I was wondering...I'm currently training for a 1/2 marathon on October 5th. I have no doubt that I'll make the distance, provided I stay healthy and injury free. I've been increasing my long run by one mile every week. I'm up to 12 miles. What if I kept adding a mile a week after my half? Can I run a marathon by December 7th? Or is that too much too fast? And when you train for a marathon, how many miles is the longest run you do before race day? I found a marathon in Sacremento that claims to be a fast course, lots of downhill, perfect for people qualifying, or first timers like me. Plus I have been racing at 7,000 ft. elevation, running down in Sac might be easier. What do you think?
Forums » General Training » Running
Want to run a marathon, please advise
(5 posts)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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Most people would say you want to add 10% or less per week to milage. So 1 mile per week to your long run is within the normal "safety range"... Of course, you should always listen to your body.
If your goal is to "just finish" a marathon, then I think an extra 12 weeks after your first half marathon is a very manageable goal.
The fact that you are used to running at elevation is great, and I agree it will make your run on race day a lot easier.
Good luck! You can do it!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Thanks Brad I can always count on you for words of encouragement. You know what, I have one more question. I got on Hal Higdons web site, his training program and some others I've looked at, say you should taper off about 2 or 3 weeks out from race day. If I do that I'll only get up to 19 miles for a long run, do you think I can survive another 7 on race day? My husband's going to think I've lost my mind completely. LOL
Posted 4 years ago # -
Ok, well couple things...
1) 2-3 week taper probably doesn't apply to someone who is just "trying to finish"... That's more appropriate advice for someone who is racing for time.
2) That being said, yes, I agree... you shouldn't do a long run (anything over 20 miles) 2 weeks before the actual marathon.
3) If you stick to the 10% rule... then you could actually add 1.5 miles after 15 miles, and then 2 miles after 20.
4) You could also start your ramp now, since you're already at 12 miles.
So... you could do...
13 (this weekend), 14, -Half Marathon-, 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5, 21, 23, 25, taper, RACE
That's actually only 12 weeks (counting 2 weeks of taper), and you get to 25 miles.
But note... most plans usually only have you run 22-23 miles as your longest long run. So, really, you might not need to do that 25 miler...
With that you could actually add in some "shorter" weeks between your long runs...
So, something like...
13 (this weekend), 14, -Half Marathon-, 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5, 12*, 21, 12*, 23, taper (6 miles or so), RACEThat's 13 weeks counting your race weekend... So, really there's plenty of time to get there.
If you can run 23 miles, you can do those last 3.2 miles...
Most people say if you can get to 18 then you can get across the finish line... but really those last 8.2 miles are the hardest... really they're like the 2nd half of the marathon.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Thank you so much for your time. I think I'll do it. I'll keep you posted on my progress. :)
Posted 4 years ago #
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