Typically, marathon training is a months-long endeavor, starting with short runs and building up to longer distances over an extended period of time. The LA Roadrunners Training Program, for example, is a six-month program designed to take people from the couch to the finish line – with great success.
Yet with the Honda LA Marathon just six weeks away, there is an opportunity for runners who are already in excellent condition to get themselves into race shape. ASICS and the Marathon staff asked one of the best coaches in the business, Andrew Kastor, to put together a training plan that would enable already-conditioned runners to prepare for the Honda LA Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, March 18th.
Of course, to reduce the risk of injury, all runs should be done at an easy and comfortable pace. Further, this program is designed only for the experienced runner who is already putting in long distances. That said, if you have a base of at least 12 miles*, then there is still time to train for the Honda LA Marathon!
ASICS 6-Week ‘There’s Still Time’ Marathon Training
by Andrew Kastor
| Week | Week of: | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| Week 1 | February 6th | 8 miles | 3 miles | 10 miles | 3 miles/off | 6 miles | 3 miles | 13 miles |
| Week 2 | February 13th | Off | 3 miles | 10 miles | 3 miles/off | 6 miles | 3 miles | 15 miles |
| Week 3 | February 20th | Off | 3 miles | 10 miles | 3 miles/off | 6 miles | 3 miles | 18 miles |
| Week 4 | February 27th | Off | 3 miles | 10 miles | 3 miles/off | 6 miles | 3 miles | 20 miles |
| Week 5 | March 5th | Off | Off | 3 miles | 3 miles/off | 6 miles | 3 miles | 13 miles |
| Week 6 | March 12th | Off | 3 miles | 8 miles | 3 miles/off | Off | 3 miles | Marathon |
* This program is designed only for individuals who are at a level where they can already run at least 12 miles.
Coach Andrew Kastor
After spending 15 years as a competitive runner, Andrew Kastor is now involved in the day-to-day routine of the world’s best distance runners including his wife, Deena Kastor. He competed in cross country and track in high school and throughout college where he earned a degree in Exercise Physiology.
His experience range is with all levels of athletes from novice runners aiming to complete their first 5k to Boston Marathon qualifying hopefuls. He also focuses on sports massage and recovery requirements for athletes running upwards of 150 miles per week.