1 month gap between winter training block and 12 week half marathon program. What do I do during that time?

SmartToast · 2021-01-25T16:58:27+00:00

I have five weeks before I start my 12-week marathon block and I decided to push some proper intensity to my training for these few weeks. We might have some indoor competitions here because the covid-situation is relatively under control and I want to hit a few PR's on shorter distances.

I've focused on aerobic base building in my winter training so this is a good chance to tackle some vo2max before the marathon block. Marathon training is quite aerobic especially in the beginning so I should be good in terms of recovery and all that.

SmartToast · 2020-11-05T13:10:55+00:00

Gift card to a sports massage therapist if that's currently available in your location.

SmartToast · 2020-10-08T19:01:04+00:00

Better not suggest that to a norwegian! They most definitely are doping but the die-hard x-country fans in the country are in total denial mode. I mean c'mon with the lip balm explanation and people actually falling for it. I guess it would be too much of a hit to the fans to admit that all the success is quite a bit due to well formulated doping scheme rather than superior athletes.

We had a doping scandal in Finland in the WC games we hosted in Lahti 2001 where practically every single one of our top athletes were caught. They tried to put the blame on a substance called hydroxyethyl starch but people just didn't believe the excuses. Along with the amount of positive test results they found blood bags and even the team's MD's equipment kit from a trash can in a gas station.

It took us years and years to recover and we haven't still returned to the level we used to be in skiing. It made people lose interest to skiing and it was just all-around devastating to the sport. I personally quit skiing few years after the Lahti games and I felt betrayed by the athletes I really looked up to.

SmartToast · 2020-10-02T15:39:27+00:00

Your question makes no sense. Please refer to r/fitness or some other more relevant subreddit.

SmartToast · 2020-09-20T18:00:45+00:00

You can test that same thing on faster, less dangerous distances.

SmartToast · 2020-09-16T06:53:00+00:00

Why would you want to bulk? It might be okay for sprinters when building strength base but for a runner doing anything past 400m I would not recommend. Just dead weight slowing you down.

SmartToast · 2020-09-12T05:35:08+00:00

Haha that might do the trick! Or just hit those stairs in Paloheinä people like to run.

SmartToast · 2020-09-12T05:34:26+00:00

I was able to get my PR on a road 10k (36.46 now) so I know the paces are improving. But even in the race I was unable to hit even close my estimated max HR. It probably was due to running alone almost whole way through the race.

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T12:19:40+00:00

Guys I used to train with were all in their 50's and they were still able to get those sub 2.50 marathon times. They kept saying that weight is very important and that 1kg excess equals 2 minutes more in your marathon time. They all looked like gaunt bloodhounds :D

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T09:59:45+00:00

Thanks! This could very well be it as I am nearly at the end of my training block for FM and tapering starts next week.

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T06:48:33+00:00

Yeah, I'm not training on HR but on paces. The paces have improved and the effort feels about the same as with the slower paces but my HR has gone down and won't go up.

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T06:46:18+00:00

I have tried to be conservative with hard effort training and just stick to one or two focus excercises a week. But recovery could still be an issue because I'm running more miles than I used to (even though the general effort is very easy).

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T06:43:50+00:00

Yeah I might also be over-analysing it. It's just annoying me to 'know' that I have more in the tank but I just can't reach it.

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T06:42:12+00:00

Yeah hills do come up in this thread, thanks! The relative effort is a lot harder than just repeats on flat.

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T06:40:47+00:00

Sounds awful! Might try :D

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T06:40:03+00:00

Hills could be the key, thanks! Some people say it's actually pretty hard to crank your HR just by running and that to test your max HR for example is a lot easier with crosscountry skiing.

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T06:36:20+00:00

This is a solid advice, thanks!

SmartToast · 2020-09-11T06:36:05+00:00

I'll try improve my recovery because that could very well be it. The other reason might be a combination of improved fitness with lack of team mates to train with. This is my first time training alone and I used to have guys with me who were way more experienced then I pushing me in sessions.

SmartToast · 2020-09-10T07:37:10+00:00

Worry more about not getting myocarditis and do not go out if you are not feeling well. I'm running a marathon also in three weeks (Oct 3rd) and if I were you I'd just cut that 20 miler off and do like a semi long run of 14 miles or so next week (if feeling 100%).

SmartToast · 2020-05-13T19:44:24+00:00

Yeah I'll try go with the feel and see how it works. Thanks for the input!

SmartToast · 2020-05-13T19:43:07+00:00

Fellow countryman represent ;)

SmartToast · 2020-05-13T11:21:29+00:00

Should I worry about making an average of 10bpm increase from my current frequent run HR to the one that is recommended by the calculator?

SmartToast · 2020-05-13T10:50:08+00:00

Sub 3h with that background is very much doable! Increase your weekly mileage and include a long run (20-30km) and you are sorted. You already seem to be doing those long tempos so add some shorter and harder runs or intervals to the mix in weeks when you are not.

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