The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: use2betrix on January 05, 2019, 09:06:57 AM
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I’m creating this thread for a centralized location for runners to unite, both new and veterans.
We can discuss any topics related to running. 2019 goals.. our running experience.. gear.. diet.. mustachian tips.. injuries (and their prevention)..
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A little about myself:
I have been an adamant weight lifter since I was 14 (now 30). I have always been pretty religious about it and it’s an ingrained habit I have formed. I have always hated all forms of cardio, and thus have never done it regularly. Growing up, I was always a fast sprinter for anything 200m or less.
Last June I left a job working 70-80 hr weeks, for one working 40-50. I had so much free time I wanted to be productive, so I started walking 1-2 miles a few days a week before work. Then it slowly picked up into running. Needless to say, I’ve become a bit hooked!
I have typically been running around 9-12 miles a week, divided into 3 days. I have also been lifting 3 days a week, as I have been for years.
This year I am changing things up. I am dropping my weightlifting down to 2 days a week and picking running up to 4 days.
My 2019 goal is to run a 20 minute 5k while still being able to squat 2x my body weight and bench 1.5x my body weight. I’m already there weightlifting wise but need to maintain while meeting the 5k goal. My current 5k is around 23.5-24 minutes. Have a ways to go but pretty far along for a runner who’s only been running about 6 months.
My weight is an “issue.” Due to all my weightlifting and strict diet, I’m way too muscular for a good distance runner for anything over like 40 meters. I’m 5’9, 185 lbs, and single digit body fat. Most distance runners my height are around 135-155 lbs. I am prepared to give up what will have to be some muscle to supplement my running. I’d like to be able to hit my goals at 175 lbs but we’ll see. Even now when I get down to 182 I’m very very lean.
So that’s my backstory and where I’m at now. Hoping to find some good questions, comments, and general conversation from some runners!
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I'll join in. I'm not a regular runner but ideally would like to be. I ran my first half marathon in 2017 but had an unexpected asthma attack during so I really walked most of it. 2018 was a bust, literally, after I dropped a piece of furniture on my toe and was out for over 2 months.
Goal for 2019 is to try the half marathon again. There is a training group at our local parks and rec department. Hoping to do better this time (and be able to run more/all of it).
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Hey, I'll join in!
Background: after an extremely sedentary life (I was the kind of person who cheered when taking my final PE lesson of all time and couldn't run even when chased) I think I completed couch to 5k for the first time in 2013.
Since then, I've been really on-and-off at the whole thing, sometimes running consistently (if slowly) for months on end, sometimes almost completely losing my fitness for months on end, sometimes in-between. Did a half-marathon in 2015 (run-walk) and several 10k obstacle runs over the years but I'd love to do a 'real' timed run (i.e. not obstacles, not walking, actually preparing properly) some day.
Right now I'm on week 4 of couch to 5k on the treadmill and hoping to make running a habit again in 2019. My initial goals are: finish couch to 5k on the treadmill, find places to run not-on-the-treadmill, and keep up a few-times-a-week running habit through whatever combination of treadmill/outdoor makes it easiest for me to run consistently.
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I had typed up a long winded response here yesterday and then the forum crashed lol.
I started running in early 2015... there were a few false starts and it was only really in late 2016 that I started running consistently and started seeing progression in times and distance.
You really have to knock down the wall a few times before it becomes a habit.
Last year I finished 3 more half marathons (taking my total to 6), and in Nov/Dec ran that distance 3 times in training. Unfortunately this has kinda killed the allure of a HM race for me now hehe :)
Goals for this year are a 5k of 22:30 (current PB 23:30), a 10k of 48:00 (current PB of 49:39), half marathon of 1:52 (PB of 1:57) and complete a marathon (will be happy just to finish, but under 4:30 would be good).
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I'm in!
I was 300lbs in college and had a wake up call at age 20. I joined a powerlifting gym and picked up MTBing, along with a mindful diet (IIFYM before it was a thing), I lost 120+ lbs and ultimately began doing drug free physique competitions.
Like you, OP, I HATED most forms of cardio, the MTBing was super helpful because I loved it for it's own sake.
I got an office job in 2014 and gained back a lot of weight my first 6-9 months, when someone convinced me to sign up for a sprint distance triathlon. At the time I could barely jog a mile and didn't know how to swim. I trained over the summer and doggy paddled my way through the swim, rode my MBT on the bike course, and limped my way through a hilly 5k. I was hooked. Just about 2 years later I would go on to finish my first 70.3 distance half Ironman in Lake Placid.
I run varied distances, but my favorite is probably 10k. It's long enough, but not terrible at my 210 lb weight.
I don't have any races on the map for 2019 just yet, but I have some time goals for running and lifting that I posted in my 2019 goal post. I'll share some here in a later post.
Happy running, and lifting y'all!
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Hi All!
I've been a runner since college, so going on 15 years now. I had typical beginner gains early on, bringing my half marathon time down to 1:36 and full marathon time down to 3:37 in a couple of years. But the demands of grad school and overtraining had me in the throes of the female athlete triad, and I suffered four ridiculous stress fractures (pelvis x 2, sacrum, and femur) within a short amount of time that basically sidelined me from serious training until my late 20s. I'm healthy now and have put together multiple years of steady volume (40-60 mpw), re-running my half PR a couple of years ago and setting a new marathon PR in November of just under 3:28. My goal was to qualify for Boston at the fastest standard before turning 35. Mission complete!
I put even bigger running goals on hold until we decided whether we're having kids or not. The decision has been made, and we're not, so I'm hungry for faster times. I don't have a marathon on my radar until maybe Boston in 2020. I'd like to run the half marathon qualifying standard for the NYC Marathon (1:34), so maybe I'll work on that goal this year. A sub-20 5k seems do-able as well; my PR is right around 21 minutes. We built a power rack in our basement, so I'm supplementing my running with barbell work two times a week.
Here's to being faster in my mid-30s (and beyond!) than I was in my 20s!
I just moved to a very hilly area in SE PA/NW DE, and getting outside for long runs is a struggle! I'm trying to learn to STFU and JUST DO IT.
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Good afternoon everyone! I'm glad there is a running thread here.
I started running in 2009 when my wife got pregnant with our son. Years of living the college life (i.e. lots of beer drinking) and carrying on that lifestyle after graduation had me up to 250 pounds. At 5'11" I was getting close to obese, although I stayed active in intramural sports and joined a gym after college. I didn't want to be a fat dad that couldn't keep up with my son, so I refocused on diet and began running; with the goal to complete a half-marathon. At my lowest, I got down to 185 pounds, but now I walk around at 195-200 most of the time. I've done 10 half marathons, a nautical 10-miler (11.8 miles), a boat load of 5Ks, and several mud runs; including Tough Mudder.
I'm now 43 and have had some nagging aches and pains for a while. I took some time off from running to focus on strength training and resting more and I think it has helped my overall health. I've started getting that itch again now that spring race season is coming, but it's so hard to start over after not running regularly for almost a year. I'm just not sure I want to put myself through building my base mileage up to be able to run 13.1 races again...so we'll see. Regardless, I'm glad to be amongst runners and look forward to hearing your progress reports and race stories!
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I'm so excited that you started this thread!
I am a very new runner. In fact I had never really run as an adult until February of last year. I was training to hike Mt. Whitney and my hiking partner friend suggested my husband and I join her in the Rock and Roll Half Marathon. My husband has been running for awhile, but never says yes to anything. I asked him if he wanted to do it and he said "yeah, ok". So, I followed the Couch to 5k and then the Hal Higdon novice half program. I ran my first 5k (with kids!) last March, and my first half marathon in June. Since then I've run another half marathon (December), a trail 15k (October), and another family 5k on Thanksgiving. Between running and hiking, and yes I DID get to hike Mt. Whitney last year, I logged 500 total miles in 2018. My goal for 2019 is 1000 miles combined hiking/running. I'd like to do another half marathon once I can break 2:30 (2:42 was my fastest), and my goal is to run my first full in 2020. We are doing two family 5k races this spring with our 7 and 9 year old.
My favorite thing about running is that it's given me a new way to connect with my brother. My brother is a legitimate ultrarunner, who has completed 5 100 mile races and even has a podium finish. He's in the UTMB lottery for this year (3 more days until he finds out!), after being disappointed to not get in Western States or Hard Rock. When he and his wife came to visit over the holidays we all went out for a family run/hike. We've crewed for him a few times, and my just turned 18 year old paced him the last 9 miles to his first 100 mile finish in 2017 when all the craziness really began.
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Ok, I'm in. I've never really been a runner before, and while I'm not in poor health, I definitely have some weight to lose and cardio to build up. I'll figure out the details and post how it's going. Wish me luck, lol
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Ok, I'm in. I've never really been a runner before, and while I'm not in poor health, I definitely have some weight to lose and cardio to build up. I'll figure out the details and post how it's going. Wish me luck, lol
Start easy and slow! If you throw yourself into it too hard you’ll be at risk of injury and burn out.
You don’t want to increase mileage more than around 10%/wk. if you haven’t run forever, take it light, jog/walk, and pick it up from there!
There’s lots of good articles to read about getting started and preventing injuries.
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Ok, I'm in. I've never really been a runner before, and while I'm not in poor health, I definitely have some weight to lose and cardio to build up. I'll figure out the details and post how it's going. Wish me luck, lol
Start easy and slow! If you throw yourself into it too hard you’ll be at risk of injury and burn out.
You don’t want to increase mileage more than around 10%/wk. if you haven’t run forever, take it light, jog/walk, and pick it up from there!
There’s lots of good articles to read about getting started and preventing injuries.
Thanks, will do
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I'm a TERRIBLE runner and I run out of bitterness, so I do it fairly regularly. I'm overweight (200 lbs for 5'11"), have high blood pressure which means medicine to keep it in check, which it does, but it means I run even more slowly, and was never a runner before the last few years. I run pretty regularly and my usual route is 7k. In the summer I usually run it in the mid 9 minutes per mile range.
My goal this year is to run 400 miles (most I ever ran was 322 in 2016 and last two years I've landed in the 250 mile range) and a half marathon this fall. I have run 18 miles so far and I am apparently 10 miles ahead of schedule according to Strava. Yay!
Other goals are to lose 20-25 pounds. I can do it, I just have to start now. That's for another thread. Also, would like to run a sub 8-minute mile. I am currently running at 11.00 miles which sounds awful but I run even more slowly when I wear pants for running and bundle up, I haven't run much in October-December so I am warming up slowly. Another goal is to expand my usual run to 10k - 12k, without stops, which can be hard to do in the middle of the summer.
Some running get curtailed when I get back on my bike but for now my shoulder hurts so I'm going to have to wait on that.
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This is a great thread! I've always been running, but not following any organized plan before summer last year. My colleague and friend (that has always been slower than me) really started to exercise and I felt him getting close to beating me.
The big goal last year was a half marathon in late September. I just managed my goal of sub 1.30. Very happy with that.
For this year I'm training for Oslo marathon in September. My goal is sub 3h. I'm really excited about this and I'm slowly building up my distance per week now. This week I'm doing 37k and next week 40k. My plan is to get to 60k before the spring and then start speed works and adding more kilometers to be able to do sub 3h. My training after the half marathon was severely reduced due to the birth of my son this autumn, but I'm now getting back on track.
I've never run longer than a half marathon before, so there are a lot of unknown in my equation yet.
Looking forward to follow your running as well!
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PTF for now. I have been running for about 10 years. Many 5ks, half a dozen half marathons, and one full marathon back in 2013.
Currently 6 months pregnant and I haven't been running since the summer/early fall. I plan to start back up by this July after the baby arrives and I've had a chance to heal. I'm hoping to start up sooner but don't want to push myself so July is the goal.
Goal for 2019
July - Start running again 1-2 miles a couple times a week
August - Increase distance to 2-3 miles 3 times a week
September - Run 3+ miles 3-4 times a week and run 1 5k
October - Run 3+ miles 3-4 times a week and run 1 5k
November - Begin Hal Higdon's 10K training
December - Complete Hal Hidgon's 10k training and run a 10k
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Runner/Lifter Lifter/Runner here.
I'm similar to you. Always been lifting and always walking my dog 1-2 miles in the morning (and evening, but I don't run for that). Now I run 2-3 miles in the morning 3-4x a week and still lift 3x a week. I dont' really have any running goals for the year, but I am going to do my first tri. I will most likely lower my lifting and replace it with biking and swimming in the spring.
What's your plan to improve your time? Do you have a program you plan to follow?
My weight is an “issue.” Due to all my weightlifting and strict diet, I’m way too muscular for a good distance runner for anything over like 40 meters. I’m 5’9, 185 lbs, and single digit body fat. Most distance runners my height are around 135-155 lbs. I am prepared to give up what will have to be some muscle to supplement my running. I’d like to be able to hit my goals at 175 lbs but we’ll see. Even now when I get down to 182 I’m very very lean.
You will probably lose some muscle just by switching to more running with less lifting, so it might take of itself naturally. But I also know people with a similar build (and bigger) with similar lifts who still can run under a 20min 5k. So it's definitely possible, but I your lifts will probably take a hit in the short term.
My 2019 goal is to run a 20 minute 5k while still being able to squat 2x my body weight and bench 1.5x my body weight. I’m already there weightlifting wise but need to maintain while meeting the 5k goal. My current 5k is around 23.5-24 minutes. Have a ways to go but pretty far along for a runner who’s only been running about 6 months.
and c'mon, as an adamant lifter you should know the difference between the power lifts and weightlifting!
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PTF, it'll hold me accountable as I have a race coming up in April.
I have been running regularly for 10 years, and I have really grown to love it. It is 'my time' and I get to do 3-4 mile runs at work on my lunch break. I do my long run on the weekends, usually Sunday. I typically run 4-5 days a week. Currently my long run is 7 miles, but I need to get it up to 11-12 before April and my half marathon.
I also life weights, but not as much, a couple days a week, I'd love to do more, but I choose running over lifting most days.
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I really want to love running. But anyway, I run.
I started up again a few years ago. Never been particularly fast. I'm short, stocky-ish, 48 and female.
Last year I spent most of the year training for half marathons.
- I ran one in May (2:28, 24 minutes faster than the same race the year before).
- I ran my second all uphill half marathon in September (3:23, a full 39 minutes faster than the year before - but in 2017 it was, no joke, 95F - and I melt in the heat).
- I ran a third one in October because: why not? 2:20.
Then I decided I wanted to beat a 10:00 mile for a 10k (half marathons are too long, my body is pretty much *done* at 9-10 miles). I pulled that off in September.
Then I decided to switch to trails - I had run a bunch of trails in 2017. But I tripped and fell and strained my hamstring on my first trail run. Had to take 8 weeks off. I *just* started running again - I've gone 3 times. It's very slow. I have to run/walk. The hamstring is still not at 100%. My pace averages around 12:20. Sigh.
So, running goals for the year:
- Do at least 1 trail race, bonus points if 10+ miles. But first: learn to not trip when trail running.
- Three-peat the uphill half. I think it's just gonna be my "thing". I might not PR, especially if I don't "pre-game" by training for the May half. But it's just a different beast altogether, and I think I like it.
- Sub 27:00 5k. When I was 39, I was dreaming of a sub 25:00 5k. AH HA HA. But I think sub 27:00 is do-able. Just have to train for it.
The good thing about this injury is that I've had to do other things. I've been doing a lot of weightlifting (around other injuries though) and swimming and walking and hiking. I miss all those things. Having a FT job and 2 youngish kids means I only have X number of hours a week to work out (say, 7-8, including commute), and there's really not enough time to do everything.
My half marathon PR is 2:11, but that was a looong time ago. Under 40.
Nowadays, it's not about PRs it's about "over-40" PRs and about staying active and not getting hurt. Ahem.
I hope to continue the weight lifting this year. 2-3x a week for 30-40 minutes.
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I'm in!
I've always been a fairly athletic person, but have entirely too much hobby ADHD to ever really stick with one and excel at it (IMO, this is fine. They're hobbies, and are meant to be fun!). This means that through my life I've bounced from soccer to cross country skiing to running to martial arts to running to cycling to cross country skiing to rock climbing to...you get the idea. My running background included a lot of 5k-10k range runs in high school, running my first (And probably only) full marathon in 2007, a few races here and there in 2015, and 2 half-marathons in 2018. I ran the first half marathon in 2:18 (It felt slow, and it was. I had been struggling with an injury for 2 months, and my main goal was to walk away without pain) and the second in 1:52. Like some other posters this bouncing between hobbies has left me fairly heavy for distance runners (5'7", 175 lbs) so I'm not angling to be the fastest person around. More to have fun, enjoy my accomplishments, and feel good in my own body.
Here are my goals for this year:
- Run my 1/2 marathon in June, faster than 1:45
- Average at least 20 miles/week starting in April
- STRETCHING. Lots of it. Everyday. Especially my quads, shoulders, and back.
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Joining in!
I'm a triathlete- first full distance Ironman will be in May. I'm terrified and excited. Traveling down to Santa Rosa for the race.
I have a few other goals- 1:45 for a half marathon in March. I may not be able to hit that though, right now I'm spending a lot of time swimming and biking.
I'd also like to do a full marathon maybe this fall. I'm not sure if I can BQ, but I'd like to try. We have many flat/slightly downhill and fast BQ courses in the area.
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So glad to see all the good input here! Does anyone ever do spin classes? I was doing them about weekly for a while last year and they helped a lot as a new runner. They are great to push your cardiovascular system on days where you legs might still be recovering from harder runs/leg days.
@Cromacster - yes yes - powerlifting vs weightlifting. I’ve just never considered myself a powerlifter. I haven’t done an “actual” strength training program since I was 15. I just do my own workouts I’ve learned through over a decade of trial and error with my body and regular research/reading. I used to lift a lot harder but after my hernia surgeries I’ve eased up a bit.
I haven’t really done a dedicated “5k program” because I’m pretty big on modeling programs based on how you feel and such. If I have a long crappy day at work, bad nights sleep, nagging injury, I’m not going to push myself just to meet some program. At the same time, if I’m feeling great on an “off day” I might stretch an extra run in (like last Saturday).
My general plan is this:
Sunday - weightlifting - quads, hamstrings, calves, biceps, abs
Monday - easy run (around 3 miles, slowly progressing) or cross train w/ spin or elliptical
Tuesday - slightly longer and/or harder run
Wednesday - weightlifting - chest, shoulders, triceps, back
Thursday - intervals (like a 3x1 mile or 6x800)
Friday or Saturday - long run one day, rest on the other
Again, that’s a general outline and subject to change depending on a few factors. Hope to run a 6x800 later this week. I’d “like” to get to the point where each 800 would be at the pace I need for a 20 minute 5k. That’d mean each 800 would have to be 3:13. Once I can do that reasonably well I’ll work on mile repeats at 6:26, and so on, til I’m at my 20:00 5k time.
I may only do the 6x8’s or 3x1’s every other week in place of an extra long run to get my mileage up, but we’ll just have to see.
On a good note, my weight was 183.6 this morning. I’d like to hover closer to 180, then see about dropping to around 175 when I get closer to my 5k goal. I may have to naturally go less to hit it but we’ll see. I am pretty positive that I’m going to be the most muscular guy out there running a 20 min 5k when I hit it lol.
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Yes. Putting my hand up as someone who does spin classes. They're good because you have the choice of how hard you want to go, when you're feeing crap you can take it easy.
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Anyone else do another form of cross training on your off (non-running) days?
I've been into HIIT and other similar type workouts for a while now. I enjoy the movement, the body-weight exercises, the cardio, etc. I get from doing those kinds of workouts and the increased strength really made a difference in my running.
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Anyone else do another form of cross training on your off (non-running) days?
I've been into HIIT and other similar type workouts for a while now. I enjoy the movement, the body-weight exercises, the cardio, etc. I get from doing those kinds of workouts and the increased strength really made a difference in my running.
I did 40 mins of high intensity spin yesterday. I lift heavy weights twice a week. I like running but I want to be fully balanced for strength and cardio.
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Re: cross training. The only thing that's made me a faster runner is more miles. Lots and lots of slow miles peppered with quality workouts 2-3 times a week. But I still cross train - mainly with lifting and riding my bike - because 1) it feels nice and 2) the biking has helped keep runner's knee at bay for many years. That being said, cross training is GREAT for a newer-ish runner, because you can't load up on the miles before your muscles and bones are ready for the increased load.
I ran 10 miles last night. Double digit runs on weekdays still freak me the heck out, because they're time-consuming, and (whine) I'm often tired after work. But it was in the mid-40s, and it was the last day I'll be wearing shorts for a while. Brrrrr.
Anybody doing the Lululemon 40/80 challenge on Strava? I have no plans to buy anything from them - even at a 25% discount - but I find that it forces me to get my butt outside for some fresh air (indoor runs don't count).
related: anyone want to be Strava friends? :)
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Anyone else do another form of cross training on your off (non-running) days?
I've been into HIIT and other similar type workouts for a while now. I enjoy the movement, the body-weight exercises, the cardio, etc. I get from doing those kinds of workouts and the increased strength really made a difference in my running.
Yep. Lately I've been doing a combo weight lifting/ HIIT program (I have Beachbody on Demand, I just picked a program). I also like to swim on off days too. Yoga is also great.
But mostly, last year when I was focusing on getting faster - I ran. A lot.
I pretty much ran 3 days a week (which for some people isn't a lot, but for a pushing-50 female with my body type - is a lot).
I did one day/ week of a hip/core class intended specifically for runners - to prevent injury and strengthen the core. This made a HUGE difference. My hips are my "weak" point - in distance, they hurt first. The hip/core class meant that they got tired/ sore/ wore out at mile 10 instead of mile 7. (You could use my hips as a measuring tool...7 miles on the nose).
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Re: cross training. The only thing that's made me a faster runner is more miles. Lots and lots of slow miles peppered with quality workouts 2-3 times a week. But I still cross train - mainly with lifting and riding my bike - because 1) it feels nice and 2) the biking has helped keep runner's knee at bay for many years. That being said, cross training is GREAT for a newer-ish runner, because you can't load up on the miles before your muscles and bones are ready for the increased load.
You should check out Meb Keflezighi. If you don't know who he is, he won Boston in 2014 and was the first american to win the Boston since 1983, and he was 38 years old.
Near the end of his career his goal was to win the Boston. He changed up his training and I believe got a new coach. His coach decided it wasn't worth their time to try and change his form, but knew he need to travel further with each step to increase his speed. How did they accomplish this? Deadlift. He spent most of his training leading up to that marathon doing deadlifts and shorter/faster runs. There is a sports doc somewhere out in the world where they discuss this, I'll see if I can find it.
I first heard this on an interview with a sports trainer of some type. He talked about how Deadlift/BW ratio is a pretty good indicator of speed. About how at NFL combines you can predict their 40yd dash ranking based on this ratio.
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I first heard this on an interview with a sports trainer of some type. He talked about how Deadlift/BW ratio is a pretty good indicator of speed. About how at NFL combines you can predict their 40yd dash ranking based on this ratio.
I have read this exact same thing in some very detailed articles about getting faster.
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hello! Been a lurker on the Forums for sometime now, but am such a running nut thought I'd finally join when I saw this thread.
Been running off and on for sometime now, albeit only in 2015 did I start running more consistently. My goal for 2019 is 2000 miles by 12/31/19!
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@Better Change I would like to be strava friends! I use my real name there though which I try not to post here, so shoot me a message. :)
For cross-training I do yoga and other fitness classes at my yoga studio (work reimburses enough of it that I can just barely justify the rest of the expense). There is a boot camp class which is very intense, a sculpt class which has weights by no impact, and a variety of yoga classes from hot and intense to essentially "guided nap time." I try to mix it up and get to a variety of classes.
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Woke up this morning and have had a terribly sore right hamstring all day. Must have tweaked it wrong doing spin last night. Lifted weights tonight and will probably make tomorrow my off day to rest it up. On a good note I had 255x8 on bench tonight so still keeping strength well. I’ve noticed my upper body slimming out due to the running while my quads have just been getting ridiculously bigger and more vascular.
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It's a good thing I like to deadlift! Definitely my favorite of the three power lifts. And I <3 Meb.
I hope you heal up soon @use2betrix! Depending on what the injury feels like, foam rolling - especially around adjacent muscle groups - can help a lot. But I don't advise deep tissue massage of a strain or tear.
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I managed to get in 13.3 miles of running in first week of January. This week will be lighter as I'm tapering before a 10 mile race on the 19th.
I'm slow, and it's been cold out (I don't like running hold).
I'm hoping to finish January with ~50 miles.
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My husband and I decided to do a half marathon in June, so I guess it's time to get back on track since I really want to break 2:30 this time. My brother didn't get into UTMB this year, so we may go crew for him in Ouray in July since that's his back-up race to keep up points. I can't imagine running the way he does but it's pretty fun to get to go crew and be a part of the experience. It motivates me to come home and work on my own progress.
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I've been a runner for years, but it's really slipped over the last 2 or three years. I have a place in the London Marathon at the end of April and am currently running 5 or 6 miles (admittedly cross-country in the English winter mud) at about 13 min miling.
It's going to be interesting! I'm relying on muscle memory and lots of stretching/strengthening to get me through a tough schedule without injury.
I've done 30-something marathons (best 3:29) or longer (up to 50 miles, which is about my limit) and 5 IM triathlons (best 12:48, I am not a cyclist...) I'm not going to be within 90 minutes of 3:29 by April!
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Useful thread as always on MMM. Did not know about the deadlift/speed connection. Apparently you can also do bodyweight deadlift exercises to get the same benefit, at least according to this guy: https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/get-the-benefits-of-deadlifts-without-weights.html
Since I found RunBet and StepBet (thanks to MMM forum) in October (I think) of last year I have been a running demon! Getting paid to run is the bomb! Between the money, little competitive head games I play with the leaderboard and the accountability/don't break the chain element, it has me running the most I've done in years.
I've done a few triathlons a number of years ago, as well as 3 marathons. Because of getting more into cycling for environmental reasons, and getting into long distance open water swimming last year, am a bit tempted to do triathlons again.
I have learned that the marathon will mess up my IT band every dang time. Not on 20-mile training runs, no, just on race day at mile 17.
Current long run is 12 miles.
I would really like to get faster again, and train for faster half marathon. But I am also interested in masters speedwork/track work. Have asked around at my local running store but nada. Suggestions?
I have gotten slower and slower over the past years but that's just because I don't have any accountability for speed and I run alone instead of with faster runners. That said if I stick with RunBet I know I will get faster -- already have sped up significantly.
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I’ll join if you’ll have me.
I’ve been a cardio-only nut, on and off. Running and cycling. On - in my teens / early 20s, now again in my (*ahem*) 40s. Off - in between, kids now teens themselves so ok to do something for myself!
I ran an enjoyable off-road 50 miler in 2014. Meant lots of very long Sunday runs. Was more of a mental challenge, but as it turned out, it’s taken this long for my body to forgive me. Just a residual foot issue.
Because of that, I’ve recently started running 5-6 mornings a week, not for very long (built up to 24mins), to get my body used to running again. In the intervening, non-running era, I discovered spinning (once/twice per week). I wish I’d cross-trained 5 years ago - spinning is a great way of achieving fitness without the running fatigue.
Anyway, my goal for 2019: complete a 10k in a sustainable way. In other words, so I can push on from that.
It’s great to be running regularly again, and I really just want to stay fit to run. Grateful every day I can do it.
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Alright, I finished the arbitrary Lululemon 80k challenge. It required a wet and miserable run in the snow yesterday, but I got it done.
I'm going to pick up with the Hansons Advanced Half Marathon plan starting this week for a race on April 28th. My timing is a little off, so I'll be jumping into week four. The tempo runs have me a little nervous, because goal half marathon pace (ideally 7:08/mile) seems really fast for where I'm at right now. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
It looks like a number of folks have goal races coming up this spring; I'm excited to follow along with your training!
I think I'll do some deadlifts tonight. I slacked on the strength work last week.
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I am slowly getting started again, back up just over 4 miles yesterday (4.18...). It's frustrating how long it takes to build up and how quickly you lose your progress after a break! My brother is trying to talk us into at least doing the 10 miler at Born to Run in May. It's the right number of weeks for a 10 mile before the rock n roll half we're doing in June. It's supposed to be pretty rainy this week; we're so spoiled in So Cal with the winter running weather, but I'm going to force myself to get out there anyway this week.
@Better Change good luck with your training (7:08/mile seems really fast!!) and congrats on completing the challenge already!
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Re: cross training. The only thing that's made me a faster runner is more miles. Lots and lots of slow miles peppered with quality workouts 2-3 times a week. But I still cross train - mainly with lifting and riding my bike - because 1) it feels nice and 2) the biking has helped keep runner's knee at bay for many years. That being said, cross training is GREAT for a newer-ish runner, because you can't load up on the miles before your muscles and bones are ready for the increased load.
You should check out Meb Keflezighi. If you don't know who he is, he won Boston in 2014 and was the first american to win the Boston since 1983, and he was 38 years old.
Near the end of his career his goal was to win the Boston. He changed up his training and I believe got a new coach. His coach decided it wasn't worth their time to try and change his form, but knew he need to travel further with each step to increase his speed. How did they accomplish this? Deadlift. He spent most of his training leading up to that marathon doing deadlifts and shorter/faster runs. There is a sports doc somewhere out in the world where they discuss this, I'll see if I can find it.
I first heard this on an interview with a sports trainer of some type. He talked about how Deadlift/BW ratio is a pretty good indicator of speed. About how at NFL combines you can predict their 40yd dash ranking based on this ratio.
Where I first heard it (Joe Rogan and Peter Attia)
https://youtu.be/gP1NA5f4LfE?t=5410 (https://youtu.be/gP1NA5f4LfE?t=5410)
Source Referenced, Ryan Flaherty on Tim Ferris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkFYWuc5MhE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkFYWuc5MhE)
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I'm in!
I move to a new country every month so running is the easiest way to exercise consistently (without going through the hassle of signing up for a monthly gym membership, every month, in a foreign language). It's also my favorite way to explore a new place. And probably, most important: I'm a much easier person to live with when I'm jogging regularly :D
I find RunGo to be a terrific app for finding a route quickly, at the distance I want, when I arrive in unfamiliar places.
Any other app recommendations?
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I've been running fairly consistently for about 10 years now. I say fairly because I do go through stages (a few months here and there usually) where I don't run.
I've been in a running rut lately because we signed up with a personal trainer in August to do weight lifting etc. (Not very cost effective but we have been SO consistent). Anyway It seems that running has taken a backseat as a result. I need to get back to being more consistent.
I've done one half marathon (but trained for three, injuries late in my training kept me from running the first two) and lots of 10ks. My last 10k was Thanksgiving, I ran a 8:36 per mile average. I'd like to improve that to an 8:10 or so.
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Took a wrong turn on my run tonight, quickly turned my 4 miler into a 5 miler. Wasn’t a huge deal since I didn’t really warm up til mile 4. Note to self - 55 degrees and dark is much cooler than 55 degrees and sunny. All I had on was shorts and a non-cotton t-shirt.
I also am nursing a big blister from some new Christmas boots. I had covered it for about 10 days and left it open the last week and a half with zero issue. For some reason tonight it started bugging me again.
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I'll hop on board. Been running a couple years but kept getting injured, ran a 5K but have had to pull out of 2 other races due to ITBS and shin splints. Actually thought I had a stress fracture and got an x-ray which thankfully was negative, just "significant tissue damage." fun.
Been doing some serious leg and hip exercises along with foam rolling and it seems to be helping. Worked back up to 4.5 miles at 10:30 easy pace, but trying to slowly build mileage and not get hurt again.
If i stay healthy maybe I'll try for a fall marathon.
Also, running has made me realize how much I hate winter. Snow sucks.
Upcoming races and 3 goals:
5k in march - goals: Finish / don't get hurt in training, 27:30, 25:00
half marathon in may - goals: Finish / don't get hurt in training, 2:00, 1:45
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I'm in.
Similar to some of you, I've been an on and off runner for the better part of a dozen years. I also played soccer growing up, so long bouts of cardio are somewhat ingrained. Over the last 2 or 3 years, a half marathon has been a bucket list item. I've done many 10k and 15k (and one 5x5k) trail runs, quite a few 10+ mile long runs, but have never actually signed up for and competed in a race.
Over the last 12-18 months, I've focused mostly on strength training 1) so that I'm not the weak guy on the block, and 2) because I believe there are a ton of long-term benefits to putting your musculoskeletal system under duress. That said, I recently developed a shoulder impingement that's hampered my gym time, and I need something new to aim for while I work out the kinks in my shoulder.
I'm signing up for a race on 4/14. Working my mileage up to 16 miles/week until the week of 2/18, then I'll be following an 8 week program leading up to race day. Ongoing goal is to keep my legs limber throughout by foam rolling, regular stretching, cross training, and some yoga. Race day goal is under 10 min/mile.
Happy running!
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Did a 4 mile run last night. So amazed by this blister. 3 weeks old. Was getting so much better and didn’t need to be covered for the last 2 weeks and zero issue, now it’s getting worse all of a sudden. Taking tonight off then probably a short run tomorrow.
I’m down to 182 lbs as of this morning, was bouncing around 186 at the new year. My actual diet has been the same, which is always measured and balanced. I just cut back on the unplanned junk (when they bring donuts to work, ice cream nights) and also picked up the extra day of running. Maybe I’ll do some elliptical or spin tomorrow instead due to the blister.
I’m pretty good weight wise, though I still might aim for 180, then 175ish for any races.
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I made it through my first interval run (800s) and tempo run (5k) of this training block, so my confidence is in a better place than it was before embarking on the current plan. I always seem to psych myself out that I won't be able to run x:xx pace, but then it's just....not a big deal. The mental aspect of running is huge. However, sandwiching a lifting session in between said workouts has left me with a solid case of DOMS. I'm always sore.
Because of the incoming nasty winter storm, it looks like the long run is happening tomorrow morning (the only time that won't be wet/snowy/icy/zero degrees). Scheduling around winter weather is the pits. And it's not that I can't run in that garbage, it's just that I don't trust drivers!
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I made it through my first interval run (800s) and tempo run (5k) of this training block, so my confidence is in a better place than it was before embarking on the current plan. I always seem to psych myself out that I won't be able to run x:xx pace, but then it's just....not a big deal. The mental aspect of running is huge. However, sandwiching a lifting session in between said workouts has left me with a solid case of DOMS. I'm always sore.
Because of the incoming nasty winter storm, it looks like the long run is happening tomorrow morning (the only time that won't be wet/snowy/icy/zero degrees). Scheduling around winter weather is the pits. And it's not that I can't run in that garbage, it's just that I don't trust drivers!
Awesome! How many 800s did you do and what times did you hit/aiming for? What about the tempo run (5k)?
Last week I was planning to do 6x800 at 3:13 a piece, but I was getting pretty worn after 3 at around 3:20ish so opted to do a 2 mile run instead of the remaining 3 800’s.
I don’t have good access for a track and anything under a mile is a bit of a challenge/annoyance tracking by staring at my watch.
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I've only run 3 or 4 times since my accident. Been nursing a cold for 1.5 weeks.
I will prob try and run 4 miles tomorrow (at this point, it's run/walk). My local (paid) track program starts up next week. I love the track program.
I also signed up for a half marathon training program, but prob will skip the actual race itself this year. It's gorgeous. I've done it 3 times. So pretty. But my body starts to wear out at 10 miles (my coworker says "you aren't doing it right") to which I smile and think "fuck you, maybe my body just isn't supposed to run a half marathon?" But what does he know, he's a skinny 6' tall ex cross country male who weighs about 136 lbs. I'm...not.
In any event, these races end up being $125-$150 each, and meh. Not necessary. I'd rather pay that much for 8 weeks of training with 3-4 coached workouts a week.
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@use2betrix:
I did 6 x 800 in 3:20 with 400 recovery. Total workout was 9 miles. The 5k was in 22:12 in the middle of an 8 miler. I really need to find a track to go all in on interval workouts, though. My next task for acquainting myself with the new locale! All aboard the pain train!
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Wooohoo! New 5k PB today 22:56 :D
I tend to do this....it's never a couple of seconds, it always seems to be a huge chunk (this time 34 seconds!) whenever I run a new best time.
Will enjoy this for the moment, and now reassess a time to aim for on my next 10k race in 6 weeks time.
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Great work, @marty998! Blazing fast, especially if you’re running in Australian summer! Congrats!
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@Better Change - killer times! Seems you actual hit the times I was aiming for lol. It’s been since I was about 15 since doing any type of timed track running so I had no idea what to expect. Sounds like you really have the workouts dialed in. Do you find running the 5k in the middle or end of a workout helps by being so much more warmed up? My only “5k” I’ve really tried on, I don’t think I warmed up like I should have. I usually feel better after miles 1-2 on my runs, so maybe I need just like a 10-12 min mile warmup before going for the 5k?
@marty998 - awesome times as well! For your 10k, couldn’t you just aim for double your 5k time? ;) what did you do as a warmup before your 5k PR?
@mm1970 - I have a scrawny coworker like that than run 800’s in college. He’s like 6’2 and 155lbs, I’m 5’9 and 182 lbs. we’re both probably the same body fat. I remind him sometimes that we are built for very different activities, doesn’t mean we can still enjoy the same ones, however!
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@use2betrix : oh yeah, I find the warmup to be pretty critical. I usually spend the first two miles above 9:00 pace. I also start my tempos slower than target pace and try to get faster over the duration. I always do a 2-3 mile warmup before a 5k race.
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@use2betrix : oh yeah, I find the warmup to be pretty critical. I usually spend the first two miles above 9:00 pace. I also start my tempos slower than target pace and try to get faster over the duration. I always do a 2-3 mile warmup before a 5k race.
Thanks for the info! Still have a lot to learn. I’m seeing how much I progress throughout my run so that makes a lot of sense.
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@Better Change - killer times! Seems you actual hit the times I was aiming for lol. It’s been since I was about 15 since doing any type of timed track running so I had no idea what to expect. Sounds like you really have the workouts dialed in. Do you find running the 5k in the middle or end of a workout helps by being so much more warmed up? My only “5k” I’ve really tried on, I don’t think I warmed up like I should have. I usually feel better after miles 1-2 on my runs, so maybe I need just like a 10-12 min mile warmup before going for the 5k?
@marty998 - awesome times as well! For your 10k, couldn’t you just aim for double your 5k time? ;) what did you do as a warmup before your 5k PR?
@mm1970 - I have a scrawny coworker like that than run 800’s in college. He’s like 6’2 and 155lbs, I’m 5’9 and 182 lbs. we’re both probably the same body fat. I remind him sometimes that we are built for very different activities, doesn’t mean we can still enjoy the same ones, however!
I don't actually warm up..... is that something I should be doing seriously? Honestly I look at some of the warmup routines some people do and think "I'm going to be tired before I even start the race!"
I guess I walked around a little bit at the start line listening to the announcements (it was a Parkrun 5k).
What would you suggest an appropriate warm up to be for a 5k for someone at my level? I go running 2-3 times a week for 6-8k, do a 5k Parkrun on Saturday, and a long run on Sunday (21+ km alternating fortnights, otherwise 10k). Training pace is around 6min / km.
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Also @use2betrix I'm not sure it works that way on doubling the time for a 10k :D
Under 46 would be a 2020 goal maybe.
I was happy that my last km was a 4:20, which was my fastest of the 5. Usually I start fast and cling on, this time left enough gas for the end.
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Regarding warming up (disclaimer: not an expert): the amount of warm-up is dependent on the length of the race as well as your fitness (and ultimate race goal). If a "long run" is 3-4 miles, then you probably don't want to do a ton of warm-up before a 5k, because yeah, you're going to tire yourself out. However, at 20-30 mpw and with a long run of 8-10 miles (or more), I still suggest 15-20 minutes of easy running followed by three to four strides where you gradually increase pace over 100-200 m until you're basically sprinting. Ideally you do these strides right before you hit the line so your legs are dialed into the turnover you need to settle into race pace.
I'll do 10-15 minutes of easy running before a 10k and maybe 5 minutes of hopping around trying to stay warm before a half marathon. I do not warm-up before a marathon, unless you count milling around the start line. For longer races, generally the best strategy is to start a little slower than goal pace anyway, so you use the first few miles as the warm-up.
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@Better Change - thanks for the info! While not an “expert” you’re definitely more experienced. Your advice aligns with much of what I’ve read (but failed to put in place)
@marty998 - look at it this way, you had gas left in the end and your last split was the fastest. I’m like you and when I run my harder 5k training, I might stretch a bit, walk for 5 mins, then go. I ALWAYS feel that first mile is hardest in terms of warming up and getting really loosened up. I may feel less “exhausted” but my muscles and bones always ache a bit at first.
Earlier last week I ran 5 miles and it was cooler out. Aside from a blister starting to hurt at mile 4, my 5th mile I actually felt the best by far. Had my foot not hurt, I probably could’ve crushed my previous mile splits. Even with it hurting it was 20-40 seconds faster than miles 2-4.
Everyone’s different, but I think it’s be worthwhile to give it a shot (myself included)
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10 miles in ~1:25 today, not a PB, but close!
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@marty998 - look at it this way, you had gas left in the end and your last split was the fastest. I’m like you and when I run my harder 5k training, I might stretch a bit, walk for 5 mins, then go. I ALWAYS feel that first mile is hardest in terms of warming up and getting really loosened up. I may feel less “exhausted” but my muscles and bones always ache a bit at first.
Every run I feel a little "hump" at about 8-12 minutes in where I feel like I just want to die. If I push through until 16 minutes I'm usually ok for the rest of the run.
Long ago I had a soccer coach who had this theory of making us do sprint repeats as a warm up. He called it "getting a second wind" when you finally go out to play.
I really don't know if it worked, but I was always stuffed by the opening whistle.
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@marty998 - look at it this way, you had gas left in the end and your last split was the fastest. I’m like you and when I run my harder 5k training, I might stretch a bit, walk for 5 mins, then go. I ALWAYS feel that first mile is hardest in terms of warming up and getting really loosened up. I may feel less “exhausted” but my muscles and bones always ache a bit at first.
Every run I feel a little "hump" at about 8-12 minutes in where I feel like I just want to die. If I push through until 16 minutes I'm usually ok for the rest of the run.
Long ago I had a soccer coach who had this theory of making us do sprint repeats as a warm up. He called it "getting a second wind" when you finally go out to play.
I really don't know if it worked, but I was always stuffed by the opening whistle.
The first kilometre lies. :D
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My boss asked me today if I ran much over the break.
I showed her a photo of @marty998 and I doing a Christmas fun run, and she said, "Oh I'd run everywhere if he was in front!"
:D :D :D
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Oh my god! You can't say that @mustachepungoeshere !!!
LOL FFS haha
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I'd like to join!
I help sponsor (and then run in) a workplace run/walk 5k every year. It's small and informal--everyone tracks their own time. But it got me into running! I've yoyo'ed the last few years, though. I keep redoing the C25K program every year because I haven't maintained my fitness past the event.
So this year, I'm training for a 10k! I want to progress beyond where I've been with my running. And I'm committing to going to a race per quarter, so I don't slack back to the couch.
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I'd like to join!
I help sponsor (and then run in) a workplace run/walk 5k every year. It's small and informal--everyone tracks their own time. But it got me into running! I've yoyo'ed the last few years, though. I keep redoing the C25K program every year because I haven't maintained my fitness past the event.
So this year, I'm training for a 10k! I want to progress beyond where I've been with my running. And I'm committing to going to a race per quarter, so I don't slack back to the couch.
Have you signed up for your next race yet? I find it really motivating to sign up early, have it on the calendar and have it there to look forward to.
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hello! Been a lurker on the Forums for sometime now, but am such a running nut thought I'd finally join when I saw this thread.
Been running off and on for sometime now, albeit only in 2015 did I start running more consistently. My goal for 2019 is 2000 miles by 12/31/19!
i did 2,020 miles in 2018. i wasn't really going for a lot of volume but ended up with a lot. former triathlete turned runner.
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I don't actually warm up..... is that something I should be doing seriously? Honestly I look at some of the warmup routines some people do and think "I'm going to be tired before I even start the race!"
I guess I walked around a little bit at the start line listening to the announcements (it was a Parkrun 5k).
What would you suggest an appropriate warm up to be for a 5k for someone at my level? I go running 2-3 times a week for 6-8k, do a 5k Parkrun on Saturday, and a long run on Sunday (21+ km alternating fortnights, otherwise 10k). Training pace is around 6min / km.
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always, always do a warm up. i raced a marathon in 2018 and ran at least a mile if not more before the race. i ran a sub-2:50 marathon that day at 38 yrs old.
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I'm with you on that...I see people running miles to get warmed up to start a race. If I did that I'd be done long before the finish line, lol
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I'm going to jump in on this also. I started running seriously about ten years ago, did a number of marathons, a few 50Ks and 1 50 miler. But I have been mostly hurt for the past 18 months. Hoping to get back into enough running shape for a half marathon and perhaps a half ironman. Right now I am swimming a lot, the only race I have on the calendar is a long open water swim in June. I should be at about 15 miles this week and start slowly ramping up through the spring.
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Had a good run tonight. Unfortunately I went again underdressed. Felt great in the sun but like 90% of my run was in the cool shade. I didn’t warm up til about 3 miles in.
Hit a 5 mile PR tonight at 42:57. Had a decent amount left in the tank too. That’s about 55 seconds faster than my previous best 5 mile time (haven’t done a ton of 5 mile runs and the longest run I’ve ever done was 6 miles on a treadmill).
Pretty good and reassuring since I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately. This dang blister on my foot continues to be annoying off and on.
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I'm in: have been running for a few years, but unfortunately not at the moment due to a knee issue; hoping I'll be back out in a couple of weeks.
I'm 175cm and about 200lbs; goals for this year are to shed a little weight in advance of track season, knock two minutes off my PB for a local duathlon, and get a sub-42 10k. I'm in a running club, and transferred to a new role in work at the start of the year that lets me cycle to work, so once my knee is good I'll be getting plenty of cardio in. Diet is my real challenge....
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I'm in! Thanks for the thread @use2betrix.
I'm a 51 year old female. I'm mostly a trail runner, and I've done every distance from 5ks up to 50ks. I've been running since college and love it, but my mileage took a nosedive during the last three years. First a cancer diagnosis (all well now), and then long hours at work took their toll. Well, I'm FIREing next week (hooray!) so no more excuses. In the past couple of weeks I've started to build back up to a good schedule. I'm running 5 days a week, with one long run and one day of intervals. On the off days I walk. I've done this schedule over the years and it works well for me. Sunday: Long run; Monday: off; Tuesday: regular run; Wednesday: regular run; Thursday: intervals; Friday: off; Saturday: regular run.
My goals for this year are:
-- Gain muscle and strength with some cross training/strength training. I've gotten damned spindly and weak. I'm 5'7" and about 120 pounds. I'd like to add a few pounds, and more muscle if that's possible at my age. I've been looking at local CrossFit programs and wondering if I could do them without injuring myself. I wonder if they have a "Desk job to Crossfit" class I could get into, haha.
-- Do some kind of yoga. I think the stretching and relaxation will do me good.
-- Maintain the 5 day running schedule, lengthening distances
-- Enter at least one or two local races this year
-- Run with my kids as often as I can. Love it.
