The word “recovery” is too backwards-looking – implying one needs to apologize or make up for working to hard on the prior outing. Therefore, it is time to refresh your perceptions about this critical element of a successful training program, and what better way to do so than with a new name.
In a recent podcast, Jay Johnson interviewed Scott Douglas of Running Times and Advanced Marathoning fame, and had some interesting discussions regarding ancillary work for runners. Scott shares some good lessons from over 35 years of running.
Hal Higdon and Pete Pfitzinger offer some of the most widely followed marathon training plans around. However, for the advanced marathoner, the choice is clear as to which helps develop your key physiological capabilities for your big event.
The sub-3:00 marathon can be an elusive goal. Here is one training program, employing 55-70 miles per week over an 18 week period based off of a Pete Pfitzinger approach, that can help you get there.
High mileage training and a steady, relaxed pacing strategy led to a completely unexpected win at the 2011 Towpath Marathon.
When it comes to “the taper”, instead of focusing on negatives such as “reduced mileage,” focus on the positives such as the time you will gain to invest in other activities beneficial to your running. If you are an early morning runner, this should include some more sleep.
I always find it inspiring to find a runner who comes to the sport a bit later in life but quickly discovers that unique combination of passion and talent that can ignite some pretty impressive performances within a year or two. Even better when they can balance it with a stimulating career and busy family life. Steve Poling epitomizes that model.
One concept that has widespread impact but tends to be under-discussed in traditional outlets for runners is balance. It is an appropriately broad word with multidimensional importance, even more so for the aspiring marathon runner who is trying to fit their training into all of the other priorities in life.
When it comes to intensity of training, it’s hard to match what Paul Sherman has put out there the past year and a half. And the results shine through in some outstanding race performances, including a 2:50 marathon performance late in 2010.
Pfitzinger’s Advanced Marathoning is an outstanding reference source for all things marathon related, from physiology to nutrition to strength and flexibility to, of course, the training plans. It is highly recommend for anyone looking to get smarter about marathon training approaches.