Best use of a marathon for a training run?

Training Advice/Discussion Marathon

9 years ago 09/30/2014 2:45pm EDT

Long story short, I'm signed up for two marathons.

Twin Cities this weekend and Indianapolis on 11/1. I've already booked my hotel for this weekend, but I know that I'm not ready to hit my goal of 2:29 and need the extra 4 weeks.

I want to best use this as a training run. I've been hitting high mileage (95-105 weeks) and have had long runs of 18, 20, 23, and 26.2.

I did the 26.2 last weekend in 3:04 comfortably and easily could have run faster if it was cooler out.

Anyways, I have two options:

1. Go run 2:55 or so even splitting 1:27's or so.

2. Go after a HM PR (goal sub 1:11) with the elite group, then slow and run a 1:45 2nd half

9 years ago 09/30/2014 2:55pm EDT

re: Illinoisphotographer

I would not do no. 2 unless you can DNF and get a ride back to the hotel. Another 13.1 after a hard 13.1 is a prescription for injury.

No. 1 seems like a much better option, but might be too slow for any benefit. Why not run the first 4-5 mi at @7 min pace and then run the rest at @6?

9 years ago 10/01/2014 9:10am EDT

re: Precious Roy

Precious Roy wrote:
I would not do no. 2 unless you can DNF and get a ride back to the hotel. Another 13.1 after a hard 13.1 is a prescription for injury.
No. 1 seems like a much better option, but might be too slow for any benefit. Why not run the first 4-5 mi at @7 min pace and then run the rest at @6?

True. That wouldn't be bad either.

9 years ago 10/01/2014 9:25am EDT

re: Illinoisphotographer

I did something similar last year before my fall marathon. I ran a full @ 95% of MP 5 weeks before the goal race. Worked out well. I was running similar mileage to you at that time. Ended up with a small PR in the goal race (happened to be TCM). The weather is looking great this weekend for TCM again, you should be able to put in a solid effort.

9 years ago 10/01/2014 9:40am EDT

re: Illinoisphotographer

Do number 2 but have someone pick you up. Running another 13 miles after a half marathon PR is a bit nuts.

9 years ago 10/01/2014 9:52am EDT

re: Balian

I'm not in your class but I've done that before. I've always done it as a 20mile easy, steady run and then a 10K tempo effort. I like the fact that it reinforces the mindset that the real work and racing begins at mile 20 (at least it does for me).

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