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Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:20:25 GMT

Fingers crossed race conditions won't be super hot....all my serious training runs have tended to be in high 40s cloudy weather. I def. perform better when the sun isn't beating down on me!Im the weirdo that's in a tank top and shorts once it hits 50 with sun.

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:38:23 GMT

Try to train as close as you can to race conditions. The thing to worry about in a marathon with hills is not to blow your quads on an early downhill. I take it easy on the downhills for the first three miles then turn it loose.

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:11:55 GMT

Thank you all for your help, and sorry for just getting back now!

So, I went with the flat 18 miler and I won't be doing that one again...for the pure reason of running over bridges with no sidewalks and cars zooming by at 50mph+...needless to say I added some sprinting into the run ;) scary!!! Sometimes I think runners are invisible to cars...either that or they really hate us ;) ;)

Yesterday I started off the week with my 8 miler instead of 5, as suggested by Len, so I can do a hill repeat 5 miler at the end of the week. I have to say though, my 8 miler gives the quads and glute a good burn... The only thing that scares me is knowing everyone's definition of a "hill" may be different. Hoping my "hills" wouldnt be considered ant hills to others :)

My game plan for Marathon day in Vermont is to take my long run pace, maybe a few seconds faster...until mile 15 to get over the big hill, then hope that saves my energy enough for a happy 11 miles without a forced slow pace. I know this won't give me the best time, but I've decided I'd rather do everything in my control to finish with a big smile on my face!

Thanks again all for the help!!!!

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 03:03:59 GMT

I say hit the hills, but I'm also the type of person who loves the challange of going up the meanest hills I can find. Do whatever feels comfortable to you.

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:22:53 GMT

If you decide not to do hills as part of the long run, you should attempt to do one of your shorter days on a hilly route.

Of course running up a hill after doing 17 miles is different than a hill after only 2 or 3 miles.

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:07:12 GMT

Hills are important but so is mixing up your route. Do the new route, and train for the hills later. Long distance running is as much a mental thing as it is physical. Little treats in training helps you keep going.

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:54:45 GMT

I've run VCM twice. It's not a flat course. Be prepared for 3-4 good sized hills (one of which is monster).

Just let yourself get a little slower on them, you'll be fine. You don't have to overdo it with the hill training.

Get some hills in though.

--Jimmy

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:09:51 GMT

A flat course is OK, though it's always nice to mix it up. I have found that doing hill repeats on one of your regular weekday workouts produces better results. Next week is week 12, right? Switch Tues. and Weds. , then do hill repeats on Thurs. So 8 M pace, 5 M run, 5M run w/hill repeats. Find a moderate hill 1/8 to 1/4 mile long. Do a mile or so warmup to the bottom of the hill. Go up at or a bit faster than your training pace (the shorter the hill, the faster you can go). Turn around and go down very easy, for recovery. Repeat as needed. Usually the 1st one is hard, then they get a little easier. When they get hard again, it's time to do an easy mile home. Do them weekly between now and taper if possible.

Len

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:35:45 GMT

Sounds like you have a good training base Linda. I would say prepare in the final weeks with what makes you the most comfortable for the challenge. More importantly, if the marathon route is acceptable, then go with your gut instinct about the final days before the taper. If you are waivering between speed and endurance, keep in mind that greater effort naturally produces better results, so consider a split decision to cover the bases. (A couple of workouts with hills, but mostly flat and fast).

Seems as though you are well adept for the obstacles, so best of luck!

Do I have to include hills into all my long marathon training runs?

guest — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:06:12 GMT

Hills will make you stronger, but a different course might be what you need. A change always makes my runs better. Run your new course this week and hit your last 1/4 at your goal MP. Good luck