The emotions of long distance runs can vary wildly, from the highs of completing a marathon when you may think you’re invincible, and most people who experience it never get to feel as good emotionally.
Then you have the lows of a rough training run, in the pouring rain and cold when nothing is much fun, and you get back in the shower and you cant warm up for the rest of the day no matter what you do.
Then you can have training injuries/overuse injuries which soon become tedious and really test your resolve, especially when it comes to running the marathon, when every week becomes crucial especially when it comes to those last few weeks.
This is why I try to manage people’s training programmes correctly, and conservatively which is always important. This gives us the leeway to tweak things those last few weeks when you may have the odd niggle in your back/knee or ankle.
I always like to leave MORE time to get it right, and start my marathons programmes sooner than most people. This is why most runner magazine programmes wont work for the average person, as they do not take into account the average person making common mistakes.
I always tell people to change their trainers every 6 months, but many don’t if they are not training with me regular.
I tell people to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but many do not follow it if I don’t see them regular.
Sleep, the good food they need to eat, spacing their workouts out properly, resting and recovering properly are all absolutely essential for runners who want to go well in the marathon, and actually enjoy the process!
Emotions are vital to keep under control and the only way you can do this is executing your plan to the letter, and not let anyone put you off by following a programme that typically champion athletes follow, which is absolutely NOT good for the average person with everyday commitments!
