Bloody Marathon Training - its that time of year
- Ben Brumfit
- Jan 24, 2025
- 2 min read
Well folks, let's address the elephant in the room – I should have started training for the Brighton Marathon last year. There, I said it! But you know what's better than perfect timing? Actually starting. So here I am, sharing my slightly late but very determined marathon training journey with you all.
The "Better Late Than Never" Training Plan
Remember that saying about the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago, or today? Well, the same goes for marathon training (though thankfully it won't take 20 years!). As someone who preaches fitness for a living at LIFEFIT, I'm going to be completely honest about this journey – including all the "what was I thinking?" moments that are bound to come.
The Smart Approach (Because My Knees Are Not 21 Anymore)
Here's my golden rule for this training adventure: slow progress is still progress. I'm following the 5% rule – increasing my weekly mileage by no more than 5% each week. Why? Because my body (and yours) needs time to adapt, and I'd rather reach the start line slightly undertrained than overtrained and injured.
Training Smarter, Not Just Harder
Living in Brighton means dealing with our... let's say "interesting" weather patterns. So here's my backup plan for those days when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum:
Cross-training is my new best friend:
Cycling (perfect for cardiovascular fitness without the impact)
X-trainer (yes, that machine you've been using as a coat hanger)
Stepper (surprisingly effective at building running-specific strength)
The Secret Weapon: Strength Training
Here's something many runners overlook – strength training isn't optional, it's essential! At LIFEFIT, we're incorporating specific strength sessions to:
Prevent injuries (because crawling to the finish line isn't in my race plan)
Improve running economy
Build resilience for those long training miles
Follow My Journey (Including the Not-So-Graceful Moments)
Want to see how this slightly delayed marathon training adventure unfolds? I'll be documenting everything:
Right here on our blog (unfiltered reality)
On Strava (where you can witness my pace gradually improving... hopefully)
Through our social media (including the ice bath faces – they're not pretty)
Weekly Updates Coming Your Way
Each week, I'll share:
Training highlights (and lowlights – keeping it real!)
Tips I'm learning along the way
How I'm balancing training with running LIFEFIT
The inevitable running-related memes that keep me going
Join Me?
Whether you're training for the Brighton Marathon too, considering it for next year, or just enjoy watching someone else's fitness journey (with a mix of determination and mild panic), I'd love to have you along for the ride.
Remember, starting late doesn't mean you can't start strong. And if you see me doing laps around Brighton Pier looking slightly desperate, a encouraging wave would be much appreciated!
Your Turn!
Are you training for the Brighton Marathon too? Or any other race? Drop by LIFEFIT and let's talk training strategies. We've got all the equipment and expertise to support your journey – whether you're right on schedule or fashionably late like me!
P.S. Follow my training journey here and on Strava. Let's make this marathon journey a community effort – because misery loves company, right? 😉
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