Track & Field

Running

How many miles per week did you run at your peak? How long were your long runs?

120 mile peak, 20 mile long runs: Marathon training secrets revealed

And sorry, it took so long to get back to you. I'm getting used to this program. You're actually my first answer. At my peak, I was running about 120 miles a week, but most of it was very slow, maybe even seven minute pace, but I did my intervals very, very fast and my long run was on a Sunday. And every Sunday, I'd run 20 miles, no further. Because my feeling was beyond that you're starting to deplete your glycogen and I felt that would interfere with my training because I always did really my hardest interval workout of the week the day after my long run. So maybe that was just unique to me, but I found that's what worked for me. And I never ran so hard on my easy runs that I felt it would impede my next hard day, I always had that in the back of my mind, so good luck. And also, it took me a year and a half two years to work up to that level. Thanks.

I used to run about 120 miles a week, with intervals done very fast. My long run was on a Sunday and I would only run 20 miles. It took me a year and a half to two years to work up to that level.

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During my peak running phase, I was running approximately 120 miles per week. However, most of my runs were at a very slow pace, around seven minutes per mile. I reserved my speed for intense interval workouts. 

My long runs were typically on Sundays, and I would cover a distance of 20 miles. I intentionally kept it at that distance because I believed going further would deplete my glycogen and potentially interfere with my training. The day after my long run, I would push myself with the most challenging interval workout of the week.

It's important to note that this approach may be unique to me, and it took me about a year and a half to two years to gradually build up to this level of mileage. I always kept in mind not to push too hard on my easy runs, ensuring they wouldn't hinder my performance on the harder training days.

Good luck with your own running journey!

Hi Frank! Tell people about your background, expertise, and how you can help.

Gold medalist Frank Shorter shares self-coaching secrets for running success!

Hi, my name is Frank Shorter and I was in American long distance. Runner mainly in the 1970s at held American records from two miles and doors through the Marathon distance. And I won the gold medal in the 1972 Olympic marathon in Munich, Germany. I was also self coached from the time. I was a junior in college. So I think my answers can perhaps help those who really would like to develop an ability to coach themselves, and you can apply the answers, if they help you to modifying your own particular training, programs to suit yourself and most importantly, your strengths. So I look forward. Odd, too. Meeting all of you online and hopefully can give you some information that will truly help your running because we all love to run. That's what we share. Thank you.

I'm Frank Shorter, an American long distance runner who won the gold medal in the 1972 Olympic marathon. I was self-coached and hope to share advice on how to coach yourself and modify training programs to suit your strengths.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/ptngg3jcpnurqmgzpmql.vtt

Hello! I'm Frank Shorter, an American long-distance runner who competed mainly in the 1970s. I held American records from two miles indoors to the Marathon distance. One of my notable achievements was winning the gold medal in the 1972 Olympic marathon in Munich, Germany. What sets me apart is that I was self-coached from my junior year in college.

I believe my expertise can be valuable to those who are interested in developing the ability to coach themselves. My answers can help you modify your training programs to suit your strengths and goals. I'm excited to connect with all of you online and provide information that will truly enhance your running experience. After all, we all share a love for running. Thank you!

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Frank Shorter made history as the first American in 64 years to win the Olympic marathon at the 1972 Games in Munich, his birthplace. He won the NCAA 6-mile run for Yale in 1969 and the 10,000-meter and marathon at the 1971 Pan American Games. He won gold at the 1972 Olympics and silver at the 1976 Olympics. After retiring, he founded a sportswear company, worked as a commentator, and was involved in sports administration. He left an indelible mark on distance running and represented the US with distinction.