Marathon Pace?

Training Advice/Discussion Marathon

15 years ago 05/06/2008 6:56am EDT

I have a question about what pace I should run my upcoming marathon in. I'm running the Cleveland Marathon in two weeks. It will be my 5th marathon. My current PR is a 3:36. I followed the Pfitz 18/70 quite closely except I had limit my mileage a little during some weeks because of work commitments. I feel though that I'm the most trained and healthy heading into this marathon!

I would LOVE to go for a 3:20 (I know this is pedestrian to most on this board) but I'm afraid that if I start at this pace I'll blow up around 20 miles. I had a bad experience two years ago in Vermont when I went out way too fast (thinking I was more fit than I was) and completely fell apart.

Here are some key workout times during this buildup to give you some background for your advice...

14M run @ 7:18 Pace (Supposed to be a MGP run but I felt good so it was a little quicker than planned.)

6 Mile tempo run @ 6:56 pace.

20 Mile run with the last 15M @ 7:35 pace.

6x1200 Vo2Max workout-Each 1200 was between 4:40-4:50.

10 Mile Race-70:02 (Very hilly)

5 Mile Time Trial-32:58

Hopefully that gives you some background to base a decision. Thank you for your help in advising me on my marathon goal pace.

15 years ago 05/06/2008 7:02am EDT

re: asicsguy80

15 years ago 05/06/2008 7:24am EDT

re: nsp

Thanks, so in order to best run a particular goal time should I just run even splits from the gun to the finish?

Thanks for any advice!

15 years ago 05/06/2008 9:02am EDT

re: asicsguy80

Based on the 10 mile race you have a shot at 3:20 IF you are properly trained and equally talented for the marathon.

As I see it, your options are to go for broke and try to run 3:20 pace from the beginning or go out a little slower and see if you can run negative splits. If you can't run negative splits, you'll probably still run a decent time, whereas if you go for broke you might run 3:20 or you might blow up and run quite a bit slower. The choice is yours.

15 years ago 05/06/2008 9:54am EDT

re: asicsguy80

Your training looks similar to when I ran a 3:09, but at that time my PR was 3:15 so I can see why you might not want to jump to there from 3:36.

So, yes, 3:20 looks like a good goal. Even splits are the best idea, but maybe coming in at the half a minute or two ahead would also be OK. Try not to run any miles faster than 7:30 and you'll be OK.

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