Experienced marathoners typically think of the marathon as a series of challenging but manageable goals.

Rather than being overwhelmed by the psychological weight of the entire 26.2-mile course, these savvy athletes often focus their attention on making sure they have a sustainable level of energy at major milestones: 10K, half-marathon, 20 miles, etc.

By organizing a series of short-term goals within the framework of the larger race, they keep things simple and enjoyable while putting themselves in a good position for a successfully overall effort.

The same basic principle applies to marathon training and, in particular, the Honolulu Marathon Readiness Series, which is structured to help marathoners build their conditioning and preparedness for the big race on Dec. 14.

"It's great training," says Raul Boca, the noted endurance sport coach and one of the series organizers. "The distances — from 15K to 30K — are designed to help marathoners improve their fitness, strength and endurance."

The series kicks off Aug. 17 with the Blue Hawaii Norman Tamanaha 15K, the longstanding road race commemorating the contributions of Hawai'i's so-called "father of running." For many experienced local marathoners, the Tamanaha marks the beginning in earnest of the marathon-training season.

The series ramps up over the next couple of months with the Runner's HI 20K, the Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher 25K and the Niketown 30K. It concludes on Nov. 9, a point at which many runners begin to taper their training, with the Saucony Val Nolasco Half-Marathon.

Since the already-established races were first bundled under the "Marathon Readiness" tag 11 years ago, by the Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club, the series has helped to secure stable (often greater) participation numbers for each individual race while giving marathoners-in-training a structure within which to plan and organize their mileage building.

Under a new three-year contract, this year's series is presented by MPRRC in conjunction with 808 Race, which has secured sponsors for each race and increased visibility with an expanded advertising campaign.

For novice marathoners, the series provides several opportunities to get accustomed to the road racing experience before confronting the thrilling if sometimes bewildering spectacle of marathon morning.

As runners build their fitness base, they can use the progressively longer races to work on key race skills like pacing, hydrating on the go, and strategically attacking challenges along the course.

This is just as valuable to veteran marathon runners as it is to absolute beginners.

"With the aid stations in place, they can run long without stopping like they would if they were training," Boca said. "This gives them a much better, much more accurate idea of how the marathon will be. They can figure out their ideal pace and they'll be much better prepared because they can accurately predict how they'll finish."

And, since three of the five races are staged on the middle and end sections of the actual marathon course, runners can build their familiarity with the course, allowing them to anticipate and plan for each unique segment.

For Boca, the races also represent an opportunity for athletes to dispel the loneliness of the long-distance runner.

"There is a lot of camaraderie," he says. "Training can be a difficult task, especially when you're doing long mileage by yourself. With these races, it's almost like you get a better workout with less effort because you have people to run with."

Cumulative standings are kept for the series, with prizes going to age group winners.

For Frederick Mark, who placed first in the 60-64 age division last year, the races weren't a great predictor of his final marathon time — "It's hard to keep up a 30K pace for another eight miles," he says — but he enjoyed the experience nonetheless.

"They're good races," said the four-time marathon finisher. "The fun part is getting in with different people, seeing how they run, and matching up. I look for the older folks, like myself. I like to run with them and it's fun passing the younger guys."

The races cost $25 each but runners can opt to purchase a combined entry for all five races for $115 ($100 for MPRRC members). The deadline to register for the package deal has been extended to Aug. 16, the day before the Tamanaha 15K.