Coming out of last weekend's half I was all full of positive vibes and confidence and thinking about how to maintain fitness until starting my first marathon training cycle. So I downloaded the plan runners world gave me to see what the first few weeks looked like and Ive got to say- I'm pretty intimidated.
All of the sudden I'm really wondering if my body can actually hand all those miles? The most I've ever done in a week is something like 27 and this plan has multiple 50 mile weeks!
Someone tell me I can do this. I'm feeling doubtful about my ability to make it to the start line in one piece.
You don't have to run 50 mile weeks if you don't want to. I've never done a single one, and I'm pretty proud of my marathoning. My body just can't handle it; I get injured. We are all an experiment of one, so you just find what works for you.
Maybe this plan isn't the best for me. The hh plan seems far less intimidating. I think that might be a little better and less risky. Thanks for entertaining my 'what the fuck did I get myself into' moment.
Post by chitownbelle on Oct 25, 2014 15:01:28 GMT -5
It depends on what your goals are. I used HH's beginner plan for my first, and his intermediate 2 for my fourth. I just cant fit all those miles into my schedule that some other plans require, and I like his plans. Shop around and see what plans meet your needs. Mileage vs speed vs etc... regardless, don't let the marathon in general intimidate you. You can obviously handle 13.1, and your training will prepare your body for 26.2.... :-)
Post by Wines Not Whines on Oct 25, 2014 16:40:41 GMT -5
I'll echo what others said about lower mileage getting the job done, especially for your first marathon. I used Hal Higdon plans for my first 2 marathons, and I think I peaked at 36 mpw.
Multiple 50 weeks is aggressive. If you are looking to finish without a real time goal, I would find another plan. My first marathon plan had 1 51 mile week but I only got through 48 miles that week. Still finished my marathon with my head up.
I would definitely not go into a plan with multiples 50s, until weeks in the 30s is normal for you. Not a peak week, but normal mileage. Definitely look at a beginner's marathon plan. No nee to start out feeling defeated.
I recommend taking it one day at a time rather than looking days/weeks ahead. Most of the time I have no idea what I'm running tomorrow until the prior afternoon. It gives me less time to think (and start worrying) about it and is much more manageable.