Welcome to the Team. For each plan I post an assessment like this. It’s just a good way to track progress but also refer back to if you want to re-read what I have written.

The first 14 weeks are building a foundation so we can then really kick on with the marathon block, which will inevitably involve longer runs.

The first few weeks of this plan we need to be a little cautious, especially with some races booked. I see it a lot when new runners are keen to kick on, and do way too much too soon.

I’m not sure if you like numbers. But to give you an idea, in the past 8 weeks you were averaging 38 training points per week. This plan, by the end will see you averaging 100. That sounds like a massive jump, but it’s still only 3 runs per week, and to behind with 1 S&C session.

The main difference will be the consistency. You’ve been doing the right things with your running, just not often enough. And once you start to accumulate more miles and more quality sessions you should start to notice the difference.

As mentioned I was really impressed with your pacing and your form at track. So I don’t see any need to change that. It would appear the additional fitness work you’ve been doing such as yoga and S&C (strength and conditioning) have really helped with your running. Your posture looked really strong and you were moving very efficiently which is so pleasing as a coach.

The Rye Ancient Trails 30k is a bit of a worry, given it’s week 1 and such a big jump up, so the advice there would be to run the flats and downhills, walk the hills. Take your time and just enjoy the event.

Then we can really look to kick on with the training. Most weeks will include 1 intervals session, an easy run (Wednesday with the club is great) and a long run. That’s a strong basis for any plan and combined with a consistent S&C routine and your extra yoga and pilates should see you make some really good gains.

The Team are great. If you are happy for me to announce you’ve joined on my social media platforms that’s a chance to get the know some of the others. Tuesday evening sessions are similar to track but I find the atmosphere is sometimes a little better as the majority are on the team and give each other that extra support, whereas track sometimes runners keep themselves to themselves.

But either of those sessions once a week is fine in truth and if need be you could always do an efforts session at home on the treadmill, especially if the weather is miserable.

I have created an S&C routine for you, entirely up to you if you want to follow that and we might need to tweak some of the weights to begin with to find your true level. The alternatives are following the plan you were or a You Tube Video.

Once a week for now, whilst we increase the running feels right, then once the extra miles feel comfortable a 2nd S&C session will be added.

I think that’s all. I’m excited to get started and running a marathon is such a cool thing to do.