Marathon training clerical error

August 12, 2009 6:41 AM

runningfilter: I just found an extra week in my marathon training schedule (because I started a week early)-- help me decide how best to use it.

I'm training for the NYC marathon this year using the Hal Higdon Intermediate II training plan, at the recommendation of AskMe. This will be my third marathon, I'm a 32yo man, and when not training for something specific, I usually run about 25 miles per week.

I'm not really focusing on my time this go round (I've been keeping up with the pace workouts, but haven't been doing any speedwork), and my number one goal is to get to the finish line without any injuries. Things have been going smoothly as far as that's concerned.

I was planning out my next several weeks' runs, and I realized that I somehow started the 18-week program 19 weeks before my race. If I keep going on my current schedule, my two weeks of tapering will end a week before the race (rather than the day before). I'd like to shift things around so my training ends with the tapering at the right moment.

My question is, where is the best place to account for the extra time, and how best should I do that? I'm thinking the most conservative thing to do is repeat the workouts from one of the easier step-back weeks (like week 14) between the last two weeks that end with a 20-miler (after week 12 or week 15, I mean).

I'm currently in the middle of week 8, which ends with a 17-miler on Sunday, the longest distance so far. I'm wondering if repeating this week's (or last week's-- which ended with a 16-miler) would do me more good endurance- and performance-wise

Has anyone made this type of miscalculation before? Any other ideas about how best to spend the extra week?

posted by activitystory to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

Best answer: If you're not that focused on time, I would just keep it as insurance until as late in the training as you can - ie follow your own suggestion and repeat a step-back week after week 15. In the meantime, if you get sick, or a minor injury, you have a spare week that you can lose without messing up the timing of your last long run and taper.
posted by crocomancer at 7:27 AM on August 12, 2009

I've only run one marathon though, so more experienced runners may have better advice
posted by crocomancer at 7:29 AM on August 12, 2009

You can ask for free at Hal Higdon's forums.
posted by Obscure Reference at 7:51 AM on August 12, 2009

I've made all kinds of miscalculations... that's certainly nothing to stress about. Personally, I'd do two consecutive of the longest runs at the end of your training, but that's just me.
posted by ph00dz at 9:28 AM on August 12, 2009 [1 favorite]

The conventional wisdom on these things is to add a long run. Another option would be to add a pretty long run, but have two pretty fast speed session in that last week to help you tune up. The caveat with this is that if you aren't used to running speed you are a bit more likely to get injured doing it.
posted by OmieWise at 11:08 AM on August 12, 2009

Best answer: I've completed 18 marathons in times from 3:37 all the way to 4:45 and my opinion is this:

I think you have the right idea. Run the schedule exactly like you have never discovered the error except run week 17, or another easy week twice. In my experience, it seems that most people over train near the end, which can result in getting ill or showing up sore on race day.

So if it was me I'd deal with the extra week near the end of the training. Show up healthy to the race, and have fun! I entered the lottery this year, and didn't get in ;-(
posted by mymanb at 11:08 AM on August 12, 2009

Best answer: my number one goal is to get to the finish line without any injuries

Then add in an extra back down week. I'd add it between Hal's week 14 and 15. You'll do 20 miles then have two weeks of shorter runs. You'll do your final 20 miler, then taper.

Week 13 20
Week 14 12
Bonus! 12
Week 15 20
Week 16 12
Week 17 8
Week 18 race

Honestly, the intermediate plan calls for 3 20 milers. As my coach always tells me, "the hay is in the barn." There's no use in adding another long run, but an extra rest week especially late in the training season, will be a benefit.

Or do whatever Hals says. :)
posted by 26.2 at 11:23 AM on August 12, 2009