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Question about 20 week marathon training program

Posted by Barb Kerr on May 4, 2011 at 11:19pm

Greetings--I just purchased 20 week Marathon Training Plan and am excited about starting. I noticed that the duration of  endurance run workouts  never exceed 1:30.  I am aiming for a 3:45 marathon. So no longer duration runs in the weeks leading up to my race(20-21 miles) ?? I am assuming that strength/endurance/efficiency developed during the 20 weeks will be enough to carry me through that distance.

Also, I plan to do most of my training on trails because I find it more enjoyable, but my marathon is on the road. Do you think I should do any workouts on the pavement?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Barb

 

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Comments

  • Ken Smith June 30, 2011 at 11:02am
    Thanks Eric, I will incorporate those into my workouts.
  • Eric Orton June 29, 2011 at 10:39am
    Yes, you should be doing some road work as too much trails will not allow you to get the recovery needed.  So keep the easy days/recovery days on road and some of the faster runs on roads sporadically to train for leg speed.  Again, doing too much trails will slow you down.
  • Ken Smith June 28, 2011 at 3:04pm

    To follow up on this, I'm using the 20 week program to train for a trail marathon, I've been strictly running trails during my workouts.  Should I be throwing in some pavement work?  I pretty much was working under the philosophy "train as close to the conditions you will be running in as possible".

     

    Thanks,

    Ken

  • Eric Orton May 5, 2011 at 10:15am

    Hi Barb - Since your race is on road, I would do the majority of your longer runs on road to simulate road/race conditions.  For peak performance, you want to be as specific as possible. I understand the trail enjoyment, but trails will not foster speed like the road.  So maybe alternate weekly so you can get this leg speed/turnover on the road.

    E

  • Barb Kerr May 5, 2011 at 7:16am

    My mistake, looking closer at the program I see there are longer 20 mile runs later in the plan. Would still appreciate input on trail vs. pavement running.

    Thanks,

    BK

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