A week of training in the life of a 50 year old marathon runner trying to break 2:30 in the Montreal marathon. #marathontraining #marathon #marathonrunner @global-runner @justalilbester
You’re so tough on yourself!The half marathon time was great and the yasso times were amazing. Love that cool little track!! Glad you are enjoying your training in the homeland. Must be nice to be away from all the smoke! :).
Great video and amazing pace!!!....I recognise the track....you did choose a good day...I often train there and it's always very windy....recognise also the straight off-road run with the friend....it used to be a railway line 60/70 years ago...
Thank you!! Yes it was quite windy the day I was running but not terrible by any means…. And I knew that about the railway line! That might be one of my favourite places in the world to run. Flat. Straight. Gravel. Perfect! :)
Been following your RUclips for a few months then next episode you’ve popped up training at my local track I train at. Very strange ! Good luck for your marathon I’m racing Berlin end of Sept 👍
How funny! That’s such a nice track! You’re lucky to have that locally. Thanks for following the journey. And good luck in Berlin. My extremely tall friend is doing Berlin!
You're a great inspiration. I'm 52, just started running two years ago. Did 3:01:53 last May in Ottawa and will try to break the 3-hr mark in Montreal this coming September. I'm from MTL…
Great effort and gives you a marker. If I ran mainly solo 74.18 in Battersea I think I could run 73.30 in a city half with company. Personally I would want to be mid 71 shape for a sub 2.30 attempt. The 800s looked strong. Hope the injury recovers.
Yes I was on pace for about 73:30 but just failed off those last 4 miles. I didn’t blow up and I wasn’t in distress, I just slowed down. A bit strange. So I think I’m in better shape than 74. But I would definitely prefer to be closer to 70…
Fun! Glad to hear the injuries are staying in their proper places. I really get a lot of inspiration doing a marathon build alongside yours... albeit with a much more modest goal, then again I'm 54.5!
Thanks for your comment! I’m glad I’m helping you along! I’m sure your goal is equally impressive. That’s the beauty of our sport - everyone can get something out of it!
The object on the running track will most probably be a Beacon. Originally Beacons were used to warn of an approaching Spanish Armada in Elizabethan times! Now there are thousands across the UK which are lit to mark national events. Many new ones were built for HM Queens Diamond Jubilee in 2015 and for her platinum jubilee in 2022. Great running channel btw. You help encourage me to keep reaching running goals as a 52 year old. Thanks. Stu
@@global-runner Came here to say same thing. I've done Pfitzinger/Douglas 18 week marathon plans a couple of times and they have long runs with marathon pace blocks that get longer as the plan goes on. Roughly once a month, 8-10-12 miles at target marathon pace/effort and last one was about 8 weeks out from goal marathon. Those were my strongest yardstick, I did two half marathons nearer race day a bit faster than marathon pace but mainly to remember what not to do on the day of the marathon, ie get the mistakes in when it doesn't matter.
Thanks for the comment! I think you’re right. It was a decent effort at just under marathon pace for half the distance. I can’t be upset with that. I feel like I have the speed, and now I just need to top up some endurance but also marathon pace at the end of some long runs. Getting there slowly…. :)
In my opinion it’s a great mindset setting the bar really high and not being satisfied easy.. but when you give it your all in training, like you do, you can never be dissapointed in yourself. Veryyyy impressive time btw and you will have a great marathon in Montreal!
That half marathon was perfect for you. Race Specific workout. Many people run 1:10 and then can't break 2:30. Believe me you didn't need to go faster. If you can get an 18-20 miler in at same pace you're good to go. You may have felt bad for your half but may feel great for your next long run. It happens.
Yeah I’m a big fan of racing yourself to fitness. It’s definitely the best way. Would you do 18 miles at marathon pace before the race? That seems a lot…
@@global-runner Cut out half the sessions you're doing and that would be a great confidence booster.At least 2 weeks before your taper and an easy week beforehand too.
Your half marathon time is still incredible. I also ran a half marathon this past Saturday and did 1:27. Can't imagine going much faster. How did you fuel?
Sub 90 for a half is really good! Congrats! I’m not normal but I don’t fuel for a half. I had a maurten gel in my pocket just in case but I didn’t need it. Breakfast was just a latte and a yoghurt with nuts.
Things are moving in the right direction, maybe you just need to adjust the timeline. If you keep chasing the fitness you run the risk of pushing over the edge, and you really seem to be dancing on a razor's edge right now. Injuries at our age are brutal, since we have such limited time left before father time reels us back in.
You’re right. Although I’m committed to giving Montreal a go. Or at least getting closer to 2:30. If I don’t quite make it, there’s time for one more try before the end of the year…
I understand you would have liked to run that HM about 10 sec / km faster than M-pace. I'm also wondering why you couldn't, considering those 8x800's at 2.30 went really well! That's an awesome pace for that session, and you even seem to handle it without too much suffering. Maybe like you said, you just started a bit too fast. Practising a negative split is what everybody advices, but somehow nobody likes to do 😂. You have that sub 2.30 in you!!
