What do you think of this plan?

twinmom_112002

I am considering a full marathon in the next year. I have trained up to half distance 5 times in the 4 years I have been running. Actually ran 2 last year (Surf City and then 3 months later Mountains to Beach). I am slightly injury prone (hamstring and glute med.).

My plan is to train up to half distance and then once there pick up a full marathon training program. I am planning on using Train Like a Mother finish it plans since I used them for Mountains to Beach and went in/came out of that race feeling strong.

What would you do differently? This summer has been low in mileage because I get to be a stay at home mom in the summer and we don't have a set schedule which makes it hard for me to run. Back at work now and just finished week one of the half plan.

sarahz5

I'm loosely following the TLAM Finish It Half plan now. Glad to hear that it worked out for you! Good luck with your marathon training - I think I am going to be training for a full for next fall, I'll be interested to hear the feedback.

CarsonRuns

I don't know what that plan entails, but if you can get your mileage to a consistent 25 to 30 miles per week, you will be prepared for marathon training.

twinmom_112002

Last week (the first week of the plan) was a 17 mile week. It goes up from there with a peak of 28 miles. Would you maintain that peak for a period of time before jumping into a marathon plan or is the 9 week so of 22+ mile weeks okay?

CarsonRuns

Last week (the first week of the plan) was a 17 mile week. It goes up from there with a peak of 28 miles. Would you maintain that peak for a period of time before jumping into a marathon plan or is the 9 week so of 22+ mile weeks okay?

You would need to maintain it. Marathon fitness is derived from the accumulation of mileage over time (think months and years, not weeks or days). The more mileage you run prior to starting the 18 week marathon training program, the more successful you will be.

twinmom_112002

Is a marathon 9 months from now realistic? If its not a realistic goal then I will re-think things a little and try for a faster half time this year. I want to do it right (not that I did not say fast) and injury free.

DavidMartinez2

If you started training now you could be ready for Surf City. The only real problem with that course is the lack of shade during the out-back section on the beach. I would not recommend M2B as a first marathon, all that descent leaves your quads trashed going into the last 6 miles.

twinmom_112002

Not sure if either of those would be my goal race. I am kinda of a one an done type girl. There are so many great course out there and I have already seen the half parts of both those races. I was more thinking of getting the training done and then signing up for the race when I am ready.

The 9 months mark is because I was thinking of getting it done before I turn 40 :-)

CarsonRuns

Is a marathon 9 months from now realistic? If its not a realistic goal then I will re-think things a little and try for a faster half time this year. I want to do it right (not that I did not say fast) and injury free.

Yeah, I think it's realistic if you approach it with a realistic objective. If you just want to finish and not feel like you got hit by a double decker bus, then I think you'll be fine. If you set an arbitrary time goal and stick to that come hell or high water, then you might be in for major disappointment.

DavidMartinez2

I am guessing you are in SoCal based on the races you mentioned. The OC Marathon is on the 4th of May and is supposed to be a good course/race for first-timers.