Comrades Training - March 2010

Welcome to the March 2010 edition of the 2010 Comrades Marathon training schedule.

March is about qualifying for Comrades. Even though runners have until the 26th April 2010 in which to qualify, it's always a good idea to get that qualifier "out of the way" early.  If you didn't run last year, especially if you are a novice runner, if you haven't managed to qualify for Comrades by the end of March, you really should question whether you will be ready to run Comrades by May 30th!

If you did run last year's Comrades., even though you can use your finishing time as a 2010 qualifier, it's still a good idea to complete a standard marathon around this time of the year, even just to prove to yourself that you are on schedule with your training.

This month, in the Gauteng area, there is a choice of 3 marathons to use as your Comrades qualifier!

I am always a fan of running the Vaal Marathon, run this year on March 7th at the Dick Fourie Stadium in Vereeniging. It's a very pleasant course and is essentially a very flat course the whole way through.

There are 2 other equally fine Marathons to choose from should you prefer:
On the same day, Sunday 7th March there is the Rand Road Warriors Marathon run from Horwood's farm.
Towards the end of the month, on Sunday 28th March there is the Nedbank Johannesburg City Marathon run from the Botanical gardens.

Aside from these 3 marathons, there are many other lovely races that will tie in to your Comrades training at this time of the year.

Half marathons:
Sunday 7th March: The Diepkloof Half marathon run from the University of Johannesburg

15 km races:
Sunday 14th March: The Alberton 15 km run from the Alberton Sports Stadium.
Sunday 21st March: The Stadium-to-Stadium 15 km run from the Katlehong Sports Complex.

10 km races:
Sunday 14th March: The Amazing Race 10 km run from the Modderbee Correctional Centre
Sunday 28th March: The Nedbank Johannesburg City 10 km run from the Botanical gardens.

I'm sure the other provinces have equally good races lined up for their runners in their respective areas.

Be warned though, if you are feeling tired, over trained, or feel an injury developing, cutting back on these recommended distances is more beneficial than vainly trying to keep up with the distances at all costs.

Secondly, don't speed up your running during this phase. The running required at this point in the year is still called "long, slow, distance" running. March is still a time for training at a pace that is well within your capabilities.  Training should still be very comfortable, and relaxed.

We are still at the stage of building up mileage, and you should avoid the temptation to run a "PB", a personal best, when running your qualifying marathon.

Goals for March 2010:

    1. to qualify for Comrades!!!
    2. to maintain a comfortable 50 - 65 km per week building up to the Ultra marathon in April
    3. to remain injury free and run comfortably within yourself - NO SPEED WORK!
 
 

See you in April .....