Question:
I've got a simple question about
marathon training schedules. I've
got used to doing a (for me) long
run of about 8-10 miles at the weekend,
but now I've started following a
marathon training schedule with
a friend. The long runs for the
first 5 or 6 weeks or so are shorter
than what I'm used to doing. Is
there any point in reducing my long
run, or should I basically be aiming
to do as long a slow run as
possible at the weekend, to keep
building up endurance? The longest
I've run so far is a half marathon
last September.
Answer:
I would not cut back unless you
are tired. Start you run a little
earlier and do the difference and
then run with them. I have a good
size Saturday contingent where some
start at 8ish and do 5-7 miles and
then the rest start at 9 to do 13.
Sounds like
this program takes the prospective
marathoner from the cradle to the
finish line, so to speak. You are
beyond the entry level for this
program. Just keep running as you
see fit until the long run is longer
than what you are doing now.
Every plan must be adjustable to
the individual runner. You have
to tailor the program as you see
fit. I would keep my long runs the
same as you are doing now until
your program catches up with you.
Then continue to move forward with
the program Don't try to get ahead
of the program or you may end up
injured or burnt out. Remember,
the goal of the first marathon is
just to finish. It's a big jump
from half to full marathon, but
if you train smart it will be the
best run of your life.
