Santé's Tamara is preparing for her first marathon in Amsterdam on October 18. Follow her detailed training diary, drawn from years of running experience and expert coaching.
Crossing the Threshold, June 2009
I've been running for several years, occasionally joining organized events like the Dam tot Dam Loop (16 km). Deep down, I dreamed of tackling a marathon. But could I carve out the training time? And wouldn't the mileage harm my knees? On my weekly run, I craved a real challenge. What was holding me back? I signed up that very day.
First Real Training Session, July 2009
I scoured the internet for training schedules—some demanded 35 km endurance runs by the end, others deemed 25 km sufficient. I knew a local athletics club could provide personalized guidance.
That week, I attended my first session: warm-up, stretching, strength work, and a core workout of six 800-meter intervals. Afterward, the trainer customized a plan based on my lifestyle—my job's physical demands, other sports, and more.
His schedule outlined the months ahead: Sunday long runs, Monday recovery jogs, Tuesday and Thursday club sessions, plus occasional Saturday intervals or short runs.
Aches and Pains, August 2009
The sessions are building my strength, leaving me energized. But on long runs, I push beyond the plan—an hour and a half scheduled becomes 50 minutes extra to rack up miles for marathon day. As distances grow, knee aches emerge. What if my joints can't handle it? Am I overdoing it too soon?
A Frank Talk, September 2009
My trainer set me straight: overrunning now risks burnout before race day. "Tamara, savor that first marathon—it's unpredictable, but you'll finish those final kilometers on grit, not exhaustion." It hit home; I was pushing too hard. Now, I'll follow the plan religiously and prioritize recovery.
Final Push, September 2009
The dream nears. Next week's 30 km run is peak prep. I'm secretly nervous—blisters, illness could derail me—but excitement wins. One month to go!
The 30K Test, 27 September
I tackled my longest run ever: 30 km, joining an organized group from Amsterdam's Olympic Stadium. Top-notch setup—30 km loops in Amsterdamse Bos at your pace, with pacers. Four aid stops for quick fuel. Legs heavy at 25 km; by 30 km (3.5 hours in), they screamed. Just 12 km more to marathon distance!
The day left me stiff and drained, but miraculously, no soreness or knee pain the next day.
Taper Weeks, September 28 to October 17, 2009
Received my final schedule—more volume than expected post-30K, with two long runs: 2:40 and 3:05. Disappointing no full taper, but my trainer assures my gradual buildup equips me well.
Extra mileage might toughen muscles and joints for race day. Skipping gels for bananas—they fueled my solo 30K fine, and marathon aid stations provide them. No need to carry extras.
Nerves are minimal, just healthy anticipation. Injury or illness worries me most. I've loaded up on veggies, fruit, pasta; ditched alcohol; curbed candy. I'm primed. Game on!
Did Tamara conquer it? Check her October 19 update, post-race.
