Hello, I am looking for some thoughts in regards to my upcoming first marathon. For context, I was an average D2 runner w/ pbs of 14:48/30:43. I trained at fairly high mileage in college (80-90 at the highest w/ 18-20 LRs). I've started my training the past few weeks after some time off after college (about 55m a week w/ a 12-13 LR).
I've yet to pick out a specific marathon, but it will either be in September or October. The marathon distance both excites me and leaves me with a lot of questions... In terms of training, my general plan was to build back up to 80-90 a week with a 18-20mile LR. I was going to keep the LR at a moderate pace and do another workout on Wednesday.
Does this sound like a reasonable plan, and what types of workouts should I build towards as I get closer to the race? Additionally, would there be a benefit in going further than 20 since I have experience running that distance? (I've ran 20 for a LR 10-15 times before, although none in the last year)
Fueling is another area that is entirely new to me..... How do you go about executing fueling as an amateur runner? I'm not familiar with any of the stuff that people are using or what I should be doing in this area really.
I have a few races planned this summer prior to the marathon (road 5mile, half marathon about a month out, and maybe a road 5k/mile).
Last question- what do you think a reasonable goal for me would be? I think if I execute training sub 70min/sub 2:30 would be possible.