That’s so true! I got sucked into the race and probably went off too hard. But I guess that’s the fun of racing! It wasn’t my day for some reason. But still a good worthwhile effort. Thanks for your comments on the 800s. That was a good day. Like you say, I was in control on the 800s and also in control on the 5 mile “tempo” later in the day. It’s great when that happens!
Great video, good training glad you are keeping your injuries at bay. Great half marathon time , thats great ! BAsed on your 1:14 half time I think you should be in around 2:30 shape right about now. You can do it in Montreal. Quick question man, if you shooting for a sub 2:30 as I am 65 what do you think I should shoot for ? WR is 2:41 for my age group , do you think a sub 2:50 is possible?
@@global-runner Back in 1983 2:28:23, then a 1993- 2:44 marathon om a super hilly course the good ole days but here I am at 65 , planning on doing a marathon in 2025
I’m quite loose on fuelling and the extremely tall friend always berates me for it. I use maurten and I have 250ml of the 320 drink which I sip over the first few miles. Then I try and take gels every 5 miles. I never manage it and usually only take 2-3 gels which is definitely not enough but it’s all I can really tolerate. It’s definitely an area I could improve on.
Great week in the 🏴!!
Thanks! All thanks to you mate!
You’re so tough on yourself!The half marathon time was great and the yasso times were amazing. Love that cool little track!! Glad you are enjoying your training in the homeland. Must be nice to be away from all the smoke! :).
Ha. I’ve been told that before. :)
Great video and amazing pace!!!....I recognise the track....you did choose a good day...I often train there and it's always very windy....recognise also the straight off-road run with the friend....it used to be a railway line 60/70 years ago...
Thank you!!
Yes it was quite windy the day I was running but not terrible by any means…. And I knew that about the railway line! That might be one of my favourite places in the world to run. Flat. Straight. Gravel. Perfect! :)
Been following your RUclips for a few months then next episode you’ve popped up training at my local track I train at. Very strange ! Good luck for your marathon I’m racing Berlin end of Sept 👍
How funny! That’s such a nice track! You’re lucky to have that locally.
Thanks for following the journey. And good luck in Berlin. My extremely tall friend is doing Berlin!
Double thresholds FTW!
Ha ha. Agreed!
"Don't get sparkling water".......got it!
It’s great advice. Ha ha ha. 😂
@@global-runner Can you bring some to Calgary though, our store shelves are bare!
Ha ha! I’ll see how much I can get into my luggage!
You're a great inspiration. I'm 52, just started running two years ago. Did 3:01:53 last May in Ottawa and will try to break the 3-hr mark in Montreal this coming September. I'm from MTL…
You can do it!!! Good luck in Montreal! If you see me in the start line, come and say hello!
Great effort and gives you a marker. If I ran mainly solo 74.18 in Battersea I think I could run 73.30 in a city half with company. Personally I would want to be mid 71 shape for a sub 2.30 attempt. The 800s looked strong. Hope the injury recovers.
Yes I was on pace for about 73:30 but just failed off those last 4 miles. I didn’t blow up and I wasn’t in distress, I just slowed down. A bit strange. So I think I’m in better shape than 74. But I would definitely prefer to be closer to 70…
Great to see the injuries are ok! Looks like GB has some great flat running.
There’s an abandoned railway near where I’m staying which is perfect!!
No reason to be disappointed. Great time. To allow at race day full 100% performance you need to be 100 % recovered.from pre vious training.
That’s true! It’s always difficult though when we have so few opportunities to test things out and they don’t go quite to plan…
@@global-runner Listen to this guy. No more hammering 800's in your marathon build!!!!🤣🤣
But I love them! :)
Fun! Glad to hear the injuries are staying in their proper places. I really get a lot of inspiration doing a marathon build alongside yours... albeit with a much more modest goal, then again I'm 54.5!
Thanks for your comment! I’m glad I’m helping you along! I’m sure your goal is equally impressive. That’s the beauty of our sport - everyone can get something out of it!
The object on the running track will most probably be a Beacon. Originally Beacons were used to warn of an approaching Spanish Armada in Elizabethan times! Now there are thousands across the UK which are lit to mark national events. Many new ones were built for HM Queens Diamond Jubilee in 2015 and for her platinum jubilee in 2022.
Great running channel btw. You help encourage me to keep reaching running goals as a 52 year old. Thanks. Stu
Great knowledge! Thanks! I thought it might be but it just seemed so out of place! Thanks for confirming. :)
Seriously impressive!! I wouldn’t underestimate the jet lag effect too…
Thank you! Yes I started at 1am calgary time so it was definitely a factor I guess.
