Spacing of REALLY long runs

[smacky1]

Im training for a marathon and wondering how far apart other people space their really long runs......like 18,19 and 20 mile runs. I gave myself some extra weeks in anticipation of fatigue or injury, but so far so good. Now Im finding myself a little ahead of schedule. I was planning on doing 20 slow miles this weekend, only doing 10-12 next weekend, then the following weekend trying for 22. I know many training plans dont go over 20 miles, but I really need the extra distance for my own confidence. Is 2 weeks long enough to recover from a 20 mile run that is run slow with walk breaks? Also, is ok to have my longest run 4 weeks before the race or is 3 better. I dont want to feel rusty on race day......or too tired.

 

[ohMom]

sorry i dont have wisdome for you on this but i'm going to move to the Events/Competition sub-forum where more of the training chit-chat happens....good luck!

 

[smacky1]

Thank you!

 

[Bephus]

I do 18, 12, 20, 12, 20, 10, 8, race so you should be fine.

 

[Duanerice]

What does your plan say? The folks that make the plans are way smarter than me on this.

Here is what I used for my my last couple of Marathons (just the last couple of months of the plan). This is from Higdon Intermediate.

17
18
13
20
12
20
12
8
race

For my first Marathon I did what you are saying, I ran a 23 mile run just for the mental prep more than anything. It wasn't needed and I'm lucky I didn't get hurt. Nothing wrong with 23 it is just the more miles the greater the chance of injury that's all. Galloway suggests running the full 26 I think.

But basically just stick to your plan.

Got get em!
Duane

 

[cewait]

I think you are asking a really good question. I would offer that you are wise to spreas the 16-18+ mile runs out to three weeks apart especially as a first timer. So a good pattern would be 18-12-10-20-...

You can get away with every other week but I would suggest that a more experienced runner who is more aware of themselves as they run.

 

[smacky1]

I think you are asking a really good question. I would offer that you are wise to spreas the 16-18+ mile runs out to three weeks apart especially as a first timer. So a good pattern would be 18-12-10-20-...

You can get away with every other week but I would suggest that a more experienced runner who is more aware of themselves as they run.

You know, I think this is great advice. I had to drop out of my first marathon after I got a stress fracture. This year, Ive been putting WAY more value into recovery and Ive been feeling great. I just finished my first 20 mile run ever and I feel fantastic!

 

[MikeofRose&Mike]

Here is the link to the Galloway plan:
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/marathon.html

Itspreads the really long runs out every 3 weeks.