Training update from our Manchester Marathon 2024 competition winners
We caught up with the winners of our Manchester Marathon 2024 competition to see how their training is going. Both Stephen and Eleanor have had a good start to training, despite the challenges of preparing for this event through the winter.
Stephen’s update
“Week 3 of 15 - done! It has been a slowish start to training with a busy work life and poor weather. The recent cold snap bringing ice and snow put a bit of a dampener on some of my midweek runs. So I would have liked a bit more mileage to start with but I was running a fair bit before Christmas so I am not too worried that it has impacted my fitness.
“I have been following the 15-week Marathon Plan by Adidas (with some tweaks here and there to suit my working week). Week 3 ended with the 4 Villages Half Marathon run by Helsby Running Club and this was a good long run effort with a faster finish. I finished in 1hr 50 mins so this was an excellent confidence boost for my target time of 3hr 45mins.
“I am looking forward to the next phase of training now with some more half marathon tune up races already booked in the calendar.”
Eleanor’s update:
“The first month of marathon training is complete! It has been a month of highs and lows; enthusiasm followed by fatigue and ‘why am I doing this?’ and back to enthusiasm again.
“Training kicked off on 1 January with a quarter marathon event which went pretty well especially as it was New Year’s morning, and I was still a bit groggy. It was comforting to know that I could run a quarter marathon well - I just need to get the hang of the next three quarters….
“The second weekend in January we had our annual club run around the beautiful Dorset coastline followed by a pint and a pasty at the local pub. The route is challenging with steep hills, tricky underfoot, a lot of steps as well as significant amounts of thick mud, however, we did have a break in the rain for this and enjoyed great coastal views - great company and good exercise.
“Aside from events and club runs, I have managed to get out running 4 times per week. Some days are definitely slower and more challenging than others. I am also trying to fit in a bit of cycling (why did I sign up to Ride London this year too?) and some swimming.
“The month has come to a close with my first coaching session from the England Athletics coach. I really enjoyed our meeting and Jo was full of advice on training plans, run strategy and fuelling. I have lots of ideas to take away and start working on.