How hard is to run sub 2:35 in a marathon?

Given your 10k PB you should be able to run around 2:33 and, if you really were in 32:xx shape, you could aim for sub 2:30 time. Losing weight will be probably painful at the beginning but will come out naturally during those 100 miles weeks. The real issue is whether you’ll be able to sustain the train load required by your program given that it’s the first time and passing from 120km weeks to 100 miles weeks isn’t so trivial

old master wrote:

Given your 10k PB you should be able to run around 2:33 and, if you really were in 32:xx shape, you could aim for sub 2:30 time. Losing weight will be probably painful at the beginning but will come out naturally during those 100 miles weeks. The real issue is whether you’ll be able to sustain the train load required by your program given that it’s the first time and passing from 120km weeks to 100 miles weeks isn’t so trivial

Of course he has the potential to run 2h35 but losing 25 pounds isn’t so easy as you said. The first marathon is always very hard to judge because we don’t know how his body could react, but he seems a slow twitch type given his PBs on 5k and 10k

45 Texan brum wrote:

Of course he has the potential to run 2h35 but losing 25 pounds isn’t so easy as you said. The first marathon is always very hard to judge because we don’t know how his body could react, but he seems a slow twitch type given his PBs on 5k and 10k

I’m not really interested in losing 25 pounds but more interested in 16-20 pounds (8-9kg).I don’t check often my weight but I think I’ve already lost 2-3 pounds.

Yes I’m kind of a slow guy with not incredible basic speed.

I'm not going to say that 2:35 is impossible for you this April, but I think it is highly unlikely.

I like your ambition and you have a considerable amount of time to train yet. But this will be your first marathon and your other PRs aren't equal to a 2:35 full, especially given a history of low volume.

If you were a 30 minute 10k guy getting back into the swing of things, I'd say maybe, but it's doubtful that you'll be able to boost your mileage that much without a few setbacks. Better to shoot for a 2:45 or so and actually do it, rather than pushing the envelope too much, getting burned out/hurt, and never even completing it. Both times are nothing to sneeze at, especially for a first attempt.

Mojo Sam wrote:

I'm not going to say that 2:35 is impossible for you this April, but I think it is highly unlikely.

I like your ambition and you have a considerable amount of time to train yet. But this will be your first marathon and your other PRs aren't equal to a 2:35 full, especially given a history of low volume.

If you were a 30 minute 10k guy getting back into the swing of things, I'd say maybe, but it's doubtful that you'll be able to boost your mileage that much without a few setbacks. Better to shoot for a 2:45 or so and actually do it, rather than pushing the envelope too much, getting burned out/hurt, and never even completing it. Both times are nothing to sneeze at, especially for a first attempt.

Agreed. With some marathon experience, you're likely just on the cusp. With no previous marathons under your belt, you may squeak under 2:50 or DNF. Not being a jerk, but I've coached enough to know that with eight months to go, you're better feigning an injury to get our of your bet if that's possible.

I heard this would be a pretty good marathon to PR on:

http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=5982670

It's supposed to be a pretty fast course.

I know it could look like an ambitious goal. At the moment my greatest fear is to get injured because of the weight, but I’ve always be an injury free type. Moreover I’m still quite young (just out of college!)

Regarding 2:50 marathon it looks like too high: I’m looking on my records for last autumn and I see a 35K long run completed in 2h16’04 and I remember I was quite fresh in the end. Pushing the last 7.2K in 28:30-29:00 it is a 2:44-45 marathon done on trail during training. So inside I already feel like a 2:40 marathoner!

Anyway, I will try to go for a 2:35 recognizing that it is ambitious and possibly change plans on the go

Can someone point out threads or discussions of people able to run under 2:35 and possibly talking about their training?

Thank you

coming back wrote:

Can someone point out threads or discussions of people able to run under 2:35 and possibly talking about their training?

Thank you

This guy is going for a 2.12 but there is some solid training ideas in this thread.

I happened to run 2:35 for my debut, although it was a long-long time ago.

8 months away? like one of the posters above said, it's possible but going to be tough considering your low mileage an need for weight loss. Start cross training right away to supplement your running and take off that 25 lbs by the end of the year.

In the year or so before I did it, I was in about 33:20 shape 12-14 months ahead, doing 60-70 mpw. Then I moved and had about 4 months at 40-50 mpw, then upped it for a 8-10 weeks at 60-70 mpw again and ran 1:13 for debut half marathon. Slacked a bit over winter at 40-50 for a few months plus a little cross training. Got focused about 3 months out from the marathon and had 10 weeks or so at 60-75 mpw. PRd with sub 33 10K two weeks out and ran 2:35.

Thank you, really helpful and inspiring. What do you suggest for cross training? 2hrs bike during easy days?

I ran a self-timed 2:01 marathon off of 70mpw and shorter PRs much like yours. So sub-2:35 shouldn't be that hard.

I ran 2:29:52. I was running around 90 per week. 10 mile runs during the week at a moderate pace. Once or twice some intervals on the track. But the most important run was the long runs on the weekend. Alternating between 13-15 one weekend then 18-20 the next.

Its all about getting your body used to over two hours worth of running.

I ran 31:45, and was in good shape when I ran 2:30:47.

It literally takes the right time to peak. for instance, when you put so much emphasis on running a particular race, you can become overwhelmed. What if you are not fit when that race comes along?

Why not race when you feel fit?

That makes more sense.

For me there seems to be a few too many variables that could effect this sub 2:35 attempt........Not that it can't be done. Anyone who can run 32:XX should break 2:35 with ease provided they have done a proper marathon specific build up.

What worries me is the lack of aerobic base right now paired with the need to drop 20 pounds. Now April is a long time away and if your one of these guys who can jump right into decent volume you may have a shot.

I'm also rather concerned about your half marathon PB...granted if you were in true 32 minute shape I'd expect you to be able to run 71 mid - 72 low for a half if you do sufficient threshold work.

My advice which I try to tell most people who haven't reached their potential over the shorter distances would be to push this marathon for a while. Make a new bet with him to run a fast 10km/half. Get yourself back into shape, loose the weight during your base period, maybe toss in some farlek and tempo running with some solid long runs in for the first 3 months back then target a race 3-4 months from there.

Listen to the guy's who have marathon experience, I'm more of a 5km/10km guy with hopes of running a marathon when I've got a shot at sub 2:20. 14high/31flat 10km guy as of now, but listen to those posters above with the marathon experience. Don't toy with 26.2 if your not ready dude.

DaveF wrote:

I'm also rather concerned about your half marathon PB...granted if you were in true 32 minute shape I'd expect you to be able to run 71 mid - 72 low for a half if you do sufficient threshold work.

The HM PB wasn't a real PB, because I ran it for fun just to pace a friend with something like 150bpm. For instance I remember for sure I've done once in training 2x8k @3:30 pace with 1k @4:00 in the middle. Moreover people who used to run like me have HM PB of 1h13

BUMP

Did you ever achieve your goal?

Doubtful, 2:35 marathons don't grow on trees.

However, we need to stop thinking 2:35 is such a big deal. If this were the 80s, 2:35 wouldn't win ANY marathon. Now, it'll win many in major cities.

We should have a thread just for comeback attempts, followed up by a "whatever happened to" post. I've seen a few of these where a former collegiate runner gets ambitious after being out of shape, maybe posts how well things are progressing for a few weeks. And then radio silence.