How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon

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2009-08-20 6:39 AM

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Subject: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon
I'm thinking about doing the Indianapolis 500 Festival mini marathon in May.  I'm not really sure what will happen to my previous biking and swimming training during that time and I don't want to lose anything.  How do you do your other training while training for a mini??

2009-08-20 6:49 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon

Often, a mini-training plan will only have you running 4 days a week, maybe even 3.  Keep at least one swim workout going weekly, and add low-intensity bike sessions where possible.  I've found the cross-training seemed to help my running.

2009-08-20 6:59 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon
How long is a "mini marathon"? You look to be fairly new to BT, as there's only a couple week's worth of history in your training log, so it's a bit hard to advise.... How many days/week do you plan to dedicate to running while you train for your mini marathon, and for how long? You could just include easy swimming and biking on your non-running days.

For me, after my tri season ends in a few weeks, I'll focus on running for a while, training for a late fall 1/2 marathon. During that time, I will run 5-6 days/week, and bike/swim maybe twice/week or whatever I can get in just to try to maintain some level of swim/bike fitness. I'll get back to more balanced workouts over the winter as I start to gear up for the 2010 tri season.

ETA: I just looked up your race and see that it's a half-marathon.... so just disregard that question!


Edited by jsnowash 2009-08-20 7:03 AM
2009-08-20 7:48 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon

Let the marathon training focus on your legs and being able to run 13.1 miles.  Use the bike/swim cross training for variety, strength, flexibility, etc.  If you keep cycling, you can really work on CV fitness without the stress on your legs so throw in an occasional 1-2+ hour ride. 

2009-08-20 7:59 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon
I'm planning a half marathon in December, and I hadn't planned on changing my Tri training other than to make the runs longer.   

I would like to add a 4th day for running, so worst case scenerio I'll exchange a swim session for a run session. 

Good luck!
2009-08-20 8:07 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon
Hi Abby!  

First of all, "The Mini" as it's known around here is AWESOME and a great experience. I've done it twice.

Don't wait too long to sign up, as the registration is normally FULL by late october/early november.

Make sure you're running 3/4 days a week and then cross train on your "days off." 

And for person who asked, this particular "mini-marathon" is 13.1 miles.  I believe it's the biggest one in the nation.   It's really something to take off with almost 40,000 people, run the Indy 500 track, and finish with a GIGANTIC crowd cheering you on.   There's live music all over the place, and thousands of volunteers.  It's a GREAT race.

Although I admit to grumbling a little bit when I'm  watching the REPLAY of the finish of the race I'M STILL RUNNING, and I'm only at the half-way mark.  (they show "race highlights" on the jumbotron at the track during the race.)   Those Kenyans are stinking fast!

2009-08-20 8:09 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon
abby4106 - 2009-08-20 7:39 AM

I'm thinking about doing the Indianapolis 500 Festival mini marathon in May.


I have a business associate who did this race. I busted his chops to no end about the "mini" thing. A marathon is 26.2 miles. A half marathon is just that, half a marathon. Calling a 13.1 mile race a mini marathon is like calling a 500M race a mini 1K.


Anyway, I'd suggest checking out F.I.R.S.T training. Run 3x a week with time for swimming and biking.
2009-08-20 8:14 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon

mrbbrad - 2009-08-20 8:09 AM
abby4106 - 2009-08-20 7:39 AM

I'm thinking about doing the Indianapolis 500 Festival mini marathon in May.


I have a business associate who did this race. I busted his chops to no end about the "mini" thing. A marathon is 26.2 miles. A half marathon is just that, half a marathon. Calling a 13.1 mile race a mini marathon is like calling a 500M race a mini 1K.


Anyway, I'd suggest checking out F.I.R.S.T training. Run 3x a week with time for swimming and biking.

 

Thanks for the clarification.  I was searching the deepest abiss in my mind and could not come up with anything for "mini marathon".  It sounded so cute though.  There is a Mickey Marathon at Walt Disney that you get a Mickey medal for when you complete....but for the 1/2 marathon you get a Donald medal.  Maybe they should give a "Minnie" Medal for that?!  :-)

 

~Mike

2009-08-20 9:14 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon
I drop from three sports to two in order to train well for half marathons.

Last year I dropped swimming (a shoulder injury made the decision easy) and this year I dropped cycling.

Given that my half marathons take place during my triathlon off season and I try to have a more balanced life (ie, train fewer hours), I'm not able to up my running mileage without sacrificing the other sports.  In my case I'd rather sacrifice one completely rather than sacrifice a bit of two.

Brian
2009-08-20 9:47 AM
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Subject: RE: How to keep in shape for triathlons while training for a mini marathon

I did my first half-marathon this past February using the 16 week Galloway first-timers plan.  I was taking a break swimming at the time but was still cycling.  I did my shorter runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with my long run on Saturday morning and a then usually do a 20 mile bike ride on Sunday.  Worked fine for me.  I'm planning on doing another half marathon in March, but plan to keep swimming this time so I'll be ready for St Anthony's in April.

The Indy Mini is one of the races on my "bucket list".  I grew up in Indiana and have always been an Indy 500 fan - I just think it's so cool that the race does a lap around the Speedway.    It's too close to St A's to do it in 2010, but I've got it penciled in for 2011. 

Mark

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