Endurance Running Training Method Question

[buffy67]

Hi Everyone:

I'm confused a little. I am doing the Galloway training program for a marathon in February. Our current progress has built up to a 16 mile long run this Saturday. I run 2 x during the week. Usually, 2 miles and then a 5 mileish (sp?) mid week.

Well, Galloway says that all you need to do is 45 minutes of running 2 a week and long run and you will be able to finish the marathon. And, during the 45 minutes, you do cadence, glide technique, and probably that fartlick (hee) kind of thing you all mentioned earlier, to work on pace.

On the other hand, some other folks in my pace group say that you need to run short run, mid run, long run kind of training during the week. To keep your body used to endurance.

I'm kind of confused on which would be best. If I do a short, mid, long, I have trouble running 10 miles at once. Is it ok to break it up into 5 in the am and 5 in the pm and still count as a 10 mile run?

Gentle guidance and opinions welcomed and thanks,

Buffy

[ttdriver]

Re: Endurance Running Training Method Question

While I think the world of Jeff Galloway on most topics, IMO, he is dead wrong on this. Its been *my* experience, that there is no substitute for having a solid mileage base established in order to have the stamina and endurance to run 26.2 miles. IMO, your running pals are right on this! You may make it to mile 20 or so without much distance training, but trust me, during that critical last 6.2, you will need every ounce of it.

Would you drive 50 miles with only 10 miles of gas in your tank?

Betty

PS .. If you have difficulty running 10 miles at one time now, I suggest you consider postponing your marathon until you can easily run 20+ miles. There's a HUGE difference between running 2 five mile runs and 1 ten mile. You need to train your body to run long uninterruptible sessions in order to complete a marathon.

[buffy67]

Re: Endurance Running Training Method Question

Thanks for your thoughts.

We are doing our next long run this Sat. It is 16 miles. I sometimes find it challenging to get the time during the week to do a mid mile runs, so, I was going to break it up.

I will just have to figure out what I can get in and make it a priority to run a couple hours in the evening vs breaking it up.

We have several group runs left increasing our increments approx 2 miles when we run. My race is in February, so, I have some time to figure it out.

Thanks again, Betty. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

Deb

[ttdriver]

Re: Endurance Running Training Method Question

Buffy, are you training for Gasparilla by chance? I know its in February here in Tampa .. I have done that marathon along with Disney and I think Tampa's is much better (of course its my hometown, so I could be a little biased!)

I'm kicking around the idea of running it again this year too, although I don't have much time to train because my job is so insane through the end of Dec .. we'll see how it goes. I'm gradually increasing my long runs on Saturdays up to 15 miles, so perhaps I may be ready for the mary in February if I push hard during January training ... we shall see!

Good luck with your training!!

Betty

[buffy67]

Re: Endurance Running Training Method Question

Hey, Betty,

I'm actually doing the breast cancer marathon, Jax, Feb 17th. It is an anaugral marathon in Jacksonville Beach and Galloway is a huge supporter. There are minimally 100 people every Sat at 6:00am for our group runs.

My motivation for the race was personal lifetime achievement and it has changed my life. My self esteem soars every time I have a long runs. Me, running 10 miles? Then 12, 14 and now 16 miles? Not many have ever ran some of the higher mileage, so, I my ego eats it up.

There is soo much more that I have gained from this journey, too detailed to mention here.

I do know that I want to continue to run even after the race.

Betty, I bet the Gasparilla is a fun one.

I hope your training sched allows for you to participate!

What do you use for fuel in your L runs?

Best,

deb

[BigRunner]

Re: Endurance Running Training Method Question

I have a lot of respect for Galloways methods. However, Betty is dead on with the 5+5 does not equal 10 analysis. From all the books I've read on marathoning, the one consistent piece of advice is the criticality of getting the long runs in as one sustained effort. It's believed that after an hour to an hour and a half of continuous running (run/walking counts as well) is when the body starts going through the most "adaptations" to the stress.

Best of luck in your training.

RichF

[buffy67]

Re: Endurance Running Training Method Question

Thanks for the thoughts. I'm beginning to realize this especially after 16 miles this past Saturday.

I'm planning on upping my mid week runs to help build endurance.

thx,

deb