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@Trifele: I want to be a cool trail runner like you! The biggest problem I have is my ankles. I've had two nasty sprains in the past few years, and I'm petrified of turning an ankle on a root or a rock. Got any good tips? We got a Bosu ball for Christmas, and my husband and I switch on and off with our lifting sets and balancing on the Bosu....but is it enough? I'm definitely on the cusp of becoming tired of road racing culture. I love to run and I love to hike, but I love them for different reasons. I feel like trail running is mostly me staring at the ground trying not to trip! = not very relaxing the way hiking is.
And I have mixed feelings about Crossfit. I understand the culture can be really motivating for people, but I've also seen lots of my friends end up with nasty, chronic injuries to their backs and shoulders. Form is so critical in weightlifting, and I don't know how you can focus on good form when the goal is to do AMRAP (as many reps as possible).
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@Trifele: I want to be a cool trail runner like you! The biggest problem I have is my ankles. I've had two nasty sprains in the past few years, and I'm petrified of turning an ankle on a root or a rock. Got any good tips?
Hmm. I've had ankle injuries in the past playing other sports, but never from trail running. I'm a slow runner (not very gifted aerobically), so maybe that helps. I think if you started slow, walking the uphills, jogging the flats, and cautiously running the downhills you should be ok on average trail terrain. Maybe avoid super rocky or technical running situations for a while? Think of it kind of like 'fast hiking' haha. You could also try a soft ankle brace like this one: https://www.performancehealth.com/mueller-soft-ankle-brace-with-strap?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq92MwvWI4AIVFlcNCh2qmQELEAQYAiABEgJfxfD_BwE I've run with one of those on before and it was fine. Fit in the shoe and didn't cause any rubbing.
On the trail after a while you get in this groove where your brain automatically scans the terrain using peripheral vision, and you don't even think or worry about it. I love trail running. I think it's really good for the body when every step is slightly different and uses different muscles. And you can't beat the fresh air and 'nature bath' you get. Delightful.
Enjoy!
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Cracked a nominal goal of 30 miles for the month of January......goal moving forward is to increase this a bit every month, even if it's little by little, so by the end of the year I'll have ran at least 500 miles =)
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Cracked a nominal goal of 30 miles for the month of January......goal moving forward is to increase this a bit every month, even if it's little by little, so by the end of the year I'll have ran at least 500 miles =)
But then would you go 500 more.... just to be the man who ran a thousand miles to fall down.....
I'll just see myself out now.
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Cracked a nominal goal of 30 miles for the month of January......goal moving forward is to increase this a bit every month, even if it's little by little, so by the end of the year I'll have ran at least 500 miles =)
But then would you go 500 more.... just to be the man who ran a thousand miles to fall down.....
I'll just see myself out now.
Well, I think you're funny. :D
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I'm in! For january I'm doing yoga every morning so I will start in february after this has become a habit and to not start everything at once. I already did yoga 3/4 mornings per week but want to keep doing it every day (or maybe 6 days will be better). I already bought two pairs of running shoes (both on sale, second pair were 10€ and had to buy them) so am good to go.
I also bike to work (36 km total) but that's on an e-bike so doesn't really do anything for my physical fitness. I also bike a lot as we don't have a car but I feel running is just so much better for the physical fitness thing.
I will do a couch-5k program that I also did in 2013 but stopped due to an injury (not running related). I don't know how many times per week, maybe 2 per week to start with?
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This is turning into a cool group, with lots of different challenges for different people!
To add to the trail-running thing, I try to do most of my winter running in the mud; every footstrike is a different footstrike, so no 'repetition' injuries. Yes, there's a risk of acute twists and sprains, but over the years, my stability has got better and I get fewer of them (I am so going to regret posting that...) See also falling over; I now just go down gracefully (steady...) and take the impact on my shoulder. An occasional fall is par for the course.
Mileage target for the month will almost be achieved; not quite going to make the 100, but should be 90-ish. Missed out on a couple of runs due to a dodgy curry on Friday...
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Oh neat!
Somehow I have just discovered this thread!
I'm a weightlifter who runs via RunBet (I won't run unless there's a chance I'll lose money, I've tried everything else, lol).
I do back to back challenges and generally run about 15 miles a week or so at a niiiiiice snails pace. I'm a 40 minute-ish 5k'er and my normal runs are over the 10 minute/mile pace (probably more like 12) but I'm ok with it as long as I do it.
I stay consistent. I've been doing back to back RunBets that followed a running challenge in 2017/18, so I've been running at minimum 3-4x/wk for a year or two.
My goal would be to remain consistent and to become eligible to do at least one RunBet at a faster pace this year.
Since I do Crossfit, I always sign up for the 17 minute pace cut-off bets so that WORST case scenario I could still limp at a 17mi/mile pace if I am sore or injured... I'd like to be able to sorely limp at a 16m/Mi pace instead, LOL.
So I'll be open to more of their challenges and have more opportunities to make money.
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I’m at 26 workouts so far this month which makes sense cause I’m running 4 days a week and lifting 2. With cutting from 3 weight lifting days to two, my sessions are a bit longer. Sunday’s workout was 66 minutes, I burned 772 total calories, and my average pulse was 135 bpm. I had legs and biceps. My leg workouts are nothing short of soul crushing.
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Woke up wide awake at 3 am this morning. Instead of aimlessly phone surfing I got up and did a 6 mile run. Felt amazing, I had a few miles more in me but I’m slowly building. At one point towards the end I had what could only be described as my first true runners high.
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Yesssss! The runner's high!
I had a slight hiccup this week: my hamstring tightened up after a cold and hilly 10 miler on Sunday. I ran easy on Monday, did slightly slower-than-goal intervals (1200 m) on Tuesday, and took yesterday off. I'm about 90%, so I'll give my tempo run a solid go this evening. It's always a struggle to decide when to push and when to back off. I'm pretty good at deciding if it's pain or PAIN, but I still make mistakes. I had plantar fasciitis in 2017 that forced me to reduce my volume significantly, but - fingers crossed - no major derails since.
With tonight's planned mileage, I will be at 199 miles for the month of January. Do I run one more to make it a round 200? Nope, probably not!
I'm looking forward to some days in the 50s next week!
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I'm in! Thanks for the thread @use2betrix.
I'm a 51 year old female. I'm mostly a trail runner, and I've done every distance from 5ks up to 50ks. I've been running since college and love it, but my mileage took a nosedive during the last three years. First a cancer diagnosis (all well now), and then long hours at work took their toll. Well, I'm FIREing next week (hooray!) so no more excuses. In the past couple of weeks I've started to build back up to a good schedule. I'm running 5 days a week, with one long run and one day of intervals. On the off days I walk. I've done this schedule over the years and it works well for me. Sunday: Long run; Monday: off; Tuesday: regular run; Wednesday: regular run; Thursday: intervals; Friday: off; Saturday: regular run.
My goals for this year are:
-- Gain muscle and strength with some cross training/strength training. I've gotten damned spindly and weak. I'm 5'7" and about 120 pounds. I'd like to add a few pounds, and more muscle if that's possible at my age. I've been looking at local CrossFit programs and wondering if I could do them without injuring myself. I wonder if they have a "Desk job to Crossfit" class I could get into, haha.
-- Do some kind of yoga. I think the stretching and relaxation will do me good.
-- Maintain the 5 day running schedule, lengthening distances
-- Enter at least one or two local races this year
-- Run with my kids as often as I can. Love it.
I think you are badass.
I'm 48 and am also looking to work on muscle. Last year I did specific hip/core workouts for runners at a local gym. They really helped. I'm going to try some other classes this year.
A few of my running friends are also really into Crossfit, and they have recommended it. It looks interesting. There are many Crossfit gyms in my town, so one of the things that I did is check out all the ones I could find (including the 3 that my various friends belong to), and look at their FB and web pages. I'll admit it, I was looking for the old guys/ gals.
I figured that gyms with a higher percentage of 40+ people are probably better able to understand our particular needs when it comes to avoiding/ preventing injury. Though still I'm going to try something else.
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Welcome @Trifele and congratulations on hitting FIRE (this week, right?). I mentioned up-thread that my brother being an ultrarunner is a big part of how I started running last year. I'm still slow and a trail novice, but I'm working on it. Nice to "see" another trail runner here!
I had a running success this week. I was on business travel in DC and I went ahead and ran 5k even though it was 30 degrees (remember, Southern California native here). It ended up being a 13 mile day since I spent the rest of the day wandering the National Mall, visiting friends, etc. I'm really, really glad I got a run in on my trip, even though I couldn't feel my fingers for the first mile and a half. Major props to those of you who run with actual cold on a regular basis. :)
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Yesssss! The runner's high!
I had a slight hiccup this week: my hamstring tightened up after a cold and hilly 10 miler on Sunday. I ran easy on Monday, did slightly slower-than-goal intervals (1200 m) on Tuesday, and took yesterday off. I'm about 90%, so I'll give my tempo run a solid go this evening. It's always a struggle to decide when to push and when to back off. I'm pretty good at deciding if it's pain or PAIN, but I still make mistakes. I had plantar fasciitis in 2017 that forced me to reduce my volume significantly, but - fingers crossed - no major derails since.
With tonight's planned mileage, I will be at 199 miles for the month of January. Do I run one more to make it a round 200? Nope, probably not!
I'm looking forward to some days in the 50s next week!
199 miles is huge! I got to 147km for January which is my highest ever, but wow, can't imagine doubling it at this point and adding a bit more!
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Had a solid month in total. Changing from 3 weight lifting sessions and 3 cardio sessions a week to 2 and 4 respectively has been different but I’m enjoying it. My intensity has been where I’ve expected. Had a bad blister the first 3 weeks I worked through and now fighting a cold, but no biggie, not letting it slow me down. I’m also working 6 days a week (9-10 hr days) so working it in with that as well. I’ve been cutting back on my sleep a little because I don’t really need 8 hrs. As Arnold Schwarzenegger says, “just sleep faster.” I’m also down from 185.8 lbs to 180.8 lbs. My goal was to hover around 180-182.
January 2019 total miles/workouts:
64 miles
2 40 min (500 cal) spin sessions
9 weight lifting sessions
28 total workouts
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Had a solid month in total. Changing from 3 weight lifting sessions and 3 cardio sessions a week to 2 and 4 respectively has been different but I’m enjoying it. My intensity has been where I’ve expected. Had a bad blister the first 3 weeks I worked through and now fighting a cold, but no biggie, not letting it slow me down. I’m also working 6 days a week (9-10 hr days) so working it in with that as well. I’ve been cutting back on my sleep a little because I don’t really need 8 hrs. As Arnold Schwarzenegger says, “just sleep faster.” I’m also down from 185.8 lbs to 180.8 lbs. My goal was to hover around 180-182.
January 2019 total miles/workouts:
64 miles
2 40 min (500 cal) spin sessions
9 weight lifting sessions
28 total workouts
Bold bit I am curious about.... I find that even on a highish intensity I rarely get to 350 calories burned for a 45 minute spin session. What is your average wattage output to get to 500?
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Had a solid month in total. Changing from 3 weight lifting sessions and 3 cardio sessions a week to 2 and 4 respectively has been different but I’m enjoying it. My intensity has been where I’ve expected. Had a bad blister the first 3 weeks I worked through and now fighting a cold, but no biggie, not letting it slow me down. I’m also working 6 days a week (9-10 hr days) so working it in with that as well. I’ve been cutting back on my sleep a little because I don’t really need 8 hrs. As Arnold Schwarzenegger says, “just sleep faster.” I’m also down from 185.8 lbs to 180.8 lbs. My goal was to hover around 180-182.
January 2019 total miles/workouts:
64 miles
2 40 min (500 cal) spin sessions
9 weight lifting sessions
28 total workouts
Bold bit I am curious about.... I find that even on a highish intensity I rarely get to 350 calories burned for a 45 minute spin session. What is your average wattage output to get to 500?
Mine is based off my Apple Watch which factors my age, weight, gender, heart rate, etc. We use spin class non-electric bikes, not electrical ones.
My brother had the same watch and is about 25 lbs heavier. He consistently burns far more calories for less amounts of “work.”
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2 runs in for Feb, a 4 miler on the treadmill and 3 miles outside today.
Only got 30.4 miles in for January, and with a goal of 500+ for 2019, I'm already behind =)
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PTF and hope that I can get running back into my routine.
About 8 years ago, I lost over 50 pounds thanks in large part to picking up running. I did several races including seven half marathons. One of those squeaked in under 2:00 mark, and I was down to about 54 for a 10K and 23:30 for 5K.
A couple years ago I had an ankle injury in a horse accident, and it's taken a long time to fully heal, so I've stuck to the under 5 mile distances. In the meantime, my canine running buddy has aged, and wants to slow to a walk after about two miles. He's having surgery this week, so it will actually be a good opportunity for me to run without him, and not feel guilty when he sees me leaving the house and not taking him.
I'd love to get back to the point of having a <50:00 5-mile run feel easy and fun. Maybe doing 12-15 miles/weekly.
For cross training, I mostly use kettlebells and do a few other core strength and balance exercises. My routine is more designed for my riding fitness, rather than for running. I do find that riding helps with my cardio (I ride dressage, and it is work, especially when my instructor is yelling at me) so it's not such an uphill battle to get back to running. Currently, on a good day I can jog a 5K with just a short break at my turnaround point, but I'm fairly slow.
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Ran my first “unofficial” 5k today. Going to be the last time I can likely run outside for a week or so, and it was warm today, so I wanted to see where I was at. I didnt really plan it as I did a very heavy squat/leg/calf day Saturday, a hard 6 mile run yesterday, and was still feeling poor from my few margaritas last night.
I did 3.11 miles in 23:44. My last mile was actually my fastest at a pace of 7:33. Still have a ways to go to hit my 20 minute goal but considering I’ve only been running for 7 months and have never been a distance runner in my life, I’m pretty content. I’ve just started pushing past 15 mpw the last few weeks so I think I have a lot more quick progress as I get to 25ish mpw or so. I think in perfect conditions and proper rest/prep I could be closer to 23 right now.
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I'll join in.
Mountain biking is my main love/hobby but I do also enjoy the simplicity and mind clearing aspect of running along with the aid to weight maintenance and overall fitness. Plus I can squeeze a 30 minute run around the rest of my day easier then gearing up to get a ride in and getting out to the trails and all.
I've had a goal/resolution of breaking 2 hours in the Half marathon for a few years now and I've come really close twice (just under 2:04 both times on two different courses). I'm thinking part of my problem is always choosing a Fall race so if I fail I don't have time to necessarily find and do another one that year.
So this year I've decided to try a Spring race, May 5th in fact 3 months from today.
Only manged two runs in January so gotta get cracking!!!
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Ironman training January stats:
Swam: 20 miles
Biked: 327 miles
Ran: 79.5 miles
Not bad for going out of town and missing a few workouts.
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I did a little bit of intervals yesterday -
400m, 800m, 1200m, 800m, 400m with short rest breaks in between.
All done at 4:15/km pace, except the last 400 which was done in 1:28 (3:40 pace)
I can be happy with that. Should help me get down towards a 22:30 5k in the near future.
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I usually don't know how far I run, but February is off to a good start -- 7 hours of running so far this month.
Thanks so much for the kind words @mm1970 and @FireHiker! Much appreciated as I rebuild my fitness. :)
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Today was a major win, because I really did NOT want to get up and run. My oldest had a late rugby game last night, so I was tired and didn't want to get up, plus it was cold (for us). My youngest was up at 5:50 though so I sucked it up and did it. I'm trying to add in shorter/faster (for me) runs, so I did two miles today with 10:25 average pace. Usually I'm in the 11:30-12:30/mile range so that was progress!
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Damn, some crazy high mileages here already!
You guys and gals are an inspiration.
I'm at three runs for February, 3, 4, 3 miles.
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I usually don't know how far I run, but February is off to a good start -- 7 hours of running so far this month.
Thanks so much for the kind words @mm1970 and @FireHiker! Much appreciated as I rebuild my fitness. :)
That's so awesome!
My rebuild is going SLOWLY.
January: 17.4 miles
Feb: 2.5 miles
It's kinda cold here right now (for So Cal, it was 36F this morning. I don't have winter clothing!) Plus we've had a lot of rain.
I'm trying to work myself up to about 7 miles a week (2x a week, 3 miles + 4 miles). Prob in March the long Sat run will go to 6 miles. Still though my injured hamstring limits me to about 4 miles. Half marathon training starts late March.
I walked 35.5 miles in Jan and I'm at 4+ miles for Feb, so...at least I'm moving!
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Today was a major win, because I really did NOT want to get up and run. My oldest had a late rugby game last night, so I was tired and didn't want to get up, plus it was cold (for us). My youngest was up at 5:50 though so I sucked it up and did it. I'm trying to add in shorter/faster (for me) runs, so I did two miles today with 10:25 average pace. Usually I'm in the 11:30-12:30/mile range so that was progress!
Wow that's a big drop in pace, well done!
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Still clipping along and closing in on 50 miles per week. I had an exhausting long run of 12 miles on Sunday that was stupidly done near marathon pace...sooo...too fast. But otherwise running has been uneventful. I'm forever (normal) tired and (normal) sore, but last week's hamstring "issue" is a distant memory. We're travelling to the frozen tundra of Michigan this weekend, and I am NOT looking forward to running in single digit (Fahrenheit) temperatures. I'm happy that this is half marathon training rather than marathon training, though! The mileage is so much more do-able.
Lots of great achievements going on in this sub!
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I'm so happy to find this thread! I've been a runner for a few years now. I'm pretty below average as a runner in general, but running makes me happy. Currently 15 states into my goal to run a half in every state. We have a couple states picked out later this year to target (It's a long term goal, we're basically doing 2-4 per year as they work into our schedules and travel plans). Last summer I ran myself into a raging case of ITBS. I had been flirting with it early in the year, but some strength work and stretching kept it under control until I ran a half marathon that was mostly downhill... yeah.... downhill is great until it's not. So after time off, more strength work, stretching, and (worse of all) swimming, I'm coming back pretty slow. My goal is to start pushing to get back to more normal pace and mileage in March, but for the last month and this one I've just been basically going out and running what ever feels good that day a few times a week. Good luck to all with your training and goals!
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I did a 30km run for the first time yesterday! In a good clip too - 2:51:00!
Humidity makes a massive difference, yesterday was cool, with a slight breeze and virtually no humidity. Sometimes you get lucky and the Australian summer doesn't try to murder you.
Really starting to think this goal of a 4 hour marathon in June is getting within reach, but it's going to require a bit of luck and another ~400km of training over the next 3 months.
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So I did my first 'run' after 4 years, starting with 1-1min and 2-2min running-walking for 20 min. That went really well considering I haven't done this in 4 years and the last time I did this first training for the 5k program it didn't go so well and I couldn't even finish it the first time (!). Biking to work and doing yoga does help ofcourse (wasn't doing that the first time). I thought my physical fitness was not good and it isn't but not as bad as the last time so that's saying something. I really need to improve though. Baby steps. :)
I wanted to do more and did 2 minutes instead of the last 1 minute so I would be home sooner and that wasn't the case the last time I started. But I'm continuing this path to avoid injuries etc.
Good to see so many different stages here btw! Good to know I'm not alone as a beginner but also inspiring to read the other stories from experienced runners!
On a different note, was not biking to work the last 3 weeks because I needed a new bike and the weather was awful (stormy/snowy) but no excuses from now on because I got the new bike and will go back to biking (total of 36km = 22.4 miles) instead of public transport tomorrow.
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Hi everyone! I'm in too. I've been running off and on for most of my life. I love seeing the range of goals, experience, paces, mileage, etc. One of the best things about running is that we're all going through the same thing regardless of how fast or experienced you are. Everyone has good and bad days, struggles with motivation, and goes through injuries.
I'm trying to come back from a few years of poor training that were largely a result of increased job stress and some good changes in my life. I've signed up for a spring marathon and some summer trail races to hopefully keep me motivated.
Looking forward to following everyone's journey!
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Need a little motivation, so I'll post for accountability.
I've been running fairly consistently since 2013-ran 4 marathons, most recently a mid 3 hour in October. Was my slowest, but I was pretty happy with it since I did most of my training pushing my then 7 month old in a stroller. (Zero speed work)
In 2019 I'd like to get under 90 minutes again in the half which I haven't done since 2014 (got soo damn close running by effort in 2017-90:05) and complete a local 17 miler in the fall. No real goal time for that, just hopefully not a personal worst. The only issue is that between busy work schedules, winter, and being a new parent I've barely run at all this winter. My wife and I are both signed up for a June half; so I'll either use that as a training race if we run together, or try for sub 90 and now we *have* to start training.
Long term goals are qualify for Boston and run more marathons in my 30s than in my 20s. (failed/given up on my goal of 1 full/year) Starting to think a BQ is a pipe dream until we are out of the baby/toddler stage-so if you have BQ'd with little ones, I'd love to hear your story.
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Today was a major win, because I really did NOT want to get up and run. My oldest had a late rugby game last night, so I was tired and didn't want to get up, plus it was cold (for us). My youngest was up at 5:50 though so I sucked it up and did it. I'm trying to add in shorter/faster (for me) runs, so I did two miles today with 10:25 average pace. Usually I'm in the 11:30-12:30/mile range so that was progress!
This is great!
I managed 4 miles this last Saturday, run/walk. My average pace was a hair over 11:30, and that's the first time I've managed a sub-12:00 since my injury the end of October. (My late October half marathon pace was 10:42 and my 10k was barely sub-10).
But everything hurts.
For sure, my hamstring is still a problem. Despite warming up and doing stretching it's tight. And it's tight for a long time. Like...2.5 to 3 miles before it finally loosens up.
(Let's not even talk about how bad my cardiovascular system is right now...because mostly, it's the knee/ hamstring).
So today, track workout...finally the knee/ hamstring loosens up around mile 2.5 or 3...then the lower back gets sore. Sigh.
Back to hip/ core class.
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Thanks for the encouragement; you guys are the best. I did my 2 mile route today at 10:49 overall pace, but did a 10:15 mile in there somewhere. I think I need to get back to yoga and other cross training; running was easier when I was more consistent with my yoga and boot camp classes but I have been so busy at work lately that I haven't been able to get to any. I have made sure to get out and run minimum 2 miles at least 3 times a week regardless of weather or work though. I don't want to have to start over from scratch again!
I just started taking our 8 month old puppy "running" with me last weekend (not far, and not fast). It was fun to mix it up a little, and I look forward to ramping up with her slowly. Also, my sister-in-law signed up for the Born To Run 30 mile race in May. I don't think I can do 30 by then, especially since the Rock and Roll half is two weeks later, but I'm considering the 10 mile race. The price doesn't go up until the end of the month so I have some time to think about it. Has anybody here been to Born To Run before?
Sorry about how it's going with you, @mm1970 . Coming back after an injury sucks so bad! I hope it improves for you soon. My cardiovascular system is still feeling the impact of taking time off last fall when I rolled my ankle. It's ridiculous how quickly it goes.
Good luck with your BQ efforts, @Civex! My friend missed it by 4 minutes last year. I can't even fathom being fast enough. I don't have a story to share about BQ with little kids, but I'll be happy to cheer you on in your efforts!
@snoot Welcome and good luck with your races this year!
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A really big training win on Sunday - completed 30km for the first time and probably could have kept going!
Final time was 2:51. I'd passed the 21.1 half marathon point at 2:01, only 4 minutes outside my best time, which means the next time I have a serious crack at it I should be able to lower that time substantially.
The pleasing thing was that afterwards there was no soreness, exhaustion or body complaints. I think doing the midweek runs at a much slower pace is really helping.
In the beginning I could never see the sense of resting or taking those base-building runs easy - how do I learn to run fast by not running fast???? But it truly works...
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@Civex how close have you gotten to your BQ time with your previous marathons? If you're within a few minutes, it seems feasible that you'd get there in a couple training cycles at the most. I BQed for the first time in grad school when I was working 80 hours/6 days a week. All I did was work and run. It took a ridiculous amount of discipline and planning. I'd get up at 3 AM to get into lab to set up my experiments. I'd then run before I had to be back to relinquish the instrument at 8 AM. Unless you've been training in a sport basically your whole life, you really do have to put in the mileage to get the BQ, averaging at least 50 mpw and peaking at 60-70. It's a lot of time. I know a handful of people who have BQed/qualified for Kona with young kids, but their spouses were very accommodating. It's definitely something you have to work out with your SO before you set out to train.
@marty998 when's your next race? are you going to do a half marathon before the full in June?
@Sanne that's a pretty serious amount of cycling every day! I'm only ~ 6 miles from work, but the route is garbage....so I haven't tried biking yet. Good luck with your build to a 5k! That's the hardest leap to make. After that it's easy. :)
@mm1970 and anyone struggling with knee/hip/etc. injuries: have you heard of the Myrtl routine? It's great for maintaining strength and stability of the pelvic girdle and can be done at home if you can't get to core class:
http://www.digitalrunning.com/1035/myrtl-routine/
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two months out from Boston. not feeling ready. hate going into races saying "i'm just going to enjoy this race". i know that's a lie if i am not well prepared.
anyone else here running Boston?
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@marty998 when's your next race? are you going to do a half marathon before the full in June?
No half planned before June - I have a couple to do afterwards in July and August. Before then I have a 10k in two weeks, a 12k in six weeks, and another 10k in early May.
As you can see, I have become somewhat obsessed. I take solace in the fact there are worse things in life one can be addicted to :D
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@Civex how close have you gotten to your BQ time with your previous marathons? If you're within a few minutes, it seems feasible that you'd get there in a couple training cycles at the most. I BQed for the first time in grad school when I was working 80 hours/6 days a week. All I did was work and run. It took a ridiculous amount of discipline and planning. I'd get up at 3 AM to get into lab to set up my experiments. I'd then run before I had to be back to relinquish the instrument at 8 AM. Unless you've been training in a sport basically your whole life, you really do have to put in the mileage to get the BQ, averaging at least 50 mpw and peaking at 60-70. It's a lot of time. I know a handful of people who have BQed/qualified for Kona with young kids, but their spouses were very accommodating. It's definitely something you have to work out with your SO before you set out to train.
@marty998 when's your next race? are you going to do a half marathon before the full in June?
@Sanne that's a pretty serious amount of cycling every day! I'm only ~ 6 miles from work, but the route is garbage....so I haven't tried biking yet. Good luck with your build to a 5k! That's the hardest leap to make. After that it's easy. :)
@mm1970 and anyone struggling with knee/hip/etc. injuries: have you heard of the Myrtl routine? It's great for maintaining strength and stability of the pelvic girdle and can be done at home if you can't get to core class:
http://www.digitalrunning.com/1035/myrtl-routine/
These are good. Similar to the exercises we do in hip/core...
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Need a little motivation, so I'll post for accountability.
I've been running fairly consistently since 2013-ran 4 marathons, most recently a mid 3 hour in October. Was my slowest, but I was pretty happy with it since I did most of my training pushing my then 7 month old in a stroller. (Zero speed work)
In 2019 I'd like to get under 90 minutes again in the half which I haven't done since 2014 (got soo damn close running by effort in 2017-90:05) and complete a local 17 miler in the fall. No real goal time for that, just hopefully not a personal worst. The only issue is that between busy work schedules, winter, and being a new parent I've barely run at all this winter. My wife and I are both signed up for a June half; so I'll either use that as a training race if we run together, or try for sub 90 and now we *have* to start training.
Long term goals are qualify for Boston and run more marathons in my 30s than in my 20s. (failed/given up on my goal of 1 full/year) Starting to think a BQ is a pipe dream until we are out of the baby/toddler stage-so if you have BQ'd with little ones, I'd love to hear your story.
I did, but we only have one little one. most of my runs are early am and he was < 1 yr old at the time. i managed a sub-2:50 in what was basically my first real marathon, at age 39.
i am training for boston now and it seems so much harder now that he's 1.5 yrs old, more active, wants to play, etc.
if you want to know about my training, PM me. basically run a lot, one day a week i don't run but do "something" like bike or yoga...
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Put in 31 miles in January. Experienced some front of hip soreness early in February, so I took a week off. It's somewhat of an ongoing issue, and oddly enough, I believe it came from holding a stretch a little longer than normal. Anyway, after a few days, it's good to go, and I'm back on track.
Eight week plan looks like:
Mon - rest
Tues - legs/core or yoga
Wed - medium run, the middle 50-75% being at goal pace
Thurs - small to medium run at easy pace
Fri - chest/back/bi or yoga
Sat - short run at easy pace
Sun - long run with negative mile splits
Mileage for this week will be 14.25, and long run this weekend will be 5.25 miles. The plan is to increase weekly mileage ~10% over the next 6 weeks before a 2 week taper and race day.
Goal for the day @13.1m is finish/2:20/2:10. Strong feeling I'll fall between 2:20 and 2:10 with a prayer that the energy of the day carries me closer to 2:10.
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Ran my first outdoor run over 5 miles tonight. Did 7 miles in 1:05, after doing 5 miles on the treadmill yesterday morning. Went well but my knee was hurting towards 6/7, but felt great otherwise. Think it was just from the longer mileage and maybe not enough stretching.
Only bad part is when I got back, a company hit a water line so I’ve been sitting here unshowere for 2 hrs... :/
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Nice job on the longer mileage use2betrix! The first time I ran 7 miles seemed to be the tipping point where I felt like I could do the longer runs. No idea why, that still doesn't make sense, but 7 miles was my "I now feel like can do a half marathon" distance.
I'll second the Myrtl routine mentioned earlier thread for knee pain. I'd also add that regularly including Hip Hikes have always helped me with knee pain. Because my knee pain tends to steam from weaken gluten.
I met a group for a run yesterday and ran the last three miles with a friend. I wasn't paying attention to pace, and ended up running about 30-45 seconds faster per mile than I have been running in my slow come back. It felt good and I feel fine today. That's really reassuring for starting up some type of actual training next month to get back to my normal pace. Had nice swim today. I'm not a huge swim fan, but all my best running has coincided with regular swimming over the years, so to the pool I continue to go.
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I pushed a jogging stroller for a 16 mile run yesterday.
Never again...
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I pushed a jogging stroller for a 16 mile run yesterday.
Never again...
I've been passed by your kind on half marathons...
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I pushed a jogging stroller for a 16 mile run yesterday.
Never again...
I've been passed by your kind on half marathons...
Bloke at my local 5k run pushes a pram in 20 minutes....
Also I still can't fathom how olympic walkers are so fast...
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I've been on the struggle bus this winter. I live in a beautiful place (So Cal), but with relentless rain, then cold weather (30's and low 40s in the morning), and recovering from injury...and 2 colds. Blech.
I'm generally trying to run 2x a week. Tuesday track (paid coached workouts), Saturday "long" (currently 4 miles for me). Half marathon training starts in 4 weeks.
My last couple of intervals at track yesterday were sub 10:30, so that's good. Until husband asked "what were they before your accident?" Ugh, don't remind me. 9:30?
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Rain alllll week. So frustrating. It’s clear today but it’s gym day and I ran the last two days (treadmill) and legs Sunday so my lower body needs a break.
Next two days will unfortunately have to be treadmill days as well, then work travel next week (treadmills at hotel at least) but blah.
Our new aperment complex were moving to next month only looks to have 1 treadmill. Hope there aren’t other people who use it regularly at 5:30 am.
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As much as I hate having to slow way down in the heat and humidity of summer, I am tired of winter. While we were in Michigan I did two runs: the first was at 12 degrees (Fahrenheit) with a windchill of zero. While I was technically warm enough, I forgot to bring a buff, so I got some wicked windburn on my face. The next day was more comfortable at 18 degrees, but sheesh. I have managed to wipe from my memory the "joy" that is running on concrete at those temperatures. It's brutally tough on the joints. It was in the low 20s for our long run last weekend, but that felt almost balmy with the sunshine. Thankfully the days are getting noticeably longer!
I am having a total sh!t week of running. It happens sometimes. I'm about halfway through a 16 week training program, so it's definitely the meat of it. I find myself getting frustrated that I'm putting in all of this hard work to (potentially) drop my half PR a couple of minutes. My very naturally athletic husband has been putting in hard work, too (though not 50 mpw work, more like 25); he'll probably run under 1:30. I WISH I could get in range of that in one training cycle. Just gotta keep showing up.
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I've decided that Pizza is the ultimate running food.
Everytime I eat a pizza the night before a Parkrun, I seem to always run a best time :D
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Did a 1 mile warm up tonight, followed by three, 1 mile repeats (average 7:12 pace), ending with a 1 mile cool down. I am beat. I was pretty content by the times, but I was still a bit sore/tight from yesterday’s 5 mile run. It was pretty wet/slick out which also didn’t help much.
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I've decided that Pizza is the ultimate running food.
Everytime I eat a pizza the night before a Parkrun, I seem to always run a best time :D
:)
And salt-n-vinegar potato chips. Best post-run food. Ever.
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I finally got out and did a 3-mile run yesterday in a snow flurry and it was... not terrible! Didn't time myself, but my pace felt reasonable for someone who hasn't been running consistently at all. Took two short breathers. Really wasn't tired and felt like I could have kept going a couple more miles. No major complaints from my joints, though my ankle was a little grouchy this morning.
This week I'm traveling to NM with a coworker who is a distance runner, so I'll try to coordinate with her to hit the road at least one night.
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Hit a 1 mile PR today, 7:06.......@ 210 lbs, I'll take it for now =D
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Hit a 1 mile PR today, 7:06.......@ 210 lbs, I'll take it for now =D
Nice job man!! That is a great time for a distance runner IMO.
I ran a sub 6:00 mile in high school but my adult record is about 7:30 at around 210 lbs.....225 right now though, need to work on that :D
Just trying to get going my runs lately have been in the 10 minute plus range. February has been a bit of a bust between Weather and travel. Hoping to crank it up in March.
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As much as I hate having to slow way down in the heat and humidity of summer, I am tired of winter. While we were in Michigan I did two runs: the first was at 12 degrees (Fahrenheit) with a windchill of zero. While I was technically warm enough, I forgot to bring a buff, so I got some wicked windburn on my face. The next day was more comfortable at 18 degrees, but sheesh. I have managed to wipe from my memory the "joy" that is running on concrete at those temperatures. It's brutally tough on the joints. It was in the low 20s for our long run last weekend, but that felt almost balmy with the sunshine. Thankfully the days are getting noticeably longer!
I am having a total sh!t week of running. It happens sometimes. I'm about halfway through a 16 week training program, so it's definitely the meat of it. I find myself getting frustrated that I'm putting in all of this hard work to (potentially) drop my half PR a couple of minutes. My very naturally athletic husband has been putting in hard work, too (though not 50 mpw work, more like 25); he'll probably run under 1:30. I WISH I could get in range of that in one training cycle. Just gotta keep showing up.
The statement of this thread so far. So much of running is not always attaching a result to your work. The importance of that mindset can't be understated.
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Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
As mentioned previously, I just started running for the first time last June. About 4 or 5 years ago I walked a 5K with some family, but that’s the only organized running event I’ve done since middle school.
For whatever reason, I just don’t have a major desire to do many races. My goal is a 20 minute 5K, but until I’m relatively close to that, I don’t have much interest. I think when I get down closer I’ll have to run a couple organized events just to get familiar with the set up, actual prep that week/morning, etc.
I guess the good thing is that I’m just “enjoying” running without needing to have the specific events to keep me motivated or interested. Part of it too is how busy I am with work, weight lifting, etc. Right now I’m working 6 days/wk, 55-60 hrs. Tack on 15-20 miles of running and two, 60-90 minute weight lifting sessions, I don’t have a lot of extra time. Most events are on Saturday’s as well, which I typically work, and the opportunity cost of taking a day off work for a race makes that race very expensive. My Saturdays at work are typically “optional” but since I’m paid on a day rate, I typically find it worthwhile to go in.
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Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
I don't. I haven't run a race in about four years. I was just thinking the other day I might look for a fun local one, but I don't need that mentally. I just enjoy the running.
It's too bad in a way that I "missed" those last few years because I would have been at the "old end" of an age bracket and I might have actually won something, haha. Now I'm at the young end of an age bracket and I can kiss that thought goodbye for a good long while. :)
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Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
I don't. I haven't run a race in about four years. I was just thinking the other day I might look for a fun local one, but I don't need that mentally. I just enjoy the running.
It's too bad in a way that I "missed" those last few years because I would have been at the "old end" of an age bracket and I might have actually won something, haha. Now I'm at the young end of an age bracket and I can kiss that thought goodbye for a good long while. :)
?? Wouldn’t it be advantageous to be on the young end of your bracket?
I haven’t raced since I turned 40, but a lot of women in the 40-50 are in crazy good shape, so I don’t think it would have improved my placings.
Trix, I find a race motivating to hit a particular goal. Right now I just want to keep weight off and be aerobically fit enough to get through a 45 minute dressage lesson, so I don’t really push for certain times, and don’t have any plans to enter races.
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I race quite a bit (when I haven't done in my calf): being in a running club means plenty of club races as well as external ones, and I like to race duathlons in the summer as I'm a better cyclist than I am a runner. I'm unremarkable in my age category, but have three years to improve before I enter an older grade, so I might have a chance to compete at the pointy end by then!
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I've decided that Pizza is the ultimate running food.
Everytime I eat a pizza the night before a Parkrun, I seem to always run a best time :D
To each his own! I had one of the worst days of my life post-half marathon that was preceded by pizza the night before. Granted, it was kind of awful pizza, but it DESTROYED both me and DH. Between the two of us, I think we killed a bottle of Peptol Bismol. Therefore, I never trust pizza before a race unless it's something short like a 5K. I save the pizza for AFTER the race. :-P
Now candy corn, that's another story. I LOVE fall running, because I can eat candy corn beforehand. Some of my best runs have been fueled by it.
As far as racing goes, I almost never do it unless I'm planning to shoot for a PR or goal time. I just can't be bothered, and it's getting really expensive. I tend to get REALLY NERVOUS before races, too, which makes them rather unpleasant.
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Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
I don't. I haven't run a race in about four years. I was just thinking the other day I might look for a fun local one, but I don't need that mentally. I just enjoy the running.
It's too bad in a way that I "missed" those last few years because I would have been at the "old end" of an age bracket and I might have actually won something, haha. Now I'm at the young end of an age bracket and I can kiss that thought goodbye for a good long while. :)
?? Wouldn’t it be advantageous to be on the young end of your bracket?
I haven’t raced since I turned 40, but a lot of women in the 40-50 are in crazy good shape, so I don’t think it would have improved my placings.
Doh! Yes you're right I had that backwards. All other things being equal being younger is better for that. Woo hoo! I'd better get out there now!
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Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
As mentioned previously, I just started running for the first time last June. About 4 or 5 years ago I walked a 5K with some family, but that’s the only organized running event I’ve done since middle school.
For whatever reason, I just don’t have a major desire to do many races. My goal is a 20 minute 5K, but until I’m relatively close to that, I don’t have much interest. I think when I get down closer I’ll have to run a couple organized events just to get familiar with the set up, actual prep that week/morning, etc.
I guess the good thing is that I’m just “enjoying” running without needing to have the specific events to keep me motivated or interested. Part of it too is how busy I am with work, weight lifting, etc. Right now I’m working 6 days/wk, 55-60 hrs. Tack on 15-20 miles of running and two, 60-90 minute weight lifting sessions, I don’t have a lot of extra time. Most events are on Saturday’s as well, which I typically work, and the opportunity cost of taking a day off work for a race makes that race very expensive. My Saturdays at work are typically “optional” but since I’m paid on a day rate, I typically find it worthwhile to go in.
Not me, really.
Last year I just winged it and kept showing up. I really didn't have a lot of goals. I was on fire last year. I did 3 half marathons (and the associated paid training programs). I took my 1/2 time from 2:52 to 2:28 to 2:20. Then my uphill half from 4:02 (it was fucking 95 degrees that year) to 3:23 (way better weather). I even broke 10:00 for a 10k. All before deciding to have "fun" on a trail run, sigh.
So now, I'm coming back from injury and ... I don't have any race goals. I've signed up for a half marathon training program for a half in May. I did the same program and race last May. I have not, however, signed up for the race.
Mostly, signing up and paying for the running programs GETS ME TO SHOW UP. Even if I don't race. (Which: I probably will? But the half is something like $120-145, so ... it's pretty and all. I've done it 3x. But...do I need to pay $140? I can just train for it, show up on race day and cheer everyone else on. Anything over 9-10 miles kinda hurts anyway. Our final long run is on the actual course and is 11 miles so...perfect!) The October race I did is $80-90, so much more doable. Uphill half is also $90 (almost no support on that one though. You do it for the glory!)
I kinda have a goal of a sub-27:00 5k. That's just a nebulous goal right now because of the state of my running. I am registered for a 10k in Sept. I will probably do the uphill half again in September (before the 10k). Because: it's kind of an insane race and it's turning into my thing.
Just gotta keep showing up.
Yep, this was the statement of the day this morning at track practice. "Just show up!" Some days are good, some days aren't. I follow Kelly Roberts on Instagram, and she had a post this week about showing up and how it took her years to break a 2:00 half. It was very inspiring.
Anyway, racing, times, etc - I'm pretty much racing myself. I'm 48 and women in their 40s are crazy fit. At least the ones who run races. Seriously I'm lucky to make it to dead even 50th percentile.
The other thing about races...I tend towards half marathons because of the training programs. But they are kind of a pain in the ass. First, they are long (2+ hours for me). So it's like this precision instrument with nutrition, hydration, carb-loading. What to eat before and during. When to go to the bathroom. How to time your morning coffee so you don't have to go to the bathroom. Learning to eat carbs for lunch the 2 days before a long run. How to get to the race start on point-to-point races. The nickel and diming (the pretty race mentioned above is 40 miles from where I live, but in the same county. They charge $15 if you want to pick up your BIB here in SB instead of in SYV. But they drive all the damned BIBs down anyway.)
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Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
As mentioned previously, I just started running for the first time last June. About 4 or 5 years ago I walked a 5K with some family, but that’s the only organized running event I’ve done since middle school.
For whatever reason, I just don’t have a major desire to do many races. My goal is a 20 minute 5K, but until I’m relatively close to that, I don’t have much interest. I think when I get down closer I’ll have to run a couple organized events just to get familiar with the set up, actual prep that week/morning, etc.
I guess the good thing is that I’m just “enjoying” running without needing to have the specific events to keep me motivated or interested. Part of it too is how busy I am with work, weight lifting, etc. Right now I’m working 6 days/wk, 55-60 hrs. Tack on 15-20 miles of running and two, 60-90 minute weight lifting sessions, I don’t have a lot of extra time. Most events are on Saturday’s as well, which I typically work, and the opportunity cost of taking a day off work for a race makes that race very expensive. My Saturdays at work are typically “optional” but since I’m paid on a day rate, I typically find it worthwhile to go in.
Not me, really.
Last year I just winged it and kept showing up. I really didn't have a lot of goals. I was on fire last year. I did 3 half marathons (and the associated paid training programs). I took my 1/2 time from 2:52 to 2:28 to 2:20. Then my uphill half from 4:02 (it was fucking 95 degrees that year) to 3:23 (way better weather). I even broke 10:00 for a 10k. All before deciding to have "fun" on a trail run, sigh.
So now, I'm coming back from injury and ... I don't have any race goals. I've signed up for a half marathon training program for a half in May. I did the same program and race last May. I have not, however, signed up for the race.
Mostly, signing up and paying for the running programs GETS ME TO SHOW UP. Even if I don't race. (Which: I probably will? But the half is something like $120-145, so ... it's pretty and all. I've done it 3x. But...do I need to pay $140? I can just train for it, show up on race day and cheer everyone else on. Anything over 9-10 miles kinda hurts anyway. Our final long run is on the actual course and is 11 miles so...perfect!) The October race I did is $80-90, so much more doable. Uphill half is also $90 (almost no support on that one though. You do it for the glory!)
I kinda have a goal of a sub-27:00 5k. That's just a nebulous goal right now because of the state of my running. I am registered for a 10k in Sept. I will probably do the uphill half again in September (before the 10k). Because: it's kind of an insane race and it's turning into my thing.
Just gotta keep showing up.
Yep, this was the statement of the day this morning at track practice. "Just show up!" Some days are good, some days aren't. I follow Kelly Roberts on Instagram, and she had a post this week about showing up and how it took her years to break a 2:00 half. It was very inspiring.
Anyway, racing, times, etc - I'm pretty much racing myself. I'm 48 and women in their 40s are crazy fit. At least the ones who run races. Seriously I'm lucky to make it to dead even 50th percentile.
The other thing about races...I tend towards half marathons because of the training programs. But they are kind of a pain in the ass. First, they are long (2+ hours for me). So it's like this precision instrument with nutrition, hydration, carb-loading. What to eat before and during. When to go to the bathroom. How to time your morning coffee so you don't have to go to the bathroom. Learning to eat carbs for lunch the 2 days before a long run. How to get to the race start on point-to-point races. The nickel and diming (the pretty race mentioned above is 40 miles from where I live, but in the same county. They charge $15 if you want to pick up your BIB here in SB instead of in SYV. But they drive all the damned BIBs down anyway.)
Wow, that is the “involved” I am speaking of. That just seems like so much “work” to run a race. I’m sure I’ll eventually do some once I really have my running dialed in, but we’ll see. I can absolutely see how once people start doing them it’s probably easy to get hooked with the whole environment with the people around, etc. Maybe it’s a good thing I haven’t got that itch yet and I should try and hold off while I can..
I hear what you mean about crazy women (or men for that matter) in their 40’s about running. What I really am enjoying as I learn more about running, is that there really isn’t a huge gap between people in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and often even 50’s, except maybe at a very few elite levels. Aside from that, serious runners in their 50’s seems just crush many average runners in their 20’s and 30’s.. It’s nice seeing that so much potential is still there for decades.
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Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
As mentioned previously, I just started running for the first time last June. About 4 or 5 years ago I walked a 5K with some family, but that’s the only organized running event I’ve done since middle school.
For whatever reason, I just don’t have a major desire to do many races. My goal is a 20 minute 5K, but until I’m relatively close to that, I don’t have much interest. I think when I get down closer I’ll have to run a couple organized events just to get familiar with the set up, actual prep that week/morning, etc.
I guess the good thing is that I’m just “enjoying” running without needing to have the specific events to keep me motivated or interested. Part of it too is how busy I am with work, weight lifting, etc. Right now I’m working 6 days/wk, 55-60 hrs. Tack on 15-20 miles of running and two, 60-90 minute weight lifting sessions, I don’t have a lot of extra time. Most events are on Saturday’s as well, which I typically work, and the opportunity cost of taking a day off work for a race makes that race very expensive. My Saturdays at work are typically “optional” but since I’m paid on a day rate, I typically find it worthwhile to go in.
While I do enjoy running, it does seem like I'm usually training or keeping my base up for a training program for a half. We have that "half in every state" goal. And while we aren't hitting it hard like some folks (I heard of people racing multiples per month to hit that goal within a couple of years), I would like accomplish it before I'm 50... which means 2-3 per year. So... usually training or keeping my base up for a training program. We also end up doing a handful of local 5K's each year with friends. Luckily my area is full of cheap ($10-15 early registration) 5K's which makes me feel better about spending the money! The half's we try to time with already scheduled travel (Ran a half the morning my partner was in a wedding for example, partner tagged along on my work trip once and we ran a half).
In general though, I do just like running. I don't have a half scheduled, still running regularly.
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Runner here. Run to and from work year-round with a fair bit of biking for a change when it's not winter, which in Norway means snow and ice. Save money on public transport (car clowning obv not an option) and get lots of exercice without really spending any time on it. Public transport commute is 30 minutes home to work while running is 30-40 mins depending on how fast I run.
