Joe Nation wrote:maporche : When is the race?
Joe(3.6 miles in the frigging rain this am) Nation
It's the Chicago marathon, sometime in mid October (the 12th I think).
I have plenty of time to train (24 more weeks, on top of the 5 I've already done).
I'm currently using an 18 week training plan, at about week 15 it has me tapering off the miles to prepare for the race....but obviously I'll still be 9 weeks away from the big race at that time. I don't know how I'll modify the plan when I get to that point, but I figure for the next 10 weeks I'll be fine just sticking to the plan.
I went to B&N to get that book you suggested, but they were sold out. I ended up picking up "Marathon: The ultimate training guide" by Hal Higdon that a runner at B&N suggested. I've read a few chapters so far and there is some advice there (not sure if it's good or not, but I'll give it a shot).
You may be able to answer this question for me. Since I have an extra 9 weeks to train beyond what my plan calls for, should I try to train up to 26 miles in training? The 18 week plan has the longest run set at 20 miles 3 weeks before the race. Would you recommend me just completing 2 or 3 more 20 mile runs, or should gradually escalate up to 26?
To answer your other question from a previous post. I do run during the week as well. This week it is: Tuesday 3 miles, Wednesday 6 miles, Thursday 3 miles, Friday Cross Training (cycling for me), Saturday rest, Sunday 12 miles, Monday rest.
