I just ran a marathon that I trained 18 weeks for, and it did not go as-planned. I ran 2:58 in my first marathon in March and just ran almost 10 minutes slower despite an 18 week build averaging 90 MPW (previous marathon build was 70 MPW).
Here is some info about the training build:
- I mostly followed Pfitz 18/85, but got rid of the medium long runs and focused on speed work during the last 4 weeks pre-taper. I felt tired during this block, but chalked that-up to this being how I should fell, and completed all workouts.
- I peaked at the high 90's in MPW for ~10 weeks.
- I followed the Pfitz long runs, and my peak MP run was 20 miles at 12 MP (6:35 min/mile)
- My last big workout was 2x10k at threshold 2 weeks-out (averaged 6:45 min/mile, legs felt a bit tired during the second 10k, but I chalked that-up to training fatigue).
- My pace on the 24 mile long run was only 5 s/mile slower than my race pace, which to me suggests that something went terribly wrong with my taper or race prep.
Here is some race-specific info:
- 2-week taper - 60 miles, then 40 miles (6 days pre-race, mostly easy running)
- During the race, I went out at what I thought was my MP based on training (high 630s/low 640s)
- My legs completely blew up after mile 15, and I ended up finishing with plenty of splits around 7:45 min/mile
- Aerobically, I felt fine. I just could not keep my heart rate up due to legs of lead.
- Fueling was good. Breakfast was a cup of oatmeal and 2 pieces of bread. Had 2 Chargel, 2 packs of cliff blocks, and 1 SIS beta fuel during the race (around 210 g/carb). Most of this was front-loaded during first 1.5 hours, but my legs died during this time, so I don't think that fueling was an issue here.
My thought is that I likely overtrained and didn't taper well enough. What do you guys think? I would appreciate it, as I am new to running this year (coming from a cycling background).