Never done any race, but did a 1/2 marathon on a training run last year in 1:53 without really trying. Was going for a 10km-ish run and then figured out if I just repeat the lap I've done a half marathon, so did it just for the heck of it.
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Last day of February! I should finish up with 192 miles for the short month. I totally slacked on the strength work and need to get back into it for March. There's a local half marathon on the 23rd that I am thinking about doing as a tune-up for my goal race on April 28th, but I may enter the 5k instead. I'd like to believe I could PR the 5k with all the intervals I've been doing, but I seem to have very poor mental fortitude for the suffering required. :-P
It's true that I often get absolutely slaughtered by the women and men in their 40s/50s, but I find myself trailing the 12 year-old girls, too. I wish I had run more regularly as a kid instead of failing the mile test every year in gym class!
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It's true that I often get absolutely slaughtered by the women and men in their 40s/50s, but I find myself trailing the 12 year-old girls, too.
Once when I was in my 20s I was running a 10k hard -- trying for a personal best -- and I was passed by (1) a woman in her 40s running with two miniature dachshunds, and (2) a guy singing and playing a guitar. :)
February is over, and it was a great month. But I forgot to keep track of my running time haha. I think it must have been more than 20 hours. Maybe 25.
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Well, my triathlete coworker kept me motivated, so I got a short run on Tuesday and we hiked up a steep rocky trail last night. She gets up at 4am and does 2 a days. Wow.
Thinking I'll try a 5 mile run this weekend.
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Only manged two runs in January so gotta get cracking!!!
Damn, only got a whopping 3 runs in February. Did also get 3 outdoor bike rides and 2 indoor trainer rides in so 8 total cardio but still pretty light. Also got in 4 strength training workouts for a total of 12 workouts. 10 days of travel out of 28 threw me off a good bit though.
March Goal - 24 total workouts
8 runs
4 outdoor bike rides
4 indoor bike ride
8 strength training workouts
Will be tough to double my amount but zero travel this month and hopefully improving Weather will help.
Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
I typically have a hard time getting motivated to run if I'm not training for a race. I might run once or twice a month if the Weather is nice and I don't have time for a bike ride. But If I want to run twice a week or more I usually need a race for some motivation and consistency.
My big Goal race this year is the Vegas Half Marathon in November and I hope to break 2 hours and set a PR. In the past when I've done Fall/Early winter races I usually get serious around Sept. This year I'm going to try and do a Race in May with a goal of 2:20, Around Labor day with a goal of 2:10 and then the main one to try to break 2. Hopefully this will shave those last few minutes; as I've come soooo close my last two attempts.
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My recent approach of running little and often seems to be working for me.
I run Tues, Weds, Thu (at 5:15am, before work) and Sat and Sun. this is is far more than I have typically done, but I have been building up very slowly to 30 min runs now (c3.5mi). The consistency has turned habitual, so I’m not really thinking about it - going when I wake means I don’t have time to talk myself out of it.
Ran 100.3k in Feb off the back of that, and have only been going for 3 months!
Aerobically it feels ok, but I now realise in my later years that building very slowly (<10% increases each week) allow my muscle and joints to get used to what I’m doing. It’s been 5 years since I completed a 50 miler off-road run, and I finally feel like I’m back on the horse....
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I clocked 127km in February, slightly down on Jan, but with 3 less days and a 10k race tomorrow morning there are reasons.
It's true that I often get absolutely slaughtered by the women and men in their 40s/50s, but I find myself trailing the 12 year-old girls, too. I wish I had run more regularly as a kid instead of failing the mile test every year in gym class!
Yep, a 12 year old girl was the first female finisher at our Parkrun today, in a quick time of 21 min.
It was interesting being tail walker today. Not used to seeing the empty stretches of footpath that the leaders do - they were mid way through lap 2 and I was on lap 1... usually I'm in a bunch with several others at my pace so I don't see the big gaps out front.
Slightly eerie seeing them go.
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January 2019 total miles/workouts
64 miles
(2) 40 min (500 cal ea) spin sessions
9 weight lifting sessions
28 total workouts
February 2019 total miles/workouts
56 miles
(1) 44 min (500 cal) spin session
7 weight lifting sessions
20 total workouts
Not a bad month. Was out of town 8 days for work, 4 of those up north in winter with no easy treadmill access. Did ski and snowmobile 2 days which was quite the workout.
Just ran a 10k (on my own) an hour ago. Goal was 9 min miles, but ended up at 8:50 with plenty left in the tank. Had to stop yesterday’s workout at 4 miles instead of 6 because my knees were bugging me. One of the only times I’ve cut a run short since I started 8 months ago, but I know better than to push it.
I’m slowly working to increase my mileage around 1 mile every other week or so. Trying to mix all sorts of different runs in with various intensity and pace. This week was 18 miles. Plan to peak around 22-25 miles and then just continue to pick up intensity. I’m only interested in running 4 days/wk, lifting 2 days, and 1 day of full rest.
Still maintaining strength despit my running. Bench pressed 255x7 Thursday and squats are still around 350x6.
Weight is at 180lbs and probably around 6-8% BF. I’d love to lose around 5 more lbs, but it’s a balancing act at this point to continue to maintain everything going on.
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Volunteered at a local trail HM/5mile race today. Trails had ice covered with a crust of snow and a water crossing low 30s weather. I'm glad I just registered people and handed out medals.
Afterwards I kicked myself for realizing my trail shoes I normally leave in the car weren't there so I went home to get my own 4 miles in.
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Did my 4.4 mile route today with plenty of walk breaks.
After traveling all week with someone who's training for a half Iron Man, I'm feeling more inspired/disciplined.
Planning to shoot for 10 miles a week, which I think will be enough to get fitness benefits without becoming too time-consuming, and also allow my old doggo to accompany most of the time.
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I joined the Y and yesterday met up with a nice personal trainer who got me set up with a strength training plan. It centers around squats, deadlift, and bench press, with ancillaries thrown in for shoulder, arms, back, and ab work. One hour a day, three days a week.
I'm excited to get going, but also very aware of how completely weak I am and how hard this is going to be. Also [wah wah, cries like a baby :)] three hours a week sounds like so much time. I have to get my head screwed on straight. I think nothing of spending 8 or 10 hours a week running -- that's a treat. Why do I think weight lifting is a chore? I hope I can get to a place mentally where I look forward to lifting. And feeling grateful that I have the time and ability to train.
Will you weight lifters out there please give me some perspective/encouragement/face punches about this? What's it like for you? Do you look forward to your workouts? Or do you just gut it out and then feel glad it's over?
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Running background:
Discovered running in 2011 or so, after not running ever. Loved it, trained consistently, ran half marathons. Found out I had lupus, which was discovered because long runs were SO.DAMN.HARD. Freaked me out & made me really nervous to do long runs again.
In 2013, I eked out a poorly trained half marathon.
In 2018, I ran another incredibly poorly trained half marathon, because I'd convinced my sister & best friend to run it with me. I crossed the finish line for the first time with a tremendous amount of knee & ankle pain from under training.
I'm scheduled to run a half marathon in May. I'm following this super beginner half marathon training plan, & I'm on week one. https://files.verywellfit.com/Training+Plans/12+Week+Beginner+Half+Marathon+Training+Plan+.pdf
I'm also mixing in plenty of strength training & stretches, but need more focus on my hips. I'll check out the Myrtl plan linked above.
3 miler scheduled for today. I'm pretty slow (11:30 minute pace) & it's really hilly where we're at. My running pace in 2013 was under 10 minutes, so it's my goal to get back.
Goals for half in May:
-Minimal/no knee/ankle pain
-Ability to run the entire thing
-Faster than my October half
-Feeling good about running again
After this half, I really want to stay consistent. It took me months to get my knees in shape after the October 1/2, so I need to be much nicer to my body this time around.
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I joined the Y and yesterday met up with a nice personal trainer who got me set up with a strength training plan. It centers around squats, deadlift, and bench press, with ancillaries thrown in for shoulder, arms, back, and ab work. One hour a day, three days a week.
I'm excited to get going, but also very aware of how completely weak I am and how hard this is going to be. Also [wah wah, cries like a baby :)] three hours a week sounds like so much time. I have to get my head screwed on straight. I think nothing of spending 8 or 10 hours a week running -- that's a treat. Why do I think weight lifting is a chore? I hope I can get to a place mentally where I look forward to lifting. And feeling grateful that I have the time and ability to train.
Will you weight lifters out there please give me some perspective/encouragement/face punches about this? What's it like for you? Do you look forward to your workouts? Or do you just gut it out and then feel glad it's over?
I have been the total opposite of you my whole life. Very heavy into weightlifting and absolutely loving. Since last summer, I’ve started running regularly for the first time in my life and I’m starting to really enjoy it (I think lol). While I may not often “like” my runs, I love the feeling of accomplishment afterwards, I love making and breaking new short term goals, I love the energy, mindfulness, etc. that it seems to give me the rest of the time.
I believe that weightlifting has identical benefits, but different. I don’t think that running can accomplish all the benefits of weightlifting, and I don’t believe that weightlifting can accomplish all the benefits of running. I also feel like my weightlifting helps my running in terms of preventing injury. There’s also the aesthetic benefit of weightlifting. No matter who you are, there is a lot to be said about looking in the mirror and feeling better about yourself. Running has taken my physique to a whole level in a very different but equally as important way as weightlifting has.
I would suggest making a lot of short and long term goals with your weight lifting. The first 6-12 months you’ll see the biggest increases, and then they will taper some, but not in a bad way. I’ve been lifting for over half my life (I’m 30) and I’m at the point now where I expect very little, if any, strength increases and I’m perfectly fine with that. If I can continue to increase my running length and speed, while maintaining my muscle mass, I find that to be a win.
3 days a week sounds like a reasonable amount of time for a new weightlifter. I’ve averaged anywhere from 5 days a week, 60-90 minute sessions, and am now at 2 days/wk, for around 70-80 minute sessions. Once you build your base, you’ll learn so much about your body and training that you can be the most efficient. I’m stronger now at 2 days of perfect (for me) workouts, than I was 6-8 years ago going 5 days/wk, just because I’ve learned my body so much better.
Diet and recovery are huge. I’d say diet for weightlifting is far more critical than running. There are tons and tons of hardcore runners out there with great times that have terrible diets in reality. Most people won’t be so lucky when it comes to weight lifting, the right amount of protein, good carbs, etc., I find to be far more important.
If you have any specific questions at all - feel free to post them up!
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Squats, Deads, and Bench are what you will see me focusing my efforts on the gym on, 90% of the time.
A routine like starting strength or Bill Starr/Mad Cow 5x5 are all awesome programs.
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@Sanne that's a pretty serious amount of cycling every day! I'm only ~ 6 miles from work, but the route is garbage....so I haven't tried biking yet. Good luck with your build to a 5k! That's the hardest leap to make. After that it's easy. :)
I think I failed to mention that I have an e-bike so that makes it more manageable for sure. :) Before that I only biked to work in the summer and even then I skipped all the bad days. I decided to buy a secondhand e-bike 3 years ago to try out that needed replacing but I did go on that bike all the time and found out I loved it. I can get a discount from work for a new bike so I decided to buy a new one. The weather in The Netherlands is not always that good so I love my e-bike for work, I can even go when it's raining, heavy wind etc. I have good gear like a rainsuit, overshoes for when it's really cold so I can go on my bike all the time.
We don't have a car so the other option would be public transport (bike - train - bus) and that would also be more expensive. My new bike is the price for 9 months public transport.
Thanks for the encouragement, I do need it! :)
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Thanks @use2betrix -- that's really helpful. I had not thought at all about diet. How would I need to eat differently if I'm lifting weights three times a week on top of running? Just eat more? Eat more protein?
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Thanks @use2betrix -- that's really helpful. I had not thought at all about diet. How would I need to eat differently if I'm lifting weights three times a week on top of running? Just eat more? Eat more protein?
For “many” more protein is often one item more important to weightlifting than running goals.
That being said... any idea what your diet is currently like now? Calories, grams of carbs/protein per day? Roughly?
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Thanks @use2betrix -- that's really helpful. I had not thought at all about diet. How would I need to eat differently if I'm lifting weights three times a week on top of running? Just eat more? Eat more protein?
For “many” more protein is often one item more important to weightlifting than running goals.
That being said... any idea what your diet is currently like now? Calories, grams of carbs/protein per day? Roughly?
No idea, sorry. I think I eat well. People tell me I eat a lot volume-wise for my size. Vegetables, meat, whole grain, no sugar, no fast food. But I've never counted anything. I guess I'll just see how I feel and tinker with the diet as needed?
My first weight workout ever was -- interesting -- yesterday morning. I used very light weights just to get used to the motions. It felt pretty easy but by the end of it I felt sick. Like borderline throwing up sick. It passed quickly and I've felt fine since then. I don't think I 'overdid' it . . . So what was that? Like some kind of weird biochemical reaction from muscles being asked to do something after years of inactivity?
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Thanks @use2betrix -- that's really helpful. I had not thought at all about diet. How would I need to eat differently if I'm lifting weights three times a week on top of running? Just eat more? Eat more protein?
For “many” more protein is often one item more important to weightlifting than running goals.
That being said... any idea what your diet is currently like now? Calories, grams of carbs/protein per day? Roughly?
No idea, sorry. I think I eat well. People tell me I eat a lot volume-wise for my size. Vegetables, meat, whole grain, no sugar, no fast food. But I've never counted anything. I guess I'll just see how I feel and tinker with the diet as needed?
My first weight workout ever was -- interesting -- yesterday morning. I used very light weights just to get used to the motions. It felt pretty easy but by the end of it I felt sick. Like borderline throwing up sick. It passed quickly and I've felt fine since then. I don't think I 'overdid' it . . . So what was that? Like some kind of weird biochemical reaction from muscles being asked to do something after years of inactivity?
Definitely try some trial and error with the diet. I recently actually reduced my protein and increased my carbs as I’m cutting back on lifting and increasing running, and I find it to be a welcomed change. That being said, I’m still having around 200+grams protein/day at around 180lbs body weight.
Very interesting about your workout! Not surprising at all and that will certainly pass. It is a little funny to read (no offense) because I certainly remember those days. Still have them rarely when making drastic changes to the program. A lot of it is a huge lactic acid requiring your body to use muscles they aren’t familiar with using to that extent. Keep the weight low, keep your form perfect, and build up from there. How have you been feeling after? Likely some type of soreness? Overtime, the soreness from workouts will subside considerably. If you’re not pretty dang sore for your first few months, I’d be concerned for a few reasons.
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Thanks @use2betrix -- that's really helpful. I had not thought at all about diet. How would I need to eat differently if I'm lifting weights three times a week on top of running? Just eat more? Eat more protein?
For “many” more protein is often one item more important to weightlifting than running goals.
That being said... any idea what your diet is currently like now? Calories, grams of carbs/protein per day? Roughly?
No idea, sorry. I think I eat well. People tell me I eat a lot volume-wise for my size. Vegetables, meat, whole grain, no sugar, no fast food. But I've never counted anything. I guess I'll just see how I feel and tinker with the diet as needed?
My first weight workout ever was -- interesting -- yesterday morning. I used very light weights just to get used to the motions. It felt pretty easy but by the end of it I felt sick. Like borderline throwing up sick. It passed quickly and I've felt fine since then. I don't think I 'overdid' it . . . So what was that? Like some kind of weird biochemical reaction from muscles being asked to do something after years of inactivity?
Definitely try some trial and error with the diet. I recently actually reduced my protein and increased my carbs as I’m cutting back on lifting and increasing running, and I find it to be a welcomed change. That being said, I’m still having around 200+grams protein/day at around 180lbs body weight.
Very interesting about your workout! Not surprising at all and that will certainly pass. It is a little funny to read (no offense) because I certainly remember those days. Still have them rarely when making drastic changes to the program. A lot of it is a huge lactic acid requiring your body to use muscles they aren’t familiar with using to that extent. Keep the weight low, keep your form perfect, and build up from there. How have you been feeling after? Likely some type of soreness? Overtime, the soreness from workouts will subside considerably. If you’re not pretty dang sore for your first few months, I’d be concerned for a few reasons.
I was reading today about the protein content of various foods, and I think on an average day I eat about 50 grams, for ~120 pounds of body weight. I'll be keeping track of how I feel with the workouts and I can definitely eat more protein if need be.
That nausea yesterday was so weird. I've been sick to my stomach a few times from running (racing, doing intervals, whatever) but the lifting didn't feel very hard. I didn't even break a sweat. But such a strong reaction! Yep -- I'm sore from it, in a good way. So I guess I'm on the right track. Thanks for the help and encouragement. :)
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Today's track workout started with the mile. Which is probably my least favorite thing in the world. I finished the mile in 10:18, which isn't bad. When I did the same thing last year, at the beginning of the "season", it was 9:20. So 10:18 not bad when I literally took a few months off because of injury.
I also took the plunge and signed up for the gym and weight training. The running coach owns a kettlebell gym. I'd been thinking about taking classes (but I already have 2 gym memberships...) Fact of the matter is - I work much harder, am more motivated, and use better form in a class-type setting. So, I did my first class yesterday. Will take a bit to get the form down pat.
I have to say that I'm super impressed with the other people in the class (many of whom I know from track and racing, all of whom are way faster than me). I used the 18-lb bell the full class (mostly focusing on form). I could barely squeak out the overhead presses...and everyone else in the class had bells much much larger. And 5/7 people were women. And I can't imagine pressing 30-40 lbs with one arm.
In any event, I think it's going to be a great way to round out my fitness while getting back into the running routine.
The next half is in May. Haven't registered yet. One of my fellow trainee peeps wants to do the relay, and she wants to do the first (easy) half. First bit is 5.5 miles, some rolling hills. Second part is 7.5 miles, has a MASSIVE big corkscrew hill right near the start then some rolling downhills, followed by a really horrible long, one mile up hill at mile 11.5. It sucks, but prob be much more doable if I'm only doing 7.5 miles not 13.1. Then again, do I REALLY need to pay $125-140 for this? No discount for the relay.
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Good for you @mm1970! Your training and race plans are super impressive. If you do the tough half of that relay you get BA bragging rights. :)
I also see people at the gym -- small people, older women -- lifting way more than I can. It's amazing, and gives me hope that I can get stronger too.
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I ran my first half marathon in 2018. I didn't have a goal set for that race other than to finish it, but I wasn't thrilled with my time--it was incredibly humid thanks to several storms before the race, including one the night before, and I slow down a ton in the heat/humidity.
For 2019, my goal is to run two half marathons--one in August (same race that I did in 2018; hoping to beat my time) and one in October when it should be cooler and less humid. I'm also planning to make cross-training a priority. I didn't take it seriously last year and developed runner's knee (not positive that it was caused by insufficient cross-training, but I suspect that's what it was).
I'm currently doing cardio/strength training at home and planning to do an advanced beginner's training program starting in April. The roads around here are still covered in ice and the closest gym is 25 minutes away, so I'm waiting to get back to running until the ice is gone. Should be able to keep up running year-round starting next winter, though--closing soon on a house that has a basement large enough for a treadmill. Hoping to score a free/cheap treadmill from Freecycle/Craigslist/garage sales.
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The roads around here are still covered in ice and the closest gym is 25 minutes away, so I'm waiting to get back to running until the ice is gone. Should be able to keep up running year-round starting next winter, though--closing soon on a house that has a basement large enough for a treadmill. Hoping to score a free/cheap treadmill from Freecycle/Craigslist/garage sales.
Running on snow/ice isn't a problem. Just get shoes with spikes. I will under abseloutly no circumstance run indoors as long as outdoors exists;)
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Anyone training for a marathon/has experience doing that here? I'm possibly running my first marathon in four weeks and I'm looking for tips :-)
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This has been a rougher week for me. Last Saturday I had a great 6 mile run. I typically do my long runs Friday so I can rest Saturday for leg day at the gym Sunday. Anyways - my long run happened Saturday. I felt good at the gym Sunday, and pushed myself on my last set of squats going for 355x6. On my last rep, I completely threw out my back and couldn’t finish much of my workout. I was fine with some exercises, just as long as they in no way included bending over. Pain was an 8/10 Sunday.
It slowly has gotten better this week but is still really tight. I still mustered through a 4 mile run Tuesday, modified workout Wednesday, 5 mile run Thursday, then aiming for a 5-6 mile run this afternoon. To add to that, my wife and I moved our entire apartment an hour away this week (no movers, to a second story apartment no less) had “team building” concerts for work two nights this week, and lots of work as well..
Despite all that, very pleased I’ve been able to work through so far and keep this running going.
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That really sucks @use2betrix. Hope your back feels better soon. Is it a pulled muscle? Slipped SI joint?
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Anyone training for a marathon/has experience doing that here? I'm possibly running my first marathon in four weeks and I'm looking for tips :-)
Stay slow, very slow. You will think you are feeling good at the halfway point and you can go faster, you are wrong.
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That really sucks @use2betrix. Hope your back feels better soon. Is it a pulled muscle? Slipped SI joint?
Thanks! I’m not entirely sure what it is, but it’s slowly getting better all week so while painful, I don’t think anything that won’t be 100% within the next couple weeks. Running seems to be fine now (did a smooth 5 miles tonight) but still stiff when I wake up. Tomorrow is leg day, and I won’t be doing anything that puts heavy pressure on the back (i.e. squats).
Over my many years of weight training, I’ve found that most workouts can really work around nagging injuries/pain, and some injuries impact exercises you’d never have expected. I’ve had several hernia surgeries, and after my umbilical, I oddly found that tricep push downs put more pressure on my mid section than tons and tons of other exercises.
Tomorrow, I should still be fine with medium weight front squats on the smith machine, lunches, leg curls, and seated calf raises. With this type of back pain, the biggest struggle would be squats, or anything that involves bending over (i.e. bent over rows on back day). Aside from that, I’ll be able to work around this for the next week or so.
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The roads around here are still covered in ice and the closest gym is 25 minutes away, so I'm waiting to get back to running until the ice is gone. Should be able to keep up running year-round starting next winter, though--closing soon on a house that has a basement large enough for a treadmill. Hoping to score a free/cheap treadmill from Freecycle/Craigslist/garage sales.
Running on snow/ice isn't a problem. Just get shoes with spikes. I will under abseloutly no circumstance run indoors as long as outdoors exists;)
Screw shoes are the mustachian answer. http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
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The roads around here are still covered in ice and the closest gym is 25 minutes away, so I'm waiting to get back to running until the ice is gone. Should be able to keep up running year-round starting next winter, though--closing soon on a house that has a basement large enough for a treadmill. Hoping to score a free/cheap treadmill from Freecycle/Craigslist/garage sales.
Running on snow/ice isn't a problem. Just get shoes with spikes. I will under abseloutly no circumstance run indoors as long as outdoors exists;)
Screw shoes are the mustachian answer. http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
Thanks for the recommendations! Just to clarify, my problem is with sharing icy roads with cars. I'm currently living in an area with narrow roads, no shoulders or sidewalks, and they don't get plowed down to bare pavement--the plows just take off the top layer of snow, but they leave behind a layer of packed snow that ices over. I've run through the winter while living elsewhere before and had no trouble running on pedestrian paths in parks or on roads that have a wide shoulder.
But, yeah, I have no need to ever own a treadmill. The house I'm buying is in a neighborhood within walking distance of two different parks, and the main cross-street has a mixed use sidewalk/bike path that's separate from the road. That's one of the top reasons we're buying this particular house. WTF was I thinking? I've been so focused on getting ready to move/planning for my garden at our new house that it literally didn't occur to me that I won't have this problem to deal with once I move.
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The roads around here are still covered in ice and the closest gym is 25 minutes away, so I'm waiting to get back to running until the ice is gone. Should be able to keep up running year-round starting next winter, though--closing soon on a house that has a basement large enough for a treadmill. Hoping to score a free/cheap treadmill from Freecycle/Craigslist/garage sales.
Running on snow/ice isn't a problem. Just get shoes with spikes. I will under abseloutly no circumstance run indoors as long as outdoors exists;)
Screw shoes are the mustachian answer. http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
Thanks for the recommendations! Just to clarify, my problem is with sharing icy roads with cars. I'm currently living in an area with narrow roads, no shoulders or sidewalks, and they don't get plowed down to bare pavement--the plows just take off the top layer of snow, but they leave behind a layer of packed snow that ices over. I've run through the winter while living elsewhere before and had no trouble running on pedestrian paths in parks or on roads that have a wide shoulder.
But, yeah, I have no need to ever own a treadmill. The house I'm buying is in a neighborhood within walking distance of two different parks, and the main cross-street has a mixed use sidewalk/bike path that's separate from the road. That's one of the top reasons we're buying this particular house. WTF was I thinking? I've been so focused on getting ready to move/planning for my garden at our new house that it literally didn't occur to me that I won't have this problem to deal with once I move.
It seems as if I’m one of the few, if any, regular treadmill runners here.
Are there any others out there? It rains here a ton, it’s hot, humid, sticky, and I guess I just don’t have a desire to run in the rain.. That being said, I do still aim for 1/3 to 1/2 of my runs to be outside, especially harder runs, longer runs, etc. My treadmill runs or either more during recovery after hard runs/gym sessions, poor weather, or to simply get more easy miles in.
Also - while I love the cold weather, it seems hard extended cardio below 50 degrees often gives me a cold for the next few days..
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It seems as if I’m one of the few, if any, regular treadmill runners here.
Are there any others out there?
We have a treadmill and I use it regularly -- more so before I retired. Much as I love running outside, I don't do it in the dark. So on workdays in the winter I used the treadmill. It's a Landice; going on 13 years old with many thousands of miles on it. (My DH and DD are runners too). Going strong.
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It seems as if I’m one of the few, if any, regular treadmill runners here.
Are there any others out there? It rains here a ton, it’s hot, humid, sticky, and I guess I just don’t have a desire to run in the rain.. That being said, I do still aim for 1/3 to 1/2 of my runs to be outside, especially harder runs, longer runs, etc. My treadmill runs or either more during recovery after hard runs/gym sessions, poor weather, or to simply get more easy miles in.
Also - while I love the cold weather, it seems hard extended cardio below 50 degrees often gives me a cold for the next few days..
I've never had much luck with treadmills not killing my kness; but it's been a long time since I've tried so between my improved stride and improved technology maybe it'd be better.
I did end up buying a bike trainer last Thanksgiving though for my basement because I've been sick of the big drop off my cardio has taken the last few winters. the cold doesn't bother me as much as just the fact that it's basically always dark except weekends or when I'm at work. Running/biking once a weekend isn't really enough to maintain fitness!
Running doesn't bother me too much until right around 32, mountain biking I can go even lower if I don't push the uphills to hard before my breathing really bothers me or gives me that cold/throat/nose type issue. But I also do carpentry outside year round so am pretty adapted to the cold.
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It seems as if I’m one of the few, if any, regular treadmill runners here.
Are there any others out there? It rains here a ton, it’s hot, humid, sticky, and I guess I just don’t have a desire to run in the rain.. That being said, I do still aim for 1/3 to 1/2 of my runs to be outside, especially harder runs, longer runs, etc. My treadmill runs or either more during recovery after hard runs/gym sessions, poor weather, or to simply get more easy miles in.
Also - while I love the cold weather, it seems hard extended cardio below 50 degrees often gives me a cold for the next few days..
I used the dreadmill when I was running more seriously. It's great for getting in timed intervals, or just logging miles when it's not possible/practical to run outside. Now I'm running more for enjoyment; if I'm stuck inside, I'd rather just do kettlebells, rowing machine, or even the elliptical most of the time. I use the elliptical with the arms, so I feel like I'm making better use of my gym time with those activities.
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I love running in light rain or mist/fog. Did a 4.3 miler today in mist, at 45 degrees and it was lovely.
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Thanks for all the feedback. As a newer runner, I’m still getting familiar with different running options and what works best for others.
Couple more questions:
1. Several comments about not wanting to run in the dark. Is that due to safety? Not being able to see? As it starts to get hotter I either have to lay on the sunscreen heavy, which I hate, or wear long sleeves, hat, etc. I’m white, freckle, and already had skin cancer in my 20’s. Tomorrow morning I plan to go for a 3-4 mile run at 5:30 a.m. We just moved last week so we’ll have to see how it works in this new location, but there’s a good sidewalk to a neighborhood nearby.
2. Adding to that, what does everyone do here for sun protection? A couple weeks ago I did an hour run during the hour up to sunset, seemed cloudy, upper 60’s, and I came home and was definitely sunburnt. I typically expect that in the 70’s on up. I’m going to start looking for some synthetic type SPF long sleeves and a hat with sun protection in the rear. Last year, as I was just starting to run, I always ran in mornings, night, or on the treadmill.. Planning on some run’s while the suns still somewhat out this year.
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1) safety, both cars and seeing imperfections in the road/trails.
2) long sleeve + hat, sunscreen on quads/hams/calves/shins/hands/face/neck.
If you run at dawn/dusk you can get great runs in with lower temps. First light ---> sun actually getting hot is at least 2 hours in most parts of the country. Same with evening, but you will have higher temps.....generally.
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Forgot to add, I don't put sunscreen above my eyeline on the front of my face. Learned the hard way with sweat laced with SPF 60 dripped in my eyes halfway through an 8 mile long run a few years ago.
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I run about half of the early training runs (e.g. lower miles) on the treadmill. It's schedule dependent for me. My max that I'll run on a treadmill is about 7 miles. After that, I lose the will to live. We no longer have one at home, so I need to be at the gym.
As for today, I ran a 4 miler. I'm on the second week of my half training plan. I did a 2, a 2.5 & a 4. Next week really starts to build the mileage. Unfortunately, the weather has been super rainy here in the bay area & driving me crazy. It was a wet one today.
For sunblock, I use a lot on my face, & any other exposed body part. I prefer a lotion Neutrogena SPF 70 for my face, combined with a hat & sunglasses. For anywhere else, I use a spray sunblock. I also hate to run in the heat, so typically run in the morning before it's too hot.
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I run about half of the early training runs (e.g. lower miles) on the treadmill. It's schedule dependent for me. My max that I'll run on a treadmill is about 7 miles. After that, I lose the will to live. We no longer have one at home, so I need to be at the gym.
Yes. I once did 8 miles on a treadmill at a hotel in Oklahoma City b/c I was training for a 30k and there were thunderstorms that day. Getting struck by lightning started sounding like an attractive option towards the end. Ugh.
I will run in the dark as long as it's not icy. I just wear a headlamp and usually another little clip flashing light to make sure I'm visible. My dog has a reflective vest too. I just stick to routes that have decent sidewalks and aren't too busy. A few weeks ago I did step on a large rock I didn't see, but luckily it shot out sideways under my shoe; I could see it having caused a problem if I'd stepped more squarely on it and rolled my ankle.
I don't bother with sun screen if I'm out less than an hour. Used to do spray sun screens for longer runs, but I see now that those are not so great for actual sun protection. If you wear a billed hat, ears and back of neck are probably the most crucial to hit.
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1. Several comments about not wanting to run in the dark. Is that due to safety? Not being able to see? As it starts to get hotter I either have to lay on the sunscreen heavy, which I hate, or wear long sleeves, hat, etc. I’m white, freckle, and already had skin cancer in my 20’s. Tomorrow morning I plan to go for a 3-4 mile run at 5:30 a.m. We just moved last week so we’ll have to see how it works in this new location, but there’s a good sidewalk to a neighborhood nearby.
2. Adding to that, what does everyone do here for sun protection? A couple weeks ago I did an hour run during the hour up to sunset, seemed cloudy, upper 60’s, and I came home and was definitely sunburnt. I typically expect that in the 70’s on up. I’m going to start looking for some synthetic type SPF long sleeves and a hat with sun protection in the rear. Last year, as I was just starting to run, I always ran in mornings, night, or on the treadmill.. Planning on some run’s while the suns still somewhat out this year.
Safety in respect of tripping/falling, I don't worry about my personal safety much where I live/run. but also probably just some laziness/winter blues. I also prefer trail running though so it is nice to be able to see where I'm going though I guess I could try head lights or something. Honestly around Thanksgiving my mind just goes from running/biking to skiing/chilling and typically results in a good 5-10 pounds of weight gain and losing a lot of my fitness, which I've tried somewhat successfully to mitigate this winter.
I don't usually bother with any specific sun protection for running, though as I mentioned I run in the trails a lot so there is decent shade. I wear a daily facial moisturizer lotion that has SPF 15 though I doubt it lasts all day. Now if I'm on vacation running around the beach or sidewalks with no shade and stuff I'll do sunscreen on my face/neck/arms.
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I prefer running when it’s light out to reduce my chances of crossing paths with a skunk. I also feel safer running on roads after dawn, though I do have a headlamp that I use if I start a run before dawn. My favorite place to run is unpaved trails in a park, but it’s a bit of a drive for me to get there so I don’t go that often and never make it there before dawn because I’m not really a morning person. It has a ton of tree roots crossing the trail, so I imagine it would be harder to avoid tripping in the dark.
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Couple more questions:
1. Several comments about not wanting to run in the dark. Is that due to safety? Not being able to see?
2. Adding to that, what does everyone do here for sun protection?
Both. All my outdoor runs are on hiking trails. Some people do run those at night with a headlamp, but I'm not one of them. My night vision is poor which makes falling likely, plus I go alone and don't have a dog. It doesn't feel safe on multiple fronts.
For sun protection I just use a hat. You can get a visored hat with a built in cloth that hangs down over the back of your neck -- those are good. I'm not super fair. I think I would have to be in the sun for 2+ hours for it to burn my arms. And that level of sun never happens in the woods, which is mostly shade. I'm glad because I really hate sunscreen.
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Thanks everyone for the input and all the options.
I did my 4 mile run this morning outside and in the new neighborhood. The ground was wet either from the humidity/dew or it may have rained last night. I ran from 5:23-6:02 a.m. The weather was 71 degrees with 92% humidity. Since I did 6 miles Saturday and legs yesterday, it was a slower, easier run.
The lighting around the neighborhood/route I took was intermittent, but on a slower, easier run, I think it will be adequate for morning runs. I don’t think I’d like to do my harder/tempo runs in the dark in the morning, but we’ll see. Fortunately I was able to stay on sidewalks 90% of the time.
From a safety aspect, I’m not overly concerned for myself being a large, muscular, in shape 30 year old male. I don’t know that I would feel comfortable with my 5’, 115lb wife running the same route alone. That being said, she did leave about 20 minutes before dawn to take the dog on a 2 mile walk. He’s a 2 year old, 80 lb German Shepherd, and a very big safety addition. I also make sure she brings her phone.
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Anyone training for a marathon/has experience doing that here? I'm possibly running my first marathon in four weeks and I'm looking for tips :-)
Stay slow, very slow. You will think you are feeling good at the halfway point and you can go faster, you are wrong.
I've heard of the famous 30k "wall", but never experienced it yet. My longest run is 27k, there are still 15k left after this. I have hopes to do it in 3h 20min, but I have no idea if it's possible. I did a half marathon in 1h 30min last year, but the marathon is so much longer.
My plan is to do a 33k run two weeks before the marathon, then relax for two weeks to build up energy.
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Anyone training for a marathon/has experience doing that here? I'm possibly running my first marathon in four weeks and I'm looking for tips :-)
Stay slow, very slow. You will think you are feeling good at the halfway point and you can go faster, you are wrong.
I've heard of the famous 30k "wall", but never experienced it yet. My longest run is 27k, there are still 15k left after this. I have hopes to do it in 3h 20min, but I have no idea if it's possible. I did a half marathon in 1h 30min last year, but the marathon is so much longer.
My plan is to do a 33k run two weeks before the marathon, then relax for two weeks to build up energy.
Is my math correct on this...
A 1:30 (90 minute) half marathon, would technically be about 13 miles at 7 minutes/mile, no?
I see that number thrown around occasionally, the 1:30 half, and that just seems insanely fast (although I’m a pretty inexperienced runner)
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Anyone training for a marathon/has experience doing that here? I'm possibly running my first marathon in four weeks and I'm looking for tips :-)
Stay slow, very slow. You will think you are feeling good at the halfway point and you can go faster, you are wrong.
I've heard of the famous 30k "wall", but never experienced it yet. My longest run is 27k, there are still 15k left after this. I have hopes to do it in 3h 20min, but I have no idea if it's possible. I did a half marathon in 1h 30min last year, but the marathon is so much longer.
My plan is to do a 33k run two weeks before the marathon, then relax for two weeks to build up energy.
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20801372/race-times-predictor/
This predicts your marathon time at 3:36 based on a 1:30 HM time.
Congrats on being crazy-fast though!
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Anyone training for a marathon/has experience doing that here? I'm possibly running my first marathon in four weeks and I'm looking for tips :-)
Stay slow, very slow. You will think you are feeling good at the halfway point and you can go faster, you are wrong.
I've heard of the famous 30k "wall", but never experienced it yet. My longest run is 27k, there are still 15k left after this. I have hopes to do it in 3h 20min, but I have no idea if it's possible. I did a half marathon in 1h 30min last year, but the marathon is so much longer.
My plan is to do a 33k run two weeks before the marathon, then relax for two weeks to build up energy.
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20801372/race-times-predictor/
This predicts your marathon time at 3:36 based on a 1:30 HM time.
Congrats on being crazy-fast though!
Thanks for the encouragement! I've been training with dedication for marathon since October mat year. My final goal is a marathon this autumn, but I think I'll do the other one in April to get the experience.
It's hard to motivate yourself to go out for exercise sometimes. Today I skipped my planned interval run due to 32F weather with rain and snow. I'll probably not have time to do another one this week.
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Thanks for all the feedback. As a newer runner, I’m still getting familiar with different running options and what works best for others.
Couple more questions:
1. Several comments about not wanting to run in the dark. Is that due to safety? Not being able to see? As it starts to get hotter I either have to lay on the sunscreen heavy, which I hate, or wear long sleeves, hat, etc. I’m white, freckle, and already had skin cancer in my 20’s. Tomorrow morning I plan to go for a 3-4 mile run at 5:30 a.m. We just moved last week so we’ll have to see how it works in this new location, but there’s a good sidewalk to a neighborhood nearby.
2. Adding to that, what does everyone do here for sun protection? A couple weeks ago I did an hour run during the hour up to sunset, seemed cloudy, upper 60’s, and I came home and was definitely sunburnt. I typically expect that in the 70’s on up. I’m going to start looking for some synthetic type SPF long sleeves and a hat with sun protection in the rear. Last year, as I was just starting to run, I always ran in mornings, night, or on the treadmill.. Planning on some run’s while the suns still somewhat out this year.
Safety, eyesight, tripping. (I'm 48 and I can't see well in the dark). I do run track on Tuesdays with a group, which is lit (there are dark sections). I will be running on Thursdays in the dark too (starting next week), so I will just have to be careful or dig out a head lamp? Plus, I'm a woman. The flat areas to run are near the beach - lotta homeless people and they have attacked people. In my neighborhood, too many curbs.
In the sun? Sunscreen and a hat.
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Anyone training for a marathon/has experience doing that here? I'm possibly running my first marathon in four weeks and I'm looking for tips :-)
Stay slow, very slow. You will think you are feeling good at the halfway point and you can go faster, you are wrong.
I've heard of the famous 30k "wall", but never experienced it yet. My longest run is 27k, there are still 15k left after this. I have hopes to do it in 3h 20min, but I have no idea if it's possible. I did a half marathon in 1h 30min last year, but the marathon is so much longer.
My plan is to do a 33k run two weeks before the marathon, then relax for two weeks to build up energy.
Is my math correct on this...
A 1:30 (90 minute) half marathon, would technically be about 13 miles at 7 minutes/mile, no?
I see that number thrown around occasionally, the 1:30 half, and that just seems insanely fast (although I’m a pretty inexperienced runner)
1:30 half is insanely fast to me. My last few training groups, ONE person (a tall, 20-something male) beat that.
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This week:
Last week I joined a new gym. Like I needed a 3rd membership, ha! But this gym is run by my running coach, and I love it. Because I like weightlifting but absolutely won't do it on my own.
So...
- Friday, weight class including deadlifts! (My first ever.) And assisted pullups (very assisted, I suck at pullups). And other things.
- Monday, kettlebell class, did my very first ever turkish get ups, and those are complicated, yo!
Running-wise
- Did 4 miles on Sat. First time since the accident, my knee/hamstring didn't hurt AND I beat an 11:30 mile AND I had negative splits. So, yay me!
- Today, track, my 400's were all around 10:00/mile pace or as low as 9:45/ mile, which is totally awesome for me right now.
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@mm1970 - how do the logistics of running groups work? I’m not familiar with them at all or how they work. Are people divided into groups by skill level, run at their own pace? Etc?
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I do run track on Tuesdays with a group, which is lit (there are dark sections). I will be running on Thursdays in the dark too (starting next week), so I will just have to be careful or dig out a head lamp?
Over the last few years head lamps have gotten very, very good (as in powerful and lightweight) and quite cheap. I've never actually tried one for running as I have street lights where I run, but I use it a lot for cross country skiing in the winter (in the woods at night so dead dark there) and they give more than enough light. When x-country skiing the speed can reach 25-35 mph on decents so the need to see a fair bit ahead is far greater than when running at much lower speeds. For running I would try and get one as lightweight as possible as it might be tad annoying with the weight on the head otherwise. When cycling or x-coutry skiing the head is much more stationary in the vertical plane.
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Set a new 10km PB a couple of weeks back that I forgot to update here. 48:54 and I reckon I could have gone a little quicker if I my GPS wasn't so far out (it said I ran 10.49, so my average pace updates were a fair bit out, making me think I was going 5% faster than I actually was!!!)
I do run track on Tuesdays with a group, which is lit (there are dark sections). I will be running on Thursdays in the dark too (starting next week), so I will just have to be careful or dig out a head lamp?
Over the last few years head lamps have gotten very, very good (as in powerful and lightweight) and quite cheap. I've never actually tried one for running as I have street lights where I run, but I use it a lot for cross country skiing in the winter (in the woods at night so dead dark there) and they give more than enough light. When x-country skiing the speed can reach 25-35 mph on decents so the need to see a fair bit ahead is far greater than when running at much lower speeds. For running I would try and get one as lightweight as possible as it might be tad annoying with the weight on the head otherwise. When cycling or x-coutry skiing the head is much more stationary in the vertical plane.
I probably needed a headlamp last Sunday. Started my long run at 4:45am when it was still proper dark! Finished at around 7 just as the sun was coming up. Little over 20km, but failed to complete the 30 I wanted to do (ankles were feeling a bit off).
@mm1970 - how do the logistics of running groups work? I’m not familiar with them at all or how they work. Are people divided into groups by skill level, run at their own pace? Etc?
There's literally hundreds of running groups where I am. Some are attached to Little Athletics Clubs, some are country wide (like Running Mums Australia), some are location based, some are named after particularly charismatic local runners. All the bigger ones will have a variety of skills and abilities.
If there's none near you, you could always start your own :)
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Anyone training for a marathon/has experience doing that here? I'm possibly running my first marathon in four weeks and I'm looking for tips :-)
Stay slow, very slow. You will think you are feeling good at the halfway point and you can go faster, you are wrong.
I've heard of the famous 30k "wall", but never experienced it yet. My longest run is 27k, there are still 15k left after this. I have hopes to do it in 3h 20min, but I have no idea if it's possible. I did a half marathon in 1h 30min last year, but the marathon is so much longer.
My plan is to do a 33k run two weeks before the marathon, then relax for two weeks to build up energy.
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20801372/race-times-predictor/
This predicts your marathon time at 3:36 based on a 1:30 HM time.
Congrats on being crazy-fast though!
3:36 is pretty pessimistic with a 1:30 half. WTF, runner's world? However....since it's your first marathon, it's always better to throw time goals out the window and run conservatively so you don't blow up. You want to ENJOY yourself so that you immediately sign up for another one to chase some goals! :)
I like the fivethirtyeight marathon predictor:
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/marathon-calculator/
Congrats, @marty998! Under 50 in a 10k is a sizeable achievement.
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@marty998 That is a fantastic 10k time.
What are your typical training weeks like? How many days, miles, paces, etc?
I’m still slowly increasing my mileage. I probably “could” increase it faster, but I’m in no hurry and would rather be cautious and improve slower than increase too fast and have to sit out for weeks/months due to shin/knee issues which I sometimes feel myself hovering around.
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@mm1970 - how do the logistics of running groups work? I’m not familiar with them at all or how they work. Are people divided into groups by skill level, run at their own pace? Etc?
Depends on the group. In the last several years, I've used 3. Two of them paid with coaches, one just a casual group.
The casual group is the most recent. They meet Saturday mornings, at the same time and same place. There are all levels of runners, run/walkers, and walkers. So, after awhile you get to know who is your pace. So you get to run with people or not, depending.
The older group I did for several years was a women's running group, with a coach, and we did a combo of trails and roads. It was similar. You kind of self-select into paces. We are all doing this trail, go as far as you like and as fast as you like. THAT coach has recently teamed up with another running coach and is doing a training for a local 10 miler. But they run on Sundays, and I can't do Sundays. (Or I choose not to, it's my one day to reconnect with my bestie, and she can't run.)
The one I've been using the last two years, another paid group - the programs are mostly "train for X race", though in-between race programs she runs a track workout every Tuesday, for a monthly fee.
The track workouts are great, and they vary. So, one week we might start with 400's at a 5k pace and move on to 800s at a 10k pace. Obviously, the pace varies based on the person. It's been super helpful in allowing me to progress at my own pace, so to speak.
For the race training, you don't really get divided up. In addition to the track day, there's a second mid-week day. That day is usually 45 minutes of running. So, some days might be "tempo", some days might be hill repeats, etc. Everyone runs at their own pace, you just go out for 22.5 minutes and then turn around. The long runs are on Saturday, and that's similar. It might be "9 miles or 90 minutes, whichever comes first". So the 9 minute milers can get in 9 miles, and I can usually get in 8 - I just turn around at 45 minutes.
Of course, the hardest part for me in all these groups is that quite literally, nobody is my pace. And not even close. I was pretty speedy at the end of my last uphill half (I could pull a 10 min mile for a 10k). But otherwise - there's a group of runners in the 2 hour half marathon and under pace. There may be a few people just getting into running who are around a 13:00 mile (which was me a couple of years ago). But my half pace is around 10:45-11:15. It's not likely to get a whole lot better - I'm not likely ever to hit 9:00 miles, for example. So I run with a "group" but it still gets kind of lonely when you are out there for 1.5 - 3 hours by yourself.
So for the casual running group, about half the time I can run with others, because there are a bunch of run/walkers. I'm happy to slow down to their pace (I'm also a run/walker). And there are some runners who are happy to slow down to my pace. In a "we are training for a race" group, it's harder.
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@marty998 That is a fantastic 10k time.
What are your typical training weeks like? How many days, miles, paces, etc?
I’m still slowly increasing my mileage. I probably “could” increase it faster, but I’m in no hurry and would rather be cautious and improve slower than increase too fast and have to sit out for weeks/months due to shin/knee issues which I sometimes feel myself hovering around.
Thankyou.
I try and run 5 days a week weather permitting. 3 weekday runs between 6-10km (more towards 8-10km these days). 1 x 5km run on Saturday morning (Parkrun), but my running club is starting up again on Saturday afternoon so there'll be an extra run there.
And a long run on Sunday morning every 2-3 weeks (20-25km, though I need to get up over 30k).
All the weekday runs are done at over 6:00/km pace (9:30/mile). Once every couple of weeks I'll go flat out for Parkrun on Saturday. The long run is done at my desired marathon race pace (5:41/km = 4 hour finish time).
Once a month I'll try an interval session, just for difference.
