Half IM and Marathon

An interesting question Brian. And here's a too-long reply for you...

I set my marathon PR in 1989, when the bulk of my training was running. As I've gotten older I have
spent more of my time in the pool, in part because it provides a good aerobic workout without
beating up my aging legs.

All that swimming has left me heavier though...partly upper body development and partly because
swimming isn't weight bearing and it leaves the weight on you....and you come out of the pool
wanting to eat everything in the world after a long workout!

I ran a stand-alone marathon in 2000 after a long lay-off since Boston 100 in 1996. It was quite a
bit slower than my PR, but it was also fairly "easy" (as much as 26 miles can be) from an aerobic
standpoint. I did feel the weight gain though, especially after 22 miles..it starts slowly wearing
on your legs and at 6'2" and a big-boned 185-90 it did wear on me.

I'd go for it by upping the run mileage abit and not worrying about the PR...just take it out and
see how your "new" fitness works. Best, Mark

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Quoted message said:

An interesting question Brian. And here's a too-long reply for you...

I set my marathon PR in 1989, when the bulk of my training was running. As I've gotten older I
have spent more of my time in the pool, in part because it provides a good aerobic workout without
beating up my aging legs.

All that swimming has left me heavier though...partly upper body development and partly because
swimming isn't weight bearing and it leaves the weight on you....and you come out of the pool
wanting to eat everything in the world after a long workout!

I ran a stand-alone marathon in 2000 after a long lay-off since Boston 100 in 1996. It was quite a
bit slower than my PR, but it was also fairly "easy" (as much as 26 miles can be) from an aerobic
standpoint. I did feel the weight gain though, especially after 22 miles..it starts slowly wearing
on your legs and at 6'2" and a big-boned 185-90 it did wear on me.

I'd go for it by upping the run mileage abit and not worrying about the PR...just take it out and
see how your "new" fitness works. Best, Mark

In my experience a half IM is quite a bit easier on the body, both the training and the actual race,
than a marathon. I'm sure it's because the load is spread over more muscle groups and joints. If you
could arrange it I'd suggest doing the 1/2 IM first, then a marathon a month or so later. Do your
running build-up for the 1/2 IM at about 3/4 normal marathon distances but lower intensity. After
the 1/2 IM active rest for a week, then normal last month marathon training plus some speedwork (no
swimming or biking!) The idea is to try and have your running muscles strong enough to do the 1/2 IM
but peaking for the marathon.

Good luck!