Is it possible for a person who has been running for 10 years off of 50-60 miles per week and has run right at 15 minutes have a realistic shot at making the trials time?Or is that really just a pipe dream that would be foolish to undertake.I have reached the point in life in which I am either going to give up competitive runnning or do whatever it takes to make 2:22.
Sure it is possible. If you aren't trying to be at 2:22 this year, then move up to 75-85 miles per week and hold that for a few months. Include a balance of long intervals, long fartleks, hills, fast distance runs, and races. Once you can handle that, you can make a determination about what is possible. You current training of just 55-60 miles per week limits your perception. If you think you can do it, then become a marathoner and do marathon workouts in cycles of 3-4 months, alternating with 10km training in equal cycles.
Lack of speed over short distances doesn't limit you from doing well over long distances as many would have you believe. I figure the minimum speed you need to run a 2:22 marathon is 30:45 for 10km or 14:47 for 5km; if you have natural endurance ability and go run long distances without a problem.
My opinion: Regrets eat you up. Go for it. Tinman
I never heard of Michael Harrison breaking 15 min for a 5k. And at the time he had never gone under 1:10 for a half. But somehow he was able to run for one time in his life a 2:19:58 marathon.
2:22? I'd think a set of testicles is about all that is necessary as high school boys break 2:22 in the 800 all the time. Hell, that is a pretty shitty goal. Try breaking 2:00 or something.
If your 5km PR is 15;00 (faster than mine) I think that you should aim for 2;19, not 2;22.
Focus on long tempos, 10miles, 16 miles, 20 miles.
Do some long run (comfortable steady pace) 24-30 miles to toughen up your legs for the long races.
All the best to you.
Jason
My PRs are 15:12 and 31:36 and I have run 2:22. You just have to make the decision to do it. Then get your mileage up and start there. Good luck.
Thanks for the advice everyone.I don't know if it possible for me to do it.But I am going to give it a shot.I have 4 years to try and get a 2:22.Do you think it is wise to start training for a marathon now like Chicago?My first goal would be to run sub 2:30.Then take it down little by little.Or is it better to try and get my mileage up and work on my 5/10k time?
I've never run a marathon before, but I knew a guy who ran 2:17. I haven't been running that much for about six months or so, so I really haven't been running with any other runners and I have vague memories of his PRs. I don't remember all of his PRs at distances x,y,z. I remember his 5K PR was 14minutes something. Regardless of what his 5K PR was, he was an accomplished runner at distances a mile or greater. Keep in mind, he competitively ran for four years in high school and college. So, he didn't just start averaging 100+miles/week after he decided that he wanted to run a marathon. I've never run more than 70miles/week, but I thought his DEDICATION LEVEL was on a TOTALLY DIFFERENT LEVEL than mine. How much dedication do you have and how much talent do you have? That's what you have to consider before you set a PR of q:wx for the marathon. These observations are just based on the people I know. I have heard it is physically possible to be a world class marathoner and run 70miles/week to 90miles/week.
Personally I would run a Marathon this year. The Marathon experience is one that needs to be experienced for many before you can really start going after it. My first one was a 2:41 where I had to stop and walk several times in the last 6 miles.
The marathon is a thing that you need to commit to full time.Especially if you want to run a time like 2:22.I would go out and do Chicago and learn from your mistakes.
Chicago is a fast course, but only for people who run great in cold conditions.
Personally, I dont run well in cold weather at all.
Make your first marathon a fun one, aim for 2;27 or so, just to get a feel for the event.
Go to BERLIN and have fun.
Jason
Miles and Miles.... the last I saw you stopped or walked in all but 1 or 2 of every marathon you've ever run....wtf?
I have walked in ONE Marathon that I have finished and that was my first, so blow me. I have a few DNFs but anyone that is trying to run good times is going to have them. Is there a point for me to finish Marathons at like 3 hours when I am having a bad day? I have finished like 7 Marathons without walking and have done OK for myself. Have you done better?