The first week of training with New Levels Coaching and Coach Jen was both exciting and challenging. With my goals clearly defined and a personalized training plan in hand, I was ready to dive into the journey towards my marathon.

Pre-Training: Preparation and Rest

Before officially starting my training, I focused on preparation and rest. On January 7th, I embarked on a long bike ride of 70.54 km, which helped me gauge my fitness level. The following week was about resting and easing into the routine, addressing any lingering knee pain I had been experiencing. The wait for the official start of training felt like ages, and my mind constantly wanted to stay active. I didn’t feel nearly ready.

Starting the Journey

The journey officially began on Monday, January 15th. My excitement was mixed with a bit of anxiety, but Jen’s detailed plan provided a clear path forward.

Have you ever felt the anticipation of starting something new and challenging? That feeling of excitement mixed with self-doubt?

Monday: First Run

Kicking off the week, my first run was a moderate 5K recovery run. Jen emphasized the importance of warm-ups, and I paid close attention to my knee. It felt great to be back on track, maintaining a slow pace and feeling good, even in the chilly weather. My initial thoughts: “Good workout, trying to keep in mind to go slow. My legs felt good. 0 degrees felt warm :)”

How do you feel after the first step towards a new goal? Is it a mix of relief and anticipation for what’s next?

Building Strength

Tuesday was dedicated to building strength. Jen’s level 2 strength routine aimed at enhancing my overall fitness was intense, lasting about 54 minutes. The exercises were challenging, and I knew I’d feel it in my glutes the next day. Strength training was going to be key in building the necessary muscle support for running, and Jen made sure to emphasize its importance from the start. I reflected, “Workout was good, going to feel it tomorrow in my glutes.”

Do you find strength training challenging but rewarding? How do you push through the tough sessions?

Mixing It Up

Wednesday introduced a mix of activities. My passion for football was acknowledged by Jen, who included it in my routine. The game provided a dynamic and fun workout, complementing my running training perfectly.

How important is it for you to keep your workouts varied and fun? What activities do you mix in with your training?

Rest and Recovery

Thursday, intended as a rest day, saw me engaging in a session of badminton. The fast-paced nature of the game was enjoyable but had its impact, particularly on my knee. Nonetheless, it kept me active and added variety to my training.

How do you balance rest with staying active? Do you find it hard to take rest days?

The Long Run

Friday marked a significant milestone with my first long run of the training program. Jen had scheduled a 16K easy long run to test my endurance, with a max elevation gain of 69m. Nervousness set in, but Jen’s constant feedback and encouragement kept me motivated. I practiced my gel intake, taking one at about the 10K mark. This helped maintain my energy levels, though I realized another gel earlier would have been beneficial. My cadence remained steady throughout, and finishing the run felt like a true accomplishment. Reflecting on the run, I noted, “I took 1 gel at about 10k ish felt good until the last 2k could have done with another one earlier. But looking at the cadence was steady all the way.” Post-run stretching revealed some knee discomfort, likely from the previous day’s badminton, but overall, I felt okay. Stretching after each long activity was going to be crucial in managing my knee pain and preventing injuries.

Jen also mentioned that the first few weeks would be easier, and I might find myself wanting to go faster, but it’s crucial to keep it in the easy zone. This advice resonated with me, reminding me to focus on building a solid foundation.

Have you faced physical challenges during long runs? How do you stay motivated and manage discomfort?

Cross-Training for Balance

Saturday offered a chance for rest and recovery or light cross-training. Jen suggested activities to keep things varied and reduce the impact on my knees. This change of pace was refreshing and kept my enthusiasm for training high.

What are your favorite cross-training activities? How do they help you in your main sport?

Reflection and Looking Forward

The first week of training was an eye-opener. It taught me the importance of balancing intensity with rest, the value of cross-training, and the need for proper nutrition. Jen’s guidance and the structured plan helped me stay focused and motivated. This week was just the beginning, but it has already given me confidence and excitement for what’s to come.

However, this week also marked the beginning of some struggles with my knee. The discomfort I felt after the long run was a sign of things to come, and managing this pain would become an ongoing challenge as my training progressed.

Have you experienced a persistent issue during training? How do you cope with it and keep moving forward?

Each week would follow a similar structure, gradually building my endurance and strength. I had also booked a half marathon on February 11th, which would serve as a milestone in my training journey.

Encouragement from Jen

Jen’s feedback at the end of the week was incredibly motivating. She praised my ability to maintain different paces for various runs and my commitment to strength training. Jen highlighted the importance of my recovery runs, noting, “It is hard to start with when there is not a lot to recover from on the first week! But these will really pay off the further you get into the plan.” She also commended my long run, saying, “Lovely long run and well done getting that first gel in early. Another one earlier could have made a difference, but now is the time to experiment with this and get it right before race day.”

How do you feel when you receive positive feedback? Does it help boost your motivation?

Weekly Summary

• Total Distance: 23.79 km (Running)
• Total Time: 4 hours, 42 minutes, 28 seconds

Schedule Overview

• Sunday (7th): 70.54 km Bike Ride
• Monday (8th-14th): Rest Days
• Monday (15th): 5K Recovery Run
• Tuesday (16th): Strength Training (54 min)
• Wednesday (17th): Football and short run
• Thursday (18th): Badminton
• Friday (19th): 16K Easy Long Run (Max elevation gain: 69m)
• Saturday (20th): Rest Day or light cross-training

Have you started a new training program recently? How did your first week go, and what lessons did you learn? Sharing our experiences can help inspire and support each other in our fitness journeys.

New Levels Coaching – sign up today https://www.newlevelscoaching.co.uk/onlinerunningcoaching/