Lindsay Evans from running4him is sharing her training plans for her very first marathon, set for March of this year!
I have always wanted to run a marathon. Last year, as the clock struck midnight bringing us into 2013,
I decided that would be the year to run my marathon. I was turning 21, good shape, and the desire to
run. However, due to different issues from school, work, and other events, my plans were derailed. This
year, 2014, will be different. I have not only decided, but AM running a marathon at the end of March.
It does not leave a large amount of time to train. Although, I have continuously over the past few years
kept up high mileage and distance running. My weeks generally consist of 3-4 days of running ranging
from 6-13 miles at a time. It is not some set schedule, but for the marathon I am planning on making a
better strategy.
Often the thought of a marathon brings to mind long, slow training, with super high mileage. It is,
somewhat, all of those things. It is also about strength and speed. I do not want to be out on the course
for more than 4:20 hours, which brings me to around a 9:55 or faster. (If you want to calculate your own
pace times for any race you have in mind, it can be found at: Pace Calculator. It can give great training times to focus on!) My training will be consisting of using some of these calculated pace times, but also I will be weight lifting. I know, sounds strange. A bulky
runner. That will not be the case though. The strength from lifting, and once a week speed workout, will
help keep me strong during the last few miles for the race.
Currently my plan is to run Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and lifting days will be on Tuesday and Wednesday allowing Sunday to be completely off. Monday and Friday runs will be lower in mileage; Wednesday is anywhere from 2-5 miles more than the designated mileage for Monday’s and Friday’s. Saturday is a loooonggg run day.
Example of this plan for two weeks of workouts:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
[one_half]Week 1
Monday: 7
Tuesday: Lifting
Wednesday:11
Thursday:Lifting
Friday:7
Saturday:16
Sunday:Rest [/one_half]
[one_half_last]Week2
Monday:7
Tuesday:Lifting
Wednesday:12
Thursday:Lifting
Friday:8
Saturday:18
Sunday:Rest [/one_half_last]
Now these weeks above aren’t until the last few weeks of February. The important thing is to not rush anything. Slowly build and limit room for injury.
xo-Lindsay
Read more from Lindsay on her blog running4him
[highlight1]About the Author [/highlight1]
[one_half]
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[one_half_last] Lindsay is a former Division I Athlete and Dietetic major with a passion for sharing her love of food, fitness and her faith. Her blog running4him chronicles her struggles, victories and stories as a student, runner and daughter.[/one_half_last]
