Running a Marathon?  Or Just Starting?

It appears the free Six Week Running Program prompted many to write in this week not only to say thanks, but to make more specific requests concerning 10 km runs, 10 mile runs, ½ marathons, and marathons. Here is one from a Naval Officer who is about to run the Marine Corps Marathon:

The Marine Corps Marathon is at the end of October. Do you have or recommend any running programs to help those of us running it to max our performance? This will be my fifth MARCORPS Marathon and it seems that I am always just doing my 5, 8 and 12 mile runs every other evening (roughly) with a few 15 milers. Any plans to put one on the web like your PRT program? Thanks for any advice you can provide us and thank you for a wonderful column on Military.Com!

My personal rule for clients who request training plans for running of such long races is to take your time and build up to nearly 25-30 miles a week before you really start concerning yourself with improving your performance in the marathon itself. This alone can take anywhere from 10-15 weeks depending upon your running schedule. The standard rule of ramping up your running is adding 10-15% per week.

A common running plan we used at SEAL Training when recovering from an injury OR when recruits were just beginning to train for SEAL Training is a 15 Week plan that can be found in the BUDS Warning Order.


The first six weeks are designed for a beginning runner or one who is recovering from an injury as seen in the chart below:

Running Plan I - Beginning Runners

Running Plan II - Intermediate Runners

*Do not run during Week 3--bike or swim everyday. There is a high risk of injury statistically at this week in training.

The following nine weeks will take you to a level where you can seriously start to train for a marathon without risk of serious injury. Just climbing to this level of running could cause tendonitis and other joint pains due to the harshness of running on the body. (FACT - 30-60% of all runners get injured every year - Runner's World). It is NOT recommended to start Running Plan II until you can perform week six from the Running Plan I.

Running Plan III - Intermediate / Advanced Runners
 

*Work on speed and goal pace during Weeks 8-9 (minutes/mile).


Once you have the foundation of running thirty miles per week under your belt, you are now ready to train at your goal mile time and distance. Usually Saturday and Sunday make the best days for your longer run so Monday and Friday will be off days in order to recover and prepare. The chart below is a 12 week plan for a Marathon:

12 Week Running Plan for Better Marathon Performance - Very Advanced Runners
 

Goal paces
10:00 / mile = approx. 4.5 hours
9:00 / mile = approx. 4 hours
8:00 / mile = approx. 3.5 hours
7:00 / mile = approx. 3 hours
6:00 / mile = approx. 2.5 hours

The following links are great sources for runners and people who wish to start running and achieving the marathon distance goal:

Marathon Distance Running
Your Marathon Running Schedule

These workouts are recommended running programs that have worked in the past for many people, but they may not be right for you. Check with your doctor prior to starting any exercise routine (especially running) or you may find yourself reading the articles in the StewSmith.com Archives about Lower Back or Knee Injuries.