I am frequently asked how I train for multiple marathons. It is quite simple, really. The key is not to overtrain. Most marathoners are familiar with tapering. This occurs 3-4 weeks before the race and consists of a gradual decrease in mileage and intensity. Weekly runs taper from 5 to 4 to 3. Weekend long runs taper from a peak of 20 to 12 to 8.
With my next challenge 6 weeks from the Tupelo Marathon last weekend, I began what I call a "reverse taper" this week. My weekday runs start at an easy 2-3 miles and next week will increase to 3 and 4 and then 4 and 5 the week after that. My long run this weekend is 8. Next week will be 12, and then 20 after that. From there, I will begin the familiar process of tapering again. The "reverse taper" allows my body to recover from the last marathon while getting ready to peak for the next.
No comments:
Post a Comment