Half-assed marathon training: can it be done?

[OakLeaf]

I'm plenty happy with the results of my half-assed half-marathon training.

But I know a full marathon is a different animal.

I really hate to get obsessed with following a rigid training plan and needing to do X workout on Y day. I'd much rather do what I've been doing - more or less interval day, tempo day, long run day; strong emphasis on the "more or less," and building miles as feels comfortable with an eye on the calendar.

What do you say? Does full marathon training need to be full-assed? Or can I get away with it?

[Bike Chick]

I can't answer that Oak. How did you do on your half and when is your full marathon?

[Urlea]

Well, FWIW I didn't follow a rigid training plan for my 26.2 or 50k this year.

In training for the marathon I printed off a program from Runner's world and modified it to what my body told me. My primary goal was to stay close to the weekly mileage it suggested & to make sure I had an easy, fast & long run each week. Speed-work isn't my idea of fun so I didn't do any. The only real speed/tempo runs I had was trying to keep up with the faster runners in my Thursday morning group run or when my runner's high said "hey, lets see how fast we can sprint & for how long". I never ran more than 3-4x a week and never more than 25-30miles total per week. My longest run before the marathon was 18 miles.

Did it work? Yep! Absolutely. I finished only 5 minutes behind of my A goal. There is no question in my mind I would have been right on target had I stuck to my hydration/fueling plan, but that mistake was beautifully corrected during my 50k & 27miler (A few wks ago.)

Would/Will I do things differently next season? No. I believe that training for a race should be just as enjoyable & at times just as hard as race day. That way if my race doesn't turn out to be everything I hoped it would be I'm not supremely disappointed because I had so much fun in the runs leading up to it.

In short, yes you can complete a marathon without a rigid plan. There is a difference between being half-assed in training or being more free-spirited about it though.

Just make sure you aren't lazy about the training. Still push yourself to see what you are capable of. Be prepared to run with your mind when your body starts to make you doubt & vice versa.

There is one thing I have to say about you awesome racing ladies on TE is that once you set your mind to something, you conquer it! Good luck!

[teigyr]

From what I've learned, it's easier to be half-assed for a half-marathon than it is to be half-assed for a full. Of course you want to have fun in your training and for some maybe it's easier than for others, of course.

For me, I can get away with pretty much anything for a half. I've run with food poisoning (or rather I had been up all night with it), electrodes attached to my chest, and all sorts of other non-desirable conditions. For a full, I can finish in any condition BUT I like to feel good when I finish. I'm not rigid in training like it's all consuming and I like what I do but I also try very hard to be diligent.

The full is a different beast. You can do it but the more ready you make your body, the better you'll feel at miles 18, 19, 20...that and at the finish.

[kacie tri-ing]

I dont' really know, but you are in great shape...I would imagine that if you got those long runs in you would be ok (though it might hurt :-) )

[katluvr]

Interesting read, since many of you see my posts and know I am training for a full marathon. And I picked a very structered and (to me) agressive training plan. I run 5 out of 7 days. I had a bad 7 miler on Sunday. (How bad can 7 miles be??)
Not only is this my first marathon, but I have set a lofty time goal.
That being said, I may re-think that.
My decision to go very structured is that is what I felt I needed. Too often I think I'm to tired or I'll run tomorrow or blah blah blah. (Skip workouts) So I wanted to push myself.
That being said...week 3 of running 5/7 days and I am tried. I am so glad NOT to put the running shoes on today (my rest day).

So I think it depends on your goals.
How motivated you are WITHOUT a very structured plan.
And over all fitness.

K