I am running a marathon in 2,5 weeks. My longest run was 15 miles so far. How do I train the last 2 weeks?

Question

I was training my my first marathon for several months. I had to skip my scheduled 16,17 and 20 miles runs due to the injury. I was XT for 3 weeks, but not running. My doctor just OK'ed me to run again. Should I attempt to run 20 miles this weekend? My longest run was 15 miles so far and I would like to be able to walk/run 26.2 in few weeks. Any advise?

My problem was "Runner knee". It still hurts a bit and I am considering cortisone shot. Any advise on this as well?

Answer 1

Ouch Ouch Ouch.
Its not impossible but you do risk injury by pushing too much too fast, especially IT Band issues.
Your timing issue sucks because normally you would be in a cut back time, to get ready for the 26.2 miles right now, but instead your looking to increase well past your required training.
Your fortunate that you are also looking to walk/run the marathon, I believe you can do this, I would do a 4 miler tonight, a 5 miler tomorrow, then a 3 mile thurs. Rest Friday and do 6 on sat. and 15 on Sun. Monday X train then do 4 on Tues, 6 Wends, 4 Thurs. rest Friday and follow it up with 6 on Sat. and 17-18 on Sun.
Rest the week going up to the marathon, do only light running, don't overstress yourself, then when you get to the marathon, walk through every water station. Start off slow, really pace yourself for the first half, then take the second half based on how you feel. By doing this I know you'll finish, you may walk a bit, but you would only be 2 miles shy of the 20 mile training program goal.
Now some people might disagree, you really should cut back for the last 2 weeks, but if they have better ideas I'd love to hear em.

Answer 2

There will be other marathons. This one just ain't yours. I'd never recommend someone go into a marathon without proper training (and you haven't had proper training), nor with injuries or just recovering (which you clearly are).

Missing the long runs is doubly a killer. You gotta get right mentally for a M. It's mind over matter for the last 6 miles. That's why they say 20 miles is the first half of a M, because the last 6 is the other half.

Lastly, the rule of thumb is that on a given day you can run 3 times your AVERAGE DAILY MILES. If you haven't averaged 8-9 miles DAILY these last 2 months, then you're clearly not up to it.

Good Luck whatever your decision.

Answer 3

I love the 3 times a week schedule. That is what I do. I think the days off are really good for your body. I also like to have different days. One day is my Long Slow Day. For you I would set my timer at 30 minutes. Do your warm up and start running . When the 30 minutes is up, head back. Each week add a minute to your timer. This will eventually get you up to ten miles. When you reach ten miles you can then start working on speed. One day should be your tempo day. Since the 5 K is the longest popular race for your age group - I would pick that distance. Use Google maps or something to map out your own 5K course. Do an extra long warm up and then run your 5k as fast as you can. Time it and try to do better each week. Next is the hills or interval training day.

Answer 4

Depending on possible shin splints at present, you should take caution but can train light to medium. Walk/jog but don't run...

A friend trained for a 20.6 KM run with the same problem. He took it easy and it helped the healing process. (He still deals with shin splints but rides a bike instead for excercise).

If your not healed by the time of the run you may want to forgo the race and run another time. Take it easy and work up slowly with the for site that you may need to find another hobby that is less stressfull to your body.

I know that is not what you want to probably hear, but it is the truth. Good luck and hope this helps!

Answer 5

Whtever distance the race, double it.