www.ArkansasRRCA.com

lol, yes, I believe in that Tom. But I also believe that I'll never run a sub 3 hr marathon no matter how many miles I run. Just like I'll never bench press 300 pounds no mater how many steroids I took. Both things play a part. It isn't all genetics for sure. But, it is some. There's a good reason owners pay millions to breed their horses to Alysheba,,,,and will to Rachel Alexandra but even then, those horses still have to train
I'm sure when u were at your prime u could knock off a sub 17 5K on 25 mpw, but not a 2:20 till u got up to 100 mpw. And I have seen the old race results Our times aren't even in that league

kimhoward wrote:

Keith Willsey wrote:they only run 50-60 miles a week at most.....that won't get you under 3 hours...


Sorry Tom, this part of your statement is still not true. If given a choice take genetics over training.

I agree, Genetics play an important part,,I'm sure I could run faster if I put in 60 MPW instead of 30-45...but,,I might be hurt more,,,and even with 75 MPW,,,I wouldn't go sub 3

That's the key in my opinion is the load the individual can handle and stay healthy. I did 2:40 in 09 on 60 per week. I went with the higher mileage philosophy afterward in hopes of going mid 230's, instead i got injured and was out most of 2010. I am back to the 60 miles per week load and hoping to break 240 in Boston. I simply can't handle the higher mileage weeks, but honestly, I don't think I would be any faster in a marathon even if I could handle 80-90. That's backwards, I know, but I think everyone has their sweet spot where PR's can be obtained. I learned the hard way that more miles don't always translate into better times and performances. I am a firm believer in quality over quantity. As I transition to multi-sport events after April, I am hopeful that I will confirm that theory.

Funny how we are talking about tapering and marathon training--optimal weekly mileage. My average weekly mileage for my first 3 marathons was well below most on this posts' TAPER. I Did not break 3-hr at Hogeye 2002, BUT..bad weather, my first,and so on. When talking mileage, I always think of the chart in Daniel's: mileage vs. performance vs. injury.... you can infer.

With that said, I do not necessarily think its the big mileage that causes injury (had my share running 25 miles/wk). I think it is more of the INCREASE in mileage--too much-too-fast-too-soon. I agree with Josh. You have to find your "sweet spot." Which runner is a better marathoner--the one who runs 80 mile-weeks for 4 weeks, then gets injured, and goes the next 16 weeks averageing 25 miles. or the runner who consistently runs 40 miles a week for the entire year?

Of course, we are taking the MARATHON, which I believe 5-10 minutes can be attributed to hydration and nutrition (regardless of how many miles you logged).

You know this is a good thread when you have the 3 Legends of Arkansas--the "WTB" (order of which is no indication of achievement)-- Road Racing debating.

In regards to genetics... I have always thought it would be interesting to categorize the top Arkansas Road Races over the last 20 years into: who competed on either a high school and collegiate level (assuming those who did either had a familial propensity toward high VO2MAX and/or substantially increased theirs by several early years--before they started competing with us commoners-- of training... and those who did not compete in highschool or college.

Bill Torrey wrote:I enjoyed reading this post. Good luck to everyone and I will be cheering you on. In David's case I might throw a few jabs. .

Since this thread has gotten too deep and too serious let me respond to being threatened with "a few jabs." It really would be a shame if someone accidentally stepped on your toes and you had to face another 7 months without running.

See you this weekend.

Sorry but I don't think 15.30 and slower for a 5k, 4.20 for a mile and 2.05 in HS has anything to do with genetics running about those times in HS is just hard work...a little faster is a little more work...14's in a 5k in HS might be leaning towards genetics...

Wow. Who runs a sub 15 5K in Hs now? We had a soph 15 yo run a 16:20 at NLr two years ago beating a Olympic trail female. He also ran second at the half last year at LR. I thought that was fairly fast. I also believe he was the cross country champion this year in HS. I don't think any of the times come close to that.

David, it could be another 7 months before I get to run any way. Healing but not sure the return will be anytime soon. Good luck this weekend.

There is a fine line between peaking at the right time and being hurt. If you are to peak you have to push the training, demand more from your body and your mine becomes stronger to carry you on race day.

Each individual, as Josh said, has to fine what is right for them. Tom could run better then most because he had both the talent and desire. I always felt I needed to get the mileage in to run my best because I didn't have the foot speed of others.

Looking back I wish I had the wisdom to take more recovery but that is just the way we played.

Wow guys thanks for putting complete fear in my heart....I was only about about 32 mpw training for my first and used Hal Higdon Intermediate I.....maybe some day I will reach those epic proportions!

Capt Kirk....give us a name.....lol. tell you what...you know who Daniel Lincoln is....everyone that wants to be any kind of runner needs to follow his career and copy it....now tell me who he is....he's one of our own.....

Don't leave out the Pottsville connection!

IT was the night before LR MARATHON all the creatures was stirring as even the big man himself look like he could run a few by the looks in his red suit...... most of you will read this Monday in your respected homes. After all it is the night before.... WE ALL come from different ethic groups WE come from small towns BIG CITIES we all have different goals as you approch the RACE OF your life for some your goal is maintain the streek others will have pr in mind some will be THIS YEAR Boston hopefull and while others this will be their 1ST MARATHON EVER, but you come together on this sacared ground. That you all shared a common bond that you all love dearly the love of RUNNING rather this your first or hundred and first.Whatever ever your goal is to reach it what ever you goal might be so my fellow RUNNING FAMILY I will vocied a prayer for not just you but for the RDIC and other vols that work so hard to pull this run off do yor best cross the the line and to race another day . GOD SPEED MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS BEST WHISHES RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE IS SET BEFORE YOU.