RunningAHEAD - Topic: Skipping ahead 2 weeks on 18-week program?

NaderAlfie

posted: 2/26/2008 at 9:51 AM

Hi All, I am currently training for a May 4th marathon (NJ). After some thinking, I’ve decided that I just wouldn't enjoy or feel comfortable running a race during the time I am usually in church. Therefore, I’m thinking of running the Jersey Shore Marathon, which is two weeks earlier. Instead of running 4,7,4, 11 this week, I would be jumping to 5,8,5, 18. Anyone have thoughts on the advisability/feasibility of doing this?

"If you have the fire, run..." -John Climacus

azredbirds052

Maniac

posted: 2/26/2008 at 10:06 AM

Seems like a big jump on the long run, but I don't know what your previous training is like...Have you run 16 before? 17? Your log isn't public, so we can't see anything to give you advice. There are people on here who know a lot more than me, so I would listen to their advice more than mine. However, I do know that if you were building to an 11-mile long run (rather than using it as a step-back week) then I think jumping to 18 is way too much. However, if you are skipping a step-back week, it is much more doable. Just my thoughts....

Marathon Maniac #6740

Goals for 2015:

Run 3 marathons (modified: Run 2 marathons--Lost Dutchman 02/2015 and Whiskey Row 05/2015)

Run a 50-miler (Ran a 53.8 mile race 11/14/2015)

Run 1,500 miles (uhhh...how about 1,400?)

Stay healthy

NaderAlfie

posted: 2/26/2008 at 10:28 AM

Thank you very much for your reply. It is my first marathon, BUT last week I ran 15 and it is a step back week.

"If you have the fire, run..." -John Climacus

Figbash

posted: 2/26/2008 at 10:31 AM

Skipping ahead in a training program is almost always a bad idea. Marathon programs out of necessity cram a lot of training into a limited amount of time and making that training curve steeper will likely bite you later on. I missed my second marathon with a pulled hamstring in the 18th. week of a 20 week program. I had missed a couple weeks earlier with an illness and was trying to make up for lost time. Tom

mikeymike

posted: 2/26/2008 at 12:13 PM

I don't see a problem with it.

Runners run

Sandi Sue

posted: 2/26/2008 at 12:29 PM

I don't know if skipping ahead is a great idea. I think of running as my church time, personally.

Races for 2013:

Kluane Bike Relay (4 legs 70 miles)

Calgary 70.3 (72.3)

Aukeman Sprint Triathlon 8/6/2013

Pain is Temporary Pride is Forever

andre_media

posted: 2/26/2008 at 1:50 PM

If your 18 week plan has a 3 week taper,, cut it to 2 and only skip 1 week,

JakeKnight

posted: 2/26/2008 at 1:56 PM

Quote from mikeymike on 2/26/2008 at 12:13 PM:

I don't see a problem with it.

Ditto. I'm assuming you've already done 15-16 last week or the week before? If so, I see no problem at all. (If you mean you're jumping from 11 all the way to 18, however, you better be careful.) Marathon programs are not magical scripture written in stone, and one size does not fit all. You'll be fine.

E-mail: eric.fuller.mail@gmail.com
-----------------------------

triposer

Kings Canyon NP 07'

posted: 2/26/2008 at 10:16 PM

Quote from andre_media on 2/26/2008 at 1:50 PM:

If your 18 week plan has a 3 week taper,, cut it to 2 and only skip 1 week,

That was a good idea! Why did you choose an 18 week versus a 16 or 12 week plan in the first place?

left-right-left-right-repeat

ChknWingy

Oh Mighty Wing

posted: 2/27/2008 at 5:35 AM

Just be really careful and listen to your body!

Mr Inertia

Suspect Zero

posted: 2/27/2008 at 9:05 AM

I think reducing your taper and only skipping one week would be a pretty decent idea. Skipping two weeks can get a bit hairy depending on which two weeks you would be missing. Another option would be to re write your schedule, adding distance and intensity just slightly more than you originally planned. Good for you for making the call to switch your race. It can be a tough decision - so many marathons are on Sunday. The big ones - NY, Chicago, LA - all Sunday races. Gives us an excuse to BQ so we can run a large marathon without comprimising. Good luck and way to go sticking to your guns like that.

NaderAlfie

posted: 2/27/2008 at 3:27 PM

I thank each of you for your kind advice and/or encouragement.

"If you have the fire, run..." -John Climacus

Skipping ahead 2 weeks on 18-week program? (Read 888 times)