A number you've only topped 5 times before - 3 when you were marathon training last winter. Good jobGonna be about 147 for me after tonight's run.
My long run will be tomorrow - supposed to be 30 and light winds at 7 am tomorrow. Then kids hockey all freaking day.
Sunday it's going to be 65 here. Short run in the morning - then it's on to Super Bowl prep.
Well, I did 157 in December. But yeah, still a big increase.How is your body holding up? A 50% increase in mileage is no joke, congrats keep it up.
This is so key. Great job, GB!I'm making sure I avoid that gray zone of not running slow enough to keep it aerobic and not running fast enough to gain any anaerobic benefit.
You're gonna hate this answer - you're not there yet.More along the lines of my above post:
1) Yesterday I initially intended to just go out and run an easy few miles after our faster 10 mile run on Wednesday. But, as I got started, I felt really good and my HR was surprisingly low (low 130s) so I decided to keep it as an MAF run. As I kept on going, it was just really comfortable and the HR stayed there that I just Forrest Gump'd my plan and "I just felt like running". So I kept on going. What was going to be a 5-6 mile run turned into 11 somehow. That was not intentional at all.
2) While on that run, I started thinking about our run the day before. We still haven't technically started our marathon training, just the training to do the training. But while out there, I think we were enjoying increasing the pace with the new shoes on the snow and ultimately locked into close to MP pace and did that for 8 miles. Goal MP is 8:40 for her to BQ and we ran ~8:49 pace for those 8 miles. Which got me wondering what's a good goal to ultimately feel confident that she has a realistic shot at pulling this off. I know just finishing the 26.2 is going to be the biggest challenge never having done one before.
But, if we can do, say 12 miles at goal MP? or 14? What would be a good number to eventually aim for to say "yeah, if you can do this, you've got a good chance to hit that mark"? Because, honestly, that run wasn't that difficult for either of us. In fact, we both wanted to keep running but didn't have the time to do anymore (got a late start). I have no doubt we could have done another 3-4 miles at that pace without too much difficulty.
Or, conversely, would we benefit more from trying to do 8-10 miles at something like 10 seconds faster than MP pace?
Also, maybe and it depends.You're gonna hate this answer - you're not there yet.![]()
I don't understand, are you asking me this? If so, what do you mean?What is the peak week/monthly mileage like though?
The focus has been on accumulating volume, but how much more volume are you accumulating? I think your current MP goals may be too soft, but hesitate recommending testing those limits until you're at least within eyesight of the training volume.I don't understand, are you asking me this? If so, what do you mean?
And I know we aren't there yet. I'm not planning on going for that "goal" until at least a couple months into actual marathon training. But if that number is 12 MP miles, for example, I want to make sure we don't attempt anything like that too early if we aren't ready for it. I'm trying to think back to when you guys have done cycles and I don't think I remember ever seeing more than 12-14 miles at MP pace. Of course, things might be different for us given significantly slower pace and lack of experience ever doing 26.2.
I guess another way/reason I'm asking for it is, when you guys are training, I think the biggest thing is finding your right racing pace. For us, I worry less about the goal pace and more about the total distance.
It's hard to tell, especially for newbies like us. There is a lot of trial and error involved with this.I don't understand, are you asking me this? If so, what do you mean?
And I know we aren't there yet. I'm not planning on going for that "goal" until at least a couple months into actual marathon training. But if that number is 12 MP miles, for example, I want to make sure we don't attempt anything like that too early if we aren't ready for it. I'm trying to think back to when you guys have done cycles and I don't think I remember ever seeing more than 12-14 miles at MP pace. Of course, things might be different for us given significantly slower pace and lack of experience ever doing 26.2.
I guess another way/reason I'm asking for it is, when you guys are training, I think the biggest thing is finding your right racing pace. For us, I worry less about the goal pace and more about the total distance.
Jedi #### right here.The only thing worse than running is not running, right?
