Tuesday, November 14, 2006

1st Marathon in June?

I'm thinking about next season. It's a bit hard to imagine life after March 31st but I'm trying to since it will be very early in the season. The nice thing about doing a half-ironman at that time is that I'll be in great shape to do other races the rest of the season. Maybe even another H-IM later that summer (Vineman 70.3 is in July and the Big Kahuna is in Sept).

I've been kicking around the idea of doing a marathon. I think the toughest thing about this type of race is the mental aspect of running for that long. But it's time. I've run 3 half-marathons, and I want to do a full ironman in 2008 if all goes well in 2007. So I'd like to try a marathon by itself and see how that goes. I love running, as well, so this is the next logical step. Next question--which marathon? I'd really like to do the San Diego Rock 'N Roll Marathon in early June. It's local, it's fun, and there's a big, supportive crowd. That seems like the perfect one to do for a first-timer like me. Here's the question: is early June too soon after the half-ironman (March 31st) to be ready for a marathon? I'll have 2 months, including taper. I'll already be running 15 miles for my long run in preparation for the half-ironman. Plus, my base will be beyond this for the half-ironman training. So it's just training my body to run the extra mileage. So it's 2 months to add 10 miles (less since you don't actually run the whole distance to train for a marathon anyway). What do you think? Is this feasible?

10 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

I don't see you having any trouble at all making that timeframe. The half-Ironman distance really doesn't take all that much out of you, in terms of needing a long recovery time. You're only putting 13.1 miles on your running muscles, after all. I was out doing a 15+ long run the week after I did a 70.3.

So go ahead and sign up!

Jodi said...

I think it would be perfect timing. I know a lot of people who do Half IMs 4 weeks out from fulls. Go for it!

Jodi

Triteacher said...

Very feasible. And you may be closer to the max mileage than you think; I've read reputable marathon training plans that only have 18 miles as the longest run. In fact, my longest run for IM was right around 18 miles. Your recovery time in between sounds sufficient too. I'm voting yes. What a big year you'll have!

Anonymous said...

5 weeks before Worlds I did a Half Ironman, week later a Half Marathon, and a week after that a 5 mile swim. Then two more weeks of race pace cycling/BRICK's. With plenty of rest built into the program I ended up having the race of my life!

Good luck, stay positive, and have a blast!

Habeela said...

Ditto: sounds very doable. Which IM are you thinking about for 2008? I'm still trying to pick one and I just don't even know where to start to make a decision.

RunBubbaRun said...

Very doable, especially if you plan do a IM in '08. I think just psychology it is good to do an marathon before you do a IM. Just my 2 cents.. But as long as you able to do around 2 long runs 18+, you will be fine. Just take it easy and have fun.

Cliff said...

hmm..well u are looking at a two weeks recovery after a HIM. Two weeks taper for a marathon. That will leave you about 7-9 weeks to train.

The key is to build your base slowly to run 18.75 miles (3 hr).

I say focus on your HIM. Build the base up. After HIM, rest 100%. Then with your wide base, work on the run.

Kate said...

I agree with everyone- but you know that you have had struggles with overtraining and over-racing, so PLEASE be careful! You seem to know your body very well now and you listen to it telling you to rest, so you should be fine!

Barb said...

I know what I would do... but what do I know? :) Train for it and listen to your body.

JeffM said...

I haven't done a half yet, but the training plan for a full I'm starting has a half 2 months before the full.