With less than a week to go before the first inaugural MK Marathon we wanted to know what makes people want to run a marathon. I spoke to two entrants who have never run this distance before. Our very own Tina and one of our regular customers, John to find out what has motivated them and how they have prepared for the race.
“So, what made you decide to enter a marathon?”
J. As a kid I was always watching the London Marathon on the TV. I used to run when I was at school and I knew I wanted to enter a Marathon. As I was passing through your store, I saw the poster about the Milton Keynes Marathon and decided to enter as it is a local race.
T. I had started a new job in the running industry. It was just before the London Marathon 2011, seeing lots of people with different abilities inspired me to think about a return to running myself. A few weeks later, I heard about the 1st full marathon in MK. I thought at the time “What a good opportunity and goal to set myself” and as it's the first one, theres no better time!
“Now that you are entered, how have you prepared?"
T. I pretty much started from scratch. Run, walk, run. Slowly increasing distance, I had approx 9 months to get up to speed. I also ride a bike and this has helped break the routine.
J. I started by having a chat with Gerry, the Assistant Manager. Apart from advice on the right sort of kit, such as having the right running shoes and clothing, he asked me what plans I had for my preparations. I told him that whilst I had run during my school years, I had done little apart from a bit of keep fit. It was new territory for me so Gerry offered to help me with a 16 week training programme. My job as a pilot means that I don’t work 9 till 5 and my leisure time can be restricted. Gerry established what I already did to keep fit, like swimming and bike riding and he then incorporated them into the programme. He also made me aware that maintaining flexibility and improving my core stability were key areas to concentrate on as these would help to keep me injury free. He is a big fan of skipping! This featured quite a bit in his plan, but it also fitted in with my available time. His plan was varied and flexible. It also fitted in with my lifestyle. During my training, I have kept in touch with the team at the MK store and they have helped me with advice on several topics including taking the right sort of nutrition and supplements.
“What advice would you give to someone considering their first marathon?”
J. Definitely seek out advice from a specialist running shop or running club to help with your preparation. It is not just about the miles that you have to run on the day but the preparation beforehand. That way, it will be less of a challenge for your body on the day.
T. My main advice would be to be prepared for the long runs as it's not just about running for 3 hours or more – it's about fitting it in around other areas of normal life i.e. allowing breakfast to settle down then going out, so 3 hours turns into 5 hours. A long time out of your day and that does not include the recovery after.
“Do you have any particular goals for the race day?”
J. I want to be able to complete the course in sub 4.
T. To finish!
“What do you think about the marathon organisation”
T. There could have been more training runs, to allow more people to enter, but this is the first and I'm sure the organisers will think about this for next year. Other than that, the organisers have kept the runners well informed.
J. I’m happy with what I have seen so far. They have kept in touch with me by email which is convenient, so I have not been disappointed with their organisation.
So there you have it....... two different runner, both looking forward to the challenge on Sunday. Good luck to them and all who have entered.
Come along and meet the Up & Running team on the Mizuno stand on race day this Sunday 29thApril in the sports village and get 20% off everything on production of your race number
