I know this question comes up frequently. But I wanted some advice for “my situation”.
I have 12 weeks to get ready to try and BQ. I have a reasonable base and have run a few half marathons recently. My problem is that I have a chronic Achilles tendonitis and so can not do frequent speed work (the track is pretty much out) and want to limit my running to 4-5 times a week, with the other days being either biking or a “boot camp” type workout.
any thoughts?
well, I’ve been in your position (with Achilles Tendonosis as well).
On one of those occaisions I successfully ditched the speed work (but did run long sets at MP and HMP),
still got in gobs of mileage
cross trained and managed a BQ.
on another of those Occasions- I didn’t make the starting line due to the AT.
It really depends on where you are, what your McMillan prediction is from those recent HMs, how much degradation your achilles is dealing with. Good luck in your venture.
nothing ventured… nothing gained.
But I’m wondering if there is any particular plan (higdon etc)
That I should use as a training template
.
Why don’t you post your HM results, recent workout history.
Speedwork is probably not even necessary. If goal MP feels quick now, I doubt 12 weeks will be enough to get you there. How do hills feel? They are a great replacement if you want strength.
Higdon plans are good, just try to nail the workout paces and get a lot of miles in.
Pfitz 18/70 will get you there.
Although, it might break you in the process.
as above- it really depends on where you currently are with your mileage, intensity, recovery rate, etc.
If you’re under 40mpw, I’d say that just keep building the mileage without speed work.
Only you can decide how much the speed hurts your achilles.
What is your goal MP for BQ and how many miles can you hold this pace? With only 12 weeks, the reality is that if you can only hold pace for 3-5 miles you’ve got a big hill to climb. But if you are holding pace for 10-12 miles you’ve got a chance. There are a lot of plans that will get you to your BQ goal. pick one and stick with it. You don’t need track workouts IMHO. You need to hold goal pace for 26.2 miles. Good luck!
Have you tried eccentric heel drops for the Achilles? I would focus on that too.
I want to run 3:15, I can hold that pace for about 10-12 miles. My HIM’s have all been trail and hilly so i’m not sure those times are very useful. I’ll take a look at higdon. I have tried eccentric drops, but my real problem is a bursitis behind my heel (retrocalcaneal bursitis) so for this the drops don’t seem to work as well…
thanks for all the input
I have 12 weeks to get ready to try and BQ.
I have a reasonable base and have run a few half marathons recently.
can not do frequent speed work (the track is pretty much out) and want to limit my running to 4-5 times a week, with the other days being either biking or a “boot camp” type workout.
I am a marathoner that moved into triathlons. I have BQd and NYQd. I have run lots of marathons, including all of the World Marathon Majors.
I have never understood how “boot camp” or “crossfit” helps anyone run a marathon faster. Explosion running is different than endurance running.
It also sounds like you want to some degree to do the least to get the most. That might work if your goal is to run it … but it won’t if you want to race it. Marathons don’t tend to work that way for most people. You have to put in the miles. MPW is critical. You have to have them. Marathons don’t lie when you race them. They tell you in no uncertain terms whether you prepared adequately … or not.
Hill work is great. Stamina runs are great. Long, sustained runs are important. Pickups within a run work wonders. MP and Sub MP runs add a lot. 800 and 1600 repeats are great track workouts. Trail running … less so. Most of us do not run as fast on trails (unsure footing) as we do on roads.
I have 12 weeks to get ready to try and BQ.
I have a reasonable base and have run a few half marathons recently.
can not do frequent speed work (the track is pretty much out) and want to limit my running to 4-5 times a week, with the other days being either biking or a “boot camp” type workout.
I am a marathoner that moved into triathlons. I have BQd and NYQd. I have run lots of marathons, including all of the World Marathon Majors.
I have never understood how “boot camp” or “crossfit” helps anyone run a marathon faster. Explosion running is different than endurance running.
It also sounds like you want to some degree to do the least to get the most. That might work if your goal is to run it … but it won’t if you want to race it. Marathons don’t tend to work that way for most people. You have to put in the miles. MPW is critical. You have to have them. Marathons don’t lie when you race them. They tell you in no uncertain terms whether you prepared adequately … or not.
Hill work is great. Stamina runs are great. Long, sustained runs are important. Pickups within a run work wonders. MP and Sub MP runs add a lot. 800 and 1600 repeats are great track workouts. Trail running … less so. Most of us do not run as fast on trails (unsure footing) as we do on roads.
I, also, come from running background. Just signed up for my 15th Boston. And I can’t agree more with above. You have to put in the miles. Try Pfit 12/55, It’s not a lot of time, and may not be enough miles, but I’m assuming you’re fit from tri and so it might be enough if you have the right genetics. Good luck.
I know this question comes up frequently. But I wanted some advice for “my situation”.
I have 12 weeks to get ready to try and BQ. I have a reasonable base and have run a few half marathons recently. My problem is that I have a chronic Achilles tendonitis and so can not do frequent speed work (the track is pretty much out) and want to limit my running to 4-5 times a week, with the other days being either biking or a “boot camp” type workout.
any thoughts?
why not do the pfitz 12/70 plan and do the easy days on your bike? that gives you 4 workouts per week, more long run-paced stuff and less speed work?