I'd like to run a marathon over Labor Day weekend. I've been running regularly for about four years, but not more than 9-10 miles at a time. This isn't as crazy as it sounds. I can do 10-12 hour rides on the bike at a fast pace, and I'm in excellent cardiovascular condition. No injuries and all other indicators are green. I also have an ultramarathon cycling background so the motivation/focus part is under control.

It would be great to have more time to prepare, but this is the only window I have this year, and all the stars seem to be in alignment.

So my question - given that I only have 6 weeks to ramp up the mileage, does it make more sense to start out right now at 10 miles marathon pace and build up the mileage fast, or should I start out at about 17 miles slow right now and try to build up speed and distance simultaneously? I'm just looking to finish in 6 hours, but I want to actually run the whole thing - no Gallowalking...

Dave

What is your pace for 9-10 miles? You sound like you're pretty fit, I'm thinking you can not only do the marathon you can and should do it a lot faster than 6 hrs.

I am running 9 minute miles over 10 miles. That's a relaxed pace for me - I usually quit because I'm bored with running laps (18 indoor laps to the mile), rather than because I'm tired or sore. My heart rate is well below AT the whole time I'm running.

I'm just going for 6 hours because I don't want to push too hard and injure myself. I want to be able to take maybe a solid half hour break where I stretch out and massage my legs and feet.

OK a couple suggestions. You need to get in the rest of your mileage on the road because you are not conditioning yourself to the variances you will probably encounter in the marathon. I would go an extra 2 miles each week for the next 5 weeks peaking at 20 and then taper down. Go a little slower than 9 minute pace because the road will take more effort. Which marathon is it? Is it hilly? If it is you could be in for a rough time because hills make a huge difference especially if you haven't trained for them. If you're going to take such a long break why don't you just do the Galloway? You may actually make it tougher on yourself by lengthening the time on the course rather than just keep a consistent pace.