How do I bounce back from a disappointing Marine Corps Marathon in which I failed to reach my sub-3-hour marathon goal? By getting back out on the roads and training even harder this winter. My sixth 26.2-mile trek and second attempt at breaking three hours will be the Virginia Beach Marathon (Shamrock Marathon) on March 17.
The course is described as fast and scenic, with notable sights along Coastal Virginia including a state park, Ft. Story where John Smith and other Jamestown colonists first landed in America in 1607, and by Cape Henry Lighthouse—the oldest standing lighthouse in the United States. The finish line on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, scenic views can only carry one so far on a marathon course. If I want to trim six minutes off my PR (3:05:51), I’ll need to tap into the “luck of the Irish” as I race on St. Paddy’s Day. Oh, and some training might help, too.
Training plan
For my fall 2023 marathon, I followed Pfitzinger’s 18 week/55-70 mile training plan. While I thoroughly enjoyed the 4+ month training block, it certainly felt overly long at times. So, for the Shamrock Marathon, I want to ensure I allow for ample rest and recovery after the intense training block and the unseasonably warm Marine Corps Marathon. And so, with March 17th not far off, I opted for Pfitzinger’s 12 week/55-70 mile plan.
While the plan is a whole six weeks shorter than my fall training block, each week is quite demanding. From the first week with three medium-long/long runs to week four’s three long runs, and week six’s peak of 70 miles with a 15- and 18-miler, just three days apart. Ouch. Like my fall training, I may make modifications to the plan to not burn out before race day.
I’m using the same cross training schedule I’ve followed for the past couple years: one lower body workout a week and an upper body workout every other day, complete with push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and various dumbbell exercises.
Shoe Rotation
My running shoe rotation continues to expand each month, which helps keep me motivated during the training long haul.
New Balance 1080 v13 – Late 2023 release has been my go-to pair after recovering from the Marine Corps Marathon. The best 1080 yet and one of the softest shoes out there.
Saucony Kinvara Pro – Fell in love with this shoe during fall marathon training and it quickly became my long-run shoe. Hard to beat three different foams with a carbon plate.
HOKA Clifton 9 – My first-ever HOKA shoe, and now I get why the Clifton is so beloved. An extremely solid daily trainer offering ample cushion and comfort.
Topo Atmos – Atmos was my introduction to Topo, and the shoe gave my feet the warmest of greetings and runs the funnest of rides. One of last year’s most underrated shoes, max cushion or otherwise.
Saucony Triumph 20 – One of my all-time favorites, the Triumph is an absolute workhorse. Strikes the perfect balance between a soft and firm ride with ample bounce.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 – The shoe I racked up the most miles in last year, it’s on my shortlist of the most fun shoes I’ve laced up in 18 years of running. Soft, plush, and so damn comfortable.
Nike Vaporfly 2 – Designated shoe for speed work, including tempo runs, lactate thresholds, and VO2 Max. Ran three marathons in this supershoe and may lace it up again for Shamrock Marathon.
Brooks Ghost Max – Elements of what make the original Ghost suitable for many—comfort, durability, and dependability—are found here, in a better, more fun shoe.
Brooks Aurora-BL – Underrated and overlooked, one of the most versatile shoes on the market. Perfect for long runs, recovery, speed, and every day.
Make my own luck
Last March, I PR’d at the One City Newport News Marathon. This March, I’ll attempt to set a 6-min PR to run my first sub-three-hour marathon less than 40 miles down the road at the Shamrock Marathon. Forget the luck of the Irish; through hard work, determination, and patience, I’ve got everything I need to reach my goal.
Header photo credit: Chansak Joe via Shutterstock
Boardwalk photo credit: Sherry V. Smith via Shutterstock
