(01-12-2013, 08:22 PM)marathondan Wrote: As regards the super long runs, I beg to differ in my experience. I've always based my training on Hal Higdon's beginner routine, which has the longest two outings at 19 and 20 miles.
As Hal would say, we're all different. Speaking to runners I see consistently breaking barriers and clocking PBs, whilst some never go over 20 - and all tell you you don't need to cover the full distance in training - most hit 22 or 23 miles about a month/ three weeks out from a marathon. I think for an off-road marathon, where the equivalent effort on the 'flat' would take you well over 26.2, that extra mileage is essential.
Looking back, Paris (road, flat) and Steyning (mud, hills) stand out as 'well executed' races. Whilst I matched my best time in Brighton last year, I crawled home. In Paris I flew over those last few miles, finished on a high and even ran to the pub later. The Stinger was a much tougher race to complete. My training for both included hitting 20 miles and beyond on a regular basis, so it seems that works well for me, on either surface.
It's not an exact science. Logic suggests that, whilst the extra climbs and effort offroad equate to more distance, softer terrain means less assault on the knees, hips and back. My body is usually far more traumatised in the hours, days and weeks after a road run then the equivalent hilly, off-road distance, suggesting these races are my future. My legs are still shredded from P2P.
This all seems a bit rich coming from a person who last trained 'properly' for a race years ago. I'm trying to recall what races were like when I got out there and hit the targets on a regular basis. What works for you is right, for you. Finding that magic formula is the fun part.
2013 Point To Pinnacle Race Report
