Forums >Cross Training>Triathlon/Marathon training question
In your case they are pretty far apart. You should be able to get a lot of biking in before your marathon training really picks up. I would follow your marathon plan and bike on your day off, maybe replace the easiest running day with a bike ride or turn it into a brick workout. I wouldn't skip any runs to swim unless you don't have any extra time to do both.
Son, when you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose; it's how drunk you get. -- Homer Simpson
Triathlon training works great for me in preparation for marathons.
For the running, I've been following the FIRST marathon program: http://www.furman.edu/first/fmtp.htm
The program is on their website. I also bought the book which give more detail.
What I do is run only three times a week, but three quality workouts: 1 tempo, 1 intervals and 1 long.
The easy run days you have in a usual marathon training plan, you can replace with cross training. I joined a local triathlon club I do my swimming with (2 x 1h30) and try to fit 2-3 bike rides a week with one longer one on the week-end.
I find that combination easier on the legs and helps avoiding injuries. I end up doing much more cardio training with less strain on the legs and it helped me get better marathon results.
For the swimming, I suggest either joining a triathlon club or check your nearby pools for master swims.
- R
Thank you for the great suggestions! I will check out the FIRST marathon training programs. I've managed to stay healthy and increase my miles, but it seems this eventually takes a toll on my body and I always end up injured. I'm thinking xtraining is the way to go!
Good luck to you all on your xtraining/running goals!