Sub 3 marathon?

Training Advice/Discussion

registered

5 years ago 09/26/2018 12:58am EDT

Hi all was looking for some advice as to what time I should target in my upcoming marathon (28th Oct) My original target was to go for 3:05-3:08 based on my HM pb of 1:25:30 and about 45-50 miles per week. Training has gone much better than expected and I have averaged more like 55-60 MPW, a couple of weeks ago I race a HM and stunned myself by getting a new PB of 1:21:52, as such I was wondering if I should be targeting sub 3? I am slightly concerned I wouldn't have done enough training at MP but I have been pretty happy with my long runs (five 20-22 milers a couple of those done with a fast finish)

5 years ago 09/26/2018 3:04am EDT

re: Tmc1984

It all depends on how you are as a runner I would say. I know people that do 1.21 half and can not break 3 in the marathon as they always break down in the last 10k of the marathon. Then I know other people that go under 3 on 1.24 half marathon times.

Your mileage is fine. That should easily take you under 3. For me, I broke 3 on a 1.23 half, but I had a lot of M pace workouts and I tend to not break down in marathon and keep my pace. In my eyes a 1.21 half equals a 2.50-51 marathon if you've done the right work. That's exactly what I'm aiming for in 3 wks. I did 1.21.23 in the half last week .

You still have time to test your ability. Do a big workout like this: 2h really slow (no faster than 8:00 mile), then add 10k marathon speed (6:30-6:40). That should mimick how your body react in the end of the marathon. I've done 5 of those in the last 10wks. it's a tough workout but it's really good. You need to do it now though as it's getting close to the race. If you can sustain 6:30-6:40, stick with that in the race and you should most def get under 3.

Good luck!

5 years ago 09/26/2018 6:06am EDT

re: Tmc1984

Tmc1984 wrote:
Hi all was looking for some advice as to what time I should target in my upcoming marathon (28th Oct) My original target was to go for 3:05-3:08 based on my HM pb of 1:25:30 and about 45-50 miles per week. Training has gone much better than expected and I have averaged more like 55-60 MPW, a couple of weeks ago I race a HM and stunned myself by getting a new PB of 1:21:52, as such I was wondering if I should be targeting sub 3? I am slightly concerned I wouldn't have done enough training at MP but I have been pretty happy with my long runs (five 20-22 milers a couple of those done with a fast finish)

Tough to say... With your Half PR of 1:22, and the same training mileage, I'd run 2:50 marathon, easy... My half PR is 1:27, my marathon PR is 2:59, 4 months apart... But I'm a slow twitch MF aerobic machine;) I run ultras, too, so I'm used, physically and mentally, to marathon grind outs.

Just try to go for sub-3:00, if you never did before. Start out at 6:45-50 MP and see how you feel after 15-20 miles, re-evaluate from there... Better be a little conservative than blow out and not finish, that'd be my advice...

5 years ago 09/26/2018 6:53am EDT

re: Tmc1984

It really depends of your endurance.

I ran a 1:19:20 in march but barely run a sub 3 marathon (2h58) 4 weeks later. I really struggle to maintain a decent pace in the last 10k. So I think you're doing the right thing by doing long run with fast finishes.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Sub 3 marathon?

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Sub 3 marathon?

Follow Tmc1984

Block Tmc1984

Follow KawauchiFTW

Block KawauchiFTW

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.