Find out how training is going for the second of our intrepid members who gained entry to the London Marathon via the club ballot. If you want to follow Karen on the day her race number is 21857.
I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have one of the HERC places in the 2015 London Marathon, having failed twice in my attempts to be selected through the public ballot, I was astonished when I heard I had been successful in gaining one of the club places.
First of all my goals:
My priority is to finish the marathon and to remember to smile when I cross the finish line.
I’d like finish in around 4 hours and I know this is possible for me if I continue to stay in shape and fit during these last couple of weeks. But without putting too much pressure on myself, I’d like to simply finish the marathon and enjoy the experience. I’d also like to remember as much of it as possible, I am only able to recall very little of my first marathon experience at the North Dorset Villages Marathon last year after running with knee injuries.
How has my training progressed:
Being a full time working Mum of one I don’t have a typical training plan of running on set days, I have to grab the opportunity when I can. Fortunately, I have been able to train with colleagues from the club who are running London and other marathons so I am never short of companions on Sunday mornings. I go to the gym during the week and run 5k on a treadmill, as well as weight and core work, and I attend club training nights. I’ve also enjoyed becoming a Monday Maiden with Martyn and the other Maidens and recently discovered cycling.
Since January I have gradually increased the distance of Sunday morning runs culminating in 3 long runs of 18 miles and 2 x 20 miles (one being a very memorable day running to, taking part in and running home from the Eastleigh 10k). My speed work has suffered during this time, but I have learned that I cope better concentrating on one discipline, so endurance has been my priority. I am renowned for taking a picnic with me on my long runs and nutrition has always been something I have got right, so the picnic will come with me to London!
I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have one of the HERC places in the 2015 London Marathon, having failed twice in my attempts to be selected through the public ballot, I was astonished when I heard I had been successful in gaining one of the club places.
First of all my goals:
My priority is to finish the marathon and to remember to smile when I cross the finish line.
I’d like finish in around 4 hours and I know this is possible for me if I continue to stay in shape and fit during these last couple of weeks. But without putting too much pressure on myself, I’d like to simply finish the marathon and enjoy the experience. I’d also like to remember as much of it as possible, I am only able to recall very little of my first marathon experience at the North Dorset Villages Marathon last year after running with knee injuries.
How has my training progressed:
Being a full time working Mum of one I don’t have a typical training plan of running on set days, I have to grab the opportunity when I can. Fortunately, I have been able to train with colleagues from the club who are running London and other marathons so I am never short of companions on Sunday mornings. I go to the gym during the week and run 5k on a treadmill, as well as weight and core work, and I attend club training nights. I’ve also enjoyed becoming a Monday Maiden with Martyn and the other Maidens and recently discovered cycling.
Since January I have gradually increased the distance of Sunday morning runs culminating in 3 long runs of 18 miles and 2 x 20 miles (one being a very memorable day running to, taking part in and running home from the Eastleigh 10k). My speed work has suffered during this time, but I have learned that I cope better concentrating on one discipline, so endurance has been my priority. I am renowned for taking a picnic with me on my long runs and nutrition has always been something I have got right, so the picnic will come with me to London!
What am I looking forward to:
I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere that I’ve been told about and hear the support from the crowds. I am so excited about being part of something massive and having the opportunity to run passed many familiar landmarks. I’m proud that I will be wearing my HERC vest and I’m sure there will be the opportunity for a #runfie on the way round.
After the race I will re-acquaint myself with Sunday morning lie ins (for a couple of weeks anyway).
What are my expectations?
This is going to be a memorable experience for me and one that I intend to enjoy. As I mentioned before I’d like to finish in around 4 hours and run the whole distance. I expect that the atmosphere will carry me and hopefully I will meet many lovely people on the way round.
I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere that I’ve been told about and hear the support from the crowds. I am so excited about being part of something massive and having the opportunity to run passed many familiar landmarks. I’m proud that I will be wearing my HERC vest and I’m sure there will be the opportunity for a #runfie on the way round.
After the race I will re-acquaint myself with Sunday morning lie ins (for a couple of weeks anyway).
What are my expectations?
This is going to be a memorable experience for me and one that I intend to enjoy. As I mentioned before I’d like to finish in around 4 hours and run the whole distance. I expect that the atmosphere will carry me and hopefully I will meet many lovely people on the way round.
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