marathon pace training run- effort level?

Training Advice/Discussion Marathon

15 years ago 08/22/2008 12:04am EDT

I was hoping that some more experienced marathoners could tell me what my marathon pace effort level indicates in my training.

Sorry, no pics.

I did an 8 mile run about 10 seconds faster per mile than MP today and previously have done other similar runs at MP. I feel strong and in control the whole way, but also feel that I am pushing pretty hard. It definitely feels more like a long tempo run than a pace that I could sustain for another 18 miles.

I've heard that some people have trouble running MP during training because they're tired out, but after a taper do fine in the marathon. I didn't have trouble, but I expected just 8 miles to feel a lot easier. I definitely don't want the first 8 miles of the actual marathon to feel that hard.

Should I be concerned that maybe my goal pace is too ambitious? How hard should MP feel in the middle of training? I know it's a subjective question, but any advice would be appreciated.

15 years ago 08/22/2008 12:35am EDT

re: yetanotherchick

Sounds about right to me. If you're fatigued from the miles and workouts, even if you're used to the fatigue and not aware of it, it really does make a big difference. The taper helps a lot, being in a race helps a lot too. And 10 seconds faster per mile is a much bigger difference at MP than at slower paces.

Sounds to me like you're in the right ballpark assuming you've trained well in other respects. If so, you'll be amazed at how slow and easy your MP feels during the first half of the race. It better, anyway!

P.S. It feels like a long tempo run because that's what it is.

15 years ago 08/22/2008 12:57am EDT

re: yetanotherchick

If you're well trained, then marathon pace is going to be about 20 seconds per mile slower than half marathon pace. So you're running 8 miles right in between half marathon and marathon pace. That isn't easy.

In place of these 8 milers, I'd suggest going slightly longer (10-12 miles) at a few seconds per mile slower than marathon pace. During these runs, allow your pace to slightly increase as the run goes on, so that you're running marathon pace (or slightly faster) for the last two or three miles. If such a run feels hard, then it might be time to adjust your goal pace a bit.

15 years ago 08/22/2008 8:13am EDT

re: Trollie McSockpuppet

While I was running, I didn't feel like I could easily run 10 seconds/mile slower. I felt that if I slowed (and pushed the pace less), I would lose momentum and settle into an easy run pace.

I am not really well trained and am not sure how fast my HM pace is right now. After being relatively out of shape, I decided to build mileage and run a conservatively paced marathon. (By out of shape I mean I had no trouble jogging up to 10 miles, but my weekly mileage was low and inconsistent and I didn't have race speed.) I am running a half before doing the full. Should I try to race it and see where my fitness is, or should I run it at MP and experience what that pace feels like in a race?

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

marathon pace training run- effort level?

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

marathon pace training run- effort level?

Follow yetanotherchick

Block yetanotherchick

Follow yetanotherchick

Block yetanotherchick

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.