Hi all,
I've recently registered for my first marathon and feel that I'm in need of some advice. I've been an active runner for a few years but have never followed any proper training plan. I typically run about 35-40 miles a week with a 10 miler once a week and five 5-6 milers on the other days. In these runs I follow no real strategy other than go at a quick pace that feels good (typically about 6:15 per mile regardless of distance). Through this rather haphazard training I've managed to become an okay half-marathoner with a PR of 1:19:30. That said, now that I’ve decided to go for a full marathon I feel that my training plan needs to be made more serious.
I would very much appreciate advice on:
1. Mileage levels. I understand that I’ll need to up my mileage considerably, but what is a reasonable schedule for increasing mileage and how should I break it up over the course of the week?
2. Training strategies. In terms of fast vs slow days, and whether I should look to utilize intervals?
3. General tips that may help me with my goal of breaking 2:55.
I understand that a 2:55 is a very ambitious goal for somebody who has never ran a marathon before (and especially one who typically doesn’t run that far of distances). That said, I’ve never had any injury issues, am a 25 year old male who tends to recover quite quickly, and have six months until the race (Amsterdam marathon in October).
Many thanks for your help!