Marathon Question

[zoelda]

Hi everyone!

I haven't had time to log on for awhile, and I've missed reading posts! I'm training for my first marathon (actually I've been training). I've got an online coach that I'm using, so my workouts are pretty scheduled, but I'm using Cathe for my strength work. My coach is telling me that running more than 3 hours for any single scheduled run will be detrimental to my training, and that doing all my scheduled work (tempo, intensity, easy runs and long runs) will get me there. Any thoughts on this?

Take care,
Zoelda

 

[Debra]

Have you checked the Runners' World forum on this? There seem to be 2 passionate camps regarding max training time. One camp says there's no reason to burn up in training - save it for the marathon. The second camp says there's a reason that many hit the wall at mile 18 or mile 20 - they've never gone beyond that point in time or distance.

My husband is also training for his first marathon. We're experienced at endurance cycling & based upon century experience, think the second camp (train for the entire distance/time) is the best approach for him. Actually training for his target time since the taper & excitement should allow one to run faster on the big day.

I don't mean to interfere with your coaching but obviously you have some doubts that should be pursued w/ experienced marathoners. You didn't mention your time goal - that's obviously an important factor.

Good luck!

 

[zoelda]

Debra,

Thanks for your input. I don't consider that interfering at all!

I don't know what to think. I see validity to both sides of the argument. I'm not a runner, so I've built up since January, and now I'm starting to get into the under 4 months to go schedule. The one thing I can say is that doing things on this schedule I have noticed some real gains and other than pain at the time of the actual run -- relatively little suffering post-run which I think is important. I really want to stay injury free.

Time-frame, this is an endurance challenge for me, so I'm trying to set the goal as finishing the marathon though I can't help but have a secret time goal in place which is under 5 hours and as close to 4.5 hours as I can get. I'd love to run a 4-hour, but it ain't gonna happen. I'm just not that fast.

Yesterday, I did my longest scheduled run so far -- 2 hours and 20 minutes, ran 15 miles and then since it was really, really nice outside ended up going out for 3 hours (slow pace/technical trails) on a mountain bike with my husband. AND I CAN WALK TODAY!

I guess since I haven't run a marathon before, my plan is to believe in what I'm doing and stick to my schedule for this event. I think I'm more afraid of jumping from one school of thought to another in the middle of training. Once I have a bit more experience, I may adjust coaching accordingly! Does this make sense?

Thanks!
Zoelda

 

[Debra]

Following an experienced coach's plan definitely makes sense. The fact that you're already up to 15 miles without injury is testament to a solid program. Doesn't your last run put you in line for a 4 hour marathon? Wow!

The RW marathon forum might still be useful to you.

I couldn't possibly coax my husband onto a bike after his long ride. He's threatening to stay off the bike or at least not ride with me, until post marathon. Bet you're keeping that "little" cross-training session a secret from your coach ;-)!

Debra

 

[Tuvak1]

Just jumpin in to say your last run puts you well within the time frame of comin in under 5 hours.

The rule of thumb is to take your half marathon time (13.1 miles) double it and add about 20 minutes and you will get a close approx. of what you can finish a marathon in.

Sounds to me like you have a solid training program. If you are already up to 15 miles and still have 4 months of training left you are light years ahead of many many other people who are planning on running your same marathon.

I think you should check out runners world to answer your question.

 

[zoelda]

Thanks Debra -- Thanks Tuvak. I will definitely check out runner's world! I'll have to post in October and let y'all know if I make it or not if I don't check in before that.

It was a post in these forums that made me decide to try and start running in the first place. Someone had written in about doing a 5K, and someone wrote back that if you can do advanced Cathe step tapes you can run a 5K... and it's definitely true! However, since endurance and not speed is my strong suit, the marathon ended up becoming my goal.

Take care,
Zoelda