Marathon what am I doing wrong?
15 watchers
Nov 2021
1:59pm, 8 Nov 2021
15,975 posts
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larkim
@Larks, that's cos you're a 3:15 marathon runner. You probably don't need to train more than 3:15 longest run for 20 miles. Sure. But for a 4 hour marathoner, then a 4 hour long run is a great idea. HG - I did train for a 5-6 hour ultra though and I don't think I ran for longer than 3 hours there. Not hugely dissimilar (though I did do 30 mile weekends overall, so a little bit different there too). Surely the incremental benefit of 4hrs vs 3hrs must be pretty small, and the incremental fatigue pretty significant. The mental benefit might be overwhelmingly strong for a longer one, but physiologically? |
Nov 2021
2:18pm, 8 Nov 2021
719 posts
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The Mussile
Taking Larkims point slightly further, Back-2-back long runs are relatively common for Ultra training so rather than running for 3hrs+ doing 2 hours on Saturday and 2 hours on Sunday, or even on a double run day might be less fatiguing overall
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Nov 2021
3:26pm, 8 Nov 2021
15,976 posts
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larkim
[Actually, scratch that. I did 3 x 3:30-3:40 long runs when training for the ultra for the first time!] This reddit thread picks up some of the other themes on here reddit.com |
Nov 2021
8:04pm, 8 Nov 2021
10 posts
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Pascal
I wonder if anyone has any experience of the SIS Beta Fuel nootropics gel, 80g of carbs? Maybe an alternative to the, 'bloks'. But, I do love the idea of marzipan! |
Nov 2021
8:28pm, 8 Nov 2021
228 posts
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JenHB
I did my first marathon this April - finished in 4:43 and my longest long run was about 3.5hrs 3 weeks beforehand. Maybe if I do another marathon I'll try marzipan too. For my first, I used a mixture of SiS gels, jelly babies and pureed banana (from baby food pouches). I took one of my fuel sources every 30-40mins but also ran with a water bladder so was also taking a lot of sips of water.
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Nov 2021
9:17pm, 8 Nov 2021
1,905 posts
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auburnette
Re taper my last week before my sub 4 marathon was 4 miles easy, 4 miles with mile 3 at half marathon pace, race day. Really light. I could have done a shakeout run the day before my race but my legs already wanted to go fast so I didn't. The week before the race was a total of 22 miles made up of 5 miles easy, 3 miles easy, 7 miles including 4x7 mins at (slightly faster than) half marathon pace with 90s recovery and some strides, then my "long run" was only 6 miles on the Sunday. Re the Bloks I think there are lots of things that can work instead, the reason I like them is that it's easy to take little and often and therefore I can get more nutrition in overall which is helpful. I took them almost every mile and was done taking them by mile 21 (not sure there is any point in taking them very late in the race as you need time to digest it into energy anyway) |
Nov 2021
9:22pm, 8 Nov 2021
75,125 posts
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Gobi
The answers are all here but to surmise the 6 pages slow down in training pace it better, banking time does NOT work in a marathon do longer long runs SLOWLY, the 4hr run for the 4hr runner has value fuel better Good luck |
Nov 2021
10:03pm, 8 Nov 2021
12,916 posts
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chunkywizard
Pascal, you won't know all the people on here but listen to Gobi, he is a coach and knows what he talking about (not that others don't). His is a good summary I think!
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Nov 2021
10:13pm, 8 Nov 2021
1,631 posts
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Cheeky’s Dad
This is all really useful stuff from an interesting variety of perspectives (all on much the same themes) Much to think on and feed into planning. Thanks all
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Nov 2021
10:16pm, 8 Nov 2021
3 posts
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Unsafe Breadbin
Totally agree with the right fuelling being absolutely vital for the physical demands of the marathon. Come marathon day, if I'm not 4-5 lbs heavier than my normal week-to-week training weight then the 3-4 day carb loading hasn't worked. Assuming that you're also hydrating correctly, the body generally takes on and stores additional water with the extra carbs. Don't get too hung up on the long run thing.either. I've trained for, and run, successful marathons with a combination of long slow runs, faster-finish long runs and hours just yomping across the hills and fells to train the aerobic system. Variety is important to keep up with the schedule, as is taxing different muscle groups, in your training to make you a stronger runner. Lastly, strength training should also be a key part of your routine. Running form also tends to wane in the later stages of the longer races which can sap your energy as the body tries to recruit other muscles to maintain pace so working on conditioning your core, your glutes and legs will definitely help. Good luck for your next race! |
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