With the Ipswich Half Marathon this weekend, we have been catching up with our runners to see how their training is going and how they are feeling ahead of the big day!
Mark
Training for this year’s Ipswich Half Marathon has been going well so far for Mark, with the event fitting nicely into preparations for an even bigger challenge later in the year. Following a flexible programme of four runs a week, Mark’s training includes a mix of easy-paced and tempo sessions, alongside steadily increasing long-distance runs, which have now reached 10 miles. Strength and conditioning exercises on rest days has helped support his progress, while training is adapted around his everyday life, including a recent 10km race while on holiday in Scotland and an upcoming hiking trip in Wales. Despite managing an ongoing knee issue that has limited how hard Mark can push their training, his focus remains firmly on reaching the finish line injury-free.
“My main goal is simply to finish injury-free. I won’t be chasing a personal best this time, but if my knee is holding up on the day, my competitive side may well take over!”
Michael
As race day approaches, Michael is feeling positive about his preparations for the Ipswich Half Marathon. His training has gone largely to plan, with a routine of two or three runs during the week and a longer run at the weekend helping him build both distance and confidence. While a spell of extreme hot weather and some time away from home meant he missed a couple of weeks of training, he has still reached the point he hoped to be at in terms of pace and endurance. Now, with the hard work behind him, Michael is looking forward to taking on the challenge and enjoying the atmosphere on the day.
“I’m really looking forward to the race now. Having that confidence that I’ll be able to complete the distance has made a big difference. It won’t be fast, but hopefully it means I won’t feel terrible when I’m doing it!”
Zara
After overcoming injury setbacks earlier in the year, Zara is feeling positive and motivated as she prepares for the Ipswich Half Marathon. Her training has been progressing well, with a structured routine that includes three runs each week: an easy run, a speed-focused session such as intervals, tempo or hill training, and a longer run to build endurance. Alongside her running, Zara has been prioritising strength training at the gym and fitting in regular yoga sessions to support her recovery and overall fitness. Although a holiday meant missing a handful of runs and the recent hot, humid weather added an extra challenge, she has remained consistent and steadily increased her mileage without any major issues. She is ready to take on the half marathon with renewed confidence.
“After having to pull out of the Cambridge Half Marathon due to injury, it’s been great to have the Ipswich Half Marathon to focus on. I’m excited to get back on the start line and see what I can achieve,”
Wayne
Wayne has been balancing his Ipswich Half Marathon training with a busy fitness routine, combining regular running with strength and cardio sessions throughout the week. Alongside three weight training sessions, spin classes and cardio workouts, he has been maintaining midweek and weekend runs of between 10 and 15km. While his preparation has been challenged by ongoing heel pain, which appears to be plantar fasciitis, Wayne has continued to train through the discomfort and remains hopeful that his fitness will improve over the final weeks before race day. Although he is unsure whether he’ll beat last year’s time, he’s keeping a positive mindset and looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I’m currently dealing with heel pain, which seems to be plantar fasciitis, and while I’m still running on it, I definitely feel it afterwards. My pace has suffered a bit, so I’m not sure I’ll beat last year’s time, but there’s still a few weeks to go, so who knows!” says Wayne.
Having completed his first half marathon in Ipswich last year, Wayne is excited to return and experience the event once again. The atmosphere around Portman Road left a lasting impression, while the scenic route through the marina was a particular highlight. As race day approaches, he’s looking forward to taking it all in once more, even if he’d rather not think too much about the climb up to Freston.
Christian
Christian has taken a personalised approach to preparing for the Ipswich Half Marathon, creating his own training plan and tailoring it to suit his body and fitness goals. His weekly routine includes a medium-distance run on Mondays, a longer run on Thursdays to build endurance, and a Parkrun at Christchurch Park on Saturdays to work on speed and tackle the hills. To complement his running, Christian has also incorporated swimming and cycling into his training, helping to boost his cardiovascular fitness while keeping his programme varied and enjoyable. Although he experienced shin splints during the early stages of training and is currently managing a minor blister, he has continued to make steady progress and is encouraged by the improvements he is seeing each week.
“I’m very excited for the Ipswich Half Marathon. I know it’s going to be hard, but it will be a great experience and I can’t wait to take on a long-distance race alongside lots of other runners,”
Owen
As race day draws closer, Owen has been putting in consistent work to prepare for the Ipswich Half Marathon, balancing a busy training schedule around holidays and everyday commitments. Running three to four times a week and covering between 30 and 45 kilometres, his training includes easy runs, speed sessions and tempo runs, with the order adapted depending on how his body is recovering. Alongside his running, Owen completes two strength and conditioning sessions each week, as well as a HYROX-focused workout to help build strength and reduce the risk of injury. While spending several weeks away on holiday has presented some challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining nutrition and training routines, he has remained committed to his preparation throughout.
“Being away on holiday for a month leading up to the event has definitely been a challenge, especially trying to balance training and nutrition. The toughest part has been dealing with the heat. Running for two hours in the Greek climate while trying to keep my heart rate low was certainly not easy!”
Emeline
Emeline’s journey to the Ipswich Half Marathon hasn’t been without its challenges, but she’s determined to enjoy the experience. Her training has included a weekly speed run, an easy run and a longer run, although an injury unfortunately meant taking three weeks away from training. She’s also had to contend with the summer heat, adapting by heading out for her runs earlier in the morning. While the time away from training has knocked her confidence slightly, Emeline is heading into race day with a positive attitude and is ready to enjoy the occasion.
“There’s definitely a mixture of excitement and nerves. I’ve lost a bit of confidence since not being able to train properly, but at the end of the day, I know I’m there to have fun!”
Good Luck!
As the Ipswich Half Marathon approaches, we’d like to wish all of our runners the very best of luck! Whether you’re aiming for a personal best, taking on your first half marathon, or simply hoping to cross the finish line, you should be immensely proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to the start line. We hope you enjoy every moment of the day, soak up the fantastic atmosphere around the course, and celebrate your accomplishment when you reach the finish. Good luck to every member of the team, we’re all cheering you on!