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4 Replies Last post: Feb 7, 2008 9:57 PM by azza074  
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Michael.
676 posts since
Nov 9, 2007
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Feb 5, 2008 8:40 AM

Beginning Marathon Training ...Opinions please

I am a fairly new runner, I have been running since November 2007 and have completed C25K in December. Since then I am now doing Hal Higdon's Spring Training plan. I have completed a 5K in Jan 20th and am registered for a 10K in April.

In the future I am interested running two different marathons. One of them is scheduled in November 2008 which is a local one for me and in Mar 2009 I would like to run the Los Angeles Marathon.

My question is if I train for a 1st marathon in 11/08 would I have enough time to recover and still train properly for LA in 09? I know for a runner with many base miles on them this should not be a problem but this November would be my 1st year anniversary as a runner. Currently I run an 11 mile week and by April I will be up to a 15 mile week.

Thanks for any comments...

Mike
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JimR_IWANTMYDAMNNAME
137 posts since
Aug 14, 2007
1. Feb 5, 2008 8:53 AM in response to: Michael.
Re: Beginning Marathon Training ...Opinions please

You'll likely be pretty beat up between the training and the stress of the marathon itself, and experience tells me you won't likely ramp things up again until Jan and you'll be giving up a lot of you endurance during that time. If you're injured after the fall, consider LA out.


I think your bigger concern is Nov/08. 11 mile weeks now and you want a full in the fall? A lot depends.

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Michael.
676 posts since
Nov 9, 2007
2. Feb 5, 2008 9:04 AM in response to: JimR_IWANTMYDAMNNAME
Re: Beginning Marathon Training ...Opinions please
An option I might consider is running a 1/2 in the fall and waiting on the full marathon until 09. Yes, I do want to accomplish running the 26.2 miles but I want to finish with a feeling of wanting to train eventually for another one, not that it was a painful experience I never want to do again.
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JimR_IWANTMYDAMNNAME
137 posts since
Aug 14, 2007
3. Feb 5, 2008 9:26 AM in response to: Michael.
Re: Beginning Marathon Training ...Opinions please

The half is a good idea. I always felt a marathon training plan is good training for a half, just limit the longest runs to something like 18 miles instead of the usual 20+ milers, to keep from getting too beaten up. That way you get a good understanding of what the training involves and you won't have to risk a month of recovery. As a bonus you can crank out a really good half. I'm much more proud of my half marathon PR than my marathon PR.
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azza074
69 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
4. Feb 7, 2008 9:58 PM in response to: Michael.
Re: Beginning Marathon Training ...Opinions please
Hi Michael,

I agree with the above - given you are up to 11 mile weeks, the stress of build up and the stress of marathon means that you will probably be pretty wiped out by the time you finish in Nov. If you've got your heart set on the LA marathon, go for the half in Nov (as you suggested) and run in LA. It will give you much more time to build up, which means you'll have a better experience and a better performance.


Good luck either way!

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