Back to Back Marathons
StrongerByTheMiles
Posts: 60
Even as I typed the subject, I recognized how crazy it sounds! I think that after completing a marathon, most people seem to have one of the following 2 thoughts: 1-Never again. 2-What challenge is next?
I feel fortunate to have fallen into that second category. I loved training. I loved feeling challenged. I loved working towards a goal that initially appeared impossible to me.
My "now what" started with a 35.1 mile trail challenge (running/hiking/HUGE hills) that occurs 7 weeks after my spring full marathon (it was my 2nd full). I am also planning to run two marathons within 3 weeks of each other this fall. I know that both of these will be challging because I have small windows to recovery, build endurance and strength again, taper and complete the events.
I am doing research and would love advice from anyone that has ever done back to back marathons (8 weeks or less). Right now for my current spring events I am planning 2 recovery weeks, 3 hard training weeks and 2 taper weeks between events. Thoughts? I really am not sure yet how to handle the fall schedule with only 3 weeks between. I know I plan to aim for a PR on the first race and treat the 2nd like a long, slow training run but other than that....... I'm a little lost.
I appreciate any advice!
I feel fortunate to have fallen into that second category. I loved training. I loved feeling challenged. I loved working towards a goal that initially appeared impossible to me.
My "now what" started with a 35.1 mile trail challenge (running/hiking/HUGE hills) that occurs 7 weeks after my spring full marathon (it was my 2nd full). I am also planning to run two marathons within 3 weeks of each other this fall. I know that both of these will be challging because I have small windows to recovery, build endurance and strength again, taper and complete the events.
I am doing research and would love advice from anyone that has ever done back to back marathons (8 weeks or less). Right now for my current spring events I am planning 2 recovery weeks, 3 hard training weeks and 2 taper weeks between events. Thoughts? I really am not sure yet how to handle the fall schedule with only 3 weeks between. I know I plan to aim for a PR on the first race and treat the 2nd like a long, slow training run but other than that....... I'm a little lost.
I appreciate any advice!
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Replies
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What you call crazy is my normal training schedule.
I did 2 trail 50ks, a road marathon and a 50 mile trail race in that order in the span of 8 weeks, each with two weeks in-between. One 50k was a training run, one 50k was a B goal race that I was aiming to PR at but if I didn’t it wasn’t going to be tragedy (I got the PR), the road marathon was a training run and the 50 miler was an A goal race where I emphatically wanted to get a Western States qualifying time and subsequently PR (I got both).
The only advice I have is to pick and choose your battles. Whichever marathon is the A goal race, treat the time before and after it accordingly. For the one that’s a training run adjust for that as well.
If you’ll notice my schedule my hardest effort before the 50 miler was 4 weeks before at the 50k I PR’d. Races I designate as training runs I check my ego in at the door don’t try to be a hero. A and B races get the appropriate amount of effort.
As in all things, your mileage will vary and you will have to pay very close attention to how your body is responding.0 -
Good advice! I'm treating the first as a PR attempt and the second as a training run. I'm running the second w/ a friend that may not be able to run my PR pace so we will enjoy the second together. Neither of us are going with big intentions. I am just fulled prepared for that to be my worst time yet my most FUN marathon ever!0
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3 weeks is plenty of time to recover, especially with the second race slated as a training run. The key will be to not do the typical "I just ran a marathon, let me rest for a week or two" that some people do. The day after the first marathon go out for a short easy run; a slow 3 or 4 mile run then take the next day off. The rest of the week continue to keep your runs nice and slow. The week prior to the second marathon just repeat your taper week from the first one. Good luck.0
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Sorry I didn't include this in my first post, it didn't occur to me until later:
http://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/frequent-flyer?page=single0 -
Hal Higdon also has schedules on his website for serveral back to back marathon scenarios:
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51153/Marathon-Multiple-Marathons-Training-Program0 -
Thank you! I will definitely check out these resources!!!!!0
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I would also like to add that we should define our terms better. When you say back-to-back marathons I think you mean the next day ie: Saturday and Sunday.0
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Agree with all that is posted. If you work some into your training schedule and don't run "race effort" then should be okay. I do have to take an easy week after a marathon, even if I haven't gone for a PR. I usually swim, bike and yoga and then resume my running schedule after 4-5 days.
I'll be running 3 marathons this year (2 already done) and a 50K. Plus 6 half marathons, two of which are on consecutive days.
The only problem I have is adhering to a conservative training pace once a race bib is pinned onto me...0
