Minimum run length before Marathon

[Peter007]

Hi -

Hope everyone is good

As a regular runner and reasonably fit- what is the view on minimum distance that should be run prior to running a marathon? Training has been a bit hit and miss during the last 6 weeks - but have done a 11 miler.

15 Miles?

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

When's the marathon?

If you're not expecting more than just to get round I guess 15 miles is ok, though if you can I'd go a bit further than that. I'd think maybe you should work in time units instead though, so say 3.5 hours at a slowwww pace, covering your 15 miles. That will help get you used to being a long time on your feet, plus you need to practice your food and water intake for the marathon.

Another thing you could try is back to back runs, e.g. 5 miles one day, 10 the day after. This will get you used to running on stiff, tired legs.

Please make sure you monitor yourself carefully for signs of injury, and back off if necessary 😊

[Peter007 in reply to roseabi]

Thanks - back to backs are working for me - run is in Oct - so a few weeks yet!!

[Lordi Marathon]

About 3/4 distance seems to be the longest run in many plans 31/32 km in my case. There is also advice that anything over 3.5 hours is detrimental/counter-productive.

[Peter007]

Thanks - ive done that sort of thing previously but time does not permit this time round - so a 11-13mile one day and 7 the next seems to be pushing my legs...we shall see! Doing Bournemouth in Oct, so still a few weeks to go!!

[Bazza1234 Marathon in reply to Peter007]

Have you actually been doing back-to back runs already??? How are they going , if so???

[Peter007 in reply to Bazza1234]

Hi - yes back to back is tiring but seems to be working out ok. I’ve run a couple of marathons previously but after a while the training starts to do my head in!! So back to back seems to be working- will be trying 13-14 & 8 this weekend

[Bazza1234 Marathon]

I have read that the marathon starting line is actually at the 20 mile mark and marathon training is meant to get you there uninjured - what happens after that 20 mile mark and the 26.2 mile finish line is the unknown thing that has to be conquered. The longest run I have done during HM training is 24K (15 miles) which took me 3&1/2 hours- I can't really imagine running for longer than that by myself during training - but lone training is different to participating in a "race" with 8000 others. I am planning to do multiple 15 mile runs @ 3.5 hours plus some back-to-back runs maybe 15 +7 ( the next day) and see how it goes for me.