Theee most honest TH-camr out there, thanks for sharing it all here with us. Still a huge achievement on the day and we all know one day that perfect marathon will happen for you.
Fantastic video of the day was great to hear so many of the crowd shouting out your name! Great for your charity too you should be proud of that race! Think your ultra training will ultimately improve your marathon time and solve cramp issues as yiu will strengthen legs running longer distances. I always say most important metric is your weekly volume averaged over the past calendar year, obviously with some injuries your rolling average has been up and down, if you can get a consistent 12 months of good volume you'll be surprised how much quicker you'll get! Keep it going, last few weeks looking great
Thank you! I 100% agree with the volume advice and will be taking a break from races after the ultra to see off any overuse injuries lingering and to concentrate on building up injury free, consistent miles over the space of a year or more. I feel in a good place for these last few weeks fitness wise but still have some lingering pains from all the work so a year to get rid of them, get the yearly miles higher and then revisit races later sounds like what I need. Looking forward to it to be honest. Cheers mate
You may have already tried them but i suffered cramping over longer distances but started taking salt sticks (thats the brand name i think) - was already taking electrolyte drinks etc - last Marathon, no cramps at all - was a game chagner for me. Well done on pushing through, shows true strength sir.
Thank you Gary. I did take 3 salt stick chewables alongside 5 gels with electrolytes spread out for the whole race, plus hydrating with electrolytes for 3 days before 😂 maybe it’s still not enough or my legs are just too weak still. Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe I’m still getting used to that distance or going to hard as it was only my 4th marathon. Cheers
Great job Steve! You were about 10-15 minutes ahead of me the whole way I think. Don't underestimate your achievement, you've had a lot of problems with injuries over the past 12 months. I followed the Ben Parkes marathon plan for 3:45 to 4:15 finish, it was only £7 and I'd definitely recommend it (you can go for 3:15 to 3:45 plan), the longest run is about 23 miles so will give you plenty of confidence before the big day. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Chris and well done for your efforts too. I’m actually following Ben Parkes plan for my ultra and it’s very good that it included strength work too. I’ll be definitely using them for marathons, half’s etc in the future. Cheers for that and I hope your legs ain’t too bad this morning, mine aren’t good 😂.
Stevo you helped me so much when I started running a few years ago. Don’t be disheartened. Keep going, keep believing. I followed Pfitzingers Advanced Marathoning for my one and only marathon so far. Seemed to work out. And as always… UTV!
Mate that’s good to hear thanks! I will check out that advanced marathoning as I feel I haven’t improved enough really but I guess it’s still early days. And yes, what a bloody season we’re having, loving it! UTV
I did London in the heat in 2018 and cramped up at 17 miles. Ran Edinburgh the next year and got cramps at 18 miles. The did Classic quarter ultra on SW coast path. Did 20 miles fine and then 24 miles of full cramping. Couldn’t move at times as stretching one muscle caused cramp in another. Did some research about my sweating, saltiness and quantity. I now use precision fuel and hydration tablets. Absolute game changer. Just did Newport in 3.49, massive PB, and no cramping. Also been doing some S&C twice a week. Only training really was long runs with plenty of marathon pace sections. For me though, the game changer was Precision fuel and hyrdation. Please check them out.
Hello mate. That’s great advice, thank you. I’ve actually had an order from them in the past and had me as a big sweater and had some strong sachets to put in water. Did you have them or is there a tablet to take instead? I’ll re sign in later and make an order, I forgot all about them. Glad to hear you fixed the issue though and well done on the PB 👍🏼
Loved that mate. Excellent vlog. Massive well done, quite an achievement in difficult circumstances, thoroughly enjoyed watching your marathon journey.
Well done, don't be too down about it, still a good run in my book. My feeling is you need to be consistently doing 90km a week for sub 3:30, which I think is around what I need. And the most important part of the plan is the long run, which you definitely need some 3+ hour runs imho. The thing that held me back in Amsterdam was hamstring cramps from 27km, I think that was mostly dehydration as I had electrolytes covered.
Thanks Dom, no I’m happy now to be honest. I learn lots from each marathon and feel like I know where I need to be. You’re right about the consistent milage needed, I’m gonna go back to the drawing board after my ultra and get strong, injury free and consistent higher milage ready to revisit racing in a year or so. Can’t wait for that. Sorry to hear you got the dreaded cramps too, running through pain is one thing but with cramps, it ain’t happening! I’ve read a lot recently about cramps and a lot seem to say that’s it’s fatigued muscles from taper week or weak muscles to start with, but I think I went too hard to be honest. Hope we can both get to the bottom of it. Cheers
Good video. Hard luck with the cramp. I think you are right to try a training programme that includes a few long runs of 20 + miles. Amazing that you're going for an ultra. If you do OK in that, it'll certainly improve your marathoning, I'd have thought. Keep going!
