Need advice

Terry Mulvey

Just learned that my three daughters and I will be running the Boston Marathon for the Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary where my husband had his cancer surgery two years ago. I am schedule to do the Florida HIM 8 days before. I am running 26-28 miles per week at and average of 9 min miles and in the intermediate OS right now. Is this doable?? How should I hack my HIM training? Not really sure what we were thinking when we applied six months ago but you only go around once!! Thanks.

Coach Rich

Congrats on getting into Boston!

You're fine right now, no changes needed. I recommend you connect with Patrick when I have you start the HIM and ask him for his recommendations on modifying the runs in the HIM plan to also prepare you for Boston.

Terry Mulvey

Are 8 days enough between events to make this possible to recover? The hardest part will be the fund raising

Coach Rich

Posted By Terry Mulvey on 01 Dec 2014 03:01 PM


Are 8 days enough between events to make this possible to recover? The hardest part will be the fund raising

Not ideal, certainly, but you're doing Boston for a unique reason and it's a unique opportunity. Depends on your goals respective to each race. 

Terry Mulvey

Thanks! Wish me luck

Coach Rich

Good luck!

Paul Hough

Terry - I'll be at the Florida 70.3 in April. I definitely follow the coach's guidance over mine, but if you are trying to do reasonably well at both, I would make two changes to the plan: 1) increase one run per week to between 8-10 miles and 2) push up the long run distance every other week building to a longest run of 18-20 miles with 10 to 13 miles each long run at open marathon pace, and the last long run scheduled for two weeks before FL 70.3 and thus 3 weeks before Boston. Follow the HIM taper for FL and go for it. Since the 13.1 miles there will be at triathlon HIM pace instead of open run pace, you won't be doing deep run damage to your legs. After that, the work is over...stay off the bike and forget swimming until after Boston. Take at least 3 days off for full recovery with nothing more than some light walks, but lots of foam rolling and stretching. Then maybe 3 days of running like 3 miles, 5 miles, 2 miles with some striders to shake out the legs. Then Sunday off and race Monday. You'll be ready.