Portsmouth Joggers Club

• Beginners Guide
• Training Groups
• Marathon Training
• 1000 Mile Challenge
• Weekend Runs
• Training

PJC Guide To Running Marathon Training
(updated with Spring '10 Schedules)

We are very fortunate to have a number of experienced coaches and marathon runners who are prepared to share their experience with us.

Some general rules:-

• Be consistent in your training, whether that's 3, 4 or more times a week
• Long runs are meant to be long and slow - don't run them too fast
• Follow a schedule, either one you create or a published one
• Seek advice, if you are not sure about anything ask - there are many Joggers willing to give advice
• Listen to your body - if you're tired or ill ease back or take a break
• What to eat in the final stages of training.

Below are links to :

• Schedule from Chris Brier aimed at 3.30 + runners
• Schedule from Russ Bestley aimed at sub 3.30 runners
• Sunday long runs for Dave Blofield's group

Ray's Sunday Group will also be doing off-road runs suitable for marathon training. Details on the weekend run page.

Sandra Hopkins is also happy for people to ask questions as to how she prepares for marathons. You can e-mail Sandra at sandra_at_pjc@yahoo.com.

Runners World also has a wealth of advice and schedules.

Chris Brier's Schedule

 Chris's programme is designed for those who want to achieve a time of between 3:30 and 4:30 in their chosen marathon. It has been tried and tested over the past 6 years and has provided a number of people with personal best times. Please feel to join in with the group on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Likewise do no hesitate to contact me on chris19dh@aol.com or at the Club if you require any further information.

• Chris's Weekly Schedule
• Chris's Saturday Programme

Russ Bestley's Schedule

Russ has worked on an 18 week schedule for runners undertaking marathons in the Spring of 2010, particularly those aiming for Stratford/London and Lochaber/Brighton, and with guide race targets between 3 hours and 3:30. The schedule follows a normal 3 or 4 runs per week training pattern for Russ's group and doesn't start to build in intensity until mid to late January. In order to take up this programme, you should aim to be running between 30 and 40 miles per week by that time, preferably with some general interval sessions as per the schedule.

Russ is happy to talk to individual runners and to answer any questions, in person or via email at russwyd@hotmail.com

• Russ's schedule

Dave Blofield's Sunday Long Runs

If you'd like to find more about Dave's Sunday runs contact either Dave or Mike Taylor.

• Dave's Sunday Schedule - TBC

Best of Luck!