Depletion Run

Question
Hi Rick

This may be a silly question. I'm training for my first marathon which takes place on 25 May. I have been following a Pfitzinger and Douglas schedule (from 'Road Racing for Serious Runners'). I'm about to start the second of three taper weeks and one of my runs on the schedule is '6 Miles with 2.5 depletion'. Can you explain what I do during this session?

I understand what tempo and threshold runs are but I am confused at how I should approach this session.

Any advice appreciated
Thanks Ryan
Paul

Answer
I'm not sure what this 'depletion run' is, or the purpose of it.  My only guess is that you'd run the last 2.5 miles of the 6 mile run as an all-out effort, perhaps.  Thus, 'depleting' the end of your run.  I'm not too familiar with marathon training methods, as I am not a marathon-type of coach for running.  I feel the marathon training principles should not be used for the shorter distance runs, like 5K's & 10K's, because they are much different races in demands on the body.  

I hope you can find your answer elsewhere, perhaps there are some running communities online with message boards, who could help you out.  RunnersWorld.com and RunningTimes.com might have some forums that would help you.

Rick Karboviak