I don't want any lectures on how running a marathon on low mileage is a joke and not taking the event seriously blabla - I know I am not respecting the event or taking it seriously in my initial question. However, I run around 30-40 miles per week (with about 3 more hours of cross training per week through swimming or biking), and have gone sub 17 5k, sub 35 10k, sub 80 half. I have the opportunity to run a marathon in a little under 6 weeks time. and want to know what people think I can realistically achieve.
I will continue to run around 40mpw (this might naturally go up to about 50ish as my long run becomes longer) and do a couple ( 2 or 3) long runs of around 20 miles (give or take a couple). And I intend to keep a relatively similar(meaning if people can suggest some tweeks that may be helpful) training program to what I do now which is
1) 1 session of cruise intervals (5.50pace) or 8-10 mile tempo at 6.10 ish.
2) 5k or 10k speed work (km reps or mile reps)
3) One long run around 7.00 - 7.15 pace (currently about 12 miles as I focus mainly on 10ks, but ill extend this)
the rest is just filer if I get any time
Is a 2.55 possible? or at worst sub 3? I have no interest in going along to run 8 min miles. Its either try hard from start, or don't bother.
Only productive opinions please, I possibly have a place in a marathon and want some genuine advice on whether I should take up the offer - that's all.
p.s. I have run 2.56 in past (but this was preparing over a period of 3 months with 5/6 good long runs, but still only on around 45 mpw).
Thank you for your thoughts.