1/2 marathons & marathons

nyy03
nyy03 Posts: 635 Member
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
How often should you run a marathon or 1/2? What recovery do we need? I was thinking of doing a 1/2 and then another 3 weeks later, is that enough time for recovery? I'm currently running 3 miles/day or so and then try to do a longer run on weekends. I'm only able to run on the treadmill as I have little ones and spouse works evenings.

Replies

  • AZTrailRunner
    AZTrailRunner Posts: 1,199 Member
    If you are able to safely, and smartly train for your first Half, then running one 3 weeks later is a no-brainer. I don't run Marathons, so I can speak for that.
  • runnermel
    runnermel Posts: 278
    go for it! I ran two half marathons exactly 4 weeks apart and it was fine!!
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    I don't think there's any hard and fast rule for that; you just have to listen to your body and see how you feel - we're all different. I read a blog written by a runner who does one or two marathons a month, sometimes only a week a part; last year she ran a marathon on Saturday and then did Boston on Monday (and kicked *kitten*). Me, on the other hand....I couldn't walk normally for several days after my marathon!

    That being said - if you've trained smart for a half and aren't injured - then running another three weeks later shouldn't be an issue.
  • AZTrailRunner
    AZTrailRunner Posts: 1,199 Member
    To add to what has already been said, the stronger the runner you become, the more you can get away with. I've run a few Halfs back to back with no injuries, and not more than a few days off before resuming training. But you need a solid base before you can get crazy like that.
  • nyy03
    nyy03 Posts: 635 Member
    Thanks guys. I have run a few 1/2's and one marathon. After the marathon last year, I too felt like I couldn't walk. But it was great. I think I'm sticking to 1/2's. Checked the marathon off by bucket list, may do another, we'll see. :)
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Depends on your effort during the race, your training and your recovery. A well trained runner should be fine. I am concerned at your lack of training on the pavement. The dreadmill doesn't prepare you for the pounding. Try to do your long runs outside (at the very least).
  • sakamanojr
    sakamanojr Posts: 378 Member
    Hello there,
    The ability to run 2 half's in a short timeframe will depend on how strong your base is and how well you recover.
    What is your long run up to ?
    Your note about running around 3 miles concerns me that you will be short on endurance.
    Add me as a friend and we can talk more.
    Best of luck and may the wind always be at your back !!
  • rsj206
    rsj206 Posts: 36 Member
    Just a thought: when you trained for your marathon, weren't your long runs 13+ miles every weekend for six or seven weeks? You know that your body can take the mileage. You put more wear & tear on your body in a race, but still - if marathon training was doable then two 1/2s with several weeks in between should be fine.
  • maemiller
    maemiller Posts: 439 Member
    I PR'd in a HM and two weeks later ran a marathon. Ive also done HM within 2 weeks of each other and back to back weekends of races and i feel fine. It all depends on your body and how fast you recoup. If you are a brand new runner and haven't put in the mileage, I wouldn't suggest it
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    I PR'd in a HM and two weeks later ran a marathon. Ive also done HM within 2 weeks of each other and back to back weekends of races and i feel fine. It all depends on your body and how fast you recoup. If you are a brand new runner and haven't put in the mileage, I wouldn't suggest it

    wise words for sure

    I ran 4 half marathons in 4 days (but that's really just a busy training week if you're in marathon shape). There were people at the same set of races that did 4 marathons in 4 days - now that is some serious running!
  • nyy03
    nyy03 Posts: 635 Member
    Just a thought: when you trained for your marathon, weren't your long runs 13+ miles every weekend for six or seven weeks? You know that your body can take the mileage. You put more wear & tear on your body in a race, but still - if marathon training was doable then two 1/2s with several weeks in between should be fine.

    Good point. Never looked at it like that.
  • irunforfun
    irunforfun Posts: 113 Member
    Depends on your effort during the race, your training and your recovery. A well trained runner should be fine. I am concerned at your lack of training on the pavement. The dreadmill doesn't prepare you for the pounding. Try to do your long runs outside (at the very least).

    Listen to him. His advice is great and he's a very experienced runner. His advice helped me through my first marathon...

    I did my first full marathon Sept. 18th, got injured during it, and I'm doing another next month on the 13th. My ortho is against it, but I want to go redeem myself because I got a ****ty finish and I'm convinced I can do better. I think if you're training right you'll be fine.
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