If you want to be a better marathon runner, you can’t only run marathon races.
Ask yourself this question: Am I a marathoner? If your answer is yes, skip your next season of marathon training and focus on shorter distances.
I know, I said it. You can still identify as a marathon and not be training for a marathon.
If season after season all you ever do is train for marathons, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on quality faster running.
When you dip down in race distance and train for shorter races, you greatly improve your speed, your race tactics, your running form, and you can try different training philosophies.
Instead of running long and “slow” season after season, take a break from that grind and instead, focus on only short races.
Speed
Your speed will drastically improve because now you’re running 5k pace and faster. This added speed will improve your running economy and how you are able to handle slower paces like threshold and long run pace. And because you now have some speed in your legs, your ability to lower your PRs in shorter races allows you to take more risks when you get back to the ‘thon.
Race Tactics
When you focus on short races, you are able to race more often – at least once or twice a month – giving yourself a chance to improve race tactics, strategize for different types of races, and learn new skills.
You can fine-tune your race day nerves and figure out what you should be eating and how you need to prep your body to run fast.
Race tactics are important and when you only race 1 time a season, you tend to forget what you need.
Running Form
Want to improve your running form?
Get on some hills.
Get up them, get down them.
Get on a track. Run some quarters.
Power through mile-paced speed work and I guarantee you’ll be working on your running form.
Training Styles
Want to try doubles? Or maybe faster long runs? Interested in two workouts a week?
During training for shorter races, you can try this.
When you’re training for shorter races, you can try new things and they won’t destroy your training if they blow up in your face.
Are marathons great? They sure are. But that doesn’t mean that every training cycle has to end with a marathon for it to be successful or even worth training for.
Using a 3-4 month block of training to focus on speed training and race skills is a super valuable skill for when you do return to the marathon.
Because, hey, you’re a marathoner. Right?
Get away from always doing the same type of training “just because” and instead think about how your training can help your long-term goals.
Have a question or a comment?
If you liked reading this post, give it a like or a share.
Want my weekly running newsletter?
- A year of returning stronger and building for what's next
- Does anyone know what's good for our sport these days?
- What’s your go-to move for better sleep?
Looking for running resources?
Find me on social media!
Searching for a running coach? TrainwithMarc has flexible schedules, dynamic plans, and access to a coach who’s worked with every type of runner.
TrainwithMarc will design a training plan based on your needs, running history, and your goals.
TrainwithMarc’s Social Media links ⬇️
Website: trainwithmarc.com
Instagram: @TrainwithMarc.run
Threads: @TrainwithMarc.run
Facebook: @TrainWithMarc
TikTok: @Run_Coach_Marc
Twitter: @marcpelerin
Discover more from TrainwithMarc
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
TrainwithMarc 