Back to back marathons in 7 days

Training Advice/Discussion Marathon

3 years ago 10/01/2020 5:23am EDT

Last week I ran a full effort marathon. Weather was terrible (18+mph) wind, and I brought home a 2:47.

I don't think I could have done more in those conditions, but I believe with less wind I could have gone very close to 2:40.

However, I'm recovering fairly well and I carried on doing 35/40 minutes jog every day this week.

Next weekend I have a place for another marathon, and the weather looks fine. I'm very tempted to get there and run a just-sub-3 for fun.

What's your experience/advice on back to back marathons? Is a 2:58 target too ambitious after 7 days?

3 years ago 10/01/2020 5:31am EDT

re: backtobackmaybe

You have to know your body very well.

If you feel that your legs are recovered enough, then a 2:58 should be pretty easy, just maybe a bit sore.

3 years ago 10/01/2020 7:19am EDT

re: K2

Yeah, you know your body. Totally your call if you're feeling good. The body did take a pounding even if you're feeling good. The easy running might not be doing you any favors. It's always nice to just take a quick reset even if it's a couple of days up to 2 weeks after a race and then ease back into training. I've been guilty in the past of not doing that & it catches up to you.

If you think you have a PR in you it might be better to look for a different option in the 4-6 week out range. If you're not worried about time, go out & run a sub-3. I'm not sure there's a good argument to doing that, as you're just piling on fatigue. Gotta do you & do what makes you happy tho. Race if you want to!

3 years ago 10/01/2020 11:20am EDT

re: backtobackmaybe

backtobackmaybe wrote:
Last week I ran a full effort marathon. Weather was terrible (18+mph) wind, and I brought home a 2:47.
I don't think I could have done more in those conditions, but I believe with less wind I could have gone very close to 2:40.
However, I'm recovering fairly well and I carried on doing 35/40 minutes jog every day this week.
Next weekend I have a place for another marathon, and the weather looks fine. I'm very tempted to get there and run a just-sub-3 for fun.
What's your experience/advice on back to back marathons? Is a 2:58 target too ambitious after 7 days?

Terrible idea. Almost everyone feels invincible when they are young ... think they can handle anything. But a marathon (even run “slowly”) is hard on your body. You might not notice it immediately, but it will shorten your “competitive” running “career” in the end.

3 years ago 10/01/2020 11:26am EDT

re: why cannot I post

why cannot I post wrote:
You might not notice it immediately, but it will shorten your “competitive” running “career” in the end.

No it won't.

Stress fractures and ITband syndrome only takes a few weeks to heal. I did that 17 years ago when I was 38. I'm 55 now and running more than ever.

3 years ago 10/02/2020 1:04am EDT

re: backtobackmaybe

A few years ago at age 43 I ran St George then Chicago 8 days apart. I ran St George in 3:32 (PR at the time) and Chicago in just under3:39. Great combo of Chicago being a great course and weather was perfect for both.

I’m not even a high mileage runner, at the time I prob averaged 30 miles a week max. Totally doable.

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