It is just 2 months to the year-end marathon. I don't mean to do a count down with my postings, but it's really a reminder to you that you haven't got much time left to train. Be serious about it and get down to doing it.
In my previous post, the target was to hit 15km. I'm sure you will question: "What am I thinking about? With less than 3 months to the race, only 15km?" Yes, I'm aware of it and it is deliberate.
For those who are conscientious and disciplined in your training, you should be already doing 20kms or more. You are almost there. Proceed upwards to 24, 28 and 32. There is still enough time. And you'll realise that it is just a matter of mind over body to overcome these distances.
It was a deliberate attempt to "help" those who are still struggling with their training and not having enough mileage to help them cross the FINISH on the morning of 4 Dec, in under 6 hours. If you are still struggling with your 15km, I'm here to tell you that yes, it is not the best situation that you will want to be in, and yes, you still can complete the 42km in under 6 hours. I'm not sure if 6 hours is your target, but 6 hours is a realistic target. And this is how you can achieve it.
Keep running. Do not let up, maybe because you think your current mileage will never get you there. Every little bit of distance that you put in helps.
Be disciplined. It is just 2 months more to bear. Run at least 3 times a week, with one run covering at least 15km.
Push yourself. During any of your runs, attempt to run faster, or slightly further. You may not have enough mileage under your belt, but at least you can compensate a little by increasing your aerobic intensity.
Towards the end of October or in early November, find at least an opportunity to run more than 20km. Just one opportunity. You can do it at a slower than usual speed, no problem with that. Yes, you will likely take more than 2.5 hours to complete it. The purpose is for you to have a feel of what it is like running long distances for more than 2.5 hours, so that the shock to your mind and body will not be that great on race day itself.
Prepare yourself mentally for the 42km. Even if you are a top athlete or seasoned marathoner, 42km is a long way which many things can unexpectedly happen. It helps to visualise in your mind how you are going to breakdown the distance, how you are going to motivate yourself, how when in extreme tiredness to overcome it.
My mental preparation for the marathon started many weeks ago, but my physical preparation has just started. If I think I will be as fit as I was back when I did my last marathon in July, I will certainly be dreaming. But I know be it run, jog or walk, I'll see you all at the FINISH.
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