I'm training to run in the LA marathon this March,it is my first time and I'm doing it on my own. I'm up to 10.5 miles in 1 hour and 16 minutes,at an average 174 hr, I do these 3 times a week (when possible) I'm 32 years old ,and 150lbs. Am I on the right track?

Congrats on signing up for your first marathon.

I would vary your training a bit. Are you only running 3 days per week? Your weekly training runs should look like this: 1 long run, 1 mid run (10miles), and couple shorter but harder runs (3-6miles). What you are doing now is ok and will get you to the finish but make sure you increase the long run by 1 or 2 miles each week. aim for a 19-20 mile run at least once before your race. Do this long run 2 weeks before the race date.

Jill

I agree with Jill that you need to increase the length of your long run, however with the amount of mileage you have been putting in, I am not sure how much the speed work will help.

First, you need to really slow down your runs. Your are running at 7m 14s per mile, unless you are planning on running the marathon in under 3 hours that is too fast. I do not know much about heart rate, but this seems to be in the Aerobic or Anerobic zones which would also suggest they are too fast. You should be running a minute slower than your marathon race pace for your distance runs.

If you have run a race recently plug that into an online running calculator and to determine your gola marathon pace. But add 10 to 20 minutes as the calculators assume you run 70 miles per week. If you mileage stays low I would add more time to the estimated finish.

Don't forget to taper over the final two weeks of training. reduce mileage but not intensity. You don not gain fitness in the final two weeks, but the taper ensures that you go into the race rested.

Do not go out too fast in the marathon, with the mileage you have been putting in you are not conditioned to complete the 26.2 miles easily. The final 10k may be painful.

Curious to know how it went today? I am planning on my first one down in San Diego...