Craig Norris
Marathon level: Seasoned
Running shoes: Saucony Kinvara
Next Marathon: London Marathon April 2017
Favourite Marathon: The Picnic Marathon
Best time: 2:57
Charity of choice: Alzheimer’s Society (Each year I make a point of raising funds for them as my girlfriend’s father has the disease)
Money Raised: £3,000+
What is your top tip for marathon day?
Take on nutrition early and regularly. In those first miles into your run you won’t feel the need to consume much but you must (60g of carbohydrate per hour is a fair guideline). Think of your body as a steam engine, requiring constant fueling, if it’s to successfully complete that 26.2 mile journey.
How do you train for a marathon? Do you have any inside tips?
Nowadays I race often and aim to run each and every day, so my body is marathon ready at all times. A few weeks out I’ll lower the mileage and up the pace so that I’m fresh and sharp for the event. This takes time though and for many years I would have specific training efforts when approaching a marathon. I always took a relaxed but committed approach to my training, running regularly – say three or four times a week – though with no pressure on a set distance. My advice would be to incorporate speedwork – be it a track session or fartlek – with one ‘long’ run each week in amongst some gentle jogs. It’s important to remain enthused so don’t put yourself under too much pressure with a strict, set routine.
What is your favourite moment from a past marathon?
I run a lot of trail marathons where the views at certain points are simply breathtaking. The view from Box Hill during the Picnic Marathon and the descent from Beachy Head within sight of the marathon finish line are of particular mention. Taking the final turn onto The Mall at last year’s London Marathon with 2:56 on the watch was a very special moment too with my family in the stands.
How do you motivate yourself when you are struggling with training and on the day?
If you’re struggling on a particular day for motivation to get out there and run, give yourself the day off. What you’ll hopefully find is that by dropping that session your hunger to run the following day will skyrocket. I would also suggest making your race plans public so that you have an accountability to cross the finish line. Additionally, try to hold an image in your head of what ‘success’ looks like to you – be that the finish-line itself or cracking a time goal – knowing that the more you put in the more you’ll get out. That’s the brilliance of running.
What do you wish you had known before your first marathon?
That it doesn’t end there at 26.2 miles. When you see something as the ‘ultimate challenge’ it makes it seem all the more unsurmountable. If I had known then that people participate in 100+ mile ultra-marathons I’d have seen my first marathon as a stepping-stone rather than a mountain.
What inspired you to run marathons?
I’d never really given marathon running a thought to be honest growing up. There was no one that I knew that had ever run one, or at least to my knowledge. It wasn’t until my girlfriend had worn her knee cartilage away after a succession of marathons, of which she had always enjoyed, that I decided to take the baton so to speak and see what all the fuss was about.
What is the hardest part of training?
I guess for many it would be the time commitment. It’s not just the hours spent plodding along, but also the getting ready, the additional eating, the washing…oh the washing. I’m fortunate to both live and work in London so my commute is easily run-able, time that would be otherwise idle.
What was the hardest part of your first marathon? People talk about hitting the wall… did this happen to you?
My first marathon was the Beachy Head Marathon, where the route is entirely on trail and littered with hills, steps and stiles. Only the front runners have the steam to run non-stop from start to finish, so the majority are forced to stop and walk at certain points throughout. Additionally, the aid stations also provide a bounty of food and drink so your body is well fueled and your pace is markedly slower. The hardest part of that first marathon was climbing hill after hill along the coastline after mile 20 with spent legs – the descent being as painful as the ascent.
You’ll hit the wall if you’re running too fast or have been off on your nutrition. Keep these in check and you’ll run right through to the finish line. That’s easier said than done if it’s your first marathon, but hey this’ll come at mile 18-20 so there won’t be far to go!
What piece of advice did you wish you listened to?
I think I would have been a faster runner today if I had joined a running club. For all the drive and commitment in the world you will always run that little bit faster when those around you are pushing you forward.
I’ll definitely join one this year!
Follow Craig on Instagram or read his beginner runners blog post.
GOOD LUCK CRAIG!
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