Question (3/25/00):
I'm theoretically running the San Diego Marathon in early June. But I've barely begun training --- running maybe ten miles per week and having logged just two 10-mile runs the last six months and none longer.
Am I too late to seriously train? Or do I risk injury by trying to take this on? (I'm a slow runner and second-time marathoner not looking to break any records; I'm just a late 30-something trying to stay in good shape.)
- Dan
Answer:
No, you are not too late to train for the Rock N Roll Marathon on June 4. If
you start seriously training this week, you will have 9 weeks to train.
However, whenever there is increased training, you do run the risk of injury.
You will have to be the best judge of how your body is handling the stress.
Here's what to do.
For April, run 3 days per week, every other day, say Tues, Thurs, Sat (or
Sun).
Run 3 to 4 miles per run during the week (Tues, Thurs).
For May, run 4 days per week, Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun.
Run 4 to 5 miles per run during the week (Tues, Thurs, Sat).
Cross train with non-impact exercise such as biking and swimming. Weight
train also.
For your long runs do the following...
Date Mileage
4/2 6
4/9 8
4/16 10
4/23 13 (maybe a half marathon race, but don't race it, use as training run)
4/30 16
5/7 8
5/14 20
5/21 12
5/28 8
6/4 race
Good luck!
Gotta run now,
- Coach Mindy
Mindy Solkin is a full-time, professional running coach. Among other achievements, she is certified as a Level II coach by USATF and is head coack of the Leukemia Society's Team in Training program in New York City.
Read more of Coach Mindy's wisdom in MarathonGuide.com's Training Section. |
