I was a marathoner prior to triathlon. All I did was run then. I haven't done a marathon since I set a PR eleven years ago. I'm getting the bug to try one again to see if I can get close to that time. Problem is, now I've got an upper body from all this swimming that I really don't want to lose, and I'm 11 years older.
I'm wondering, what would thoughts be along the lines of training for a half IM and a marathon at the same time next spring with the events being roughly a month apart, probably with the marathon first. The main question is: if I continue to swim and bike along with the marathon training, should I expect to go significantly slower on the marathon than if I'd just train for it exclusively?
I really don't want to go back to the world of running being my only workout, but I would like to get close to the PR. Can I have my cake and eat it too?
An interesting question Brian. And here's a too-long reply for you...
I set my marathon PR in 1989, when the bulk of my training was running. As I've gotten older I have spent more of my time in the pool, in part because it provides a good aerobic workout without beating up my aging legs.
All that swimming has left me heavier though...partly upper body development and partly because swimming isn't weight bearing and it leaves the weight on you....and you come out of the pool wanting to eat everything in the world after a long workout!
I ran a stand-alone marathon in 2000 after a long lay-off since Boston 100 in 1996. It was quite a bit slower than my PR, but it was also fairly "easy" (as much as 26 miles can be) from an aerobic standpoint. I did feel the weight gain though, especially after 22 miles..it starts slowly wearing on your legs and at 6'2" and a big-boned 185-90 it did wear on me.
I'd go for it by upping the run mileage abit and not worrying about the PR...just take it out and see how your "new" fitness works. Best, Mark
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An interesting question Brian. And here's a too-long reply for you...
I set my marathon PR in 1989, when the bulk of my training was running. As I've gotten older I have spent more of my time in the pool, in part because it provides a good aerobic workout without beating up my aging legs.
All that swimming has left me heavier though...partly upper body development and partly because swimming isn't weight bearing and it leaves the weight on you....and you come out of the pool wanting to eat everything in the world after a long workout!
I ran a stand-alone marathon in 2000 after a long lay-off since Boston 100 in 1996. It was quite a bit slower than my PR, but it was also fairly "easy" (as much as 26 miles can be) from an aerobic standpoint. I did feel the weight gain though, especially after 22 miles..it starts slowly wearing on your legs and at 6'2" and a big-boned 185-90 it did wear on me.
I'd go for it by upping the run mileage abit and not worrying about the PR...just take it out and see how your "new" fitness works. Best, Mark
In my experience a half IM is quite a bit easier on the body, both the training and the actual race, than a marathon. I'm sure it's because the load is spread over more muscle groups and joints. If you could arrange it I'd suggest doing the 1/2 IM first, then a marathon a month or so later. Do your running build-up for the 1/2 IM at about 3/4 normal marathon distances but lower intensity. After the 1/2 IM active rest for a week, then normal last month marathon training plus some speedwork (no swimming or biking!) The idea is to try and have your running muscles strong enough to do the 1/2 IM but peaking for the marathon.
