This week sees Hannah Carter enter the marathon spotlight. The Rebel PT runner has trained hard and knocked 10mins off her PB this year. Her secret food…read below 🙂
Marathons completed?
Completed 2 marathons – Amsterdam 2016 (3h57m) & Berlin 2017 (3h47m)
PB Marathon time?
3 hours 47 minutes
Favourite marathon and why?
Amsterdam – buzzing atmosphere – start and finish in the Olympic stadium, lots of different areas to break up the marathon – new modern buildings, traditional sightseeing locations, mix of city and countryside, gorgeous city park and canal with people on water hoverboards. It was a sunny day so lots of people out to cheer you on and just felt awesome!
Worst marathon memory and why?
Moments during Berlin marathon where I just wanted it to be over – knees were starting to hurt and felt a long way as not such a varied route – just felt like lots of buildings and it was an overcast day but was still an amazing marathon as knocked 10 minutes off Amsterdam and finishing through the Brandenburg gate – or what I kept calling Battenburg gate! Must have been hungry!
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitx, Hal Higdon or other?
I make up my own plan to work for me – I only really started running after my Amsterdam marathon! For Amsterdam – I did a lot of Rebel PT bootcamps and mainly 3-6 mile runs once or twice a week and then did only 5 longer runs of about 10-12 miles with longest being 17miles a month before the marathon. I somehow managed to do Amsterdam marathon and loved it so started running more often and actually enjoyed running – mainly trails and with people. Rarely run on my own but have been while doing 5Kaday in December and actually enjoying it and don’t have the mental struggle when alone anymore! For Berlin – I did more runs along with still doing the Rebel PT bootcamps. I have a re-occuring ankle injury which James help manage so have to work around that when it plays up during training. I still just make up a calender and mark up when I have nightsout, holidays etc and then work out what sort of distance runs I would aim to do in the 16 week build up to the marathon but I don’t stress if I have to change it – I know I can make it through a marathon now and think I’m better to not over train as seem to get more injured.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
Many people laugh… but ‘Squashies’! Find them more easy to chew than haribo! I took 10 with me for Berlin but had a sad moment when I dropped my last one in a puddle! Haha! On a long run before the marathon – I will have my squashies and take a lucozade sport with me. For marathon day – I take the water and sports drinks at most stops – just go on what I feel. I tend to do a fast walk while drinking from the cups to avoid getting stitches.
Shoes – minimal or maximal?
I’m a neutral shoe and like a light shoe. For Amsterdam I had Mizuno wave rider trainers but wasn’t really a fan of them as felt I had too much room at the front. For Berlin I had On Cloudflow trainers which are super light and really like but possibly there isn’t enough cushioning on long runs like a marathon! I am planning on two marathons next year and not sure what trainer to go for at the moment…
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
Deffo trail!! I love trail running! Its more of an adventure. I am much more of a socialable runner and enjoy running trails with my buddies. We are lucky up here to have soo many trails right on our doorstep!
Top tip for #project345?
Enjoy the experience – if plan A for 345 doesn’t work out on marathon day – have a plan B ready but most of all – enjoy it and look around at the scenery and all the supporters cheering on! At Amsterdam – I must have been running a similar pace as this guy’s girlfriend as he popped up all over the course with different signs that had funny running puns – gave me a laugh and had him to look out for! Haha!
Thanks Hannah, lovely read and great advice
#Marathon Spotlight 8- Izzie McDonald
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Marathon Spotlight #6 – Fiona Brian
#Marathon Spotlight 5- Claire Smith
Marathon Spotlight #4 -Ali Mathers
Marathon Spotlight #3 – Nikki Gibson
Marathon Spotlight #2 David Scott
Marathon Spotlight #1 – Tom Brian
Run Long and Prosper
James
