marathon training: discussion

kirstengeffen

So, I've been running consistently for about 5 months and have completed 3 half marathons, I'm now focusing on training for a full marathon!!!
I have chosen one 24th April!
I'm currently running between 4 and 5 times per week with a weekly mileage of between 50 and 60km. I plan to step it up in the next 5 weeks to around 70km per week. My long run this week will be 28km and that will be my furtherest distance I've run. Sound like I'm on track?????

Any helpful advice?

ClubSilencio

I assume you're doing tempo and speed work during the week too? Cross-training?

Otherwise it sounds alright to me.

There's many different ways to tackle marathon training. The important thing is to be aware how your body is responding to your training.

RoxieDawn

I would make sure those 36 - 37 miles you are doing during the week are a mix that contains hills, tempo. Otherwise the legs will get stale (pardon the expression).

If you run 17 miles on your long run alone (on top of what you are doing now mileage wise) you can add 1 to 1.5 miles each week to the max. I would not increase my weekly mileage by very much at all only the long run and everything will be based on how I run up to two days before that run with rest or not in between..

You will need to work a taper down mileage within the last 3 to 3 1/2 weeks. I hope that you are using a strong laid out plan for your training.

kirstengeffen

I do cross training, I take some spinning classes and gym my legs twice a week!!! If I don't gym legs they fall to pieces!

I'm not too worried about speed training as this will be my first marathon, my goal is just to finish within 5 hours.. on a slow run I do between 6 and 7 min/km

RUN_LIFT_EAT

Your volume is good. Like the guy above me suggested, you may want to incorporate tempo runs, speed days, hill runs, and maybe some trail runs. Don't forget to hit the weights to build strength in your upper body. You'll need it! I think you'll do great!

ClubSilencio

findingkirst wrote: »

I'm not too worried about speed training as this will be my first marathon, my goal is just to finish within 5 hours.. on a slow run I do between 6 and 7 min/km

Ah, it's not so much about the time though. Speed work forces your body to adapt to a different type of stress thus making you a fitter runner.

dewd2

I'm going to disagree with the tempo runs. These are great for folks who have run more than 5 months and have a time goal. If you are just trying to finish strong, skip the speed work. Keep your runs easy.