this year i did something i didn’t necessarily set out on doing… i ran FOUR marathons, and a couple of them pretty close together. to some people that is nothing, to some people that is a lot and to some that is pretty standard.
everyone has their own views on marathons and their own goals towards their races and training. i know many people who would argue against me, some who would say i am right on, and some who think i run too many… but it all comes down to your own preference, goals and opinion on the topic. here is what i learned about myself and marathons after this year.
after taking 2 weeks off to recover from CIM last year, i signed up for the eugene marathon which was on may 3rd. after a very nice base build i started a 12 week training program at the beginning of february. training for this race went SO well, and although the race didn’t go as planned, my training was spot on. i wasn’t sore really at all after this race (walking, etc) and recovered really fast which i was happy about since…
4 weeks later i ran san diego. i had planned to run this race all along, and even though i had considered “racing” it in the back of my head after a bad day at eugene, i knew that was a bad idea. i took 3 days off between races and just kept a base going for the weeks in between. i didn’t do any speed work and my longest run was 12 miles. i went into this race purely to have fun and run with my friends, so it wasn’t too bad with them being so close together. i had a great time in this race and it’s my slowest marathon to date, but one of the most rewarding ones i have ran. i really think everyone should run a race without pressure, for fun and with friends at least one time in their life. i wasn’t sore and was anxious to get going again so…
i jumped back into training after 3 days off. i panicked and signed up for another marathon since my lack of patience didn’t want to wait until CIM to try to BQ again. i almost ran another marathon in here as a training run, but decided against it. i ran a lot for the next 17 weeks, but my training wasn’t “on” necessarily, and went to the starting line of another marathon where my heart didn’t follow me. i ran it, i finished, i wasn’t sore and i recovered fast…
i took 3 days off again after cowtown and started a 9 week schedule for CIM. i trained hard, i raced hard, i had a blast and i finally had my day. i was sore, i was emotional, i needed time to recover. it was just what i had been looking for all year.
so 4 marathons down, one PR… was it worth it?
things i don’t like about running multiple fulls:
- i started taking things for granted, like tapering and the race distance itself. as much as i “hate” tapering, i also like it. i like the anticipation, i like getting nervous and i like being excited for an upcoming race. it’s all part of marathons to me.
- i ran a marathon or two i wasn’t *that* excited about. i need to be excited about my marathons!
- i like training, i like the feeling of completing a training cycle. with all those races overlapping each other i had to wing a couple cycles and i just never felt complete. i like a start, middle and end, i don’t like jumping into things in the middle.
things i like about running multiple fulls:
- lots of medals – we all love medals!
- another marathon is always an accomplishment to be proud of.
- you learn something new every time and get experience on the distance.
although i don’t think four would necessarily be too many if i scheduled them right, i think i am going to try to limit myself to 3 marathons a year at most from here on out. this allows me to train, race, recover, and start the cycle over without too much craziness in between. mentally it just works better and marathons mean more to me that way, and i like that better. i want to always be excited, i want to not take anything for granted and i want to train hard. not to say i won’t ever run marathons close together again, (because i never say never and this post could come back to bite me someday), but i think i figured out the schedule that works best for me and this post will serve as a good reminder of that.
how many marathons do you like to run/race a year?
are you a multiple marathoner or do you like to train hard and race hard less times a year?
so do all these posts about picking marathons and scheduling marathons make you curious yet what my plans are for 2010? the calendar is coming soon… 
Another smile on my face, courtesy of you! I guess 4 marathons was PERFECT for you since you qualified for Boston. I ran 2 marathons this year, but they were 3 weeks apart, which for me was a bad idea. I kept saying that NY was my last marathon forever, but I now have marathon fever again. I would get automatic entry if I entered NY again next year, plus there's a marathon every October that's only 30 minutes from my home. Never say never I guess.
P.S. I'll be seeing you run on 4/18/11!
I think your schedule worked out well for you in 2009, but I can see how the races fell pretty close together.
Personally, I haven't run a marathon since 2007.
sooo curious!
i am a 1 marathon/year kind of person normally! i like the variety of other distances — halves, 5Ks. plus, i don't ALWAYS like to worry about doing superlong training runs on the weekends!
