I've been reading through a lot of 2:30 marathon training threads on LetsRun, and what strikes me is how many "easy" runs these guys are doing to hit their 80-100 mpw targets. I've been conditioned to think of this a "junk" mileage over the years since transitioning from a pure runner to a triathlete.
My limiter is cycling. I'm a strong swimmer and runner (though don't run to my potential in tris due to bike weakness). Would I benefit for doing lots of easy rides? For example, I could, theoretically, do an easy 30-45 min trainer spin every evening while my kid sleeps and wife does more work. And/or I could bike commute to work (about 30 min each way) a few times a week. Would there be any training benefit? A waste of time? Or worse, counter productive by detracting from my "key" sessions? If I add these extra base mileage rides, anything else to keep in mind?
My typical weekly schedule looks something like this, with key workouts in early morning:
M) Swim: Speed + Technique AM, "Prehab" PT/Strength PM
Tu) Hard run (hills or track)
W) Hard ride, optional brick run off time permitting
Th) Swim focus: Long/endurance swim, optional brick or PM run, time permitting
F) Long run
Sat) Long ride w/ mandatory brick run
Sun) Family day (which usually includes a light-moderate hike with our 1yo son on my back)
So with the framework above, I figure I could conceivably add some low Z2 riding Mon, Tues, Fri at a minimum and maybe also a 2nd Wed ride.
My limiter is cycling. I'm a strong swimmer and runner (though don't run to my potential in tris due to bike weakness). Would I benefit for doing lots of easy rides? For example, I could, theoretically, do an easy 30-45 min trainer spin every evening while my kid sleeps and wife does more work. And/or I could bike commute to work (about 30 min each way) a few times a week. Would there be any training benefit? A waste of time? Or worse, counter productive by detracting from my "key" sessions? If I add these extra base mileage rides, anything else to keep in mind?
My typical weekly schedule looks something like this, with key workouts in early morning:
M) Swim: Speed + Technique AM, "Prehab" PT/Strength PM
Tu) Hard run (hills or track)
W) Hard ride, optional brick run off time permitting
Th) Swim focus: Long/endurance swim, optional brick or PM run, time permitting
F) Long run
Sat) Long ride w/ mandatory brick run
Sun) Family day (which usually includes a light-moderate hike with our 1yo son on my back)
So with the framework above, I figure I could conceivably add some low Z2 riding Mon, Tues, Fri at a minimum and maybe also a 2nd Wed ride.