Im doing my 11th and 12th Marathons within 5 weeks of each other. Any good advice?. I cant opt out :-)?

Question

I'm doing two marathons back to back inside 5 weeks - I know it's a silly idea, but there's a sizeable chunk of cash going to my pet charity if I can pull sub four in both. Any helpfull hints or training tips? - I've done this once before and hit the wall badly in the second one after 15k

Answer 1

there is something called common sense and learning from your mistakes. obviously you are lacking in these since you already have done this before and had problems and then choose to do it again. Of course you hit the wall in the second one, you are destroying your body by putting that kind of exertion on it. the best marathoners in the world wouldn't do it because it is a foolish thing to do. there is a reason that the Marathon Olympic Trials were in April for women and November for men. your body needs a lot of time to recover between them. I would say it is more that a silly idea. the only helpful hint i can give is to not do one of them. i assume that by "can't opt out" you meant that you really don't want to, but you are probably going to have to bite the bullet on this one and just not do it.

Answer 2

For your first one:  treat it as a long run.  Instead of a three week taper, taper for 10 days.  Run that first one just hard enough to meet your goal time.  If there is a pace group use it since running with a pace leader takes some pressure off yourself and you can run more relax.

After your first take three days off.   On those days stretch, do some walking, but do not run.  Then go back on a running schedule.   For two weeks follow an easy schedule with your longest run being 12 to 15.  (Remember you did your long run).  For the las two weeks you in a real taper.  Nothing you do at that point will increase your aerobic fitness so rest is what you really need.  Light activity - walking, swimming, biking, even some jogging.  Some weights but very light.  Sit ups and crunches.  

Diet:  make sure after the first you get plenty of protein.  Go easy on fats but don't take them out of your diet.  Stay away for sugars but use dense carbs.  Stay hydrated.

Race Day.  You will feel good.  Review the course.  Be conservative.  You will feel strong - don't trick yourself into going out too fast.

A few years ago I did New York and didn't have a great outing.  Three weeks later I did Philadelphia only intending to pace a friend for the first 13.  Ended up being one of my best and I qualified for Boston.

It can be done!