Boston Marathon

fzaffino

Hi Patrick,

I was thinking of signing up for Boston 2014.(as of now, it is not sold out)  Will this adversely effect my LP training and race? 

frank

Robert Sabo

In short, yes it will. If Boston is a priority, then do it. If LP is the priority, then don't. The time you should be ramping up for IMLP will be significantly delayed by recovery from Boston. You also have to increase your run training to be adequately trained for a Marathon about 6 weeks too early for your LP training.

William Jenks

From April 20ish to July 27ish is 3 a touch over 3 months.

If you do a hard race at Boston, you'll need 3 weeks to recover, meaning you'd be looking at a 9-10 week build. That's on the borderline. If you plan to bike while you're doing marathon training, you can do a good job at LP...but yes, there's no two ways around the fact that it will affect your race preparation. No real out-season as well (assuming you do a hard Boston).

That said, I'm running Boston because it's all a game and I want to.

Coach Patrick

could vs should. I have done it. Others have as well. Some successfully, some not. I am doing Boston and Tremblant in 2014....we'll see how that goes!

fzaffino

Will there be a difference in recovery if I 'race' it vs. making it a 'training' run?? I suppose 26.2 is 26.2 no matter which way you slice it. Anyway, if I wanted to 'race' Boston, how do you blend in a marathon training plan in the middle of an Ironman plan?? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

By the way, thanks Robert and William for your advice.

Coach Patrick

@Frank I think we have a webinar on this in the wiki..as in Boston to Placid. Here is the page in the wiki: http://bit.ly/14vV5tJ

You'll need to make some compromises in terms of how you build up your run across your season, but it can be done!!! Check that out and we can talk!

fzaffino

Thanks, I'll check that out even thought I will not be running Boston in April. My application was not accepted. But, I will be running (not racing) the Steamtown Marathon in two weeks. It's in my home town and one of the best mid-size marathons around. I might as well get it out of the way before the Oct. OS starts!

Robert Sabo

Steamtown is a great race. I did my first BQ there about ten years ago. It is the perfect size. rough downhill at the start and one nice hill towards the end. Enjoy and good execution.

Coach Patrick

@Frank sounds good! Enjoy and lets see if you can crush your recovery like you will crush the race!!

fzaffino

I don't know about crushing it, haven't done any real marathon training. My last 20 miler was in the marathon of LP, so no crushing this one! Running it because have many friends in the race and its always good to get home.

Other than running this marathon on Oct 12, I am currently in the last week of the 6 week run focused plan. Because of the marathon, and the recovery needed after it, I am not sure what OS plan I should be doing......Should I start the OS in Oct. or Nov.?

Coach Patrick

@Frank, pace & fuel yourself like you ARE racing it...and you might be surprised. Seriously. No fireworks until the last 6 if you still feel in it then.

OS starts 10/28, so you'll have two weeks to recover...the question is (1) how hard you actually run it and (2) how well you can recover from it. We can really start this conversation AFTER race day...you'll have two weeks to only move your fingers...

fzaffino

Hi Patrick,
I am finished with my Run Focused plan, what training plan should I transition to before the Oct 28 OS?

frank

Coach Patrick

@Frank, I suggest you load the Run Durability plan #1 to stay fit without over doing it in the final few weeks. To learn more about it, go to the Three Year Plan page in the wiki: http://members.endurancenation.us/Resources/Wiki.aspx