Hey Aron! 2009 was my first marathon. 2010 we are planning to run 3 (Mercedes Marathon, IL Marathon, Chicago Marathon). I agree with the medals and the racing helps learn, but we plan to fill out time in between with half marathons. Can't wait to see your 2010 schedule!
CJ
I can only equate it to halfim and im but I go for one-two big races a year and fill in with shorter stuff, half ims, oly distance tris and half marathons. I think it just makes me more well rounded, keeps injury at bay and doesn't push me to burn out (as fast).
Having never run a single marathon, I really do not know how many is too many but I would venture to say that regardless of how many your run…they should all be ones you are excited about
And seriously…who doesn't love medals!
I'm new to marathoning. I did one last year and one this year that went awful. I agree that it's personal preference. I'm not sure how many a year I'd be comfortable running. I think ideally two or three for me would be good. I do love the half marathon distance, and given that I ran cross-country in college the 5K holds a special place in my heart. So I like to mix it up a bit.
No more than 2 marathons/year for me, but also a few 1/2s and a few other smaller races. Like you, I don't like to be rushed in my training, and like to have a couple of months to recover post marathon. But, like you said, everyone is different.
The most I have done in a year is 3, which I find to be pretty attainable. I like not starting from scratch every time, as I have a tendancy to slack off from my running a bit when I'm in recovery (ie right now).
My "on" time seems to be the spring, my focus will be training for Boston. Then I'll recovery just a bit then focus on training for my early summer marathon in June. The summer I slack off and then its a fall marathon, where I'm usually a bit slower but its ok as I had my faster times in the spring.
Cannot wait to hear what races you are doing!
I've never run more than two marathons a year, one in spring and one in the fall. I think your body can obviously handle it (to say the least!) but I feel like I am maybe too injury prone to do that. Plus, I get burnt out easily!
YES, I am curious about your upcoming plans – AND I need to start finalizing my own! I have lots of shorter races planned, but undecided on full(s) at this point.
I think 3 is a good number…. in fact, I am thinking of 3 myself for next year.
Your plan for 3 sounds perfect. 2010 is bringing me my first 2 marathons. I think that 2 is a safe number, because I'll have about a month of good recovery/base time inbetween, but still have that next race in the horizon to work towards.
I've only done 4 in total, but I think the ideal number is 2 per year for me (one early in the year, one late in the year for weather purposes). However, I just ran one (Dec) and will be doing another in (Mar) and another in (Jun), possibly another in (Oct).
So yes, I've gone nuts. As for half's, I don't think there's a worry with that. Last year, I did something like 5 in three months while training for a marathon.
Also consider your immunity. Multiple marathons really seems to wear it dowm! I know I will be!
it gets really tempting to run all the time and have those accomplishments, but having run a marathon I wasn't *that* excited about I really think I am going to stick to just 1 big race and then if some others that sound fun should come on ok…but focus will be on 1 full
Four marathons in a year sounds like a lot to me! But I can completely see how once you get started you never want to stop! I have never ran a marathon, so I don't really know the effects it has on your body, so I'm sure if you know better than anyone else how much is too much and I'm sure, like you said, it varies for everybody.
This is slightly random.. but one of my roommates (mot much of a reliable source) once told me that it is bad for your body to run a marathon.. this isn't true.. right?
Did you write this post for me?!! LOL. I am struggling with this right now.
As I told you I ran 5 marathons in 6 weeks in the spring, and felt tired and burnt out after. So many multiples in a row is not for me.
This fall worked much better…Two marathons spaced 9 weeks apart, 2 HM (one seriously raced), and a 5 miler.
I am thinking I may stick to 4 marathons a year and fill in the blanks, because I like a 9-10 week training schedule, but get bored when its longer. That said, I still am considering a marathon in a couple of weeks… so I think you really need to just listen to your body and go with your heart. Great post as usual!
I think 2-3-4 is the perfect number! I did my first marathon when I was 21 and did anohter when I was 22 now that I am 23 I want to do at least 3 this year and every year until I get a BQ. I did calculate however(basic math) if I run two a year for the next 24 years that equals 50! (maybe in 50 states)
Your four worked out good for you this year!
