How to finish the Comrades Marathon with a marathon pb of 4:45

How to finish the Comrades Marathon with a marathon pb of 4:45

If you've ever wondered if you can finish the Comrades Marathon this is for you. The next question for Lindsey Parry comes all the way from Dundee in Scotland. Chris Toll says he is an 85kg, 51 year old back of the pack runner. He has run/walked 7 marathons in the last 3 years and his quickest was his latest one in Edinburgh in May where he did 4.45.

Chris says he is never going to be a fast runner but he is ready for a challenge to get the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up. He thinks the Comrades Marathon might just be it. Chris however is afraid that he may not be up to it.

He would to love to visit South Africa again, and the most iconic marathon in the world would just be the cherry on top. Chris asked if the right goal for him is to finish the Comrades Marathon and is it achievable. He also wanted to know if the 12 hour (Vic Clapham) training programme or 11 hour (Bronze) training programme would be most suitable.  Most importantly he asked if he can finish the Comrades Marathon?

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Brad Brown: If you've ever wondered if you can finish the Comrades Marathon this is for you. The next question for Lindsey Parry comes all the way from Dundee in Scotland. Chris Toll says he is an 85kg, 51 year old back of the pack runner. He has run/walked 7 marathons in the last 3 years and his quickest was his latest one in Edinburgh in May where he did 4.45.

Chris says he is never going to be a fast runner but he is ready for a challenge to get the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up. He thinks the Comrades Marathon might just be it. Chris however is afraid that he may not be up to it.

He would to love to visit South Africa again, and the most iconic marathon in the world would just be the cherry on top. Chris asked if the right goal for him is to finish the Comrades Marathon and is it achievable. He also wanted to know if the 12 hour (Vic Clapham) training programme or 11 hour (Bronze) training programme would be most suitable.  Most importantly he asked if he can finish the Comrades Marathon?

Can Chris finish the Comrades Marathon?

Lindsey Parry: I think it is definitely possible for you to finish the Comrades Marathon. Based on your level of experience, I would recommend that you follow the sub 11 hour training programme, but with very little intention of running under 11 hours.

With a 4:45 marathon time I don’t think that is really possible. But I do believe that with your running experience your body will handle that sub 11 programme. What we should also do, by following that highly structured programme and getting highly motivated, is sneak you under 4:40 for the marathon. That will give you that little added edge of confidence for comrades.

Realistically you really are looking at a finish time somewhere in the region of 11:45 – 11:50. The good news is (you said you run/walk your marathons) you’re going to run/walk your way to a Comrades Marathon finish. The fact that you already are that kind of runner really does tell me that you will be much better equipped for the pacing strategy required for you to finish the Comrades Marathon.

You are unlikely to go out way too hard and then blow up and be forced to walk for long periods of time. So yes, it is definitely doable for you to finish the Comrades Marathon. Comrades entries open 1st September 2014, you should be front of the line!

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