Sneaking in a few extra miles - can't hurt right? (Read 6570 times)

This might be the dumbest noob question in a while…

In the fall, I want to race a solid marathon. I’ve only done one before (12 years ago), and this may be the only one I ever do again, but I want to give it another try, and I want to do it well (and well for me, I’m guessing, means something like 3:10). At my peak this summer I was able to fit in about 40 miles per week – yeah, I’ve come along from the days when I claimed I could only fit in 14mpw.  And that was without what most would consider any “long” runs (nothing over 12 miles). So, just with a few more weekend hours I could certainly get the mileage up in the 50s without changing much.

I’m convinced that to really race it well, I might need to do a bit more than that. Key is fitting it in. I probably have a little time early mornings – where I think I could get 2 or so miles in each workday. They would be slow, as all of my weekday runs would be 4 hours later.

Meat of the question: this extra 10 miles a week probably won’t hurt – will it help?

If I were answering this question myself, I would say – shut up and try it and find out. If it won’t hurt (assumption), then it can only help, so why not try it? But since I’m not really experienced at running or training (training well I guess), is this right?

I certainly don't think a few extra 2-milers during the week is going to hurt anything....I do, however, question whether it will do any good.  Try and see how you feel.  See if you think it helps you on your long runs.

Doing a short easy run in the morning before your real run in the afternoon is TONS of help.  It isnt about 40 vs. 50 miles - it really doesnt contribute much to your training volume per se, its about shaking out the legs between the real runs.  

Besides, it's a good way to start the day. 

I'm with Ennay - I think the easy morning runs will do wonders for you.  So, Experiment of One, let us know how it goes.

I'd imagine that for most people increasing their weekly mileage by 25% would result in goodness, especially going from 40 to 50 miles/week 

Sure....If looking at the totals, that sounds totally reasonable.  However, I don't know if those 10 miles spread out over 5 different runs gets you the same benefit as adding a 5-miler and then putting an extra mile or two onto 2 or 3 of your other/shorter runs.

That being said....Having time to add an extra 5-miler seems to be the issue, so it's not an option.

And like someone else said...Experiment of One....See how it makes you feel.

Only do it if it makes you feel better.

Odds are, as long as you're getting adequate rest and recovery, that you will find it hugely helpful. Getting your blood flowing and keeping active more frequently is a great way to keep your legs feeling like they're ready to go. The more often you run, the less awkward it feels to get those legs turning over each time you go out for a run. So, even if it's only 2 miles, it could be a huge help. I do think you might want to target about 20 minutes for a minimum, though, as you won't really get warmed up and feeling good until then. You do want to finish the run feeling good.

So, only two data points into this (wed and today), and maybe it's psychological or placebo-ey, but my lunch run "feels" crazy energetic after a slow 3 mile morning shake out (so far). I was surprised by this today, as yesterday I felt pretty beat up / worn down. Anyway, I'll continue to work these in and see if there's a lasting effect.

I use to find great success in taking a 30-45 minute walk at lunch for this very reason

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Well that and it kept me from eating as much 

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I was bored ~ Other days I would go hit golf balls at the driving range

Doing a short easy run in the morning before your real run in the afternoon is TONS of help.  It isnt about 40 vs. 50 miles - it really doesnt contribute much to your training volume per se, its about shaking out the legs between the real runs.  

 

Besides, it's a good way to start the day.