Expected Marathon Time

[Deleted User]

Good Morning, I've now had time to reflect on FLM 2003, and have asked myself, what is a realistic time for the marathon ? I've bombed on my two Marathons (4hrs Plus), but regulary run 10k's in 39mins. Is there a calculation that predicts a realistic time based on 10k times ?

XFR Bear

There are quite a few - can't remember the web site addresses though, someone here will know.

I'm slightly slower than you over 10k, and mine came out to be around 3:15 if that's any help.

Having said that, it would all be dependent on the right sort of training!

[Deleted User]

Thanks Fruity. I think my training was good, I followed the RW 3.30 to the word. Just ask Wolfy! I'll carry on looking for a calculation...

BTW, well done for 3.15, that's a mighty fine time.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

try mcmillanrunning.com. Go to the calculator and you should find the help you need.

[Deleted User]

There is a calculator at McMillan Running, address below.

http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/Running University/Article 1/calculator3.htm

cougie

Mornin' Spenny !
I think those calculators are v dodgy myself. So much goes on at the long distances. Maybe it works when you've got loads under your belt, but for me just running the distance is a challenge. Time will have to come later.

[Deleted User]

Agree with coughie - I tried various predictors last year which gave me a predicted time of 2:59 - 3:12 (depending on which calculator you use) for the two marathons I "ran" I ended up with 3:40 followed by 3:46.

However, I think the calculators work well up to half-marathon.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for links. Very useful. I only hope I can achieve what they predict !!! LOL

Mornin' Coug's, your a natural athlete and don't need these targets,

[Deleted User]

my recent pbs are
10k: 45mins
1/2 M: 1.39
M: 3.30

i know my M and 1/2 M times agree with calculators, but my 10k doesn't...it thinks i'm really unfit...

[Deleted User]

Thanks Fluffa, it appears that the calculators only give you a rough guide. So I'm none the wiser.

cougie

Fluffa - swap you my 1.26 Half for your 3.30 Marathon ? My best is a 3.43 ?

[Deleted User]

Hey Coug's, we'll all get under 3.30 at FLM 2004!

XFR Bear

Spenny - I haven't actually done 3:15 - that was just what the calculator said!

My best is 3:54, but to be fair I was suffering with the remains of a chest infection, and I was fully expecting to go very close to 3:30. I wouldn't expect to do 41 mins for a 10k these days. However - by the end of the summer!

[Deleted User]

Oh so you led me up the garden path. LOL

Alfie

When I did FLM in 99, did 10k in 41:12, 1/2m in 1:31:45 in training and FLM in 3:24:05. You certainly need 2 or 3 20+ training runs to avoid tailing off at the end of the marathon.

[Deleted User]

I'm beginning to think that too, PB. I'm not convinced that all long runs should be slow/easy. Although I belive they are benificial. I'm one for experiencing the pain, that is experience the pain on a training run and you'll cope better with it on the day!

[Deleted User]

PB, someone suggested that at the start of training for london and I did it for each of my 3 20+ road runs, pushing the pace for the final 1/2 hr or so. It always hurt to do this on tired legs but as you say, helped me get used to running through tiredness without doing the damage of long runs at marathon pace. Probably the benefits are as much about generating mental as physical stamina.

Blisters

Aha
Someone else with similar "pace".
Last year I did
10k in 44:30
HM in 1:48
FLM in 3:47
This year I'm down to
HM in 1:38
but no other distances
I am aware that each distance needed specific focus, (about 6 weeks)
The 10k was a long sprint and I sounded like a steam train on a death rattle. As such it was hard work.
The FLM was very satisfying, but lots of hours religiously following a schedule (peak early in training then plateaux at 20+)
Now I want to get a new 26.2 time. 3:30 seems reasonable. 3:15 is dream territory at the monment I think .
Best of luck and respect to you dedicated geezers (geezettes?)