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Kimba90
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 Posted: 07/07/05 - 18:49 Post subject: Runner's World Article: Run a Marathon on 3 Runs a Week
Has anyone read this? It's causing a discussion on CR, I'm afraid to even read what is going on over at Letsrun.com. This is a link to the training method: http://www.furman.edu/first/index.htm
I post on a women's bulletin board where they think I'm the running diva so that should tell you the level of running awareness there.
Anyways, one of the other real regular runners, who just completed her first triathalon, has said the RW article has inspired her to run a marathon...this fall...in Columbus. I think her training will be based on the RW article.
SO, to help her out, do I:
Encourage her running this October marathon where I know she barely runs 10-12 MPW right now?
Not discuss the RW article at all?
I have become a real fan of not running a race if I don't have my training in. I decided over the winter, if I wasn't trained for a marathon, I was not going to run it half-*ssed. All my races this spring have been training races only. I have not tapered more than one or two days before a race. These races have been rehearsals in drink, eating, clothes, and maybe strategy.
I've been reading alot, and even reading my old running entries of last summer. I can't believe, now, that I found a 2 mile training run tough last year. . That's how far I have come this summer. I would not even run a 2 miler these days, that's nothing.
I've been really unhappy with my speed but have been under the impression that I need to get my MPW up--and I still think that is true. I am now up to about 30 MPW and it's been a struggle. I hope to keep to at least 30 MPW and even hit 40 and 45 MPW peaking for the marathon weeks. Other RiffRaffer's input into this has been valuable, and I think getting the miles in wins over 3 runs a week.
So back to the original question, should I just say good luck be careful, go for it (because that's what she's going to do regardless)?
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Bill_Sev
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Joined: 21 Sep 2004
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Location: Marietta, GA
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Posted: 07/08/05 - 08:11 Post subject:
Speaking of Columbus.....I am starting to train again for a marathon and I think thats my next Target!!!!
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Bill_Sev
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Joined: 21 Sep 2004
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Location: Marietta, GA
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Posted: 07/08/05 - 08:12 Post subject:
Speaking of Columbus.....I am starting to train again for a marathon and I think thats my next Target!!!!
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runaroundsue
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Posted: 07/08/05 - 08:19 Post subject:
10 years ago, I did trackwork with a 3:15 marathoner. She ran 3x a week: long, tempo, track. I think it can work if you "move" on the other days. The top females triathletes are running 33-34 minute 10ks after coming off their bikes, I don't think they run much more than 4x a week.
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Pug
The Movie Geek
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Posted: 07/08/05 - 08:54 Post subject:
| runaroundsue wrote: | | 10 years ago, I did trackwork with a 3:15 marathoner. She ran 3x a week: long, tempo, track. I think it can work if you "move" on the other days. The top females triathletes are running 33-34 minute 10ks after coming off their bikes, I don't think they run much more than 4x a week. |
I don't have a similar experience, but from reading the article, speed is a major factor in this program. You may be running less often, but you're working harder on the days you do run and you still do have to cross train on your off days.
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Posted: 07/08/05 - 14:31 Post subject:
just wondering how she did in her triathalon?
i didn't read the article, but the thought of running a marathon on three days a week seems impossible to someone like me.
how is she running those 12 miles a week? maybe it's quality, as sue said, and not quanity here. i run 30 crap miles to her 12 quality miles and she's going to outperform me on race day.
i'd probably tell her it seems impossible from your own personal experience, but i guess i'd encourage to follow her plan because that's what she'll do anyway.
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Posted: 07/08/05 - 14:55 Post subject:
| runaroundsue wrote: | | 10 years ago, I did trackwork with a 3:15 marathoner. She ran 3x a week: long, tempo, track. I think it can work if you "move" on the other days. The top females triathletes are running 33-34 minute 10ks after coming off their bikes, I don't think they run much more than 4x a week. |
From the article the program strongly encourages a lot of cross training, as it is based on training for a triathlon, and I think its all previous marathoners which in my opinion could make a difference too as they know what to expect. I'm sure it works for some, but I think its a dangerous thing to put in Runner's World, which seems to be geared more towards the beginner.
Kimba thats a tough one. You might encourage her to aim towards a 10k before then and see how she does, then maybe a half. Maybe training for those will enlighten her that she will need to train more. But its hard to offer unsolicited advice. Good luck....
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Kimba90
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Posted: 07/08/05 - 16:35 Post subject:
Woohoo! She changed her mind before I opened my mouth, she wanted to concentrate on her tri training!
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runaroundsue
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Posted: 07/08/05 - 17:54 Post subject:
| Kimba90 wrote: | | Woohoo! She changed her mind before I opened my mouth, she wanted to concentrate on her tri training! |
good news. I was going to have to take RR on a that bet. I'd take 30 mpw over 12 
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GaRebelRunner
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Posted: 07/15/05 - 20:39 Post subject:
I rarely buy a magazine but I found this article so interesting I bought this one. I've read the article probably 3 times now and visited the FIRST website. I don't think RW is misleading anyone other than perhaps with the title, "Train Less, Run Faster".
The running part makes sense in that you are running a little harder but with less running probably protecting yourself from most injuries. At the same time the cross training you have to accomplish in order to actually meet the goals of this program are rather intensive. Thus you aren't just watching TV or simply putting some more steaks on the grill the other days of the week. Therefore I don't think you are training less, just maybe a little smarter for some runners not into the 50+ weekly miles, whether due to age, joints or who just simply don't want to run 50+ mile weeks. On the other hand, for runners who truly enjoy the 50+ mile weeks of running, this might not be such a good plan.
I'm not going to change my current marathon training but I think I will keep up with the progress of the second group through the Kiawah Marathon and see if those results mimick the 2004 group or not.
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copteacher
Adjunct
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Joined: 08 Jun 2002
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Location: Teaching in the Halls of Justice
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Posted: 07/19/05 - 02:50 Post subject:
I think at least 5 days a week is likely better.
One long day, one medium day, two easy days, one tempo day.
I think there is too much rest in between runs for 3 days a week. Even though in the article they stress quality, I still believe marathon running is about some quantity.
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