My Marathon Training Program for Marathon #4

This year has been unique if not viably considered "Crazy."  Most of my training periods and schedules have overlapped and my marathon schedule is no different.  I thought I'd share the construction of this year's marathon program in order to be held accountable.

If it works, this is where I'll refer to with my

"Ha-HA.  I was right!"

If it doesn't, this is where I'll return to try and re-evaluate.

After recovering from Ironman Lake Placid, I gave myself a solid 8 weeks of training for the Hartford Marathon.  My ultimate goal is to attempt the BQ.

Current Marathon PR - 3:18:17

Boston Qualifying Standard - 3:05:00

Yeah, it's a tall order!  And I may not make it (I've accepted that), but I wanted to give it a shot.  Before you think "Man, this guy is crazy and due for an injury!," as a little background, I had trained for a 3:30 prior to hitting my current PR.  The day before that race, I also ran a comfortable 1:44 half mary, so I was obviously ready for a faster time!  Therefore, I see no reason to not give the BQ a try. 

So here's the info I had going into my training plan construction.

• I did an Ironman (including a marathon) in late July; I have plenty of base without injury.
• I have 8 weeks until race day.
• In February, I ran a 3:18 having trained for a 3:30.  Therefore, I am capable of a faster time.

I constructed the schedule based on 4-5 runs a week...

1. Long Run - A slower run based on making sure my body is still used to the distance & time
2. Tempo Run - Increasing distances to adapt my body to the pace and metabolic demands while training myself mentally to push.
3. Track Speed - Training my legs to turn over at a faster rate.
4. Track Fun - A fun group track workout to mix things up and keep motivation up; speed and distance will be based on how I feel that day.
5. Recovery Run - Short runs meant for recovering from harder workouts throughout the week; 1-2 times/week. 

Here's the basic schedule...

• Monday is my Tempo Run
• Tuesday is my Track Speed
• Thursday is my Track Fun
• Saturday is my Long Run
• REST days are up for recovery runs if desired.
• Three weeks out, I have a 70.3 to race, so that'll be a test run of my pace at the half distance.

RACE DAY PLAN: Attach myself to the 3:05 pacer and hold on as long as I can.  

If two miles in, I feel like I'm going to crash and burn, I'd prefer to keep pushing and see how far I can push the pace.  This will be the first of my back-to-back marathons, but if I had to choose, I'd prefer to be happy with this race alone than to settle for being happy about the double completion.  


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Questions
1.  What is one PR of yours that you know you can beat?  What time do you think you can achieve?
I think a 3:05 marathon is going to be tough, but is within reach.  I also think a low 1:20s half is within reach (current PR is 1:27:xx)

2.   How crazy do you think I am??  
I'm shooting for a BQ at Hartford, driving out to run the Newport Marathon the very next day, and have the JFK 50 ultra 6 weeks later.  Anyone taking bets on the outcome?  I might want in on the action.


DREAM.  BELIEVE.  ACHIEVE.