26.2 The Marathon Training Website
 

 

Sections

26.2 Home Page


Running    Fundamentals:

 Improve Your Performance with Running Stretches


Hot Weather Running


Avoiding Injuries


The '26.2' Marathon Training Guide


What is Natural Running


Getting Back In Running Shape


How To Avoid Cramps During The Marathon


Marathon Training Diet


Featured Marathons

Info' On Upcoming Fall Marathons


Marathon Training for Beginners


Our Top Ten Marathon Tips


Marathon Training Schedules


Performance Improvement

Ways to improve your overall marathon time


Marathon Training FAQ


Video - Tips On Choosing The Best Running Shoe


**** The '26.2' Marathon Survey Results ****


Upcoming Marathons

from marathonguide.com


Custom Running Logs

Click the photo for details


Previous Articles

Training - The Critical Weeks

This is the key part of your training program


Knee Pain Prevention


What's The Best Marathon Training Program?


Finding Time To Do Your Marathon Training


Vary Your Training

 & run a better marathon


Marathon Recovery


Setting Your Marathon Time Goal


Getting Started

Thoughts on Deciding to Run a Marathon


Conquer Those Hills!

How to overcome the hill challenges


Marathon Countdown

Tips on getting ready for the big event!


Running A Marathon

An imaginary account of the race


Marathon Success Secrets


How To Improve Your Training


Keep on Track With The Right Schedule


Diet Pointers


Runners' Diet & Nutrition


Training Tips For Beginners


 

 

 

Welcome to Mike & Steve's

Marathon Training Program

Week # 8

Steve:  veteran - 57 marathons

A weekly marathon training program and guide for marathon runners from the beginner to experienced levels.

Mike - marathon

runner & author

 

Are you currently training for a marathon? Download our free "Marathon Race Strategies" report and improve your performance!

Introduction

Our marathon training program covers an 18 week period, including the marathon week and the post race recovery week,  to help you prepare for your next marathon. Each week we will publish a new chapter. If you missed out earlier, previous chapters are available.

Click here if this is your first time to this page.

Click here for information about using the marathon training schedules

Click here for our Marathon Training Guide FAQ

Click here for stretching and cross training information

Feb 8, 2009: Mike's Training Notes

One of the problems I've found with running a Spring marathon is that that we train mostly in colder weather and then run the race in warmer times. I run Boston one year and the temperature was well over 70 degrees by the time we finished. I don't really have a solution for this except to wear lots of clothes when I'm training (or move to Florida!).

If anyone has any ideas about this please let me know and I'll publish your letter here...

Safe running - see you next week!

Mike

 

 

Marathon Training Guide: Week 8

The long run distances are starting to increase and you will need plenty of rest. Try to carbo-load the day before the long run to increase your energy stores.

[Previous Weeks]

 

 

Select Your Marathon Training Program Level:

 Beginner  -  Intermediate - Experienced

If You Like The Marathon Training Guide...

Please Tell A Friend!

 

We value your privacy - this email is not retained!

 

Beginner Program:                                          Week 8:

As the base building phase of your training continues, the mileage increases and the probability of injuries rises.  It is, paramount, therefore that you monitor your body and do all that you can to keep fit.  Nutrition, rest and knowing when to cut back a little bit will definitely help.
 

Beginner Level: Week 8  Mileage Chart

 

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Mileage Goal:
6 E 5 T Rest 5 E Rest 15 L 3 E 34

E = Easy Pace; HD=Hard Pace; HL = Hills; L=Long Slow Run; M = Marathon Pace; T=Tempo

Daily Training schedule

The beginner training schedules follow the hard day / easy day approach. if you have to modify this week's training for any reason, try to stick to this basic principle.

Day 1:

After a tough long run, two easy days in a row may be in order. Six miles at an easy controlled pace today please

Day 2:
Today's run is 5 miles of tempo. Normally, the distance would begin to increase, but at this level of training, an introduction to the concept of tempo is plenty.

Day 3:
Rest day. Cross train if you wish. Definitely do some stretching.

Day 4:
Another Easy run of 5 miles today. If you have a different suitably flat route do it just for a change.

Day 5:
Rest Day. An easy bike ride perhaps. Above all, take it easy because tomorrow is your longest yet.

Day 6:
LSD today (15 big ones). Please keep it Slow and stretch after. If you have a running friend who can run with you even to start the run or finish it with you, give him/her a call. Company on these long runs can be a very positive aspect. Go out for breakfast after. Time for a reward?

Day 7:
Today the word recovery begins to take on real meaning. Three miles at a very easy pace with some stretching in the middle of the run as well as after. A 34 mile week Good Job.

Marathon Guide's Training Tips:

  • The purpose of the long run is to build up strength and endurance and to get your body used to continuous exercise over an extended time. That’s all -you don’t need to run at your intended marathon pace, (or faster!), this can be counterproductive and will increase the risk of injury.