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Once a month I'll try an interval session, just for difference.
Out of curiosity - why not more often? Its generally considered as kind of a must do it once or twice a week to increase VO2-max. Pretty much every training program I've seen with as much as 4-5 runs per week will include a couple of interval sessions or sth quite similar (i.e. run at a high intensity).
On side note, I read a study which found that during holidays, one interval session every 2 weeks was sufficient to maintain fitness. It was done on professional football (soccer) players so quite fit persons.
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@mm1970 - thanks for the detailed input! I did not know the first thing about running clubs, so it’s interesting to hear about them and the logistics. With an improved schedule some day on my end someday it sounds like a lot of fun.
@marty998 - that’s awesome - so by the math it sounds like you’re doing close to 30 miles/wk? That explains the fantastic times.. I’m currently at 18 miles or so, but am aiming for around 20-25 as a goal and then keep picking up the paces at those levels.
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Joining since I'm signed up for a rare-for-me spring race--I'm doing a half in May. I'm being pretty casual with training: 1) it's hard for me to motivate myself to crank it for halfs at this point, since my PR (low 1:41) is probably untouchable, at least with the amount of work I'm willing to put in; and 2) my main motivation in signing up for it was a desire for a little more external motivation than I usually feel in the spring.
I did my first marathon last fall in 3:57, and am going for #2 this year to try to get under 3:55. It should be achievable since I got injured A LOT last summer, and then had a race-day injury come out of nowhere that cratered my last few miles. Hopefully a more intentional mileage base will help with the injuries. I'm also trying to keep up with cross-training, which I'm historically terrible at. I don't have a super-consistent cross-training routine right now, but I should probably figure it out before my mileage ramps up more, ugh. Unlike just about everyone on this thread, it seems, I DESPISE lifting. D E S P I S E. I don't belong to a gym or studio at the moment and am trying to subsist on Yoga with Adriene and FitnessBlender HIIT on YouTube, but based on past performance that's likely to sizzle out in a few weeks. Unfortunately the only other non-running exercise that I love is too spendy for my current financial goals. [cue tiny violin]
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was really not feeling like running tonight from when I get home or even my first couple miles. However, after about 3-4 miles I broke the wall and hit a fantastic stride where I was pushing but not tiring out excessively fast.
About two weeks ago I ran a personal 10k with a goal of under 9 minute miles. I was thrilled when I hit an 8:50 average pace and a total time of 54:49. That was my first time ever really pushing myself at that distance, and had only had one longer run before that in my life (7 miles)
Tonight, I couldn’t recall what that last one was when I left, but was feeling pretty good around the 8:30/mile pace. I ended up running another 10k at an average pace of 8:32, shaving 1:53 off my previous 10k time! I was pretty pumped when I came home and compared the two times!
It’s about to start getting really hot and humid, so we’ll see how much I can actually improve over the next 6-8 months.
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was really not feeling like running tonight from when I get home or even my first couple miles. However, after about 3-4 miles I broke the wall and hit a fantastic stride where I was pushing but not tiring out excessively fast.
This made me chuckle because I came to post something similar. The first mile was a liar tonight during my run. By about 1.5 miles, I was ready to throw in the towel... just tired legs. I pushed through and it turned into a really nice run where everything felt great. Running has been going well, but my legs are feeling the mileage increase over the past two weeks. Its a good feeling to have back actually.
First 5K of the year is this weekend. Plan is to pace a friend. It's a no frills, super cheap local race. But always fun to get out and see other area runners.
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was really not feeling like running tonight from when I get home or even my first couple miles. However, after about 3-4 miles I broke the wall and hit a fantastic stride where I was pushing but not tiring out excessively fast.
This made me chuckle because I came to post something similar. The first mile was a liar tonight during my run. By about 1.5 miles, I was ready to throw in the towel... just tired legs. I pushed through and it turned into a really nice run where everything felt great. Running has been going well, but my legs are feeling the mileage increase over the past two weeks. Its a good feeling to have back actually.
First 5K of the year is this weekend. Plan is to pace a friend. It's a no frills, super cheap local race. But always fun to get out and see other area runners.
I believe it was here that someone had mentioned about a 1 mile warm up before a 5k. I’ve kept that in mind even during my longer runs, and I’ve used it to remind myself that the first 1-2 miles are really just a bit of a warm up. Boy do I get some pretty bad pains, but 95% of the time they work themselves out and I go back to feeling great. I keep a pretty short stride and it really wears out the muscle right above my knees. Sometimes I find myself needing to do a little bit of form running with high knees or butt kicks half way through my run to stretch those muscles out a bit.
How fast have you been increasing your mileage? I’ve read around 10% is max, i’ve been increasing considerably slower than that, mostly because i’m not training for a specific race so no need to take the risks of pushing it too fast.
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Congrats fluffmuffin, hoping to do a similar time (3:57) but it will be a big stretch for me. Good luck with your training :)
I did my first marathon last fall in 3:57, and am going for #2 this year to try to get under 3:55. It should be achievable since I got injured A LOT last summer, and then had a race-day injury come out of nowhere that cratered my last few miles. Hopefully a more intentional mileage base will help with the injuries. I'm also trying to keep up with cross-training, which I'm historically terrible at. I don't have a super-consistent cross-training routine right now, but I should probably figure it out before my mileage ramps up more, ugh. Unlike just about everyone on this thread, it seems, I DESPISE lifting. D E S P I S E. I don't belong to a gym or studio at the moment and am trying to subsist on Yoga with Adriene and FitnessBlender HIIT on YouTube, but based on past performance that's likely to sizzle out in a few weeks. Unfortunately the only other non-running exercise that I love is too spendy for my current financial goals. [cue tiny violin]
@mustachepungoeshere, another yoga with Adriene fan :)
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@use2betrix : You will make improvements even in the hot and humid weather! You just have to run by effort rather than the pace on your watch. There is nothing more amazing than that first cool fall run when you feel like you're flying because of all your summer miles. Keep at it, and maybe find a fun fall goal race (turkey trot?) to motivate you through the summer.
In other news, I am discouraged with my progress in this half marathon training plan. I REALLY like Hansons marathon plans, but doing the same thing but faster for the half is breaking me down (mostly mentally). The SOS (stuff of substance) workouts are nearly identical to the marathon ones, but they're run at MUCH faster paces. I've been doing my "strength" workouts (generally one to three mile intervals) at 10k pace, which I'm estimating between 7:00 and 7:05/mile. It's GRUELING. I'm basically running a 10k PR within a normal weekday speed session, which is kind of preposterous. So needless to say....I skipped my tempo run last night. It was 70 degrees, sunny, and breezy, so I tried to just enjoy the taste of spring and cover the same amount of mileage. I have been burning the candle at both ends for the past four weeks, and I'm dead. This weekend is my last crazy weekend, thank goodness. I'm probably stupid and stubborn for trying to maintain a strict training schedule with all that's going on. Hopefully I can just chill out and enjoy my 14 miler tomorrow around the town I grew up in.
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So I'm two weeks in to my new strength training program. I dialed back my running to three days a week, so I could focus on the weight lifting and get off to a good start with that.
The start was pretty rough. The first few weight workouts made me feel awful -- sick and dizzy -- but I stuck with it, and now they are actually feeling pretty good. The fact that lifting light weights made me feel sick and dizzy is really scary, and shows how much I really needed to do this. Just because I could run long distances did not mean I was healthy, apparently.
And @use2betrix you were sooo right about diet being important. I'm surprised at the dramatic effect the weight workouts have. I've had to add another small meal a day, and I'm looking for good and varied sources of protein. I was getting around 50 grams a day, and I'm now trying to double that. We'll see how that goes!
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So I'm two weeks in to my new strength training program. I dialed back my running to three days a week, so I could focus on the weight lifting and get off to a good start with that.
The start was pretty rough. The first few weight workouts made me feel awful -- sick and dizzy -- but I stuck with it, and now they are actually feeling pretty good. The fact that lifting light weights made me feel sick and dizzy is really scary, and shows how much I really needed to do this. Just because I could run long distances did not mean I was healthy, apparently.
And @use2betrix you were sooo right about diet being important. I'm surprised at the dramatic effect the weight workouts have. I've had to add another small meal a day, and I'm looking for good and varied sources of protein. I was getting around 50 grams a day, and I'm now trying to double that. We'll see how that goes!
Good to hear you’re enjoying it more and also starting to see the need of toying around with your diet a bit! Your post workout meals should always be your biggest meals of the week. Your body is craving protein and carbs to repair and build muscle. In terms of weight lifting diets (especially for bodybuilders) their diets are so critical, many top level people have been quoted saying that they would rather miss an entire workout than miss a single meal. I always have a whey protein shake immediately after my workout (I have used Optimimun Nutrition 100% whey for over a decade) then I head home, shower, and have a big dinner.. Non workout days my protein stays the same, but I cut my carbs back quite a bit. The best protein sources will be some form of meat or eggs. I sometimes hear people say things like “nuts” however with non-meat sources you have to be careful because nuts for example are incredibly high in fat, which are incredibly high in calories. Fat has 9 calories/gram vs protein and carbs having 4 calories/gram.
You and I are very near opposites but heading in the same direction. With me doing 15+ years of weight training and no cardio, people would look at me and think “wow he’s in great shape” and compared to a sedentary person, I was. I could fly though heavy workouts in the gym. Put me on a treadmill or outside running? I was as bad if not worse than someone who didn’t exercise at all. With my muscle mass, it uses considerably more oxygen which makes it harder.
As I’ve started running (like you’re lifting) it’s opened up a whole new door and level of fitness I had never experienced. From a mental aspect, exercise helps a ton. I feel that cardio and weight lifting are both amazing for it, but very different. They compliment each other very well from the mental aspects of exercise.
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@use2betrix Last week I increased by roughly 20% (it felt good!) over my mileage for the last few weeks. But my easy couple of months was right around 20 miles per week, so we're only talking about 4 extra miles (Really it was 3.5... so maybe more like 17/18%?) This week I will hold to the same mileage as last week so as not to compound the increase, but did my first actual hill workout in... 6 months? Probably longer. I think the last one was in July. So... when I push mileage, I will often increase a bit more than the 10% rule, but then I hold that increased mileage for a couple of weeks. Especially if my mileage has been somewhat low. It's hard to only increase 10% if you're only running a 15-20 miles. I seldom if ever increase mileage and intensity in the same week.
I enjoy reading about folks strength workouts too! That's an area I really need to start focusing on. I do some body weight and band work, but I think I'd be better for a more serious program. I love running, I enjoying cycling, I tolerate swimming... basically cardio is my jam. Having never lifted (like not even in HS), is there benefit in paying for a few personal training sessions to help get an idea around the gym? Or are there particular resources that people would recommend?
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More deadlifts today! Goal was to figure out our 1 rep max. Pretty much I was the only real newbie there (1RM: 105#). Not bad I think for a 5'2" newb. The other 4 people came in at 185 (man), 205 (woman), 205 (man), and 235 (woman - who I later found out was the trainer's wife.)
Anyway, will probably be my last class of this type for awhile. Running coach/ gym owner/ trainer suggested that 2x a week lifting, 1x a week hip/core, on top of the 3x a week running might be a bit much. And especially, the hour long Friday class maybe not the best idea the day before "long run Saturdays" during training. So I'll be doing Tue/Thu/Sat run, Monday weightlifting, Weds hip/core.
Or is it that I suck and I'm holding others back? It's $20 a class, so I assume she's looking out for me. I admit, I'm gonna miss the deadlifts, but not the pullups. Which...what's the point? I can't do them, and not even very good with a lot of assistance.
So...thinking long term, I'll have 2 months between half marathon training programs (after the one that starts soon, before the "all up hill" half.) I'm hoping that I can focus more on weight training during those 2 months, and up it to 2x a week.
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More deadlifts today! Goal was to figure out our 1 rep max. Pretty much I was the only real newbie there (1RM: 105#). Not bad I think for a 5'2" newb. The other 4 people came in at 185 (man), 205 (woman), 205 (man), and 235 (woman - who I later found out was the trainer's wife.)
Anyway, will probably be my last class of this type for awhile. Running coach/ gym owner/ trainer suggested that 2x a week lifting, 1x a week hip/core, on top of the 3x a week running might be a bit much. And especially, the hour long Friday class maybe not the best idea the day before "long run Saturdays" during training. So I'll be doing Tue/Thu/Sat run, Monday weightlifting, Weds hip/core.
Or is it that I suck and I'm holding others back? It's $20 a class, so I assume she's looking out for me. I admit, I'm gonna miss the deadlifts, but not the pullups. Which...what's the point? I can't do them, and not even very good with a lot of assistance.
So...thinking long term, I'll have 2 months between half marathon training programs (after the one that starts soon, before the "all up hill" half.) I'm hoping that I can focus more on weight training during those 2 months, and up it to 2x a week.
I have a lot of opinions on this post and your trainers suggestions, so I’ll give you my two cents.. I’m also asking a ton of questions to maybe have some more input..
First of all, while you may consider yourself a “newb” in your deadlift group, I hope you mean that based on your experience, and not your numbers. Other than the trainers wife, who I would still consider an average lifter with average experience, the rest of the group would be newbies as well. So.. Please don’t be too hard on yourself in that regard.
As for your training schedule, I’d like to hear more input about what your Sunday-Saturday schedule is like for running each day (miles/intensity), what are your two weight lifting sessions like (length, exercises performed, intensity) and what’s your hip/core workout consist of?
What are your goals? What do you enjoy? I’m going to “assume” that the 1970 is your birth year? And being a female around that age, it’s more important than EVER to do resistance training for overall health, as women’s bones density starts to decline especially faster around that age and weight lifting helps mitigate many of those type of problems.
It sounds like you love weight lifting. If that’s the case, I would honestly knock out the hip/core program and keep the weight lifting. If anything, you can incorporate some of the hip/core workouts into your weight lifting workouts.
Since I have always loved weightlifting as probably my biggest lifetime passion, but now am loving running, I’m working very very hard to incorporate both so I can be successful and enjoy both. Let me give more detail on how I incorporate both.
I should add, since I have been weightlifting for so long, I have no need or desire to put on more muscle or strength. My goal is entirely to maintain while increasing my running capacity. Since you’re definitely an amateur weight lifter, you have more opportunity to increase both running and lifting simultaneously.. This workout is just based on me based off my experience and goals, I wouldn’t suggest it to most others. I’m just posting as an example and a general idea how to incorporate both.
Sunday - weight lifting/ quads, hamstrings, calves, biceps
Quads - two exercises - heavy front squats or back squats / lunges
Hamstrings - I choose two of - stiff leg dead left, single leg curls, lying leg curls
Calves - seated single calf raises and standing calf raises
Biceps - two-three exercises of the million different bicep options.
Monday - easy post leg day recovery run, 3-4 easy miles. My 5k pace is around 7:35 min/mile, these are run around 9-10 min mile’s
Tuesday - similar to Monday, often a mile longer and a tad faster, still a recovery day
Wednesday - weight lifting/chest, shoulders, triceps, back
Chest - two exercises, one heavy (DB flat or incline press, BB flat or incline, or hammer strength) then one fly exercises
Shoulders - two exercises, one heavy (DB shoulder press, machine shoulder press) then either fly’s or upright rows
Triceps - two exercises of the million standard tricep exercises
Back width - lat pull downs on the machine or hammer strength
Back thickness - close grip bent over rows or cable rows or rack pulls
Thursday-Saturday
Out of these three days, I run two and rest 1. I aim to run Thursday/Friday so I can rest before Sundays leg day. One of these days is typically either a long day, or a hard day, or a long hard day lol. Sometimes it might be two medium length days, or sometimes a hard day and an easy day. Often depends how I feel and on the weather. I try for some type of “super hard” running day every other week or occasionally two weeks in a row.
Anyways, sorry for the long post. I just got an iPad vs 99% of my previous posts being from my phone, so it makes it easy to type 100 wpm instead of like 30 on the phone, and thus the forum will forever be stuck with my walls of text.
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It seems as if I’m one of the few, if any, regular treadmill runners here.
Are there any others out there? It rains here a ton, it’s hot, humid, sticky, and I guess I just don’t have a desire to run in the rain.. That being said, I do still aim for 1/3 to 1/2 of my runs to be outside, especially harder runs, longer runs, etc. My treadmill runs or either more during recovery after hard runs/gym sessions, poor weather, or to simply get more easy miles in.
Also - while I love the cold weather, it seems hard extended cardio below 50 degrees often gives me a cold for the next few days..
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Raises hand, I bought a treadmill this year. I've run through winter in the past. I am totally happy with my purchase. I love my treadmill for bad weather. I was happy to get out and run in a park today though.
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Got a 10-second PB at park run yesterday... mostly because @marty998 decided my previous PB for this course had stood long enough.
He set the pace (my PB pace is his easy mode) and I just had to stick with him.
Would definitely recommend him as a running coach. :D
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Got a 10-second PB at park run yesterday... mostly because @marty998 decided my previous PB for this course had stood long enough.
He set the pace (my PB pace is his easy mode) and I just had to stick with him.
Would definitely recommend him as a running coach. :D
It helped that instead of swearing at me you put the extra effort into running faster :D
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Having never lifted (like not even in HS), is there benefit in paying for a few personal training sessions to help get an idea around the gym? Or are there particular resources that people would recommend?
First of all - there is in principle no need to go to a gym in the first place. Own body weight, maybe combined with a bare minimum of equipment or some bars etc in a park, a branch of a tree or whatever is more than enough. Google around for "male gymnast" or something similar. Those guys are some of best trained athletes out there, have a body most body builders would die for and most of them has hardly ever, if ever at all, lifted weights. The same goes for sport climbers.
Using body weight also reduces the risk of injury to pretty much as close to zero as it can get.
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Having never lifted (like not even in HS), is there benefit in paying for a few personal training sessions to help get an idea around the gym? Or are there particular resources that people would recommend?
First of all - there is in principle no need to go to a gym in the first place. Own body weight, maybe combined with a bare minimum of equipment or some bars etc in a park, a branch of a tree or whatever is more than enough. Google around for "male gymnast" or something similar. Those guys are some of best trained athletes out there, have a body most body builders would die for and most of them has hardly ever, if ever at all, lifted weights. The same goes for sport climbers.
Using body weight also reduces the risk of injury to pretty much as close to zero as it can get. If one is looking to cut expenses / increase savings rate - gym membership is one of the most obvious items to let go in my opinion. I would argue that it is counter-productive as well, as not being dependent on a gym makes it much easier to exercise whenever you want and whenever there is time.
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Having never lifted (like not even in HS), is there benefit in paying for a few personal training sessions to help get an idea around the gym? Or are there particular resources that people would recommend?
First of all - there is in principle no need to go to a gym in the first place. Own body weight, maybe combined with a bare minimum of equipment or some bars etc in a park, a branch of a tree or whatever is more than enough. Google around for "male gymnast" or something similar. Those guys are some of best trained athletes out there, have a body most body builders would die for and most of them has hardly ever, if ever at all, lifted weights. The same goes for sport climbers.
Using body weight also reduces the risk of injury to pretty much as close to zero as it can get.
I hope your post is only referencing resistance training in terms of being a better runner. Many, many sports require strength that is well beyond anything that body weight exercises can provide. My weight lifting is definitely a hindrance on my running due to the extra amount of oxygen my body needs to fuel my larger muscles. However, I can still squat twice my body weight and bench press 1.5x my body weight. Something that probably no “professional” runners can do.. I work on being a “hybrid” athlete (I have seen the term described). I don’t want to be the best runner, or the best weight lifter, I want to be the best I can be at both, understanding that they will also both hinder the other in certain ways.
Also - professional gymnasts would never stand a chance on a professional bodybuilding stage, nor could they keep up with their workouts. Nothing against either one, they are just entirely different.
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I hope your post is only referencing resistance training in terms of being a better runner. Many, many sports require strength that is well beyond anything that body weight exercises can provide. My weight lifting is definitely a hindrance on my running due to the extra amount of oxygen my body needs to fuel my larger muscles. However, I can still squat twice my body weight and bench press 1.5x my body weight. Something that probably no “professional” runners can do.. I work on being a “hybrid” athlete (I have seen the term described). I don’t want to be the best runner, or the best weight lifter, I want to be the best I can be at both, understanding that they will also both hinder the other in certain ways.
Also - professional gymnasts would never stand a chance on a professional bodybuilding stage, nor could they keep up with their workouts. Nothing against either one, they are just entirely different.
If your goal is to lift as heavy weights as possible, then yes, you will have to lift weights. But one can get very strong (way beyond what's normally needed for a casual athlethe) and efficiently train all the major muscle goups without ever setting ones foot inside a gym or lifting weights. That was my main point. Own boy weight goes a very long way. The widespread idea that one needs to go to a gym, or have access to special equipment to train strength for the entire body is in my opinion a misconception. And probably counter-productive as one suddently is dependent on having access to a gym to do one's routine.
And this being a personal finance site - paying for a gym membership is highly optional for the vast majority. That goes for endurance training and strength training. There is always the great outdoors and very basic, but effective equipment to use at home.
And no, a top runner would most def never want to be able to bench press 1.5x body weight:)
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Walls of text...ha ha, bring them on!
Yes, you are correct on the birth year in my name. That's why I have been adding more weight training.
My biggest limitation is time, really. I work full time and have 2 kids in 2 schools. And I need sleep. I'm an early bird, but too many early days in a row and I end up with 7.5 hours sleep days on end, when I do much better with 8.5.
So, running schedule:
Tues track: an hour (including warm-up), depending on the week, seems to be coming in around 3.5 miles. This is the high intensity day.
Thurs morning run: an hour (including warm-up). This is usually 45 minutes of active running. For me, that's going to come out to about 4 miles, maybe up to 4.5 near the end of the training. Intensity varies. Some weeks: high (hill repeats or tempo). Some not.
Sat long run: will start with one hour (5-5.5 miles), and work up to 10-11 miles over 8 weeks.
This is probably pretty much the minimum to train for a half marathon, and I'm not interested in doing more than that. I'm unlikely to PR this next race or even do as well as I did last year.
What does that leave? Monday, Weds, Friday, Sunday.
Sunday is an hour on the elliptical, chatting with my bestie. This is a non-negotiable. The elliptical is the only thing she can do without pain. We both kind of hate it. But we need the chat time. I usually take the little kid to the pool in the afternoons too, so some swimming in there.
Monday: weight training day, which is a full body workout.
Wednesday: the only class offered that I could go to is a cardio class, besides the hip and core. Cardio - don't need it, plus it's really early and I need to sleep in once in awhile. Hip and core is later - it also involves weighted work (squats, deadlifts, etc).
I like the hip + core workout - I found over the year of running with this trainer that once I started doing hip + core work, that my "wearout" happened later and I was much less likely to be injured. You could map a route on my hips - 7 miles, 6.98, 7.05 miles miles - they would start to ache. With the regular hip + core class, that increased to 10 miles. So that's a win.
The only other day left is Friday. I really sorta like the Friday weight class - but it IS pretty difficult for someone "new" to weightlifting. And I find myself sore for a couple of days (it actually hurt to run on Saturday because all the jiggles in the upper body/ back/ arms).
Basically, I'm looking to build strength, get my running back after the injury, and not go too crazy on the schedule. I would like a day off a week.
I refer to myself as a newb because I'm still working on form. The other folks, mostly, have been doing this for awhile (months to years). Many of them (75%?) are runners who lift, not lifters who run. So the gym has that kind of focus, and those kinds of number (though later that day one of the "old guys" did 305#, which I thought was awesome. He's not really old. 51. But older than me!)
I spent a couple of months when unable to run lifting at home. I really enjoyed it BUT sometimes just had the tendency to "phone it in". I like the classes because I can't do that. I like that they are (mostly) kettlebell classes because I REALLY have to focus on form.
Examples in Monday workout (varies each week): Weighted V-ups, Turkish get ups, weighted squats, weighted step ups, kettlebell cleans, kettlebell swings, single arm presses, push ups, jump squats. Class is an hour. Usually warm-up for 5-10 minutes, cool down for 5-10 minutes.
Hip and core is a shorter workout, but also involves weights, balance.
Friday workouts are an hour of "combo" meaning weights (pullups, negative pullups, pushups, presses, deadlifts) and intervals (burpees, jump squats, bear crawls). I've only been twice so I'm sure there are lots of other things...there's something new every week. I think the upper body part and the interval part are what may make Saturday runs not much fun.
In short (too late, I know) - I'm a dabbler. I like to do ALL THE THINGS. I don't care to be awesome at everything. Just...fit, healthy, and better than I was yesterday. There are times when I'm perfectly thrilled to have my workout be 1x elliptical, 1x run, 1x swim, 1x hike, some yoga, 2-3x lunchtime walks, and some body-weight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges. Right now I'm finding more motivation with running and weight training and actually PAYING for it.
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I've been having a pretty rough go of things in the last few months, and was feeling really grumpy and down yesterday. I decided to treat myself to driving to my favorite trail for my run. Spent a few very meditative miles running through the woods and felt like a new person by the time I was done.
Doing yoga with my girl Adriene today. My running schedule will be a little odd this week, since I need to get my 7 mile "long" run in on Friday. My bachelorette party is this weekend and we're doing yoga/?? mystery surprise workout to kick things off on Saturday, and I sincerely doubt that I'm going to feel like running on Sunday morning...
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Yesterday on my lunch walk, I was thinking/ noodling on health and fitness, and how I think it's a sliding scale. But more than that, it's a bunch of sliding scales. You've got many different kinds of fitness and many different sports. You aren't going to be the best at all of them, or even any of them. And one isn't inherently better than another. Running isn't better than walking or hiking - it's different. Heavy lifting isn't better than using lighter weights or body weight - they are different. Same with various sports, yoga, pilates, etc.
Anyway, today was day #1 of half marathon training, and I just have to say a few things made me giggle and smile!
- One of the ladies that I have never met said "are you a runner? You seem like a runner." It was so sweet.
- One of the men (who I ran the uphill half with), did a little joking/ trash talking about how I'm working to beat him this year (he's 68. 20 years older than I am. In all of the training runs last year, I passed him at some point on the hill. But on the actual race - the first 2.5-3 miles are only a slight uphill/ mostly flat. He's so much faster on the flat that I couldn't catch him. He beat me by 1.5 minutes or so.)
- Of of the other women I know (from the same uphill half) - is young-ish (late 20s) and super speedy. As in, 7-min miler on the flats. She's amazing. She said "you are so graceful when you run, you just glide!" I had to laugh - really? I certainly don't feel like I'm gliding!! I feel like I pound like crazy and I am def a bit of a heel striker.
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@mm1970 - That’s a lot of info! I hear you the sleep thing. For the last 6-8 years my wife and I have been pretty gun-ho for our 8 hours. We’ve lifted 3 days a week for a long time, but now that I’m at lifting 2 days (60-90 mins) plus running 4 days (40-60 mins + warm up) along with my hours creeping up towards 60/wk, it’s definitely cutting into my free/relaxing time.. With that in mind, I have dangerously start cutting my sleep back to 7 hours for several nights a week. So far it’s been alright and seemingly worthwhile.
It sounds like your hip/core workout is pretty geared towards weightlifting with the deadlifts and squats, so that’s good. You could always alternate and choose 2 of the 3 weight lifting classes each week, unless they are something that requires a regular weekly commitment.
It also seems like you really enjoy the social aspect of your running clubs, classes, Sunday elliptical with your friend, etc. With that in mind, you are a bit limited to your various class/club offerings. Not that it is a bad thing, the social aspect for many people is as enjoyable as the exercise.
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I’m in Boulder City, NV for work this week (just below Hoover Dam) and made it out for about 5 miles up into a canyon and onto some mtb trails towards the end. Most of the running was after I turned and started downhill, heh. I’ll do it again and add more running if it’s not raining/thunderstorms on Thursday.
Enjoying the discussion about the different degrees and aspects of fitness in this thread.
I’ll be interested to see how my riding fitnes (mostly core tone/strength) has suffered from six months out of the saddle, though I’ve been trying to maintain with various gym exercises. I do notice that riding and running help maintain my fitness for the other, cardio-wise.
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Guess I'll jump in here since when I saw this thread a few weeks ago I got excited and it made me start thinking about running again.
Running background:
I ran off and on for a few years from 2006-2012. Fall of 2012 I started running more, and kept with it. I pretty much do trail running only as road and treadmill bore me to tears. In March, I started running with a group that met up every Wednesday. Quite a few of them were into ultra-marathons, which I hadn’t heard of before. I did a few runs outside the group with a couple of them, and realized that if I dropped my pace down just slightly, I could add on a lot of miles. I had my first run over 10 miles, and then started doing that distance much more frequently, and at my pace. After pacing a couple of friends at their ultras, I decided to give it a try. In December, I entered a 50k, which I completed in 5:02:41, with 2,300 feet of elevation gain. My mistake, and this is a big one, was my previous long run wasn’t 25 miles, it wasn’t 20 miles, it was 19.2. My longest training run in the 4 months before the race was 16.9. So yes, I completed the course, but the course broke me. I ended up with really bad tendinitis in my peroneal tendon where it attaches to the foot. I tried running on it for a few more months, but even walking hurt. Long story short, I stopped running, it took over a year to heal, and it was really hard to motivate myself to get back into it.
For 2013, according to Strava, I completed 162 runs, for 942 miles with 144,882 feet of elevation gain, averaging about 9:05 per mile.
Jump ahead 5 years and 30 pounds later, it’s time to get back in shape. I suppose this might ultimately be the real reason: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjTg7F59WfE I’ve done 5 runs (2.6-4.1 miles) the last two weeks, and they feel great emotionally. Even physically isn’t too bad, but the cardio isn’t there yet. The 5 pounds that have already dropped are great! The temperature is climbing fast, we’re already mid 80’s, but if I can keep with it for a month or two, I should be able to maintain this even during the summer. On days when the temp tops 110, I won’t run. I’ve done that before, and even with taking the right precautions it’s dangerous.
My goals are just to get back in shape, be able to run 5-10 miles at a time with incline when I feel like it, and avoid entering any races. I’m super competitive, so unfortunately for me, I’m probably better off avoiding running groups again, and just going at my own pace.
For anyone planning on any sort of long distance, make sure you work your way up to it. If you are running at a really fast pace, you can slow down a bit and increase the mileage pretty safely, but if it’s going to be a sustained run for several hours be careful. Trail running is wonderful, yes, uphill can be hard, but it will build your endurance pretty quickly. Downhill, pay attention to what your knees and ankles tell you from the pounding they will take.
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How often does everyone replace their running shoes? I have 424 miles on my Brooks Ghost 11’s and just ordered another pair. From what I’ve read, they recommend around 250-500 miles but there’s recommendations all over the place.
I’ll try the new ones and see if they feel any better, or worse case scenario, just save the new ones and keep racking up miles on the old ones.
When I started running last summer I was wearing 4-5 year old ASICS that were already complete worn down. The Brooks feel like I’m running on a cloud.. or ghost...
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Shoe replacement depends on the shoe and how you wear it, but generally around 500 miles is when I replace them. I always have two pairs of shoes in rotation and don't run in them on back-to-back days so the foam gets a chance to decompress. I'm not sure that actually makes a difference, but usually I can find good enough deals on shoes to keep rotating through two different brands of last year's model.
Ghosts usually crapped out on me just above 400 miles, while I seem to be able to get over 500 on the Levitates. I'm going to get over 500 on my Mizuno Wave Riders, too.
I always know I'm due when my hips and knees start aching. With enough experience, you'll just know when to replace.
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I wear New Balance Minimus for treadmill running and trails with small rocks. I get 2500-3000 miles out of each pair. (It's a barefoot running shoe, so there's no structure to break down -- just a sole.) Eventually the upper tears, or the sole does -- but both last a long time.
For trails with bigger rocks I wear Brooks Cascadia, and I get 500-1000 miles out of those.
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How often does everyone replace their running shoes? I have 424 miles on my Brooks Ghost 11’s and just ordered another pair. From what I’ve read, they recommend around 250-500 miles but there’s recommendations all over the place.
I’ll try the new ones and see if they feel any better, or worse case scenario, just save the new ones and keep racking up miles on the old ones.
When I started running last summer I was wearing 4-5 year old ASICS that were already complete worn down. The Brooks feel like I’m running on a cloud.. or ghost...
I'm running on the Ghosts right now. Was using New Balance but they changed the 1080s to be too narrow now.
I'm hard on shoes. I rarely make it past 250 miles.
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How often does everyone replace their running shoes? I have 424 miles on my Brooks Ghost 11’s and just ordered another pair. From what I’ve read, they recommend around 250-500 miles but there’s recommendations all over the place.
I’ll try the new ones and see if they feel any better, or worse case scenario, just save the new ones and keep racking up miles on the old ones.
When I started running last summer I was wearing 4-5 year old ASICS that were already complete worn down. The Brooks feel like I’m running on a cloud.. or ghost...
I'm running on the Ghosts right now. Was using New Balance but they changed the 1080s to be too narrow now.
I'm hard on shoes. I rarely make it past 250 miles.
For me it just seems to take one wet / muddy day and shoe wear and tear really starts to pick up quite quickly after that. Try and rotate my older shoes onto those days for that reason...
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This morning, I planned a moderate 4 mile run. After my half mile warmup feeling good, I decided I wanted to really push myself. I walked 1/4 mile after the warmup, then hit it hard. Prior to today, during the mile repeats I have done, my fastest individual mile was 7:08. Today, I did two consecutive miles at an average of 6:49/mile. Way faster than I expected, and starting to feel like a 20 minute 5k in 2019 might actually become a possibility. Still a ways to go but I’m getting there.
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I signed up for my very first 5k in early May. My goal is to hit 22 minutes, which is a 7:05/mile pace. Going to be really tough but might be doable. That’d be a huge accomplishment to hit that but I’ll be content with anything less than 23 minutes still.
Also, since I’ll be traveling a lot for work this year I’ve decided to run a 10k in as many states as possible (not organized 10k, just on my own). I did Kentucky on Wednesday, and am in northern Minnesota tonight/tomorrow. I’m aiming for a 10k tomorrow morning before my meeting (supposed to be 23 degrees) which is pretty chilly for my somewhat southern acclimated self. I’m thinking I should be able to hit at least 6-7 states this year as of now, who knows what other trips I’ll have planned though. I may end up taking extra work trips just to get more states lol.
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I ran 6 miles on Sunday, & I knew I needed new shoes. I'd ordered shoes, but they hadn't arrived yet. I have regrets. My knee & ankle have been sore all week, so I've been taking a break. I also ordered a knee brace, which I'm hoping will help as well. Shoes should arrive this weekend!
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How often does everyone replace their running shoes? I have 424 miles on my Brooks Ghost 11’s and just ordered another pair. From what I’ve read, they recommend around 250-500 miles but there’s recommendations all over the place.
I’ll try the new ones and see if they feel any better, or worse case scenario, just save the new ones and keep racking up miles on the old ones.
When I started running last summer I was wearing 4-5 year old ASICS that were already complete worn down. The Brooks feel like I’m running on a cloud.. or ghost...
I use Hoka Bondi replace ~every 400 miles
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I wear New Balance Minimus for treadmill running and trails with small rocks. I get 2500-3000 miles out of each pair. (It's a barefoot running shoe, so there's no structure to break down -- just a sole.) Eventually the upper tears, or the sole does -- but both last a long time.
For trails with bigger rocks I wear Brooks Cascadia, and I get 500-1000 miles out of those.
Wut.
I've been running in NB Minimus for years and I only get about 300 miles out of them. Even though it's minimal, there is cushion there, and I notice when it's gone. A few years ago I had a couple identical pairs in rotation. Put my shoes on and before I left the house, something felt wrong. Sure enough, I had one old shoe and one new shoe on, and there was a big difference in the feel of the cushioning. Now I run mostly on pavement, so that might be the difference, but they definitely pack down fairly quickly, and then I retire them to casual wear.
Ran 4.4 miles today. Well, maybe walked 1.5 of it; my dog is getting old and slow, but still loves to go. Ankle is a little sore now, so I've wrapped it for support, but it felt good during the run.
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I wear New Balance Minimus for treadmill running and trails with small rocks. I get 2500-3000 miles out of each pair. (It's a barefoot running shoe, so there's no structure to break down -- just a sole.) Eventually the upper tears, or the sole does -- but both last a long time.
For trails with bigger rocks I wear Brooks Cascadia, and I get 500-1000 miles out of those.
Wut.
I've been running in NB Minimus for years and I only get about 300 miles out of them. Even though it's minimal, there is cushion there, and I notice when it's gone. A few years ago I had a couple identical pairs in rotation. Put my shoes on and before I left the house, something felt wrong. Sure enough, I had one old shoe and one new shoe on, and there was a big difference in the feel of the cushioning. Now I run mostly on pavement, so that might be the difference, but they definitely pack down fairly quickly, and then I retire them to casual wear.
Ran 4.4 miles today. Well, maybe walked 1.5 of it; my dog is getting old and slow, but still loves to go. Ankle is a little sore now, so I've wrapped it for support, but it felt good during the run.
If there is a shoe that I can get 4 thousand kilometres out of I'd love to hear about it! That would cover me for well over 2 years!
I ran a 12km fun run on Sunday with @mustachepungoeshere. We both set PBs for 10km and 12km which was great.
In my case, finish time was 58:56, which works out to a 4:55/km pace. I'm a little bit disappointed by that, figuring I could have gone maybe a minute faster if I really pushed, but I didn't want to embarrass myself and blow up. I think that mindset is a problem for me, because I'll always "never know" if I really could have gone faster.
Next race is a 10k in 5 weeks time, before a marathon in just 9 weeks time :O
Better go for a run now.
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I wear New Balance Minimus for treadmill running and trails with small rocks. I get 2500-3000 miles out of each pair. (It's a barefoot running shoe, so there's no structure to break down -- just a sole.) Eventually the upper tears, or the sole does -- but both last a long time.
For trails with bigger rocks I wear Brooks Cascadia, and I get 500-1000 miles out of those.
Wut.
I've been running in NB Minimus for years and I only get about 300 miles out of them. Even though it's minimal, there is cushion there, and I notice when it's gone.
Wut? Hmm. I guess it's individual differences then? When you say you only get 300 miles out of them, how do they fail on you? For me it's usually the upper tearing away from the sole near the place where my big toe joins my foot.
It's been about two years since I bought a new pair of Minimus (Minimi?) but I don't remember feeling any difference in cushioning when they are brand new. I've got three pair of these in rotation, a 6 year old pair that is near the end, a 4 year old pair, and my "new" 2 year old pair. Prior to these I had several other pairs, and they all lasted for about the same length of time. At first I wore socks with them, but for the past few years I've gone barefoot only inside them. I like they way they conform to my feet. I wear them a lot, not just when I'm running. I have a pair on right now haha:
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Can someone elaborate a bit more about the “rotations” of shoes? This thread is the first time I’ve read/heard of this.
Is it for increased longevity of the shoes or some other sort of reason? Does it allow the cushioning to “rebound” or something? My last pair of shoes I just wore non stop for a bit over 400 miles and replaced. Planned to do the same with the new pair I got last week.
I’m not opposed to picking up a second pair if it will make them last longer, just want to understand.
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Yes, I guess having more than one pair of running shoes makes the group of them last longer, but I don't think it would change how many miles you get out of each pair. For me the 'rotation' is partly cosmetic. All my pairs of running shoes feel the same to me so it's more about keeping one pair looking nicer than the others so I can wear it to the gym or whatever. Also, when a pair eventually rips to the point where I can't wear them running, then it's nice to have shoes to run in that aren't brand new. I usually don't wear socks when I run, so a brand new pair of shoes would likely cause some blistering or wounds.
ETA: I wear all three pairs for running, but maybe I'm using the word 'rotation' wrongly; it's more like a linear aging progression . . .
The only reason I wear shoes at all is to avoid cutting and bruising injuries to my feet. I don't need any padding and can (and do sometimes) run purely barefoot. So maybe that explains why I keep shoes so long -- my requirements are very very low haha. Just protect my skin from the glass and sharp rocks please
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Can someone elaborate a bit more about the “rotations” of shoes? This thread is the first time I’ve read/heard of this.
Its also something (mainly?) one can do do slightly vary the load on the foot as a means to reduce the risk of injuries. At lest that's why I do it... I don't see any reason why it should make them last longer in terms of milage - I do it simply to keep my legs last longer. I obviously use different shoes for different conditions (asphalt/in the woods/during winter) but I always have more than one pair available for general use.
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Thanks for all the input!
Habanero - I didn’t think of that at all. Maybe I should make a trip to the running store and find a different brand/model to rotate with for that slight change? That does make sense.
The only logic I had was that maybe after running long miles, giving the shoes more time “off” it somehow could help their compression rebound or something by being used less frequently?
So far - all my training has been on a treadmill or outside, so I’ve just used the same pair of shoes. I used to run on the treadmill a lot more, but lately I’ve reversed into running way more outside the last few weeks. Hopefully the weather holds out to keep that up for a while.
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Thanks for all the input!
Habanero - I didn’t think of that at all. Maybe I should make a trip to the running store and find a different brand/model to rotate with for that slight change? That does make sense.
that's what I've always done, don't know how much it really helps but i heard it years ago and stuck with it.
Currently rotating a pair of Asics with a pair of Brooks.
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This shoe conversation is timely, as I haven't been able to run for a week due to knee/ankle pain. My shoes are OLD, like, lost track of when I bought them old. I have a replacement ready to try out tomorrow, and I ordered a knee brace, as I'm just getting old & need one. ;-)
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Even if trying to save money - running shoes are not the place to skimp. They do probably last longer than most ppl think, but eventually they get worn out and need replacement, and as said - one should probably have more than one pair. Its also important to do some basic exersice to develop strength in the supporting/core musclature, 20-30 minutes at home with almost no equipment 3 times a week goes a long way. Someone who does only endurance sports (running/cycling/x-country skiing/etc) can have surprisingly weak supporting musclature despite being very fit in a cardiovascular sense.
Its also beneficial to vary the acticvity - a long, low-intensity run can be replaced by cycling for example. And even walking at a brisk pace (preferably slightly uphill) goes a long way. I have cut back a bit on the running back and forth home-job as about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) twice a day proved too much. Now I walk more often. For that distance the time needed isn't all that different, for me the difference between a low-intensity run and a brisk walk is around 2 minutes / kilometer or about 3 minutes / mile. So for my "commute" its only about 15 minutes difference.
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@Trifele the uppers on mine don't fail, it's the cushioning. I'm fairly heavy, so maybe I smash them down more, but I feel the difference when they lose their spring for running. At least they can't get as off balance as a traditional running shoe due to uneven wear.
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Okay, I actually finally registered for the half marathon in mid-May. Sigh. It's gonna hurt. Ran 8.25 miles last weekend. This coming weekend is probably 9.5-ish.
At my pace...it's just a long time to be running.
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Well I have most certainly gone downhill. My back which I threw out a month ago has continually got worse. Not only that, my right leg has start hurting from my knee to ankle (shins, calves, etc.). Yesterday at the gym I really jacked my shoulder up pushing myself on bench press.
Of course - this all happens right before signing up for my very first 5k that I planned to push myself on early next month. I basically have to majorly dial everything back several notches. I tried pushing through it the last 3 weeks, but it hasn’t improved at all and in some ways has certainly got worse.
This week has been a measly 2 mile treadmill run Sunday with 10 mins on the elliptical. Monday was 10 mins elliptical and 25 mins stair stepper. Yesterday was a hard gym weightlifting session (where I jacked up my shoulder.)
I took today off. I plan to do some light cardio tomorrow morning. Might do a little treadmill/elliptical/stair stepper. It will just depend how my leg feels.
For my back, I’ve diligently been stretching 3x/day for about 15 minutes, and also adding in some planks to help my core.
I hate cutting back, especially more than I already have, but deep down I know that at this point pushing is only going to make it worse and dialing back more and more notches is going to be the best choice.
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4:41am start today to run 31km! My goal was 34-36, but had to stop because it suddenly got very cold! I'm guessing it was a combination of wind chill and that my body no longer had enough energy to stay warm, so when I started shivering I figured the benefit from the extra 3-5km probably wasn't going to be worth it.
I was out on my feet for 3 hours 10 minutes, and aerobically I was fine, the legs were not so fine. I've recalibrated my marathon goal to 4:13 (4:30 is not a stretch, 4 hours is probably going to cause me to boink at about the 25km mark). 4:13 is a 6:00/km pace.
Scoffed down a Maccas breakfast afterwards, and an early lunch. I've never eaten so much so quickly before haha.
Sounds ridiculous, but I had a nap at 9am lol
Well I have most certainly gone downhill. My back which I threw out a month ago has continually got worse. Not only that, my right leg has start hurting from my knee to ankle (shins, calves, etc.). Yesterday at the gym I really jacked my shoulder up pushing myself on bench press.
Of course - this all happens right before signing up for my very first 5k that I planned to push myself on early next month. I basically have to majorly dial everything back several notches. I tried pushing through it the last 3 weeks, but it hasn’t improved at all and in some ways has certainly got worse.
This week has been a measly 2 mile treadmill run Sunday with 10 mins on the elliptical. Monday was 10 mins elliptical and 25 mins stair stepper. Yesterday was a hard gym weightlifting session (where I jacked up my shoulder.)
I took today off. I plan to do some light cardio tomorrow morning. Might do a little treadmill/elliptical/stair stepper. It will just depend how my leg feels.
For my back, I’ve diligently been stretching 3x/day for about 15 minutes, and also adding in some planks to help my core.
I hate cutting back, especially more than I already have, but deep down I know that at this point pushing is only going to make it worse and dialing back more and more notches is going to be the best choice.
Injuries basically come from trying to do too much too soon right? You've had really good progress so far, but I feel like chickens are coming home to roost based on what you are experiencing.
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Well I have most certainly gone downhill. My back which I threw out a month ago has continually got worse. Not only that, my right leg has start hurting from my knee to ankle (shins, calves, etc.). Yesterday at the gym I really jacked my shoulder up pushing myself on bench press.
Of course - this all happens right before signing up for my very first 5k that I planned to push myself on early next month. I basically have to majorly dial everything back several notches. I tried pushing through it the last 3 weeks, but it hasn’t improved at all and in some ways has certainly got worse.
This week has been a measly 2 mile treadmill run Sunday with 10 mins on the elliptical. Monday was 10 mins elliptical and 25 mins stair stepper. Yesterday was a hard gym weightlifting session (where I jacked up my shoulder.)
I took today off. I plan to do some light cardio tomorrow morning. Might do a little treadmill/elliptical/stair stepper. It will just depend how my leg feels.
For my back, I’ve diligently been stretching 3x/day for about 15 minutes, and also adding in some planks to help my core.
I hate cutting back, especially more than I already have, but deep down I know that at this point pushing is only going to make it worse and dialing back more and more notches is going to be the best choice.
Injuries basically come from trying to do too much too soon right? You've had really good progress so far, but I feel like chickens are coming home to roost based on what you are experiencing.
In regards to the running related portions I agree. Lifting wise I’m not doing anything I haven’t done the last 15 years. Granted, my squat is near its peak, but bench press is nowhere close.
Regarding the running, while I was careful to increase the mileage super slowly, I think I increased my pace too much in those miles too soon. My intensity of my runs was frankly too hard, too often.
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I'll hop on board. Been running a couple years but kept getting injured, ran a 5K but have had to pull out of 2 other races due to ITBS and shin splints. Actually thought I had a stress fracture and got an x-ray which thankfully was negative, just "significant tissue damage." fun.
