multiple marathons

I ran a marathon on Sunday and plan to run another in 5 weeks.  I see that there are members of this forum that run several marathons close together so thought it an appropriate place to get some advice about how to approach it.  The marathon I have just run was my 4th marathon and a I got a PB.  I was thinking of taking this next one a bit slower but not sure what pace is realistic so soon after having run one already.  Does anyone have any advice please?  Also, any thoughts on training between now and then are also welcome.

Apologies that this question is not specific to VLM but I did run it last year .

Not done it myself but planning on doing it later on this year with New Forest then Beachy Head about 4 weeks later. I was just going to taper after the first race which should leave me nicely prepared for the second one.

Hal Higdon has plans for multiple marathons www.halhigdon.com I did the Brighton/London double last year but as that's just 7 days apart training is a bit of a moot point as just about recovering as much as possible! (I just did a very easy 5k on the Wednesday between them)  I did Brighton for a PB and then ran London with my slower friend (4.28 for Brighton and 5.59 for London) and finished London feeling absolutely fine and considering ultras!!

Thanks for such quick responses.  So it is more realistic to do the second one at an easier pace than the first one?  Claire, your posts on here partially inspired me to have a go at two close together...

See, such a bad influence!!

Might do my next marathon in 2014. Or maybe 2015. We'll just have to see. 

It is dangerous spending too much time on here.  I will be running Ultras next if I am not careful.

Five weeks between is enough time to rest, get maybe one (at most two) solid weeks in then a short taper.

Depending how you feel after Brighton there is no reason why you cant race the one in 5 weeks reasonably hard. But if you body says no then just go out and enjoy the experience.

We all react differently to doing multiple marathons - some get faster as they go through sequence whilst others shuffle round after one. Its about finding what the effect is on you and working with that.

(and as for Ultras they are great fun)

That sounds interesting Keith.  Then I will see how it goes and make a decision on pace nearer the time.  Thanks a lot! 

I might run one properly in 2014 or 2015...still learning

Hi there.....already mentioned before but Hal Higdon Multiple marathon schedule is great. I used it when doing 12 in 12 in 2010 and for the first time I used his full on marathon plan for Brighton on Sunday and got a PB.

At the risk of sounding boring...I am doing another one in two weeks and then plan to do another one for 3 consequtive weeks and planning on doing them at a non crazy pace, with some pals. My next 'serious' one won't be until September so my summer ones will be less full on and hard core. I don't treat everyone the same and most certainly do not run as hard as I did at Brighton, chasing a PB. For me that works but there are folk on here who can run them all hard and get fab times. Not me.

Right, it clearly can be done as quite alot of folk do it....you will not be alone in your madness.

I would just say, if you can, have at least one massage...but best of to have two if a 5 week plan.

Big up Hal Higdon. 

I did something similar last year for paris and edinburgh, with 6 weeks between marathons. I was quicker at edinburgh by 3 mins, although its a faster course, it was extremely windy, so probably as tough as paris. I rested pretty much a full week after paris, barring a 3 mile easy run the saturday after. I slowly upped me mileage the next 3 weeks and got up to 16 miles, then tapered again. I felt fresh on the day. No pb on either race, but wasn't really looking for one. Hope this helps.

Thanks all for the tips and advice.

well i have to say that as no experience of running multiple marathons I take my hat off to Nu who not only can run multpiple marathons but can still come out and keep me company for a gentle jog the day after the brighton marathon lol

clairey u got a really good time, 

sorry just had to say, i've not been on here in ages, now to find my way around again

Ohhh hahaha....hello you !!!  I have sore leggies today and have just had to negotiate my first flight of stairs down at work....very interesting....living in a bungalow lulls you into a false sense of security ! 

Glad you got home safely and see you on Sunday....YAAAAAAY !!!!

Lucky you living in a bungalow Nu, I live in a flat but have 2 flights of stairs!  (to go to bed from my living room it's down one flight and up another!)

ouchy clairey, i feel your pain 

yes got home ok Nu, pretty easy journey, made it in just over 3 hours ( we were 4hours coming down ) so quite pleased with that

and i still cant believe u looked so good yesterday i was thinking of you as i came downstairs this morning and my legs were aching a little but nowhere near what your's must be feeling lol

yes lovely bungalow, i have now seen it lol, and have a picture to prove it lol

I did stay at James' on Sunday night though and he made me dinner in bed, didn't even have to run my own bath.  Marv.

LOL...I do actually have an identical twin non running sister who I shove out to look normal for me the days after a tough run.

Yep - bungalows rule for marathon runners.

Pfffftt, try having to run up and down ladders the day after!

It's all about what you get your body used to doing, and you won't know that until you try.   I've just done 2 marathons in 7 days (I already knew my body could do that), but with London coming up, that will be 3 in 14 days.   I have no idea how I will get on, so I shall try to take it nice and steady and see what happens.   I'm then taking 3 weeks off until the next one with a further 3 week gap to the one after (unless someone twists my arm in the meantime).   I'm basing this last part on an overheard conversation between two members of the 100 marathon club, who agreed that 3 week gaps are the best as your body has time to recover, but not time to lose the fitness.   Watch this space (and listen to Keith L in the meantime - he knows what he's talking about).