Replacing Key Marathon Sessions by Racing 21k at submax effot

by Paul
(The Netherlands)

Replacing key marathon session with 21k race :

"Hi Marius,

I have a question about replacing the key marathon session (40 min @ effort 1, 40 min @ effort 2, and 40 min @ effort 3) in week 10 of the 3 hours plan by a half marathon race at sub max effort. Reason is simply that I enjoy racing even when it is not on a full effort basis. I am currently thinking of the following paces: (i)first part of the race at 3% slower than target marathon pace, and (ii) the second part of the race progessing to a pace which is about 2% procent faster.

Would this be an appropriate substitution of the key marathon session?

thanks very much in advance!

cheer,

paul"

Answer: Hi Paul and thanks for your question.

Yes, you can do this - I believe in following a structured plan like the 100 day schedule - however, doing variants like this on occasions because you enjoy racing (especially if you are an experienced runner) is no problem at all, as long as you do not do this every week in the marathon specific weeks and do not run them all out.

I wish you all the best,
Marius