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Running Thread 2026

I never felt I could devote the time to train for a marathon when I was working. When I retired I thought the time for a marathon had gone, but in my early 70s I had a "no regrets" moment and decided to go for it. Completed my first and last (for the moment) marathon at 73 years old after 6 months hard training. Broke 4 hours too.
Work hard and be focussed and it is surprising what you can achieve.
 

SandDancer50 said:
I never felt I could devote the time to train for a marathon when I was working. When I retired I thought the time for a marathon had gone, but in my early 70s I had a "no regrets" moment and decided to go for it. Completed my first and last (for the moment) marathon at 73 years old after 6 months hard training. Broke 4 hours too.
Work hard and be focussed and it is surprising what you can achieve.
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That's genuinely amazing , yea the training is just relentless so understand but 73 years old wow
Just so inspiring
 
I am in awe of some of the distances that some on here take part in regularly. Presumably some/most have jobs and/or family commitments to fit in to their training schedules - don't know how they do it.
76 now and still going - not so many in my age group so getting placed is easier.
 
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SandDancer50 said:
I am in awe of some of the distances that some on here take part in regularly. Presumably some/most have jobs and/or family commitments to fit in to their training schedules - don't know how they do it.
76 now and still going - not so many in my age group so getting placed is easier.
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It's so tough to train for a marathon and that's why I think 1 is enough

Every Saturday when I need to do my long run and to force myself out.

Respect to anyone who keeps it going and does more as it's a mental battle
 
Agree with that. Occasionally do a 10 or 11 miler these days and have to remind myself I would be going around again during marathon training.
 
Brett said:
It's so tough to train for a marathon and that's why I think 1 is enough

Every Saturday when I need to do my long run and to force myself out.

Respect to anyone who keeps it going and does more as it's a mental battle
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I'm considering dropping off a little in 2027, maybes just sticking to doing one big destination race a year and training up to it rather than sort of slogging all year round like I have been doing. I'm regularly playing Padel 2-3 times a week now and often having to knock back invites to games cos I've got to get a run in. Before I started marathon training last year I was a massive hiker and regularly got down the Lakes or Yorkshire etc, with plans to get in some Welsh and Scottish hills too. But every weekend now has a long run day so don't really get a chance to get out walking. It's definitely a bit of a juggling act trying to do everything I want but also still train to improve, 3-4 runs, 2-3 Padel games, hiking, strength work and rest.....too much to fit in so something has to give inevitably.
 
Went for my second run this morning to break my trainers in.

5 miles
9:38/mi

New trainers felt good on my feet on both road and bridleways, which is the main reason I chose the Stinson 7.

Could have gone further for sure, but was happy to call it a day at 5 miles and have a steady walk home the rest of the way.
 
SandDancer50 said:
I never felt I could devote the time to train for a marathon when I was working. When I retired I thought the time for a marathon had gone, but in my early 70s I had a "no regrets" moment and decided to go for it. Completed my first and last (for the moment) marathon at 73 years old after 6 months hard training. Broke 4 hours too.
Work hard and be focussed and it is surprising what you can achieve.
Click to expand...
This is amazing and inspirational. good to know as an older good for age spot is my only hope for Boston (and it's still a slim hope). Well done you.
 
I only really started running properly back in August last year for the GNR - got hooked and really enjoy the headspace it gives.

Did my first marathon yesterday in Manchester and had a 6hr target in mind but just wanted to finish. Managed to get round in 5:07. Absolutely chuffed with that as an overweight 40 plus bloke who genuinely isn’t built to run!

Fantastic atmosphere and great course- was bloody hot mind!!
 
MackemMagic said:
I only really started running properly back in August last year for the GNR - got hooked and really enjoy the headspace it gives.

Did my first marathon yesterday in Manchester and had a 6hr target in mind but just wanted to finish. Managed to get round in 5:07. Absolutely chuffed with that as an overweight 40 plus bloke who genuinely isn’t built to run!

Fantastic atmosphere and great course- was bloody hot mind!!
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Amazing mate. Whats next? What wave were you in?
 
MackemMagic said:
I was in dark green mate!

I’m gonna sign up for Manchester again next year I think! How’d you get on?
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You were one ahead of me in coral. I did 4.49 I reckon we crossed the line pretty much the same time. Im thinking id do it again. Only frustrating thing was it didnt finish where it started. Getting the tram back to old trafford added time I wanted to rest :lol:
 
Chubbs said:
You were one ahead of me in coral. I did 4.49 I reckon we crossed the line pretty much the same time. Im thinking id do it again. Only frustrating thing was it didnt finish where it started. Getting the tram back to old trafford added time I wanted to rest :lol:
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I just went to the pub and let everything die down 🤣
Whisper it quietly but the 2027 TCS London Marathon ballot opens on Friday 24 April... 🎟️

From the iconic landmarks to the unbeatable atmosphere, it’s a 26.2 mile experience like no other. 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃🧑‍🦽👩‍🦽👨‍🦽

Want to take part in one of the world greatest marathons? Get your name in the ballot before Friday 1 May 2026.

Entries will then be drawn at random for the Class of 27, with results announced in the summer.
 
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I get so unreasonably frustrated when the BBC constantly posts that the ballot is open for London 🤣. It's like, there's plenty of us runners that would love to do it and can't get it. Ballot is massively oversubscribed so don't need people who enter on a whim thank you 🤣🤣🤣.
I'm down supporting my partner this weekend and really looking forward to dashing about different points.
 
Went out for a slow 5K after having 10 days off as it was tight - didnt even make it through my warm up 5 minutes before it started to go.....gutted and meant to be doing Sunderlan half in a couple of weeks barely ran for 4-5 weeks
 
Flip said:
Went out for a slow 5K after having 10 days off as it was tight - didnt even make it through my warm up 5 minutes before it started to go.....gutted and meant to be doing Sunderlan half in a couple of weeks barely ran for 4-5 weeks
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Injuries are a nuisance and can be depressing. Hope you get through it.
Do you have an accurate diagnosis?
Do you know a decent sports physio?
 
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