A few months ago I decided I wanted to run the New York City Marathon in November 2018. The point is, I don’t know how long I’ll be able to continue running, my heart condition will deteriorate at some point, I just don’t know when. That might happen in a year or in 20 years. But when that happens, running is probably out of the question. So, I realised I’d rather run the New York City Marathon now I still can, instead of waiting and running the risk of not being able to run it ever again.
Last week I decided it was time to start ramping up the mileage for marathon training. I don’t really have a training plan, since I can’t find any training plans that are suitable for my run-walk-run strategy. All training plans either have unrealistic pace suggestions or an unrealistic mileage per week. Even the training plans that are supposed to adapt to you via an algorithm don’t take into account that I run-walk-run. So I’ve decided just to mimic my training for the Paris Marathon.
So this week I did a couple of shorter runs and I ran two 13 km runs. Yesterday I decided to take the train two stops away from my house and just run back so I could run a new route. I haven’t entirely decided which races I’ll run leading up to the marathon. Still looking for some 10 milers and half marathons. I don’t really like doing training runs that are longer than a half, not because I can’t do the distance, but it just takes me too long and it’s kind of boring on your own. So, I try to plan some races for those distances instead.
I don’t do enough strength training. I don’t like going to the gym, so I mostly do some bodyweight exercises at home. But yesterday I decided to go to my first yoga class in the local park. I did like the yoga exercises (although it reminded me I don’t have that much upper body strength), but the chakra and water element part just isn’t for me. I just see yoga as a form of exercise, not as a way to channel my chakras. Will definitely try yoga again, but maybe I should also try pilates?
Heart Runner Girl 
Thank you for sharing your experience and concerns with your training. Every individual is different and I agree that some plans are not able to take everything into account. I definitely think modifying any plan you find online is a good idea. It sounds like your plan to use a previous one (Paris) would be beneficial. Was there anything about that plan you did not like or wanted to adjust?
You know your body best and need to listen to it. “If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream.”
I recently had to take a step back and adjust my training plan for the Philadelphia Marathon. I have been solely running for months and it has taken its toll. Now I am beginning to do daily stretches, yoga and hip openers (specifically). Piriformis syndrome seems to be creeping in. By only running, I have taxed my hips and need to take the warning signs seriously before it becomes something bigger. I do different yoga sequences at home and also use resistance bands to work on the strength of my legs, hips and glutes. I also recommend gliding discs for mountain climbers and other core exercises. Lastly, try to challenge yourself to do push-ups and planks each day. Start small and gradually increase as you build your strength.
Good luck to you on your journey!! Run happy and healthy!