Pauline's Marathon Training.

I ran my first marathon in 2003 in 3hrs43 and was to spend the next 8 years trying to get under 3:30.  I started to think it might never happen then in November 2010 I took a long hard look at my training, took on board lots of advice, changed my training schedule completely, and finally in April 2011 ran 3:28 in London.

It was as if the penny suddenly dropped and once I'd reached my target I knew that if I continued to train smart I could knock more time off the marathon and other distances.   I signed up with a Coach last April, immediately following the marathon, and this has made a huge difference to my training and my race times.   During 2011 I ran:

1 x marathon pb

1 x half marathon pb

4 x 10k pbs

3 x 5k pbs

The greatest achievement was running 1:32 in the Great North Run and finishing 60th female overall.  I never would have imagined that was possible.

So, throughout 2011 I have gradually built up my weekly mileage, starting the year averaging 40 miles per week and finishing averaging 50.  I now do a weekly speed session and lots of road running rather than hitting the hills.   I reached my target of 2011 miles in 2011 on 30th December!

I am now training for London 2012 and my goal is to run sub 3:15 which will then give me a Championship entry for the 2013.  My training and times indicate this will be possible but I still need to convince my head!  Along the way I need to run a half marathon close to 1:30. 

So, 2 weeks into training and managed to clock up 50 miles week 1 and 60 miles week 2. 

Starting week 3.....