Question for those who have done and will do Goofy!

[Hockeychic]

How many of you do back to backs?

Also being my first marathon as well I am worried that all the training plans only go to 20M. Is this a issue? Would you add more milage in those last few weeks before taper?

I don't know why I am freaking over this but just doesn't seem like 20 M is enough ????

Please help talk me off the ledge again.....

Kim

 

[scuba diver]

How many of you do back to backs?

Also being my first marathon as well I am worried that all the training plans only go to 20M. Is this a issue? Would you add more milage in those last few weeks before taper?

I don't know why I am freaking over this but just doesn't seem like 20 M is enough ????

Please help talk me off the ledge again.....

Kim

You may want to review for the active thread that is for the Goofy addicts.

Personally, I do back to back runs. This is based on my ultra training where I do a 10 mile run the day before a long run. This weekend I'm doing 10 on Saturday and then 26 on Sunday. That will get me ready for a 50K in 3 weeks.

I do believe the back to back helps as it gets the body use to running a long race on tired muscles. Normally we do a tamper so the muscles are fresh. That won't be the case for Goofy.

This will be my third Goofy. The key for me is to do the half nice and easy. Treat it like a training run. That makes the full so much easier.

Also, have fun.

 

[Hockeychic]

Thanks Jim for the info.

I was going to post on the Goofy thread but I also wanted input from those who have done it before also.

DH and I plan on the same thing, we are going to take the 1/2 nice and slow, enjoy the route, take lots of photos etc. Even the full, we will probably be in the last group to finish but that is OK with me, not going for any time just want to finish and earn that awesome bling.

Thanks again for your advice.

Kim

 

[ultramickeymouse]

How many of you do back to backs?

Also being my first marathon as well I am worried that all the training plans only go to 20M. Is this a issue? Would you add more milage in those last few weeks before taper?

I don't know why I am freaking over this but just doesn't seem like 20 M is enough ????

Please help talk me off the ledge again.....

Kim

Take a deep breath and step back from the edge

I NEVER do back to backs in the 5 years training for the Goofy. Only back to backs in 5 years have been the Goofy.

Most training plans do only 20 miles as the only thing you gain by the extra mileage is injuries. The risk isn't worth the reward. Have faith.

I use to do 50 mile races and longest training run was a 50K. That is 18 miles different but never an issue.

Stay strong and true!

 

[timmac]

This will be my first Goofy coming up, but hopefully my advice is good.

How many of you do back to backs?

I do back to backs sometimes, not always. Distance varies. Some recent back-to-backs have included 6/12, 10/15, 5/10 and 4/22.

Apart from training specifically for the Goofy back-to-back, such runs get you used to running when you're a little tired already, and, in my limited experience, it sort of helps you to get used to recovering quicker. In some ways, it also simulates how you will feel (tired and sore) in the latter miles of the race.

Also being my first marathon as well I am worried that all the training plans only go to 20M. Is this a issue?

Probably not an issue at all. Based on heresay from people who have trained either way, it seems pretty consistent that the last few miles are tough no matter what. It's the nature of the beast. In other words, doing a 23-24 mile training run probably won't really get you any more prepared than a 20. Besides, on race day, what are you going to do at mile 21? Just walk off the course and say "forget it, I can't do it". Of course not! You'll finish at all costs by that point

Would you add more milage in those last few weeks before taper?
I don't know why I am freaking over this but just doesn't seem like 20 M is enough ????

Is this your first full marathon? I'm assuming yes, and if so, I would say definitely DON'T go above 20 in training. You don't want to take the chance of injuring yourself before you get to the start line. I definitley don't mean this to make you any more nervous, but you don't want to underestimate just how much those really long runs may hurt the first few times. No sense doing that while you're still training. Remember also that the 26 miles isn't really the same as your training long runs, in the sense that it's (relatively speaking) an isolated event. It's not as though you're doing that until next weekend when you'll go do 28.

If you can do 20, you can do 26. And I know you can do at least 20

 

[twoWDWfools]

Kim...don't make me have to come up there!!!

I would not recommend going beyond the 20 miles. Too much risk for injury. I didn't get beyond 18 for Jan due to weather and did fine. You will too.

I do plan on a couple mid mileage back to backs just to get the feel for them. I've done long walks on Sat then long rides on Sun which is close but obviously not exactly the same.

Breath, calm down, call me if needed and remember...
We'll be together in Jan and I will drag you across the line if need be.

 

[Hockeychic]

Thanks everyone, just my bi-monthly melt down....and lack of sugar!!!!!!

Thanks for all the input and advice it is appreciated more then you know

 

[escape]

Kim, maybe this will help as well....