Thank you Henry. That plan is in the bin. I’m really looking forward to the ultra and if I come out unscathed then I’ll be tempted to throw a marathon in the Autumn as I think it will set me up well for one. Let’s hope so anyway. Cheers
When i do marathon blocks i do my long runs to time not distance so make shore you run as long as you want to do the marathon distance just lost of time on feet
Good advice thanks Gareth. I’m always conscious of time on feet which seems to match nicely to miles run but yes I’m suspecting my 3 hour (18 miler) longest run was not enough. I might try and switch to time for the next block. Thanks for that
Well done mate 👍🏻 Can't imagine how bad it must be, trying to do all those miles after getting cramp 😢 How did you manage to drive home after that? I've got to drive back from mine next month 😬
Cheers Mark. I think I ran for a good few miles with cramps locked on 😂 but the ones above the knee and hamstring were pulling me over. Luckily, Mikey was watching and drove my car home but I think you’ll be ok after with a little rest as long as the cramps have gone. I’ve got your same problem after race to the king too, can’t wait haha.
Thank you! Yes I used 5 gels with electrolytes in and had 3 salt chews, had electrolytes for the 3 days before the run also. Had a very salty face though so may need more still or my leg muscles are just weak. One day I’ll get it right, hopefully.
@StevoRuns This is quite a good article about sweat loss and hydration. They recommended 500-700 mg of sodium per hour of exercise. The sweat loss test seems like a really good idea as everyone is different.
Well done Stevo. Loved the new camera. Re the cramps, not something I’ve used but have heard mentioned on other channels (James Day’s channel I think) are salt tablets. I think he used to cramp up on his ultras but the salt tablets have helped him youtube.com/@jamesday1?si=78vxQMG9dljjiwRK
Cheers Billy! I’m really happy with the new camera. I’ll check that video out thank you, I’m having salt stick chewables but they aren’t quite cutting it. Thanks for the suggestion 👍🏼
Theee most honest TH-camr out there, thanks for sharing it all here with us. Still a huge achievement on the day and we all know one day that perfect marathon will happen for you.
Ah top man. Cheers buddy. On to the next one.
Fantastic video of the day was great to hear so many of the crowd shouting out your name! Great for your charity too you should be proud of that race! Think your ultra training will ultimately improve your marathon time and solve cramp issues as yiu will strengthen legs running longer distances.
I always say most important metric is your weekly volume averaged over the past calendar year, obviously with some injuries your rolling average has been up and down, if you can get a consistent 12 months of good volume you'll be surprised how much quicker you'll get! Keep it going, last few weeks looking great
Thank you! I 100% agree with the volume advice and will be taking a break from races after the ultra to see off any overuse injuries lingering and to concentrate on building up injury free, consistent miles over the space of a year or more. I feel in a good place for these last few weeks fitness wise but still have some lingering pains from all the work so a year to get rid of them, get the yearly miles higher and then revisit races later sounds like what I need. Looking forward to it to be honest. Cheers mate
You may have already tried them but i suffered cramping over longer distances but started taking salt sticks (thats the brand name i think) - was already taking electrolyte drinks etc - last Marathon, no cramps at all - was a game chagner for me. Well done on pushing through, shows true strength sir.
Thank you Gary. I did take 3 salt stick chewables alongside 5 gels with electrolytes spread out for the whole race, plus hydrating with electrolytes for 3 days before 😂 maybe it’s still not enough or my legs are just too weak still. Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe I’m still getting used to that distance or going to hard as it was only my 4th marathon. Cheers
Great job Steve! You were about 10-15 minutes ahead of me the whole way I think. Don't underestimate your achievement, you've had a lot of problems with injuries over the past 12 months. I followed the Ben Parkes marathon plan for 3:45 to 4:15 finish, it was only £7 and I'd definitely recommend it (you can go for 3:15 to 3:45 plan), the longest run is about 23 miles so will give you plenty of confidence before the big day. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Chris and well done for your efforts too. I’m actually following Ben Parkes plan for my ultra and it’s very good that it included strength work too. I’ll be definitely using them for marathons, half’s etc in the future. Cheers for that and I hope your legs ain’t too bad this morning, mine aren’t good 😂.
Stevo you helped me so much when I started running a few years ago. Don’t be disheartened. Keep going, keep believing. I followed Pfitzingers Advanced Marathoning for my one and only marathon so far. Seemed to work out.
And as always… UTV!
Mate that’s good to hear thanks! I will check out that advanced marathoning as I feel I haven’t improved enough really but I guess it’s still early days. And yes, what a bloody season we’re having, loving it! UTV
I did London in the heat in 2018 and cramped up at 17 miles. Ran Edinburgh the next year and got cramps at 18 miles. The did Classic quarter ultra on SW coast path. Did 20 miles fine and then 24 miles of full cramping. Couldn’t move at times as stretching one muscle caused cramp in another. Did some research about my sweating, saltiness and quantity. I now use precision fuel and hydration tablets. Absolute game changer. Just did Newport in 3.49, massive PB, and no cramping. Also been doing some S&C twice a week. Only training really was long runs with plenty of marathon pace sections.
