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18 Replies Last post: Feb 16, 2007 2:06 PM by IceStorm213   Go to original post 1 2 Previous Next
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IceStorm213
354 posts since
Nov 1, 2005
15. Feb 16, 2007 9:23 AM in response to: twinmomrunner045
Re: Modifying the Pfitz 55MPW plan?
quote:<HR>Originally posted by runninlaw:
Twinmomrunner,

Congrats on the MP workout on the treadmill! Talk about mental toughness.....

I am also using the Pfitz 18/55 in training for Boston 07. I had to skip that workout last week b/c I had been very sick with a sinus infection for a couple weeks and wasn't back to 100%. So, I opted to do a 20 miler, which in my opinion is a lot easier than 15 with 12 at MP.....hopefully I will get it in this weekend instead of the 14 miler cutback......My point in all of this is, yes, you will need to tailor and adapt the schedule as your fitness and life dictate....As long as you are getting in miles, high quality workouts and rest, you should be fine.

I also like to get in more than just 20 miles during training. I don't like to go too far over b/c it risks recovery time, but I intend to replace the remaining 2 20 milers with 21 and 22 respectively. I may also make one of the 17 milers a 20 if I am feeling really well.

I also recommend hills. It is impossible for me to avoid them where I am at, but I have also worked in a few very big hills during my long runs. Not only are they confidence builders, but I have heard training for both uphills and downhills is crucial for Boston training if you have any serious time goals. Currently, I am not doing any hill speed work (I just focus on keeping the same effort level and focusing on my form), but once we get into the VO2Max stuff, I'm sure I will do some of those workouts on hills. I did that prior to my last marathon with good success.

Enough of my unsolicited advice.....good luck to you!!!<HR>



Chiming back in. Due to scheduling issues, I now do my long runs midweek running home from work (take the train back in the next day). I gain a few hundred feet in elevation on the way with the last few miles filled with rolling hills (again, more up than down). I've been at it for maybe 6-8 weeks now and I feel like there's a difference. As you know, Pfitz recommends that you push to MP - 10% for those miles so it's a pretty good workout.
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twinmomrunner045
133 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
16. Feb 16, 2007 10:59 AM in response to: twinmomrunner045
Re: Modifying the Pfitz 55MPW plan?
Thanks for chiming back in. I appreciate the reminders on the hills. My regular route is pretty hilly (I live in MA and actually go up and over Heartbreak, and back), and I am now trying to pump it up a bit as I go over. And I finally fixed my running watch, so at least I know how fast I'm going. I did 17 again on the TM yesterday. Man, I hate that, but I hate 25mph winds even more.

I'm finding the Pfitz plan pretty tough, and I definitely agree that a 20 miler is way easier than 15 with 12 at MP. I have never before pushed my pace like this, and found I couldn't make it thru the VO2 max run without taking longer than planned recoveries. I've adjusted my goals downward a bit, and am hoping it all comes out ok in the end.

The unsolicited advice is definitely welcome (and actually, it WAS solicited). I can use all the help I can get!

Good luck to all!
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runninlaw
989 posts since
Mar 13, 2006
17. Feb 16, 2007 12:33 PM in response to: twinmomrunner045
Re: Modifying the Pfitz 55MPW plan?
Don't adjust your goals because the quality workouts are really hard. They are supposed to be. And you are tired b/c you are running approx. 50 miles a week. Don't underestimate the power of a good taper. Train hard now and marathon pace will seem easy come race day if you taper as well as you trained.
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IceStorm213
354 posts since
Nov 1, 2005
18. Feb 16, 2007 2:06 PM in response to: twinmomrunner045
Re: Modifying the Pfitz 55MPW plan?
quote:<HR>Originally posted by twinmomrunner:
Thanks for chiming back in. I appreciate the reminders on the hills. My regular route is pretty hilly (I live in MA and actually go up and over Heartbreak, and back), and I am now trying to pump it up a bit as I go over. And I finally fixed my running watch, so at least I know how fast I'm going. I did 17 again on the TM yesterday. Man, I hate that, but I hate 25mph winds even more.

I'm finding the Pfitz plan pretty tough, and I definitely agree that a 20 miler is way easier than 15 with 12 at MP. I have never before pushed my pace like this, and found I couldn't make it thru the VO2 max run without taking longer than planned recoveries. I've adjusted my goals downward a bit, and am hoping it all comes out ok in the end.

The unsolicited advice is definitely welcome (and actually, it WAS solicited). I can use all the help I can get!

Good luck to all!<HR>


I tried to tell you. It IS tough. I'm not sure what you mean by adjusting your "goals" downward, though. If you mean you're reconsidering your plan to tack on some miles, I obviously agree. But if you're worried about pace on race day, I'm with runninlaw. Don't get discouraged. I don't know if you answered this before, but do you do your long runs at the recommended pace (MP +20% to +10%)? Those, to me, are the killers. Especially with hills.
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