Clarky9 - Last week I spent two days in the Alps running 13 hours on day 1, and 16 hours on day 2.  Covered almost 100 miles and went across borders of France, Italy and Switzerland.  Stunning scenery throughout, some amazing alpine villages, a lot of difficult ups and downs.  But did it all on my own and it was without doubt the sort of experience that I'll always look back on as one of the most enjoyable of my life.

There are loads of sports that take more hours of participation than the keenest runners.  Cycling and golf for starters.

rob - sub 21min for 5k would certainly point to a sub 3.30 marathon, so long as you get in a few 20+ milers.  Which marathon are you running?  Florence for me in November.

I ran














































































out of cigars once.

I'll see ya at the Brighton marathon. It's a good event, growing every year.  The only drawback is that because it's on the coast you can get a strong wind which can be a right ball ache for 26.2 miles.  The last 10k from the power-station in Shoreham is horrendous with a headwind.  It's almost entirely flat though so beggars can't be choosers etc.

I'm similar to Danno although I do less of the silly longer stuff.  Usually 5k-Half marathon.  5k pb is 16:15, 10k: 33:29, HM 75:11.  I've had a few goes at a full but never ran one I was happy with.  Next year I'll be shooting for sub 2:40 if I can stay healthy.

In terms of training advice I'd say just be as consistent as you can.  I see a lot of newer guys wanting to do a marathon get into the habit of only running 1-3 times a week with maybe two 30 min jogs during the week and then 2.5 hours on Sunday.  It's so unbalanced it's asking for trouble.  You'd be much better off building up slowly and running 4-7 times a week for 45-60 mins.  Putting all the emphasis on the long run is dangerous.  Once you've got your basic level of fitness up and an hour a day feels comfortably then you can start focusing on the longer stuff.  Also, don't abandon quality.  I know a marathon is a long way but a weekly session of hill repeats (60-90 secs up, jog back down) or faster intervals are great for fitness and making the pace feel easy. 20x400m for a bit of speed and maybe a staple session of 8-10x1km with 2-3 mins rest.  If you don't have access to a track then just use time.  20x1 min fast, 1 min jog.  10x3 mins fast, 2 mins jog etc.

Good luck!!

Just did 15x 8.5 min miles.  Approx did first five at 8:45, next five at 8:30 last five at 8:15.  Was feeling strong and quick at the end.  Tuesday has been intervals so far, but starting this Tues there will be hills too.  I will do this on the treadmill.  I am running 5/6 times a week and max mileage will be about 55 weeks 10-12 I think.

I am doing Stevenage in Nov and Brighton in April Danno.

That's good stuff Rob.  Stay consistent and you'll get your rewards.

Cheers Danno.  Haha, The 2011 race was a non event.  I'd been injured and not run at all for the previous 6 months really as I'd been getting drunk at Uni.  I had a place and was doing it for charity.  Went through half way in 1:30 and after 14 miles I was done and walked the last 10-12 really, very grim.  I did Brighton a couple of years ago where I went through 20 miles in 1:59 but my quads packed up at 22 and I had to walk the last 4 which was annoying.  I feel that I should be capable of about 2:30-2:40 off my other times if I get it right.  6 minute miling is doable I think which is 2:37:30 but much easier said than done.

It gets even more ridiculous when you consider the World record is run at 4:43 per mile pace..!!

Yeah i did park run in 20:55 a few weeks back, you sound similar ability to me Joci.  Didnt do it this morning, hope to beat 20 mins next time I do though.

Wow, that's some company Optimist!  I'm a long way off that level, trying to get a county vest would be the most I could probably achieve I think.

I echo your statements about the speed of the elites.  You don't get a sensation for the speed they're going unless you actually jump in and run next to them.  Your average bloke couldn't keep up with an elite marathon runner for 400m.  A good way to try and get the less well informed an idea of the pace is to tell them to run on a treadmill at 20kph and see how long they can stay on before flying off the end.  Once they've recovered from being a crumpled heap on the floor, politely inform them that 20kph is slower than the Men's marathon world record!  If they last more than 2 minutes I'd be impressed!

Ed Whitlock is a freak.  He's still cranking them out now and he's 83.  Ran a 3:15:54 marathon at 80 years young.  Madness.

I did 1 min on the treadmill at 18kmh on monday.  I can certainly vouch for the "absolutely fkin unbeleivable how fat they do the marathon" brigade.