Week 7 raised the intensity a lot, following the Week 6 step-back week. The pattern continued with short-medium-short on Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday, then medium and long back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. The most notable changes were the medium runs increasing to 8 miles on Wednesday and Saturday, and Sunday's long run increased to 16 miles. Sunday's 16-miler was extremely difficult. I've run this distance more comfortably in the past, but I'm sure the difference was having the 8 and 16 back-to-back. In the past, when I ran this distance, I ran it following a rest day. Hal's consecutive medium and long runs add an entirely new dimension of endurance.
These two weekend runs yielded 24 miles, almost marathon distance within a 24 hour time period. Surviving these runs gave me greater confidence about handling the 26.2 miles on race day! Week 7 total: 40 miles.
Next week increases again, after which I'll get a third step-back/recovery week.
7 weeks down, 11 to go!
A Visit to Mount Felix
15 years ago
3 comments:
Wow...that's impressive! I'm not sure if I could do an 8:16 back to back. Good luck with the rest of your training!
You are doing an amazing job, and it's so cool to hear that the training program is working so well! keep up the great work, and you will definitely be ready come race day!
Grace,
You could do the back-to-back, as long as you built up to it gradually. I tried to do consecutive long runs last Summer and bombed. Following a well-designed training program makes all the difference! This program will peak with 10/20 back-to-backs (twice) before taper!
Teniah,
This is a tough program, but a really good program. It pushes to the max, and then gives just enough recovery just when it's needed, and then pushes again! Theory is that doing 26+ in back-to-back combinations simulates the marathon distance without having to run over 20 at a time. I suspect that the actual marathon will be easier than the 10 and 20 consecutive day training!
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