First off, I'm no elite, but just your standard 30 year old hobby runner. I'm now in training for my 3rd marathon. My main question is can you peak too early in fitness during marathon training? And if so, how do you know.
Some background:
- Training for 3rd marathon(1/2015) using Jack Daniels plan doing about 60 mpw. With work + life 60mpw is perfect balance for me.
-2nd marathon(2014) I followed the Pftiz training @ 55-70 mpw. Ended up with a 2:53 marathon.
-1st marathon(2013) I followed a generic plan. Doesn't really matter now. 3:17 finishing time(had no goal).
-Raced a 10 mile race 2 weeks ago with 59:51 time. Last year, at the same race, my time was 1:05
**Comparing my quality training runs and races I have done this year compared to last year at the same time I have improved greatly. I want to continue to improve, but I don't want to peak too early by doing harder quality runs then I necessarily need to.