8 weeks between marathons - training plan

DustyBin

I ran the Waterford marathon Saturday and had a very poor race, ran too hard at start into wind and paid mightly towards end
After putting in all the training for it I want another crack at the distance and the time, and for a number of reasons Longford is the only one on the calendar that suits date wise, could only go maybe a week later so ideal really
So that's 8 weeks + 1 day after Waterford

Training for Waterford I was following this P&D plan, topping out at about 70 miles a week: http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=4432&PageNum=5

I had a look around and came across some plans that caught my eye to base my training off for the next 8 weeks:
P&D: http://books.google.ie/books?id=tc4ytxq96cQC&pg=PA223&lpg=PA214&ots=vEzH2X2_bH&dq=8+weeks+between+marathons&output=html_text
Running planet: (scroll down) http://www.runningplanet.com/training/running-multiple-or-consecutive-marathons.html
Runners World forum (2nd post) http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/training/marathon-race-training/8-weeks-between-marathons

I'm hoping that someone could help me out please and share their views on the plans, or advise some alternate plan they think might suit better?
My own (uneducated) views are that; the P&D plan looks a little light on miles (:eek:), the Running Planet looks ok with lots on PMP runs but nothing faster, and the Runners World forum post looks pretty decent too, but would not race a 5k in taper I think.

I feel grand after Waterford, raring to go and get out running again, no issues with stairs and no niggles or pains anywhere.

Would really appreciate anyone else's opinions on these please, or suggestions for alternate plans, thanks

Clearlier

P&D have a number of plans in the back of their book for marathons with short amounts of time between them. If I haven't packed it away already (moving house soon) I'll try and dig it out later to see what it says.

The key point I remember from it though is that you should do a full recovery. You can try a shorter taper and you won't have much time to develop fitness but if you compromise on the recovery you have no hope. That's what they said anyway!

Krusty_Clown

Clearlier wrote: »

P&D have a number of plans in the back of their book for marathons with short amounts of time between them. If I haven't packed it away already (moving house soon) I'll try and dig it out later to see what it says.

First two weeks are mostly recovery runs (one 7 mile run with strides in the second week). Third week introduces a couple of general aerobic runs (one with strides). Fourth week has a 12 mile medium long run and a 9 mile LT run (5 miles at HMP). 5th week has a 10 mile Vo2max (with 6x600m @5K). 6th week has a 9 mile Vo2max (6x600m @5k) and an 8-10k tune-up race. 7th week: 9 mile Vo2max (3x1600 @5k pace). Final week 7 miles (with 2@ marathon pace). otherwise it's largely aerobic and recovery mileage.
Long runs: 7, 10, 13, 17, 20, 17, 13, race.
Weekly mileage: 22, 32, 42, 55, 66, 59, 46, 28 + race.

OP: With only 8 weeks until the next race, you're better off sticking with the structure of the p&D plan, and save switching to another plan for another goal race. If you find the mileage too low, add additional miles to the aerobic runs and run additional recovery runs. If you want more details of the plan PM me, or better still, invest in a copy of the book.

DustyBin

Thanks for the replies lads
@ Krusty, that plan looks more like it alright, and you're right about sticking with P&D too I reckon
About getting the book, I bought it 2.5 years ago, gave a lad a lend of it 18 months ago and haven't been able to get it back since!!
Will hopefully finally get it some stage this week, managed to get talking to him today
If not I might take you up on that offer of PM
Thanks

RubyK

Dusty, I have a copy of the book here in work. It has been sitting here idle for the past year, so if you want it, I can post it out to you, no problems.

DustyBin

Thanks for the very generous offer Ruby but I should have my own one back over the next few days
Well done to yourself on getting the time for London - great running!