Marathon as Training Run

I ran a marathon as a LSD training run before my spring marathon. Now I'm doing it again at the end of the month. I have a couple of questions for those that have done this.

1. How much did you alter your training schedule the week of?

2. Did you fuel differently than a normal marathon? On long runs I only take in water and an SCap if it's really humid, unless I'm well over 3hrs then I'll down a gel or fig newton. For a goal marathon I'll typically take in 4-5 gels. Just not sure how I should treat this one.

Thanks.

Yes I have done this.

Answer to question #1: I didn't change anything due to the fact the marathon was only a training run with support. I must add that when I did do this I did a longer warm-up at the start of the race then what I would do for a 20 to 24 mile long run.

Answer to question #2: I would eat my normal foods like I would for a normal long run and I would fuel the same way during the marathon like I would for my normal long run training runs. Although if I wanted to test or try some new pre meal or try a different fueling strategy during my goal race I would do it during this long run marathon. So if you wanted to try a different gel or more gels or different type of drink that your goal race would be using I would use it during this long run marathon.

Hope that helps.

I've done this as well, and I really didn't do anything different from a normal long run or even a marathon itself with regards to fueling. Of course, there was no taper involved and I ran at LR pace.

I've never done this, but I would recommend at 3 easy days afterwards. The difference between 20 and 26 warrants an extra day of recovery, in my opinion.

Also, I would be sure to eat a ton of carbs for the period 2-3 days before to 2-3 days after. If you bonk, you can be depleted for more than a few days.

I have done this multiple times and typically stick to schedule except day before I will do a recovery runs and depending how I feel after the marathon I will take the next day off followed by 1-2 recovery runs. Then I kick it back up with speed work and carry on. I also suggest getting a massage 48-72 hours after for me it helps bring the legs back quicker.

Thanks for the advice.

A couple of years ago I ran 9 miles to the Chicago Marathon and then ran the marathon as a training run for a 50 miler. I ran it quite a bit slower than I would normally run a marathon.

Jim Lentz wrote:A couple of years ago I ran 9 miles to the Chicago Marathon and then ran the marathon as a training run for a 50 miler. I ran it quite a bit slower than I would normally run a marathon.

Good point I usually run the marathon fun runs I call them a good 15-25 seconds slower per mile.

I pace quite a few marathons and have done this a few times. I paced the 3:15 group at Eau Claire Marathon two weeks from my spring goal race and it worked perfectly (PRd at Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon by 6 minutes). I didn't alter my running much in the week leading up to the pacing gig, but did run easier w/ no speed work. Same amount of miles though.

I'll be doing the same thing for NYC in the fall. Pacing the 3:10 group at Des Moines, which is 3 weeks away from the race.

Personally I like doing this as it's an excellent way to build endurance. For me they're long runs w/ support and goodies at the finish.

The only thing I did differently for fueling is drinking more beer after the pacing gig.