Changing this years goal
donrdon
Posts: 216 Member
So for the past month I've been struggling with the long runs, not really physically but mentally. I've basically been in marathon training mode for about the last 2 1/2 years with maybe Nov and Dec off (still running those months but not by plan) with 2 fulls each year. So I'm changing this years plans, still running the full in June as I've made that commitment but then I'm planning on 2 halves this fall instead of another full. Goal will be to pick up the speed and finish with a sub 1:50. I think this will actually give me a break, no 2 - 3 1/2 hour long runs but shorter faster runs, hills etc. Something different. It's those long plodding miles that of got me lately, the weekly runs have been okay but they also need a change up so I hope this is it. Any thoughts/input on this "plan" will be receive with a smile.
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If you are feeling burned out, then definitely change it up! If you keep your base mileage up and focus on adding slow, easy miles to your weekday runs instead of your long run, you will no doubt pick up the speed you are looking for and maintain your fitness level so you can go back to marathon training whenever you are ready. Possibly look for a good intermediate level HM plan that will incorporate in some speed work as well. You can get a lot of satisfaction from setting a fast HM PR. Good luck!0
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You still need a weekly long run of 2 to 2.5 hours for best results.0
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I agree Scott, I'm figuring Sundays long will still be in that range (more in the 2 range than 21/2 though) To confirm, I haven't quit on the fulls, too many goals to achieve and destination runs in my future yet. This is what it is....a break from what has been the norm. Oh, and Meb's still rockin' it!0
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How long are you training cycles? Five months each, from the sound of it?0
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90 to 100 min is good but 2 hrs would better for stimulating the desired (long run) training adaptations, particularly during base building. Much more than 2 hrs causes excessive tiredness for only marginal gains.
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I'd say more like 1:45 to 2:15.
90 to 100 min is good but 2 hrs would better for stimulating the desired (long run) training adaptations, particularly during base building. Much more than 2 hrs causes excessive tiredness for only marginal gains.
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SonicDeathMonkey80 wrote: »How long are you training cycles? Five months each, from the sound of it?
I follow a 18 week program, run the marathon and then basically right back at it in preparation for the next one. So yes it's about 9 months. Also I start to increase mileage right after the December festive season (about 4 weeks) prior to starting the program.0 -
Don:
I'm kinda in the same place as you, but finally felt the physical wear and tear get to me. I should have just gotten out of the training cycle and gone to a reasonable maintenance level between mid-February and early April. Call it a lesson learned.
I'm in my second week of a hiatus from running. I won't resume until May 17th at the earliest. I'm taking the view of no more marathons in calendar year 2015. I've already run three marathons this calendar year and it is time to focus my attentions elsewhere for some shorter faster races and time off from the major push towards a marathon goal race.
When I return in a few weeks, I'll take stock of the conditioning I've lost and begin the long ramp up to a base level for a marathon before I jump into my 18 week plan in early November. Between now and then, the ramp up calls for a couple of 5Ks a 10K, and a half-marathon and lots of easy running in between.
So, even though I am thinking and planning on the next major training goal/goal race next March, I have two races as "definite" scheduled: a 5K race on July 4th and a marathon on April 2016. I haven't even signed up for the goal marathon yet. The marathon in April will be more social than output goal effort and I may just downgrade to a half for that one since the cost was the same when I signed up.0
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