Running: Can I replace my speed workout with something else?

Question

My speed workout varies from tempo runs, hill runs, and fartleks. I usually do these workouts on the treadmill so I can vary the slope of the hill and adjust the pace at which I'm running. I like to know that I'm running at the proper pace. The problem is that my treadmill is now broken. Can I replace this speed workout with something else, like a strength training with weights? My goal is to finish a marathon this October. That's why I've been including speed work in my running. Any suggestions...other than fixing the treadmill, I'm working on that.

Answer 1

You can replace some of your speed workout with weight training.  Don't worry about your speed work.  As for your treadmill I have heard of this great place to run called "outside".  The most important training is the long run.  If your goal is just to finish you don't need speed work at all.  Integrate speed into your program when you are trying to qualify for Boston.  Don't get too hung up on time or goals for your first marathon.  Everyone does worse than they thought they would in their first.  Here are your goals.

1. Finish

2. Finish with a smile

3. Finish a beer with a smile

4. Repeat #3 as desired

Answer 2

Get outside?  It'll work your ankles more because the ground is always flat on the treadmill, but outside there're stones, badly paved bits, bumpy grass, etc.

Squats with weights is good for everything cause it works many different muscles, but doing too much may make your legs too chunky for a marathon.

Good luck with the marathon!