Am I improving by running this much mileage but pretty slowly?

Training Advice/Discussion Marathon

5 years ago 07/16/2018 11:14am EDT

So the past few weeks I've been running pretty crazy mileage (for me). My most recent race was in May where I ran a 1:31 half marathon.

Since then I've been just running casually without workouts or strides. My past few weeks were:

72 miles (8:32 min/mile avg)

75 miles (8:15 min/mile avg)

87 miles (8:17 min/mile avg)

86 miles (8:17 min/mile avg)

100 miles (8:47 min/mile avg)

103 miles (8:52 min/mile avg)

117 miles (8:55 min/mile avg)

My legs feel pretty good to be honest. I think my body has great resiliency - I sleep a lot and eat enough to be losing weight steadily but still being able to recover.

Hypothetically, if I kept doing around this mileage at this pace, could I run a 3hr marathon?

5 years ago 07/16/2018 6:25pm EDT

re: lightng

5 years ago 07/16/2018 6:42pm EDT

re: lightng

Curious to see the replies on this as I was going to ask a question similar to the OP. I'm running 90-100 mpw, between 7:50/mile and 8:30/mile. In similar shape as OP, (1:27:05 half).

5 years ago 07/16/2018 7:55pm EDT

re: lightng

5 years ago 07/16/2018 7:59pm EDT

re: lightng

Of course you are. Americans did better in the 70s compared to the 90s. Quantity is quality.

5 years ago 07/16/2018 7:59pm EDT

re: lightng

Replying to both of you

You both actually sound like you are running that mileage too fast for that amount of mileage, given your prs, to me.

If tinman were coaching you, you'd probably only be running 40 miles a week and your easy mileage would be around 9 minute pace.

5 years ago 07/16/2018 8:01pm EDT

re: The a obvious Answer

To add, having looked at your mileage progression, I think you are probably risking injury right now.

Maybe take an easy week then start running 80-90 mpw but include a workout once or twice a week. Do that for 6 or 7 weeks, then taper and race and I think you will be pleasently surprised with the results.

Having said that, I find that increasing mileage has benefits in the longer term, so it might be your next training cycle where you see really big improvements.

5 years ago 07/16/2018 8:30pm EDT

re: The Obvious Answer

From 86 to 117 in just a few weeks is just plain crazy. Good that you slowed the pace down at least.

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