@@global-runner Came here to say same thing. I've done Pfitzinger/Douglas 18 week marathon plans a couple of times and they have long runs with marathon pace blocks that get longer as the plan goes on. Roughly once a month, 8-10-12 miles at target marathon pace/effort and last one was about 8 weeks out from goal marathon. Those were my strongest yardstick, I did two half marathons nearer race day a bit faster than marathon pace but mainly to remember what not to do on the day of the marathon, ie get the mistakes in when it doesn't matter.
Thanks for the comment! I think you’re right. It was a decent effort at just under marathon pace for half the distance. I can’t be upset with that. I feel like I have the speed, and now I just need to top up some endurance but also marathon pace at the end of some long runs. Getting there slowly…. :)
Woooohooo 🔥🔥🔥☄️☄️
Thank you. :)
In my opinion it’s a great mindset setting the bar really high and not being satisfied easy.. but when you give it your all in training, like you do, you can never be dissapointed in yourself.
Veryyyy impressive time btw and you will have a great marathon in Montreal!
That’s true! I didn’t leave much out there so I can’t really be upset with myself!!! Thanks for your comment. :)
Thats some going, you're doing great.
Thanks!!!! Just can’t force it…
Flying!
Thank you!! :)
That half marathon was perfect for you. Race Specific workout.
Many people run 1:10 and then can't break 2:30. Believe me you didn't need to go faster.
If you can get an 18-20 miler in at same pace you're good to go. You may have felt bad for your half but may feel great for your next long run. It happens.
Yeah I’m a big fan of racing yourself to fitness. It’s definitely the best way. Would you do 18 miles at marathon pace before the race? That seems a lot…
@@global-runner Cut out half the sessions you're doing and that would be a great confidence booster.At least 2 weeks before your taper and an easy week beforehand too.
It's impossible to run a 2:30 marathon with such time on hm. He definitely needs to be faster.
Challenge accepted! :). (You may well be right, but I’m going to do my best to prove you wrong). :)
@@global-runner I reckon if you catch a good day feel-wise you'll do it no problem. You have more than enough speed.
For a person of your age I think that is an insane level of fitness!
Thank you! I really appreciate your comment!
Your half marathon time is still incredible. I also ran a half marathon this past Saturday and did 1:27. Can't imagine going much faster. How did you fuel?
Sub 90 for a half is really good! Congrats!
I’m not normal but I don’t fuel for a half. I had a maurten gel in my pocket just in case but I didn’t need it. Breakfast was just a latte and a yoghurt with nuts.
Things are moving in the right direction, maybe you just need to adjust the timeline. If you keep chasing the fitness you run the risk of pushing over the edge, and you really seem to be dancing on a razor's edge right now. Injuries at our age are brutal, since we have such limited time left before father time reels us back in.
You’re right. Although I’m committed to giving Montreal a go. Or at least getting closer to 2:30. If I don’t quite make it, there’s time for one more try before the end of the year…
I understand you would have liked to run that HM about 10 sec / km faster than M-pace. I'm also wondering why you couldn't, considering those 8x800's at 2.30 went really well! That's an awesome pace for that session, and you even seem to handle it without too much suffering. Maybe like you said, you just started a bit too fast. Practising a negative split is what everybody advices, but somehow nobody likes to do 😂. You have that sub 2.30 in you!!
That’s so true! I got sucked into the race and probably went off too hard. But I guess that’s the fun of racing! It wasn’t my day for some reason. But still a good worthwhile effort.
Thanks for your comments on the 800s. That was a good day. Like you say, I was in control on the 800s and also in control on the 5 mile “tempo” later in the day. It’s great when that happens!
incredible !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how much distance in your long run ?
It was a long one. 26 miles. But more on that soon…. :)
@@global-runner wow。that is a whole marathon
Great video, good training glad you are keeping your injuries at bay. Great half marathon time , thats great ! BAsed on your 1:14 half time I think you should be in around 2:30 shape right about now. You can do it in Montreal. Quick question man, if you shooting for a sub 2:30 as I am 65 what do you think I should shoot for ? WR is 2:41 for my age group , do you think a sub 2:50 is possible?
Thanks for your comment! Whats your lifetime best?
@@global-runner Back in 1983 2:28:23, then a 1993- 2:44 marathon om a super hilly course the good ole days but here I am at 65 , planning on doing a marathon in 2025
Long run was an easy one? 36km?
Longer. 42k. I wanted to beat Taylor Swift at her concert. But it was easy-ish.
50+ and can run a half-marathon in under 75 minutes! I know people in their mid-twenties who can't even break 80 minutes for that distance.
The aim is to keep that pace up for twice the distance! It’ll definitely be a stretch goal…!
@@global-runner Do you have a fueling strategy for the full marathon?
I’m quite loose on fuelling and the extremely tall friend always berates me for it. I use maurten and I have 250ml of the 320 drink which I sip over the first few miles. Then I try and take gels every 5 miles. I never manage it and usually only take 2-3 gels which is definitely not enough but it’s all I can really tolerate. It’s definitely an area I could improve on.