Sydney Marathon - Training

My training program was going to contain a mix running and muay Thai. I decided not to follow a standard marathon training program as I was really keen to continue my muay Thai training at the same pace. My weekly training plan was as follows:

Monday
· Long run after work – 20km
Tuesday
· Muay Thai – 1hr
· Short Sprint – Usually on the treadmill – 5km
Wednesday
· Muay Thai – 1hr
· ‘Hill repeats’ – Run up and down a hill – 5 - 10Kms
Thursday
· Muay Thai – 1hr
· Short Sprint – Usually on the treadmill – 5km
Friday
· Rest
Saturday
· Long run – 10 - 20Kms
· Muay Thai – 1hr
Sunday
· Rest

Towards end of June, I was running approximately 40Kms a week and the longest was 25Kms.
I was following my training plan as much as possible until I was hit with a severe flu on the first week of August and ligament damage in my back the following week. I was told by my doctor and physio to cut down and reassess my training plan as they suspected that it was taking its toll on my body. I was also advised to boost my supplements intake. I guess I paid the paid the price for not following a standard marathon training program recommended by ‘experts’.

I recovered from my back pain and flu in the first week of September and had about 20 days left for the marathon. I decided to completely change my training program. The key changes were as follows:
· No after-work runs – I did all my running prior to leaving for work. Earliest was 5am! (Couldn’t feel my hands after about 5 mins)
· No Muay Thai – This was a tough one but I had to do this so I can rest all evening and also avoid injuries
· Saturday long runs moved to Sunday – This gave me a 2 day break prior to my long run on Sunday. Also, The Sydney marathon was scheduled for a Sunday – so this run was going to be my dress rehearsal
· Increased my water intake – This made a massive difference
· Had a relaxed diet – I avoided junk food but wasn’t too strict with my diet as I thought the food (especially carbs) will help with my longer runs.
· Daily supplements :
o Vitamin C – GNC - 1000mg - Assists with a healthy immune System
o Multivitamin – GNC – 2 per day - Assists with a healthy immune System
o Salmon Oil – GNC - 3 per day – Support for joint health
o Glucosamine and Condroitin – GNC - 2 per day - – Support for joint health
o Antioxidants – GNC – 1 per day - Support for joint health

This really helped me build up the mileage and get enough rest. I also skipped the M7 motorway cycle path running as I was getting bored of running on lonely cycle paths and had to carry a backpack with my drinks.
I decided to change my running path to include more road (side path) running. This turned out to be a bit more enjoyable (?) AND I didn’t have to carry a backpack. I worked out my track to include a few service stations. I stopped there to get my Powerade. Only thing I had to carry was Energy gels (and of course some cash). I completed by longest run to date during this period – approximately 33Kms.