It's one reason why runners often wind up in Italian restaurants on Friday nights. Next week you'll run a shorter distance as part of a stepback week, so tough this out. As a mind game, visualize yourself running over the first 16 miles of the marathon course. Particularly as the mileage continues to build, keep the effort level low. As for strength training , you probably need to begin to cut back on the heavy weights as mileage builds.
Next week is another stepback week and also the end of our fourth three-week cycle.
For the rest of the program, as the mileage continues its upward spiral, we will provide you with a stepback week every other week to make certain you don't become stressed out. Another is to test all your strategies from the shoes you'll wear to grabbing fluids at water stations. Leave nothing to chance. Too much racing, however, can lead to overtraining, so don't overdo it. To order an autographed copy of this and other books by Runner's World's best writer go to Books by Hal Higdon .