I've only ever done one full per year, but am planning on at least two in 2010 (and maybe a third).
lol. i am NOT a multiple marathoner. i'm a one-timer who thinks she might do another one at some point
small steps over here.
I would do 12 a year if it wouldn't break me, physically and financially, LOL! I think 4 is a good number. The most I've done is 2 a year, but they are usually one right after another. I'm looking at 2 MAYBE 3 for 2010…
i've only run one marathon and when i finished i couldn't fathom running another. still can't and my training cycle starts soon haha!
this obv worked out for the best because you got that bq. way to go girl
I'm going to be happy running one marathon in 2010 and depending on how that goes we'll see how many I do again the next year.
And yes, I'm really curious what races you are doing next year. Maybe RNR San Antonio? Just a thought.
I am one or two per year max. Although I have friends who run a couple marathons as training runs to get the distance etc.
Hmmm…if I wasn't trying to get that dang marathon maniac status I would probably do about four and be better about spacing them apart. I love the distance and I love the training, but you're right, you have to have a good training cycle and a good amount of time to be able to recovery properly both physically and mentally.
And YES I AM DYING to know what you're up to! For many reasons of course, but mainly to see if we are matched up on anything!
I heard a rumor that you were planning to be a BQ pacer for your friend Melanie in Eugene.. Can it be TRUE?? LOL!!! But hey the request is out there.
I am not sure about the multiple Marathon thing yet.. I plan to run 2 or 3 next year, so I will have a better opinion then.
I know that I beat myself because I did not train for a Fall Marathon. I was VERY envious of everyone racing in October and November.
I don't think I could EVER do 4 marathons in one year, but that's just me!
I am very curious to see waht 2010 looks like for you!
Oof, four marathons in 2009! (Quick, still two weeks to squeeze in a fifth, go go!)
I'd say you did a good job managing all four, but I definitely wouldn't think any less of you if you only did "three"!
Rock on, Aron!
I think if you plan them right 3 is a good number. I did 2 for the first time in a year and was a little bored during the longer breaks!
I did three in one year (365 days) not a calendar year and that was WAYYYYYY too many for me. I think my body and mind can only handle 1 or 2 "A" races a year. Whether those are Tri's or running races I just don't think I can "race" full out effort more than twice in a year.
Can't wait to see what you and Chris have planned for 2010!
I love the training and the long runs. I want to be able to run the distance of a marathon at any given time. I have 3 marathons this winter, in just under 3 months. following that up with an Ultra. then I'll finish the year with another full marathon…or two. In between there, I'll fit in as many smaller races as I can to check my speed. I think you can do as much as you want as long as you train smart and listen to your body.
I think those are great insights Aron. I especially like what you said about how you didn't like having to wing some training cycles. I think I'd feel the same way about it. I like knowing where I stand in a training cycle too. And I think three is a great number of fulls to shoot for.
I think you accomplished a TON this year…so much to hang your hat on. I'm training for my first marathon and it's much more time consuming than training for the halfs I've run…With a kid, I think I'll stick to running halfs frequently and fulls only once and a while. I admire your focus though!
Great thoughts, Aron. I'm like you, I think 3 marathons a year is a good number for me. That's what I've been doing the last couple of years and it is about right. I race hard for a spring/fall marathon and then do a winter one just for fun.
It's always an intriguing question that everyone has to answer for themselves, I think. There's no perfect answer…
I think it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Maybe 4 marathons in a year isnt the best idea if you are trying to BQ but you survived and BQed! Some people run marathons to run as many as they. I think it just depends!
For me, two marathons a year would be plenty… but for the moment, I've switched exclusively to half marathons. I love them because I can easily to multiples without the drawbacks you experienced with full marathons. I ran three half marathons in a 30 day period this spring and loved it!
I did way too many marathons this year, plus a jaunt up the Pikes Peak Ascent…I'm worn. But I'd like to do 3 next year. Having just returned from my last marathon, I haven't had a chance to start looking too heavily at my 2010 goals but I know I'm cutting the races in half! I would like to do an ultra once though
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You ran san diego with me!!!!
