Wondering how long it took for an increase in mileage to translate to better race performances? Bumped up my mileage this summer but right now feel too tired to race all that great. Figure it won't be until spring until I'm used to it and get the benefit. Success stories and timelines?
I think the benefits can be seen after only few weeks. It sounds like you're just tired. I bet if you took an easy week before a race you would surprise yourself. Trust the taper!
Almost immediately. Whether it be high school, college or after, bumps in mileage resulted in immediate higher level performance.
Malmo,
I am running the NYC Marathon (5 weeks of training until my taper). Have averaged 70/week the last 10 weeks (63, 70, 60, 64, 75, 58 (race), 70, 71, 76, 80.
Toying with the idea of bumping up to 80-90 the next 5 weeks.
Would you suggest this? Higher? Stay where I am at? Have not been a high mileage guy (probably averaged about 40mpw for my career, with years of 0, and some short stretches of as much as 70), looking for about a 2:40 (first marathon).
Per your suggestion, I just added doubles as many days a week as I can (this week will be 3 short runs of about 3-5 miles on top of 8-9 mile runs).
It depends. If you raise mileage too fast, you can actual run slower, workouts, and races will suffer, etc. Sometimes mileage gains can result in improvements right away (knowing you can handle more mileage can increase confidence and that alone can improve your racing). Long term mileage increases (months, years) will lead to the best improvements as long as you don't just raise mileage just to raise it. Mileage increases need to be part of a well thought out plan. Going from 60 to 100 miles a week (consistent mileage, not running 100, then 65, than 80,but building from averaging 60 to 70, 80, 90, etc. )in a month or two will probably get your hurt or leave you too tired to race. But if you do it over a year or two, as part of a well thought out plan your performances should improve to a point. Mileage can improve performance, but for most of us running 100 plus miles a week will never make us even a National qualifier. Genetics is a big part of it. Good luck.