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9 Replies Last post: Jun 28, 2007 10:23 AM by lisa durand  
Click to view tkbd's profile Amateur 28 posts since
Nov 5, 2004
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Jun 24, 2007 11:00 AM

1st marathon training question..chicago

this will be my first full, and have run 3 mini's prior, with a time of 1:46.
as my best time.
I have read on here NUMEROUS times that you need to be around 35-40 miles per week , well the hal higdon's novice program that I am following goes like this: 15, 15, 19, 21, 18 24, 25, 24, 29, see my point. Should I alter this, this seems to be way low to me, I want to up my mileage, so which should I do. Who am I to disagree with a program that came from an experienced runner. Please help me out.
My goal is to obviously finish standing up somewhere around 4-4 1/2 hours.
Click to view AndyHass's profile Legend 1,385 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
1. Jun 24, 2007 11:05 AM in response to: tkbd
Re: 1st marathon training question..chicago
Find a different program.

The one you listed may get you to the finish line, but it will not likely be an enjoyable experience. If you feel you can run the 40+mpw and want to do a marathon (I agree with the 40+ wholeheartedly), just find another plan as there are many out there.
Click to view sophielarue's profile Expert 56 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Jun 25, 2007 8:46 AM in response to: tkbd
Re: 1st marathon training question..chicago
Try Higdon's Intermediate program. I am training for Chicago, and this is my first marathon as well. I thought it was important to get at least one 40 mile week in before the marathon, and this program has four weeks above 40 miles. The only real difference between novice and intermediate is an extra day of running.
Click to view HumbleRunner's profile Amateur 13 posts since
Jun 19, 2007
3. Jun 25, 2007 10:14 AM in response to: tkbd
Re: 1st marathon training question..chicago
When I ran my first marathon my half time was 1:47, very close to yours. ( I ran that on about 20 miles a week)During my marathon, my training week average was around 28-32 miles. I topped out at 42 two weeks before the race. My long run made up a huge portion of my mileage. (probably too much) I would run 4-5 days a week running anywhere between 4-6 miles and then hit a big long run. I did a 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 20, and a 21. I ran a 3:46 marathon without too much pain. Now...that being said, I would not train exactly like this again.
I would still run 5 days a week (I'm a bigger runner) but I would bump up my training runs to between 6-8 miles and then continue to hit the long runs. I also would run my training runs with more strategy (like taking recovery days!) I ran every training run pretty hard, including my long runs - which is probably why the marathon wasn't too bad considering my very low mileage. I also did no speed work, which was a huge mistake. Well, I guess that is how you learn. So, take it from me (a very inexperienced runner), run at least 40 miles a week, do some speed work, throw recovery runs in there, and you should have a good marathon.
Click to view brandyk051's profile Pro 121 posts since
Oct 31, 2006
5. Jun 26, 2007 5:23 PM in response to: tkbd
Re: 1st marathon training question..chicago
Have you checked out Pfitzingers 55mpw plan?
Click to view lisa durand's profile Rookie 6 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
7. Jun 27, 2007 4:20 PM in response to: tkbd
Re: 1st marathon training question..chicago
I followed the same plan for my first marathon and finished in 4 1/2 hours, my goal was the same as yours, just to finish. I ran 4 days a week, whatever my long run was for the week i would do half of that run earlier in the week and then 2 shorter runs..something like this...4, 6, 4, 12. Each week it gradually increased up to a 20 mile long run. This plan worked great for me, I felt great when I finished and had no injuries while training. Best of luck to you!
Click to view lisa durand's profile Rookie 6 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
9. Jun 28, 2007 10:23 AM in response to: tkbd
Re: 1st marathon training question..chicago
for me pearsonally I was not concerned at all about speed work. I knew I wasnt going to break any records, I just wanted to finish and feel great the whole way so I didn't worry about speed workouts at all during my training.