OK, I’ll preface this by saying I know a lot of you run a lot more miles than I do/will. But, holy cow! I sat down tonight and roughed out the minimum miles I’d like to get in between now and my 5in5 races.
It’s a very different plan from my typical training. Usually, if I run 5 times per week, I have a long run, two mediums, and two short runs. That’s where I’m starting, but that will be changing pretty quick.
Some random thoughts:
- Runs are in no particular order for each week. I imagine I’ll move them around as my schedule dictates.
- I may change to more of a marathon training schedule and make my long run go longer than 13. (Anyone have any thoughts on longer long run with varying length shorter runs vs. trying to get to a point of double digits for every run?)
- I will try to run 5 days in a row as often as possible.
Most importantly, I think I will spend the majority of February running. I hope my boss doesn’t actually need me to get any work done.
Also, what was I thinking? 50+ miles per week EVERY week in February? It’s cold here then, y’know. Let’s just pray for no snow ’cause I’m not sure my sanity could make it through multiple double digit treadmill runs.
Wow, that is awesome! You seem to be very motivated for this and that is great. I’m looking forward to follow this journey. I love back to back running and think it is the best way to challenge me as a slow runner. All the best!
Oh my goodness. When I was almost going to do this with you, I was looking at a marathon training plan. I mostly wanted to get back to back double digit long runs on the weekends. Kind of like an ultra marathoner, I guess.
5 in 5 is so daunting. I think it’s important to get the miles in, but not worry about pace at all.
Wow. As much as I have run, I still haven’t been able to break the 50 mile week. I’ve been close, but it takes so much TIME. Good luck!
I agree that running longer than 13 will be helpful. I think mentally thinking of 13 as a “medium” run will help you as you tackle your races. I don’t think it needs to be crazy–maybe a couple 15-16 milers.
I am excited to follow your training. I am a bit jealous of the 5 in 5 and wish I could do it.
I’m no expert on running any races back to back, but my two cents are that you may want to follow the Goofy example by running two long (or longish) runs back to back each week during your peak weeks preceding the 5 HMs. So, you’ve got lots of long runs planned in those weeks; you just may want to ensure that you do at least two each week one right after one another — like a 12 miler on Sat and 13 on Sun. One of the biggest challenges for those I know who have run consecutive races like you’re doing is training the body to recover quickly and turn around and run again.
I don’t think it’s so much about the long run each week being marathon training distance, but the fact that your body has to run 13 milers each day for a week. You may even consider toying with a weeklong streak sometime in January for “test” purposes.
For some reason I thought this 5 in 5 was 5 halfs in 5 weeks, not 5 days! You are crazy! I love it! Good luck with your training.
Wow, you will be busy in Feburary! Luckily it’s the shortest month of the year : )
I’m with Jess on the back to back long runs. Many people train to run ultras that way and it really helps keep the stress in check.
I’m also concerned that you don’t have a single back-down mileage week. Unless you are one of those rare beasts that never gets injured or over-trained, that is likely to bite you in the ass. When you increase mileage, it is a good idea to have a little bit of a recovery week every 2-3 weeks (as you’ll see that nearly all marathon training plans have). Good luck! 🙂
I agree with K. I think you should give yourself a “cutback week” every three weeks. So it might look like this: 37, 39, 41, 35, 43, 45, 47, 35, 49, 51, 53, 35. This will help prevent injury.
I’m sure your boss will be fine if you get minimal work done in February. After all you won’t have much time left over after running such big numbers and then all the recovery stuff you’ll have to do – stretching, eating, drinking, more stretching, rolling and sleeping. Should be a fun month.
WOW. Just. WOW. [for me]
Ive gots no tips…just awe.
pure unadulterated awe.
That is a pile of miles. Good luck! (and from someone who has run 15 miles on a treadmill – all at one time – it sucks. Don’t do it. I’d run in a blizzard before I’d do that again.)
Hi! I’m training for the CON this Sept and stumbled upon your blog. Can you explain how much you ended up deviating from the plan above after your friends commented and then when your calf was injured? I need help! I’m at about 15 miles a week. I really didn’t know where I should be at this point. I’ve done 10 halves and 1 full. Never any back-to-back day races!
Thanks!
Brina