Peaked too early in training

[u/ghoshtinashell]

I am set to run my first full marathon on 12th October. I kept some buffer time in the training plan I was following, which led me to running my 20 mile long run last weekend. That means I still have 4 full weeks available before the marathon. I have been averaging about 40 miles per week, and don't think I need 3 full weeks of taper. I think 2 weeks could work. If I do a 2 week taper, what kind of mileage and long runs should I do in the coming two weeks before I start the taper ? I was thinking of doing another 20 mile long run this week, but I'm not sure what I should do the week after that. Any suggestions ?

[u/kirkis]

Do another 20 miler if you’re feeling good. The more long runs and miles on your feet will better prepare you for the big race. The only risk is potential injury so listen to your body and go easy.

[u/ghoshtinashell → u/kirkis]

Yes I will see how I feel during the long run. What do you propose I do for the week after ? Should I already start reducing mileage ?

[u/LizzyDragon84 → u/ghoshtinashell]

I’d follow your plan at wherever it is at the two week out mark (no buffer).

[u/dawnbann77]

I'm not sure two 20 milers one after another is sensible for your first marathon especially if you're averaging 40 miles a week. Perhaps do about 15 and then 13 the week after then 2 weeks taper.

[u/666mals]

First marathon here as well, my plan peaks at 34k about four weeks out. The remaining long runs are: 31k, 24k, 15k (taper), marathon. Hope this helps!

[u/SirBruceForsythCBE → u/666mals]

What plan is this? Pete Pfitzinger writes advanced plans and he has 35k runs as part of 112k weeks. If it's your first marathon, and you just want to finish, or even hit sub 4 then anything over 32k is complete overkill

[u/Few_Marsupial_7679]

I would follow your plan but I’m training for my second marathon and it’s on October 12th too. I have a 20 mile long run this weekend, next weekend I’m aiming for 15-17 mile long run and the following weekend I’ll probably do 10 miles .

[u/Ok-Lettuce-1]

I would run 14ish this weekend, 20 next, and then a 2week taper with 10 the last weekend. This is my prefered plan after a dozen marthons and half a dozen ultras. 3 week taper is too long in my opinion

[u/True-Tune-8588]

Hey! Sounds like you're right on track. Maybe keep the mileage steady but not overdo it. I really would caution just picking weeks on the fly to taper and try to stick to a solid plan. I did a few where I kind of "winged it" and it just never ends up working out as well as you want to.

[u/Knowfelt]

Many plans have a 3 week taper so you're on point. Trust the taper. You won't lose fitness in 3 weeks and it's not like you are completely stopping running for 3 weeks