Been doing some serious leg and hip exercises along with foam rolling and it seems to be helping. Worked back up to 4.5 miles at 10:30 easy pace, but trying to slowly build mileage and not get hurt again.
If i stay healthy maybe I'll try for a fall marathon.
Also, running has made me realize how much I hate winter. Snow sucks.
Upcoming races and 3 goals:
5k in march - goals: Finish / don't get hurt in training, 27:30, 25:00
half marathon in may - goals: Finish / don't get hurt in training, 2:00, 1:45
Update here;
Ran a 5k this weekend, actually won my age group which is a nice perk for a small race. Time was 25:08, so just missed my top goal. GPS registered the race as 3.22 miles, so if it was an actual 5k I would have gotten there. The course had a half mile 8% grade hill before mile 2 which was absolutely brutal. Had to walk up the last bit and regroup before the last mile.
Plantar Fascia are pretty sore now, so taking a few days off to try and let them heal up.
5 weeks out from a half marathon, and I've worked up to a 10 mile long run. Been taking every run slow to keep my HR down below 145 to try and improve my aerobic conditioning. I have noticed improvements in my pace, and the 5K was a PR by over 2 minutes so it seems to be working.
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Regarding the running, while I was careful to increase the mileage super slowly, I think I increased my pace too much in those miles too soon. My intensity of my runs was frankly too hard, too often.
Yeah, this is super tricky.
I always have issues with my heart rate. I've only been wearing a HR monitor for a year. Turns out, when I push it (on a regular run or an uphill run, where I feel like I'm pushing it), my HR gets to 190+, easily.
Which, ya know, probably not the best.
Last year I trained for the half marathon in May without a HR monitor. I was running my long runs probably "too fast", when you consider your long run should be slow, as in not at race pace (1-2 min/mile off is fine). As a result, my race was only 15 sec/mile faster than training runs. I figured this out because I was usually able to keep up with 2 other women on the long run, but race day their finish times for the half were...about 25-28 minutes faster than mine.
So this year, I feel like I'm dragging a bit, but I'm also trying to keep my slow runs...slower. I was conducting the struggle train on Sat, with a 9 mile run (last mile at "race pace", where HR got high again). 12:00 miles on average. I guess maybe that's 1:00 off my goal pace? Or 45 sec anyway.
I'm trying to be careful to not increase pace AND distance concurrently. I know, intellectually, that I'm not going to continuously PR. I also know, in my heart, that nobody really gives a shit if I beat last year's time for this race (2:28) or my most recent half (2:20). I tell myself that it's supposed to be fun, and if I feel like dying for the last 3 miles (which is what "race pace" feels like), what's the actual point? But then again, I'm type A.
Hey, well, I tell myself in less than 2 years I'll be 50, and I can start chasing "over-50" PRs.
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My weight is an “issue.” Due to all my weightlifting and strict diet, I’m way too muscular for a good distance runner for anything over like 40 meters. I’m 5’9, 185 lbs, and single digit body fat. Most distance runners my height are around 135-155 lbs. I am prepared to give up what will have to be some muscle to supplement my running.
I recommend avoiding putting a predetermined limit on yourself with your language. "I'm way too muscular for a good distance runner..." I've been a runner for about 17 years now and I know people of most every body type that successfully run distance. Granted that you're probably not cut out for the Olympics, but you're in a pretty good spot. I used to use my short, stocky stature as an excuse for slow running. I'm 5'6" 170. Have you read Born to Run? I don't think I've seen that book mentioned in this thread yet. Good luck!
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As a rule of thumb 1kg extra body weight adds 1-2 seconds pr kilometer. So unless aiming for a world record a few extra kiloes / pounds is not a valid excuse.
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So far this year
Jan - 30 miles
Feb - 30 miles
March - 40 miles
April - 29 miles down, ~21 to go!
My runs range between 2-5 miles at a time, and I'm averaging an 8:45 pace @ ~210 lb body weight. Also lifting weights 4 times a week and mountain biking 1-2 times a week.
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Nice job on your 5k @BookValue! Hope you are feeling better @use2betrix.
My runs are going really great, weightlifting 3X week -- going great, getting stronger.
Only problem is -- whoa Nelly, I'm losing weight. That is the opposite direction I was hoping to go. I think the weightlifting (and also the 3-4 hours per day of farm work I'm doing now that spring is here and I'm retired) has jacked my calorie needs way up. I know it's a "good problem" to have, but it's kind of scary too. I'm trying to just eat more (a lot more) and not worry that there's something wrong with me. :) Really hoping I can put on at least five pounds in the next few months.
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Check in time!
Still on the struggle bus. I'm struggling for multiple reasons:
1. I'm having a hard time finding "race pace". It seems like many of our weekly runs are at "race pace", and our weekend runs are longer.
2. I'm slower than last year.
I'm having a hard time finding a faster "gear". I'm training for the same 1/2 marathon I did last spring.
Last year's pace was 11:16
October 1/2 pace (mostly downhill): 10:45
Then took 3 months off due to injury. It's not like I can do what I normally do, which is just try to shave off a few minutes.
I'm super struggling to get anything under 11:30. Added to that, I do the run/walk method, and figuring out run pace and walk breaks is driving me crazy. Plus, I'm just not in the same mental place as last year. So one of the assistant running coaches says "well, that's just fine. Aim for 12:00." Which is...refreshing, honestly, in a sea of people running sub-10:00. I find myself dreading the runs these days, so maybe I'm just burned out.
On a plus note, today's race pace run was at 10:48-10:58, which is an improvement. I do not think I can maintain that over 13.1 miles, so let's just call that my "downhill" pace (first half of the race is uphill, then about 5 miles down hill, ending with up hill).
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@mm1970 I'm on the struggle bus with you! Recovery from a non-running-related medical procedure is dragggggingg. I went running twice this week, but I think it was a little too early and am backing off again.
My "race" is on May 19 and I'm waffling about still doing it (could probably grit it out verrry slowly, but I'm not sure it's worth it) or switching my entry to another race over the summer. I have until May 5 to decide.
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@mm1970 I wonder if you'd benefit from some structured interval training. You've got the legs to do the long runs, but maybe some dedicated short, targeted speedwork would be good? Perhaps simply get used to running at a fast pace (even over short 3-400m distances), which trains your legs to tick over faster on the longer distances?
I know that I usually get stuck in my mind that I'm a particular pace runner at a particular distance. The problem with that thinking is that I don't know if I can go faster, until I muck around with some short training intervals and realise "oh, that's how fast I need to move my legs to go xx seconds a kilometre faster".
It ends up "normalising" a faster pace for me, or at least making me believe a new faster pace is achievable.
FWIW I ran a new best 5k time today of 22:19. I went out in a seemingly ridiculous 3:59 for the first km, and then held off with steady 4:35/km splits for the remaining 4km. Unusual but effective in getting me a best time :)
There is no way I could have done this without doing a few "fast 1km's" @ 3:45 pace in training, simply knowing in my head that I can actually go that quick.
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I am nowhere near peek fitness from a few years ago. My solution to make sure I was running by feel and not by my watch to fast is to change my GPS to record things in KMs instead of miles. The only problem is that my watch still gives me mile pace every mile so I'm now starting to learn the KMPH equivalents to MPH.
Oh well, current goal race is actually a 10 mile walk division race in August, I want to be sub-2hr maybe sub 1:50 so I'm defiantly not waddling. I entered a running 10KM next week that I'm going to see if I can hold 11mm walking for the duration.
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Hello all,
I’m new to the forum and I happen to be a runner. I run a 5k around my neighborhood a few times per week.
I used to run frequently in my early 20s while in the military. I got out in 2013 and really fell off the wagon until last year. I’ve been running consistently since last August.
My 2019 goals are to continue to run a few times per week at least. Also to continuously get faster. I live in an area of all hills, sadly (not so sad).
Currently running in a low to mid 9 minute per mile pace. Am working to consistently be under 9 by the end of the year.
I just snagged a pair of brooks ghosts about 25 miles ago and am loving them!
Looking forward to being part of the community.
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The only problem is that my watch still gives me mile pace every mile so I'm now starting to learn the KMPH equivalents to MPH.
If you guys are never going to adopt the metric system surely it's time the 0.62137119 and 1.609344 times tables are included in the common core curriculum....
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Welcome @FreedomSeeker! Good to hear you like the Brooks. I have a pair of those (Cascadia) that I wear sometimes. They're well made.
Funny story this week. One of the trainers at my local YMCA is a marathon/ultra runner, and we talk about running from time to time. We click because we're both mostly trail runners, we both run barefoot-style, and we're both slow-ish -- or so I thought. Two weeks ago she ran a huge PR at a local marathon and qualified for Boston. She was gobsmacked, as she had thought it could never happen. So now she is totally on fire for me to get back to longer distances and give it a go. I've tried to cool her jets by explaining (a) it's been many years since I ran a marathon (b) I've never done it on a road, only trails and (c) my daily runs these days are at ~12 minute pace. So I don't think I have any surprising fast marathon times lurking in me lol.
However, her surprise PR and bubbling enthusiasm have sparked me to try running a little faster and farther to see what I can do. I'm in a rut now where I pretty much do the same thing every week -- easy trail runs. It's a wonderful rut, but it's a rut. I think I'd like to register for a race to rekindle that desire again. So I'll hunt for something short and local to ease back into it.
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@mm1970 I wonder if you'd benefit from some structured interval training. You've got the legs to do the long runs, but maybe some dedicated short, targeted speedwork would be good? Perhaps simply get used to running at a fast pace (even over short 3-400m distances), which trains your legs to tick over faster on the longer distances?
I know that I usually get stuck in my mind that I'm a particular pace runner at a particular distance. The problem with that thinking is that I don't know if I can go faster, until I muck around with some short training intervals and realise "oh, that's how fast I need to move my legs to go xx seconds a kilometre faster".
It ends up "normalising" a faster pace for me, or at least making me believe a new faster pace is achievable.
FWIW I ran a new best 5k time today of 22:19. I went out in a seemingly ridiculous 3:59 for the first km, and then held off with steady 4:35/km splits for the remaining 4km. Unusual but effective in getting me a best time :)
There is no way I could have done this without doing a few "fast 1km's" @ 3:45 pace in training, simply knowing in my head that I can actually go that quick.
I think that's one of the reasons why my pace is so slow right now.
For half marathons, I join paid training groups. I've been doing that for a couple of years. Tuesday is track day. This particular coach also has an "off season" track Tuesday program, which I join. Track Tuesday varies from 200's to mile repeats.
Well, I was off for 3 months. When I started up again in late January, with track, I was literally just getting back into running. By the time the half marathon training program started in March, I was finally back to "normal" (could run without pain) - but then "track Tuesday" was mostly focused on race pace, and less on speed.
Last year, we had more days of 400s and 800s on track Tuesday during the program than we have this year. (Yeah, so I'm an engineer, and I have a spreadsheet, so yes - I can look back at each week of training to see what our Track Tuesday workout was!) So I just haven't had the opportunity to work on speed. Plus I was starting from a different place.
I love track and speed work. It's my very favorite thing to do 400s and 800s. I think that's probably why I have such an affinity for the run/walk method.
This weekend, we did 11.5 miles on the hilly course. My average was 12:03. I felt pretty good. Miles 7/ 8 were my fastest at about 11:22 and 11:25. During those (downhill) miles, I was doing mostly walk 30 seconds every half mile. My run pace was about 10:20-10:30. Last year I was able to hit 10:00 during the back half of the course.
Likewise my "mile" pace last year was 9:20 and this year is probably more like 10:00.
I hope to work more on speed this summer before the uphill half training starts. I tweaked my knee on Saturday (after the run), so I'm giving it a rest right now.
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I have been less than enthused about running lately....but my favorite running buddy/friend qualified for Boston over the weekend. I was fairly certain that I'd register for next year, but this seals the deal for me.
I did not run the half marathon that I halfway trained for. It was yesterday. It was overcast, rainy, and in the 50s here, so it would have been near perfect conditions....but I lost my fire weeks ago. It was $115 to register for the race. That's obscene. Full marathons cost less than that! Road racing is getting ridiculous (yes, I acknowledge that it will probably cost me $300 or more to register for Boston. It's a one and done kind of thing). However, I think I'll run a 5k that's ~ 0.6 miles from my house on Thursday evening. The course is laughable - it's 250 foot of downhill followed by trudging back up the same hill to finish. Get ready for an absolutely crazy positive split. Let's see if I can run a mile PR barreling down at the start. :-D
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A few weeks I tried to increase my running just a little - my old ankle injury acted up, and then my horse jumped on my foot for good measure, and I think I have some deep bruising from that. So frustrating since this is such a nice time of year to run (when the wind isn't howling). I usually run in a minimalist shoe, but I think the extra flexiblity is irritating the old injury, so I'm going to pack my old neutral runners and see if I can manage a short jog while I'm on work travel next week.
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I have been less than enthused about running lately....but my favorite running buddy/friend qualified for Boston over the weekend. I was fairly certain that I'd register for next year, but this seals the deal for me.
I did not run the half marathon that I halfway trained for. It was yesterday. It was overcast, rainy, and in the 50s here, so it would have been near perfect conditions....but I lost my fire weeks ago. It was $115 to register for the race. That's obscene. Full marathons cost less than that! Road racing is getting ridiculous (yes, I acknowledge that it will probably cost me $300 or more to register for Boston. It's a one and done kind of thing). However, I think I'll run a 5k that's ~ 0.6 miles from my house on Thursday evening. The course is laughable - it's 250 foot of downhill followed by trudging back up the same hill to finish. Get ready for an absolutely crazy positive split. Let's see if I can run a mile PR barreling down at the start. :-D
Around here $90-140 is typical for a half marathon. $90 is only if you register far in advance (it goes up after), and of course - there are extras. Like, if you need race day pickup, it's an extra $15.
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I have been less than enthused about running lately....but my favorite running buddy/friend qualified for Boston over the weekend. I was fairly certain that I'd register for next year, but this seals the deal for me.
I did not run the half marathon that I halfway trained for. It was yesterday. It was overcast, rainy, and in the 50s here, so it would have been near perfect conditions....but I lost my fire weeks ago. It was $115 to register for the race. That's obscene. Full marathons cost less than that! Road racing is getting ridiculous (yes, I acknowledge that it will probably cost me $300 or more to register for Boston. It's a one and done kind of thing). However, I think I'll run a 5k that's ~ 0.6 miles from my house on Thursday evening. The course is laughable - it's 250 foot of downhill followed by trudging back up the same hill to finish. Get ready for an absolutely crazy positive split. Let's see if I can run a mile PR barreling down at the start. :-D
Around here $90-140 is typical for a half marathon. $90 is only if you register far in advance (it goes up after), and of course - there are extras. Like, if you need race day pickup, it's an extra $15.
HM's are between $50-$100 here. The larger, more popular ones through the City are the more expensive ones.
I have the most fun at the smaller ones, they have a bit more of a friendly atmosphere at the finish line - you don't feel like you are being herded through a maze of corporate sponsor tents with a million other people.
Full marathons run from $70-$140. I don't buy all the extras like t-shirts and visors - it would be prohibitive to go down that path.
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I have been less than enthused about running lately....but my favorite running buddy/friend qualified for Boston over the weekend. I was fairly certain that I'd register for next year, but this seals the deal for me.
I did not run the half marathon that I halfway trained for. It was yesterday. It was overcast, rainy, and in the 50s here, so it would have been near perfect conditions....but I lost my fire weeks ago. It was $115 to register for the race. That's obscene. Full marathons cost less than that! Road racing is getting ridiculous (yes, I acknowledge that it will probably cost me $300 or more to register for Boston. It's a one and done kind of thing). However, I think I'll run a 5k that's ~ 0.6 miles from my house on Thursday evening. The course is laughable - it's 250 foot of downhill followed by trudging back up the same hill to finish. Get ready for an absolutely crazy positive split. Let's see if I can run a mile PR barreling down at the start. :-D
Around here $90-140 is typical for a half marathon. $90 is only if you register far in advance (it goes up after), and of course - there are extras. Like, if you need race day pickup, it's an extra $15.
HM's are between $50-$100 here. The larger, more popular ones through the City are the more expensive ones.
I have the most fun at the smaller ones, they have a bit more of a friendly atmosphere at the finish line - you don't feel like you are being herded through a maze of corporate sponsor tents with a million other people.
Full marathons run from $70-$140. I don't buy all the extras like t-shirts and visors - it would be prohibitive to go down that path.
I was so happy to get into this last half for only $105. But now...if I want to pick up my race packet, I either drive 80 miles round trip the night before to get it, or I pay an extra $15 to pick it up the morning of...
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Still slowly recovering from my back and shoulder injuries, but my knee’s/shins/calves are starting to feel better. At my peak last month I was nearly at 20 hard miles a week. This month I’ve had to drop to around 30-40 for the month. Last week I slowly started picking it up again, and Saturday did 5 miles at an 8:15 pace which felt pretty good. Today I did an easier 3 miles.
My first 5K is in about a week and despite having an amazing 7 months of training since I started running last July, I’m pretty let down with all these nagging issues the last 4-8 weeks. I was thinking I should easily break 23 minutes, and quite potentially break 22 based on some current times and a random 2 miles I managed at 6:49/mile a couple months ago. We’ll have to see what I maintained With this downtime.
After the race I plan to take it easy for a week then slowly start picking up the running and lifting again. Until this month, all year had been 4 days running, 2 days lifting, but after a rest week next week I’m going to do 3 days running/3 days lifting for a couple months and try and pack on a bit more muscle. We’ll see how the shoulder and back does..
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And just like that...this morning we practiced "finishing". Our race has a pretty long, gnarly hill at mile 11 or 11.5. Which sucks. And even another small hill at mile 12.5. So there's a strategy for finishing.
So today at the track we did 1200 at Half marathon pace, 800 at 10k, and 400 at 5k. I managed 9:24 pace for the 400, so that means my legs CAN go that fast (and it's literally the only time I manage the coveted 180 bpm).
Also, the coach mentioned that she's "running" the race, not "racing" the race, as are a couple of others. Yay! So it's perfectly acceptable for me to admit that. I'm running, not racing. I don't WANT to race every half marathon. I think my honest goal for this year will be to break a 1 hour 10k. In September.
Once the half is over I'm going to cut my running back from 3 to 2 days, add 1 day swimming again, and add a second day of lifting. (Basically, lifting instead of hip/core.) At least until the next race group.
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I bit the bullet and switched from the half marathon on the 19th to a five miler. Feeling less stressed--I've white-knuckled my way through a 10k on no prep, so five miles should be fine. I'm starting with two this weekend.
So I have kind of a weird living situation at the moment. I started a job in City A over the winter, which is 1) my hometown and 2) where my SO and I plan to live long term--but it's a super-small market and I work in a very niche field, so when jobs open up, you have to hop on them. The SO and I still technically live in City B. It's about 1.5 hours away, so I've been crashing with my family most weeknights to avoid the commute. I've always hated running at my family's house: it's in your prototypical suburban neighborhood so you have to run cul-de-sacs over and overrrr, or drive somewhere.
BUT! A new connector trail has opened up to a nearby park, since the last time I've spent consistent time here. The park has about five miles of trails and a weekly trail running group. I took the dog down the connector last night, and I'm SO EXCITED. This is a complete game-changer for my daily run game in City A. I miss running and I'm SO ready to get back out there, especially with fun new trails to explore.
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I bit the bullet and switched from the half marathon on the 19th to a five miler. Feeling less stressed--I've white-knuckled my way through a 10k on no prep, so five miles should be fine. I'm starting with two this weekend.
So I have kind of a weird living situation at the moment. I started a job in City A over the winter, which is 1) my hometown and 2) where my SO and I plan to live long term--but it's a super-small market and I work in a very niche field, so when jobs open up, you have to hop on them. The SO and I still technically live in City B. It's about 1.5 hours away, so I've been crashing with my family most weeknights to avoid the commute. I've always hated running at my family's house: it's in your prototypical suburban neighborhood so you have to run cul-de-sacs over and overrrr, or drive somewhere.
BUT! A new connector trail has opened up to a nearby park, since the last time I've spent consistent time here. The park has about five miles of trails and a weekly trail running group. I took the dog down the connector last night, and I'm SO EXCITED. This is a complete game-changer for my daily run game in City A. I miss running and I'm SO ready to get back out there, especially with fun new trails to explore.
So awesome! I grew up in a rural area where the only places to run and walk are back roads. Which are fine, except cars going 55 mph occasionally - and loose dogs. And bears, but I never saw any bears. So...you need to be awake and paying attention.
In the last 3-5 years, a group has been converting the old unused railways to trails, and they've been paving them. So the last time I went home ... so many new trail options! Hopefully by the next time I go they will have paved the next section, which LITERALLY goes through my stepfather's back yard.
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So I signed up or my first challenge on the nike run club app. 50k for the month of May.
Anyone else using nike run club?
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Oh my gosh, last night's 5k was TOUGH. 22:31 for second lady and 7th overall. 250 feet of elevation gain, most of it in the back half. My splits: 6:43, 7:23, 7:55. LOLOLOL. The most amazing positive split ever. It was in the upper 70s with terrible humidity, too. Despite being four minutes faster than last year's winning time, I just couldn't catch the lady in front of me. The upshot is that she's really cool and lives in my 'hood, so I might have found a new running buddy. :)
Gonna do another one next Thursday on a much flatter course.
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Lowered my 10k best time by 2 minutes today and finished in 46:47! Super happy, but it nearly came unstuck after 9k when my legs started getting tight and crampy. I was a little grumpy in the last 500m about not being able to "kick" but still managed to blow my goal away for this race which was 48 minutes.
So today at the track we did 1200 at Half marathon pace, 800 at 10k, and 400 at 5k. I managed 9:24 pace for the 400, so that means my legs CAN go that fast (and it's literally the only time I manage the coveted 180 bpm).
I had to do some maths here.... this converts to just under 6:00/km pace(?) That must have felt really good to get back towards your last year pace :)
Oh my gosh, last night's 5k was TOUGH. 22:31 for second lady and 7th overall. 250 feet of elevation gain, most of it in the back half. My splits: 6:43, 7:23, 7:55. LOLOLOL. The most amazing positive split ever. It was in the upper 70s with terrible humidity, too. Despite being four minutes faster than last year's winning time, I just couldn't catch the lady in front of me. The upshot is that she's really cool and lives in my 'hood, so I might have found a new running buddy. :)
Gonna do another one next Thursday on a much flatter course.
Oh my god that seems like a tragedy that finishing climb! I'll bet it murdered a few people. I've slowly come to appreciate the benefit of climbs in training. Don't think I will ever grow to like them though.
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Full marathons run from $70-$140. I don't buy all the extras like t-shirts and visors - it would be prohibitive to go down that path.
Marathon I did here last month was £30 - including a pretty nice t-shirt. Really well organised too, with hundreds of volunteers on the water stations etc.
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This weekend I ran my very first road race. Needless to say the nervousness was pretty high as I really didn’t know what to expect. I think there were a couple thousand runners. I injured my back squatting really bad a couple months ago and my running mileage has basically cut in half since. It’s been feeling better the last week but I knew I still didn’t want to push it too much right before the race.
My original goal when I signed up a few months ago was 22 minutes, but I knew since cutting way back on my running, 23 minutes would be a much more reasonable goal.
That being said, I ran a 22:43!! I was very happy I made that goal and I really left everything out on the table. I did sprint the last 100 yards and pass a dozen people. Unfortunately there was a turn near the end or I could’ve picked it up a bit longer. There were several more “small” hills than I expected. Everywhere I train and run it’s completely flat, so it certainly went alright still.
One article that I read about run strategies which is pretty obvious but I kept reminding myself of was, “equal pace does not mean equal effort.” So - while obvious, it helped remind myself that although it was getting significantly harder i was still running a similar pace. According to my watch I was 7:09, 7:18, 7:09, although I know my watch is definitely a bit off as it said I ran 3.19 instead of 3.1, and it was a certified course, so I need to consider that for future races.
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Mighty effort for your first race, well done!
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Mighty effort for your first race, well done!
Thank You, and congrats on the 10k PR!! I’ll be looking forward to my first 10k eventually as well. Had a really good time at the race and big after party today. Went as good if not better than could have been expected.
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I have my half marathon in two weeks. I was hoping to be at 11 miles this weekend, but I'm a couple of weeks behind on my long run training. I did 9, and feel really good. Yeah! I was previously having ankle & knee problems, so I'm super happy with the lack of pain. I'll do a couple of short runs + a 5-6 miler next weekend.
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Been going for a few months now, building up slowly (first time in my life).
Yesterday I ran 5 miles in 41 minutes - and it felt GOOD 😊
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Way to go, @use2betrix ! Great time and sounds like you had a good plan, and stuck to it :)
I did a very gentle 2 miles yesterday. Felt fine. I'd like to go today, but will be smart and take the dog for a long walk instead and run 2 again tomorrow. I can't sub yoga or anything like that, either. I'm climbing the walls...this is the least exercise I've done since I was like, 13.
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I have my half marathon in two weeks. I was hoping to be at 11 miles this weekend, but I'm a couple of weeks behind on my long run training. I did 9, and feel really good. Yeah! I was previously having ankle & knee problems, so I'm super happy with the lack of pain. I'll do a couple of short runs + a 5-6 miler next weekend.
Lack of pain is a very good thing. My cousin ran her first half this weekend in 2:33. That would be a stretch goal for me right now. I'm hoping to run mine this weekend, enjoy the race and beautiful scenery. Finish upright with a smile on my face. (Stolen from Galloway's book.)
I'll be surprised if I break a 12:00 mile, because, like I said...I want to enjoy the process.
That being said, I ran a 22:43!! I was very happy I made that goal and I really left everything out on the table.
awesome job.
I realized this weekend that I like racing. And I like tests of endurance, like long hikes, half marathons...I just really don't like the combination. Because 2 hr and 30 to 40 mins is a LONG TIME to be out there.
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Did my first serious run in months at the weekend - the injury I picked up over the winter appears to finally be fading away, and I got to do a 5km race at a decent clip. Still a few seconds per kilometre off my peak pace, but I'm very happy with the result.
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After posting a satisfactory 5 mile run, I wore new running shoes on Tuesday - and have had a recurrence of plantar fasciitis - ahhh! First time in over six month; deliberately building up slowly ...
Back to the drawing board (or at least tennis ball for the inflammation) ...
Running must be similar to golf - alluring, addictive and frustrating!
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@Slow road to freedom: have you tried a golf ball instead of a tennis ball? The golf ball is smaller and harder and can really get at the fascia better than the tennis ball. One day I worked really hard on the arch of my foot, and I felt nearly instant relief once I got over how much it hurt to break up that tissue. None of the other remedies like stretching, icing, or taking time off did much for me, but that particular injury is weird and different for everyone. Good luck! I feel your pain.
So last night's 5k was decidedly NOT FLAT. In fact, it had 210 feet of elevation gain over an out-and-back course. I gave it what I had on those hills and finished in 21:39 with completely even splits and second lady overall AGAIN. If I'm going to lose to someone, I'd rather she run multiple minutes ahead of me rather than multiple (15-30) seconds. So demoralizing. >_< I was also racing in no-man's land with my husband and his group 30 seconds ahead and the next pack nearly a minute behind.
I think I should get more serious about track work before I go all-in on racing. I'm starting to like 5ks more, though, because they're over quickly, and the recovery is so much easier. If you have a bad day, go out and do one next week.
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@Slow road to freedom: have you tried a golf ball instead of a tennis ball? The golf ball is smaller and harder and can really get at the fascia better than the tennis ball. One day I worked really hard on the arch of my foot, and I felt nearly instant relief once I got over how much it hurt to break up that tissue. None of the other remedies like stretching, icing, or taking time off did much for me, but that particular injury is weird and different for everyone. Good luck! I feel your pain.
So last night's 5k was decidedly NOT FLAT. In fact, it had 210 feet of elevation gain over an out-and-back course. I gave it what I had on those hills and finished in 21:39 with completely even splits and second lady overall AGAIN. If I'm going to lose to someone, I'd rather she run multiple minutes ahead of me rather than multiple (15-30) seconds. So demoralizing. >_< I was also racing in no-man's land with my husband and his group 30 seconds ahead and the next pack nearly a minute behind.
I think I should get more serious about track work before I go all-in on racing. I'm starting to like 5ks more, though, because they're over quickly, and the recovery is so much easier. If you have a bad day, go out and do one next week.
I like this attitude.
Tomorrow's my half! I'm feeling remarkably chill about it since I decided to run it and not race it. Last year I was freaked out, and concerned about getting there, and begged a carpool arrangement because I didn't know if I could drive an hour back, etc. etc. (Plus it was a point-to-point race last year.)
This time, I'm driving, and I've offered up a carpool. So I'm taking two other ladies with me - I think it's their first half marathon. They are both slower than me. At least one of them is a bit nervous, so I'm happy to "pay it forward" to let them chill on the way up and back. Plus, they can have a glass of wine at the end (I'm packing myself some Pellegrino.)
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Good luck @mm1970! and most importantly, have fun! Sometimes the low pressure races surprise us in the best way. Plus the joy of newly-minted half marathoners is so infectious.
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@Slow road to freedom: have you tried a golf ball instead of a tennis ball? The golf ball is smaller and harder and can really get at the fascia better than the tennis ball. One day I worked really hard on the arch of my foot, and I felt nearly instant relief once I got over how much it hurt to break up that tissue. None of the other remedies like stretching, icing, or taking time off did much for me, but that particular injury is weird and different for everyone. Good luck! I feel your pain.
Thank you - I've not used a golf ball, but I have acquired an odd lumpy plastic equivalent, I think specifically for physio-type use. And you're right, it does hurt - but rather than waiting for months on end I can feel a definite improvement after a few days. Amazing! Hope to be running again in a few days.
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Good luck @mm1970! and most importantly, have fun! Sometimes the low pressure races surprise us in the best way. Plus the joy of newly-minted half marathoners is so infectious.
What's the opposite of a PR? Sigh. Good thing I wasn't racing. Stomach cramps from 3.5 to 8.5 miles (never get stomach cramps??) At which point I say EFF THIS and just slow down even more, walk a lot more, take pictures (though some didn't come out), use the bathroom.
ya know it's not your day when you get a text from your coach "did you finish already?" when you are about 1/2 mile from the finish. Of course I stopped to answer her, because why not?
I was a bit obsessed the rest of the day but woke up with some perspective on Mother's day. It's a single race. It's one run in a sea of runs. And as badly as I did, I still finished my 8th half marathon.
And yes, my carpool buddy finished her first! She just turned 50. We grabbed lunch with the rest of the group, but only lasted about 30 minutes before I looked over and said "You wanna go? I'm BEAT." We were both pretty tired. That's the difference between being 50 and taking ~3 hours vs being 30-35 and taking 2 hours.
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Good luck @mm1970! and most importantly, have fun! Sometimes the low pressure races surprise us in the best way. Plus the joy of newly-minted half marathoners is so infectious.
What's the opposite of a PR? Sigh. Good thing I wasn't racing. Stomach cramps from 3.5 to 8.5 miles (never get stomach cramps??) At which point I say EFF THIS and just slow down even more, walk a lot more, take pictures (though some didn't come out), use the bathroom.
Well, only because you asked....it's "PW." = personal worst. Sorry to hear you had cramps! It's one thing to have a bad day, but to have it in that way kind of sucks. I've never had it happen during races, but I've had plenty of dicey moments thanks to my sh!tty digestive system (pun intended). My secret for long (> 15k) races: I take Imodium. It means discomfort for the proceeding days, but it's worth it for the peace of mind during the event.
Definitely don't feel bad about how the race played out, though! I once DNFed a marathon and felt like such a failure. Now it barely registers. I know I made the right choice that day, because I was coming off an illness, and finishing the race out of stubbornness would have just set me back more. Taking it easy (easier) was exactly what your cramping stomach was telling you to do. Regardless of age, 3 hour half marathons ARE tough! That's a long time to be out there, so way to go! Maybe now it's time for a 5k? ;)
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Sorry to hear @mm1970, but the great thing about running is that there's always another one just around the corner to do if you want to make up for it :)
Good luck @mm1970! and most importantly, have fun! Sometimes the low pressure races surprise us in the best way. Plus the joy of newly-minted half marathoners is so infectious.
What's the opposite of a PR? Sigh. Good thing I wasn't racing. Stomach cramps from 3.5 to 8.5 miles (never get stomach cramps??) At which point I say EFF THIS and just slow down even more, walk a lot more, take pictures (though some didn't come out), use the bathroom.
Well, only because you asked....it's "PW." = personal worst. Sorry to hear you had cramps! It's one thing to have a bad day, but to have it in that way kind of sucks. I've never had it happen during races, but I've had plenty of dicey moments thanks to my sh!tty digestive system (pun intended). My secret for long (> 15k) races: I take Imodium. It means discomfort for the proceeding days, but it's worth it for the peace of mind during the event.
Definitely don't feel bad about how the race played out, though! I once DNFed a marathon and felt like such a failure. Now it barely registers. I know I made the right choice that day, because I was coming off an illness, and finishing the race out of stubbornness would have just set me back more. Taking it easy (easier) was exactly what your cramping stomach was telling you to do. Regardless of age, 3 hour half marathons ARE tough! That's a long time to be out there, so way to go! Maybe now it's time for a 5k? ;)
Doesn't this mean you're at risk of "the runs" during the race? Or is it all flushed from your system by race day? I couldn't think of anything worse if I had to duck into a port potty every 3k and need to wipe *a lot* to make sure it's all clean before carrying on (sorry for the icky mental thoughts).
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Sorry to hear @mm1970, but the great thing about running is that there's always another one just around the corner to do if you want to make up for it :)
Good luck @mm1970! and most importantly, have fun! Sometimes the low pressure races surprise us in the best way. Plus the joy of newly-minted half marathoners is so infectious.
What's the opposite of a PR? Sigh. Good thing I wasn't racing. Stomach cramps from 3.5 to 8.5 miles (never get stomach cramps??) At which point I say EFF THIS and just slow down even more, walk a lot more, take pictures (though some didn't come out), use the bathroom.
Well, only because you asked....it's "PW." = personal worst. Sorry to hear you had cramps! It's one thing to have a bad day, but to have it in that way kind of sucks. I've never had it happen during races, but I've had plenty of dicey moments thanks to my sh!tty digestive system (pun intended). My secret for long (> 15k) races: I take Imodium. It means discomfort for the proceeding days, but it's worth it for the peace of mind during the event.
Definitely don't feel bad about how the race played out, though! I once DNFed a marathon and felt like such a failure. Now it barely registers. I know I made the right choice that day, because I was coming off an illness, and finishing the race out of stubbornness would have just set me back more. Taking it easy (easier) was exactly what your cramping stomach was telling you to do. Regardless of age, 3 hour half marathons ARE tough! That's a long time to be out there, so way to go! Maybe now it's time for a 5k? ;)
Doesn't this mean you're at risk of "the runs" during the race? Or is it all flushed from your system by race day? I couldn't think of anything worse if I had to duck into a port potty every 3k and need to wipe *a lot* to make sure it's all clean before carrying on (sorry for the icky mental thoughts).
Quite the opposite! It will stop you up pretty good. That's why the subsequent days are so painful. ;)
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Hi everyone! Been a while since I checked in. I haven't really been running very much at all lately and have instead been focusing on strength training and doing HIIT workouts alot. I did sign up and do a quick 5K that an intern at my gym was doing for her final project. I had not run more than a mile in 6 months, and was able to complete the 5K in 26 minutes, so I'm not terribly disappointed with that. Got a Spartan Race on the calendar for October, so I hope to crank the running back up soon. Hope everyone's training is going well!
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Good luck @mm1970! and most importantly, have fun! Sometimes the low pressure races surprise us in the best way. Plus the joy of newly-minted half marathoners is so infectious.
What's the opposite of a PR? Sigh. Good thing I wasn't racing. Stomach cramps from 3.5 to 8.5 miles (never get stomach cramps??) At which point I say EFF THIS and just slow down even more, walk a lot more, take pictures (though some didn't come out), use the bathroom.
Well, only because you asked....it's "PW." = personal worst. Sorry to hear you had cramps! It's one thing to have a bad day, but to have it in that way kind of sucks. I've never had it happen during races, but I've had plenty of dicey moments thanks to my sh!tty digestive system (pun intended). My secret for long (> 15k) races: I take Imodium. It means discomfort for the proceeding days, but it's worth it for the peace of mind during the event.
Definitely don't feel bad about how the race played out, though! I once DNFed a marathon and felt like such a failure. Now it barely registers. I know I made the right choice that day, because I was coming off an illness, and finishing the race out of stubbornness would have just set me back more. Taking it easy (easier) was exactly what your cramping stomach was telling you to do. Regardless of age, 3 hour half marathons ARE tough! That's a long time to be out there, so way to go! Maybe now it's time for a 5k? ;)
Ha ha yes, maybe a 5k next. I do have a 10k in September. But I think my next "race" will be the local "mile" (downhill mile race/ fun run). I've never done it before.
I went online this morning to look at the race photos (which, of course, I will not buy because: $40). They had my last 3 years results on there on a single page. 2:52 / 2:28 / 2:52. Sigh. Maybe I can get 2:28 next year.
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Hi Everyone, I'd like to join you all!
I'm returning to running after being injured since January with posterior tib tendinitis (right ankle) and a strained psoas.
I ran my first marathon in November 2018, I miss my sub-4 goal by 5 minutes... Cramps at mile 20 were awful.
To be quite honest I tackled the marathon distance too soon. I had only been running for a year up to that point and quite honestly not very consistently.
This year I'm joining the marathon training team again but will run with a different group that runs fewer miles. I'm going to miss my team so much but I know this is for the best. On race day I'll drop down to the half-marathon.
I really like running for the social aspect but my first love is weight lifting and that suffered majorly during last year's marathon training. I realized there is no way to run 50 miles a week and lift heavy, well at least not for me. This year's goal is to balance running, strength, and flexibility training to be a well rounded athlete. I also want to focus on shorter distances and sign up for races - I hate racing but I'd like to change that.
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Hi Everyone, I'd like to join you all!
I'm returning to running after being injured since January with posterior tib tendinitis (right ankle) and a strained psoas.
I ran my first marathon in November 2018, I miss my sub-4 goal by 5 minutes... Cramps at mile 20 were awful.
To be quite honest I tackled the marathon distance too soon. I had only been running for a year up to that point and quite honestly not very consistently.
This year I'm joining the marathon training team again but will run with a different group that runs fewer miles. I'm going to miss my team so much but I know this is for the best. On race day I'll drop down to the half-marathon.
I really like running for the social aspect but my first love is weight lifting and that suffered majorly during last year's marathon training. I realized there is no way to run 50 miles a week and lift heavy, well at least not for me. This year's goal is to balance running, strength, and flexibility training to be a well rounded athlete. I also want to focus on shorter distances and sign up for races - I hate racing but I'd like to change that.
True that. I'm feeling decision fatigue right now about training for the next all-uphill half. I like doing a bit of everything, and 3 hour long runs don't allow for that. Maybe I just need a break!
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Hi Everyone, I'd like to join you all!
I'm returning to running after being injured since January with posterior tib tendinitis (right ankle) and a strained psoas.
I ran my first marathon in November 2018, I miss my sub-4 goal by 5 minutes... Cramps at mile 20 were awful.
To be quite honest I tackled the marathon distance too soon. I had only been running for a year up to that point and quite honestly not very consistently.
This year I'm joining the marathon training team again but will run with a different group that runs fewer miles. I'm going to miss my team so much but I know this is for the best. On race day I'll drop down to the half-marathon.
I really like running for the social aspect but my first love is weight lifting and that suffered majorly during last year's marathon training. I realized there is no way to run 50 miles a week and lift heavy, well at least not for me. This year's goal is to balance running, strength, and flexibility training to be a well rounded athlete. I also want to focus on shorter distances and sign up for races - I hate racing but I'd like to change that.
True that. I'm feeling decision fatigue right now about training for the next all-uphill half. I like doing a bit of everything, and 3 hour long runs don't allow for that. Maybe I just need a break!
Breaks are always good to recharge the body and soul. What is the net gain on the half-marathon? My legs are cramping just thinking about it lol.
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Hi Everyone, I'd like to join you all!
I'm returning to running after being injured since January with posterior tib tendinitis (right ankle) and a strained psoas.
I ran my first marathon in November 2018, I miss my sub-4 goal by 5 minutes... Cramps at mile 20 were awful.
To be quite honest I tackled the marathon distance too soon. I had only been running for a year up to that point and quite honestly not very consistently.
This year I'm joining the marathon training team again but will run with a different group that runs fewer miles. I'm going to miss my team so much but I know this is for the best. On race day I'll drop down to the half-marathon.
I really like running for the social aspect but my first love is weight lifting and that suffered majorly during last year's marathon training. I realized there is no way to run 50 miles a week and lift heavy, well at least not for me. This year's goal is to balance running, strength, and flexibility training to be a well rounded athlete. I also want to focus on shorter distances and sign up for races - I hate racing but I'd like to change that.
True that. I'm feeling decision fatigue right now about training for the next all-uphill half. I like doing a bit of everything, and 3 hour long runs don't allow for that. Maybe I just need a break!
Breaks are always good to recharge the body and soul. What is the net gain on the half-marathon? My legs are cramping just thinking about it lol.
4000 ft, give or take a few.
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Slowly picking the running back up again after my 5K earlier this month. I have been nursing some pretty bad injuries (back, shoulder, leg) off and on for several months, so I knew my 5K was gonna be a big hoorah and then easing back into everything.
Looking at my “official” 5K split, it was a lot different than what my watch said. My actual splits were 7:24, 7:23, 6:56. So I clearly had a bit more left in the tank at the end.
That being said, it was by far one of the most physically challenging things I’ve ever done. Looking back, I really knew I had to prepare myself mentally as much if not more than physically. I knew exactly what I needed as a pace for my 23 minute goal, and when I ran the race I basically knew there were only 2 outcomes. I was going to break the 23 minutes, or I was going to push myself so insanely hard that I completely collapsed and or stopped. My pulse crossing the finish line was 199, which is pretty high considering I’m 31..
Anyways, time to slowly start picking up the running again and again. I’m confident that by the end of the year I can break 22, likely 21, barring no major injuries.
What’s most annoying, is my shoulder and back injuries that happened this year were both directly during weight lifting. Something I’ve been doing almost non-stop for about 15 years. Despite pushing myself so hard running for the first time starting last summer, my running issues have been very minimal.
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My first half marathon is in the books - ran in 2:01. Just missed my top goal of sub 2 hour but I'm happy with this result. Felt great the first 10 miles but fell apart at the end. I had to cut back a bit on my last couple weeks of training to let some nagging injuries heal up, and the second half of the race was in the sun and hit 70, so I was overheating. I need to get a singlet for days like that, maybe that will help me stay cool.
I'm hurting today, muscles are sore and rolled my ankle at one point (which thankfully didn't bother me until after I stopped moving). The plan is to take a week or 2 off and then start training again.
Any advice on improving half marathon times? I haven't done much speedwork this cycle, mostly worked on building up my aerobic system. Longest run was only 11 miles which isn't great, want to get that up to 13 or 14 for the next one.
Next goals
5K in September - sub 25 min, sub 24, sub 23:30
Half marathon in Oct/Nov - maintain pace through the finish, sub 2:00, sub 1:58
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@BookValue great first effort! And it sounds like you know exactly what you need to do to improve your time: get your long run up to 13/14 miles, and add a day of speed or hills. (And also get lucky with weather and injuries, but those are not always within our locus of control.)
I was officially cleared to resume all physical activities last Monday, and it has been GREAT. I ran normal-ish "not really training for anything, just running" mileage last week, and did two days of gentle yoga. I don't think I've lost as much fitness as I was worried I would! I haven't been running at my normal pace, but that's probably 50/50 being out of shape and the weather heating it up (it hit 90 yesterday, ugh). I guess all the walking I was doing paid off.
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My first half marathon is in the books - ran in 2:01. Just missed my top goal of sub 2 hour but I'm happy with this result. Felt great the first 10 miles but fell apart at the end. I had to cut back a bit on my last couple weeks of training to let some nagging injuries heal up, and the second half of the race was in the sun and hit 70, so I was overheating. I need to get a singlet for days like that, maybe that will help me stay cool.
I'm hurting today, muscles are sore and rolled my ankle at one point (which thankfully didn't bother me until after I stopped moving). The plan is to take a week or 2 off and then start training again.
Any advice on improving half marathon times? I haven't done much speedwork this cycle, mostly worked on building up my aerobic system. Longest run was only 11 miles which isn't great, want to get that up to 13 or 14 for the next one.
Next goals
5K in September - sub 25 min, sub 24, sub 23:30
Half marathon in Oct/Nov - maintain pace through the finish, sub 2:00, sub 1:58
Great job! Maybe give yourself more than a couple of weeks off from the training. YMMV, but I need a break of a month after a half.
So, improving half marathon times, I would say:
1. Speedwork
2. Hill repeats
3. Distance, but you already know that. (Note: I do not ever run longer than 11.5 miles while training for a half. But I've also never done sub-2.)
I've been struggling with getting my pace back after an injury, so after this recent half I'm going to shift to speed work. I was going to train for the uphill half but my heart isn't really in it this year. Maybe next year. Besides, I love speed work!
When my running coach is really training for a half to PR, in addition to long runs (14+) she incorporates speed work into the long runs. Sometimes aims for a strong finish (last 2-3 miles fast).
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Bit of a random question, is anybody running Grandma's next month (Full, half, 5k, whatever)? I think it would be a lot of fun to meet some other Mustachian runners while we're all in Duluth!
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I ran an incredibly rainy (windy + thunder) half on Sunday. It wasn't a lot of fun. I shaved 90 seconds off of my last half time, but nowhere near my PR. It was a miserable run. In positive news, I don't have any lingering knee/ankle pain like I did after my last half (had to take months off of running), so my more consistent training definitely paid off. I also didn't fuel enough, and hit the wall at mile 10 or so. It was brutal. I was drenched from head to toe, could feel blisters forming from my wet socks/shoes, and I just didn't have any energy. I sent my sister on ahead of me, and gutted it out. My pace the last few miles was almost a minute slower than my previous miles. Yikes. I need to experiment with different fuel options and know how much I need to avoid that feeling again.
Next up is a relay on the Washington coast in two weeks or so. I think I have a total of ten miles between the two legs, so totally manageable.
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Ugh, I haven't posted in forever and my running is way behind schedule. I'm running a half marathon June 2nd and I am nowhere near where I wanted to be in my training. Work has been a huge time sink lately (at least I've gotten paid for the overtime which is super rare). I'll do the best I can at the half and then try to reset and get back on track with running and health in general.
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@FireHiker - this happens to me a lot as well. I try to rebuild the consistency at the lower base (3, 3-4 mile runs/week) with a long run each weekend. If I get the consistency at the lower miles on track, I find that I can hack out the longer runs. Once I drop the shorter runs, it all falls to heck & I want to give up because each run is just so dang hard.
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@FireHiker - this happens to me a lot as well. I try to rebuild the consistency at the lower base (3, 3-4 mile runs/week) with a long run each weekend. If I get the consistency at the lower miles on track, I find that I can hack out the longer runs. Once I drop the shorter runs, it all falls to heck & I want to give up because each run is just so dang hard.
