I'm planning to run my 1st marathon most likely late next year and I'm currently trying to figure out what would be a realistic time goal to aim for. That leaves me with 7 months of training time starting from march (excluding taper). In general I'm leaning towards a much longer base building period of 5 months (20 weeks) and another 4 months (16 weeks) of intensity/marathon specific training. I'll probably have a few tune-up/practice shorter distance races thrown in during time as well. I know I have to be somewhat conservative since this is my first one. On the other hand I have time on my side.
I'm currently deciding between a 3:10, 3:00, or sub 3:00 marathon....sub 3 may seem lofty but given the amount of time I have, I dunno...it may be a possibility. Any thoughts or suggestions of which path to take?
Thanks :)
I'm currently deciding between a 3:10, 3:00, or sub 3:00 marathon....sub 3 may seem lofty but given the amount of time I have, I dunno...it may be a possibility. Any thoughts or suggestions of which path to take?
Thanks :)
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Double your halfM time and add 10-minutes... that's a good rule of thumb. And just my personal jingle here, but for you Tim, I'd say to not buy into the "first timer, just finish" mentality and/or the "go for the experience". From your run reports and racing of late, there is no reason not to pin your plan on a finish time. I'd say if you get some tune-up races that show you are in 1:25 halfM shape and you've got the miles in the bank to race for sub-3, then by all means, DO IT!
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If it were me I'd shoot for something even loftier than a sub 3. Maybe 2:50-2:55. But that's me, I like making lofty goals and I'm fine with not reaching them (as long as the effort was there).
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I think sub 3:00 is definitely worth shooting for. As your training progresses you could alter it if necessary.
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Sub 3:00 is not an unrealistic goal at this point. You're young enough, and you have a good base going at this point
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I'll cast another vote for sub 3 hrs.
Of course, my vote doesn't mean much because the longest distance I've ever raced was a 1/2 marathon and that was 3 years ago.
FWIW - I think I may try to run a marathon when I'm fairly confident that I can get it done in 3 hrs. or less. I'm really not so hyped up on running that I want to be out there for more than 3 hrs. Running for 2 hrs. is about my max now.
Of course, my vote doesn't mean much because the longest distance I've ever raced was a 1/2 marathon and that was 3 years ago.
FWIW - I think I may try to run a marathon when I'm fairly confident that I can get it done in 3 hrs. or less. I'm really not so hyped up on running that I want to be out there for more than 3 hrs. Running for 2 hrs. is about my max now.
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