Triathlon training and marathon training???

I tried to work in marathon training running with a 1/2 IM plan in the begining of last year...and I'm still suffering! I ended up getting major ankle problems (tendonitis, tendonosis, post-tib problems, peroneal tendon problems, bursitis...you name it). Not that I've EVER been accused of overdoing it , but I would becareful if you were to do this.

I was able to train and race this season, even did my 1/2 IM and placed in my other 2 sprint races, but I still deal with my ankle and the pain/discomfort.

Its all about how it works for you and what your body can handle. With enough fitness, you can find a marathon plan and supplement with some bike rides and swims. Or you can run just 3 days a week and bike more and swim.

If its your first marathon, I suggest following a more traditional running plan (some only run 3-4 days a week) and bike that much too. You'll be able to do the Oly. as long as you can get enough swimming in. If you're not a strong swimmer, or if you're not sure about the distance, your race will suffer. For your first marathon, I don't suggest slacking on the running, but I wouldn't over-do it with a plan that has you running 5-6 days a week.

Again, its all based on your fitness level now.

Last year I did a marathon in early May, a HIM in early June, and a sprint a couple weeks later. I don't use planned programs, but what I did what heavily run focused. I've done Grandma's and it's a great race. But it's in early June and you may not be able to race effectively for 6-8 weeks after considering it will be your first marathon and will likely take much longer to recover from. The year I did Grandma's I did a sprint tri about 3 weeks later - but Grandma's was my 4th marathon and I had a very solid running base by then which allowed me to recover fast.

If you decide to go through with your plans, do the swim and bike from whatever tri plan you use, and do a regular marathon training program for the run. My experience is that the higher the run volume in the plan, the easier it will be to recover. i.e. a plan with a maximum of 45 miles/week will be more difficult to recover from than a plan with 45-50 miles/week for a couple months and a max closer to 70.

If you view things in a big picture mode, you may want to just focus on running for a year, do a couple marathons, then go back to tris the following year. Nothing says youhave to fit everything in all in one year.

I did 3 OLYs this spring while training for a June marathon. I did 2-3xbike, 2xswim and 3xrun per week. I used the FIRST program for running, because it is based on 3x per week running it was perfect for me. I also get injured if I run too much.

Here's a link:

www.furman.edu/first

I dont know if you care what this fat, slow triathlete is doing, but...

I am following Hal Higdon training for a March Marathon.   My goal is a 4:30 or better.  5 months ago, a mile was impossible.  To keep my "tri chops" I have supplemented with a couple of bikes and swims, but I still try to get two days of rest per week.

In addition to the Mary, I have 5 triathlons (4 sprints and an Oly), and 3 10k races on my schedule for 2009, starting in April.

Here is my week

Mon - 3 Mile easy / easy long bike

Tue 3 Mile Pace

Wed Off

Thu - Long run easy (Right now 7 Miles)

Fri - Swim

Sat - Brick

Sunday - Off (or easy swim)

I worked in marathon trainng with IM training this past year.  The marathon was early May and IMKY was at the end of August.  It seemed to work fine.  I had enough time that I focused more on running and a little less on biking during the few months prior to the marathon.  Then, I focused more on biking and a little less on running about a month after the marathon.  After that, it was back to the normal IM plan.  I did a sprint distance a few weeks before the marathon.  After the marathon, but before the IM I finished an olympic and a half IM.  I actually think the marathon training helped my tri performance. 

You can do it!!  GOOD LUCK!!

Wow!  Thanks for all of the input!  You all took some time to respond.  THANK YOU!

I have a lot do think about and everyone of you gave me some solid advice.  Once I tackle my tri schedule, it should be a lot easier to plan.  I am only thinking of doing 2-4 tri's next year (1 sprint and 2 oly's or maybe 3 oly's

Thank you so much!

Ryan

Ryan -- here is how I would play it... in the winter, take 10-14 weeks and focus on the marathon training.  The main goal being to safely build up your run frequency.  Keep swimming at least 2x per week but make the cycling optional.  By the middle of spring, you will have a good idea on where your run endurance is.  At that stage, you'll need to make a decision -- focus on the marathon, or focus on the Oly tri.  So long as you have the basic swim endurance -- your marathon fitness will translate across quite nicely to an Oly race.  Hope this helps, gordo

Wow, nothing like getting advice from a high level coach/athlete.  Gordo, I hope that you have time to post on BT on a regular basis.

Ernie

Um...in a few words...IT HELPS PERFECTLY!!!  My swim is the best of all three events, so I can quickly pick that up.  I usually finish in the top 5 of my class and I have a deep background in swimming.  I am hoping the run training and proper diet/nutrition will cut the gut!  I am looking to drop 20-40 lbs by locking onto my training this year.  Nearly all of my personal life is getting into focus and I have no more excuses.