for me!