YAY 
I don't know what I was thinking this year, and next year seems to already be more of the same. Cheers to having no plans! ha ha
This year, I planned just 1 full marathon. Next year, I've planned 2. But sometimes some of those races look tempting. I think I'll just go with what my heart wants to do.
I don't know what my "perfect" number would be, I guess that's what I'll be doing this year is figuring it out. I do know that longer training cycles are NOT for me, I think 10-12 weeks training is my max so that I don't completely wear myself out. And a couple weeks in-between to rest/re-charge/run-for-fun only. I think I am tentatively planning to try and do 2-4 fulls next year…but we'll see how that pans out!
I think that three is a good number, but would like to try running four in one year. One each quarter or each season however you look at it! There are just so many that I want to run that I cannot limit it to one a year!
it has become a point of marital strife, actually. i want to run about 10 long course races next year, and she wants me to only do one. we'll have to see how we meet in the middle on this one.
I did 2 marathons last year and liked that number per year, though I could imagine doing 3 per year, maybe ;P I like your advice on running one marathon w/ zero goals. Maybe I'll start thinking about a race to run that way in '10.
Do you run strictly marathons or do you throw in a 5k or 10k??
You're so right about individuality, clearly, 4 was your magic number this year! Great post Aron, and YES, I am absolutely curious of your 2010 plan!
Maybe a 50k?
My first year of marathon running I did 1 spring and 3 fall marathons (within 6 weeks). My second year I did 2 spring and 1 fall since then I have only done 1 or 2 a year. I love the idea of doing 2 spring and 2 fall races but life doesn't always allow for the time that level of racing/running requires.
2010. I can't wait to see what opportunities present themselves!
I enjoy seeing all the lists and goals everyone sets for themselves. I may have to take up the habit, too.
I didnt mind the 2 i did so close together.. i kinda liked having that 2nd one to have a sneak attack! i totally get the whole learning & wanting to change things up for each marathon! im itching for another one STAT!!
I bet you'll see me in cali next year—possibly!! No promises but probably!
I have to say that if I'm not p r-ing and improving each time, it's too much and it's not worth it to me . I did four marathons in 2008 and improved each time and I did 3 in 2009 and got faster at each one and I know it's because I didn't over do the mileage each week, worked on speed and didn't do too many marathons but I am older than you and I have to watch my mid-week runs! I don't ever really NOT train for something though…I love it too much!
I've never done anything but a full 18 week training schedule for a marathon, so multiple marathoning would definitely be an adventure! I think you're right…if you plan correctly, you can get in four marathons. You can also run three and then another for fun! It all depends what your goals are for the marathon and in the long term.
I'm definitely anticipating your 2010 race calendar!
I'm just shooting to run my first one in 2011 after the baby is born and I have several months to train. After that, we'll see how it goes!
I think 4 full a year is a good number as long as they are evenly spaced out to allow time for recovery and build up. I did 2 in the same month this year and got a really bad cold. I think 6 a year is getting to the point of "too many". At least for me. Congrats on BQ…I've been following for BQ dreams this past year, and I hope to do it next year. Must be such an amazing feeling! Way to tough it out.
I also ran four marathons in the course of 12 months. I did the CIM in 2008, then SF Marathon in July 09, another training marathon in October and an Ultra Marathon in November. It was a lot. I've told myself I won't run more than 3 a year here on out either, but I'm trying to run 50 marathons in 50 states before I turn 50… we will see how that goes.
Aron-With having a goal (and accomplishing it!) of running 12 marathons this year, my goal was WAY different than your goal. I think it depends on what your goal is. If you're out to do your best at every race, then I would certainly limit it. If you're out to run them and 'just have fun' or to meet a goal of 12 marathons in one year, you run those races differently. You can't run as many as I did as hard as you did yours. You would be sure to injure yourself.
So…whatever your goal, you have to adapt yourself to it. 3 marathons, expect to run them hard. 12 marathons, go to just have fun and finish.
During July, August and September I ran some 20 half marathons )4 in 4 days), 6 marathons and raced 100 in the Hood, although a lot of this was on the trails and was a lot easier on the body! Some people get hooked up on the distances, I have raced 2 50ks within 3 weeks and PRd in them both so who really knows!