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3 Week Marathon Taper (sub 3:30 target runner)

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3 Week Marathon Taper (sub 3:30 target runner)

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Author

Dr Garry Palmer

All plans by this Coach

Length

4 Weeks

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Plan Description

This is a three week taper designed for runners targeting a sub 3:30 road marathon and has been prepared by Dr Garry Palmer

Over the period of 22 days, the taper in achieved by reducing both volume and duration of the sessions, whilst maintaining intensity.

The plan is best targeting to runners who have been running a minimum of 60 km (40 miles) per week for at least the previous 8-12 weeks in preparation phase. It also assumes they will have previously undertaken at least 2 long steady runs over at least 32 km (20 miles).

The plan uses a combination of target distance (for interval sessions) and heart rate based zone running (for longer aerobic efforts), but the athlete can easily switch these metrics to use the plan as duration based or pace based training sessions.

The plan is suitable for any road based marathon. However, please note, it assumes that race day is on a SUNDAY. The plan can be reused for future races.

The sessions prescribed are based on Dr Palmers book Elite Performance Running; From Middle Distance to Marathon

How it Works

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Training Plan Sample Week

Stats

Average Weekly Breakdown

Workouts Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run x5
02:05:00 02:00:00
Other x3
01:30:00 00:30:00
Day Off x2
—— ——
Workouts Per Week Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run
02:05:00 02:00:00
Other
01:30:00 00:30:00
Day Off
—— ——

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

Dr Garry Palmer

Sportstest

Sportstests' Dr Garry Palmer provides the ultimate personalised coaching & sports testing for cyclists, triathletes and runners. Whether you're a beginner or an elite athlete, knowing your personalised training zones will help you improve faster and to a higher level.

Testing provides a wealth of information such as your Vo2 max, aerobic threshold, lactate threshold, aerobic capacity and much more. Knowing how hard to train and where your weaknesses lie will help you become a better athlete.


  • This plan includes a Free Basic TrainingPeaks Account.
  • Access your training plan anywhere on the TrainingPeaks mobile and desktop apps.
  • Track your performance with robust data tracking and detailed graphs.
  • Plan for your event in the TrainingPeaks calendar.
  • Track your weight, sleep, hours, fatigue and stress while you train.
  • Completed workouts sync with popular apps like Garmin and Wahoo. Learn More
  • If plan includes Structured Workouts, then planned workouts sync to compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time. Learn More

Refund Policy

This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.

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