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Increasing mileage
This is probably an impossible question to answer in such general terms, but: is anyone able to give any guidance on what difference increasing one's mileage substantially is likely to make?
I ask because I have now managed a consistent 25-30 miles for most weeks for a number of months (after a very low base); I've got a lot fitter and times have come down etc. What I don't have a feel for is whether it is worth pushing the mileage up, eg to 45-50, would make a sufficient difference to justify all the lifestyle difficulties that would cause. Is there any general advice anyone can offer?
I ask because I have now managed a consistent 25-30 miles for most weeks for a number of months (after a very low base); I've got a lot fitter and times have come down etc. What I don't have a feel for is whether it is worth pushing the mileage up, eg to 45-50, would make a sufficient difference to justify all the lifestyle difficulties that would cause. Is there any general advice anyone can offer?
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Comments
Were all different & some can run well on lower mileage & other's have to log loads of miles [like me!] to produce the times.
Like you say it's a lifestyle & you need to get the balance right.
If I were you I'd stick with what you've got & race off that, when you start to hit a plateau then is the time to increase the training once more.
You ran a 1:20 1/2 marathon from very little training, I'm sure given time & increased training this can go to a low 1:1? time :-)
Build up slowly & avoid injury. Also your family will gradually get used to the idea!
Once upon a time I thought 50 mpw was just not possible, now I'd struggle to keep it below 50!
Steve Brace played football & ran a 3hr+ marathon, nothing wrong with that but when he concentrated on running only got down to 2:10!
Who know's where any of us could go if everything possible was done.
I could give up work, eat, sleep & drink training only to run 2:30.
Somebody else might break the world record.
Most importantly is to enjoy what your doing.
I alway's say you have to what to train for a marathon not just what to run one!
I agree with you about people doing 50-60 miles a week. How do you manage it? 40 miles is a massive week for me. I would consider myself an above average runner. sub 1.20 for half and 35min for 10k but an above 40 week completely drains me. Am I doing something wrong? If I was you I would continue to try higher miles. Looking back at my log when I have managed to string 5 continuous 40 miles weeks I have done a PB for half soon after. I think the trick is to do 4-5 weeks above 40,then drop mileage before getting injured. Then repeat.
Like Tim, a sub 50 week makes me feel physically listless and mentally distracted.
I've never come across anyone who has got slower by running more miles. It just comes down to how far you want to push it.
How's the best way to increase? Should I change my weekend 10-12 miles to say a 20 or should I increase all my runs by 2-3 miles? Do you split your runs am and pm?
How does this affect the quality of training runs and training times?
JFB,
I live in West Drayton, near Heathrow. Where are you?
I'd add a bit onto each run rather than going from 12 to 20 miles. I do run twice a day - easy 4 or 5 in the morning then the main run at night. I found I made big breakthroughs when I started running doubles.
It's amazing how those few extra easy morning runs make you go quicker!
Lot of good advice here. Very impressed.
I'm just embarking on twice a day schedule and wondered how you did it. My plan is to do two days of double runs at ist and build up to a max of four. Plan is an easy five or six on mornings and either a longish 8-12 mile evening run or a fastish five or six. Plan to build up long Sunday run from current 12 to 20-24 by July. Does this make sense. I'm not too interested in speed this year as I'm only doing three very long races this year.
Any advice greatly appreciated. I'm trying to build up to 100+ miles per week by June. I'm doing about 45 at moment plus a couple of gym sessions.
Most of all get lot's of food in the house!