[Nettie]

A training thread for those of us with a lot less talent, but a whole lotta heart. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"><br><br>

 

[Nettie]

To answer your question Incomplete Pete,<br><br>
My training for my PR was very sporadic. I had been injured and couldn't run for a total of 6 weeks during the summer. I didn't even believe I would be able to run Grand Rapids. I ended up following Hal Higdon's Senior Marathon program because it was gentler and I did not want to end up injured...again.<br><br>
My next marathon will be in February, 4 weeks after my first 50K, so I will just be doing some recovery for those weeks. After that, my goal marathon will be in May. I hope to find a new plan that incorporates some harder workouts, but plan to do a lot of cross-training, too because I think my body will be able to handle that better than too many days of just running.

 

[Complete Pete]

Pfitz's <i>Advanced Marathoning</i> would certainly be a good place to start if you're looking for structure with some hardcore workouts. I'm using that and Daniels <i>Running formula</i> to prep for my net one.<br><br>
Also, it'd help if you read up on periodization and peaking for specific races. The 50/50 club is very cool and chasing the stars in Marathon Maniacs can be a whole hobby in and of itself, but doing marathons so close together isn't the best way to maximize your performance.<br><br>
I'm doing Akron next year, too. When it comes time to BQ, I'll look for a flatter one (probably Indianapolis). Until I'm ready for that, though, Akeon will be my fall marathon. It's a top notch event and very challenging.

 

[Nettie]

I have no plans on qualifying for Boston at any time in the near future. I actually plan on doing Boston last, so if I do 4 marathons a year, I should get to Boston in maybe 9 years. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
But, speaking of Indiana, I hear Sunburst is quite flat, plus it's a smaller race and I've heard nothing, but good things about it. I think it happens in May.

 

[PacerChris]

Sunburst is usually the first weekend/Sat in June. I've heard it's flat but often very hot (with a name like Sunburst...). I need to pick up Indiana at some point and this is probably the race would choose.

 

[Flounder]

Incomplete Pete - Daniels is a cruel taskmaster - I was stupid and tried the Elite plan with a 100% mileage = 130 and it broke me in 10 weeks - But he has some kickass workouts - I still slip one of his gems in 1 or 2 times a month when in training.<br><br>
Most of the good runners I know that struggle with the marathon distance is because they do not: 1) Eat enough 2) Get enough water and 3) get enough sleep.<br><br>
You can get away with really poor nutrition/hydration/sleep running up to 8-10 miles, but when people start going longer they try and figure out why they fall apart.<br><br>
Plus it takes a ton of discipline to run each run at the intended pace for the purpose of the run.<br><br>
I am trying a hard day / easy day rotation and when I feel good on an easy day - I have to constantly remind myself to take it easy not to screw up tomorrows workout.<br><br>
As soon as I am done with a workout, I am trying to figure out the best plan nutrition / hydration to get me to the nest workout with the body primed for action.<br><br>
Sorry - A little long - I hope the road in not that long ... for you!

 

[Complete Pete]

No, not too long at all. One of the best things we can do is throw out as much good info as possible. Some will stick, other's I'll have to get back to.<br><br>
I'm just now starting to develop pace discipline. It's difficult, especially now that I'm starting to develop a little speed. Running fast is, after all, tons of fun and why I do this. Early this past week was really lite due to bad weather. When Friday finally rolled around my legs were really fresh and I did 9.5 miles at a 9:10 pace - a bit longer and 35 seconds faster than a standard training run. Low and behold, this morning's 12 miler wound up being a 10 miler. Pace was correct, but it was a fight.<br><br>
As I said, I'm new here. Where are you in all of this? You looking to BQ and have a long way to go, or are you experienced and dropping in to give us advice? I'm guessing if you've tried Daniels Elite and didn't break until you hit over 130 MPW, I'm guessing the former. Your guidance is most welcome.

 

[missy1102]

hi everyone,<br><br>
this is great!!! i'm so glad that there are others out there like myself and noone thought i was a complete idiot for entertaining the thought of BQing <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"><br><br>
here are my plans for my BQ attempt 2008:<br>
* increase my mileage to 70 mpw following pfitz's plans and work on following workouts that are intended for me to train at my current fitness level<br>
* race several 1/2 marathons<br>
* flying pig 5/08<br>
* lakefront 10/08<br>
* possibly miami or rock n' roll arizona 1/09 as a last ditch effort depending on the results i have in my fall/spring marathons.<br><br>
after that, my BQ attempt will be on hold indefinitely since we're hoping to have a kid in 2009. so, if anything, the silver lining in not qualifying for 2009 is that we'll be able to begin "trying" earlier rather than later. i hope that isn't TMI for some of you <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

 

[Complete Pete]

Welcome aboard. Tell us about previous marathons you've run. How close have you come and how many attempts have you made?<br><br>
Betcha a nickel trying to get preggers is like way more fun than chasing a BQ.<br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/sign19.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="sign12">

 

[Flounder]

I am one of the lucky ones -<br><br>
July 2003 - I was a 300# couch patatoe<br><br>
May 2004 - 1st marathon 3:09:48 on 55-70 MPW and weight was @ 225#<br><br>
October 2004 weight #232 (at Expo) ran a 2:56:10<br><br>
I am just here to help - I am running Boston for the 1st time in 2008.<br><br>
Good running to all -

 

[missy1102]

pete, here are my marathons and times:<br><br>
chicago '02 5:41<br>
chicago '03 5:03<br>
chicago '04 4:46<br>
chicago '06 4:37<br>
nyc '07 4:15<br><br>
i haven't made any attempts to BQ up until this point.. but as i approach the 4 hour mark, i wonder how far i would be pushing the envelope if i aim to run a 3:40. i guess this is where i embark on my journey and share it with you all <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