If you guys are comfortably running marathon pace before your official training even starts, that's incredibly encouraging. These days, I NEVER feel comfortable at marathon pace during training.More along the lines of my above post:
1) Yesterday I initially intended to just go out and run an easy few miles after our faster 10 mile run on Wednesday. But, as I got started, I felt really good and my HR was surprisingly low (low 130s) so I decided to keep it as an MAF run. As I kept on going, it was just really comfortable and the HR stayed there that I just Forrest Gump'd my plan and "I just felt like running". So I kept on going. What was going to be a 5-6 mile run turned into 11 somehow. That was not intentional at all.
2) While on that run, I started thinking about our run the day before. We still haven't technically started our marathon training, just the training to do the training. But while out there, I think we were enjoying increasing the pace with the new shoes on the snow and ultimately locked into close to MP pace and did that for 8 miles. Goal MP is 8:40 for her to BQ and we ran ~8:49 pace for those 8 miles. Which got me wondering what's a good goal to ultimately feel confident that she has a realistic shot at pulling this off. I know just finishing the 26.2 is going to be the biggest challenge never having done one before.
But, if we can do, say 12 miles at goal MP? or 14? What would be a good number to eventually aim for to say "yeah, if you can do this, you've got a good chance to hit that mark"? Because, honestly, that run wasn't that difficult for either of us. In fact, we both wanted to keep running but didn't have the time to do anymore (got a late start). I have no doubt we could have done another 3-4 miles at that pace without too much difficulty.
Or, conversely, would we benefit more from trying to do 8-10 miles at something like 10 seconds faster than MP pace?
My marathon training volume is going to be about the same as I'm running now (35-40mpw). The only difference will be adding speed work/tempo runs each week. Quantity same, add quality. Plan on doing this starting in about 6 weeks.The focus has been on accumulating volume, but how much more volume are you accumulating? I think your current MP goals may be too soft, but hesitate recommending testing those limits until you're at least within eyesight of the training volume.
I really like this approach, hopefully she'll be able to pick up the pace quite a bit at the end of the half.There's no chance we're going to try and run at a faster MP than needed for her to BQ. Not for our first race. The new standard for her is 3:50. If she aims for 3:47, that's 8:39 pace. If she aims for 3:45, that's 8:35 pace. It's going to be in that range. If anything, plan 8:40 for 20 miles and then let it go at the end. I've seen this movie enough times to know what happens if she goes out too fast.
That's also why I'm not trying to go crazy for the HM coming up next month. You guys all said that the HM is going to be the best predictor of her marathon time. Right now, her best time is 8:28 min/mile. So, instead of going for a HM PR and eventually blowing up and not getting the information needed, we're going to run it smart. Per the calculator, if she can run a sub 1:48 HM (8:14 pace), then that translates to a 3:45 marathon. No matter how good it feels, we're doing 10 miles at 8:15 and then will let it go the last 5K. It'll also help with the discipline of locking in a pace for a race even if it feels easy. She has yet to ever negative split a race.
Not to disparage @gianmarco, but I think there's a huge difference between him running at "MP" and you running at MP! As everyone correctly kept pointing out to me, the marathon doesn't start until the final 10K and when you haven't run one before, you have no idea what you are in for until you get there.If you guys are comfortably running marathon pace before your official training even starts, that's incredibly encouraging. These days, I NEVER feel comfortable at marathon pace during training.
As far as pushing the pace, I think it's a good idea if you feel up to it. Maybe not plan to do it but if it seems to be happening naturally, roll with it.
Yeah, through all of my training, and even still, MP is easy for me for 30km. MP becomes oppressively hard after that distance.Not to disparage @gianmarco, but I think there's a huge difference between him running at "MP" and you running at MP!
Me too.116 for me![]()
I'm actually quite relaxed. I'm enjoying where I am right now quite a bit and in the best spot I've been both physically and mentally related to running than I've ever been.Me too.Missed most of a week due to a bad cold, but generally not trying to push anything right now or stress about the mileage.
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@gianmarco, you and the mrs. are running great. You're seeing the benefits of more mileage. So dammit, man, relax and enjoy it! Who knows, at this very early juncture, what either of you are fully capable of? Maybe you're selling her (and yourself) short. Maybe she's got an 8:30/mile pace in her less a mild fade at the end. I'm eager to find out! ...but willing to wait.
