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I want to do a Marathon

Chad ScottChad Scott
in General Training Discussions

I have the urge to do a Marathon, kinda get off the tri thing for a bit. I need some advice on what to do. My 2012 A race is going to be IMFL so I will be starting the OS in Jan. So I just need something to do between now and then so I thought why not run an Marathon. I've got the Marathon hack plan, is that what I should go with or since I have so much time on my hands should I go with a just running plan and see if I could run a really good race? Like run 5-6 days a week and just bike 1 or maybe 2 days. I was thinking of a 12 week marathon plan. What should I do, does anyone have any suggestions?

Comments

  • steveperxsteveperx
    I'd do the marathon plan and just ride when you feel like it. You have plenty of time.
  • SwanieSwanie

    Unless you have a running background and several years of experience running 5-6 days per week, be careful with that much volume. You are coming off of Triathlon training where all the disciplines are broken up and seperated for proper recovery. Running everyday could bring on some overuse injuries. I would run 3-4 days a week and seperate the runs with some swimming and Bike for recovery purposes. Not only will that allow you to recovery those running muscles but will keep you in touch with your ironman goals. The run days should be a long run with some zone 2 in the middle, a medium length run with some zone 3 work and a shorter zone 4 day.

  • Chad ScottChad Scott
    Yeah, that's true! I'm not that strong of a runner so I was actually afraid of those overuse injuries. Thanks for the advice guys!
  • cgres123cgres123
    Since you have the time between now and then and are a self coached athlete I suggest you buy and read Jack Daniels book. Apply his methods to yourself and your own circumstances strengths/or not so much. It's really good stuff.
  • Michele CellaiMichele Cellai
    (Sorry EN) Marathon Nation is $19.95/month. Maybe get the 7 day free trial and see if you like what Patrick has in there.
  • penlynwilsonpenlynwilson
    I've been training for NY with CoachP's Marathon Nation plan and group. I've been very happy with it. However, I'm running 4 days a week (not the 5 recommended by the plan). I would say to start looking at spring races and find one that excites you and that you can enter. I'm a fan of doing a 24 week plan for your first one to be sure you have a solid running base.
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    I'm running Philly in the fall, and debated for a while between the following plans

    EN hack
    Jack Daniels
    Higdon Intermediate/Advanced
    Marathon Nation (though I never created the free trial to check it out, so I don't have a good thought process on it)
    yourmarathontrainingplan.com (free plans from the guys at QT2, actually surprisingly not over-volume)
    FIRST ("Run Less, Run Faster")
    Pfitzinger's Advanced Marathoning plans (12 week, up to 55 miles per week plan)

    For me, I decided to go with the Pfitzinger plan after looking at the run focused weeks I did at the end of July, what I thought I could handle, how many weeks I had, and what felt like a reasonable workload. The EN hack and the Jack Daniels plan seem to have a similar philosophy, and I decided not to go that route because by the time November hits, this will have been a very long season, and I didn't want to be doing quite that level of intensity all the time. FIRST cracked me once, and I decided not to. Higdon doesn't really give a lot of detailed pacing advice, and I don't know what I'd do without my 'binkie' :-)

    Good luck with your choice!
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