Spencer's Question about Marathon Aspirations

wirebender28277

I am doing the Myrtle Beach Marathon 3/5 with hopes of qualifying for Boston. At this point, I am getting nervous that I am not doing everything that I can. I have been following the Advanced Out Season Plan with 3.5 weeks remaining. I changed the plan to the marathon plan to see what the difference is and began thinking maybe I should switch over at this point as the balanced marathon plan has some of the same bike workouts. Also, is there any way to gauge what my "marathon pace" should be? I figure I need a 7:15/mile to beat the qualifying time by 5 min which should give me a good shot of making the cut. The Out Season Plan has a lot of what feels like fast running to me. I was shocked when my 5k time trial came back as fast as it was. I have been hitting most of the times, after a few weeks of struggling, so I feel that maybe it is legit and I was just running like a wimp prior to this.

Bill Bejin

With 4.5 weeks to go, get your head in the game and keep working. Changing plans at this point is not going to get you much. Last long run should be in sight, then it is taper time. Key is to be confident. I like a nice 10 mile run at a steady MP. If I still feel good at the end and was able to hit / exceed expectations, then I tell myself that I am good to go. Hard part for me is the continuing conversation to battle down the nerves of "am I ready" The first time BQ is the hardest. Look at your data and remind yourself that you are ready. Trust the plan and don't over-run in the taper because you are nervous. That only makes you tired.

Robert Sabo

I recommend getting into the marathon plan now Those runs will give you pacing ideas. If you give us paces for long runs and recent ten milers/ HM and prior marathons we would have better responses and recommendations.

JeremyBehler

I agree with Rob, although at this point you may want to hack your plan a bit. I have used a "Run faster not further" approach for my standalone marathon training (of which the last was 3 years ago but was a BQ). Two good tempo runs and one long run coupled with cross training on the bike and/or swim a couple days a week. If you have been following a quasi marathon plan you're likely working up to a 18-20 mile run this week. Use that as a way to test your fitness and try to maintain a slightly faster than goal pace to see how you feel.

Separately....you aren't by chance the Spencer Hodnett that went to IU in the mid 90's are you? Shot in the dark, but that's a relatively unique name.

wirebender28277

Jeremy, thanks for the info. This is the same Spencer that went to IU. I see you are living in Kohler. I grew up in Mequon. How are you enjoying the cold?

MattAaronson

Agree with Rob and Jeremy. You should be running long by now. I am highly biased, however, since I was never in triathlon training mode when training for a marathon. Man, love that small world connection!

JeremyBehler

Posted By Spencer Hodnett on 07 Jan 2016 10:06 AM


Jeremy, thanks for the info. This is the same Spencer that went to IU. I see you are living in Kohler. I grew up in Mequon. How are you enjoying the cold?

Wow...very small world.  From the same frat 20 years ago to the same triathlon team.   

Who do you keep in touch with from 1012 E Third?  

 

wirebender28277

Sorry to say that at this point, I don't really keep in touch with anyone from IU. Life just seems to get in the way. How about you?

 

JeremyBehler

I keep in touch with a couple guys regularly. Bo Sherman (we rode Little 5 together) and Jason Flannagan (pledge brother and roomate for a couple years). Other than that just the occasional run-in when I go to a game, etc.