Marie took time out of her busy schedule planning for her 6 major marathons. Marie gives an insight into adding miles and dealing with injury. A great read and fantastic piece!
Take it away Marie…
Marathons completed?
7 so far…..
PB Marathon time?
2.57.22 in London 2016
Favourite marathon and why?
As I have ran it 5 times (and it’s my PB I have to say London). It is just so well supported and everyone is just so excited for you when you are running it. Also, the fact it is only a short
flight away is also an advantage!
What got you into running the 26.2mile distance?
I actually planned to do 1 marathon before I turned 40. I got into London ballot after several attempts and thought – oh no I better train properly now!! I didn’t know such a thing as good for age existed so when I ran 2013 in 3.25 (and being almost 40) I realized I could try again the following year – and the rest is history!
Worst marathon memory and why?
2017 – I didn’t even run the London Marathon that year but I was supposed to. I had a solid training block but I fell a week or so before the race but me being me I kept on plugging away. My foot just gave up 5 days before and I ended up in hospital with a suspected stress fracture and told the marathon was a no go. I think my heart actually broke that day. I felt sorrier for Ashley my long suffering husband!! I have since found out that injuries are a fact of life and nothing hurts as much as the 1st race you DNS. Worse things can and do happen in life. There is always next year.
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
I follow my own plan which I put together basis what races I have entered in the run up to the “big one”. I used to do 5 half marathons before my spring marathon but as I creep closer to 50 realize I am not as young as I was and I have to cut down! Prior to Boston this year I started to run to and from work on a Tuesday to get my mileage up without adding an extra running day into my plan. This seems to have worked well. I don’t like to run more than 5 days a week. Monday and Friday are my “running rest days”.
Funniest Training Moment?
It wasn’t funny at the time but I once got lost on Hill of Fare along with Sam Milton and Stephen Simpson. I actually thought we would have to get mountain rescue to save us but luckily we got a signal and Stephens Dad picked us up. 13 miles of running and about 3 hours of hiking – with no food or water! I inhaled a sandwich in Tescos when we got “rescued”!!
Favourite session?
I really like my 16 mile plus runs when I am in full marathon training mode. I like to just get out and do it. Lots of head space and fresh air. I have a demanding job (and cat but that’s another story) so it’snice to get out and have some peace and quiet for a change!
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs? –
I don’t usually take anything on long runs – maybe a gel if I am practicing for marathon consumption and some water if it is a warm day. Probably not the right way to do it though and no wonder I have a slump when I get home…
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
I have completely flat feet so I have to wear neutral shoes with the insole taken out and orthotics. I love Asics Gel Nimbus. I have tried other makes but they are no use. I really want a pair of Nike 4% but with my bappit feet they would likely become ornaments!
What is your Mantra?
Just keep on trucking- never give up!! Life throws many obstacles in our way and we can be our own worst enemy. I am constantly doubting my abilities and one bad performance makes me want to give up. However, I just love running and would be lost without it.
Tell us about BOSTON – Well Done !!!!
Thank you! I would love to say I had a fantastically brilliant race but it didn’t quite work out on the day. I hurt my hip the week before (typical Marie) and then proceeded to convince myself that I wouldn’t be able to run the whole way. Coupled with a very hot and muggy day it just didn’t work out. My time wasn’t that bad considering I walked on and off from 14 miles but I know I can and will do better. Boston is so amazing and overwhelming I think you really need to appreciate the course and learn from it. So, I just need to go back and do it justice the next time. I got my jacket and my 3rd marathon major start so it’s all good! If you can get into Boston I would highly recommend it. It’s just such a fantastic experience and the whole city is with you that weekend.
Fly Solo or flock together? ( Run in a group or on your own).
It’s a mix. As I run to work 2 times a week that is on my own. I do a group run on a Wednesday lunchtime in Westhill. Saturdays are usually just me and I like to head up to Hazlehead on a Sunday with Alan Browns gang. It’s always good fun.
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
I would usually say tarmac but after surprising myself being 1st Lady at the Balmoral 15 mile trail race the other week maybe trail is better J I don’t really like track – I get too dizzy going round in circles!
What’s your goal?
I hope to complete all 6 marathon majors by end of 2020. I am doing Chicago in October and I hope to do Tokyo and New York next year. I am so impatient I just want my 6-star now! If I had my way (and the funds) I would have done them all this year
Top tip for #project345 ?
Believe in yourself. So many people (myself included) say they could never do a half marathon or a marathon or ….. You can – you just need to work hard and train sensible. Running is great fun – you can take it anywhere and it is accessible to any one and all abilities. Just get out and do it!
Thanks again Marie for a fantastic read! Great to see your hard work paying off… go get that 6 star 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟marathons.
Thanks for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
