Fresh kicks and the start of training

It’s been a big couple of days since my announcement I am going to run the Marathon; everyone has been very supportive with multiple experts (and some not so much) coming out of the woodwork offering me tips and advice for my training and the big day.

Firstly, thanks to Max, Matt C and Chiggy who are all accomplished marathon runners for your honesty about what it’s going to take for me to complete the Marathon. I shared my announcement post with one bloke and immediately got an honest reply politely prefaced by “a couple of comments if I may”

He told me this:

• Anyone can run a marathon in 6 weeks; you just have to be content with mediocrity.
• Starting at 95kg, with little to no KMs in your legs, and going with a strategy of “serious mileage” will without doubt lead you to “serious injury” – the typical running strategy is to start at 20km per week, then add 15% per week.
• The only possible strategy you have is to try and take a few short cuts. Such As.
  • Only run on grass, period
  • Never run two days in a row
  • 2 runs should be speed (interval based, 1km tempo, 500m easy, x 4)
  • 1 run should be long (start at 15km, then the following week do 18km, then 25km, then 30km, then rest at least a week prior to the race, also make sure you have two days rest after the long run, do hot yoga, and go for a swim

Some food for thought for sure, I’d be stupid not to listen to him to be fair, he’s run more marathons than I’ve had hot dinners.

I’ve done a couple of runs since I made my announcement on Wednesday, and I ran two days in a row, just to prove I march to the beat of my own drum.

Thursday I eased into things with a nice little 7km down to Port Melbourne at 5.50 min/km. Then did a shorter 6km on Friday and pushed it a bit managing 4.45 min/km. I know this doesn’t really prove anything for now, but it was good to get back running and just see how the body was feeling.

One of the benefits of signing up for the Marathon, is plenty of companies are keen to spruce their wares in the form of voucher’s and discounts. This morning, I spent an hour with my man Dion from Active Feet Hawthorn and he helped me out with a running assessment on the treadmill. Overall he was happy with my running style, and basically told me he’s backing me in to deliver on my Marathon dream. I walked away feeling content with his advice and sporting a fresh pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire 11’s.I must admit I walked in 100% sure I was going to come away with some ASICS or Nike’s but to Dion’s credit, he had me sold on the Mizunos without worrying they weren’t a recognised running shoe!

Me and Dion after he sorted me out with some fresh kicks.

Guess it’s time to try them out?

Remember, I’m taking donations for the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Association of Australia. Please flick some bucks if you have the capacity.

Im $64 towards my goal of $700. Thank you very much to my first two donors!