RunCoach Discussion Archive |
To view thread click on the index and search for the title |
RunCoach - 1998 Index - 1999 Index - Discussions - Calculators - Tips |
From: Paul Shields
Category: Coach
Date: 1/28/99
Time: 8:05:32 PM
Remote Name: 203.38.32.113
David,
It is very difficult to give specific advice without knowing how you have been training up till the present.
The most important part of marathon preparation is the long run. If you have done some of these at around the 20 miles mark then your plan sounds fine. If not then you should do a long run in the next few days. Three to four weeks before the event is the last time you should do a long run and you should be in your taper during the last two weeks.
Although I don't recommend this there is a 'full' glycogen loading regime which will cause your muscles to overload on glycogen. Basically you go on a calorie restricted diet for a couple of days, do a long run to deplete your glcogen stores, then binge eat on carbohydrates to replenish the supplies. The danger is that doing a long run with depleted glcogen can cause muscle damage. Most people use a 'modified' loading regime which eliminates the restricted calorie stage and just does a long run and then the binge eating.
With four weeks to go most of your training should be behind you. If not then don't focus on your PB but rather just finishing. In any case try and avoid any hard sessions in the last couple of weeks.
All the best,
Paul
RunCoach - 1998 Index - 1999 Index - Discussions - Calculators - Tips