PodiumRunner: A Short Marathon Build-Up?

The Case for a Shorter Marathon Buildup

The uncertainty of racing makes it hard to plan 4–6 months out. Take heart, 8–10 weeks might be a better marathon buildup. 

Sep 4, 2020/RICHARD A. LOVETT/PodiumRunner 

If you’re looking for candidates for the type of runners who’ve been most severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, marathoners are probably top of the list. After all, it’s fairly easy to do a virtual 5K or 10K — or give the mile or the 800 a go on a track or measured road. 

But a virtual marathon? With no aid stations and no other runners to keep you focused during those long, later miles? That’s a different beast, entirely. 

Which means that once COVID-19 restrictions on road racing start to ease, there’s going to be a big clamor for marathons. But, when a marathon finally becomes possible, that will raise another question: how far in advance do you need to start training for it?

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Runner's World: How To REALLY Cut 30 Seconds Off Your 5K

How Stephanie Bruce Ran a 27-Second 5K Personal Best at 35 
After a 3-year racing break following the birth of her two boys, Bruce has been racking up personal bests and national titles.
Taylor Dutch/ Runner's World, May 19, 2019

“Believe, run first 3K with confidence, stay attached, you will be hurting a lot...pretty early on, but keep in contact. Split second decision to push, sub 15:22 top 3. Compete, compete, compete.”

These are the notes that Stephanie Bruce wrote in her phone an hour before she raced the 5K at the USATF Distance Classic in Eagle Rock, California, on May 16. The prerace practice is part of a conversation with herself where Bruce addresses her fears and nerves with confident solutions.

(Link to article)

Bridge to Bridge - RRCA 5K State Championship

After my previous weekend in Sarasota for the ITU Triathlon World Cup Sarasota-Bradenton, I would be lying if I didn't say I was worried about weather conditions - especially heat - for this event. The relative drop in temperatures on the morning of the run - breeze out of the southeast and strong cloud cover until the last finishers - gave race day participants (462 run and walk finishers) conditions conducive to a good run.

RD Adam Guess decided at the last possible moment to pull me in to hold one end of the finish tape for the overall male and female winners, Dewayne Riley (finish time of 16:25) and Virraliz Trinidad (finish time of 18:53).

RRCA State 5K Champions crowned at Bridge to Bridge included...
Masters' Female ----------------- Helen Cain ---------- 25:11

Master's Male -------------------- Steven Fair --------- 20:57

Grandmasters' Female ---------- Mindi Straw -------- 26:16

Grandmasters' Male ------------- Ron Renfroe ------- 23:35

Senior Grandmasters' Female -- Candace Gibson -- 26:41

Senior Grandmasters' Male ----- Mark Gibson ------ 25:53

Photos of the winners, finishers, pre- and post-race festivities can be found at http://stacybizjak.zenfolio.com/bridgetobridge2017