Run
12-16 mile (19 to 25km) Long Run with Optional last 3-5 miles (5-8km) at Goal Marathon Pace
Workout Purpose:
Build endurance and leg resistance to fatigue.
Coach Notes:
Time on your feet is more important than pace in a Long Run. Run easy and run long. Use “Long Run” pace for the Long Run workout. Incorporate hills of varying lengths and inclines into your easy runs and long runs each week. This will condition your legs to be strong in the final stretch of your race. See the article on Long Runs: https://run.mcmillanrunning.com/the-marathon-long-run/
Recovery/Rehab
Rest Day
Off
Workout Purpose:
Recovery day.
Coach Notes:
I always get a bigger mental boost when I get out the door on the blah days. So, relish these days as they provide a bigger mental reward.
Run
40-50 minute Easy Run
Workout Purpose:
Build endurance.
Coach Notes:
AVERAGE pace is more important than CURRENT pace. Learn to flow with the run, the terrain, the route. Worry less about pace varying within your run. It will. Focus on average pace across the run.
Strength Training – Strength In Stride
Congrats! After completing the Strength in Stride system, you arrive at your peak race-fit, strong and fast! Taper down your strength training as the race nears so you have lots of energy on race day.1) Single Leg Reverse Knee Taps: 5-10 repetitions
2) Box Jumps: 10-15 repetitions
3) Chest Press on Ball: 10-12 repetitions
4) Renegade Row: 8-12 repetitions
5) Stability Ball Rollbacks: 10-15 repetitions
Cross Training
Off or Cross-Train 30-45 minutes
Workout Purpose:
Recovery day.
Coach Notes:
Repeat after me: “I can do it. I will do it. I can do it. I will do it. I can do it. I will do it.” Say it rhythmically and often.
Prehab:
A little non-running training goes a long way to improving your run training.
Run
95 minute Medium Long Run with Goal Pace Workout: 10-20 minute Warm-Up + 60-70 minutes at Goal Marathon Pace + 10-20 minute Cool-Down
Workout Purpose:
Build endurance + pace control.
Coach Notes:
This is a great opportunity for a dress rehearsal for your race. Try out your nutritional routine and your equipment. Choose a flat, marked course like your race course so you can really ‘dial in’ your race pace.
Strength Training – Strength In Stride
2) Walking Lunges: 10-20 repetitions
3) Lunge Jumps: 10-20 repetitions
4) Windshield Wipers: 12-20 repetitions
5) Medicine Ball Slams: 10-15 repetitions
Cross Training
Off or Cross-Train 30-45 minutes
Workout Purpose:
Recovery day.
Coach Notes:
“Be somebody’s hero, even if that somebody is you. Believe in what you do so that others can believe in themselves, too.” Manny Edelstein
Run
30-45 minute Easy Run
Workout Purpose:
Build endurance.
Coach Notes:
When you get tired, smile a lot. This makes the brain happy. We know from neuroscience that a happy brain = less fatigue, more power.
Strength Training – Drills
These drills can be anywhere between 20 to 50 meters.
We are going to begin with loosing form drills:
1) Loosening Skips: Single Arm Circles
2) Loosening Skips: Double Arm Circles
3) Loosening Skips: Chest Stretch
4) Loosening Skips: Side Circles
Form Drills:
1) Side Skip
2) Karaoke
3) A Skip
4) B Skip
5) Butt Kicks
6) Straight Leg Run
7) Short Sprint
Coach Notes: Form drills help improve upright posture, head position, arm movement, hip extension, and knee drive.