So I started a FIRST marathon plan... Questions...

[Brit]

It is very focused on training paces, but it is still really freaking hot here. Do I:

A) Throw caution to the wind and slog along as best I can outside? For example my five mile tempo run yesterday was supposed to be at 8:26 pace. I could do it on a treadmill, but outside my best effort was more like 10:15.

B) Stick to the 'mill. Those paces are there for a reason. Nail them.

[theoriginalbean]

I've used FIRST for 4 marathons, now, and I always do the speedwork and tempo runs on the treadmill.

[clseale]

I would definitely say B. You poor thing, do not subject yourself to tempos outside right now. They're not even happening for me in FL right now, and you have it worse than I do!

[spunkypenguin]

I would do it on the treadmill until the heat breaks. I let it go if it was like a 30 sec difference (on bad hills or super steamy days), but two minutes is pretty significant. As much as it sucks to run on the TM, hitting the paces will be better in the long run.

[hannahb]

B

[cinco]

Another vote for B.

[Brit]

Ugh. You guys! I wanted votes for option A! I am so sick of the treadmill.

[Wines Not Whines]

I'll be contrary. Are you training for a marathon in Dubai? If so, I think you should do the runs outside, but take into account the heat. If your race is going to be in the heat, then you should train in the heat, so you're used to it. I'd probably drop your pace expectations though. If you're coming back to the US to run a marathon in cooler temps, then I'd do at least one run/week on the treadmill at the right pace.

[clseale]

Sept 17, 2014 13:33:50 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

I'll be contrary. Are you training for a marathon in Dubai? If so, I think you should do the runs outside, but take into account the heat. If your race is going to be in the heat, then you should train in the heat, so you're used to it. I'd probably drop your pace expectations though. If you're coming back to the US to run a marathon in cooler temps, then I'd do at least one run/week on the treadmill at the right pace.

Yes, ditto the bolded. I assumed if you were just beginning a marathon plan, that race day weather will be much better than what you have right now. Also, I would only take speed work (like you were asking about) to the treadmill. I'd do my other runs outside. Or, you could be like me, and keep all of your runs outside, but abandon tempos. LOL There's just zero chance that I'm hitting tempo pace for extended periods of time, right now. 

[Brit]

Wines Not Whines - My race is in Dubai, but it should be in the 60's, so not crazy hot or anything. I am thinking about adding a junk run instead of cross training and doing that outside. Then again, I'm not sure if one outdoor run per week even helps?

[Wines Not Whines]

60s isn't so bad. I wasn't sure if it ever got below 80 there!

[cinco]

Sept 17, 2014 13:46:17 GMT -5 Brit said:

Wines Not Whines - My race is in Dubai, but it should be in the 60's, so not crazy hot or anything. I am thinking about adding a junk run instead of cross training and doing that outside. Then again, I'm not sure if one outdoor run per week even helps?

Yes, I would still try and run outside, but use the TM for the speed work. I unsuccessfully tried FIRST though, so take that for what it's worth.

[theoriginalbean]

I did both weekday runs on the treadmill and my long run outside. Once was enough for me.

[thom]

Here's a few of my thoughts; some pretty similar.

I think one run outside per week definitely helps. This past winter we went so many days without getting above zero. I did a lot of treadmill runs but still tried to get outside once/week for sanity and variety.

Unless you have a super firm time goal, I see nothing wrong with doing some speed work outside and just trying to base it off HR if you want more accuracy. Track your HR on a few treadmill tempos and then try to hit that same level in your outside efforts.

We all talk about "slogging" through some summer runs and getting back speed for fall races when it's cooler. If your race should be around 60* I see no reason why that shouldn't hold true in Dubai as well.

In summary, do what you feel like on that day based on conditions. (Treadmill or outside).