  • Don’t take your long run for granted – approach it like you would a race. If you’re not feeling on form our advice is to postpone the long run to another day.

 

 

Forget the power gels and try FRS instead!

FRS is a new power product that gives you the extra energy you need to get you through the final miles of the marathon.

Easier to digest than the standard power bars or gels, FRS is a healthy alternative that really works. It provides the extra energy you need without the sugar spike you get with many of the other products.

Visit the FRS website and watch a video of Lance Armstrong describing the product and its benefits.

Don't believe the ad? Get a Free Sample of FRS and try it out for yourself.

 

 

Intermediate Program

 
 With your mileage going up to 49 miles (10% rise), pay attention to the environment you are running in and once again your personal safety.  With the increasing mileage, we tend to get focused only on getting to the weekly finish line.  Sometimes we forget that safety can be compromised in the blink of an eye.  Please stay alert and run smart.

Intermediate Level: Week 8 Mileage Chart

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Mileage Goal:
6 T 7 E 7 HL 8 E Rest 16 L 5 E 49

E = Easy Pace; HD=Hard Pace; HL = Hills; L=Long Slow Run; M = Marathon Pace; T=Tempo

Daily Training schedule

The intermediate training schedules follow the hard day / easy day approach. if you have to modify this week's training for any reason, try to stick to this basic principle.

Day 1:
The week starts off with a 6 mile tempo run. As always warm-up for 1 mile and cool down during the last mile. Oh yes, do not forget to stretch.

Day 2:
This will be a relatively easy 7 miles at your most comfortable easy pace.

Day 3:
It’s time for another hills workout; 7 miles worth, stay focused.

Day 4:
Two easy runs already this week. This day it is an 8 miler. Find a suitable new route and remember your stretching.

Day 5:
Rest today and an easy bike or swim if you choose. Pasta or potatoes tonight.

Day 6:
This week your LSD run moves up to16 miles. Choose a course that will not take too much out of you. A nice hot bath and a beverage of your choice as reward; good idea?

Day 7:
A five mile Recovery run. This run is one of the most important ones of the week as has been noted previously. Run, walk, stretch, repeat; one method, but be sure to get it in as next week starts tomorrow.

 

Marathon Program Training Tips:
  •  The difficult thing about marathon training is that in order to meet the weekly mileage goals you have to run most days. Your body does not really get enough time to recover from the long run. Make sure you have an easy training day the day before and the day after your long run. Your legs will be grateful!
 

Experienced Level Program

 

The workload for this week begins to get heavier, going up to 55 miles.  This represents the build up to the peak portion of this training program.  Stretching is one of the cornerstones of your training, as it will help keep your muscles in decent shape over the long haul and thus becomes a key aid (please review section on stretching).

Experienced Level: Week 8 Mileage Chart

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Mileage Goal:
8 HL 9 T 7 S 8 E Rest 17 L 6 E 55

E = Easy Pace; HD=Hard Pace; HL = Hills; L=Long Slow Run;  M = Marathon Pace; S = Speed-work; T=Tempo

Daily Training schedule

If you have to modify this week's training for any reason, try to work in some quality workouts, especially the long run.

 

Day 1:
Today is a hills workout of 8 miles. A good start to the week. Ensure that your pace delivers a moderate effort at best. Stretch.

Day 2:
Another tempo run of 9 miles is on the schedule today. As usual you may want to switch with day three. Choose your poison carefully.

Day 3:
The speed workout is 7 miles (11,300 meters) this week. Remember the top of the ladder distance should increase to say 1200 meters and you should increase the number of either 400s or 800s. Just do the math.

Day 4:
An easy 8 miles today. Keep this as an easy day because of your long one this week.

Day 5:
Rest day. You may be ready for it, but do your stretching at least.

Day 6:
The LSD run is 17 miles this week. Consider factoring in a few walking breaks coinciding with your hydration replenishment. Above all keep the pace easy. Time for some comfort food and a warm bath, right.

Day 7:
The recovery run is 6 miles easy. Almost goes without saying. Light stretching before, during and after would not hurt.

Marathon Guide's Training Tips:

  • Professional athletes are very aware of feeling “burned out” mentally as much as physically. If you train all the time we guarantee this will happen to you… Make sure you take the time off which is built into your schedule. If you are feeling the stress of doing a lot of training, then taking 2 or 3 days away from your training program and from exercising in general can be a tremendous benefit.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If You Like The Marathon Training Guide...

Please Tell A Friend!

 

We value your privacy - this email is not retained!

 

Google
 
  Copyright © 2006 -2010 Ipcor.com All Rights Reserved.                                Home                    Contact Us                    About              Marathon Training