Marathon training starts today!!
20 weeks to go and counting…
In February 2025 I will be running, Lord willing, the St. Pete Distance Classic marathon in St. Pete Florida! Today starts training. I thought it would be interesting for some of you all to see exactly what goes into marathon training, so I have decided to document my journey here on the blog.
I am running this race with my dear friend Kristi, and our goal is simply to finish the race but we do have a bit of a time goal that we would like to hit…somewhere between 4:30-5:00 hours. Nothing close to a BQ, but we would still like to feel that we are fully prepared for the run and that we finish strong. I know a 30 minute buffer on time sounds like a lot, but it is really about 1+ minute per mile. We have to take into account bathroom breaks, water stations and snack breaks.
This will be my 3rd marathon and her first. I have created a training plan for us that includes 5 days a week of running - one speed/hill session, one long run, one marathon pace and 2 easy runs and we will be using time specific paces. (That is one thing I offer in my 1:1 coaching. Every run you are assigned will have custom time specific paces. Training for a race is so much more than just going out and running as hard as you can each run. Some runs will be very easy pace and other will be much harder. And every week is tailored to your specific needs. Having a trained coach guide you through those workouts is key.)
Running/workout schedule for this week:
Monday - easy 3 miles & yoga/stretching
Tuesday - strength training
Wednesday - easy 3 miles & yoga/stretching
Thursday - 5 miles w/hills &. yoga/stretching
Friday - easy 3 miles & strength training
Saturday - rest day
Sunday - 4 miles at marathon pace
I would really like to make sure that I am getting in those strength workouts and mobility/stretching. They are so important when it comes to injury prevention. Honestly, in the past, I haven’t been able to do all three, so this will definitely be a push for me. I have no excuses for not getting it done.
And as far as nutrition goes, I will be using a lot of the principles of the FASTer Way. I have set custom macros (something we do for all of our clients) and will be tracking my nutrition. I want to be able to know that I am fueling my body with the right amounts of the right types of foods. (If you’d like to learn more about the FASTer Way, reach out to me. I am always happy to chat about the program.)
If you want to see the day to day and get more updates on my training, make sure to follow me on Instagram @Melissa.wellonourway.