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Marathon in 4 weeks
I'm running the Berlin marathon in 4 weeks and currently have got up to 14 miles with 2x6 miles during the week and a cross training session. (I missed a few weeks through injury otherwise would be up to 18 miles by now). I'm running at 12 min/miles which means that anything over 14 miles takes me longer than 3 hours. Should I stick to 3 hours even though it is nowhere near the marathon distance or try to push it to 16 this weekand then 18 before tapering off?
I also have arthritis in my knees and run with patella straps but have been wondering if kinesiology tape as well as the straps would be counter-productive.
I intend to enjoy the day and probably will adopt a run/walk strategy so time is not the issue.
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If it were me I'd probably try to get in a 3:30/3:45 run or two of whatever distance that is before tapering - at your slow training pace (which I assume is a good minute or two slower than your marathon pace) - being used to running a bit longer than 3 hours in training would help. Though if you're not worried about time.. but then again you may enjoy it more if you're a little more trained and it is easier.
Boy, do I wish I'd done an extra long run or two before my first marathon last year, but that thought only hit me at mile 17!
Thanks Daeve. I've just done 16 miles in 3:08 and am feeling pretty chuffed and a lot more confident. Will do 2 x 9 miles this week and then 18 miles next weekend. Was going to taper the weekend after as that will be 2 weeks before the race but now think I might try another 18 miles at the weekend. That should give me enough time to recover before Berlin I think.