Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question.

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question. Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2007-03-27 8:11 AM

User image

Veteran
104
100
Downers Grove
Subject: Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question.

What up BT?

I've been increasing my milage for the Flying Pig Marathon at the beginning of May. I'm currently up to 17 miles and plan on a 19.5 miler this weekend. Now my question is that there is a Half-Marathon 3 weeks before the race, mainly flat and fast. How much time do you need to taper for a full Marathon? I will keep biking and swimming up to it, but I want my legs to feel somewhat fresh for it. I also want to hit the 1/2 pretty hard too but don't want to destroy my legs too much before the Pig.

Would a 19.5 miler run two weeks before a Half be alright, and then a 22 - 23 miler 2 weeks before th Mara be wise before the 2 weeks tapering begins. Any advice is wonderful! Thanks ya'll.

2007-03-27 8:13 AM
in reply to: #738217

User image

Giver
18427
5000500050002000100010010010010025
Subject: RE: Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question.

Two weeks is generally enough. I think your plan sounds fine.

(assuming you're healthy and have no injury issues, blah blah blah)

2007-03-27 8:27 AM
in reply to: #738217

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question.

This your first marathon? If so, 22-23 might be too long a run, period, not too mention two weeks before your race.

If it were I, I would run 6 -8 miles before the half-marathon, to make a 19-21 miler with a good 13 miles of pace work at the end. Then I'd enjoy the three-week taper.



Edited by the bear 2007-03-27 8:29 AM
2007-03-27 8:30 AM
in reply to: #738217

User image

Coach
10487
50005000100100100100252525
Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question.

It really depends on your current fitness level, running background, speed and goals. For some races I don't taper like sprints or Oly and even some HIM, while for a big A race I would get into full taper mode. For long runs usually is a good idea to space them out every other week, so doing a LR and two weeks later the half shouldn’t be a problem, but doing the last 22 miles long run 2 weeks before the marathon will really do nothing for your fitness or race performance and since you plan to hit the half pretty hard that by itself should be a better intense sessions to get you ready for the race. I would do one or the other but not both, unless you have a strong running background and want to do the 22 miler as a confidence booster.



Edited by amiine 2007-03-27 8:33 AM
2007-03-27 8:55 AM
in reply to: #738217

User image

Master
2125
200010025
Subject: RE: Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question.
Run the 1/2. You will be fine.
2007-03-27 8:56 AM
in reply to: #738217

User image

Veteran
184
100252525
Stoughton, WI
Subject: RE: Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question.
I like the Bear's idea. Make your half marathon day your big long run by adding distance to your half. I would cut back a good bit on the biking too in the time leading up to your marathon. For me, some of my best runs ever have been the first run immediately after a 5-6 day layoff. imo, tapering and rest b4 an event is HUGE, don't minimize it.

2007-03-27 9:37 AM
in reply to: #738217

User image

Veteran
104
100
Downers Grove
Subject: RE: Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question.

Thanks ya'll, I appreciate the info on it. I think this weekends long run will tell a lot about where I am in the training. I ran in HS and College, but not at these distances on a regular basis. I'll probably end up doing 5 miles easy before the half and then put in some hard miles on it.

ROCK ON.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Marathon Training (Long Runs) Question. Rss Feed