So I'm running 2 marathons, one on June 22 and one on Oct 13. Im doing pure Maf running right now, and trying to figure out what I should do for my marathon ramp ups. As I see it I have three options for my first one, then depending on how that goes, I'll do the same or change for the second. 1. Just keep ramping milage up at Maf pace until taper and throw done speed work on then. 2. Do pure Maf till week marathon -18 and then do pfitz 18-55 3. Do pure Maf till week marathon -12 and them do pfitz 12-55 The milage will all be the same, but what are your guys thoughts on plans?

I found greatest success with a 12-16 week base period where I got my miles (all MAF) up to 70-100 mpw, then after  added in some long MRP runs (ala Pfitzinger) and a few lactate threshold tempos (ala Pfitzinger), and a few tune-up races. These uptempo WO's about 8-10 weeks out from the big race. Most importantly, doing a proper 3 week taper of mostly MAF with just a few miles at MRP. Getting to the race rested is very important.

 

The key is to improve your aerobic speed. Once you get your volume up it improves fast. The MRP and LT tempos aren't killers, like intervals can be for some people.

 

Other strategies by others here have been to do a high volume base period at MAF, and just get to racing with all MAF in between. The races being all the speedwork they do. Not bothering with a taper, if they are doing all MAF in between races.

 

As you raise your volume, monitor your MAF tests. They should be improving.

 

Good luck!

--Jimmy