Going from OLY tri to marathon in 2 months... impossible? (Page 2)

You know it's funny, but I have yet to find one friend who thinks doing a triathlon is a great idea.  They all think I'm nuts but I'm doing it anyways. 

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No.



You're taking risks, but it really has nothing to do with how soon it is after your tri and only you can decide if it's "too much".

I would strongly advise against it unless you have been running 20-25mpw consistently for a year or more.  And, even then, I would still tell you to be cautious.

Since this is your first olympic distance tri (Nations I'm guessing), you will more than likely need a minimum of 1 if not 2 weeks to recover before you'd be able to get back into serious training again.  This then gives you LESS than 8 weeks to get mileage and long distance abilities.  Even if you could get in a 6 week block of work before a mini-taper, you would only realistically be able to build up to around 40 - 42 miles for the last week before your taper - and that would only be for one week.

The key thing about going long is to allow your body to get the physiological adaptations needed to go for that long.  6 weeks of intensive training is simply not enough to do that UNLESS you are coming into the training block with a really strong and solid base from years of work.

Could you attempt and finish?  Sure.  I know of people who have gone out on almost zero training and done it.  But, what's the point???  Did a doctor give you 10 weeks to live and you are trying to cram in a bucket list?  Because there are plenty of marathons spaced throughout the entire year.  Train adequately so that you can go into the run confident and give yourself a better chance to be successful.  There is nothing "glorious" or "special" about finishing a marathon.  It is just another race distance.

I agree with this. Sure, you *could* get through the marathon but you will hurt - it will hurt no matter what but the recovery just seems like it would be ridiculous.  The build up between the running required in an Oly and a half can be bridged and even start to be accommodated now.  Would you be interested in the half marathon?

I also gotta go with Lisac.  Frankly you can crank out lots of races with little training but a marathon is not one that many of us would advise.  I can never quite explain just how much those last 10k hurt. And you have to spend time working on your nutrition and pacing.  I didn't get the nutrition right and for my first one I honestly can say that I never felt as exhausted in my life as I did crossing that finish line ... and I had done all the training runs and gotten all that physical and mental preparation.

If you're okay with walking 10-12 miles you'll get throught it....I would pick a spring marathon and start a training plan and enjoy the experience. The last 10K of a marathon really sucks when you're prepared.....everything hurts.

Brian:
> Several people here said it would hurt but it would be done.  Other people seem to think it's a bad idea.

The question isn't whether or not it's going to hurt.  It's almost undoubtedly going to hurt.  :-)

The more important question is if someone with a real lack of training is likely going to "get hurt", as in injured.

And the answer is that there is a pretty good chance.

I just think that people get all negative and forget that some people are naturally talented or well trained in other sports so when they step in to Tri they could blow you away even with very little training...

I say go for it man and good luck...

I see you at Nation;s on the 13th...........

Others ignore reality and the odds that any specific individual is "naturally talented".

Your encouragement is duly noted.  As 'advice' goes, it's pretty sorely lacking.

Exactly!

Respect the distance, train properly, race when you are ready. I know for some people, even with proper training, a 5-hour marathon is the best they can do. But it sounds like you would just be rushing into it to say you did it when you are probably capable of competing at a higher level.

I won't speak for anyone else, but I wasn't forgetting that.

There is a chance that someone who hasn't trained for a marathon is a naturally built for running distance and will do great with no training.

However, there is a far greater chance that someone who hasn't trained properly for a marathon will pull a muscle, tear a ligament, or something else that will lead to a extremely long recovery time after the race.

All in all, it just seems like a much better idea to wait for a marathon at a later date, and gradually build up miles so your body will be properly prepared.

Your response was much more tactful than the one I deleted unposted...

The guys post said "is it impossible"...My answer was basically no...

No.  The guy asked if "2 months is enough time to train for this?" and "am I risking too much by trying to do this so soon after my tri?"



Edited by JohnnyKay 2009-08-26 10:37 AM

After carefully reading the advice in this thread I've decided to NOT jump right into a marathon so soon after my tri.  Instead, I'm going to shoot for a much more realistic (and fun) goal of doing the half marathon at the same event.   I think doing 13.1 miles in two months shouldn't be TOO difficult to finish and I may even end up with a respectable time.

Thanks for comments everyone.  I appreciate the candid advice.