Running Training

raido9

I've started training to run a marathon later in the year. Currently I'm trying to build up my fitness to a point where I can start a marathon training program comfortably.
I've looked at a lot of marathon training programs and most consist of 3 nights of short runs plus one long run. I play soccer two nights a week at the moment and if I ran on other days to the soccer that would be 6 nights of training/soccer, which sounds like a lot. I know the fitness you build from playing sports like soccer are very much different from running training but would it be ok to replace one nights running with two days playing soccer or is it better to stick to one?

Any input would be appreciated.

quozl

That should work ok. I don't know how hard your soccer training is on your legs but be careful you don't end up with too many hard days in a row. Also do your best not to have anything interfere with your long-runs, they're key especially if you're not doing that high a weekly mileage.

Personally I'd think 5 days a week running is a better minimum than 4 a week for a marathon training plan. So if the football means you don't have more than 2 days off a week it's probably a good thing.

raido9

quozl wrote:

That should work ok. I don't know how hard your soccer training is on your legs but be careful you don't end up with too many hard days in a row. Also do your best not to have anything interfere with your long-runs, they're key especially if you're not doing that high a weekly mileage.

Personally I'd think 5 days a week running is a better minimum than 4 a week for a marathon training plan. So if the football means you don't have more than 2 days off a week it's probably a good thing.

Thanks quozl,
The soccer is not very intensive at all. Its just a 6 a side game with lads from work on Tuesdays and Thursday. I was thinking of doing my weekly runs Monday and Wednesday and a long run on a Saturday. I'll give it a try and if I'm not building up the miles I'll just cut out soccer one of the nights and replace it with running

BossArky

raido9 wrote:

... if I'm not building up the miles I'll just cut out soccer one of the nights and replace it with running

You could perhaps contine playing soccer twice a week if you want to be involved in the banter, etc at work... just play one of those nights in goal. The other lads will be delighted!