"Mary" as in my marathon training. Yeah, I know... so clever. Anyway, I'm starting to panic a little bit about the training because it is crazy intense. I mean, it's intense for a seasoned marathoner let alone a newbie like myself. There are FIVE 20 milers in 16 weeks. The first being in week 4 and then every other week! What have I gotten myself into?
On a side note, I just picked up a stack on magazines that have been laying around for a while and what do you think was on top? An ad for the marathon I'm doing. I never even saw it before because it was on the back of the mag but there it was... like a little omen.
I honestly can't believe I am even talking about a marathon. I have never ever had any desire to complete one and was adamant that I would not put my body through 4+ hours of running. I can't even sit in a car for four hours! But (there's that but again) here are my crazy reasons for changing my tune.
1) The run is my weakest event and I need to work on it the most. What better way to improve than to train for a marathon?
2) After the 70.3, I knew that I didn't want to stop there. My ultimate goal is to be an Ironman and part of those 140.6 miles is a marathon. I know I can do the swim and bike but I need to prove to myself that I really can do the run. I can't commit to a IM right now but I can baby step my way there in the meantime.
3) Sticker envy. I want a 26.2 sticker on my car, too.
I've completed putting together my training schedule. I am using the Run Less, Run Faster program again. I spent way too much time crunching all the numbers like a crazy person but hey, I want to know exactly what I am getting into. Here's the lowdown on the plan:
-plan based on a 26:00 5K
-the suggested MP is 9:39
-official training begins the week of August 1
-weekly mileage range from 25 to 36 miles
-five 20 mile runs
For starters, the MP is nuts. I think the 10:00-10:15 range is more realistic. Then there is the issue of weekly mileage. Is 25 - 36 miles enough? I was expecting to be closer to 40 per week. I used the Run Less, Run Faster HM program and had great results so I guess I just need to trust that the MP program will do the same.
July is going to be my warm up to the actual training. I plan to follow the first four weeks of the training schedule modifying the long run mileage to 13, 13, 14, 15. After fine tuning everything, I realized that my previous goal of two 15 mile runs this month wasn't really feasible.
JULY GOALS:
-3 runs per week
-2 bike rides per week (1 Spinerval, 1 longer ride at a steady pace)
-one 15 mile run
7 comments:
I think you will absolutely fall in love wth 26.2 miles. I already have the 26.2 sticker (a Boston one actually)on my car but I sooo want the 70.3 and of course the 140.6...and I will before the year is up.
For my first marathon back in 98', I allowed plenty of time, 4-5 months of training, just in case of injury, which I did end up with a case of plantar fasciitis. First and last case of pf, knock on wood. Let me know if you have any questions. I think I've done enough mary's(30+)to be able to help you out if you need any.
Thank you! Do you think 25 - 36 weekly miles is going to be enough?
I think that should be fine. I tried to always keep my total mileage per week, at btw 30-40 when i was training for a mary. Also, i did no more than 4 days per wk of running with one of those days being the long run. The rest of the time, rest and cross training(bike usually).
You are a brave, brave woman. I ditched RL, RF when I saw all of those 20 milers!!!
You don't give yourself enough credit: that 70.3 was some serious stuff. A marathon is going to be a walk in the park for you!!!
girl friend, remember that this training is for the love of the sport and not a chore to check off your lists of "got it done". I'm looking forward to sweating it out with you and if we don't hit a goal pace we will at least cross the finish line. Hang on, it's going to be a fun ride. Let me know your training plan for this month and I'm in :)
I think the most important part of marathon training is having a solid base, which you already have. Finishing a 70.3 shows that you have the will power to get through anything. All you have to do is stay injury-free. Regarding the mileage, you have to figure out what works best for you. For example, I actually perform better when I train less. Regardless of the training plan I'm using, I only run 3 times a week - anymore than that, and the injuries start to flare up. Some of my friends, however, run much more, somehow manage to avoid injuries and do just as well. Listen to your body. :-) Good luck !
The things we do for the sticker
you will do great, I bet if you think back to when you signed up for your first tri, these same thoughts crossed your mind, look where you are now.
the thing about us endurance atheltes is everything looks scary on paper, but we always seem to make it happen because we have that desire to finish what we started.
Post a Comment