Length of Time for Marathon Training Program
Question: Hi Mary,
I'm training for my 3rd marathon and am hoping for a PR. I ran my first in 5:20 and my 2nd in 4:07. I'd like to shave off the seven minutes (or more)this time around so I've graduated to a more intermediate training schedule. Besides incorporating an additional long run and 5 days of running per week, I have also extended the length of my training schedule giving me more recovery time between long runs beginning at 15 miles. Do you think this is OK or is there something significant about the ubiquitous 16 week schedule?
Thanks, Janey
Answer: Hi Janey:
No, I do not think marathon training programs are "set in stone." In fact, I know of marathon runners that adopt training programs that range in duration from anywhere between 3 months and 6 months. The important thing to remember is to increase the length of your long run gradually. Personally, I found that I ran my best marathons if I could get in 3 training runs of between 18 and 22 miles each prior to the marathon. I also believe in the importance of rest. This is especially true if you are fighting nagging injuries or are under stress due to work responsibilities or family pressures. You really knocked off a lot of time from your first marathon to your second! I think knocking off those 7 minutes for your third marathon sounds like a reasonable goal and I wish you success! Please drop me a line and let me know if you achieve your goal!
Cheers, Mary