I did what you're wanting to do. But I'll use the old cliche (which is true) "everyone is different." I ran about three times per week because of time issues too. My mileage varied from 25 to 40 per week. I typically ran on Tuesday/Thursday and the long run on Saturday. When I felt that I could pack in another run, I ran my long run on Tuesday, so I could have Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for shorter runs (wanting the back to back run being the shorter run). My recuperation was not running at all... if I had the time to do something but not run, I would strength train with stretch bands in my living room (15 minutes before my shower... that's it... high benefit for low time). My running minumum was around 6 miles (for straight running) and my distance was 15 miles mostly, a few 18's and one 20. During the highest mileage weeks, I likely did two 10 milers, and an 18 miler. SPEED AND STRENGTH: I didn't have time to do all the periodization that some do in preparation. But I took NO extra time to assure that some of my runs were fast (or had periodic bursts of speed). I also tried not to slow down much on hills, and I watched my running form carefully, looking for ways that seemed more efficient (for me, that translates into a springier step... slightly less ground time). These things take effort, but NO EXTRA TIME because you're running anyway. A NOTE OF CAUTION... with so many days off, a danger point is inflexibility... assuming that you stretch only after running. So I sometimes streatched lightly at night before bed. FOR OTHER CONCERNS AROUND THIS TYPE OF TRAINING: I ran early in the morning (escaping the heat and car exaust) and that saved time (morning shower & prep is my after-run shower & prep). When I returned from running, I drank lots of carbs for glycogen recouperation (about 200 or so) then stretched (using 3 intervals of 15 second holds... faster than 2 intervals of 30 second holds, reducing my stretching time by a few minutes and giving me what some believe is a better stretch too) then showered. After the shower, I ate breakfast (I actually eat breakfast at work so I can work during breakfast and coffee... but that may not work for you).

In April of this year, I did my first marathon and was totally happy with the result. While I'm after speed (in a more casual sense than pros have), the real goal is completing a marathon, so this type of thing will likely work for that goal whether you are big boned or not, but your speed may vary.

I hope this helps... it is from my experience with mostly 3 session weeks, and on my first (and only) public race of any kind (however, it was after about 8 years of more casual running so I had some base on which to build - but maybe only 12 miles per week back then).

Mark

Are you looking to just finish the marathon or are you looking to run a fast time?

If you can run a 1:45 half-marathon, you definately have a good base to work off of. Build up your mileage slowly, listen to your body, and don't run the marathon until you absolutely feel you ready.

If you are interested in running a marathon with 3 days a week of training why not check out the Furman Institute of Running & Scientific Training program or FIRST. They advocate running less but running higher quality and generally tougher, more intense runs but only three times per week. They have a program for training for the marathon that should fit the bill for you. I have no experience with the program (I am a new runner) but it is just something I have come across.

Cheers and good luck

This is the question you asked and the answer is a resounding NO. A marathon is 26 miles and you are suggesting a 3-day schedule with the longest run less than half the marathon distance.

If you want to make the best of 50k per week I'd suggest doing a single run of 30k, another at 12k, and a 3rd at 8k. Maybe all the walking you do playing golf well help carry you through. I hope you don't ride a cart

I'll go with weelittleme. Check out the FIRST program: http://www.furman.edu/first/2006%20marathon%20training-first%20marathon.pdf

The program has three days of running a week, including the long run. There are programs for beginners to accomplished runners. They do strongly suggest cross-training a couple days a week, though it sounds like you could finish a marathon in a reasonable time without the cross-training. If you can run a 1:45 half-marathon, the main thing you are lacking for the marathon is long runs. Your long runs would peak at about 20 miles/30Km. As for weekly mileage, I know at least one person who consistently runs 3:20 to 3:40 marathons (3:40 is a really bad day for him) on less than 50 miles per week.

Len

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Lenz's Law is a special case of Le Chatelier's principle: Any change in status quo prompts an opposing reaction in the responding system. I like that one better.