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Evil Chocula

Hey guys-
Me and my girlfriend are going to try and qualify for the Boston Marathon next year. So, I want to get in as much riding as possible, while still training for the run. Is three days of running, and two-three days of riding too much on the legs, body, mind?

I know people who run 6 days a week, so I'm not sure how much muscle recovery time is required with running. For the next couple of months, I'll probaly have to run around 3-6 miles 3x times per week. Most of my rides will be around 8-10 miles, with around 1k' - 3k' of elevation gain. Thanks!

allison

No idea, but you will probably have to listen to your body once you start training.

I would think most marathoners would suggest sticking with running and cutting out some riding, but not really sure.

Triathlete's usually do all 3 during the week, but they have to focus on all 3 for the competition, not just one.

::shudders:: I think one day of running is too much

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Shannon

I used to run marathons semi-pro. My last marathon was Chicago. I did qualify for the Boston marathon. I used the L.A. marathon one year to qualify but the easiest marathon to use for qualifying is Chicago b/c it's the flatest. When I was training to qualify, I didn't do anything else but run. Two days a week I did a mellow spin class, but sometimes even that was too much. Running only 3 days a week probably won't get you guys fast enough to qualify for Boston. You'll need 5 days of running. The other part of your training should be in the gym w/ light weights. Swimming laps is good too on the days you're not running. It's been a couple years since I've run a marathon. How exciting for you guys!!!

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Evil Chocula

Hey, I think one day of climbing Noble is too much!

True, true. We're going to join a training program in January, I'm basically "training for the training" until then. And, I need to get as much Socal riding in as possible, before I leave.

sdyeti

here is some advice I've picked up along the way.

Run a half marathon first. If you've never run a long distance event, you need to see how you can do at 13.1 first.

You should increase your mileage no more than 10% per week. Also, you should give yourself time to rest in between.

www.runnersworld.com has a nice training calendar that you can customize based on intensity preferred and estimated pace per mile (and the number of weeks you have before the event).

I would recommend one LONG run per week with moderate runs in between.

You need at least 2 pairs of sneakers so you can alternate them. The foam needs time to spring back from compression. If you have never gotten fit for sneakers, go to Road Runner. They can tell you if you pronate, supinate, etc. This will save you damage on your joints if you can compensate using a shoe with the correct stability for you.

Most people do their longest run at 20 miles or so during their training.

Do something else beside run (bike, swim, tennis, whatever). You need to prevent burn out--both mental and physical.

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Evil Chocula

Cool. I'm using a Hal Higdon 15k running schedule as a buildup for January... I've been on some long runs (<15 miles) but the real question is whether or not my knees will hold up over the prolonged training. Only one way to find out! I've been fitted for shoes(mizunos baby!) but the alternating pairs is a good tip.

Woah! I just noticed your running the LB Marathon this weekend!!! Crazy. Good luck!

sdyeti

What race are you doing in jan?

The key is to ramp up your mileage slowly and rotate your shoes. My knees have been holding up fine but on long runs my back gets pretty cramped.

Had Mizunos but traded them in because they were too shock absorbing (felt like running barefooted). Now I use Asics to train, Nikes to race.

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lukewiens

while ramping up for ironman arizona in april i was riding, running, and swimming 3 days a week each with no days off. i tried my best to keep my rides on the road...lower heart rate, less muscle stress, etc.

the more time you can give yourself for a gradual increase in volume the better. make sure to log your weekly running volume and stick to the 5 - 10% load increase......it is very important. injury avoidance should be your number one goal.

now that you are getting started...really try to focus on your form. it is better to establish the proper muscle memory at this stage as opposed to later in the game. grab the book "chi running", it has a bunch of great info in regards to establishing a regiment, proper form, and staying injury free.

if you are going to supplement your training with off road riding, be very aware of your recovery. don't do any big workouts after your long run day. make sure to give yourself at least 48 hours for recovery before hitting it hard again. research the symptoms of over-training and stay aware of the warning signs. over-training will often lead to sickness or injury.

i have had every injury in the book while training for long course tri's. it is not healthy to run 26.2 miles, yet we do it anyway. good luck with achieving your goal.

Evil Chocula

No race; me and the GF are going to start running with one of those group marathon training groups.

Wrecker

If God wanted us to run, he wouldn't have given us wheels

Seriously though, good luck; you're more a man than I

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Evil Chocula

Thanks! Its funny though, running comes waaaay easier to me than big MTB climbs.

Pilas

I ran LA two years ago (my first and only marathon, so far). My training plan consisted of 3 runs and two rides a week. I did a run with hills, a tempo run, and a long weekend run. My two weekly rides were mostly moderate in intensity, typically 2-3 hours on the road, with occasional mountain bike rides of the same length, but medium intensity.
My original goal was to break 3:30, but I didn't want to sacrifice any more riding time to add any more runs.
A self-proclaimed "experienced" runner told me a few weeks before the race that he didn't think I could break 3:30, in a 3 run a week program.
Guess what? I ran a 3:25, and I felt great throughout(except for some cramping issues inside the last mile).
I think that replacing a couple of running workouts with riding, helped me keep my legs from getting abused from the pounding, while still training my endurance. In fact, in the last issue of Runners World, there is an article regarding the benefits of cycling as part of a runners training program.
So, to answer your question, I think that your idea of 3 runs, 2 rides a week is a good one. Just remember to be careful with too much intensity on your rides, as your legs will be already fatigued from your running.
Good luck!

sdyeti

If I were to do it again, I might try the group/Team In Training type approach. It would have helped me train on a better schedule. Come to think of it, I wanted to join Team to End Stroke, but they folded their San Diego chapter, so I'd have to drive up to Newport Beach to do training runs...

Wow! That is a great time! I am hoping to get a 4:45...I am a slllooowwww runner.

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Evil Chocula

Totally. Running in a group makes me stick to the schedule, and train harder. There's a few in SD (one in Balboa starts in January for the R n' R), and there's a ton in Boston.

mechmann

anything more than running to the mailbox is too much running.

running is for those that for some reason can't pedal. i guess it is appropriate for Evil Chocula to run since he can't ride uphill like the rest of us.

SAR_boats

If you end up in the ER with sunstoke, muscle spasms, or death then you ran/rode too much.

Typically if you puke during a run/ride, then that is the right amount.

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Evil Chocula

Lol! The funny thing is, I can ride uphill, I just don't like too! For reals though, my GF isn't into riding(I've tried), but she is into running, so it's something we can do together. If she was into riding (like your wife!) running to the mailbox would probly end it for me too. There is enjoyment to be found in running though.

ptfmb71

I used to run quite a few marathons and qualified for Boston....now I only run Ultra Trail marathons. For me....biking helps running more than running helps biking. I ran a 50K ultra marathon 3 weeks ago and training for that really "hurt" my training for the Incycle race on Sat. I also trained for a 12hr solo (temecula) and it really "helped" my run times. The beating my legs took just does not help me on the bike. The only thing riding helps is my VO2 max and overall cardio. My normal training is two runs per week 9miles each run...unless I have a trail run race then I will add a 15 to 30mi on the weekend 3 weeks prior to the race.
I can only speak to what works for me....so others may find something else works for them.

Evil Chocula

Now, that's hardcorp.