Thanks for the encouragement! I've still been getting out at least a couple times per week, but last year I had a consistent yoga practice and attended a boot camp class twice a week during my training and I think those things really made a huge difference in my overall fitness level. Everything just seems to hard right now. My husband has been dealing with an injury so he hasn't been training like he planned either. We're going to go try and have fun at the half and not worry about time and then get back on track. Between work really being busy lately and my oldest graduating high school next month (!!) life has been overwhelming lately. It should settle down here though (huge work meetings last week) and I should be able to reset and re-prioritize my health and fitness again.
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My first half marathon is in the books - ran in 2:01. Just missed my top goal of sub 2 hour but I'm happy with this result. Felt great the first 10 miles but fell apart at the end. I had to cut back a bit on my last couple weeks of training to let some nagging injuries heal up, and the second half of the race was in the sun and hit 70, so I was overheating. I need to get a singlet for days like that, maybe that will help me stay cool.
I'm hurting today, muscles are sore and rolled my ankle at one point (which thankfully didn't bother me until after I stopped moving). The plan is to take a week or 2 off and then start training again.
Any advice on improving half marathon times? I haven't done much speedwork this cycle, mostly worked on building up my aerobic system. Longest run was only 11 miles which isn't great, want to get that up to 13 or 14 for the next one.
Next goals
5K in September - sub 25 min, sub 24, sub 23:30
Half marathon in Oct/Nov - maintain pace through the finish, sub 2:00, sub 1:58
Well done @BookValue, 2:01 is great for a first half! How to improve? Run more.
I am totally underdone for my first marathon on June 1, but I've done a consistent 35km a week for several months now, with a couple of 30km / 3 hour runs - one in Feb and one in April, so I think I'll be ok for a 4 hour crack.
It's nowhere near the recommended 50 miles a week, but it's the best I could do with work and my current fitness levels without getting injured.
Consistent steady training, very gradually increasing distance and speed. Good luck!
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@marty998 You're gonna do great for your first marathon! It's all about the experience anyway. Your times are in line with a sub-4 hour finish. Just make sure that you go out nice and easy and don't get too caught up in the moment. You want the first one to be fun, not a death march for the last 6-10 miles. This is especially important with a lower mileage base. Run too close to the red line for too long and you'll find that "wall" fast. Enjoy the last week of taper!
@BookValue Great first half marathon! Nearly breaking 2 on the very first is quite the achievement. With a few more months of consistent running, you'll likely run well under 1:58 in your next one. My first was just under 1:54, and the second 1.5 months later was 1:45. Since you're not regularly doing speedwork, a weekly tempo run will go a long way in preparing you for a faster half. I would prioritize that over intervals if you're easing into a speed schedule.
@FireHiker You'll be fine for your half! You're a veteran of the distance and know what it takes to finish. Just go out and have a good time. Definitely don't let it add more stress to your life.
It's really getting hot and humid here. I went out early Monday morning before my interview (!!!! for a rocket scientist position!!!!), and I was absolutely soaked through after 5 miles. Running continues to be my time to think about work, talk through my seminars/presentations, and rehearse what I'm going to say if I'm asked for my salary requirements. I was cooling down and stretching last night when I got the call about salary, and I was ready. Thanks, running!
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Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm curious, how many miles per week do you half and full marathoners average? My peak week was 24, average was around 20 the previous 10 weeks. Planning to get that up to 25 avg with a peak of 30 for the next half
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Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm curious, how many miles per week do you half and full marathoners average? My peak week was 24, average was around 20 the previous 10 weeks. Planning to get that up to 25 avg with a peak of 30 for the next half
Half marathon: 40-45 miles per week, peaking at 50
Full: 50-55 miles per week, peaking in the mid 60s
Pretty much whatever is a reasonable build with low probability of injury. I can usually handle the above volumes with two speed sessions and a long run per week over a 12-18 week program.
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@marty998 You're gonna do great for your first marathon! It's all about the experience anyway. Your times are in line with a sub-4 hour finish. Just make sure that you go out nice and easy and don't get too caught up in the moment. You want the first one to be fun, not a death march for the last 6-10 miles. This is especially important with a lower mileage base. Run too close to the red line for too long and you'll find that "wall" fast. Enjoy the last week of taper!
Cheers, my last week of taper includes a shot at a sub 22 5k run tomorrow so we'll see how that goes :D
I am going to run the marathon, or at least run until I hit that wall, at 5:30-5:40 / km pace. This is about my half marathon best time pace set last September (with much less training), so I may accidentally beat my HM best while doing the full distance haha.
Who knows, fingers crossed.
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@marty998 - good luck on the 5k! Based on your progress I think you’ll hit your 22 minute goal no problem.
On a side note, do any of you read Running books? I’ve read several and found them to be insanely motivating. As much as some of the YouTube videos I’ve watched on UltraMarathons when on the treadmill.
Some of the books I’ve read (well, usually listened on commutes) and really enjoyed:
Born to Run - Christopher McDougall
Finding Ultra - Rich Roll
Ultramarathon Man - Dean Karnazes
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Running With The Kenyans by Adharand Finn is really interesting - he basically moved to Kenya for a year to improve his running. It's sobering reading; as non-Kenyans, we're forever running in their shadows. More Kenyans run a sub-2:20 marathon every month than Americans have ever managed it.
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Running With The Kenyans by Adharand Finn is really interesting - he basically moved to Kenya for a year to improve his running. It's sobering reading; as non-Kenyans, we're forever running in their shadows. More Kenyans run a sub-2:20 marathon every month than Americans have ever managed it.
Your author does realise going to Kenya won't change his genetics right? :P
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@marty998 - good luck on the 5k! Based on your progress I think you’ll hit your 22 minute goal no problem.
On a side note, do any of you read Running books? I’ve read several and found them to be insanely motivating. As much as some of the YouTube videos I’ve watched on UltraMarathons when on the treadmill.
Some of the books I’ve read (well, usually listened on commutes) and really enjoyed:
Born to Run - Christopher McDougall
Finding Ultra - Rich Roll
Ultramarathon Man - Dean Karnazes
Funny story about Born to Run (great book) and about 2 people I don't know and have never met.
One of our local ultramarathon trail runners is profiled in the book. He was on a plane somewhere, and the lady next to him was reading Born to Run. She said, "Have you read this? It's great!" He never fessed up to being IN the actual book.
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Running With The Kenyans by Adharand Finn is really interesting - he basically moved to Kenya for a year to improve his running. It's sobering reading; as non-Kenyans, we're forever running in their shadows. More Kenyans run a sub-2:20 marathon every month than Americans have ever managed it.
Your author does realise going to Kenya won't change his genetics right? :P
One of the interesting debates in the book is to what extent genetics is a factor. Most of the Kenyan runners come from Iten and went to the same Irish missionary school. They're not any genetically different to other Kenyans and they're training at much lower altitude than many others. His conclusion is there are many contributory factors as well as genetics.
"Feet in the Clouds" by Richard Askwith, a book about the traditional British (mainly Northern English) sport of fell running (races up and down a mountain) which has been credited with a big revival in the sport.
"What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami - a philosophical memoir of his experiences of running.
"Eat and Run" by Scott Jurek - American ultra-runner talks about his life and ultra-running, along with a bunch of vegan recipes.
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@marty998 - good luck on the 5k! Based on your progress I think you’ll hit your 22 minute goal no problem.
No dice, a touch under 23 today, but a long way off 22. Might and been the cold air chilling my lungs, but that was the best I could manage this morning.
Running With The Kenyans by Adharand Finn is really interesting - he basically moved to Kenya for a year to improve his running. It's sobering reading; as non-Kenyans, we're forever running in their shadows. More Kenyans run a sub-2:20 marathon every month than Americans have ever managed it.
Your author does realise going to Kenya won't change his genetics right? :P
One of the interesting debates in the book is to what extent genetics is a factor. Most of the Kenyan runners come from Iten and went to the same Irish missionary school. They're not any genetically different to other Kenyans and they're training at much lower altitude than many others. His conclusion is there are many contributory factors as well as genetics.
"Feet in the Clouds" by Richard Askwith, a book about the traditional British (mainly Northern English) sport of fell running (races up and down a mountain) which has been credited with a big revival in the sport.
"What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami - a philosophical memoir of his experiences of running.
"Eat and Run" by Scott Jurek - American ultra-runner talks about his life and ultra-running, along with a bunch of vegan recipes.
Ooh I've read Haruki's one. It's also interesting that after the Kenyans and Ethiopians, there are so many elite Japanese runners.
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It's also interesting that after the Kenyans and Ethiopians, there are so many elite Japanese runners.
The Hakone Ekiden (200+km relay with 10 runners in each University's team) is a massive national event, certainly the biggest annual sporting event in Japan. For many people, a big part of new year's holiday celebrations is spending 2 days watching it. Some of the runners end up being mobbed by teenage girls - like being in a boyband or something.
The year I saw part of it, something like 30 of the students ran the equivalent of a 63 minute half-marathon. Britain had only one runner (Mo Farah) capable of that time.
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PTF.
Hi everyone!
Past: ran my first half marathon last fall
Future: signed up for my first full marathon this coming fall, same event (what was I thinking?! Oh, right, the if-you-sign-up-now-while-you're-still-sore-its-only-$75-email)
Current: Week like 5 or so of Hal Higdon's 30-week beginner-to-marathon training plan, and I've got a fun 5k bubble run with my MIL and SIL at the end of June.
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I'm training for a marathon while traveling Europe full-time... It's been interesting. On the positive side, I'm always running in new, beautiful areas so I don't get bored. On the other hand, it's hard to run on cobblestones! And following a training schedule is difficult when you end up needing to do a 15mi run in the hilliest city you've ever seen...
I also learned a lesson about shoe quality. I tore a hole in my Brooks Ghost shoes and needed a new pair. I was in remote Romania and couldn't find a good running store, so I ended up going to a discount sportswear chain. Got one of their most expensive shoes (still only like $50 on sale) that felt pretty good in the store. Ohhh boy, I've never had foot and leg pain like that from running only a few miles! I tried them twice and then dropped them in the donation bin. Fortunately I found a legit running store in the next city I visited. I'll stick with what works, even though they're $120 a pair!
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@marty998 dang - no dice this time! You seem to have been killing it lately so I would’ve thought it’d in the bag. What are the temps like there? I’m in the south central US, right now when I run at around 5:30 a.m. it’s upper 70’s with about 75% humidity (feels like temp is usually in the 80’s). I’ll be longing for cooler weather again soon!
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You can do the maths for me to convert the temps :D
Normally in the mornings where I am its 15-20C, however I went down to see my brother over the weekend in another city it was between 5-10C.
He was laughing at me because after the race the condensate was actually "steaming" off me... Seems I was heating up the local area haha.
My lungs were burning from the cold, it felt like my insides were being chilled, which was the main problem in getting enough air. Something like that is probably ok if you're used to training in it, but I certainly wasn't!
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I'm joining the thread--- I signed up for my first half marathon!
Its in October. Right now I am doing the pre-training training. Basically learning how to best incorporate running in my life and schedule on a consistent basis and slowly adding a mileage base. I am running Tues/Thurs/Sat's. Its around 2-3 miles T/Th, and Saturdays I am slowly increasing my distance. This past week I did 2.25, 3, and 3.3. This week looking to do 3 miles each during the week and then 3.5 on Sat.
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I'm 2 weeks into an 8-week half-marathon training program. Ran 27 miles total last week, 24 the week before. Long run last week was 9. Today ran 6. I'm running around 11 min/mile. Right knee is very stiff right now, which is not usual for me, so of course I'm thinking worst case scenarios (thanks, Internet). But probably just a bit of overuse, especially considering it's only week 2. Stretching, less sitting, maybe try to keep legs elevated a bit in case it's fluid.
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Spontaneously ran a half marathon on Saturday. First one ever, not too shabby @ 1:55 total time.
Can't see the allure of 26.2 =P
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I'm 2 weeks into an 8-week half-marathon training program. Ran 27 miles total last week, 24 the week before. Long run last week was 9. Today ran 6. I'm running around 11 min/mile. Right knee is very stiff right now, which is not usual for me, so of course I'm thinking worst case scenarios (thanks, Internet). But probably just a bit of overuse, especially considering it's only week 2. Stretching, less sitting, maybe try to keep legs elevated a bit in case it's fluid.
Foam rolling and hip/core work might help with that. I have knee issues sometimes too.
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Spontaneously ran a half marathon on Saturday. First one ever, not too shabby @ 1:55 total time.
Can't see the allure of 26.2 =P
ah ha ha
A guy I met training for one of my half marathons last year just ran his first full marathon...in 2:55.
That made me think...that's only 3 min more than my most recent half marathon (which, admittedly, was my personal worst).
Then again, I'm not 29 years old, male, and >6 feet tall...
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Funny story about Born to Run (great book) and about 2 people I don't know and have never met.
One of our local ultramarathon trail runners is profiled in the book. He was on a plane somewhere, and the lady next to him was reading Born to Run. She said, "Have you read this? It's great!" He never fessed up to being IN the actual book.
Ha ha, that's awesome. My brother lives up your way (Ventura) and he's an ultrarunner. They've gone to Born to Run the last two years and they've met many of the people from the book now. I was thinking about doing the 30 mile race there in a couple years. Anyway my brother told me about the book and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks @Better Change for the encouragement! My head just has not been in it this year like it was last year! I got out and did 5 miles Sunday, plus I went to yoga three times last week. We're just going to try and have fun this weekend and then I'm really going to focus on getting my diet under control so I can get these 40 pounds off and enjoy the running a little more.
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I'm 2 weeks into an 8-week half-marathon training program. Ran 27 miles total last week, 24 the week before. Long run last week was 9. Today ran 6. I'm running around 11 min/mile. Right knee is very stiff right now, which is not usual for me, so of course I'm thinking worst case scenarios (thanks, Internet). But probably just a bit of overuse, especially considering it's only week 2. Stretching, less sitting, maybe try to keep legs elevated a bit in case it's fluid.
Foam rolling and hip/core work might help with that. I have knee issues sometimes too.
Thanks, good reminder that I haven't done that! I have been very good about running since about October but all strength training, yoga, etc has fallen off and I am probably doing a lot more sitting.
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Funny story about Born to Run (great book) and about 2 people I don't know and have never met.
One of our local ultramarathon trail runners is profiled in the book. He was on a plane somewhere, and the lady next to him was reading Born to Run. She said, "Have you read this? It's great!" He never fessed up to being IN the actual book.
Ha ha, that's awesome. My brother lives up your way (Ventura) and he's an ultrarunner. They've gone to Born to Run the last two years and they've met many of the people from the book now. I was thinking about doing the 30 mile race there in a couple years. Anyway my brother told me about the book and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks @Better Change for the encouragement! My head just has not been in it this year like it was last year! I got out and did 5 miles Sunday, plus I went to yoga three times last week. We're just going to try and have fun this weekend and then I'm really going to focus on getting my diet under control so I can get these 40 pounds off and enjoy the running a little more.
I have a few friends who just did the 30 miler at BTR. Looks like a ton of fun, if running un-mapped (but at least marked?) loops for 8 hours is your idea of fun!
I'm a little wary of trail running after I bit it last year, but I'm still thinking of doing a 5 mile trail race in Montana del Oro in December. Maybe if I can survive a few trail runs without falling on my face...
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Just found this video and the stretches for stiff knee were helpful, plus a good tip to use a dog leash for a strap. Weird to manually move your patella around (gently of course), makes you realize how strange the body is. I wonder what the point of that (moving patella) is? She said on some people it could take effort. Yikes!
https://youtu.be/WgPviOiTp-8
I have full mobility, it's only if I get into a squat that I feel one knee tighter than normal and a little more effort to get up than normal. Rested from running yesterday and may rest & stretch again today...
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I have a few friends who just did the 30 miler at BTR. Looks like a ton of fun, if running un-mapped (but at least marked?) loops for 8 hours is your idea of fun!
I'm a little wary of trail running after I bit it last year, but I'm still thinking of doing a 5 mile trail race in Montana del Oro in December. Maybe if I can survive a few trail runs without falling on my face...
My sister-in-law ran the 30 again this year and my brother ran the 10 with a top 20 finish. I may get up there and do the 10 or 30 one of these years.
I sure wish I had another month before the half marathon, but it's this Sunday. I ran 3 miles this morning and felt the best I've felt in awhile, but not "ready to run a half marathon without stopping" good. Oh well. I'll do 2 miles on Friday and then we'll just do our best Sunday. I'm going to keep at it though!
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With summer coming, let’s here your hot weather tips! I ran this afternoon with a 100 degree heat index and had to cut my 4 mile run to 3.5 miles. Averaged a 9 minute mile which was probably a bit fast for the heat. Didn’t bring water (though I hydrated well all day) and did eat some sugary snacks part way through that helped.
Next time I’ll bring my camelback, but do plan to either looking into a smaller one or hip pack with a couple water bottles.
Love extreme weather running - just want to make the most of it!
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Spontaneously ran a half marathon on Saturday. First one ever, not too shabby @ 1:55 total time.
Can't see the allure of 26.2 =P
Congrats 2B1S! that's an awesome time for a first effort. I'll bet though, one day you will cross to the dark side like I did today :)
May not have achieved my "A" goal of four hours, but fuck it felt good not to throw in the towel and mentally tough it out when the better option was to throw myself in the lake we circled.
The half came and went at 1:58, just one minute from my PB for that distance(!), and at 28k I was at 2:41.
I knew that was the end of the A goal because I could feel the wheels falling off due to not enough training miles and everything cramped in the last 14k. I got cramps and pains in places in my legs where I didn't know I had muscles. At 35km I lost my guts and lost 4 minutes at a toilet stop. Porta Potties are quite small, and the lack of space certainly didn't help when I needed space to...umm.... wipe properly lol.
I came to a complete standstill at 38km and again at 39.5km, where my throbbing calves and then hamstrings felt like they wanted to tear themselves from my legs and run away.
What was really surprising after that was that running was less painful than walking! So I did that, recalculated a new target of 4:30 and was all set to do it until the legs seized up with 80 metres to go! Cue audible gasp from the onlookers hanging around in the grandstand. I started bawling my eyes out* being so close watching the clock next to the finish arch and unable to move. Almost thought I'd have to crawl it. Then they all started cheering for me to get going and one woman shouted at me if I needed to be carried! One foot in front of the other and as the clocked ticked up, that last 80 took 40 seconds. Just made it at 4:29:57, net time being 4:29:42.
Frustrating as hell that I was not tired at the end. It was lack of legs, not lack of lungs that let me down. Need to do a lot more long runs, it's my own fault but there is a known path to fixing it which makes me feel good about it.
Next one is in 15 weeks. I must be crazy.
*After burning 4000 calories, I've discovered one starts to lose control of their brain function and emotional state quite quickly. I now have intimate understanding of why many finishers are a sobbing mess at the end of the big one.
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Well done Marty! (And nice write-up too.) Hope tomorrow is not too painful. Couple of weeks for your body to rebuild and a parkrun PB in a couple of Saturday's time?
When you wrote about your training that I did think you might run out of steam in the last few miles. Other people have reported chilli peppers (and ginger, or other hot spices) as being helpful for avoiding cramps in the marathon. There is some science if you look online, but even if it's purely placebo, it still seems to work for me.
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Great job @marty998 -- way to gut it out. 15 weeks is enough time for you to prepare for the next one. Go you!
Excellent time for your first half @2Birds1Stone!
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I’m officially signed up for a half marathon at the end of August. I did the same race last year (my first ever half marathon) and am hoping to set a PR. So far my training has been a lot better than at the same time last year, even though I basically quit running over the winter. Also hoping to run another half marathon in October but I have to wait until my work sets our travel schedules for the fall before I sign up.
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I ran the rock n roll half marathon in San Diego yesterday. My training this year was sub-par (severely) compared to last year, but I stuck it out. My time sucked, but I did finish in under 3 hours. I lost about 8 minutes due to a bathroom stop along the way. Oh well. The weather was SO much better for running than last year as it was cool and cloudy and last year was SO hot and sunny. Well, "hot" for Southern California anyway. Also I didn't have a migraine this year, which was a vast improvement over last year.
It was still a lot of fun, but I was definitely frustrated with my limitations. I am so tired today, but I was relieved to see that there was some "muscle memory" even though my stamina was inferior compared to last year. I'm going to rest today, hopefully get to yoga tomorrow, and get back out there running on Wednesday. My goal now is to really concentrate on my diet and get 30-40 pounds off, while re-building my yoga practice and keeping up a consistent running schedule. I still have high hopes of running the Jack and Jill full in Washington someday, but it may be 2021, not 2020 like I had previously considered. I don't want to do another half until I can run the whole thing was 11 minute miles or better, so that will be my focus for 2020.
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Great job @marty998 Very nice write-up and I can feel the ... um ... accuracy.
@FireHiker I feel you on the disappointing half. But I've decided that some times you just aren't feeling it. It's okay to have a bad race. They aren't gonna all be awesome, and it's still 13.1 miles.
I ran my first ever mile race this weekend. Lined up with my age group, looked around and said "um, I could very well come in last". Well, someone has to be last, right?
I was aiming for sub-10 (it's been a rough running season). I hit just over 8:00!! My coach this morning said "I can't believe you can even walk today." Well, she finished in 5:48, that's a big difference. MY limitation wasn't the legs, it was wanting to barf. So my legs were fine today.
Next year: sub 8!
And I wasn't last. Pretty close though. See, I need to line up with the 60+ people. Though really, there weren't very many runners at 8+ miles. I guess it's for super fast people. Lots of my friends yelled encouragement to me, which is easy to do when you are literally running alone down the middle of the street, ha!
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I ran my first ever mile race this weekend. Lined up with my age group, looked around and said "um, I could very well come in last".
A bunch of us book our local track once a year to do mile races. There's usually 30-40 people, so we do one race for the sub-6 minute runners, one for 6-7, another for 7-8 and another for 8+ (and sometimes we have enough for 2 races at that time.) Great fun. No need to think about pacing or anything like that, just run as hard as you can for 4 laps and a few extra metres.
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Thanks, @mm1970 . I still had a lot of fun even if my time wasn't what I hoped. I don't generally like crowds and such, but the energy at the San Diego Rock n Roll is pretty awesome. At least I still came in under 3 hours. I can't imagine ever running a sub-8 minute mile; I ran a 9:30 once last year. Good luck with your efforts for next year!
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Thanks, @mm1970 . I still had a lot of fun even if my time wasn't what I hoped. I don't generally like crowds and such, but the energy at the San Diego Rock n Roll is pretty awesome. At least I still came in under 3 hours. I can't imagine ever running a sub-8 minute mile; I ran a 9:30 once last year. Good luck with your efforts for next year!
Well, it's only one mile.
and it's all downhill
A veteran of the race said "pretty much take your normal mile time and subtract a minute".
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Thanks, @mm1970 . I still had a lot of fun even if my time wasn't what I hoped. I don't generally like crowds and such, but the energy at the San Diego Rock n Roll is pretty awesome. At least I still came in under 3 hours. I can't imagine ever running a sub-8 minute mile; I ran a 9:30 once last year. Good luck with your efforts for next year!
Well, it's only one mile.
and it's all downhill
A veteran of the race said "pretty much take your normal mile time and subtract a minute".
@mm1970 nonetheless, 8:00 is great for a mile! In some respects down hill can be harder, because it's simply easier to trip and fall flat on your face!
@FireHiker you can do it! Break it down into bite size chunks, and resolve to do a little better each week. That's how I worked my way up to my race on Saturday. You may not meet your big goal tomorrow, but you can always make progress towards it.
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I do love running downhill...as long as it isn't TOO steep...there was one downhill section yesterday on the northeast corner of Balboa Park that is way too steep for comfort!
Thanks @marty998 for the encouragement! In running, FIRE-approaching, and life in general, I am totally down with incremental progress. :)
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I have not run much since my last race in Feb. After training for 6 months and accomplishing my goal it's been hard to find the motivation to get back into it.
Running has never been easy for me and I'm a mid to back of the packer at best.
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@marty998 - way to stick with it for the first full marathon. In races like that, goal or not, one of the biggest satisfactions is giving it everything you have. Your training has been spot on, so you certainly haven’t been cutting any corners.
@mm1970 - awesome work on the 8 minute mile, especially when you had a goal of sub 10!
On an unrelated note - one thing I really enjoy about running is regarding age and peaking. A statement in Born to Run said something like, “male runners peak in their late 20’s, however they decline much slower than they peak, and barring no injuries, a runner in their late 50’s/early 60’s has about the same potential as an 18 year old runner.” I don’t know how accurate this but I can certainly see it. There are many runners in their late 40’s that just destroy much much younger runs who are very fit but not “quite” as experienced.. Having just started running last 30, it’s a good motivator that I still have so much more time in my “prime.”
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@dblaace - you've described me perfectly. Don't let it get you down. I treat running as an opportunity for me to give myself time to train & get mental space, not to compete.
I ran the Hood to Coast - Washington relay on Saturday. It was gorgeous & the course was beautiful. My first leg was pretty great & I felt awesome, save for wanting to hurl as I pushed it through the chute & came in 90 seconds under my projection. Leg two was a cluster for me personally. I had fueling problems, everything hurt, it was hot, & the course was hillier than I'd expected. They also needed to add 1/2 a mile to my leg due to some sort of a transition issue, and I'd was pushing super hard through that last mile. I turned the corner, expecting my leg to be done, and instead was waved on by a volunteer telling me that I had "only" another half mile to go. I almost cried. I was "running" according to my legs/body, but my watch reports that I was over a minute off of my normal pace. So, closer to a walk. ;-) In the end, it was great & a gorgeous experience. My race entry was free thanks to a last minute addition, and relays are always a huge adventure. Today I'm quite sore in the quads. Plan to be back to running again this week, as I want to maintain most of my mileage.
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I got 4 miles run/walk in this morning, I do miss the mental benefits and overall good feeling. Just need to get back in the habit and get out the door.
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On an unrelated note - one thing I really enjoy about running is regarding age and peaking. A statement in Born to Run said something like, “male runners peak in their late 20’s, however they decline much slower than they peak, and barring no injuries, a runner in their late 50’s/early 60’s has about the same potential as an 18 year old runner.” I don’t know how accurate this but I can certainly see it. There are many runners in their late 40’s that just destroy much much younger runs who are very fit but not “quite” as experienced.. Having just started running last 30, it’s a good motivator that I still have so much more time in my “prime.”
I didn't start running until last year when I was 39, so I'm encouraged by this. My brother (age 38 now) is an ultrarunner, and he just started running seriously a few years ago. He had his first 100 mile finish in 2017 and actually had a podium finish last year. I think his first (and only, to date) marathon was in 2015 or so?
I took yesterday and today to rest after the half but I'll get out for at least a short run tomorrow. My husband was looking up races this morning trying to decide which one we should do next. He said he wants to do one and "be in shape for it". I agree. We may do the San Diego Holiday Half again in December; we did it last year.
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Am I the only one who sees the Race to 50K thread and thinks it's an ultra?
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I didn't start running until last year when I was 39, so I'm encouraged by this. My brother (age 38 now) is an ultrarunner, and he just started running seriously a few years ago. He had his first 100 mile finish in 2017 and actually had a podium finish last year. I think his first (and only, to date) marathon was in 2015 or so?
It is inspiring. Distance running is a sport you can take up at any age....you don't have to be a 5 year old wunderkind to succeed later in life :)
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I had my 5k the first week of May I’ve slowly been ramping back up. I had been dealing with some nagging injuries prior, and knew once I finished that milestone I would take it easy for a couple weeks. My biggest month this year was in March with 88 miles. In April I did my best to maintain despite the injuries while not pushing too hard, and hit 38 miles, and in May, 42 miles. I’m definitely ready to get back into the 15-20 mile/wk range soon, but again, still don’t want to push too fast. I ran 5 miles yesterday morning, and was honestly ready for another 5 in the afternoon.. Might need to soon go back to 4 days a week running instead of the current 3.
I’m having a “no alcohol June” and I want to drop a few lbs (from 176 to 170) which I think will all help. I don’t drink much anyways, usually just once or twice a week on the weekends, but still too much on those evenings out to dinner that I do drink. The hardest part will be the times where I get together with coworkers for team building or weekend dinners.
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I had my 6 week postpartum appointment and got the OK from my OB to start working out again. I plan to head out tomorrow morning for my first run since last September! I'm very excited. It will probably just be a mile to test the waters.
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Training group for half marathon started this week. So far, I've managed all the runs without walk intervals. :-)
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Great job @Mongoose! Keep it up!
A question for you weightlifters: I've been lifting for almost three months now, and it's going pretty well. I'm getting stronger and although I wouldn't say I enjoy it exactly, I am appreciating what it's doing for me. I feel good. My question is-- could I decrease from three workouts a week to two, and still see the same benefits?
I assume if I tried to decrease, I'd need to do heavier weights? Fewer reps with heavier weights? Thanks!
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Great job @Mongoose! Keep it up!
A question for you weightlifters: I've been lifting for almost three months now, and it's going pretty well. I'm getting stronger and although I wouldn't say I enjoy it exactly, I am appreciating what it's doing for me. I feel good. My question is-- could I decrease from three workouts a week to two, and still see the same benefits?
I assume if I tried to decrease, I'd need to do heavier weights? Fewer reps with heavier weights? Thanks!
There’s far too many factors for anyone to give you a definitive answer to that question. I would say that if you aren’t really enjoying it and would feel that cutting back to two days would feel much more reasonable, then I would cut back to two days. A possible negative alternative would be continuing to push yourself for 3 days a week, getting burnout, and quitting altogether. 2 days a week for the next decade is far better than 3 days a week for the next year then getting burnt out altogether.
For a new weightlifter, you’ll likely still make good improvements at 2 days/wk, just a bit slower and plateauing a bit earlier.
You basically have two options, do two full body workouts/wk, or split your body in 1/2, divided between the two days. I would push for a hard full body workout 2 days/wk with at least 2 days off between each workout days so you have ample recovery time.
If you’d like to lay out your current workout I’d be happy to give you suggestions to consolidate them into two slightly longer days.
On another note - I ran a 10k earlier today, when I finished the heat index was 97 degrees. It was definitely a hot one but I enjoyed it. I kept my pace just under 9:30/mile.
Also, this weekend we turned our guest bedroom into a guest bedroom/weight lifting room. My days running and lifting this year have rotated between 2-3 days/wk lifting and 3-4 days/wk running. I want to keep steady at 3 days/wk lifting while keeping my running up, so if I can get 1-2 workouts/wk at home that will go a long ways. I’ll still head to the gym for heavy leg and back days.
We have a pull-up bar in the doorway, then adjustable dumbbells that go from 5-70lbs, and the dumbbells have attachments that go to a curl bar, which would bring the curl bar weight to 140 lbs. There’s an expansion pack for the dumbbells to get them to go up to 90 lbs a piece. I’m still rehabbing my shoulder so it’ll be at least another month or two until I’m ready to upgrade. Also added two 36x60 mirrors.
FYI - there is nothing mustachian about this setup lol. I did find a local store that was willing to beat any internet price I could find, however.
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I'm happy to say I'm returning from the injured list after about 10 weeks. 3 mile walk/jog on Friday and my metatarsal were not so happy, so today I switched from my minimalist shoes to an old pair of Mizuno Waves and the foot seemed to appreciate the extra bit of stiffness, so I'll stick with that, go out 2x a week for a couple weeks, and if all is well, work up to 3x a week and consider increasing mileage again.
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Thanks for your thoughts on the weightlifting @use2betrix! I think the full body workout twice a week sounds like a better idea than splitting the body into halves. So when you say working out twice a week should be "hard" -- do you mean fewer reps/higher weights? Push harder to exhaustion? For reference, right now I'm doing three sets of 8-12 on all exercises. I do a basic full body workout all three days a week. Thanks!
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I mean moreso - push harder to exhaustion. In terms of number of reps, I would vary the workouts. Some workouts you may go heavier and less reps, while others you might go lighter and more reps.
Here are some sample exercises of my splits for full body workouts. Each exercise I usually do a warmup, then 3-4 sets with very short breaks between each set. If you’re pushing yourself hard enough on each set, you likely won’t be able to maintain the same amount of reps for each set (it should go down).
Day 1:
Quads - front squats
Hamstrings - lying leg curls
Calves - seated calf raises
Chest - incline DB bench press
Shoulders - DB military press
Triceps - skull crushers
Back - wide grip pull downs
Biceps - alternating DB curls
Abs - hanging leg raises
Day 2:
Quads - lunges
Hamstrings - stiff leg dead lift
Calves - standing calf raises
Chest - DB fly’s
Shoulders - lateral raises
Triceps - Tricep pushdowns
Back - close grip rows (or deadlift)
Biceps - EZ bar curls
Abs - planks
If I’m feeling good or really want to push a muscle group, I might throw in a second exercise for that specific muscle group. Again - short break between sets and going to complete failure.
Also - I often treat back as two muscle groups, back width (lats, i.e. wide grip pull downs) and back thickness as another (close grip rows, deadlift, etc.)
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Great job @Mongoose! Keep it up!
A question for you weightlifters: I've been lifting for almost three months now, and it's going pretty well. I'm getting stronger and although I wouldn't say I enjoy it exactly, I am appreciating what it's doing for me. I feel good. My question is-- could I decrease from three workouts a week to two, and still see the same benefits?
I assume if I tried to decrease, I'd need to do heavier weights? Fewer reps with heavier weights? Thanks!
I'm not a lifter per se, so take this with a grain of salt... (I'm a "dabbler". I like to do ALL THE THINGS. But not enough time to get awesome at any of them).
Since my last half, I've cut back from 3x a week running to 2x a week running (occasionally 3x). My "long" run is 4 miles, but planning on increasing to 5 & 6 again. I've found someone approximately my pace to run with the last 2 weeks, so I was preferring the slightly too fast 4-4.5 miles to my normal pace 5, just to have someone to talk to. My other run is track / speed work, as I have an aggressive fall 10k goal.
I've also increased my weight training to 2x a week, and I love it. I'm still at the point where I'm making big strength gains. I do full-body, coached kettlebell workouts at a gym.
I've found that dropping a run day in exchange for a gym day has been good for me. I was starting to hate the running. Pre-race, I was up to 15-20 miles a week, and I just was getting burned out.
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@mm1970 - you bring up some good points in regards to the lifting/running schedule. The good thing about doing both is you can occasionally pick up one and reduce the other if you start to feel a bit burnt out on one of the items. Or - if you start developing a nagging injury, you can also focus more on the other. I.e. when I injured my shoulder (still recovering) I was able to pick up my running a bit more. When my leg was bothering me, likely from too much running, I picked up on the lifting a bit more.
It’s good to have these options so that when something like this does happen, and you get burnt out or need rest, you can compensate for the lack of exercise in one area, by picking it up more in another.
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3 mile walk
Clean appt with my cardiologist.
3 mile walk
Hair cut
9 mile trail run.
I'll regret it tomorrow but it was fun getting back on the trail today.
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I've been focused on cross training, strength, & yard work (ha) over the past week or so after my relay. Mostly because the weather has been crazy hot, but also because I wanted to rest up. I'm now feeling ready to run again. Luckily, we'll be on the coast next week, and the weather looks super cool & perfect for running.
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Completed a 15km run today in a decent but not taxing 5:35/km pace. Trying to gear up for my local fun run (11.1km) in a month where I'm hoping to do it in 52 minutes (last year 55 and a half)
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I've basically cut back my running to 2x a week. This past week, my spouse was traveling so I had one day of hill repeats (aka, I ran up and down the hill on my street while my kids were asleep). Then I skipped my Sat run for a very leisurely family hike, but ended up running Sunday. I ran 6+ miles - 3 miles straight up hill on that crazy uphill half marathon course. Then back down. Which I've never run down that before. Different views!
But it was super wet and foggy and I couldn't really see a thing until 2.5 miles. Annoying too to have to clean off the glasses constantly.
I think I probably want to start training for my 10k soon, as I'll need to bring my pace down quite a bit before September (probably need to shave off 1 minute per mile, maybe 1:15.)
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Runs are going okay. I'm really slow but running all our distances still. An issue has cropped up again, same as the last time I trained for a half. I get horrible headaches after the longer runs. Today was 3.5 miles...as the distances get longer, I don't seem to get headaches from the "shorter" distances. If this continues like last time, in a month I will have a headache after a 7 miler but not after 4 or 5 miles.
I'm not dehydrated. I do get overheated easily. Anyone have similar issues or a potential solution?
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Did some FUN today for my training with a 5K bubble run with my Sister-in-law and mother-in-law. "Run" was really a walk due to my MIL having a knee flair up issue, but when it was looking like they wouldn't be coming at all I asked if we could do it if we walked and she agreed.
@Mongoose, random guess, but is it a salt/electrolyte issue?
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@Mongoose, random guess, but is it a salt/electrolyte issue?
Hmmm, not sure. I'm pretty salt averse so I don't eat much (or many prepared foods). Maybe I could try an electrolyte supplement.
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Runs are going okay. I'm really slow but running all our distances still. An issue has cropped up again, same as the last time I trained for a half. I get horrible headaches after the longer runs. Today was 3.5 miles...as the distances get longer, I don't seem to get headaches from the "shorter" distances. If this continues like last time, in a month I will have a headache after a 7 miler but not after 4 or 5 miles.
I'm not dehydrated. I do get overheated easily. Anyone have similar issues or a potential solution?
I get these too on longer runs, and I was never really able to figure out why.
I drink plenty of fluid, I drink electrolytes, I eat plenty. Dr. Google says it may just be an exercise headache?
https://www.verywellfit.com/how-can-i-avoid-headaches-after-running-2911322
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Just did my longest run to date, 5 miles, good pace. I was able to maintain a conversation with my running mate throughout it. I feel good!
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Runs are going okay. I'm really slow but running all our distances still. An issue has cropped up again, same as the last time I trained for a half. I get horrible headaches after the longer runs. Today was 3.5 miles...as the distances get longer, I don't seem to get headaches from the "shorter" distances. If this continues like last time, in a month I will have a headache after a 7 miler but not after 4 or 5 miles.
I'm not dehydrated. I do get overheated easily. Anyone have similar issues or a potential solution?
I get these too on longer runs, and I was never really able to figure out why.
I drink plenty of fluid, I drink electrolytes, I eat plenty. Dr. Google says it may just be an exercise headache?
https://www.verywellfit.com/how-can-i-avoid-headaches-after-running-2911322
Are you running on empty a lot at the latter end of long runs?
If the longer distance is pushing you into using your anaerobic system for the last segment (particularly if you can feel that lactate burn in your legs), you may be dealing with a lactate headache. They're pretty common among track runners - doing, say, a mile at full tilt will release a hell of a lot of lactate into your system - but if you're unused to longer runs it's possible that the extra mileage is causing it. Try running the same route, but 30 seconds slower per kilometre: if it's lactate, the slower pace should mean you remain in aerobic for longer and don't tip into anaerobic territory.
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No running for me for awhile because we are in the process of selling our house/buying a new (much smaller and cheaper!) one. With working full time and downsizing by over 2000 square feet, I have zero free time at all right now. I am, however, regular clocking over 15,000 steps and 20 flights of stairs a day through all of this...I can't wait until we move at the end of August and can settle in at the new place and get back to a running regimen!
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Runs are going okay. I'm really slow but running all our distances still. An issue has cropped up again, same as the last time I trained for a half. I get horrible headaches after the longer runs. Today was 3.5 miles...as the distances get longer, I don't seem to get headaches from the "shorter" distances. If this continues like last time, in a month I will have a headache after a 7 miler but not after 4 or 5 miles.
I'm not dehydrated. I do get overheated easily. Anyone have similar issues or a potential solution?
I get these too on longer runs, and I was never really able to figure out why.
I drink plenty of fluid, I drink electrolytes, I eat plenty. Dr. Google says it may just be an exercise headache?
https://www.verywellfit.com/how-can-i-avoid-headaches-after-running-2911322
Are you running on empty a lot at the latter end of long runs?
If the longer distance is pushing you into using your anaerobic system for the last segment (particularly if you can feel that lactate burn in your legs), you may be dealing with a lactate headache. They're pretty common among track runners - doing, say, a mile at full tilt will release a hell of a lot of lactate into your system - but if you're unused to longer runs it's possible that the extra mileage is causing it. Try running the same route, but 30 seconds slower per kilometre: if it's lactate, the slower pace should mean you remain in aerobic for longer and don't tip into anaerobic territory.
Always my challenge on long runs...how to pace it. I've done many half marathons, and you are supposed to have the long runs be 1-2 minutes slower per mile than race pace. But I'm always trying to get faster... sometimes I train at race pace (oops).
Anyway, my next thing I'm training for is a 10k. Hopefully no headaches.
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I never thought I would be able to join this thread, I never used to run.
Over the last year I have gotten into running and I will be racing in my first Ultra Marathon this weekend. It is crazy how much my life has changed since I started running and I am excited to see the journey of other mustachian runners.
I love all of the mustachian tips too! Thank you all for contributing!!
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Does anyone have some tips on how to cure the taper tantrums? They are very real and not being able to run is killing me.
I have tried yoga, mediation, researching my race and visualizing each section, and eating well.
They do come in waves, I go from extremely excited, to very very scared and wondering what I got myself into. Lol
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8 miles of heat training today. Luckily the sprinklers were on at the ball field so I got to run through them.
ginjaninja = what ultra are you running?
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I never thought I would be able to join this thread, I never used to run.
Over the last year I have gotten into running and I will be racing in my first Ultra Marathon this weekend. It is crazy how much my life has changed since I started running and I am excited to see the journey of other mustachian runners.
I love all of the mustachian tips too! Thank you all for contributing!!
I'm not up to ultras (yet?) but I, too, would never have believed I would someday post about running. I've run three half marathons at this point and I look forward to focusing more on my running after this move is over. What ultra are you running? My brother is an ultrarunner; he's running Ouray in July and pacing someone at Badwater in about a week. We have crewed several of his races and I just love the ultrarunning community!
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I'm not up to ultras (yet?) but I, too, would never have believed I would someday post about running. I've run three half marathons at this point and I look forward to focusing more on my running after this move is over. What ultra are you running? My brother is an ultrarunner; he's running Ouray in July and pacing someone at Badwater in about a week. We have crewed several of his races and I just love the ultrarunning community!
I've got a friend running badwater.
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Always my challenge on long runs...how to pace it. I've done many half marathons, and you are supposed to have the long runs be 1-2 minutes slower per mile than race pace. But I'm always trying to get faster... sometimes I train at race pace (oops).
Anyway, my next thing I'm training for is a 10k. Hopefully no headaches.
NEVER run your long run at race pace!
I race at between 4:00 and 4:30 a kilometre, and I do my long runs at 5:30 to 6:30 a kilometre. If you do your long run hard, you're defeating the purpose of it - the point of the long run is to get plenty of low-intensity distance in your legs and build up your aerobic base. When you start running harder, your physiology switches tracks and all you do is overtrain your body for that pace, with little to no benefit.
If you're running hard enough that holding a conversation with a running partner would be difficult, then you're running too fast for your long run. I can confirm this from personal experience: I spent several years doing every session as fast as I could physically manage and plateaued fairly quickly. I then joined a running club, and my running is now perhaps 80-90% at a very relaxed pace, with the remainder being pretty intense intervals twice a week. My times are far better under this regime than they were when I did everything at full tilt.
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@dblaace and @FireHiker I am running the Beaverhead 55k (https://beaverheadenduranceruns.com/course-info/55k-info/ (https://beaverheadenduranceruns.com/course-info/55k-info/))
I am really excited to give this a go! I have only run 1 marathon and a couple of 5ks before this and there is ~6K of elevation gain throughout the race so I am starting to get nervous.
I am doing it with 4 other friends and I am really looking forward to it.
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Always my challenge on long runs...how to pace it. I've done many half marathons, and you are supposed to have the long runs be 1-2 minutes slower per mile than race pace. But I'm always trying to get faster... sometimes I train at race pace (oops).
Anyway, my next thing I'm training for is a 10k. Hopefully no headaches.
NEVER run your long run at race pace!
I race at between 4:00 and 4:30 a kilometre, and I do my long runs at 5:30 to 6:30 a kilometre. If you do your long run hard, you're defeating the purpose of it - the point of the long run is to get plenty of low-intensity distance in your legs and build up your aerobic base. When you start running harder, your physiology switches tracks and all you do is overtrain your body for that pace, with little to no benefit.
If you're running hard enough that holding a conversation with a running partner would be difficult, then you're running too fast for your long run. I can confirm this from personal experience: I spent several years doing every session as fast as I could physically manage and plateaued fairly quickly. I then joined a running club, and my running is now perhaps 80-90% at a very relaxed pace, with the remainder being pretty intense intervals twice a week. My times are far better under this regime than they were when I did everything at full tilt.
This is largely my problem as well. My “long” runs are only 6-7 miles, but my pace is still similar to my 3-4 mile runs.
I have read countless articles that say to base your runs on time instead of distance, or more recently i’ve been reading articles to do your long run based on heart rate. Basically - 60%-70% of max heart rate. For me, the max I’ve had mine to (during my last 5K) was 199 BPM. That range puts me at just under 140 bpm max. My typical long runs had been 9 1/2 minutes/mile and 165 bpm or so. This past Monday I did a 5 mile run shooting for around 140 bpm and I needed to slow my pace to around 11-12 min/mile.
It’s going to be hard slowing down, but I think it’s just something I’m really going to need to do. Would appreciate further feedback from more experienced runners.
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@dblaace and @FireHiker I am running the Beaverhead 55k (https://beaverheadenduranceruns.com/course-info/55k-info/ (https://beaverheadenduranceruns.com/course-info/55k-info/))
I am really excited to give this a go! I have only run 1 marathon and a couple of 5ks before this and there is ~6K of elevation gain throughout the race so I am starting to get nervous.
I am doing it with 4 other friends and I am really looking forward to it.
Wow, looks like a challenge at least the last 7 are down hill. :)
Good luck!
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It’s going to be hard slowing down, but I think it’s just something I’m really going to need to do. Would appreciate further feedback from more experienced runners.
I'd agree with the advice already given. I'm currently around the 22 minute mark for 5k (bit under 4:30/km pace) and do nearly all of my training around a 6:00-6:30/km pace, with just a small amount of fast stuff. I think as you do more running, you'll see that your heart rate to achieve a particular pace drops. If you find running at 11-12 min mile pace uncomfortably slow or unnatural, you might try a run/walk strategy for your long runs for a while - perhaps run a mile and then walk for a minute or two to bring your heart rate down. It's really about time on feet.
For me, too much fast running in training leads to injuries and it's hard to build up the necessary volume of running to improve unless most of it is fairly easy. That said, different people respond to training in different ways.
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If you're in the northern hemisphere and live where "summer" is a thing right now (side-eyeing my friends in the chilly Bay Area), then that will significantly affect your heart rate. So yeah, it's going to be a challenge to keep yourself below 140 bpm during a long run. Dehydration will quickly become a factor as well. Heck, walking pace might be enough to get your heart pumping if it's in the 80s with 80-90% humidity (like it is here, good god).
I just call it summer running*.
*run by perceived effort, HRM be damned.
I'm still running with no structure, maintaining around 40-45 mpw on 5-6 days of running. I'm happy if I get a long run around 10 miles or so. I'm starting a new job in a few weeks that will require a much longer commute and longer hours (thanks to a 9/80 schedule), so I'm thinking I might switch from early-in-the-office-run-after-work to becoming an early morning runner. I'm worried I'll get stuck at work or in traffic, which will complete sap my energy for later workouts. We'll see how this goes. It's hard to establish new routines!