PS: As my wife talked about a possible trip to Naples FL in March to visit one of her girlfriends, I casually through out the idea of me visiting Washington in late July to run with some of my friends. I only got light resistance ...
And, great news. Would love to have you there when we cross that finish line for the first time as our feet will undoubtedly be really sore.
Too early on the pace determination. Just keep running. You need to build that base. The Half marathon time is the big predictor. Being able to run 14 miles at MP is no big deal. Quite frankly, being able to run 20 miles at MP isn't a big deal. Its what are you prepared for in that final 10K. That's where the race dreams are made and shattered.More along the lines of my above post:
1) Yesterday I initially intended to just go out and run an easy few miles after our faster 10 mile run on Wednesday. But, as I got started, I felt really good and my HR was surprisingly low (low 130s) so I decided to keep it as an MAF run. As I kept on going, it was just really comfortable and the HR stayed there that I just Forrest Gump'd my plan and "I just felt like running". So I kept on going. What was going to be a 5-6 mile run turned into 11 somehow. That was not intentional at all.
2) While on that run, I started thinking about our run the day before. We still haven't technically started our marathon training, just the training to do the training. But while out there, I think we were enjoying increasing the pace with the new shoes on the snow and ultimately locked into close to MP pace and did that for 8 miles. Goal MP is 8:40 for her to BQ and we ran ~8:49 pace for those 8 miles. Which got me wondering what's a good goal to ultimately feel confident that she has a realistic shot at pulling this off. I know just finishing the 26.2 is going to be the biggest challenge never having done one before.
But, if we can do, say 12 miles at goal MP? or 14? What would be a good number to eventually aim for to say "yeah, if you can do this, you've got a good chance to hit that mark"? Because, honestly, that run wasn't that difficult for either of us. In fact, we both wanted to keep running but didn't have the time to do anymore (got a late start). I have no doubt we could have done another 3-4 miles at that pace without too much difficulty.
Or, conversely, would we benefit more from trying to do 8-10 miles at something like 10 seconds faster than MP pace?
Thanks. This is how I was thinking as well. I'm glad she's doing Hanson's so that she will be as prepared as possible for the whole thing. Trust the process and all that.Too early on the pace determination. Just keep running. You need to build that base. The Half marathon time is the big predictor. Being able to run 14 miles at MP is no big deal. Quite frankly, being able to run 20 miles at MP isn't a big deal. Its what are you prepared for in that final 10K. That's where the race dreams are made and shattered.
Also, you need to learn nutrition and how to get it in you while running a marathon.
The marathon is a beast and I'm not sure I know too many people who get it right their first time. Heck...I've run close to 20 marathons and I always find stuff I could do better. But that's what makes it so addicting.
I'm probably going to try the mashed up bananas and the raisins. Maybe bread/honey/jam sandwich in a Ziploc too.Man, if I had that stuff I'd be a salad shooter for the rest of that race. Are they serious with that list?![]()
Good idea, I'm going to try this. I was on the struggle bus late with my nutrition today. Even with pre run fueling (apple, banana, pretzels) I can't long run on just dum-dum's, fruit snacks, and water. I need more calories.Maybe bread/honey/jam sandwich in a Ziploc too.
I like the bananas approach. They're easy enough to carry and they mash-in-the-mouth quite comfortably. Apples would worry me. Besides the need to chew, I'd inevitably get a piece of the skin caught between my teeth and that would drive me nuts. But I've always been fine with the gu's.I'm probably going to try the mashed up bananas and the raisins. Maybe bread/honey/jam sandwich in a Ziploc too.
Sharpen the handle of your dum-dum and you could use it to spear bites of sandwich from the Ziploc. No muss; no fuss.Good idea, I'm going to try this. I was on the struggle bus late with my nutrition today. Even with pre run fueling I can't long run on just dum-dum's, fruit snacks, and water. I need more calories.
