Chicago Marathon 24-Week Training Summary

Training statistics and summary thoughts to conclude my Summer 2006 training regimen for the Chicago Marathon.

Total running time - 230:15:29 (9 days, 14:15:29)
Estimated mileage - 2,086 miles
Peak weekly mileage - 142 miles
Lowest non-taper weekly mileage - 67 miles
Total # of runs of 2+ hours - 17
Longest single run by time - 3:00:00
Longest day by time - 3:40:00
Longest runs at marathon goal pace - 30k (1:41:08), 13.1 miles (1:10:45, 1:09:45)
Total days off - 9


Week Time Mileage
07 May 2006 10:15:00 94
14 May 2006 08:32:00 78
21 May 2006 10:42:00 98
28 May 2006 10:30:00 97
04 Jun 2006 10:21:00 95
11 Jun 2006 09:28:00 87
18 Jun 2006 07:17:30 67
25 Jun 2006 11:10:00 102
02 Jul 2006 10:21:00 93
09 Jul 2006 09:23:06 86
16 Jul 2006 09:45:00 90
23 Jul 2006 08:03:23 74
30 Jul 2006 10:05:00 91
06 Aug 2006 12:11:30 107
13 Aug 2006 10:13:30 91
20 Aug 2006 16:02:00 142
27 Aug 2006 10:10:30 90
03 Sep 2006 11:11:00 100
10 Sep 2006 08:40:30 78
17 Sep 2006 08:01:30 73
24 Sep 2006 12:06:00 108
01 Oct 2006 08:40:30 80
08 Oct 2006 07:05:30 65
15 Oct 2006 05:30:00 51

Positives - Very good consistency in mileage. Very good timing of mileage peak in August. Very good 30k workout at MP. Very good 4x2mile strength workouts. Very good long runs both in number and peak duration. No significant injuries. No illnesses. No real "holes" in training. Consistent massage schedule and ice baths. Good mental game when feeling good early in a workout or race. Good kick. Confidence in training.

Negatives - Tightness in right leg, plantar fasciaitis, tight hip flexor. Poor 1/2 marathon performance. A few awful workouts in bonk-like conditions. Awful mental game when feeling bad early in a workout or race.

Summary - Training could only have gone better if I didn't have a job. There were some rough performances such as SJJ 1/2 as well as Seafair 8k. However, there were also flashes of brilliance such as Footzone 5k after a big week, the Cedar River 30k effort, and a few great workouts. My biggest strengths going into the marathon are preparation and experience. My biggest weaknesses are lack of a solid 1/2 marathon time this year and plantar fascia issues. The 30k was a big mental boost and should help me stay confident.

Race plans - There are going to be a lot of people at Chicago going hard early after both qualifying times as well as the obscene level of prize money. I'm not afraid to run by myself in order to maintain a relaxed early pace. My strategy is to stay relaxed and in control as long as possible, then pick it up to the finish. I plan to ease into the first few miles and lock on to 5:24 pace, which will most easily be accomplished by watching 5-mile splits at exactly 27 minutes apiece. However, if I need to run slower early to stay in control then I will do so. If things go well I should be able to look up at 20 miles and start picking off stragglers.