Are there benchmarks I should hit in other distances first or do I just start marathon training?
Are there benchmarks I should hit in other distances first or do I just start marathon training?
waitinggg wrote:
Are there benchmarks I should hit in other distances first or do I just start marathon training?
You should already run for a couple of years.
How old are you and what distances are you racing right now?
(I know, almost nobody is racing right now :-)
Unless you are over 300 lbs.
Then you can get ready for your 7 hour marathon right now.
19, mostly 5k-10k but sometimes 1500m and 3k, I've also done 5 halfs (PR 1:27:14 from the most recent one I did, which was a solo TT in May) (I'm a girl, if that's relevant)
When comfortable going steady 2 hours on an easy run
very nice… i really like your blog…
A 1:27 half marathon is reasonably good. Especially for someone who doesn't know if they're ready to start training for a marathon.
Assuming that you have a base (you are running at least 25 miles per week, ideally 40-50), you are in a great position to start training for a marathon that is 16-20 weeks from now. Training for a marathon isn't really much different from training for a half marathon.
It depends on what you want to do in that marathon. I see no problem with building up your training distances and running a marathon for fun in 6 months or so, but I think to properly race a marathon you need a few of years of solid mileage behind you.
19 is still very young so, while I don't think it's a problem doing one, I don't think you need to be in any rush.
+1 If you've run 5 halves and have been running at least 2 years, then I'd say go for it.
Hog wrote:
When comfortable going steady 2 hours on an easy run
If you want to have a good experience the first time out and actually race a marathon instead of just surviving it, you need to have at least two years of running 30-40 mpw with two quality workouts a week and some experience racing 5k/10k. That will give your body enough pounding to have built up the muscle and soft tissue to withstand marathon training. You will also have laid a decent foundation for your cardiovascular system. As long as you set a very realistic goal for your first marathon (usually a good 10-20% slower than what race predictors will tell you), you will be able to have a good experience the first time out and set yourself up for a lot of improvement over the next few years.
elvid32 wrote:
A 1:27 half marathon is reasonably good. Especially for someone who doesn't know if they're ready to start training for a marathon.
Assuming that you have a base (you are running at least 25 miles per week, ideally 40-50), you are in a great position to start training for a marathon that is 16-20 weeks from now. Training for a marathon isn't really much different from training for a half marathon.
I second this.
You could do a couple more years in the 10k/ HM range to get faster first. But if you just want to do a Marathon you can do it next spring if Covid allows some races.
I always recommend reading a Marathon training book, but I also know that you younger people are not into reading much anymore. But having a grasp on what Marathon training or training in general is about, will set you up for a good running life.
I actually like reading, are there any specific marathon books you would recommend?
Read Pfitzinger's book, Advanced Marathoning. It's much more focused on the distance than other training guides. Also, Matt Fitzgerald's books on nutrition for marathon racing are worth a read.
Once races start again, line up according to your correct corral, then once the marathon starts, you too will start.
waitinggg wrote:
19, mostly 5k-10k but sometimes 1500m and 3k, I've also done 5 halfs (PR 1:27:14 from the most recent one I did, which was a solo TT in May) (I'm a girl, if that's relevant)
there aren't any real benchmarks but lifetime mileage can be a huge indicator of success. your marathon potential is going to be faster the higher your weekly mileage is. so if you're newer to running or just run generally low mileage it might be worth it to take the time to consistently get up to maybe 40-60 miles/week (the more the better). if you want to enjoy your marathon experience, having a big base & being able to crush long runs are huge.
I would also say it gets a little harder to go back to the shorter stuff once you decide on the marathon. you're only 19 & you have a 1:27-low 1/2 marathon PR. Why not spend a few years and train for the mile-10k? You could very well wind up fast enough to chase an OTQ.
waitinggg wrote:
19, mostly 5k-10k but sometimes 1500m and 3k, I've also done 5 halfs (PR 1:27:14 from the most recent one I did, which was a solo TT in May) (I'm a girl, if that's relevant)
Go for it! 1:27 half as a solo TT for a 19 year old female - cruising.
Gradually step your milage up then bring in some quality. Pick a target race and go for it. Assuming we ever get back to normality, go for something big for a first race - Chicago, NYC, Etc. Not only does the extra support help, but so do fans and crowds, especially in the "bonk zone" with 10k to go.