Building a Marathon Base

marathonic

What sort of miles would you consider to be acceptable to build a base for next years Dublin marathon?

I ran 3 miles last week in 27 minutes and found it pretty tough. Therefore, I think this years marathon would be a bad idea.

I also don’t want to spend too much time running just yet as I’m into other sports as well.

I’m thinking that if I build up to two 3-milers and a 5-miler per week and done that for the remainder of this year, it would be sufficient. That’d be 11 miles per week in addition to the other sports.

Then, in the New Year, add in an extra 3 miler and start to increase the mileage until I’m doing 20 miles per week (3 * 4 + 1 * 8).

Then, in March, introduce some hill work and in April, some speed-work.

June would see the start of an 18-week marathon program.

What's your thoughts on this?

couerdelion

I've no advice for you but what is your target for the marathon?

Are you just wanting to complete (run/walk, just run)? or are you wanting to go sub 4 hours, sub 3 hours etc?

marathonic

couerdelion wrote: »

I've no advice for you but what is your target for the marathon?

Are you just wanting to complete (run/walk, just run)? or are you wanting to go sub 4 hours, sub 3 hours etc?

I'd like to aim for sub-4hrs.....

pconn062

20-25 miles a week is a good base to start off with when thinking about a marathon. But I would also start by running a few 5 and 10k's, then make my way to a half marathon before attempting a marathon. Also use the race series as a build up as part of your training, it consists of a 5 mile, 10 mile and a half marathon.

macinalli

I think you're right to wait until next year and your plan for building a base seems fine, but be careful on relying too much on "other sports". Things like astro soccer or GAA don't really translate to distance running so wouldn't be that much benefit for you. I think a good target would be to try a 10k race later this year - will give you a good idea of where you stand and what aspects of your base need work.

ger664

Try a few 10K's between now and October.

Increase it up for the 10 Milers in the spring and then progress to a half in May/June of next year.

This should leave you with a good enough base to tackle Dublin in October 2012.