Journal Prelude - May 2005

I have a new goal. After having just completed my first marathon, I'm now registered to run back-to-back marathons in the autumn - The Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival (9/25/05) and Marine Corps Marathon (10/30/05). The problem? Both races are five weeks apart. My challenge:

1) To learn how my legs will recover from my first marathon to recover/train for the 5-weeks between my next two marathons;

2) To implement a training strategy to boost my longest, long run to 26 miles before my next marathon on 9/25/05;

3) To run the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival slow and as a last long run before the Marine Corps Marathon 5-weeks later; and,

4) To run the Marine Corps Marathon in 4:20.

5/15/05: 2-weeks post Potomac River Run Marathon

It's been 2 weeks since completing my first marathon - Potomac River Run, Belle Haven, VA (5/1/05). Immediately upon it's completion, I entered learning mode. I focused on my legs and recovering from overuse strains. Learning how they would recover in the first 3 weeks post-marathon would sculpt my recovery/training schedule during the five weeks between running the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival (9/25/05) and Marine Corps Marathon (10/30/05) later in the year. This would become critical training information.

I understand the need to rest, hydrate and eat well following a marathon. However, I also had to contend with the double whammy of food poisoning with residual effects that lasted 4 days after the race. My overuse strains were limited to upper calves and knees.

During week 1, post-marathon, I exercised minimally - I rode the recumbent bike and elliptical machines 30 minutes each on day-3, and ran a slow 4 miles on day-4.

During week 2, post-marathon, I only ran easy - 10-minute miles:

My overuse strains offered mild discomfort as running endured, but after walking/cool downs, I felt great. I gave myself permission to have plenty of rest for recovery. I know I still need to run easy in week-3.

Following my next marathon in September, I plan to:

1) Recover/train in week-1, post-marathon, by only riding the recumbent bike 30-60 minutes on days 4,5,6 and 7; and,

2) Use the above training schedule in week-2, post-marathon.

 

In preparation to run back-to-back marathons in the fall, I've developed a training schedule revolving around running a pre-marathon, 26 miler mid August. To do so, I've consulted with my three favorite marathon gurus... Marathon Jeannie, Ultra-John, and Long Shots. Of course, everything depends on my physical health. What follows is my current running strategy: 2005 - Back to Back Marathon Training Schedule