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If you're in the northern hemisphere and live where "summer" is a thing right now (side-eyeing my friends in the chilly Bay Area), then that will significantly affect your heart rate. So yeah, it's going to be a challenge to keep yourself below 140 bpm during a long run. Dehydration will quickly become a factor as well. Heck, walking pace might be enough to get your heart pumping if it's in the 80s with 80-90% humidity (like it is here, good god).
I just call it summer running*.
*run by perceived effort, HRM be damned.
I'm still running with no structure, maintaining around 40-45 mpw on 5-6 days of running. I'm happy if I get a long run around 10 miles or so. I'm starting a new job in a few weeks that will require a much longer commute and longer hours (thanks to a 9/80 schedule), so I'm thinking I might switch from early-in-the-office-run-after-work to becoming an early morning runner. I'm worried I'll get stuck at work or in traffic, which will complete sap my energy for later workouts. We'll see how this goes. It's hard to establish new routines!
Definitely true! I did a morning run a few weeks ago...it was "only" 3.6 miles, and I was keeping what was a typical pace for me. But it was in the 70s and my HR was in the 190's. I needed more breaks than usual.
So, I'm not doing any running training group right now. And I just found out that my favorite kettlebell gym is going to shrink and eliminate group classes. So I can move to private training or "virtual training" where I get sent a workout but have to do it on my own. Boo. I am not internally motivated to work out on my own at ALL right now.
I'd already decided to switch to the virtual option for running (to train for a fast 10k), so I'll soon get a training plan that will link with my Garmin, and my coach can keep track of my progress. I'm hoping that will help me figure out how to pace myself on the longer runs. Also hoping I'll be motivated. I'm at a point in my life that group fitness is really working for me.
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@ginjaninja Wishing you the best of luck for your first ultra!
Still no running for me in...awhile. But, we had photos taken yesterday and our house will be listed next week. Hopefully I can get in a short run this weekend.
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@FireHiker thank you!! I survived and completed it in ~13 hours!!!!! OMG that was hard. 6500ft of elevation gain, 9000 ft of elevation loss, 34-35 miles and oh boy my legs are toast.
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@FireHiker thank you!! I survived and completed it in ~13 hours!!!!! OMG that was hard. 6500ft of elevation gain, 9000 ft of elevation loss, 34-35 miles and oh boy my legs are toast.
Wow, amazing job!!! Congratulations!!
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@FireHiker thank you!! I survived and completed it in ~13 hours!!!!! OMG that was hard. 6500ft of elevation gain, 9000 ft of elevation loss, 34-35 miles and oh boy my legs are toast.
Wow. Amazing is right!
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@FireHiker thank you!! I survived and completed it in ~13 hours!!!!! OMG that was hard. 6500ft of elevation gain, 9000 ft of elevation loss, 34-35 miles and oh boy my legs are toast.
Congrats!
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Well done GinjaNinja!
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Thank you all for the support :D:D I cannot wait to see all of you meet your goals and do great things too.
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@FireHiker thank you!! I survived and completed it in ~13 hours!!!!! OMG that was hard. 6500ft of elevation gain, 9000 ft of elevation loss, 34-35 miles and oh boy my legs are toast.
That is amazing! I hope to keep upping my mileage to these longer runs some day. Slowly but surely.
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@use2betrix I couldn't even run a 5K 7 months ago. It is all about being slow and steady. Or at least it was for me, I am definitely not a medical professional or coach.
I followed the plan "Running Your First Ultra" By Krissy Moehl and I lowered my mileages from her suggestions and kept a log of all missed workouts. During my taper I would look back and freak out that I skipped this 6 mile run or that 12 mile run. Then I would read my notes that said things like "Sisters graduation" "Fiances graduation" "feeling too sore from weights, taking it easy to recover" "80 work week" "etc"
I did ~60-70% of the suggested plan and I survived. Tracking the progress was great too, it never felt like enough but I can look back to January where running 8 miles in a week felt like too much and it grew to the 35-40 miles/week at the end.
I feel like if we can track our money then we can also track other things too :)
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Hey everybody!
I am over 40 now, and have not done any real exercise since high school; I had a mostly sedentary office life and after two kids I gained a few (30) pounds.
A few months ago a couple co-workers invited me to run with them after work. I accepted. It was a disaster! Those two ladies TALKED while jogging, happily pointing out the river/duck/odd cloud. I was out-of-breath, falling behind, and by the 4th minute running I was feeling light headed and had to cut it short. They walked me back to the office, and continued with their run. I could not believe it: We did a "jog 1 minute, walk 2 minutes" beginner. I barely run 4 total minutes.
The experience shamed me into moving more. I started walking 4 miles every Sat and Sun and on Mondays I tried my best to keep up with them. One of the girls suggested a free app called couch to 5k. For a couple weeks I tried to run after work on my own, but just did not work. I was tired, I would start cooking and eating, and did not do anything. I tried setting my alarm at 5:30 AM, to run before work - and again, i would just snooze it. I started the C25K program, but because I did not do anything during the week, I kept repeating week 1 for almost a month.
All of a sudden, things just clicked in place: I moved to week 2 of C25K on a Sat morning, run again on Sun. I set my alarm for 5:30AM and forced myself to do it on Monday. I ran every day that week... and the next... and the next. I ran when was raining, when was hot and when I had a sore throat - I have not missed a day since.
I have not lost much weigh yet, and I am not too worried about that. I want to complete 8 weeks of running nonstop, and after that I might add a couple days of some different exercise - but I'm not sure what.
I am surprised with myself in a very positive way. I'll try to post monthly here to track and make myself accountable. Thank all for sharing your experiences, it was a pleasure to read this thread - I can't believe I just found this now.
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Welcome @Epor! I’ve started running, given it up, and gotten back into it several times. I find the first several weeks after I get back into a struggle. I go back and forth a lot on what time of day I should run, but in summer the weather decides for me—I need to run early or else it’ll be too hot and I’ll have to work a lot harder to cover the same distance.
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Congrats @ginjaninja that's an amazing effort to go from 0 to ultra in 7 months. Well done.
Welcome @Epor, making running a habit is just like forming every other habit... you just have to keep doing it. 98% of the effort is just tying up your shoelaces, after that its easy :)
It took me a good 2 years before I formed a running habit, and even then another year to actually start making serious progress. Sign up for a local fun run 6 months from now and give yourself a goal to work towards. A 10k is generally a good distance - not too long that you'll ruin yourself, and not too short that it's not a fun day out.
Today was my local fun run - 11.1km (the 0.1 matters lol - adds up to 30 seconds to the end time haha).
I finished in 52:23, 3 minutes 14 seconds faster than last year.
Back in 2015 the first time I did it, my time was 66 minutes. So there's an improvement of 13 minutes, or the equivalent of me finishing 2.2km (1.5mi) ahead of 29 year old me! It's weird to think about it in those terms, 2 kilometres is a long long way in an 11km run.
Nothing special at all about what I'm doing. Just very gradually increasing the distance I'm running each week and being sensible with pacing in training (keeping it very light). Going easy in training helps to avoid unnecessary injury too.
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Thank you daffodil2001 and marty998;
It is true, is a habit that needs to be formed and it is looking good so far. What I am hoping is that my trying of making habits of good choices (being more active) spills in other areas of my life. Adding an extra serving of veggies in the evening. Maybe some fresh fruit in the morning. Being more productive at work after a run. Etc.
Just this past week I had a bad night, worrying about some work-related items. I did not sleep well and woke up tired, but decided to go for a run anyway: it was actually very nice, during the run I figured out an action-plan for the work issue, and felt better.
I think a 5k sounds possible, a 10k sounds a little bit too optimistic. When I get to a point of jogging for 20-30 min without stop, a challenge like that would certainly make me just improve my pace, etc. Thank you for the tips about being sensible and careful with injuries etc.
I'll try to check-in every month, maybe add some stats as well. Thank you all for making me feel welcomed.
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... making running a habit is just like forming every other habit... you just have to keep doing it. 98% of the effort is just tying up your shoelaces, after that its easy :)
Says the person who didn't have to stop to re-tie their shoelace during that 11.1k! Not my finest moment.
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... making running a habit is just like forming every other habit... you just have to keep doing it. 98% of the effort is just tying up your shoelaces, after that its easy :)
Says the person who didn't have to stop to re-tie their shoelace during that 11.1k! Not my finest moment.
Every weekend at Parkrun you tell me "double knot!" And then look what happened in this event :D
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Had a “cold front” coming through the south central US right now, and it was 70 degrees with 77% humidity at 5:30 a.m. this morning for my 6 mile run. It was a pretty easy run at a 10 minute/mile pace. Sure makes me especially pumped for fall/winter weather again. My heart rate was 140 bpm average which was in the range I was aiming for as well.
I’m debating doing my 2nd 5k over Labor Day weekend when I have some family come visit. My first 5K I hit 22:43 (this May) and I think if all goes well I could probably break under 22 minutes. My last one I was in the middle of some injuries and the month leading up to the race my mileage was basically cut in half. It’s something I think I’d like to do now, but I’m just enjoying running in general so I’ll decide based on how I feel as it gets closer. I’ll pick up my mileage a bit with some interval workouts and go from there. They have sign up until the week of, so there’s time to decide.
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Did some interval training this morning for the first time in almost 4 months. I did a 1 mile warm up and 1 mile cool down. Then I did 3 hard (1) mile runs in between with about a 5 minute break in between. First time breaking 7 minute miles in my interval runs, 6:51, 6:51, 6:55.
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Ran 6.2 miles today, plus warm up and cool down. I realized afterwards that it was the farthest I have ever ran in my life. 11 weeks to go till the race!
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My running club had their gala day on Sunday and I participated in the half marathon.
It was a trail course with lots of rolling hills, and I was planning to run 1:55 given this is not the sort of track to be able to go really fast. I was on pace for that up to about 9km (5:27/km).
But having gone out at such an easy pace I had a lot left in the tank and came home much faster, running 5:15's for the last 8km.
Finished in 1:52:11, which is a five minute PB, and a really good sign for the next HM on a flat track in 4 weeks time!
Consistently running 140-150km a month has given me this result - last year I was only running half of that per month.
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Fantastic pace PR @marty998
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I recently switched my commute from a 1.9 (x2) mile walk to a 1.9 (x2) mile run. I had not been able to run for years because of knee pain. I recently solved that (muscle imbalance). Now I am coping with a general "muscles and joints have not run this much in years" issue. Achilles tendons seem to be tight as a result of tight calves. Hopefully when I get that solved I can be running to work four days per week, or ~15 miles weekly for now.
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Figured I'd post an update. Sounds like a lot of people are doing well with their running this year!
Took a few weeks off after the last race to recover. Been dealing with Plantar Fasciitis which comes and goes, but have kept it somewhat at bay with a golf ball and foam rolling.
Officially starting my 12 week plan for the next half marathon this week. Averaged nearly 20 MPW the last 7 weeks, so I'm starting with a much stronger base this time (around 12 MPW then). Also running at a new park with some hills which is definitely helping to improve my leg strength.
Will be doing at least one 5k in September, and would like to get a medal. The race is for a good cause, but the owner of the venue actively discriminates against LGBTQ people, so I'll wear a pride shirt and hope he's handing out the medals. He makes no money off the race, so figured this would be a good way to 'protest.' I'll be doing intervals once a week for the next month, then switch over to tempo's closer to the half to get a feel for my goal race pace (sub 2).
Overall I feel I'm progressing well, but I wish my pace was getting faster. I think the weather is slowing me down pretty significantly - even at 6am it's been in the 70's with high humidity. Never thought I'd say this, but I miss winter running.
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I recently switched my commute from a 1.9 (x2) mile walk to a 1.9 (x2) mile run. I had not been able to run for years because of knee pain. I recently solved that (muscle imbalance). Now I am coping with a general "muscles and joints have not run this much in years" issue. Achilles tendons seem to be tight as a result of tight calves. Hopefully when I get that solved I can be running to work four days per week, or ~15 miles weekly for now.
Ooh it took me a long time to get through this. Much as your legs are telling you never run again, the answer is simply to do more running haha.
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After my race I got a stress fracture in my tibia. I am in week 2 of the prescribed 4-6 weeks without running, biking, or swimming and its killing me slowly.
Anyone have advice on how to cardio with only upper body workouts? I am trying to do HIIT style workouts with back, chest, shoulders, abs, but my muscles fatigue faster than my heart rate can get to the 150-165 range.
Going from running 30-40 miles/week to nothing has been so hard!! I hope none of you never need to deal with this.
@BookValue I think the heat has more to do with pace than any practice I can do. Do you find that intervals help? Do you prefer ladders or sticking to the same timing throughout the run?
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@BookValue I think the heat has more to do with pace than any practice I can do. Do you find that intervals help? Do you prefer ladders or sticking to the same timing throughout the run?
Pretty new to speed work, so I"m trying a few things. Did a tempo run today at half pace, and will be starting up intervals next week. Figure I'll experiment to see how my body responds and find what I enjoy doing.
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Let us know what works! I am curious as to what works best for individuals for increasing speed.
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After my race I got a stress fracture in my tibia. I am in week 2 of the prescribed 4-6 weeks without running, biking, or swimming and its killing me slowly.
Anyone have advice on how to cardio with only upper body workouts? I am trying to do HIIT style workouts with back, chest, shoulders, abs, but my muscles fatigue faster than my heart rate can get to the 150-165 range.
Going from running 30-40 miles/week to nothing has been so hard!! I hope none of you never need to deal with this.
@BookValue I think the heat has more to do with pace than any practice I can do. Do you find that intervals help? Do you prefer ladders or sticking to the same timing throughout the run?
I've used hand pedal machines before in a gym.
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I'm back from crewing for my brother's latest race. Sadly he dropped after 65 miles...he was SO strong and up in the top 10 but couldn't get his head back in the race after getting pinned down by a lightning storm overnight and having to run back to an aid station. It was disappointing, but I definitely have more motivation myself to get back to running. I haven't run at all since mid-June; I had PF flare up as well and it's still bothering me. Time to get back to regular yoga and get my act together.
My husband, 18 year old son, and I are thinking about signing up for the Jack and Jill Marathon next July in Washington state...
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Just checking in to track my progress.
I did run every morning in July, five minutes walk warm-up and about 20 min of jogging/walking. Last week of July I was alternating 5warm-8jog-5walk-8jog with 5warm-20jog; is going well, but the last 3 min of 20 min non stop are quite hard.
Starting tracking weight as well:
W= 80.3kg/177lb (first Mon of Aug)
Goals for August:
Run: Be able to do a full week of 25min jog non-stop, hopefully I can do that by the last two weeks of Aug.
W: 77kg/170lb - I hope to reach this by replacing some portions of carbs with salad/veggies, not too worried about this one.
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I'm back from crewing for my brother's latest race. Sadly he dropped after 65 miles...he was SO strong and up in the top 10 but couldn't get his head back in the race after getting pinned down by a lightning storm overnight and having to run back to an aid station. It was disappointing, but I definitely have more motivation myself to get back to running. I haven't run at all since mid-June; I had PF flare up as well and it's still bothering me. Time to get back to regular yoga and get my act together.
My husband, 18 year old son, and I are thinking about signing up for the Jack and Jill Marathon next July in Washington state...
Go for it @FireHiker! Your son won't want you to have bragging rights after you beat him haha
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I ran a new 5k PB today - 22:10! Pretty chuffed :)
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Congrats on the 5K PR @marty998 !! I’m hoping for a 5k PR in a few weeks but we’ll see. I try not to get my hopes up too much. I feel like when the weather cools this fall/winter things will pick up a lot after doing so many 100+ degree runs all summer.
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I must be the world's slowest runner! I have done several parkruns, around 43 min (I only started running last year, at age 51).
My preferred way of running is barefoot, on the beach. It was 12C this morning and I did my usual slow 5k -ish. I ran on a different stretch of sand than usual, so I wasn't sure of the exact distance.
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Congrats on the 5K PR @marty998 !! I’m hoping for a 5k PR in a few weeks but we’ll see. I try not to get my hopes up too much. I feel like when the weather cools this fall/winter things will pick up a lot after doing so many 100+ degree runs all summer.
This is the one you want to get under 22 right? You should do your runs in the early morning or after sunset when it's not so hot. Always a bit nicer running in the evening with a cool breeze.
The easy gains are over for me now haha. The training effort for each incremental gain on a 5k is starting to get very large!
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Congrats on the 5K PR @marty998 !! I’m hoping for a 5k PR in a few weeks but we’ll see. I try not to get my hopes up too much. I feel like when the weather cools this fall/winter things will pick up a lot after doing so many 100+ degree runs all summer.
This is the one you want to get under 22 right? You should do your runs in the early morning or after sunset when it's not so hot. Always a bit nicer running in the evening with a cool breeze.
The easy gains are over for me now haha. The training effort for each incremental gain on a 5k is starting to get very large!
Shooting for under 22! We’ll see. I’ve been running for about 14 months now consistently, but have only ran one timed race. No idea where I am at in terms of plateauing. It’s so hot right now (even in the morning is often 80 and humid) so hard to gauge where I’m at vs the 50’s and 60’s in the late fall/early spring.
While our 5k times are pretty close, your long times crush anything I can do. I’m shooting for an 8 mile run in the morning which will be my longest ever. Granted, I’m currently in AZ which is incredibly dry vs my normal humidity. Also, when i plan to go around 5-6 a.m. it’s still going to be about 88 degrees. Anyways, I’m going to still give it a shot.
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Just joining this thread. I've been running for the last 10 years - am 47 now.
Usually run between 12-20 miles per week - not terribly fast, 10 min /mile.
I've run four marathons, many half marathons, and many 5Ks.
I belong to a weekend running group that talks about life during the runs and running at coffee afterwards.
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Go for it @FireHiker! Your son won't want you to have bragging rights after you beat him haha
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I ran a new 5k PB today - 22:10! Pretty chuffed :)
Ha ha, I love you for saying that. There's no way in hell I can beat him in a marathon, even if I were to retire tomorrow and spend an entire year training, but if we can all finish I'll be elated. Congrats on your new personal best!
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I recently switched my commute from a 1.9 (x2) mile walk to a 1.9 (x2) mile run. I had not been able to run for years because of knee pain. I recently solved that (muscle imbalance). Now I am coping with a general "muscles and joints have not run this much in years" issue. Achilles tendons seem to be tight as a result of tight calves. Hopefully when I get that solved I can be running to work four days per week, or ~15 miles weekly for now.
Ooh it took me a long time to get through this. Much as your legs are telling you never run again, the answer is simply to do more running haha.
It is mostly tendons as a result of tight muscles far as I can tell. After a week of stretching I am already much better. Need to stretch those calves whenever possible!
In the week of: I ran:
July 1: 1 day
July 8: 2 days
July 15: 3 days
July 22: 4 days
July 29: 1 day (ouchy...too painful)
August 5: 3 days planned...
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UGH. It's 95 degrees and 98% humidity down here. Heckin' gross, y'all! I hate the treadmill, but this weather can kiss my arse. Walking outside is like heading into a gravity storm.
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Today I did both my longest and hottest run to date.
Heat index of 111 degrees, and did an 8 mile run. Previously I’d only done a handful of 7 mile runs and countless at 6 miles. My pace was slow at about 10:50/mile, but at 111 degrees I was just happy I didn’t die lol.
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It is going to be super hot where I am this week, but I don't even care because it has been 4 weeks since my stress fracture and I am now allowed to start some walking/running!!!!!!!
Time felt like it simultaneously slowed down and sped past all at once. I found a 50k for December 14th with 8800K of elevation gain that I might be interested in training for. We shall see! I am going to take it easy for the next couple of weeks and start ramping up as my leg allows.
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Did a 5 mile run at 5 a.m. this morning. At 5 a.m. the heat index was still 90 degrees F. I did 4 miles alternating 1/2 mile run/jog. Run’s were at 7 min/mile, jogs at about 9 min/mile.
I am currently planning, though not signed up, for a 5K in about 3 weeks. If this heat doesn’t break soon I may push back until it cools down a bit more. I love running in general and my actual races I plan to do are to hit new PR’s. While my running is going great, I don’t know that I am interested to run a slow race in the heat right now.
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My running club had their gala day on Sunday and I participated in the half marathon.
It was a trail course with lots of rolling hills, and I was planning to run 1:55 given this is not the sort of track to be able to go really fast. I was on pace for that up to about 9km (5:27/km).
But having gone out at such an easy pace I had a lot left in the tank and came home much faster, running 5:15's for the last 8km.
Finished in 1:52:11, which is a five minute PB, and a really good sign for the next HM on a flat track in 4 weeks time!
Consistently running 140-150km a month has given me this result - last year I was only running half of that per month.
Whoa. Go you!
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So, I'm kind of on the struggle bus. I've been working with a run coach to try and do a "fast" (for me) 10k.
Last year I ran that crazy uphill half marathon, and pulled a 1:01:38 flat 10k shortly thereafter. This year, don't have it in me to do that uphill half. So I'm working on speed, trying to get back the speed I had before my injury last year.
It's hard yo.
First, I've been lifting and eating ice cream, so I've gained about 8 lbs. That doesn't help.
Second, I was on vacation in Denmark for 2 weeks and I caught a cold and I dealt with a lot of jet lag.
I ran 6x in the 2 weeks on vacation (yay me!), and it was beautiful, but it was a little humid and a bit of a struggle.
Since I've been back, still struggling. Today, did speed work and coach suggested that I run my "10k pace" splits at 9:00/mile, which means the 5k splits faster. It was a STRUGGLE to hit 9:00 on my 10k splits (today: 600m), and I only managed faster than that for my 5k splits once out of the 4.
It means I'm unlikely to reach my goal of a sub-1:00 10k in mid-Sept. After that, a choice: KEEP TRYING, or take a break. It's hard for me to:
1. Concentrate on a goal for more than 8 weeks
2. Run without people. I do much better with groups than I do by myself.
Sigh.
On a plus note, a very old friend from my Navy days (circa the 1990s) moved into town and is looking for a running buddy. When she's back into running, she'll prob be faster than me, but I'm looking forward to some company in the meantime. Plus, we are 50-ish, it's okay to slow down.
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So, I'm kind of on the struggle bus. I've been working with a run coach to try and do a "fast" (for me) 10k.
Last year I ran that crazy uphill half marathon, and pulled a 1:01:38 flat 10k shortly thereafter. This year, don't have it in me to do that uphill half. So I'm working on speed, trying to get back the speed I had before my injury last year.
It's hard yo.
First, I've been lifting and eating ice cream, so I've gained about 8 lbs. That doesn't help.
Second, I was on vacation in Denmark for 2 weeks and I caught a cold and I dealt with a lot of jet lag.
I ran 6x in the 2 weeks on vacation (yay me!), and it was beautiful, but it was a little humid and a bit of a struggle.
Since I've been back, still struggling. Today, did speed work and coach suggested that I run my "10k pace" splits at 9:00/mile, which means the 5k splits faster. It was a STRUGGLE to hit 9:00 on my 10k splits (today: 600m), and I only managed faster than that for my 5k splits once out of the 4.
It means I'm unlikely to reach my goal of a sub-1:00 10k in mid-Sept. After that, a choice: KEEP TRYING, or take a break. It's hard for me to:
1. Concentrate on a goal for more than 8 weeks
2. Run without people. I do much better with groups than I do by myself.
Sigh.
On a plus note, a very old friend from my Navy days (circa the 1990s) moved into town and is looking for a running buddy. When she's back into running, she'll prob be faster than me, but I'm looking forward to some company in the meantime. Plus, we are 50-ish, it's okay to slow down.
Hey, speaking of 50-ish (not there yet), I just read "Faster After 50" and it's great! Now, it gets a little technical and confusing in one part (about power meters and VO2 max and lactate threshold), and I don't like his term "dosage" since it sounds medical, but his point is we too often drop the intensity as we age, and that's absolutely the last thing we should do!
It was so inspiring. I have been getting slower and slower, but can still run forever.
Basically the key to fast times as we get older (and no, 50 is not a magical line in the sand):
1. Work on intensity (can be very short intervals at first, like 30 seconds, one session a week). Much less long slow distance!
2. Work on STRENGTH, generally sport-specific. I was big into lifting and have stopped for a few years now.
3. Ensure adequate recovery, so instead of a training plan spread out over a 7-day week, your week may be 9 or 10 days long.
4. Aerobics is the least important exercise to do
Wisdom plays a huge part in this book. He's 70+, by the way. Super inspiring book!!! We don't *have* to slow down if we don't want to!
That said, re your quote, always listen to your body! Maybe you need more recovery time.
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Hey, speaking of 50-ish (not there yet), I just read "Faster After 50" and it's great! Now, it gets a little technical and confusing in one part (about power meters and VO2 max and lactate threshold), and I don't like his term "dosage" since it sounds medical, but his point is we too often drop the intensity as we age, and that's absolutely the last thing we should do!
It was so inspiring. I have been getting slower and slower, but can still run forever.
Basically the key to fast times as we get older (and no, 50 is not a magical line in the sand):
1. Work on intensity (can be very short intervals at first, like 30 seconds, one session a week). Much less long slow distance!
2. Work on STRENGTH, generally sport-specific. I was big into lifting and have stopped for a few years now.
3. Ensure adequate recovery, so instead of a training plan spread out over a 7-day week, your week may be 9 or 10 days long.
4. Aerobics is the least important exercise to do
Wisdom plays a huge part in this book. He's 70+, by the way. Super inspiring book!!! We don't *have* to slow down if we don't want to!
That said, re your quote, always listen to your body! Maybe you need more recovery time.
Yeah, I hit 50 next year. I think I may need more recovery also - but I do only run 3x a week.
Luckily? My favorite thing to do is speed work on the track. Once/ week. Long/ slow is just not my jam right now, though I have a long run coming up.
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Time for the Habanero 100 in Cat Springs Texas! Start time is high noon. The expected high around 100. It's a 6ish mile sun & sand loop course.
I'm seriously undertrained so I dropped to the 30k and will run the 1st 3rd and 5th loop of my friends 50k, 3 10k's with 1.5 hr between. I ran in the 5 person 100 mile relay last year.
We're all gonna die!
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Time for the Habanero 100 in Cat Springs Texas! Start time is high noon. The expected high around 100. It's a 6ish mile sun & sand loop course.
I'm seriously undertrained so I dropped to the 30k and will run the 1st 3rd and 5th loop of my friends 50k, 3 10k's with 1.5 hr between. I ran in the 5 person 100 mile relay last year.
We're all gonna die!
How’d it go?? Friday seems an odd day for a race!
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In the week of: I ran:
July 1: 1 day
July 8: 2 days
July 15: 3 days
July 22: 4 days
July 29: 1 day (ouchy...too painful)
August 5: 2 days
August 12: 2.5 days
Even with lots of calf stretching in hot showers, the tendons are pretty sore here...
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Time for the Habanero 100 in Cat Springs Texas! Start time is high noon. The expected high around 100. It's a 6ish mile sun & sand loop course.
I'm seriously undertrained so I dropped to the 30k and will run the 1st 3rd and 5th loop of my friends 50k, 3 10k's with 1.5 hr between. I ran in the 5 person 100 mile relay last year.
We're all gonna die!
How’d it go?? Friday seems an odd day for a race!
It’s not till Saturday. Today was travel.
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Had a good run today - 5 miles in 40:49. Wasn’t sure if I was gonna make it under my goal of 8:15/mile but I did. Temp was about 90 degrees which played a factor. Sure can’t wait for fall/winter to see how much these times drop. I signed up for my first half this coming January. My goal is under 2 hours.
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I ended up run/walking the 30k straight through in 6:01 51 of 70. It was of 98-100 with a feels like 105+ for most of the race. It was brutal! 650 crazy people attempting between 10k to 100 miles. Lot's of dnf's. I walked the third loop with a member of my club who had a tough second loop. She went on to finish her 50k.
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I ended up run/walking the 30k straight through in 6:01 51 of 70. It was of 98-100 with a feels like 105+ for most of the race. It was brutal! 650 crazy people attempting between 10k to 100 miles. Lot's of dnf's. I walked the third loop with a member of my club who had a tough second loop. She went on to finish her 50k.
Congrats! Running in temps like that is no joke.
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My brother is in town, and has been unintentionally wrecking my running schedule.
Normal long run day is Monday, but I took Friday off to hang out. He needed to get remote hours in, and I wanted to relax after a stressful week and get chores done around the house, so I moved my long run up to Friday. 9 miles on a gravel trail, it was nice. He was dying to go to New York, so we woke up early on Saturday and ended up walking 15 miles around the city that day...
All day today I was wondering what I was thinking. Thankfully, I'm not too sore and today is a rest day.
Here's to a fun 3 miles tomorrow though...
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I ended up run/walking the 30k straight through in 6:01 51 of 70. It was of 98-100 with a feels like 105+ for most of the race. It was brutal! 650 crazy people attempting between 10k to 100 miles. Lot's of dnf's. I walked the third loop with a member of my club who had a tough second loop. She went on to finish her 50k.
Congrats! Running in temps like that is no joke.
No kidding. My first uphill half it was 95F (so felt like 100F) for much of it. Had to walk the last 9 miles which killed my hips and legs, which were used to run/walking.
FOUR HOURS it took me. Blech. Two years ago and it feels like yesterday.
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I kook at what it was like.
https://youtu.be/sIttDMSoOik
I've got a brief cameo at 15:01 on the right with a white hat & sides
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I saw a couple of race reports on reddit about Habenaro. Sounds really oppressive!
In the week of: I ran:
July 1: 1 day
July 8: 2 days
July 15: 3 days
July 22: 4 days
July 29: 1 day (ouchy...too painful)
August 5: 2 days
August 12: 2.5 days
Even with lots of calf stretching in hot showers, the tendons are pretty sore here...
Ok you're going to have to explain the half day to us. Just like you can't be half pregnant, you can't half run a day? :)
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I'm back from crewing for my brother's latest race. Sadly he dropped after 65 miles...he was SO strong and up in the top 10 but couldn't get his head back in the race after getting pinned down by a lightning storm overnight and having to run back to an aid station. It was disappointing, but I definitely have more motivation myself to get back to running. I haven't run at all since mid-June; I had PF flare up as well and it's still bothering me. Time to get back to regular yoga and get my act together.
My husband, 18 year old son, and I are thinking about signing up for the Jack and Jill Marathon next July in Washington state...
BigFoot? I have a lot of friends who were in that race...
J&J is a good BQ course... would love to have you out here.... :D
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I am thinking of signing up for a fast and flat marathon early next year with hopes of... running fast.
Not sure I can BQ. My age/gender the time is 3:45 and they accepted 3:40 last year. That's pretty fast IMO.
I've only run one marathon before. I ran 4:08 at Big Sur a couple years back. I figure I can shave off at least 10 minutes for the elevation of that course (for those of you who don't know it has a 2 mile long hill, and many others). That leaves me with ~15 minutes to improve. Which I think I can do. Possibly. My 13.1 PR is 1:49. So in theory, just have to do that twice and I'm golden. :D
Would love any thoughts/tips/suggestions from those who have been there. I need to pick a plan- last time I did a modified Hal Higdon with extra runs and averaged around 35-40 miles a week. I know I need to bump that up and incorporate more speed work than I did last time. Thinking of Hansens this year. Also contemplating getting a coach- though I've never used one for any of my athletic endeavors before.
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Great tip about short intense intervals! I have been trying to run as fast as I can for 60 seconds several times during my 5 km runs. It has the effect of making me run slightly faster the rest the time with no increase in effort and I feel great. I never time myself, but might try another Parkrun soon just for the time.
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Running morale is low. Today was an 8 long run on the way to a half marathon in a training group. I'm by far the slowest...haven't run in a couple of years after breaking my big toe (took 6 months to walk without a lot of pain after the injury so I was out for a year).
I'm just trotting along...about 15 minute miles. The next slowest pace group is 12 minute miles. I don't handle the heat well so I have to take walk breaks to cool/avoid overheating even when it's only in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Sigh...I feel like I'm never going to be a real runner.
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Running morale is low. Today was an 8 long run on the way to a half marathon in a training group. I'm by far the slowest...haven't run in a couple of years after breaking my big toe (took 6 months to walk without a lot of pain after the injury so I was out for a year).
I'm just trotting along...about 15 minute miles. The next slowest pace group is 12 minute miles. I don't handle the heat well so I have to take walk breaks to cool/avoid overheating even when it's only in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Sigh...I feel like I'm never going to be a real runner.
You can do it! Think this through - if it's hot, take off a layer of clothing. If it's cold, take off a layer too - you warm up 10 degrees when you run (C ... not F scale - not sure what that converts to... 18?) Choose your fabrics carefully. If you start your run shivering, then that means you'll be ok when you get going. You don't have to run fast every day, you just need to get out there often enough.
The injury is in the past. You have your running future ahead of you now :)
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I am thinking of signing up for a fast and flat marathon early next year with hopes of... running fast.
Not sure I can BQ. My age/gender the time is 3:45 and they accepted 3:40 last year. That's pretty fast IMO.
I've only run one marathon before. I ran 4:08 at Big Sur a couple years back. I figure I can shave off at least 10 minutes for the elevation of that course (for those of you who don't know it has a 2 mile long hill, and many others). That leaves me with ~15 minutes to improve. Which I think I can do. Possibly. My 13.1 PR is 1:49. So in theory, just have to do that twice and I'm golden. :D
Would love any thoughts/tips/suggestions from those who have been there. I need to pick a plan- last time I did a modified Hal Higdon with extra runs and averaged around 35-40 miles a week. I know I need to bump that up and incorporate more speed work than I did last time. Thinking of Hansens this year. Also contemplating getting a coach- though I've never used one for any of my athletic endeavors before.
I'm in awe. I just ran a 1:49 half today. (First time under 1:50, and 8 minutes quicker than the same race last year!). I was dead to rights at the end of it so the thought of doubling and finishing a full in 3:40 it is a long way out of my mind.
Kudos if you can pull it off, you have a great chance given your proposed training load.
I'm hoping to do 4:15 at a full in 3 weeks time.... should be possible if I bonk at 36km instead of 30 this time around :)
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Awesome work on the half @marty998 !! That’s a fantastic time. I feel like you should be able to hit your marathon goal no problem.
I had my first 10 mile run today, and it was also my first time being caught in a down pour. At about 6 miles in it changed from around a 100 degree heat index to 80 degrees, wind, and very heavy rain. Wow was this an amazing thing. The cooler weather was a huge boost and was eye opening for what I can expect for when it “actually” starts cooling down. I probably haven’t ran below a 90 degree heat index since around May.
I ended the run with an average pace of 9:51/mile, with my 10th mile being ran at 8:25.
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I am thinking of signing up for a fast and flat marathon early next year with hopes of... running fast.
Not sure I can BQ. My age/gender the time is 3:45 and they accepted 3:40 last year. That's pretty fast IMO.
I've only run one marathon before. I ran 4:08 at Big Sur a couple years back. I figure I can shave off at least 10 minutes for the elevation of that course (for those of you who don't know it has a 2 mile long hill, and many others). That leaves me with ~15 minutes to improve. Which I think I can do. Possibly. My 13.1 PR is 1:49. So in theory, just have to do that twice and I'm golden. :D
Would love any thoughts/tips/suggestions from those who have been there. I need to pick a plan- last time I did a modified Hal Higdon with extra runs and averaged around 35-40 miles a week. I know I need to bump that up and incorporate more speed work than I did last time. Thinking of Hansens this year. Also contemplating getting a coach- though I've never used one for any of my athletic endeavors before.
BQs take commitment and consistency. And for most of us who aren't naturally gifted runners or haven't been athletic since we were kids, we have to run a lot. Probably quite a bit more than 35-40 miles per week. Hansons will get you into the upper 50s or low 60s (depending on beginner vs. advanced); it's a solid plan. I BQed with it, and my running buddy dropped 7 minutes off her PR to BQ as well. It was the breakthrough she finally needed. I don't think a coach is necessary, but if it helps motivate you, then that's fine. Just don't get discouraged if it takes you a few cycles to get there - that's just how hard it is. Good luck! I get to register on September 13th, and I'm excited! :-D
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Awesome work on the half @marty998 !! That’s a fantastic time. I feel like you should be able to hit your marathon goal no problem.
I had my first 10 mile run today, and it was also my first time being caught in a down pour. At about 6 miles in it changed from around a 100 degree heat index to 80 degrees, wind, and very heavy rain. Wow was this an amazing thing. The cooler weather was a huge boost and was eye opening for what I can expect for when it “actually” starts cooling down. I probably haven’t ran below a 90 degree heat index since around May.
I ended the run with an average pace of 9:51/mile, with my 10th mile being ran at 8:25.
Nope nope, nope. There are definitely no problems in a marathon! Because you're out there for so long your mind starts playing tricks on you. It's a test of mental strength as well as physical. I figure I need to accept that there will be trouble somewhere along the way (muscle cramps, sore spots on feet, gels that won't open because of sweaty hands etc).
You've done well there to get up to a 10 mile distance. Especially to keep going in the middle of a downpour.
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I finished my half marathon without injury, and managed to finish about nine minutes faster than my previous half marathon that I ran after injuring myself during training. I’m hoping to run another half in October, but my fall travel schedule for work hasn’t been set yet.
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Running morale is low. Today was an 8 long run on the way to a half marathon in a training group. I'm by far the slowest...haven't run in a couple of years after breaking my big toe (took 6 months to walk without a lot of pain after the injury so I was out for a year).
I'm just trotting along...about 15 minute miles. The next slowest pace group is 12 minute miles. I don't handle the heat well so I have to take walk breaks to cool/avoid overheating even when it's only in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Sigh...I feel like I'm never going to be a real runner.
So. You ARE a real runner. Do you run? Then you are a real runner.
You may never run a marathon. You are a real runner.
You may always have to take walk breaks. You are a real runner.
You may work yourself "up" to never taking walk breaks and still never break 12 minute miles. You are a real runner.
Do you run? You are a real runner.
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Awesome work on the half @marty998 !! That’s a fantastic time. I feel like you should be able to hit your marathon goal no problem.
I had my first 10 mile run today, and it was also my first time being caught in a down pour. At about 6 miles in it changed from around a 100 degree heat index to 80 degrees, wind, and very heavy rain. Wow was this an amazing thing. The cooler weather was a huge boost and was eye opening for what I can expect for when it “actually” starts cooling down. I probably haven’t ran below a 90 degree heat index since around May.
I ended the run with an average pace of 9:51/mile, with my 10th mile being ran at 8:25.
Nope nope, nope. There are definitely no problems in a marathon! Because you're out there for so long your mind starts playing tricks on you. It's a test of mental strength as well as physical. I figure I need to accept that there will be trouble somewhere along the way (muscle cramps, sore spots on feet, gels that won't open because of sweaty hands etc).
You've done well there to get up to a 10 mile distance. Especially to keep going in the middle of a downpour.
This is my downfall in general.
BQs take commitment and consistency. And for most of us who aren't naturally gifted runners or haven't been athletic since we were kids, we have to run a lot. Probably quite a bit more than 35-40 miles per week. Hansons will get you into the upper 50s or low 60s (depending on beginner vs. advanced); it's a solid plan. I BQed with it, and my running buddy dropped 7 minutes off her PR to BQ as well. It was the breakthrough she finally needed. I don't think a coach is necessary, but if it helps motivate you, then that's fine. Just don't get discouraged if it takes you a few cycles to get there - that's just how hard it is. Good luck! I get to register on September 13th, and I'm excited! :-D
I feel like for many people who aren't naturally gifted, lots of things take commitment and many cycles.
I'm just trying to break 1 hour for a 10k. I hit 1:01:38 last year, but that was pre-injury. I've got a training plan, and a running coach, but the "test" 10k's that I've run the last two months have been 1:06:20 (by the watch) and 1:04:30-ish (by the watch, and 1:05:20 by the race clock).
So...I'm at the age and speed and fitness level that this is likely going to take at least a few months to get there (last year's 1:01:38 was right after an all uphill half). I have to carefully craft my workouts for speed and endurance. I have to carefully craft my fueling and hydration. I have to carefully craft my recovering/ stretching/ foam rolling. And right now, I'm not exactly sure I have the drive, or the attention span, for another 3-4 months of this.
I've got friends a few years younger than me that trained for a few years to get a sub-2:00 half marathon (also women). I have a friend in her 50's who has been doing ultras and tried many different training programs to improve her speed. Now her long "easy" runs are 10:30, which is super. (She's been getting 2nd/3rd at many of her 30 milers.)
It kind of depends on how far you have to go, to see if you'll get there.
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What a great thread! It's certainly inspiring reading about everyones goals and challenges, and a good reminder of the value of process (which is almost always the actual goal anyway). I've been looking for a thread to post in for accountability, and this fits perfectly.
So I've been running on and off for several years, and every now and then get some stupid idea that I should do something amazing. This summer I went for it and ran my first ultra (52k, 3000m+ ascent/descent) which actually turned out to be quite fun (type 2), and set me up for further aspirations. I'll certainly run some more ultras in the future, perhaps a bit longer, but for now I feel I need to step down a bit to avoid injury and burnout. This fall I want to incorporate some more consistency into my regular weeks, in order to build a more solid base, get my muscles/tendons/joints more conditioned and hopefully improve both my aerobic and top end speed.
I'm aiming for a sub-40 minute 10k, which will be my primary goal. I'd also like to do 20k+ long runs out on the beautiful trails we have here, not as a means to an end but as an end in itself.
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Today's win - 5.6 miles on a Tuesday morning when husband is traveling!
Sure, my coach had me down for 1 hr 20 min (20 min warm up, 40 minutes of 800m repeats with 1 min rest, and 20 min cool down).
I just couldn't swing the 20 min cool down + drills with my schedule (gotta get the kids to school!), but I'm pretty sure 5.6 miles is the longest mid-week run I've ever done in my life?
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How did you find a running coach?? Do you find value in having one? What are the best things you have gotten out of it? I have considered looking for one because I think it could help me get better at running.
I am going to wait until October before any more life changes so that gives me plenty of time to find one I like.
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I too have wanted to find a coach, but for speed training (masters track) instead of distance running. Have scoured all the right places (best local running stores, local running teams, USATF lists for my area, but found no one (for adults). I guess that leaves checking our community college and/or putting an ad on Craigslist.
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I too have wanted to find a coach, but for speed training (masters track) instead of distance running. Have scoured all the right places (best local running stores, local running teams, USATF lists for my area, but found no one (for adults). I guess that leaves checking our community college and/or putting an ad on Craigslist.
There are a lot of online coaches and sites out there some more personal than others. I got free training at this site when I ran MCM in 2017. https://runcoach.com/ It was pretty generic but it did adapt to the paces you run.
I'd love to get into master track more.
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How did you find a running coach?? Do you find value in having one? What are the best things you have gotten out of it? I have considered looking for one because I think it could help me get better at running.
I am going to wait until October before any more life changes so that gives me plenty of time to find one I like.
I've had a couple of coaches, this one the first formal coach. There are several in town. I first learned about them through group training programs. (Training for a specific race or goal.)
So, in this case, I found her because I decided to train for a half marathon that was all uphill. I really like working out in a group and knew I wouldn't do it on my own.
I used this method for 2 years, but this year made the switch to private coaching because I like her method.
What I like -
- I get information about form, drills, and how to deal with injury
- I get programmed workouts, occasionally with speed goals as I'm trying to get faster. Most of the workouts come with more general instructions like "10k pace" or "6/10" but sometimes I get "you should aim for 9:00 mile for your 400m repeats".
- If I'm paying for it, I use it.
To be honest, I would never even attempt 1 to 1.5 hour runs on a weekday without it - and we've worked up to that. So, she adjusts my workouts to my needs - when I was sick, I took it easy. She's got me working on endurance by having me run an hour and THEN put in 15 hard minutes at the end (specifically geared to my 10k goal).
She recently trained a guy we know to run his first half and qualify for Boston. Now, he's super young and fit anyway (his first half he ran in 1:29). But she can handle all different goals.
@Fru-Gal
I agree it may make sense to look for different coaches depending on your goal. One of my kid's friends recently got certified to be a running coach. She did track in college and is actually nationally ranked in masters track for the 200, 400 and 800m. Travels internationally to compete and has a couple of American records. She's 55.
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Slight change in plans for me. My company is sponsoring a local race, so I received free entry to their half marathon (who can pass that up?). It's a bit hilly but looks like a nice race.
So in 2 weeks I'm racing a 5k, then 2 weeks after that is the free half, then 3 weeks after that is another half. As long as I take it easy between the half races I think I'll be OK.
My plantar fasciitis got pretty bad a couple weeks ago (fine during a run, only hurts in the morning and after a run), so I cut down the running. Doing about 20 miles a week with another 2 hours of CT, and replaced intervals with half pace tempo's. Seems to help. Tried getting an insert to support my arches, but that actually made the pain worse. Going to hit up the running store this week to try on some zero drop shoes, since going barefoot alleviates the pain somewhat. I know this is opposite of what's supposed to help, but I figure it's worth a shot.
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Slight change in plans for me. My company is sponsoring a local race, so I received free entry to their half marathon (who can pass that up?). It's a bit hilly but looks like a nice race.
So in 2 weeks I'm racing a 5k, then 2 weeks after that is the free half, then 3 weeks after that is another half. As long as I take it easy between the half races I think I'll be OK.
My plantar fasciitis got pretty bad a couple weeks ago (fine during a run, only hurts in the morning and after a run), so I cut down the running. Doing about 20 miles a week with another 2 hours of CT, and replaced intervals with half pace tempo's. Seems to help. Tried getting an insert to support my arches, but that actually made the pain worse. Going to hit up the running store this week to try on some zero drop shoes, since going barefoot alleviates the pain somewhat. I know this is opposite of what's supposed to help, but I figure it's worth a shot.
If it were two weeks between the HMs you might have a problem, but 3 weeks should be ok. Maybe take it a little easier in the first HM just so you're sure you get through it without too many aches and pains.
Yesterday I completed my final Long run before my marathon in 2 weeks time - 32.5km (20.2 miles in your money). Took me 3:13 and the legs were feeling it in the last 2km or so.
It does mean I should be able to do 4:10-4:15. I've thrown out the 4:00 goal - I'm sure that is not feasible now.
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I ordered a brooks running jacket last week from the brooks store and it ended up being out of stock. In turn, they gave me a 25% discount for my next entire purchase. Since my shoes rarely go on sale (Brooks Ghost) I’ll be stocking up on a few different pairs. Likely a couple pairs of brooks ghost 12’s to alternate between, then a pair of the waterproof gtx for rain days.
I replaced my last pair of brooks ghost 11 after 470 miles. I’d say around 70% of those miles were treadmill miles. My current brooks 11 have 270 miles and are more worn than my last pair. They are also feeling pretty stiff and unfortunately seem ready to replace. When I put on a new pair I’ll have to see if they feel noticeably different or if I can keep putting miles on my existing shoes.
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Progress tracking:
Run (Goal: jog 25 min non-stop for 2weeks)
Check! Just missed 2 days last month (vacation) and have been jogging 25min since mid-August. New goal: jog 30 min non-stop at least 10 days.
W: (Goal 77kg/170lbs).
Failed: 78kg/172lbs this morning, not quite there yet - should reach it by Oct 1st.
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Yesterday I completed my final Long run before my marathon in 2 weeks time - 32.5km (20.2 miles in your money). Took me 3:13 and the legs were feeling it in the last 2km or so.
It does mean I should be able to do 4:10-4:15. I've thrown out the 4:00 goal - I'm sure that is not feasible now.
Was this a tempo run? I'm curious because my long runs are about a 90 second slower pace than my half marathon race pace. Your times above should allow you to break 4 hours.
