Ticking along - longest run has been 23k so far.
Had a deload last week which consisted of a 6k, 8k and 16k run and back at it this week.
Heat is picking up to 26-30 degrees so runs are getting harder not easier!!! 
got 26/27k this week as the long run - going out at 4.30am to miss the heat
Hey everyone,
Thought I’d give you all an update as you’ve all been super helpful with the advice/comments etc…
March was horrific 
continued training outside for too long and it really affected me. long runs got worse and worse and the easy runs in the week were tough - didn’t register straight away that it was the heat - even tried ging out at 4.30am but the humidity and heat wee still kicking up!
My two long runs 22nd and 29th March were absolute car crashes - running slower than 7 min pace - having to stop after 10k and even had to walk the last 4k of one! Mood was in the gutter and was dreading the marathon.
Went on the treadmill this Sunday - 30k knocked out with zero stops in Z2 at 6.27 pace and was feeling goodish - was still hard and longest ever run but gave me the confidence that I can do it!!!
Deload starting this week and flying into London on the 23rd!!!
There’s nothing wrong with a run;walk strategy especially when the conditions are tough…
Hay is in the barn 
For a taper I was thinking the below.
8th - 8k
9th - cycling
10th - 6k
13th - 22k
15th - 6k
16th - Cycling
17th - 6k
19th - 12k
21st - 4k
23rd Fly to London
24th - 5k
27th - Marathon
“Red sky at night the barn is on fire” to quote the mother in law.
At a family party the sun was setting she repeated my stupid comment that I made as a joke 'red sky at night the barn is alight" but got the modified saying wrong. When anyone mentions hay and barns it reminds me of that. It was so funny but I guess you had to be there.
yep…
Another week for me, getting the hay in.
Got a lot of volume in the legs recently which I believe helps recover and freshen up quicker between key sessions and during lighter weeks and hopefully the taper.
I am therefore going with a two week taper (I have got other goals, and I’m not exactly near my genetic limit and trying for a time anywhere near good for age qualification etc)
I normally go with a three week taper, playing it safe, but off a much longer Marathon plan / block of 16 to 18 weeks. Due to long illness after I signed up in October Ive only had a 9 week build just over half of what I’d consider ideal.
I have probably said this before elsewhere, not the taper bit, but hey, I’m getting old and can’t remember everything.
and where might that be?
Over the hill and far away.
There are a lot of gaps there. I would be doing a few kms of reasonably fast running nearly every day, including flight day to keep the legs and circulation in good shape. Maybe easy recovery runs on 14th and 20th, and on 25th and early on 26th, even if you have been on your feet a bit for the pre-race expo. You want your legs and circulation to get used to working, not resting. If you can’t face running, then some mildly strenuous swimming, but go easy on the breaststroke kicking as that can risk some knee/ligament strain.
Ordinarily, yes, assuming some paced work has always been present…but i am guessing some need of recovery is required…
Hard Agree
The extra recovery requirements of pace work can be extreme if not in ones regular program and at the correct intensity.
Fast twitch athletes tend to need more recovery from pace work from what Ive seen.
General feedback on the taper…
I’d definitely putting a few strides (even if very short and not overly fast) in those easy runs, or changes of pace, dont want to become a Marathon plod zombie, but also dont want to risk injury, keep them very short or a moderate pace change for a bit longer. Just my opinion.
yes, but not if…
Think you would tell me not too do them lol, I often forget to think about and concentrate on form, not always though. Probably wouldnt recognise them as strides, but I definitely feel better for doing a few.
I also mentioned changes in pace, short pickups and back easy pace, that might be better especially for those that tend to over stride.
I think my run form isnt but gets me from A to B.
I wonder what Lionels strides look like.
Probably similar to my hitch kick to go round players when I player Rugby Union.
possibly…depends how well you did them…
what aspects of form?
yep…
what is an over stride?
Think I’m okay with arm carriage.
Good question, by that I meant landing way in front of ones centre of gravity.
what is way in front?
what is important about hip position?
