Goal of a Spring 2016 marathon, should I base now or try a small peak in October?

I can't offer an answer, but I'd also be interested to hear people's thoughts on this...

My situation is that I have an October marathon planned, so I'm aiming to peak for that, but then possibly build to a spring marathon (with sub 2:55 as the target) IF I find that I like marathon training in general.

My plan for the summer, is 4 weeks of easy running, then an adapted version of Daniels 2Q plan (56-70) for 14 weeks. Mileage will average low-60's with peaks of 70 (3 weeks). I was planning on more easy running to begin with, maybe 8 weeks, but I've decided to go with just four as I've got a half marathon mid way through the marathon plan, which is arguably just as important - don't want to go in to that one off of virtually only easy mileage.

Like you I have been averaging around 50mpw over the spring, although this has been tapered off over the past month and a half due to races. Also like you, I feel like endurance is my weak point at the moment, as my 10k is slightly better than my half (didn't do enough long runs) - marathon training should sort that out though I hope!

October will be my first marathon, but 3:00 is pretty much out of the question regardless, as the course is very hilly in the second half.

Will probably build up to average 70-80 over the winter, if I decide to do another in the spring, but I'm in two minds at the moment as I've really enjoyed the recent 5k/10k training... Go with what I enjoy best I suppose!

Here is an idea: Run as much as you can. At different paces. At different distances. Some days easier. Some days harder. Some weeks easier. Some harder. Stay consistent. Let your dreams become reality.

If you're asking the question for yourself, then you already know your answer.

Hi,

I just saw this post, good luck for your marathon in October. I believe that I will peak for a 10k first following a 60-70 miles plan, then seriously train for a spring marathon.

Good luck for your first and second marathon

First of all, What is up with everyone using Daniel's? You should consider Hudsons training method.

Secondly, if you use Pfizinger (spelling I know) is good. I used that for my marathon build up. He likes to incorporate tune up races (usually a 8k to 15k) in his program.

Thirdly, if you are doing a Spring marathon then you should consider a) doing a fall marathon and b) work on your speed at shorter distances. You have a lot of time and you don't need that much time for a marathon build up.

Daniels seems recommended most of the time for his marathon training and his good intro for beginner.

Which plan of Pfitzinger did you use? I am considering 18/70-85 but I don't know if it would be too much.

I never read Hudson but I will, thank you.

I am afraid that I won't be prepared enough for a fall marathon, so I'll work more on my speed at shorter distances. Hopefully a sub-40 10k soon.

I wouldn't worry too much about the specific plan: Daniels, Pfitz, etc. You might look at the Hansons too. They're not really that much different. The base you're building right now is probably more important.

Why not #2? Spring is a long ways away. 16 weeks from now brings you to mid-October and there is no reason why you couldn't run a half or even a full by then. 50mpw is a decent base that you could easily build to 60mpw over the next several weeks while training for a half or full. Just be cautious if adding intensity and mileage at the same time. After your fall race you rebuild base by Dec and then jump into full training for spring. Base training for 6 more months sounds boring. Schedule some races, train, vary your workouts and see how you progress and if your sub-3 goal is reasonable.

FWIW I don't bother with heart rate. At some point all the measurables get to be too much. I prefer to run by effort (which is linked to HR anyways) without caring what the actual HR number is. Some days will be faster and others slower. At the end of the day what are you going to do differently by knowing your HR?

Thank you, the thing I like with heart rate is that I can monitor my progress easily. In most of the plans I pick a VDOT or current pace based on a race I did 3 months ago and don't change the pace for 18 weeks like I don't progress or don't know if I should/can change and to what pace.

Any solution?

gry wrote:

Thank you, the thing I like with heart rate is that I can monitor my progress easily. In most of the plans I pick a VDOT or current pace based on a race I did 3 months ago and don't change the pace for 18 weeks like I don't progress or don't know if I should/can change and to what pace.

Any solution?

Move up a vdot every 6-8 wks or so, when the paces get easier to hit. Personally, JD is king for me. I did 2:48 last year on 50-55miles/wk average over 20 wks.

Thank you.

Pace always feel on the easier side for me, especially easy pace so I'll see.

Congrats on your 2:48 at 50-55 miles avg, this is impressive.

gry wrote:

Thank you.

Pace always feel on the easier side for me, especially easy pace so I'll see.

Congrats on your 2:48 at 50-55 miles avg, this is impressive.

That's funny. Exact opposite to me (not E, that's easy). But my aerobic base is far greater than my speed, so suffer immensely on 5k, 10k work. I rather run 3x5k at marathon speed than 6x1mile@10k speed.

Since you seem to lag in aerobic capacity, I would recommend training for an october half. But the training for that race should be based on loads of long threshold work and long marathon sessions, not on your natural ability to run fast. Skip all 5k, 10k speed and expand your aerobicity. Throw in some strides 2-3 times a week not to lose all your speed. Come october, you'll have a good base going into a marathon training schedule.

It's just a suggestion, take it or leave it :)

Fast twitchers suffer badly come marathon day if they don't pay attention to developing their stamina.

I think that is very sound, thank you. i'll focus on the half from high mileage. I don't think I am a fast twitch (I know my results seem to go that way) but I might just really like aerobic capacity.

Now I have to find a half to train for.