Yeah, I know number of calories is going to be the biggest issue. I just want bang for the buck. I can shove a mashed up jam/honey sandwich in my mouth in one bite. It won't be pretty, but who cares.Good idea, I'm going to try this. I was on the struggle bus late with my nutrition today. Even with pre run fueling (apple, banana, pretzels) I can't long run on just dum-dum's, fruit snacks, and water. I need more calories.
I might be on an island by myself on this opinion, but I think the most important part of a marathon is 13.1 through 20. This is where marathon dreams are truly lost. If you start struggling badly and/or bonk here, the final 6.2 miles don't matter. They will be a #### show regardless. You can't always just tough it out.The final 6.2 miles.
Check me on this, but I don't think it's legal to reclassify to the Clydesdale division mid-marathon.I'm thinking occasional handful of raisins, Banana at 5, sandwich at 10, banana at 15, sandwich at 20. 4 ziplocks tucked into the flipbelt. Hit every water station.
Are you good at chewing while running? I find that very annoying.Yeah, I know number of calories is going to be the biggest issue. I just want bang for the buck. I can shove a mashed up jam/honey sandwich in my mouth in one bite. It won't be pretty, but who cares.
I've never liked GUs. The chews are OK, but I'd rather feel more satisfied. I'm thinking occasional handful of raisins, Banana at 5, sandwich at 10, banana at 15, sandwich at 20. 4 ziplocks tucked into the flipbelt. Hit every water station.
The one thing I'm interested in looking into that I've seen some of you mention is Tailwind. But not sure it's even necessary.
Doesn't bother me at all. I've been chomping on an apple a few times already without a problem. Usually takes me a mile to finish it. Of course, I'm not running as fast as you do so that may be part of it.Are you good at chewing while running? I find that very annoying.
In the UK half marathon you posted a link to a few weeks ago, did you notice they were giving out freeze pops? Those would be awesome on a hot day.
This was me on Sunday. Not a good place to be.I might be on an island by myself on this opinion, but I think the most important part of a marathon is 13.1 through 20. This is where marathon dreams are truly lost. If you start struggling badly and/or bonk here, the final 6.2 miles don't matter. They will be a #### show regardless. You can't always just tough it out.
It's this beginning of the end when you have to be able to read your body and have an idea on how much you have left. Ideally, you should adjust accordingly - should you slow? Could you speed up? Stay the course? In all the marathons I performed poorly in, I ignored the early signs before the inevitable. Of course, this is harder to judge for your first marathon since you don't have the experience and memory of past races to guide you. Pushing yourself on training runs (in pace and/or distance) can help though.
I think the most important miles are 1-13.1, this where mistakes can happen and you’re capable of running faster than one should. 13.1-20 is where your likely trying to maintain what you decided to go with in the 1st half. We all know what happens when you have to start working too hard in this stretch, the transition from denial to acceptance of one’s fate can be real dark.I might be on an island by myself on this opinion, but I think the most important part of a marathon is 13.1 through 20. This is where marathon dreams are truly lost. If you start struggling badly and/or bonk here, the final 6.2 miles don't matter.
I'm not good at it either. I have a really hard time breathing through my nose, so to eat/chew while exercising is really hard for me.Are you good at chewing while running? I find that very annoying.
I think the most important miles are the 600 miles in running from March to July leading up to the first 13 miles leading into 13.1 to 20 and then finally the last 6.2.I think the most important miles are 1-13.1, this where mistakes can happen and you’re capable of running faster than one should. 13.1-20 is where your likely trying to maintain what you decided to go with in the 1st half. We all know what happens when you have to start working too hard in this stretch, the transition from denial to acceptance of one’s fate can be real dark.
You'll end up doing more than that, but. Yes.I think the most important miles are the 600 miles in running from March to July leading up to the first 13 miles leading into 13.1 to 20 and then finally the last 6.2.
But if you don't enter into those miles with a good base already established...I think the most important miles are the 600 miles in running from March to July leading up to the first 13 miles leading into 13.1 to 20 and then finally the last 6.2.