Training for Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon

26.2 miles of running a gentle downhill course through Washington’s gorgeous scenic trails. You better believe that’s my jam. I’m registered for the Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon next July. I’m super excited.

This will be my first time running the race, but I have a few thoughts about how this training will be different than typical marathon training.

Marathon training

Don’t underestimate the time it takes to prepare. Most marathon training plans are around 15-20 weeks, but that assumes that you have a running base built up already. This means that for at least 6 weeks or so before training begins you feel comfortable with several weekday runs and a longer weekend run. The intensity of these runs will vary depending on experience, but the bottom line is you shouldn’t start a marathon training plan “cold”, that is not having run for a long period of time or not being able to run at least 10-15 miles per week.

A good training plan will also incorporate different types of running. That’s right, all running is not created equally. Learn more about it here. Sure, you can just go out and run the miles without incorporating these, but trust me when I tell you that you’ll be a better runner if you vary your runs.

Training for the downhill

The course is a gradual 2000 foot net drop down the John Wayne Trail. So not exactly like barreling full speed downhill, but definitely something I’ll be taking into consideration. When Big Sur was still a gleam in my eye for 2021, my plan was to do a lot of hill work to prepare. I’m honestly thinking that plan still holds water. Sure, I won’t be racing up hill like a psycho but think how easy the decline will be once prepared!

Downhill running also may mean I’ll want to watch my pace and not start out too strong. As a salesman at a small running store in Morristown, NJ told me before my first marathon, “the key is to have sugar in the tank, not money in the bank”. I’ve always tried to remember this because the race days feels get to you and you want to start out strong, but you have a loooong way to go so easy does it to be able to finish consistent and not experience the dreaded bonk. I think this will be especially important in downhill running.

The Gear

The two things the race directors recommend: a headlamp and don’t wear minimalist shoes or go barefoot. A headlamp because the beginning of the race will take us through the Snoqualmie Tunnel. I’m weirdly super excited about this part.

The trail is gravel and along an old railroad. You can imagine why you wouldn’t want naked tootsies here. Even a minimalist shoe seems dicey to me, as you’d be likely to step on a rock the wrong way and make the whole race go south. I’m thinking I’ll opt for a trail shoe or maybe even roll with my standard road shoes.

The Area

The race will take us along the John Wayne Pioneer Trail (my Dad will like that) near North Bend, Washington. There will be gorgeous views and clean mountain air. There will also be some terrain that I’m just not used to. I’ll be preparing on a lot more trails and perhaps take a couple of weekend trips to the mountains to prepare.

I’ll be providing updates as training progresses and I hope y’all stick with me!