Last long run before marathon

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2007-11-10 4:08 PM

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Subject: Last long run before marathon
Hi all,

Quite out of the blue a few weeks ago it turned out that my wife had decided that we were going to go to Las Vegas for the weekend of the 2nd of December. Oh boy - a marathon goes on Dec 2! So with six weeks at my disposal I did a 32K long run two weeks ago, a 38K long last weekend. I try to keep the speed work and volume up but of course life can get in the way and did the past week so I missed a few days.

Anyhow - I am going to run the thing one way or the other this is more of a should I or shouldn't I question: Most people running LV will be doing at least 32K tomorrow but I have read in several places now that this is probably not the wisest decision at this point so what do you think is the best decision?

I really want to do well in this race as I have run personal bests in 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon road races and in two cross country races all since July. If I was ever ready to turn in a good time for a marathon it feels like now but I don't want to sabotage those chance by taking the wrong advice. (I normally run about 300 K a month when healthy sometimes peaking closer to 400 K).



Edited by Wookiee 2007-11-10 4:09 PM

2007-11-10 4:44 PM
in reply to: #1047218

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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon

What reason are you given that a 32K run three weeks out is "not the wisest decision at this point"? Seems like standard protocol to me unless I'm losing something in translation.

Las Vegas is a decent marathon, did it in 2005, first year on the new course. Just don't trust the mile markers. Each of the past two years they've been WAY off.  You'd think the RD could get something that simple correct...



Edited by the bear 2007-11-10 4:58 PM
2007-11-10 4:54 PM
in reply to: #1047218

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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon
Looking at your log, you are no stranger to higher mileage. Unless you have an injury concern that you didn't mention I don't know why you wouldn't run long. If you are concerned about going long 3 weeks in a row then back off this weekend and go long next weekend. Two weeks is plenty long to taper. For me that would actually be the better option.
2007-11-10 4:55 PM
in reply to: #1047218

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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon

I am not sure what your concern is, burn out? leaving your best effort on the training table?

I typically run my longest long run four weeks out with the last 6-8m at MP (22-24m) .  This gives me time to recover fully before the event.  I will do an 18 three weeks, 16m two weeks out, and a 12m the week before. I also have one-two interval or tempo sessions per week leading up to the race. My volume during marathon training peaks around 75m. 

Not sure if that answers your question, but that is how I approach it.

2007-11-10 4:57 PM
in reply to: #1047238

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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon
the bear - 2007-11-10 4:44 PM

What reason are you given that a 32K run three weeks out is "not the wisest decision at this point"? Seems like standard protocol to me unless i'm losing something in translation.

Las Vegas is a decent marathon, did it in 2005, first year ont he new course. Just don't trust the milrmarkers. Each of the past two years they've been WAY off. you'd think the RD could get something that simple correct...



Hi Bear,

I am brining my Garmin to the marathon because I don't actually know what a mile is (I mean techinically I know it is 1609 meters but I train in meters and kilometers so the Garmin comes with).

I guess a link to the article is the best to explain - have a look at Major Marathon Mistakes #8.

On another note - how did you handle the heat and dryness? Where I live average humidity is around 40% most of the year going up to 90+ frequently and right now I am training in temperatures of between -5 and -10 (low 20's F).
2007-11-10 5:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon
jkholden - 2007-11-10 4:54 PM

Looking at your log, you are no stranger to higher mileage. Unless you have an injury concern that you didn't mention I don't know why you wouldn't run long. If you are concerned about going long 3 weeks in a row then back off this weekend and go long next weekend. Two weeks is plenty long to taper. For me that would actually be the better option.


Hi JK,

I think two weeks would be too short for me. So far the weight of the response is to do the run so I will put in 32 tomorrow at pace +30. My only injury concern is injuries - I have had a horrible year with muscle tears, sciatica, and a broken collar bone. Being an annus horribilis injury wise perhaps I am being overly cautious.


2007-11-10 5:19 PM
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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon
SSMinnow - 2007-11-10 4:55 PM

I am not sure what your concern is, burn out? leaving your best effort on the training table?

I typically run my longest long run four weeks out with the last 6-8m at MP (22-24m) . This gives me time to recover fully before the event. I will do an 18 three weeks, 16m two weeks out, and a 12m the week before. I also have one-two interval or tempo sessions per week leading up to the race. My volume during marathon training peaks around 75m.

Not sure if that answers your question, but that is how I approach it.



Off Topic: Is that a 2:32 in your picture! Is that a marathon time!?! I don't run that fast in my dreams.
2007-11-10 5:22 PM
in reply to: #1047218

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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon

Yeah, I don't know that I'd favor this article over conventional wisdom.

Heat wasn't a concern when I ran LV, it was near freezing at start. The wind was a concerm as it was head-on and 15-20mph in the middle miles of the race. Here's my race report:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=31455

You can also check marathonguide.com for other comments on the race. Seems like last year was run worse than the year I did it, hopes it improves for you this year.

2007-11-10 7:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon

Wookiee - 2007-11-10 6:19 PM Off Topic: Is that a 2:32 in your picture! Is that a marathon time!?! I don't run that fast in my dreams.

According to her logs her PR is in the 3:3X range .......

2007-11-10 8:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon

I will never be that fast!  The 2:32 was for my first duathlon this summer, Daremo is right my MP and BQ 3:39:52.

2007-11-11 10:37 AM
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Subject: RE: Last long run before marathon
SSMinnow - 2007-11-10 8:46 PM

I will never be that fast! The 2:32 was for my first duathlon this summer, Daremo is right my MP and BQ 3:39:52.



I don't run that fast either and I need 3:20 for BQ. We'll see how it goes in Las Vegas.

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