For me though, the game changer was Precision fuel and hyrdation. Please check them out.
Hello mate. That’s great advice, thank you. I’ve actually had an order from them in the past and had me as a big sweater and had some strong sachets to put in water. Did you have them or is there a tablet to take instead? I’ll re sign in later and make an order, I forgot all about them. Glad to hear you fixed the issue though and well done on the PB 👍🏼
Loved that mate. Excellent vlog. Massive well done, quite an achievement in difficult circumstances, thoroughly enjoyed watching your marathon journey.
Top man David, cheers for that!
Well done, don't be too down about it, still a good run in my book. My feeling is you need to be consistently doing 90km a week for sub 3:30, which I think is around what I need. And the most important part of the plan is the long run, which you definitely need some 3+ hour runs imho. The thing that held me back in Amsterdam was hamstring cramps from 27km, I think that was mostly dehydration as I had electrolytes covered.
Thanks Dom, no I’m happy now to be honest. I learn lots from each marathon and feel like I know where I need to be. You’re right about the consistent milage needed, I’m gonna go back to the drawing board after my ultra and get strong, injury free and consistent higher milage ready to revisit racing in a year or so. Can’t wait for that. Sorry to hear you got the dreaded cramps too, running through pain is one thing but with cramps, it ain’t happening! I’ve read a lot recently about cramps and a lot seem to say that’s it’s fatigued muscles from taper week or weak muscles to start with, but I think I went too hard to be honest. Hope we can both get to the bottom of it. Cheers
Outstanding Stevo, amazing cause mate there is always next time 🙌🙌
brilliant video - really captures what its like to be there and do it - well done
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed!
Amazing running mate 🙌 you should be proud of yourself, all the hard work and effort you put in🙂
Thanks Michael! Yes it is a lot of work thinking about it 😀
Well done, Stevo! Love Tower bridge and that finish!
Thank you! Tower bridge is just the best and the end is just nice to get to when you’re struggling 😂
Let me know if you did London this time and how was your experience!
That Ending made me cry 😢but so proud of you , no more xxxx
Well done Steve!
Thank you UTV
@@StevoRuns absolutely!
Good video. Hard luck with the cramp. I think you are right to try a training programme that includes a few long runs of 20 + miles. Amazing that you're going for an ultra. If you do OK in that, it'll certainly improve your marathoning, I'd have thought. Keep going!
Thank you Henry. That plan is in the bin. I’m really looking forward to the ultra and if I come out unscathed then I’ll be tempted to throw a marathon in the Autumn as I think it will set me up well for one. Let’s hope so anyway. Cheers
@@StevoRuns hope you can sort the cramping.
Congrats may friend I am veteran in Brasil marathon in 3 08 56 , 70 years old and 22 :30 in 5km
That’s a brilliant time sir, very well done!
I was thinking electrolytes about the cramp but sounds like you got that covered, congrats on finishing tho
Thank you, I’ll work it all out one day hopefully.
Great effort. Do your endurance event, forget training plans for now, just enjoy your running.
Yes that’s exactly what I need. Cheers Alex
When i do marathon blocks i do my long runs to time not distance so make shore you run as long as you want to do the marathon distance just lost of time on feet
Good advice thanks Gareth. I’m always conscious of time on feet which seems to match nicely to miles run but yes I’m suspecting my 3 hour (18 miler) longest run was not enough. I might try and switch to time for the next block. Thanks for that
Well done mate 👍🏻 Can't imagine how bad it must be, trying to do all those miles after getting cramp 😢
How did you manage to drive home after that? I've got to drive back from mine next month 😬
Cheers Mark. I think I ran for a good few miles with cramps locked on 😂 but the ones above the knee and hamstring were pulling me over. Luckily, Mikey was watching and drove my car home but I think you’ll be ok after with a little rest as long as the cramps have gone. I’ve got your same problem after race to the king too, can’t wait haha.
Well done. You did a amazing thing raising so much for charity. Did you take any salt tablets during the race?
Thank you! Yes I used 5 gels with electrolytes in and had 3 salt chews, had electrolytes for the 3 days before the run also. Had a very salty face though so may need more still or my leg muscles are just weak. One day I’ll get it right, hopefully.
@StevoRuns This is quite a good article about sweat loss and hydration. They recommended 500-700 mg of sodium per hour of exercise. The sweat loss test seems like a really good idea as everyone is different.
Well done Stevo. Loved the new camera. Re the cramps, not something I’ve used but have heard mentioned on other channels (James Day’s channel I think) are salt tablets. I think he used to cramp up on his ultras but the salt tablets have helped him
youtube.com/@jamesday1?si=78vxQMG9dljjiwRK
Cheers Billy! I’m really happy with the new camera. I’ll check that video out thank you, I’m having salt stick chewables but they aren’t quite cutting it. Thanks for the suggestion 👍🏼