How much harder going from 315 to 300 than 335 to 315

Salty Dog

Hi,
just wondering what people think on the above. I know it'll be different for each individual and depends on training etc but just wondering whether people found it harder generally going from 3:15 towards 3:00 than getting to 3:15.

My last 3 races have been 3:35, 3:27 & 3:16 and I found the middle time the hardest of the 3.

Thanks,
Salty D.

TFBubendorfer

Personally I found it easy enough to go from 3:28 to 3:12 within a year, but it's been much more of a struggle since then. Still haven't made it past 3:05, and have now decided to have a break from chasing that time.

--amadeus--

I know I said this to you before but I personally found going from 3:15 - 3:00 easier than 3:30 - 3:15. In fact the 3:00 marathon was one of teh easiest, it was really only tough in the last 5k whereas in previous marathons I have been in bad shape as early as 18 miles.

But it's based 100% on your training - I stepped up the intensity and volume which is why I found it easier.

Krusty_Clown

I started out with a Hal Higdon program 3:25 for first marathon, to 3:22 (2nd - 6 weeks later). The next leap was to 3:00:50 a year later. I attribute that gain to following a P&D advanced program and not missing any training sessions.
I think the next 50 second gain could be a touch more tricky.

mithril

Salty Dog wrote: »

Hi,
just wondering what people think on the above. I know it'll be different for each individual and depends on training etc but just wondering whether people found it harder generally going from 3:15 towards 3:00 than getting to 3:15.

Thanks,
Salty D.

I think the answer to your question is self evident - all things being equal - same type of course, level of preparation etc. - the faster you try and run, the more difficult it becomes.

First year of training will yield proportionately most benefit and each year will still bring improvements but proportionately less.

So 3:15 to 3:00 is a good deal more difficult.