From About.com (basically what Robert said):

Question: Why is My Longest Training Run 20 Miles?
I'm training for my first marathon and I was surprised to see on my training schedule that my longest training run is only 20 miles. Shouldn't I be running longer during training, in order to be ready to run 26.2 miles?

Answer: Many first-time marathoners wonder why so many marathon training schedules don't go beyond 20 miles. How can you be prepared -- both mentally and physically -- to run six miles beyond your longest run?
Well, there's definitely a lot of debate about this issue. But most running experts will tell recreational marathoners that it's not a good idea to run more than 20 miles at one time during training. The reason is that running 20+ miles really takes a toll on your body. You'll need a long recovery period and you run a high risk of getting injured. Running 18 to 20 miles as your longest training run will prepare you to complete the marathon. So, the potential negative effects of running longer than 20 miles really out-weigh any possible benefits, such as feeling more mentally ready to run 26.2 miles.

During the two weeks before your marathon, you'll be cutting back your mileage. This tapering period will allow your body to recover from all those months of training. You'll feel rested and ready to take on the 26.2 mile distance.

Also, it's important to remember that being prepared for your marathon is not about just one long run -- it's about the consistent training you've been doing for months. If you've been following your marathon training schedule, you'll be ready.

I've completed one marathon. My longest run was 20 miles three weeks before. I had no problem completing the run. Well, almost no problem. I did have a big 'ol blister on the bottom of my foot that gave me fits but I managed to finish...on time.

 

[Hockeychic]

THanks Susie feeling better today....just my sugar withdrawls I think

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Kim, this will be my 5th Goofy and only my 5th marathon. My first I did 22 miles b/c so many on WISH were doing that. The other 3(4 including this training session) it is 20 milers. That 22 did absolutely nothing for me. I was terrified for my 1st and did stay true to my training plan. b2b starting with 12 miler weeks and then every other week through the 20 miler.

The subsequent years were ones where I had issues and just dug in and plowed my way over that finish line. I trained full schedule only and not b2b. You have a good base with your consistent training. Do what you plan this year. Get in as many of your scheduled marathon training LRs and if you can toss in a b2b and feel good, then go for it.

Big thing is to pay attention to your training and body. If you are feeling good then keep moving along. If you feel injuries or your body not liking something it is ok to step back a bit and recover.

Don't forget XT is important and having fun is as well.

You can do this and you will!

 

[Hockeychic]

Thanks Lily for the advise. I was thinking of the back to backs until the milage starts to get up really high then trade in the shorter of the 2 for bike ride or some other form of x-t.

Thanks again to all for the input

 

[deekaypee]

Late to the party, but thought I'd add my 2 cents!

As Robert said, back away from the edge. Also, like he indicated the goal is to get to the starting line strong and injury free! We'll all do it a little differently, based on our experience, physical health, mindset, etc. D

I agree with others that 20 miles is fine. Last year I completed the marathon with a LR of 14 (injury) and while this year I'm planning on doing 20+ (for my mental health), I'm not going to worry about things if I don't hit some magical number. 20 should be fine.

I'm also doing b2b, but not every weekend. That's also for my mental health--I need a break from constant b2b. And my b2bs aren't always SLR/LR with the SLR being 1/2 the distance of the LR. It'll vary, depending on my XT, how fatigued I feel. Sometimes I'll get the miles in without worrying about pace, and vice versa. And in some cases, my LR will come before my SR. And there are even days when the SR and LR aren't b2b so that I can fit in a local race or two. (Okay, so it sounds like I have no plan whatsoever, but I do. )

You know what I'm finding makes the biggest difference for me this year in how I train. Prioritizing the XT, especially strength and core. Last year a back injury threw me off, and my back really hurt after the marathon. Poor (non-existent) core muscles.... so that's a priority to me even above b2bs! Take that for what it's worth.

Oh, and I think your plan for biking is excellent! Isn't Pat doing some of that?

Anyway, the REAL reason I dropped by was to say we're all in this together, and I just know you can do it! The Goofy will be filled with your WISHer buddies, and we're going to have fun together. Visualize a sea of lime green while you're training--the miles will fly by! (Okay, so they won't really, but hallucinations on the training course do pass the time. )

 

[Hockeychic]

Thanks Debra

Feeling good, just my every other month meltdown. Had my first good training walk in a long time last night so really feeling great today.

Kim

 

[Running Mouse]

Kim,

I am going for GOOFY for the 5th time also. I think you have been given dead accurate advice by your fellow WISH friends.

I would not go over 20!! Rest is better than anything else.

The only tip I have is that when you have a weekend that you do a mid distance long run follow that up with a solid mid distance. Example: 10 followed by a 15, or a 13 followed by a 10. I do this every other weekend for Oct & Nov. I find that gives me plenty of base for Jan.

Best of Luck