Well, to make a long story short, I'm not training for STS, but rather found the site as a friend was considering trying to transfer from his assignment as a SEAL to cross-train as a STO. He decided to remain with the SEALs but I've continued to occassionally visit the site as it is so interesting and offers great advice on working out. So, since this question is not related to training for Indoc or similar, I'll understand if you guys don't answer. However, I'd really appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

Now, I was just notified that I can enter the NYC Marathon for this November. However, that only leaves me with 6.5 weeks to train for it. I currently run about 30 miles per week varying between 3 and 10 miles for any given run. Can anyone provide advice on a schedule to follow over the next month and a half that would condition me to finish the 26.2 event?

I contacted several running coaches and marathoners for imput, but they all said it would be impossible to prepare in such a short period of time. I don't believe it will be easy, but neither do I believe the naysayers. So, I'm starting with the assumption that IT IS NOT ONLY POSSIBLE, BUT PLAUSIBLE and I'm proceeding along those lines.

Now, I know that you guys seem very busy training to be in STT or are busy staying fit to "plant the boot print of democracy on the necks of scumbags" so if you don't have time to offer advice that is cool. But, since most of you guys are MUCH, MUCH more knowledgeable about training than I will ever be, I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to train to finish the event while also avoiding injury.

Thanks in advance.

I guess I will give you my two cents since I have a good buddy whom I keep writing about that is a pro racer and has gone to the Olympic trials for Marathon. I consider myself lucky to have his advice so I will be happy to share what he has given to me with you.

First, can you be in good enough shape to do well in the marathon in the time allowed? No. Can you prep yourself to finish if that is what your goal is? Probably. I will give you the workout given to me for a half marathon. What you will need to do is increase your distance and make sure your body is recovering fine before you up them agian. Since you are already running 30 miles/week you are at the "magical" minimum mileage that is a good base and will allow you to do some longer runs.

Here is the half marathon workout that I talked about before that would be great for the OL-H because it makes 6 easy and 15 no stranger.

*Note* You should be at the 30 Mile/Week level before starting this.

Monday: 5-7 Miles

Tuesday: Intervals (Speed)

Wednesday: 5-7 Miles

Thursday: Tempo Run

Friday: REST

Saturday: 3-5 (Easy) Jog/Stretch/Relax

Sunday: 10-15 Miles (Long Run, Consistant Pace, Good Form!)

Intervals: 1/2 Mile Repeats 880x10 w/ 440 Jog Recovery

Tempo: 30-60 Minutes in the above workout at 80% Race to Full Race Pace. This should be 5-10 Miles.

Once your body is comfortable in this routine you can keep adding distance for the Marathon. For the OL-H guys there is really no need to add distance.

Other pointers:
- Run where there are hills
- Run on trails when possible
- Ensure your body adjusts to each distance increase
before adding more distance

Thanks for the response. I really appreciate it.

Your schedule is similar to my weekly workout schedule (I alternate between speed runs and long, slow ones, and do a lot of hills) and I'm adjusting the mileage up a bit. I'm going to attempt a 15 mile run this Sunday (which I'm going to slow, way down for) and see how I feel.

Okay Norm I'm not dissing you here! Just so you know!

I have a PJ friend who had never ran a marathon and he trained for one that was done in the Seattle area a few years ago. He trained for a few months (not more than three) and his time was good enough to qualify for the Boston marathon. Which everyone told him was a big deal for a first time marathoner. I don't think his training was anywhere near as intense as what you two are talking about since he was working full time and had a newborn daughter. The longest run he had ever done prior to the marathon was 17 miles.

Anyway, just another testament to mind over matter I suppose.

I'm with you Marty.

I thought I would post the following.

MOST MEN STOP
WHEN THEY BEGIN TO TIRE
GOOD MEN GO UNTIL THEY
THINK THEY ARE GOING TO COLLAPSE

BUT THE VERY BEST KNOW THE MIND TIRES
BEFORE THE BODY AND PUSH
THEMSELVES FURTHER AND
FURTHER BEYOND ALL LIMITS

ONLY WHEN ALL THESE
LIMITS ARE SHATTERED CAN
THE UNATAINABLE BE REACHED

Good Luck

Thanks for the responses guys. I appreciate it, especially considering I am not soliciting advice on training for Indoc (so I'll understand if Board God #1 doesn't want me taking up his server space).

Let me ad, however, that I suspect that the friends that each of you has mentioned is in MUCH BETTER shape than I and that they were and are more knowledgeable about training for these events. I know that I run distance rather slowly (10+ minutes per mile if I go more than 6 miles). Thus, I'm really just working toward finishing (and proving that only I can decide what is and is not possible for me, not the naysayers and the never-doerss) as I have no chance of competing in the event.

Thanks again for the insight and your time in reading this topic.