Question:
1.So lately I've been busy at work which makes it hard to run during the week.
For the past three weeks I've done a run on Friday night, Saturday day and
then a long run on Sunday. I'm training for the DC marathon in March. If
this schedule is prolonged, is there reason to think I won't be ready? I did
15 miles today and felt fairly decent although I am pretty stiff tonight
(this will be my first marathon).
Has anyone done this type of schedule for an extended period of time?
2.I'm planning to run the marathon at Kiawah Island on December 10 and would like
advice on how to train between now and then. My options are:
(1) Run a 10 mile race on November 27 and do a 20 mile training run on December 3.
(2) Do a 20 mile training run on November 26, and go easy until the marathon.
(3) Do 20 mile training runs on November 26 and December 3.
(4) Some combination of the above or something else entirely.
All advice will be appreciated. I've been at 50 miles/week for the last
two weeks with several weeks in the 40 mile range before that. Have done
20 miles the last two Saturdays - Nov. 12 and 19. Am hoping to run
3:25, which is the Boston qualifying time for my age (46). Averaged 8:30
for 21.6 miles on November 19 but was very tired at the end.
has any one advice?
Answer:1.There is your answer right there. Training involves getting the body
prepared to run a marathon and recovery from it. You will in all
likely hood be able to run a marathon by March if you are running 15
miles now. However your recovery will be a bit tougher for someone
better trained.
If I can suggest this, try to do the long runs on Saturday. This way
you can do a recovery run on Sunday and you'll have a better chance of
feeling better on Monday.
Folks have finished marathons on less training than what you suggest.
2.I strongly recommend (2), because 20 miles a week before a marathon is too
much. One week is not enough to recover. You won't gain more fitness the
last week, so you should take it very easy, rest, rest, rest...
2.I recommend even less running than that. During the last two weeks before
your big race, all the hard work is behind you. I would not do any runs of
more than around 10 miles during that time. You might like to look for a
10 kilometer race 1-2 weeks before the marathon.
