Marathon Training in Your Twenties and Thirties: Big Differences
Hard to believe that marathon training is at the half way mark. Admittedly, it has been more challenging in someway and simpler in other ways. For reference, I ran 4 marathons over the course of 3 years when I was in my early to mid twenties. Running back then was a way to destress during law school/college and allowed me time to escape for a bit of time. Running was a family affair and I completed my first few marathons with my dad and sister. It was a way to connect with them and develop an inexpensive hobby. Marathon training in my twenties taught me how much I love to run and since then, my love of running has continued.
Over the past 10 years or so, I have been focused on raising and growing our family. I still ran many miles and even ran a couple half marathons, but taking time to train for a marathon while raising babies was not something I thought I could or should do. Being a stay at home mom, I have guilt about taking time for myself away from my babies. Having kids watch tv or sit in the stroller for miles was not something I felt was in their best interest (seriously, no shame if that’s what you do, it just felt off for me). This year, both of my boys are in school for a few hours each week which gives me more time to get the miles in while not feeling the (silly) mom guilt about it. Additionally, one of my good friends is running the race too which makes training even more fun to have someone to train and do long runs with.
How it is going…
Let me be honest, mid-twenties to mid-thirties is a big difference with your body and recovery time. Y’all marathon training has been a humbling experience not only in terms of the challenge of logging miles but the amount that my body feels the miles! In my twenties, I could go out the night before, log long miles and then go paddle and party later the same day. Now, in my thirties, I wake up early, log my long run, and then take some Aleve and get off my feet (or at least try) for the rest of the day. Reid, my oldest son, complained to me that after I do a long run I don’t want to run around the yard with him…talk about a mom guilt moment, so now I have been more intentional and take OTC medicine and drink caffeine so I can still be mom! It is quite a drastic change from 10 years ago!
After training for many weeks, my mid week runs are a lot longer than they started and 6 to 8 miles no longer feels like a “long run.” Logging 6-8 miles a couple times a week is pretty normal, which feels amazing to be back in the spot where my runs are longer. For the past 10 years, my midweek runs have been 3 miles with longer 5-8 mile runs on the weekends. It feels great to be able to run distances with ease.
The biggest difference I have noticed between running in my twenties and thirties is the need for rest days! I rest the day before a long run, to keep my legs fresh and now I rest the day after too to ensure I am giving my legs a chance to recover. I am very cautious about injuries (as I have experienced 2 major-ish injuries in the past few years). These recovery days are key to training IMO in my thirties. I am hopeful that giving my legs a break with help not only my immediate recovery, but also help my body and joints in the the long run!
Looking ahead…
The second half of marathon training means LOTS of miles and many more long runs. Seeing a couple 18+ mile runs on my calendar is very daunting, but I know I am doing all I can to be smart about the training. I need to incorporate cross training and maybe a tad bit of speed work (two things I do not like) into my training. On my days off, I do not workout at all and I really need to do ab work or arm work for 15-30 minutes. Cross training is important, but man I do not like it!
What are your favorite tips for training for a race? Have you noticed a difference in your body over the past few year?!
Happy Running, Friends!
