Unconventional marathon training, anyone?

Vancity

Hi all,

I'm new here and have done some searches but I don't think there's been an old thread on my specific question regarding marathon training.

I started running about a year ago and I've just finished my first half marathon and want to move on to train for the full marathon. I don't have one in mind yet, but plan to give myself plenty of time to train. I started following several of the novice training plans for the half marathon (3-4 months ago) but I simply couldn't keep up with the number of runs per week they suggested nor the weekly mileage suggested. I kept getting minor overuse injuries and was just sidelined for a few days each time - constant ankle pain, shin splints, hip pain etc. So I gave up on aiming for the sub 2 hours I had targeted and decided I would just do the LSR each Saturday and 6/7k midweek with the aim of just finishing the race. During the weeks I generally did 1 or 2 gym classes as well as weight training - crossfit/spinning/tabata classes (interval/circuit training) so I was exercising 3/4 times per week but only running once or twice - but I always got the long run in and did a longest run of 11 miles before the half which I then finished, to my delight (and slight frustration!), in 2.01.

My question is - can I possibly sustain this type of training (building up to the 20 mile long run) for the full marathon or will I have to resort to a more traditional training plan - running 4/5 times per week? I just feel like the same thing will happen again - I'll get sore and injured from overrunning and I won't be able to fit in any crosstraining. All of the novice training plans I see incorporate at least 3 or 4 runs per week and I just don't think it will work for me. Has anyone trained and completed a marathon successfully running only once or twice per week? I'm female (30) btw if that makes any difference.

thanks!

Alf Veedersane

It depends what you want. You could get around the course but the running plans are set up to get the most out of you.

Didn't follow a plan for any of mine. Managed a 15 mile run one year but rarely did more than 10-12.

The Davestator

I also found the running 4/5 times plans too much running. I've done 3 marathons and ran 3 times per week for most of all the training for them. Sometimes 4 at peak training weeks.
3 runs, 2 strength days and maybe a cycle or another run

Obviously if you're only running 3 times per week the runs are all longer though

Vancity

You mean do I have a tough (for me) goal time or do I just want to finish it? I would have said just finish it which is what I wanted to do with the half but then I surprised myself on the day (I was expecting more like 2.15) so I'm definitely prepared to put in the hard work, I just don't know if the regular training plans are suited to me. I would love to do a 4.10 or 4.15 I guess. Does that mean I need to follow a standard 4 runs per week plan?

Vancity

The Davestator wrote: »

Obviously if you're only running 3 times per week the runs are all longer though

So it's the overall mileage that's important? I think I could stretch to 3 runs a week after a few months.

Alf Veedersane

Look at a couple of training plans and modify them for a 3-run week.

There's a bit more to it than building miles of steady state running.

Vancity

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Look at a couple of training plans and modify them for a 3-run week.

There's a bit more to it than building miles of steady state running.

Oh I know that - I was pretty religious about sticking rigidly to a plan for the half initially - I was doing the short easy runs, the long slow runs, the race pace runs, the sprint intervals and it just caused me pain! I guess the answer is that if I want to run the best time I'm capable of, then one LSR and one shorter run during the week at race pace won't cut it. I need more speed training and more actual miles on the road. I might get around but it won't be speedy.

I guess I'd love to know if anyone has done both training plans and fared better by running less and crosstraining more - unlikely I'm sure!

circadian

You could try interval sessions on a training bike and in the pool to keep your cardio up but reduce injuries to complement long runs. A bit of of yoga might help you stay loose and instead of stretching do long walks. It may not help get sub 2 hours but should help with injuries relating to pavement pounding.

Vancity

circadian wrote: »

You could try interval sessions on a training bike and in the pool to keep your cardio up but reduce injuries to complement long runs. A bit of of yoga might help you stay loose and instead of stretching do long walks. It may not help get sub 2 hours but should help with injuries relating to pavement pounding.

Thanks, yes I could definitely do that - I love cycling. Swimming not so much but I could try it. I already do yoga on my rest days so will keep it up.

Oryx

The reason you are injure is because you don't have a running base. Your body is just not used to the work. And building base means time out running. When I started I did very few intervals, but I built into long runs, with shorter progressive runs (building speed throughout) because they came naturally to me. I was running 3 times a week. I think for long distance running you need at least that amount of runs. I dont think two is enough.

Also, this can be moved to the athletics forum if you want.

circadian

Have you had your gait checked? Wearing the proper shoe type for your pronation is a big help.

Also, your username suggests you may be in Vancouver. If this is the case there are loads of personal trainers there who could really help get the best out of you. The city is fitness crazy!

Vancity

Oryx wrote: »

The reason you are injure is because you don't have a running base. Your body is just not used to the work. And building base means time out running. When I started I did very few intervals, but I built into long runs, with shorter progressive runs (building speed throughout) because they came naturally to me. I was running 3 times a week. I think for long distance running you need at least that amount of runs. I dont think two is enough.

Also, this can be moved to the athletics forum if you want.

Maybe so - I thought I'd built up slowly going from 5k to 10k and then I spent over 4 months training for the HM. Yes, I've asked in the Athletics forum, thanks, I only thought of that after posting.

Vancity

circadian wrote: »

Have you had your gait checked? Wearing the proper shoe type for your pronation is a big help.

Also, your username suggests you may be in Vancouver. If this is the case there are loads of personal trainers there who could really help get the best out of you. The city is fitness crazy!

Yes, had it checked and got my runners in the Running Room here in Vancouver (you're right, the city is fitness crazy )