9 replies to this topic

[Lucydog]

A couple of months ago I applied to do the Kielder Marathon on a bit of a whim! Amazingly Ive been accepted to do it. Has anyone done a marathon or any experience of long distances? Ive no idea what sort of training I should be doing etc. Im not in any hurry to complete the course I just want to m,ake sure I do manage to finish it thats all as its the first time Ive done it. What would be a reasonable wheelchair time for instance, will I need a special chair or can I use what Ive got?
any advice is seriously welcome and needed!
Thanks
L

[greybeard]

Talk about jumping in with both feet!! I admire your pluck.

Do you have any idea what surface(s) you'll be pushing over?

Edited by greybeard, 14 April 2010 - 07:09 PM.

[Parachute]

I don't actually know anyone that uses a wheelchair that has completed a marathon. However the following should be able to lead you in the right direction. 01302 535867 or 07919253354.

Diana Stanger
Director in charge of disability development,
Doncaster AC

01302 535867

or
07919253354

Good luck


Parachute

[wheeels]

I have seen a Marathon done in an everyday chair I think it was about 4hours so not to bad.

There are marathons that allow walkers and they can tank up to 6 hours.

Most marathons are done in race chairs and can be done as fast as 1:18

Really as long as you think you can stay and push your day chair for 5 hours you should be ok, it also would depend on the terrain how the roads are and how many hills you have to do.

[Lucydog]

Basically its a cinder footpath around Kielder Lake. Very scenic indeed. Im going to check it out over the next couple of weeks.
I was thinking of using my RGK which is pretty lightweight and has a 6 degree camber. Im not interested in times, Id be over the moon with 4 hours, I just want to finish!

[FROG]

BRAVO to you Lucydog for pursuing such an effort. I ride a handcycle and have raced in several marathons but have never done the 26.2 miles in a chair. I have raced beside the wheelchairs many times and have admired them for their perseverance and skills. I have only seen one person attempt the race in a non-racing chair. She, of course, was much slower than the pack and proceeded at about the same pace as walking and she did complete the race but she was over the 6 hour mark. Best of luck to you.

[jules]

Hi Lucydog

Not sure if this much help but on my sponsored walk which is 110 in 6 days we do a couple of 26 mile days, when I've done them before I've always done them in my normal chair because of the terrain (some of it is off road) tow paths etc can vary alot. When is your marathon? we can compare training notes - my walk starts in just over 4 weeks. I'm training 5 days a week at the moment, also I find that my normal pushing pace is far faster than a normal walk, and is almost at the same pace as a jogger.

[robbo100bike]

Hi Lucy

How long until the event?

Doing it in a day chair is likely to take you over 4hours perhaps more on a non tarmac surface. You would be faster in a race chair but this requires alot of training to get the pushing technique. (Race chair pushing is completely alien to day chair). Plus finding a race chair is like needles and haystax. They also are best on tarmac and awful on steep inclines.

As a novice I would suggest you find either a clip on handbike or a recumbent handbike for the event. Your time will then be under 3hours. If there are any hills on the route which knowing Kielder suspect there will be, you might find a clip on bike isnt up to the job and something with 14-27gears might be best.

If you send me a PM i can try and help you find a handbike for the event. Know of a couple of clip on bikes going CHEAP and or might be able to get you a recumbent if you prefer. Might be able to find you something to borrow if needed.
Good luck
Paul (Leeds)

Edited by robbo100bike, 26 April 2010 - 09:08 AM.

[Lucydog]

The event is on October 17th so I have about 6 months. Im going to take a drive up there next week to start checking out the course. I believe it is fairly flatish with some short inclines. Im going to 'run' for 2 little charities that I know are desperate for the money so Im kno every penny will be used and not vanish into some huge pot!
they are The oldies club which rescues older dogs( over 7) and rehomes them. and The Linus project which knits comfort blankets for babies and toddlers in hospital. My son has one.

Thanks for the offer Paul I will be in touch.

[robbo100bike]

Lucydog, on Apr 26 2010, 11:52 AM, said:

The event is on October 17th so I have about 6 months. Im going to take a drive up there next week to start checking out the course. I believe it is fairly flatish with some short inclines. Im going to 'run' for 2 little charities that I know are desperate for the money so Im kno every penny will be used and not vanish into some huge pot!
they are The oldies club which rescues older dogs( over 7) and rehomes them. and The Linus project which knits comfort blankets for babies and toddlers in hospital. My son has one.

Thanks for the offer Paul I will be in touch.

Ample time. I bet these short inclines arent so slight!!!

Please do. I will be able to help you out with a few coaching tips too.

You might need to check the organisers will allow a handbike, some dont.

Not sure if buying a bike is of interest, alot depends on whether this a once only event or you have other plans. But there is a cheap upright handcycle on ebay right now £450 its not gonna set any records but depends on whether you want to do the event to finish and raise funds or finish in a good time. For £700-900 you can probably get something more recumbent which will get you round the course more efficiently.

If buying a bike isnt the way you want to proceed it may be posible to find you a loaner bike to use.

Its quite possible to use a day chair but i wouldnt like to push 26mile!!

paul.robinson2@jacobs.com
Ta
Paul