I followed a Jeff Galloway training plan for my marathon two years ago. His plans are known for long endurance runs [26 miles or more, three weeks before the marathon vs. the typical 18-22 mile training runs], 3-4 days of running with two days of cross training, and inserting walk breaks [walking for 30 seconds to 2 minutes or more at specific intervals].
The walk breaks and the cross training appeal to me because of my chronic Runner's Knee. My training partner, Supermodel, suffered from severe IT [iliotibial] band syndrome while training for our marathon. It's important to both of us to complete our training and remain injury free. Something that's easier said than done when you're in your 40s [me, not Supermodel], live and train in a hilly area, and have put in several miles over the years already.
I'm preparing for the Mid Mountain Marathon. The two additional events will serve as training runs and earn me the "trophy" jacket for the Triple Trail Challenge. For this reason, I'm following a marathon training plan. Well, four actually...
I'm combining the speed and strength workouts I found in the May/June 2009 issue of Women's Running [designed by Matt Fitzgerald], with the distances prescribed in a Hal Higdon training plan, with a few of the Galloway techniques, while comparing all distances to the plan in "Marathoning for Mortals". Might be too much to juggle, but I've learned that training plans are personal and it's important to find what works for your body and age. I'm comfortable pulling workouts from a few different plans, but if you've never completed an event, I recommend choosing one plan. You can always wiggle within it.
We're in the middle of Week 2 of an 18-week plan. Prior experience has taught me the weeks pass surprisingly fast, the time while on a long endurance run... does not.
I like that book title, "Marathoning for Mortals."
I have a friend who lost a bunch of weight, and as a reward, he took up marathon running.
I'd have probably gone for the pie.
Keep at it. The more you sweat, the better I feel . . .
Posted by: tysdaddy | 05/19/2009 at 02:29 PM
I'm interested to read about these plans. Would you mind sharing which plan you followed when you trained for your triathlon(s?) I'm currently working my way up to the novice 5K running plan - I'm going to run a 5K at the end of the summer. Since running is my weakest link, I want to do a couple of 5ks before the big event. And even though my tri isn't until NEXT May, I want to get a head start on a long-term training program.
Posted by: christy | 05/19/2009 at 02:37 PM
Awesome. This is super inspiring. Good luck on your training!
Posted by: X | 05/19/2009 at 08:44 PM
I wish I had a plan....
Posted by: Connie @ Fat2HotMommy | 05/20/2009 at 08:29 PM
Brian - Still thinking about the smoke, ash, and snow...
Christy - I need to email you. It's been too long since my first triathlon, but I know there are GREAT newbie training plans out there!
X - Thanks!
Rena - I'll recap what I've done this week on my next post. FANTASTIC that you're cutting so much time! That's a big chunk for three miles. Now... add a bit more distance. :-)
Connie - We'll get you a plan, honey.
Posted by: Chris | 05/21/2009 at 12:08 PM