should I run the whole??

Start at the back of the marathon and take your time

crossing the mat. At 2 miles go in the bushes and get on your bike. If the RD is paying you 2 grand to run 2:54,

you better hit another couple of mats before you take in a

movie.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE- I am consumed with this!

You just said you ran 15 today. That's plenty enough and you will be fine?

You know how I know? I got injured before my first marathon 2 months prior. My last long run was a 16 miler in August, and I raced in November after a 2 month break and a single week of 20 miles, with a 10 mile long run last minute "test".

The marathon experience was awesome. So do it. Better be 10% undertrained than 1% overtrained anyway, and you're there.

My advice: run some good intensity but lower volume in the final 3 weeks, emphasizing couple of MP runs.

Good luck to you and don't worry about missing some long runs. Your body does not need to stick to a schedule. And Grete Waitz ran a world record marathon w/o running more than 13 miles ever prior to it, so trust me you ok. Just don't reinjure yourself before the start.

I hurt my foot about five weeks out from Boston this year. I had very little running between then and Boston, but had a decent base before that and I stayed in shape on the bike.

Boston went well for me, but my legs were totally trashed afterwards and I had to come back to running gradually. I'm glad that I did it. You sound like you are much better off than I was, so go ahead. If your IT band flares though, just STOP!

You dont mention how many times per week you ran nor what your weekly mileage was. You seem to be overly concerned with long runs. Long runs are OK if you have the base for them meaning you may not be ready for that kind of pressure if you are running puny mileage otherwise and you may be setting yourself up for an overuse injury.

I use the FIT method: 1. Frequency, 2. Intensity, 3. Time. Of these 3 factors, Frequency is the most important. Can you average 7 runs/week? 10? 14? Time is next, thats the one you're worried about but you're not going anywhere in the marathon without doubling often during the week. Intensity is of little importance in marathon training; its icing on the cake. Tennis, spin, pilates, etc. dont count. Specific weight training helps. Read Running Anatomy for running specifics.

I would try to run doubles every day for several months for at least one hour each, then work your way up to the long stuff but do it slowly and carefully. I really dont think you need the long runs. Rosa Mota never trained longer than 90 mins. in her life. There are many other examples. The key is frequency.

Frequency is not actually the common factor for most people. If I were to run 10-14 times a week- the only thing that would make me is foolish? I run 3-4 times a week, one interval/speed, one pace and one long- averaging about 40 miles a week in the past few weeks.

Over the years, I have learned that I HAVE to run every other day or I tend to have knee issues. Hence all of the cross-training- which can hardly not be "counted" as you say.

Have you ever played singles tennis for 3 hours or done an intense hour long spinning class- how about pilates strength training? This is all key to fitness and training-I am a well rounded athlete.

Really? Run two hours every day for several months to build up endurance? I don't understand that-why would I not be going anywhere without doubles often? Is running 20 miles in under 3 hours not "going anywhere"?

Thanks for the info- just wanted to confirm what I thought- and you did!

Well, Patricia. Sounds like you already have it all figured out. Clearly cross training, pilates, and running only 4x per week is the best way to an excellent "whole" marathon. Oh, and don't forget a disproportionately-long long run.

Wait, if that's such perfect prep... how'd you end up with ITB pain?

clearly I am not the perfect iron man that you are-it band injury is the most common amongst runners seasoned as well as beginner.

Maybe if I just get more of an attitude and don't have any life or exercise outside of running then I'll be as good as you are...or think you are-

Wow- just asked for some advice- not a "put down" of what I am "NOT" and "NOT" doing good enough...

you should be posting these questions on runner's world. you're on the wrong site.