Training for DCM10

ct_roy

howdy folks,

looking for a wee bit of advice on training for DCM10.

I successfully completed DCM09 in 3:55 - it was my first marathon and my training was very patchy over 8-9 weeks - a real crash course in marathon training

i pretty much followed hal higdon's novice marathon training program.

I'm planning on being a lot more prepared this year so a couple of questions for you pros.

1.) what kind of training program should one be looking at starting now for the marathon given it's not happening until october? I plan on doing the race series in the buildup to the marathon but would like to build my mileage/times now so I've got a good shot at getting my marathon time down under 3:30

2.) any good books come recommended for really becoming an advanced runner?

loved the training and the buzz for last years marathon and must admit I've found it hard to motivate myself since then so looking for a good kick up the arse to get back into the swing of things now!

any advice greatly appreciated.

Krusty_Clown

I would recommend Pfitzinger and Douglas' Advanced Marathoning book. It's a superb program, to bring a runner who has run one or two marathons to the next level of training. The 18 week 'up to 55 miles' program is excellent as a starting point.

As Tergat has pointed out (and as I have found to my benefit) using a 10k program as a pre-cursor to a marathon training program will ease you smoothly into the marathon program, so that intervals, tempos etc are a lot easier than a cold start. I tried Higdon's advanced plan. I never actually ran the race, but the training was solid.

But that's still 18 weeks + 8 weeks = 26 weeks, which leaves you with a gap of around 8 weeks or two months to fill. Allow for a couple of weeks holidays/illness, and you could probably do a few weeks of a base building program, e.g. Hal Higdon's Intermediate Spring Training. That leaves you with no time at all. Get out there!

Oh, and I'm sorry I'm not a pro. Just Joe Punter, who has been in your shoes before.

ct_roy

Brilliant advice Krusty_Clown! - thanks very much.

gonna get stuck into it asap!