Marathon 1 vs 4 (30 Minute PR)

Two years ago, I ran my first marathon in 5:22. Two weeks ago, I ran it 30 minutes faster than that. What did I do differently? Below is a comparison chart between the two training cycles (June to February). 

Criteria	First	Last
date	February 28, 2010	February 12, 2012
training goal	finish; have fun	5 hours
base	less than 2 years; 24 races (3 half marathons)	almost 4 years; 70 races (3 marathons & 12 half marathons)
20+ miles training runs	3	6
longest training run	24 miles	31 miles
speed work	no track; 14 random races, mostly multi-sport	weekly track workouts; 9 races strategically substituting for comparable speed workouts
mid-week runs	2 x 3 miles; comfortable pace; ran alone	2 x 4-6 miles; tempo/race pace/track; ran with group
race w/group?	raced alone	raced with pace group
race intervals	1/1, 2/1, 3/1	2/1
goal pace	comfortable; held back at start	push it! leave it all out there
chip time	5:22	4:52

I attribute my improvement mainly to consistency and added endurance. I had a much bigger base going into it this time. I only missed a total of 4 runs on my training schedule, added more volume, but paid very close attention to recovery to ensure I didn't get injured. I also made it a priority to warm up before all mid-week runs and races to allow me to hit those hard paces without risking injury. Part of my additional mid-week milage came from these warm up runs, but it was still time on my feet at low risk. 

Becoming an Athlete

This year, I felt like a true athlete. I've felt like a runner pretty much from the moment I ran my first 5K, but it's been kicked up a notch this year. Sure, my increase in speed has helped, but that's not really what defines an athlete. For me, it was been the consistency and determination to train for a goal that seemed so utterly out of reach just 2 years ago. When I ran my first marathon, I just wanted to do it once and finish with a smile on my face. I wanted to enjoy it, and I enjoyed every bit of that race and the training leading up to it. Before I finished training for it, I knew I'd do it again. 

This time, I didn't take the easy route. I wasn't in it just to finish, but I wanted to go big! I've given every part of myself this time, running in imaginable conditions from scolding heat to pouring rain to freezing temps, and it's paid off in a big way. I only ran 10 races this season, but this season was about quality, not quantity. I finished with a personal best at 7 of those races, but I never jeopardized marathon training to do it; most were actually run not much faster than marathon race pace. I dug deep this season, and I know it's still only the tip of the iceberg of my potential. I can't wait to see what next season will bring! :)