Chi Discussion Forum

I recently completed my first marathon using ChiRunning/ChiMarathon. I want to run another marathon in about 6 months.
My question is this: how best to train in this time between marathons before I begin to train focused on the next marathon? My goals for the next marathon are, in order of importance, 1) to finish feeling good with “gas in the tank”, 2) to finish injury-free, 3) to improve ChiRunning form and 4) to perhaps improve my time over the last marathon.
During this interim time, should I…
- work on speed much?
- continue with long runs (over 15 miles)?
- focus mostly on aerobic training and maintaining that base?
- do what “feels right” as far as how I structure each day’s run? or follow a specific plan? I’m wondering about eChi.
So I’m just reaching out for advice on how best to proceed.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Stacy

Hi Stacy

Based on the Chi Marathon book about multiple marathons (p. 202), I would focus on maintaining an aerobic base, and use that time to go deeper into your body. Be aware of doing too much too soon, and listen listen listen to your body! Spend time refining your technique.

As for the echi training program, check it out and check over at that forum for hints and help. Good luck and happy running!

Laura Houston
Certified Chi Running and Chi Walking Instructor
Seattle WA

In my younger days when I did two marathons a year (one in the spring and one in the fall) I did not worry about doing anything special between them.  But I did run a fair amount of 5K races so I kept in pretty good shape.  Then I followed a 16 week marathon program.  If you are fairly young then you can have down time.  As you get older if you let your fitness go down too much it is much harder to get your fitness up where it needs to be for a marathon.

Eric