The 1996 Chicago Marathon was my first. I had only run a 5K in May of that year and when my friend Pam suggested I should do the marathon, it sounded like fun. Of course, I didn’t seriously train because I believed raw ability would get me to the finish line. Unfortunately, I was right.
For the next 7 years, I ran at least one marathon a year (sometimes 2, 3 or 4). My lackadaisical training continued to get me to the finish line with times around the 4 hour mark. With joggling added to the mix, I was generally satisfied with my accomplishments. I always came in first place of all the jogglers.
However, at the end of every marathon, I always had this thought that I could be faster if I trained better. But since I knew I’d never win a marathon (or even my age division), and was already the fastest joggler, there was little incentive to get me to train harder.
Then in 2003 I surprised myself by running the Twin Cities marathon in 3:51. This was only 30 minutes slower than the joggling world record and I thought it would be fun to break the record. This meant, I’d have to do some serious training.
And I trained hard. Long runs, some tempos, a few sprints. But not hard enough. In 2004, I joggled my way to a 3:25. Beat my best by 25 minutes, but no world record. Since then, I’ve continued to train hard, but still have only managed a 3:21 PR. Unfortunately, the world record is beyond me at 2:50.
In yesterday’s Chicago Marathon, I felt confident I could get a PR but ended with a 3:38:08 instead. A disappointing 18 minutes off my goal. So, today I’m left to wonder…
What am I doing wrong?
I put in the training miles (although I could’ve done more)
I’m not overweight (although I could lose a few pounds)
I do speedwork (probably not enough)
Ugh!
Can someone please tell me, what is the magic formula for turning this Average Marathon Joggler into a Boston Qualifying Marathon Joggler?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Was it the heat that slowed you down? How was your first half split compared to the second half? Your joggling streak may be slowing down your peak time by not resting before the race. I find that running races is my best training, so I get faster as I do more marathons. Sign up for a couple more fast marathons (California International in December is a good one) this fall and do some more speed work.
@Phil – I thought of the streak as being detrimental however there are a couple of things that go against that notion.
1. Last year I was on streak day ~200 and I set a PR.
2. My weekly mileage has not really increased.
But it could be that the streak is slowing me down.
I think you’re idea of doing more races is a good one. Perhaps my biggest problem is that I’m not getting faster because I’m not running faster.
Increasing your weekly mileage works, but that’s easier said than done when you have a job and a life. And yes, running faster during the training runs helps, but that isn’t easy either.
I’m also in my early 40′s, and may have to accept that my PR’s are in the past – although I have set some in the last year. One of the Marathon Maniacs founders recently set his PR after hundreds of races over many years – that was inspiring.
I’m not a coach, I’ve run fewer marathons than you and my own PR is slower than yours, so take this for what it’s worth. However, here’s how I see it: If you want to run long distances fast, you need to do train three things: (1) Run long distances. (2) Run fast. (3) Run long distances fast. You need a training program that reliably gets you to do all three. You might not need more miles; you might just need more quality.
You should also consider cross-training, and you must build rest and recovery into your schedule. The streak shouldn’t be hurting you as long as at least some days are truly light (just the minimum mile or so, at a relaxed pace). But if you’re pushing every day, your muscles never get a chance to rebuild.
And, as you note, losing weight won’t hurt, if you have some to lose. Imagine running a marathon with a thirty pound rucksack. Now imagine running a marathon with thirty pounds less weight than you’re carrying now.
Thank you for your comment. I had no idea it was called “joggling.” My brother-in-law and I were seriously amazed!
@Greg – I think you’re right. Speed work is just so tough!
I’ve gotta find a way to start doing more.
Choose your parents well, as Dean Karnazes would say.
I think you could beat your 3:21 if you joggle a course like Chicago that is around 50-65 degrees in temperature. A flat and cool marathon should help your speed. Along with tempo’s, faster speed work, and rest.
I would rather go for ultra’s and not worry so much about time.
I have found in my quest for a sub-6 half Ironman, that no matter how hard you train, there are conditions outside of your control (like current, and heat). To optimize your chances to meet your goals, you have to train to meet them. In other words, every run you do should be on track for you to run ‘X’ pace for ‘Y’ time. That includes race simulations and speed work!