Base building for marathon training...

[tuggyruns]

Looks like a few of us might be in the base building phase for fall marathons. 

What is your plan to build your base? Miles per week, cross training, length? Share it all !!! Pretty please!

Somewhat related- if after lifting weights you are sore, do you run the next day?

[jordylee]

I've been building my base, focusing more on consistency with midweek workouts and getting in a long run in the 10-14 mile range on the weekends. I don't have a specific MPW goal right now, more just focusing on getting used to running 5 days a week again. I'm running a 10 mile race in 2 weeks, and will start marathon training immediately after that.

Oh, and pushups/abs. I've been trying to do those a few days a week. Key word being trying... I haven't been the best at being consistent with it, but it makes such a big difference for me when I do it.

[mrshandy]

I'm doing 30 now building up to 34-36 before marathon training starts in mid-July.

I do 3 mid-week runs 5-6 miles, one speedwork session, one tempo/fartlek run on the weekend, long run between 10-13 miles, one rest day.

Basically the HH Spring Intermediate plan with added mileage.

I need to do better about integrating some strength/core/stretching sessions into my runs, but I'm having trouble finding the time.

I'm not really lifting or doing cross training at this point. I don't have a gym membership. We're working on building up our home gym, but we keep finding other things around the house to spend the money on.

I'm recommitting to sugar free for the next few weeks to try to drop a few more lbs before marathon training starts in earnest.

[Wines Not Whines]

I signed up for a marathon training program that starts in mid-June. I haven't seen the training plan yet, and I probably won't do the workouts exactly as written anyway, but I know the first long run is 14 miles, and they recommend that you have a base of 35 mpw before you start. So I'm trying to get myself there. I'm also doing strength training and yoga twice a week. Running is my only form of cardio. I used to take a spin class, but it was too much for my legs with everything else.

[gt7301b]

I'm maintaining my weekly mileage around 25 miles a week and focusing on getting in two strength sessions and two cross training sessions a week. I'm only running 4 times a week right now.

I'm also trying to mix up my speed work with different workouts I found online or in Runner's World as well as do a bunch of 5ks (sometimes I count these as a speed work session). I figure now's a time to have a little fun.

[no0b]

Do you guys feel that base building is essential? I mean, I have been running a lower average lately but I've been trying to add some miles as I can. I'm wondering if I should start adding a bit more miles in before I start marathon training. I wouldn't start training until mid-June and it's a long program.

/endthreadjack

[hannahb]

I've been in a slump lately. I'm using the rest of this month to take a break and only run when I want to. Then I'll try and run 30-35 ish a week until I start bumping up in August. I'm trying to get in 2 strength sessions a week focusing on my weak spots (hips and core) in hopes it wards off injury.

[skwcm80]

Ragnar training has helped me keep maintain my base. Right now I'm between 20 and 25 miles per week until training starts in Mid June.

[tuggyruns]

May 13, 2014 9:55:41 GMT -5 hannahb said:

I've been in a slump lately. I'm using the rest of this month to take a break and only run when I want to. Then I'll try and run 30-35 ish a week until I start bumping up in August. I'm trying to get in 2 strength sessions a week focusing on my weak spots (hips and core) in hopes it wards off injury.

This is me. I feel like I am in this slump. I really just signed up for the upcoming tri for motivation, but it really didn't work. I have this terrible mindset that I can just go in and do the tri w/o really training, and I can, but it's NOT pretty. 

Wah. 

[ebeth]

May 13, 2014 9:02:44 GMT -5 no0b said:

Do you guys feel that base building is essential? I mean, I have been running a lower average lately but I've been trying to add some miles as I can. I'm wondering if I should start adding a bit more miles in before I start marathon training. I wouldn't start training until mid-June and it's a long program.

/endthreadjack

knowing nothing about you other than what is posted right here I'll say this: you can probably get through a training program on bare minimum mileage and finish, but your life during marathon training and the race itself will be far better if you start building your mpw now.

[mrshandy]

May 13, 2014 9:02:44 GMT -5 no0b said:

Do you guys feel that base building is essential? I mean, I have been running a lower average lately but I've been trying to add some miles as I can. I'm wondering if I should start adding a bit more miles in before I start marathon training. I wouldn't start training until mid-June and it's a long program.

/endthreadjack

Not an expert on this. But my feeling is that it depends on what your goal is.

As long as you can run the first week of marathon training with relative ease, you should be able to get through the training program and finish your marathon.

I'm trying for a BQ which is a stretch. My weekly mileage when training for my half was 25-27 miles. I'm doing the Pfitz 18/55 Marathon, which starts in the low 30s, I think. I want to feel very comfortable running in the low-mid 30s if I'm going to make it up to 55 mpw.  

[jamalynn]

My goal is/was 30 mpw with one speed workout and one long run and one good strength training session in. I have been sidelined twice in the past month though - strep 4 weeks ago and now something else. B/w comes back today but DH and I think it's hemolytic anemia.

[no0b]

Thanks for the advice. I think I might start something similar to HH's Novice Supreme (just not at the beginning), that way I can incorporate more miles (slowly)and hopefully not aggravate my shins.

Again sorry for the threadjack tuggyruns!

[tuggyruns]

May 13, 2014 10:26:04 GMT -5 no0b said:

Thanks for the advice. I think I might start something similar to HH's Novice Supreme (just not at the beginning), that way I can incorporate more miles (slowly)and hopefully not aggravate my shins.

Again sorry for the threadjack tuggyruns!

Nonsense! It was a great question! 

[Wines Not Whines]

May 13, 2014 9:02:44 GMT -5 no0b said:

Do you guys feel that base building is essential? I mean, I have been running a lower average lately but I've been trying to add some miles as I can. I'm wondering if I should start adding a bit more miles in before I start marathon training. I wouldn't start training until mid-June and it's a long program.

/endthreadjack

It depends on how much you're running now, and how high your mileage will be while marathon training. If you're currently running 15 mpw and your training program starts at 25 mpw, that's a big jump to make all of a sudden. When I say I'm base building, I just mean I'm gradually increasing my (low) winter mileage to the point where it won't be a huge leap to start a marathon training program.

[gt7301b]

May 13, 2014 9:02:44 GMT -5 no0b said:

Do you guys feel that base building is essential? I mean, I have been running a lower average lately but I've been trying to add some miles as I can. I'm wondering if I should start adding a bit more miles in before I start marathon training. I wouldn't start training until mid-June and it's a long program.

/endthreadjack

I think it depends on your priorities.  Could I run a few more miles? Sure, but now is a good time to get in more cross training, rather than running.  I still expect to be able to get a PR with my current base, as my base will be about 50% greater than my previous marathon.

[ktzmoh]

I am on the injured list now so I'm focusing on doing core workouts os that when I get back to running, I'm less prone to injury. Then my plan is to steadily increase my mileage and maintain around 25 miles per week steadily before my marathon training starts (hopefully in December with a little luck)