How to train for a marathon......just stay consistent.

I have read and read all kinds of expert advise. Remember, I do have a degree in exercise physiology and I have access to endless medical expert opinion through my work. I was terrified I could not get through my marathon, because up to the day of the race I had not ran more than 17 miles at one time. But I was training daily , and staying consistent, whether it was swimming, biking , or running , I was putting in the mileage. I am definitely not trying to say I am an expert, but now I know endurance racing is not as scary for me anymore . It makes me less anxious about my Ironman this summer. And It proves to me that overtraining is not the key. I ran between 4-7 miles most days I went out, about 30-35 miles weekly. I never was overstrained or over tired. And then the closer I got I cut my mileage and tapered down. My time was decent for my first marathon, as I only missed Boston Qualifier by 10 minutes for my age class. My time was 4:00.36. My inexperience showed however in my inconsistent splits. First three miles 9- 9:30. Miles 4-13 8: to 8:20 minutes miles, then up to 9 minutes miles then up to 10 minutes miles, then back down to 9:00. What makes my point even more, that overtraining is not worth it or necessary, is that my husband finished his first marathon as well. Only 4 minutes after me, sick from some sort of viral pharyngitis and had literally not run in 8 weeks, due to breaking his big toe. But we both had come off a good consistent base of training for a 70.3 , two months earlier, and he rode the trainer bike daily for at least an hour to keep in shape. So , in my mind consistency, good form, moderate distance with maybe just a few higher distance days is what you need. I am pretty sure I can make the BQ time next go, now that I have experience and can make a better game plan. The body is an amazing thing. If you can run for 1 hour , why not 4 hours. The only factor is how much you want it to hurt. If you are in good shape and have consistently worked

out, your recovery from the event will tell you if you were ready or not. Personally for me, I was never sore after my marathon. I felt run down for about two days, but I did give myself a week to recover. I actually felt worse the next weekend after drinking alcohol and dancing all night, then I did after the longest run I have ever completed in my life.