I ran 2:37 on 35 MPW. I understand why many people enjoy running rather than training to race.
Bro how tf did you do that, I ran 2:36 averaging probably 80 mile weeks maxing out at 105 and doing a hard tempo and hard long run each week. Did I waste my time or am I just slow ??
Context. For all we know he has been running for many years and has done many marathons in the past, so he has lifetime mileage and experience in the bank. He could also be lying. Some people also seem to be good at the marathon in particular. For example I have a follower who has ran 2:53 but only 38:19 in the 10k, whereas I have run 2:59 and 36:29.
I tend towards some people just being naturally gifted.
My fastest friend is a sub 3hr guy. But he did that in 40-50mpw training. I cant get anywhere near that no matter how many 50 mile weeks I put in!
I'm a better bike rider than him. (Should be given the amount of hours I've spent in the saddle!) Same for Swimming. But he has an uncanny ability to tolerate pain. He's mentally a lot stronger than me when it comes to endurance.
We end up being fairly similar on those 2 disciplines.
Conversely, I have another friend whose recently been targeting sub20min. He's now around 18m30ish. I reckon given a good 6 months of focus, I could get pretty close to/potentially beat him.
I just prefer the challenge of the longer distance. Horses for courses. If you're out there doing it, who cares if you prefer 1 distance over the other. Still beating all the larger people on their sofas eating!
I get the 25 mile weeks. Lotta these ppl are mid 30’s with kids and jobs and have no time.
then they choose to “run” a marathon. It’s like clockwork: blow up at mile 18, blame something, and get injured at least twice a year.
Why? Just run a 5k?
Here's a question.......are runners who also participated in team sports less likely to post bitter, narcissistic posts about runners they are faster than?
Uh, dude, the 5k is like the most casual distance. It's like all the fun run distances.
The thing is your average hobby jogger will run 20-25 miles and jump into a 5k. When they train for a marathon they still only run 20-25 miles and walk/jog it and pretend they made the Olympics.
Uh, dude, the 5k is like the most casual distance. It's like all the fun run distances.
The thing is your average hobby jogger will run 20-25 miles and jump into a 5k. When they train for a marathon they still only run 20-25 miles and walk/jog it and pretend they made the Olympics.
I’m talking specifically about the people who get the 13.1 and 26.2 stickers on their car
OP here: I’ve legit changed my view here. I want those running marathons on 20 mile weeks to have fun. Love the responses here. I fully deserve the bashing I’ve gotten.
OP here: I’ve legit changed my view here. I want those running marathons on 20 mile weeks to have fun. Love the responses here. I fully deserve the bashing I’ve gotten.
run what you got. And love doing it.
sincerely,
OP
What a breath of fresh air on this forum. The norm around here to keep endlessly squabbling never ceding your stance. :)
While I have no interest in running a 4 hour marathon on 25 miles a week, I'm sure the people doing that have no interest in running a 17min 5k on 45 miles a week, which is what I do.
Either way, we're both just hobby joggers doing what we enjoy. Neither of us is competitive and no one besides us cares about how we do in our respective races.
The marathon is a weird event. For whatever reason, large chunks of the population think that "running" 26.2 miles makes one a serious runner. Lots just want to check a marathon off the bucket list.
I wanted to check it off the list, but I never thought it made me a serious runner. I just wanted to try one.
I have 2 kids under 2 and a crazy job/life. Former D1 runner about 13 years ago and now just run for stress-relief.
I'm doing about 30 miles/week and running a marathon in a few months. I do one workout a week and a sunday long run. The rest of the days I just try to get out there. Probably in 19 min. 5k shape right now, aiming for 3.30. Honestly just doing the marathon for the scenery (doing a super scenic one out in the rockies) and seeing if i can finish it. Taking a week off and staying in the mountains afterwards.
I don't look at it as some massive goal or achievement, just doing it for fun and excuse to push myself a bit. If I feel like sh*t, I'll just stop and get a ride into town and enjoy a beer. I have zero expectations of myself other than making it to the start line.
I have 2 kids under 2 and a crazy job/life. Former D1 runner about 13 years ago and now just run for stress-relief.
I'm doing about 30 miles/week and running a marathon in a few months. I do one workout a week and a sunday long run. The rest of the days I just try to get out there. Probably in 19 min. 5k shape right now, aiming for 3.30.
On a "normal" course, you'd be well under 3 hours. At 57, I decided to run a marathon only seven weeks before the race. Bumped my mileage from 10 mpw to 30, mostly by adding a long run. Never ran on consecutive days. Still managed 3:26 with slightly negative splits. That "age grades" to 2:53.
It had been 14 years since I had raced at all. Not much latent talent, either. Never broke 34:00 for 10K as a youth. Or 16 for 5K, or 2:40 for a marathon.
At 62 now, I have a similar training plan for a marathon in seven weeks. Hit 32 miles last week, three runs (7, 4, 21). I'm much slower now, though. Will be happy with 3:45.
Enjoy your marathon. Sounds scenic and fun. My wife and I ran Big Sur 20 years ago. Gorgeous! Challenging, but your mountain course sounds more so. Good luck.
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