7 Weeks to GCM – Start Now or Chase It Later

By Adsy Gordon

We're 7 weeks out from the Gold Coast Marathon.

That's not long. You're either in a rhythm by now… or you're scrambling to find one.

This week isn't about big kilometres. It's about building a structure you can stick to for the next six weeks and locking in the habits that will actually get you to the finish line.

1. Build a Repeatable Week

Think about how many days you can honestly train, not how many you wish you could. Then build from that.

Here's a simple, no-fuss framework:

· 4 runs:1/ intervals, 2/tempo, 3/easy, 4/long

· 2 strength sessions: legs and core mostly

· 1 recovery or mobility session: I want you to think bike, sauna, yoga, stretching

If you're not running midweek yet, now's the time.

2. Long Runs Matter Most

If you only nail one session a week, make it your long run.

Start with 18–24km this weekend. If you're feeling strong, try finishing the final 3–5km at goal marathon pace. Just don't "race" you’re training.

3. Fuel to Recover, Not Just to Run

Training doesn't work if you're under-eating all week, then smashing a gel mid-run on Sunday.

Get these right:

· High-carb days = Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday

· Protein = 1.5g to 2g per kg of body weight daily

· Post-run = 30g protein + 60–80g carbs within 45 mins

Tweak this and your sleep, mood, and body comp will improve fast.

4. Try Your Race Gear Now

Shoes, gels, belt, drink strategy, nothing new on race day means testing everything now.

Something doesn't feel right? You've still got time to fix it.

Stick to the plan. You're not late, but you can't wait much longer.

Next week: how to run marathon pace without blowing up, and why Week 3 is where most people crack.

Let's build!

Adsy Gordon is a local ASICS ambassador and running coach.