Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Adventures in marathon training.

Finally, after a 11 year hiatus from running a marathon I am back to tackle the challenge. This past March I have decided to run the Columbus Marathon as a qualifier for the Boston 2007 Marathon. Today's countdown number for the Columbus marathon is 123 days away!
It is also my first day to begin an 18 week marathon training program. The training is similar to what I did for the Cleveland Half Marathon race this past May. The training is basically, 3 days per week of running and 3 days cross training. The running is of intense quality workouts.
To view my marathon training schedule click on FIRST to the Finish. This program starts at 16 weeks but I will start 2 weeks prior to this schedule and then continue with week 16.

I am looking forward to the adventures in this serious 3 running days per week schedule. I think the excitement in starting a new training program is just as exciting as running the race.

Today's workout was 12 x 400 @ 1:14 average (1:30 Recovery Interval)

Sorry, I can't tell you my predicted marathon finish time. Although, I will accept any guesses you might have. A clue from my recent Half Marathon race results should help.

12 comments:

Trifrog said...

I'm guessing 2:50, but could go 2:45 with what I've heard is a fast course in Columbus.

400s don't usually show up in a lot of folks marathon training plans - but those folks aren't running 26.2x6:30 either!

E-Speed said...

2:50 for sure!

JeffM said...

With your speed, drive, and discipline- 2:50 is a good safe guess. Maybe 2:52 if you do it barefoot?

Deb said...

I agree...it's exciting to have a new goal and training program. Sounds challenging...have fun with it!

qcmier said...

My guess: faster than me.

Mojo said...

That's great you have found a marathon to train for. I have heard good things about Columbus, that is it fast and flat. You are already very fast! I know you'll have no problem qualifying for Boston.

I was thinking about doing a marathon in the winter, when tri season is over. I'll have to check out your training plan!

Janet Edwards said...

Hmmm, my guess is crazy fast!

Thanks for the reminder that it is time for me to start thinking about that marathon training as Columbus will be here before we know it!

Cliff said...

I like Al's answer....my guess way faster than me :D

Neese said...

yeeaah that's our home turf! a good program and good men behind it! I'm excited for your marathon training, i've been having fun following my half plan.

Lora said...

2:47 for sure!!! Go kick some butt boy!!!!

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Man, there's no telling how fast you'll run that thing!

BuckeyeRunner said...

Daisy Duc is also doing the FIRST program. I commented on her blog that my husband used this program for Cleveland this year, and PRd. His last PR was 3:54, and this year he had a 3:38. He swears by this method. I didn't do it, because it had way too much speed work for my tortoise tastes. Good luck!