 

[pace2race]

Hi everyone! I too am chasing the same dream.<br>
I need 3:30 to BQ. Past efforts have included:<br><ul><li>9/07 Heart of America: 4:01:53,</li>
<li>12/06 Run for the Ranch, Springfield, MO: 4:23:56,</li>
<li>9/06: Heart of America 4:21:07,</li>
<li>4/06: St. Louis 4:19:20</li>
</ul><br>
I have ran the Heart of America 3 additional times but they were just to finish. PR is 4:01:53<br><br>
I've entered St. Louis for 2008 and am working at my first sub 4. 2006 mileage total was 2,652. I am at 3,059 YTD in 2007. My shorter race times have improved so that my predicted time is now 3:40 for the M. At St. Louis I would be happy with a sub 4 and strong finish. I did a 50k in October and have a 50M as a goal for May of 2008. I want to do at least two marathons in 2008.<br><br><b><i><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#FF0000;">We can do this!</span></span></i></b> <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

 

[Complete Pete]

That's pretty serious. Not a lot of Clydesdales in the sub 3 family.<br><br>
Looking for some input on periodization and peaking.<br><br>
I'm basically using Pftiz's 18/55 plan for my spring marathon. If possible, I'll add a bit to it and peak in the 60-65 range.<br><br>
Spring Marathon is on May 24, Fall marathon September 27, 18 weeks apart. I was originally gonna try for the 18/70 plan for fall of 08, but now that I think about it, that's not enough time to recover well (I'm a bit slow in the recovery category). I don't want to do a 12 week cycle, even if it is as solid as Pfitz's. So...<br><br>
Perhaps it's best to skip the fall marathon in 08? After my spring marathon, I could recover reasonably well and simply base build until it's time to train for a spring marathon in 09. If I peak anywhere in the 55-65 range for my spring 08 marathon, I could guess that I could start training for a fall 09 marathon with a good 60+MPW base.<br><br>
Your thoughts?

 

[PacerChris]

Why not build base through the winter (best time to do so IMHO), run the spring maratho as a confidence builder but not put all eggs in that basket, and really get after it in the fall '08? Run the spring marathon just off base mileage and some tempo runs and see what happens, then recover and start real interval workouts (with some long runs and tempo runs to keep your strength &endurance up) over the summer. Basically use the next few months to "train to train" for the fall marathon.<br><br>
Best bonus for fall vs. spring - if it's after late Sept, you'd be covered for Boston '09 and '10.

 

[mykemp1971]

PC - that's sort of my plan this year. I'm coming off a good race at Richmond, but didn't quite BQ. So I'm going to hit a spring marathon (current plan is Athens, OH) with a good base that I'm putting in this winter (following Pfitz's 18 - 70MPW plan (although not 100% religiously, I'm getting there).<br><br>
If I don't get the 3:15:59 I need in Athens, I'm going to do Wineglass again in the fall, and get it there. I know the course, and it's a good BQ course.

 

[Flounder]

2 weeks to recover - 2 weeks to get back into running - 14 weeks to train - Its not like you have to rebuild a lot of base. I think it should be fine.

 

[Hippo]

And in most people's experience recovery times drop steadily the more you do it. YMMV

 

[dnice]

Nice thread.<br><br>
I too hope to qualify in '08. I've been an off-and-on runner most of my life, though in school I ran the 400. I've run two marathons to date, the last being a PR (3:42) in Vermont in '02. Since Vermont I've run some decent races, my best being a 64 minute 10 miler three years ago. I'm currently 34 and will, hopefully, qualify for '09's race with a 3:15.<br><br>
I'll be running Miami in January. My training has been good, and perhaps more importantly I am completely pain and injury free. (I've a history of training too hard for my base.) I'm currently running about 45mpw, though it was more like 55mpw a few months ago. The downside of my current, more moderate training is that I'm not overly confident about my chances to BQ in Florida. However, I've had some good runs recently that have me hopeful. I'm fairly confident that I could run a 3:25, today without the benefits of a taper. I'm contemplating shooting for 3:20 pace at the half and taking it from there.<br><br>
After Miami, I plan on lying around the beach. Sometime after that, I'll start training for a late spring race. I had been planning on running Grandma's. However, recently I've been thinking of doing something closer to home. I'm in Philly. The Delaware race looks well organized and close. However, the multiple loops seem really unappealing.

 

[L Train]

I could join this group. I'm new here (was on CR) so don't want to just insert myself into a conversation, but this hits close to home. I've run on and off (mostly off) for several years, but really only got (more) serious starting last January. I have 2 horrible marathons completed (4:59 nearly 3 years ago, and 4:28 in Chicago '06). Last January, despite what seemed overwhelming evidence that I will never BQ, I decided to set a long term goal of BQing in 2014 (I will be 45 which will require a 3:30). I've improved a bit this year, and have logged 1600 miles (900 the year before). I chose to work on base mileage and shorter races (10 miles to 1/2 marathons) in 2007 to gain stamina. I recently PRd a 1/2 in 1:45, so I'm getting better. I hope to run a marathon this fall in maybe 3:40-3:45, which will put me close enough to make me believe I can achieve the BQ goal in 2014. I want to run 1800 miles in 2008, and if I do that I think the marathon time will take care of itself.

 

[Nettie]

Hi there L Train! Sounds like you are well on your way; welcome to KR! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">