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I ordered a brooks running jacket last week from the brooks store and it ended up being out of stock. In turn, they gave me a 25% discount for my next entire purchase. Since my shoes rarely go on sale (Brooks Ghost) I’ll be stocking up on a few different pairs. Likely a couple pairs of brooks ghost 12’s to alternate between, then a pair of the waterproof gtx for rain days.
I replaced my last pair of brooks ghost 11 after 470 miles. I’d say around 70% of those miles were treadmill miles. My current brooks 11 have 270 miles and are more worn than my last pair. They are also feeling pretty stiff and unfortunately seem ready to replace. When I put on a new pair I’ll have to see if they feel noticeably different or if I can keep putting miles on my existing shoes.
I like the Brooks Ghost.
I'm hard on shoes in general. It's rare for me to get to 300 miles on a pair. I recently switched from Brooks to Altras. I'm on week 3, we'll see how they go. It's nice to have room for my toes...no blisters.
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I ordered a brooks running jacket last week from the brooks store and it ended up being out of stock. In turn, they gave me a 25% discount for my next entire purchase. Since my shoes rarely go on sale (Brooks Ghost) I’ll be stocking up on a few different pairs. Likely a couple pairs of brooks ghost 12’s to alternate between, then a pair of the waterproof gtx for rain days.
I replaced my last pair of brooks ghost 11 after 470 miles. I’d say around 70% of those miles were treadmill miles. My current brooks 11 have 270 miles and are more worn than my last pair. They are also feeling pretty stiff and unfortunately seem ready to replace. When I put on a new pair I’ll have to see if they feel noticeably different or if I can keep putting miles on my existing shoes.
I like the Brooks Ghost.
I'm hard on shoes in general. It's rare for me to get to 300 miles on a pair. I recently switched from Brooks to Altras. I'm on week 3, we'll see how they go. It's nice to have room for my toes...no blisters.
I haven’t heard of Altras, I’ll have to take a look.
So yesterday I went to the running store and actually left with a pair of Hoka Clifton shoes. They are incredibly padded and I have decided that those are going to be used solely for my long run days (typically Sundays) I did wear them for todays 5 miler and will wear them for all my runs for the next week or two until my replacement Brooks come in, which I’ll use for all my “other” runs.
On a nutrition note, my wife and I are very peculiar about our meals, counting calories, macros, etc. We have decided to swap out our first meal of the day (and removing a piece of fruit) and implementing a new shake. It’s basically a combination of ingredients I have found suggested by Dr. Rhonda Patrick and also by ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek.
I typically eat a little less than twice as much as my wife, so this shake is split between us, I have 2/3 and she has 1/3.
Here’s the ingredients and macro breakdown:
Daily Shake:
* 1 scoop vanilla whey protein P:24g F:1g Carb:3g Calorie:120
* 1 cup egg whites P:26g F:0g Carb:0g Calorie:133
* 2 cups almond milk P:2g F:5g Carb:2g Calorie:60
* 1 banana P:0g F:0g Carb:27g Calorie:105
* 4 tbsp flax seed P:6g F:12g Carb:8g Calorie:140
* 3 cup chopped kale leaves P:9g F:2g Carb:8g Calorie:99
* 2 medium carrots P:1g F:0.3g Carb:11.7g Calorie:50
* 1 cup blue berries P:1g F:1g Carb:17g Calorie:70
* 1 cup strawberries P:0g F:0g Carb:13g Calorie:50
* 4 tsp spirulina powder P:8g F:0g Carb:4g Calorie:60
* 1/2 cup shelled edamame P:12g F:4.5g Carb:8g Calorie:120
* 6 tbsp coconut flakes P:2g F:20g Carb:8g Calorie:226
* 1 tbsp miso paste P:2g F:1g Carb:4g Calorie:35
* 2 tsp ground Tumeric P:0g F:0g Carb:0.7g Calorie:17
* 1/2 tsp ground ginger P:0g F:0g Carb:0.7g Calorie:3
Total-- Protein:93g Fat:47g Carb:115g Calorie:1,288
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@use2betrix -- Altras are great, but one thing to know about them is that they are zero-drop shoes (at least the ones my DH and I have are). If you've never worn zero-drop, you may feel some calf strain at first. I feel it even going back and forth between my NB Minimus (4 mm drop) and the Altras. But @mm1970 is right -- they are super comfy -- big toe box.
Haven't updated in a while. A month ago I unfortunately had an accident with a rather gruesome injury. I was helping with the construction work at our house, and I dropped a door I was carrying (corner first) onto the top of my thigh. Massive bruising -- my whole thigh turned black and swelled like a football. I wasn't able to run for a few weeks, and I'm just now easing back into it. The hematoma is smaller now, about the size of a goose egg. Last night I managed to run four miles at a pretty good clip. The swelling and bruising didn't get any worse from that, so I'm super happy. Onward!
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Yesterday I completed my final Long run before my marathon in 2 weeks time - 32.5km (20.2 miles in your money). Took me 3:13 and the legs were feeling it in the last 2km or so.
It does mean I should be able to do 4:10-4:15. I've thrown out the 4:00 goal - I'm sure that is not feasible now.
Was this a tempo run? I'm curious because my long runs are about a 90 second slower pace than my half marathon race pace. Your times above should allow you to break 4 hours.
Call it a dress rehearsal. According to the Jack Daniels running calc, based on my 10km best time I should be able to run a 1:43 half and a 3:35 marathon.
I know I don't have the legs to sustain it over a full distance, because for all of 2019 I've only been averaging 35km a week, whereas a normal marathon training program would be well over 50km a week. Hence the much slower goal time and I fully expect to cramp up between 30-35km...
A tempo run—also known as an anaerobic threshold or lactate-threshold run—is a pace about 25 to 30 seconds per mile slower than your current 5K race pace, according to running coach Jack Daniels, Ph.D., who popularized the tempo run in his book Daniels' Running Formula.
I wasn't anywhere near anaerobic thresholds, so definitely not a tempo run.... I did the above mentioned long run 1:30/km (2:24/mi) slower than my 5k race pace.
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@marty998 - by not having the legs, do you mean the endurance or general strength? Do you lift weights or do any cross training to help strengthen your legs? I train my legs in the weight room heavily at least once a week and feel it makes a significant difference.
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@marty998 - by not having the legs, do you mean the endurance or general strength? Do you lift weights or do any cross training to help strengthen your legs? I train my legs in the weight room heavily at least once a week and feel it makes a significant difference.
You tend to get a little tired after 3 hours of exercise. It's simply not being used to running that far.
There was a time when I'd get cramp and couldn't walk properly for days after running a 10k. Then that became 20k. Now that barrier has been pushed to 30. Next year it might be 40.
I don't lift weights - gym fees started getting expensive for how often I used it. A full time job and a long commute limits the amount of time I can do things during the week as well. Lifting if a relatively short explosive exercise, but it's the getting to/from the gym, showers afterwards and all that associated extra time that is the limiting factor.
From the sounds of your post it seems you come at this from the opposite side of the street? Too much time in the gym and looking to find enough time for running? Over here it helps that we have decent weather, can run easily at all times of the year :)
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@marty998 - by not having the legs, do you mean the endurance or general strength? Do you lift weights or do any cross training to help strengthen your legs? I train my legs in the weight room heavily at least once a week and feel it makes a significant difference.
You tend to get a little tired after 3 hours of exercise. It's simply not being used to running that far.
There was a time when I'd get cramp and couldn't walk properly for days after running a 10k. Then that became 20k. Now that barrier has been pushed to 30. Next year it might be 40.
I don't lift weights - gym fees started getting expensive for how often I used it. A full time job and a long commute limits the amount of time I can do things during the week as well. Lifting if a relatively short explosive exercise, but it's the getting to/from the gym, showers afterwards and all that associated extra time that is the limiting factor.
From the sounds of your post it seems you come at this from the opposite side of the street? Too much time in the gym and looking to find enough time for running? Over here it helps that we have decent weather, can run easily at all times of the year :)
I guess my background is largely what caters to the difference. I spent around 3-5 days/wk lifting very heavy from about 14 years old til now (31). About 3-4 years ago I cut down to 3 days/wk. Since I started running last summer, I’ve cut down to closer to 2-3 easier days/wk with 3-5 days/wk running.
Right now, I really like my current routine. Granted, I work around 55-65 hrs most wks. I typically go to the gym every 4-5 days and lift legs hard and then either back/biceps or chest/shoulders/triceps. Then between the gym days, I lift at home 1 day and do whichever muscle group I didn’t do at the gym. I have dumbbells that go to 70lbs, a bench, and a pull up bar.
I’m currently running 25 miles/wk, split up into 4 different runs. I plan to keep my mileage where it’s at now for the month of September as I’m at my peak since I started running and don’t want to push it. Right now I’m on business travel for 3 days in Tennessee and even though we were out til dinner until 10 p.m. last night, I still woke up at 5 a.m. and ran 6 miles before leaving for an audit at 7:15 a.m. I am just really really trying not to get injured right now.. Shin splints, knee, etc.. I’m doing stuff right, but also easing into uncharted territory for myself.
This week my exercise looked like this:
Sunday: 8 miles (easy)
Monday: Gym (legs/chest/shoulder/tris)
Tuesday: 5 miles (harder, 8:15/mile)
Wednesday: Workout at home (back/bi’s)
Thursday: Run 6.2 miles (easy at 9:18/mile)
Friday: Run 5-6 miles in the morning, when I fly back home we’ll hopefully do gym
Saturday: off
The issues that people have, and you mention above, about cramps/not being able to really walk, I have never experienced in regards to muscle soreness. I’ve had injured knees, hips, shins, back, etc. etc. but muscle wise, I don’t know that even my hardest runs have ever even left me “sore” the next day. Right now I’m just limited by 1. The heat (it slows me down but I still run as many miles) 2. My overall cardiovascular endurance. My legs always have plenty left, but my lungs and heart are what run out.
I think we are both on very opposite ends of the spectrum. I have a lot of muscle, which past an extent, is worth than having the extra weight in fat. Fat just weighs you down, muscle actually requires additional oxygen in addition to the weight.
There’s certainly a happy median. While you don’t have to go crazy, if you could fit it in I think you’d benefit from like 1-2 full body workouts a week where you hit everything. You could probably knock it out in 60 minutes if you pushed it.
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Does anyone have issues with their feet or toes? On my right foot, on my two toes next to my big toes I’ve been noticing them getting dry and irritated, especially after long runs. I wear good clean socks, good fitting shoes, take my shoes off immediately after running. Any thoughts or suggestions? It’s not a huge issue but it’s been off and on for a few months so I want to get ahead of it. With all the heat right now it could be somewhat due to all the excess sweating.
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Does anyone have issues with their feet or toes? On my right foot, on my two toes next to my big toes I’ve been noticing them getting dry and irritated, especially after long runs. I wear good clean socks, good fitting shoes, take my shoes off immediately after running. Any thoughts or suggestions? It’s not a huge issue but it’s been off and on for a few months so I want to get ahead of it. With all the heat right now it could be somewhat due to all the excess sweating.
I use Trail Toes https://www.trailtoes.com/
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I've started running again.. I badly broke my ankle about 5-6 years ago and have a plate. A couple of years ago I was up to about 7 miles. I'd love to run a half (eyeing one at the end of March), but have to see how my ankle reacts. I ran a half about 20 years ago.. I'm 41.
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So I picked up the Hoka One shoes last Monday and have since put 26 miles on them. This evening I did a 10 mile run and they felt fantastic. They have so much padding which makes things way easier on my knees, hips, etc. 10 miles is my longest run and I easily had a few more comfortably in me. I saw an article today saying that the recent winner of the Leadville 100 was wearing the same brand.
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So I picked up the Hoka One shoes last Monday and have since put 26 miles on them. This evening I did a 10 mile run and they felt fantastic. They have so much padding which makes things way easier on my knees, hips, etc. 10 miles is my longest run and I easily had a few more comfortably in me. I saw an article today saying that the recent winner of the Leadville 100 was wearing the same brand.
I've got friends who swear by Hokas. I see them being sold here like crazy. They don't fit my feet at all, but they were cushy!
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I ran a half this morning that I was pretty ill-prepared for. It was in the low 70s with humidity in the 90% range....so....a suckfest. It got pretty bad during the last two miles on a boardwalk exposed to the sun. I ran hard up until that point and finished in 1:37:03. Only about 30 seconds off my PR, so not bad given the summer weather. I've never gotten so nauseated during a race before - I'm going to blame the gross conditions and my lack of long runs lately.
I registered for Boston yesterday! I'm -7:06, so hopefully that nets me my spot. If I get in, I think that will be my last marathon for a long time. I still aspire to get faster at the shorter stuff.
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I ran a half this morning that I was pretty ill-prepared for. It was in the low 70s with humidity in the 90% range....so....a suckfest. It got pretty bad during the last two miles on a boardwalk exposed to the sun. I ran hard up until that point and finished in 1:37:03. Only about 30 seconds off my PR, so not bad given the summer weather. I've never gotten so nauseated during a race before - I'm going to blame the gross conditions and my lack of long runs lately.
I registered for Boston yesterday! I'm -7:06, so hopefully that nets me my spot. If I get in, I think that will be my last marathon for a long time. I still aspire to get faster at the shorter stuff.
Congratulations! What a fantastic time and a huge accomplishment. I’m in a similar climate (though a bit hotter still) and it’s really miserable this time of year. I’m ready to run another 5K but I’m really waiting until the lows in the morning at least hover somewhere in the 60’s. Right now it’s still upper 70’s at 6 a.m. with 80%+ humidity, so another 10 degrees will go a long ways.
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Club 10k race this morning; four laps of a flat but completely exposed loop. Between my wife's pregnancy, my new job and having to learn to drive, I've been training perhaps twice a week at most. All I'm aiming for is a sub-45 time.
EDIT: 44:31 in the end! Very happy.
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Question: What watch/app/etc. do you use for tracking your runs?
I have been using an Apple Watch and as a whole, I would say I’m 90% happy with it. The metrics are fantastic, I have the 4 with cellular, so I have full reception anywhere without my phone. I.e. I can get/make calls, texts, stream Pandora, etc. It works seamlessly in linking with my iPhone for greater metrics.
The only downside is the calibration is slightly off. When I rant an officially measured 5k, the distance on my watch showed 3.19 miles. I.e. the watch seems to be off approximately .03/mile. Not a ton, but over a 10 mile run, .3 makes a pretty substantial difference when running for time. While I can obviously do math in my head and better understand what to expect, in planning for pacing and setting race time goals, it does throw a little more of a mental wrench into things. For my regular running, I just treat it as being accurate, but for race planning, there’s a lot more to consider.
Is this regular across most devices? I don’t expect them to all be perfect, but closer would be helpful. I have “recalibrated” it a couple times in the past with no luck. It’d be great if there was some sort of manual calibration that could be done on a track.
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Garmin 910xt - Got it as a gift one year. Love it. Tracks spot on and gets GPS signal in less than a min.
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I have the Garmin Forerunner 230. It's pretty basic, but it gets the job done. I don't think you can rely on any sort of GPS-enabled watch to be "accurate." All that matters is the guy out there measuring the race course with the rolling measuring stick, and he's measuring the shortest distance possible. So all of the error is in you choosing the tangents - forget your watch. ;) Train by time rather than distance, and you'll never be beholden to your watch. People did manage to run and race before GPS, after all.
For a while, I was running short races with a stopwatch rather than my Garmin. It forces you to decide what 5k pace is for you on that day. Guess wrong, and you miss your goal, but at least you don't miss it because you were staring at your watch the whole time and trusting the distance readout.
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There's some fantastic times being posted here. Congratulations @Better Change and @runbikerun
Question: What watch/app/etc. do you use for tracking your runs?
I have been using an Apple Watch and as a whole, I would say I’m 90% happy with it. The metrics are fantastic, I have the 4 with cellular, so I have full reception anywhere without my phone. I.e. I can get/make calls, texts, stream Pandora, etc. It works seamlessly in linking with my iPhone for greater metrics.
The only downside is the calibration is slightly off. When I rant an officially measured 5k, the distance on my watch showed 3.19 miles. I.e. the watch seems to be off approximately .03/mile. Not a ton, but over a 10 mile run, .3 makes a pretty substantial difference when running for time. While I can obviously do math in my head and better understand what to expect, in planning for pacing and setting race time goals, it does throw a little more of a mental wrench into things. For my regular running, I just treat it as being accurate, but for race planning, there’s a lot more to consider.
Is this regular across most devices? I don’t expect them to all be perfect, but closer would be helpful. I have “recalibrated” it a couple times in the past with no luck. It’d be great if there was some sort of manual calibration that could be done on a track.
Apparently my app Runtastic says I ran a 44.42km marathon yesterday. GPS goes a bit funny when there are tall buildings and tunnels around.
I was pretty well bang on my strategy of 5:55-6:00/kms for the first 23k and then had an unfortunate bout of hamstring cramps at 23 and 26km. My race was over then and there, so it was a matter of getting to the end as best as possible without too much damage. Finished in 4:38 which was disappointing, but all things considered there were several times where I could have chucked it in and DNF'd but carried on. Happy with showing a bit of mental toughness.
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@marty998 any event of that type of distance that you complete with no DNF is a win.
How long are your long runs in training for a marathon, or what is standard?
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I've never had any cramping in the long runs that I've done at that pace (between 20-30km).
Just one of those unfortunate things that happens. That particular race is difficult because it's not very relaxed at the start.
- It's an hour long train trip into the city at stupid o'clock.
- The bag drop happens a couple of days before, so I'm constantly misremembering where my post-race gear is.
- I had to carry some of the food I wanted to take around which I'm not particularly used to.
- It was a bit warm - saw a lot of people go down with heat stress at various points.
Probably did a bit too much activity on Saturday which meant the legs weren't exactly fresh the next morning. Basically ruined my own race.
One more HM in November and then a long summer off to recover from a big year :)
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I ran a half this morning that I was pretty ill-prepared for. It was in the low 70s with humidity in the 90% range....so....a suckfest. It got pretty bad during the last two miles on a boardwalk exposed to the sun. I ran hard up until that point and finished in 1:37:03. Only about 30 seconds off my PR, so not bad given the summer weather. I've never gotten so nauseated during a race before - I'm going to blame the gross conditions and my lack of long runs lately.
I registered for Boston yesterday! I'm -7:06, so hopefully that nets me my spot. If I get in, I think that will be my last marathon for a long time. I still aspire to get faster at the shorter stuff.
That's still a fantastic time.
I ran a 10k this weekend. Originally, my goal was sub-1:00 (that's a stretch goal, my over-40 PR is 1:01:38). I'd been training with a coach but...I started being plagued with a sore hip about 5-6 weeks ago. I ignored it. That did not help. So going into this weekend I was ordered to run maybe 5k and walk the second half. I didn't do that, but I did run/ walk, and my friend who kept telling me to "get out of your head and keep running!" I eventually told to shut up (nicely) with "I'm not in my head, my hip hurts". So I took a long walk break from 5-5.7 miles so that I could run the last half mile. Anyhoo - 1:20 for the 10k, and I saw a friend pass me in the last 1/10 of a mile and she was finishing the 10-miler, ha! Not only NOT a PR but my 10k PW.
In addition to the hip, it was a suck-fest because it was flipping hot. I iced my hip after (which helped), but I had a flipping heat-induced migraine for hours, 8 hours? After the third Ibuprofen I went to bed at 8:20 pm and it went away in my sleep. I just don't do well in the heat.
So, what next? Coach and I have agreed I need to rest the hip, stretch. May need to see the physical therapist (or acupuncture or chiro). I'm going to dial back the running to 2x a week once I've healed and maybe set a winter race goal (January).
I was thinking last week, during one of my nights of insomnia that I seem to know 3 types of runners
1. The "runners". Like the 10 miler woman who passed me (and she was running 20, those 10 were the middle 10), running is their thing. They are fast, they train for it, they are built for it. They train for races, but even when they aren't training for a race, they are running.
2. The "racers". These are people who can step back away from running for months (and do other things), and pick it right back up, train for a couple of months, and pull off a sub-2 hour (for women) half marathon. I know several women like this.
3. The wannabes? The work horses? I don't know how to describe myself here. But I am not fast. If I make a concentrated effort at training, I can get faster. It takes MONTHS of work. (I managed to go from half marathon pace of 13:00 to 10:45 but that took 18 months. In the same time, my 10k pace went from 12:00 to just barely sub-10). And the thing is, I have to be constantly training to maintain that pace. If I stop - like when I got injured last year - there is no "picking it back up". I have been running again since late Jan/ early Feb, and training since March. The fastest 10k I've managed is 10:23 pace, and that was in the midst of my hip injury starting.
I have several other friends that I know that are similar. We've worked very hard to hit a certain distance or pace but it's SUPER fragile. (And the pace is 10:00+)
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I'm not certain that anyone ever feels like a racer or a runner - we're all wannabes to an extent, trying to get to a number we may never reach.
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@mm1970 - you have a lot of good information in the evaluation of runners in your post. I do think that you have it summarized quite a bit easier than it sounds. While there are certainly “natural” runners, I would say many of these people have trained for some sort of athletics their whole life. I.e. a soccer player is going to transition to running as an adult much better than a softball catcher.
My sister in law has probably done 50-100 marathons in her life. I think her PR is in the upper 3:30’s. When I was visiting last month, we were talking about running, and she mentioned she “doesn’t really run anymore.” She hasn’t done a race in a couple years probably. When I asked her how many miles she does still run, she said, “Oh, around 20-25 miles/wk.”
You also mention the people below that are always running, when not preparing for a race. I would put myself in that category. Even though I’ve only been running about 15 months, only one of those months I’ve actually “trained for a race.” I just enjoy running otherwise. I still push myself on my own, do long runs, short runs, mile repeats, recovery runs, etc. I think this is going to cause me to excel in the long run. There’s definitely countless setbacks for people that train hard for 3-4 months for a race, then turn around and take months off afterwards. They will definitely go backwards, some people worse than others.
I would say that going from a half marathon pace of 13 min/mile to 10:45 min/mile over 18 months is pretty reasonable for any average person. Imagine, no injuries, and continuing to run, I would bet that over another 18 consecutive months after that, you could be at 9:30 or so, which is also a very respectable time. People that run for 10+ years continually with those type of reasonable gains will look like runners no matter what, even if it seemed like they didn’t at first.
I have never in my life been a distance runner. Until last year I had never ran over 2 miles continuously. I played some sports in high school (wrestling for a couple years, football for a couple years) but that was it. I’ve lifted weights non stop since high school mostly, and now I’m 31.
I’ll never forget my very first “really hard run I was beyond impressed with” on July 6th last year, about a month after I started running. It was my first run over 2 miles. I did 3.68 miles at a 10:14/mile pace, and I truly felt like I left everything out on the table. I was so impressed with myself. I have now been running non stop since then (barring a few short breaks for injury recovery). Sunday was my shorter “long” run day, and I ended up with a sub 9 minute pace for 8 miles and it felt fantastic.
I think that the biggest step for any run is learning to add distance and speed without injury, while also not taking any breaks longer than those planned. I.e. maybe a week off a few times a year. Period, hands down, this can make nearly anyone a “good” runner. Learning to love without needing to do it with a specific race makes all the distance in the world, because you can keep consistently training. There’s also the mental factor, which deserves it’s own several paragraphs.
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I think that the biggest step for any run is learning to add distance and speed without injury, while also not taking any breaks longer than those planned. I.e. maybe a week off a few times a year. Period, hands down, this can make nearly anyone a “good” runner. Learning to love without needing to do it with a specific race makes all the distance in the world, because you can keep consistently training. There’s also the mental factor, which deserves it’s own several paragraphs.
This is the key right here - I think for me (my own struggles), and those of several friends - I'm almost 50, and I'm not built like a runner, so for distance - I just tend to have a lot more physical overuse injuries than many others. (Many reasons why, age, build, form.) Even this morning, at the pool again for the first time in months, I was chatting with a guy around my age and he said "I stretch now. I have to stretch. A lot. Or everything hurts." And this a guy who swims an hour every day. I've come to realize that at my age, I basically have to spend an equal amount of time "preparing" for exercise (foam rolling, stretching, etc.) as I do exercising. That makes TRAINING for things difficult, because the amount of time I have to exercise is finite (full time job, two young-ish children).
I'm hoping that I can recover from the hip thing quickly, because I was up to running 4-7 miles 3x a week consistently - which is great for me.
The mental thing - yeah, I suck at that. Have for awhile, don't really have the desire to change it. I like, and need, to exercise with people. I want this to be fun, I am no martyr. In the absence of my running groups I've been cultivating my own...have a few friends coming to track with me on Tuesdays, an old friend who likes to run with her dog on Thursdays, another big open group on Saturday (of course, once I've tackled the hip).
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Since this is MMM... and I don't really have anyplace else to ask it.
How much would you pay to keep running? When do you call it quits?
Not equipment and registration, which is not cheap, but health. I've got some health issues going on that I probably need a MRI and/or a Cat scan just to figure out what is going on. Each probably $750+ plus the cost to fix whatever they find.
I've got circulation problems in my legs & hips that are causing some weird muscle pains at different times. Cat Scan
Something is going on in my knees & hips but it's not arthritis. MRI
The joint on my big toe is messed up. Orthopedist called it hallix rigidus. Said to stop running or RICE and ibuprofen(so I take ibuprofen the forever?) try carbon fiber insoles inserts. Didn't help. Steroid injections, MRI and possible surgery. This is the one that gets worse the more I run. My las race I could hardly walk after I was finished.
I'll probably do the Cat scan since it could be more important to my ongoing health, but the others don't necessarily affect my overall health unless I continue to run and make them worse.
I'm 58. I started running around 50 for health reasons and just kept going. Just looking at my FB pictures it's been a major part of my life since then but it's hard to put a value on it and decide is it worth it. I'm pretty slow and only way I can place is if no one else shows up. I still try but I don't make that the goal. The goal is to finish. I got into trail running and the people there are great! I had a 54k last year and I came into the aid station with a 1 minute cutoff and I was ready to quit. Everyone there was trying to help me and get whatever I needed and get back out for the last loop. I left with 10 seconds to spare. I ended up DFL but DFL beats DNF any day. I've run 100 meters to 100k and there are a lot of races I'd still like to run but I've got to be realistic, age is catching me faster than I can run from it. I'd love to run Boston but I could never qualify. I've tried to get on charity teams for the last few years with no success.
I've got a physical next week. So I'll talk to my primary doc and see what he thinks.
Anyway I'm just rambling now. Maybe I'm just too f'n old and broken to keep running and maybe it's time to retire from running.
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Since this is MMM... and I don't really have anyplace else to ask it.
How much would you pay to keep running? When do you call it quits?
Not equipment and registration, which is not cheap, but health. I've got some health issues going on that I probably need a MRI and/or a Cat scan just to figure out what is going on. Each probably $750+ plus the cost to fix whatever they find.
I've got circulation problems in my legs & hips that are causing some weird muscle pains at different times. Cat Scan
Something is going on in my knees & hips but it's not arthritis. MRI
The joint on my big toe is messed up. Orthopedist called it hallix rigidus. Said to stop running or RICE and ibuprofen(so I take ibuprofen the forever?) try carbon fiber insoles inserts. Didn't help. Steroid injections, MRI and possible surgery. This is the one that gets worse the more I run. My las race I could hardly walk after I was finished.
I'll probably do the Cat scan since it could be more important to my ongoing health, but the others don't necessarily affect my overall health unless I continue to run and make them worse.
I'm 58. I started running around 50 for health reasons and just kept going. Just looking at my FB pictures it's been a major part of my life since then but it's hard to put a value on it and decide is it worth it. I'm pretty slow and only way I can place is if no one else shows up. I still try but I don't make that the goal. The goal is to finish. I got into trail running and the people there are great! I had a 54k last year and I came into the aid station with a 1 minute cutoff and I was ready to quit. Everyone there was trying to help me and get whatever I needed and get back out for the last loop. I left with 10 seconds to spare. I ended up DFL but DFL beats DNF any day. I've run 100 meters to 100k and there are a lot of races I'd still like to run but I've got to be realistic, age is catching me faster than I can run from it. I'd love to run Boston but I could never qualify. I've tried to get on charity teams for the last few years with no success.
I've got a physical next week. So I'll talk to my primary doc and see what he thinks.
Anyway I'm just rambling now. Maybe I'm just too f'n old and broken to keep running and maybe it's time to retire from running.
I've been meaning to ask, what is DFL stand for?
I guess it depends on how much you love it. I know some people who love it so much they are willing to put up with a LOT to keep doing it. Med calls, special equipment, PT, ibuprofen, special shoes...doesn't matter how fast they are, they are willing to do it.
I do not love it so much. I enjoy exercise and consider myself adaptable. If I was plagued with constant pain while running and could not figure out how to get through it with stretching, PT, and the like? I'd simply substitute something else. Bicycling, walking, hiking, lifting, swimming, dance...whatever. Some of the issues that I suffer from I think are related to distance/ time / use. I can do many things for 30-45 minutes, but after that, things hurt.
So maybe that's an answer.
I have a friend who I met when she was 57. We were training for the 3-day Breast cancer walk. She's done one every year (60 miles in 3 days). At that time, she was playing tennis and tap dancing also. Over the next decade and a half, she had to make changes. Her joints were not happy with those things. First, she dropped tap dancing. A few years later, tennis. She continued to walk, and she added a low-impact boot camp class. She added a special stretching class and some weightlifting (all at the YMCA).
She's now 75, still doing an annual breast cancer walk, though it's a lot harder.
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DFL=Dead F'n Last
I've been trying doing other things like a boot camp type of work out, yoga twice a week and riding. Legs are still a problem sometimes. Up until now the benefits seemed to out weigh the negatives but the scale is starting to tip the other way.
I've got some badass friends close to my age and older still running 100+ milers and make it look easy.
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Since this is MMM... and I don't really have anyplace else to ask it.
How much would you pay to keep running? When do you call it quits?
Not equipment and registration, which is not cheap, but health. I've got some health issues going on that I probably need a MRI and/or a Cat scan just to figure out what is going on. Each probably $750+ plus the cost to fix whatever they find.
I've got circulation problems in my legs & hips that are causing some weird muscle pains at different times. Cat Scan
Something is going on in my knees & hips but it's not arthritis. MRI
The joint on my big toe is messed up. Orthopedist called it hallix rigidus. Said to stop running or RICE and ibuprofen(so I take ibuprofen the forever?) try carbon fiber insoles inserts. Didn't help. Steroid injections, MRI and possible surgery. This is the one that gets worse the more I run. My las race I could hardly walk after I was finished.
I'll probably do the Cat scan since it could be more important to my ongoing health, but the others don't necessarily affect my overall health unless I continue to run and make them worse.
I'm 58. I started running around 50 for health reasons and just kept going. Just looking at my FB pictures it's been a major part of my life since then but it's hard to put a value on it and decide is it worth it. I'm pretty slow and only way I can place is if no one else shows up. I still try but I don't make that the goal. The goal is to finish. I got into trail running and the people there are great! I had a 54k last year and I came into the aid station with a 1 minute cutoff and I was ready to quit. Everyone there was trying to help me and get whatever I needed and get back out for the last loop. I left with 10 seconds to spare. I ended up DFL but DFL beats DNF any day. I've run 100 meters to 100k and there are a lot of races I'd still like to run but I've got to be realistic, age is catching me faster than I can run from it. I'd love to run Boston but I could never qualify. I've tried to get on charity teams for the last few years with no success.
I've got a physical next week. So I'll talk to my primary doc and see what he thinks.
Anyway I'm just rambling now. Maybe I'm just too f'n old and broken to keep running and maybe it's time to retire from running.
I’m 31 and have had 3 hernia surgeries. While hernias are largely hereditary, certain activities (lifting really heavy things) can make them occur, especially if already pre-disposed to them.
After my second one, my dad (who is 61 and has been lifting weights his whole life) asked me, “Do you think with the hernia surgeries you may stop or cut back on weight lifting?”
Without a hesitation I told him that, “I’ll have a hernia surgery every single year if it means continuing to work out.”
This is something you have to decide on your own and how much you love running. If possible, it’d be great to find something of less impact to your health issues that you can learn to love as much. I have cut back on my lifting and learned to love running, which I never would have expected. I still lift a couple times a week, however.
Also - after a certain point, you won’t have the decision whether you want to continue, either due to age or due to the injuries.. Your personal financial situation also makes a big difference as I see you mentioning the costs to repair these injuries as well.
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I am thinking of signing up for a fast and flat marathon early next year with hopes of... running fast.
Not sure I can BQ. My age/gender the time is 3:45 and they accepted 3:40 last year. That's pretty fast IMO.
I've only run one marathon before. I ran 4:08 at Big Sur a couple years back. I figure I can shave off at least 10 minutes for the elevation of that course (for those of you who don't know it has a 2 mile long hill, and many others). That leaves me with ~15 minutes to improve. Which I think I can do. Possibly. My 13.1 PR is 1:49. So in theory, just have to do that twice and I'm golden. :D
Would love any thoughts/tips/suggestions from those who have been there. I need to pick a plan- last time I did a modified Hal Higdon with extra runs and averaged around 35-40 miles a week. I know I need to bump that up and incorporate more speed work than I did last time. Thinking of Hansens this year. Also contemplating getting a coach- though I've never used one for any of my athletic endeavors before.
BQs take commitment and consistency. And for most of us who aren't naturally gifted runners or haven't been athletic since we were kids, we have to run a lot. Probably quite a bit more than 35-40 miles per week. Hansons will get you into the upper 50s or low 60s (depending on beginner vs. advanced); it's a solid plan. I BQed with it, and my running buddy dropped 7 minutes off her PR to BQ as well. It was the breakthrough she finally needed. I don't think a coach is necessary, but if it helps motivate you, then that's fine. Just don't get discouraged if it takes you a few cycles to get there - that's just how hard it is. Good luck! I get to register on September 13th, and I'm excited! :-D
Thanks. I'm ok with a heavier training load (I did an ironman in May which is way more time training!) so I think I can get there. At least I can train the load -not sure I can make the time. If not I will have fun and enjoy the ride. Also reviewing Pfitzinger's plans as well. So I'm considering Eugene in April....
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I’m 31 and have had 3 hernia surgeries. While hernias are largely hereditary, certain activities (lifting really heavy things) can make them occur, especially if already pre-disposed to them.
After my second one, my dad (who is 61 and has been lifting weights his whole life) asked me, “Do you think with the hernia surgeries you may stop or cut back on weight lifting?”
Without a hesitation I told him that, “I’ll have a hernia surgery every single year if it means continuing to work out.”
This is something you have to decide on your own and how much you love running. If possible, it’d be great to find something of less impact to your health issues that you can learn to love as much. I have cut back on my lifting and learned to love running, which I never would have expected. I still lift a couple times a week, however.
Also - after a certain point, you won’t have the decision whether you want to continue, either due to age or due to the injuries.. Your personal financial situation also makes a big difference as I see you mentioning the costs to repair these injuries as well.
It's not the cost itself With insurance it probably wouldn't be over $5k total. I was just trying to look at it from a mustachian point of view. A cost/benefit analysis or ROI. Like buying a new Tesla versus a used Prius.
If it's medically necessary I wouldn't hesitate but if it's an elective procedure to improve or continue to run is it worth it.
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I’m 31 and have had 3 hernia surgeries. While hernias are largely hereditary, certain activities (lifting really heavy things) can make them occur, especially if already pre-disposed to them.
After my second one, my dad (who is 61 and has been lifting weights his whole life) asked me, “Do you think with the hernia surgeries you may stop or cut back on weight lifting?”
Without a hesitation I told him that, “I’ll have a hernia surgery every single year if it means continuing to work out.”
This is something you have to decide on your own and how much you love running. If possible, it’d be great to find something of less impact to your health issues that you can learn to love as much. I have cut back on my lifting and learned to love running, which I never would have expected. I still lift a couple times a week, however.
Also - after a certain point, you won’t have the decision whether you want to continue, either due to age or due to the injuries.. Your personal financial situation also makes a big difference as I see you mentioning the costs to repair these injuries as well.
It's not the cost itself With insurance it probably wouldn't be over $5k total. I was just trying to look at it from a mustachian point of view. A cost/benefit analysis or ROI. Like buying a new Tesla versus a used Prius.
If it's medically necessary I wouldn't hesitate but if it's an elective procedure to improve or continue to run is it worth it.
I would say that personal health is much more mustachian than a Tesla, regardless of the cost (aside from like cosmetic health).
I brought up cost, as it still depends a lot person to person. For some people, $5000 might be 1/3 of what they save in a month and for others, $5000 might be what they save in 5 months.
You also have to look at the probability of success in addressing these health issues. How likely are they to be successful to get them back to your goals?
Anyways - lot to consider. “I” would say go for it, but there’s a lot for you to look at. Good luck with whatever path you decide!
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I’ve been seeing this thread in my feed with some jealousy for a while now. I finally got the post partum pass from my doctor to start officially exercising again, and went on my first run this morning. Sweet! 5.25km and I felt good. This was by far the best post partum first run I’ve ever had. I credit doing my damnedest to stay in shape while pregnant.
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I’ve been seeing this thread in my feed with some jealousy for a while now. I finally got the post partum pass from my doctor to start officially exercising again, and went on my first run this morning. Sweet! 5.25km and I felt good. This was by far the best post partum first run I’ve ever had. I credit doing my damnedest to stay in shape while pregnant.
Aww that gives me the warm fuzzies :) Congrats @ysette9
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Question for those here: What is your “plan” for rest/recovery weeks? I feel like a natural time to take a break is after a race, but if you aren’t doing a race, when and how do you do your breaks?
In March of this year, I was up to 88 miles in the month. Soon after, I started having some knee/shin issues, followed by the worst back injury during squats. Those combined all put a major dent in my running and April was 38 miles, followed by May at 42 miles and June at 47 miles.
Since June, I have been building back up and it’s been going really well. My last real “break” was the first week of July, in which I had two runs, totaled at 11 miles.
This is my progression since July:
July 2019 total miles
63 miles
Week 1: 11 miles (2 runs)
Week 2: 16 miles (3 runs)
Week 3: 14 miles (3 runs)
Week 4: 16 miles (3 runs)
August 2019 total miles
91 miles
Week 1: 17 miles (3 runs)
Week 2: 19 miles (4 runs)
Week 3: 21 miles (4 runs)
Week 4: 22 miles (4 runs)
Week 5: 23 miles (4 runs)
September 2019 total miles
Week 1: 23 miles (4 runs)
Week 2: 25 miles (4 runs)
Week 3: 27 miles (5 runs)
This morning I did a 10 mile run. I felt alright but was definitely a bit more stiff getting started than normal. I have a deep tissue massage scheduled for today. I’m thinking about just doing a couple easy runs later this week, 3-4 miles each. Is that sufficient for a good break to start hitting it hard again for the next several months? It’s finally cooling down in the southern US and I plan to do around 3-4 races over the next 4-5 months.
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Question for those here: What is your “plan” for rest/recovery weeks? I feel like a natural time to take a break is after a race, but if you aren’t doing a race, when and how do you do your breaks?
In March of this year, I was up to 88 miles in the month. Soon after, I started having some knee/shin issues, followed by the worst back injury during squats. Those combined all put a major dent in my running and April was 38 miles, followed by May at 42 miles and June at 47 miles.
Since June, I have been building back up and it’s been going really well. My last real “break” was the first week of July, in which I had two runs, totaled at 11 miles.
This is my progression since July:
July 2019 total miles
63 miles
Week 1: 11 miles (2 runs)
Week 2: 16 miles (3 runs)
Week 3: 14 miles (3 runs)
Week 4: 16 miles (3 runs)
August 2019 total miles
91 miles
Week 1: 17 miles (3 runs)
Week 2: 19 miles (4 runs)
Week 3: 21 miles (4 runs)
Week 4: 22 miles (4 runs)
Week 5: 23 miles (4 runs)
September 2019 total miles
Week 1: 23 miles (4 runs)
Week 2: 25 miles (4 runs)
Week 3: 27 miles (5 runs)
This morning I did a 10 mile run. I felt alright but was definitely a bit more stiff getting started than normal. I have a deep tissue massage scheduled for today. I’m thinking about just doing a couple easy runs later this week, 3-4 miles each. Is that sufficient for a good break to start hitting it hard again for the next several months? It’s finally cooling down in the southern US and I plan to do around 3-4 races over the next 4-5 months.
Once I have a base of 20-30 a week and start a training cycle it's a 2-1 cycle of 2 weeks building and 1 week recovery, 25-30-20, 30-35-25, 40-45-35.
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I did a grand total of 3 kilometres in the 6 days following my marathon last week.
So there's that lol.
This week will get back into it.
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@ysette9 I cannot imagine running that far so soon after birth. It was months for me.
As far as breaks go...well because of the hip injury I am at 0 miles this week. I have swum 2x, walked 3x, did yoga once and lifted once.
My racing friends either stop running for weeks or maybe take a week off after a race.
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I have been running to work at least 2x0.5 days per week, up to 4x days + 2x grocery store this last week. At times my Achilles’ tendons have been very painful. I’m making progress on that with stretching and a few hundred dollars of new shows. I have been trying to give a degree of randomness to my running days to help the healing. Sometimes I’ll run for many days in a row, or include errands, and then I will only run a day or two a week or only on the way there. But I am keeping the general trend up. I hope to graduate to 4 days per week and longer distances over the next month.
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Hit my first 100 mile month in September! Looking forward to a long running season this fall, winter, and spring. Next Monday is the first day with the Low’s below 70 deg. F since probably last April or so.. Cannot wait!
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Nicely done. I can’t run in 70s or above without ending up with a headache for the rest of the day after. Hats off to all of you who have long periods of heat an still manage to get out there.
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Progress tracking:
Run (Goal: jog 30 min 10 days)
Failed! I missed 3 days of running in September, and did not increase my jog time from 25-30. I'm scaling down this month goal to 25min/day.
W: (Goal 77kg/170lbs).
Check! 76.5kg/168lbs. Next month goal is just to not see an increase.
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Nicely done. I can’t run in 70s or above without ending up with a headache for the rest of the day after. Hats off to all of you who have long periods of heat an still manage to get out there.
same. I've been struggling with a sore hip/ injury. My last run was a 10k (that I originally had a stretch goal for, but due to the injury I ended up run/walking).
Even only run/walking, it was really hot that day. (High of 85F)
I had a massive headache the rest of the day.
I haven't run since. It's been almost 3 weeks. I think I might be ready to give it a shot this weekend. I've been "resting" the hip - some walking, mostly swimming and light weights.
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I ran a mile today for the first time in months. It sucked, but I'm motivated to get back to it again. I really need to work up slowly and get back to yoga because I've been having problems with my foot that I THINK are plantar fasciitis but I am not positive. I also really need to drop 40 pounds...ugh. Still, one miserable mile is a start.
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I ran a mile today for the first time in months. It sucked, but I'm motivated to get back to it again. I really need to work up slowly and get back to yoga because I've been having problems with my foot that I THINK are plantar fasciitis but I am not positive. I also really need to drop 40 pounds...ugh. Still, one miserable mile is a start.
Does your foot hurt the worse right when you wake up? Or just randomly/during certain activities?
Everything I’ve read on Plantar Fasciitis seems to always stress that the biggest indication is the most pain when getting out of bed..
I have foot issues sometimes (cramping/pain) but it never hurts in the morning, so I think it’s something else.
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I did a slow 4km this morning with my 5 year-old accompanying me on her bike.
I need to raise her set a bit and start working her up to 5km :). This was my only run of the week. I intended to do one or two during the week in the evening after the kids went to bed, but it never happened. Partially I was body pulling paperwork for the refi we are in the midst of. Partially I was just tired from all the biking I’ve been doing during the day. So it wasn’t a total loss, exercise-wise.
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I did a slow 4km this morning with my 5 year-old accompanying me on her bike.
I need to raise her set a bit and start working her up to 5km :). This was my only run of the week. I intended to do one or two during the week in the evening after the kids went to bed, but it never happened. Partially I was body pulling paperwork for the refi we are in the midst of. Partially I was just tired from all the biking I’ve been doing during the day. So it wasn’t a total loss, exercise-wise.
Any run is a win. Did 3.7 km on Friday in 27 minutes, if you want to talk about "slow". I also bike lots, and do resistance/strength training two days a week. So, "bon courage" to you, and anyone else who is able to get out there. "Just five minutes" is what I tell myself on days I don't want to go. Five minutes invariably turns into 25, 40, whatever. The hardest part is committing to getting out there for those first five minutes. Once out there, it takes care of itself and man, do I ever feel better for having done it.
Funny how many things that feel strenuous and bad (running, working out) are some of the best things we can do, and how many things that feel good (eating junk food and watching TV) are some of the worst things we can do.
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Sunday I did my first 12 mile run and it felt great. I did an easy 4 mile treadmill Monday afternoon, harder than usual leg workout yesterday, then a run this morning. Usually after my heavy leg days, especially when I do calves, I’m really feeling it the next day. If I hit my calves too hard it’ll feel like shin splints.
This morning it was my first time running since it’s dropped back into the 60’s this week (69 degrees) and I felt considerably better than I expected. I decided to push myself for a 10k and knocked it out in 49:55! Not too long ago I was really aiming to hit 50 minutes, and knew I had to be pretty close. Recently I started thinking I should be able to hit 48 minutes soon. With the right preparation (i.e. not legs the day before or a 12 mile run 3 days before) I might be there now. There’s a 10k later this month that I’m considering signing up for.
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Does your foot hurt the worse right when you wake up? Or just randomly/during certain activities?
Everything I’ve read on Plantar Fasciitis seems to always stress that the biggest indication is the most pain when getting out of bed..
I have foot issues sometimes (cramping/pain) but it never hurts in the morning, so I think it’s something else.
It does hurt in the mornings sometimes, but not every morning. I find it hurts mostly when I have been sedentary for awhile, so sometimes if I've been sitting a lot at work it will hurt when I'm up and moving. I really probably need to spend some effort figuring out how to manage it. I haven't had a lot of time to run the past few months anyway since we did our massive downsize move, but things are finally settling into a new normal.
I ran 1.1 miles this morning...the upside to starting back up in October is that I don't have to run in the dark since I'm not going very far, and when it goes back to standard time in a few weeks I'll get a little extra daylight again. It sucked slightly less than the mile last week. I really, really did not want to go this morning but I have to get back out there consistently.
@meghan88 Forcing myself to get out there is always the hardest part for me. I feel enormously accomplished today though since I forced myself to do it. :)
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I ran yesterday, Track Tuesday, first time in 3.5 weeks. It went just fine. Did an easy 30 minutes of 200m repeats. The 200m were at eh...9:00 miles or so (8:45-9:15), and the 200m recovery was walking. But my hip is fine, and today I did a hip/core workout.
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Sitting here stuffing my face with pizza whilst Kipchoge takes a giant leap forward for humanity.
I'm tearing up watching this unfold. Incredible to watch them go.
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I did another slow 4km this morning accompanied by my 5 year-old on her bike. After I raised her seat up a bit. My hope is next time she can do 5km as her legs will be more efficient with a longer pedal stroke. That and I should check her tires for air. :) It is fun to do this with her on the weekend as I have fond memories of being on my bike, accompanying my father on his runs as a kid.
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Had a fantastic run this morning with the cool weather. I ran 10 miles with an average 8:43/mile pace, my final mile at 7:52. It felt great and after about 15-20 minutes post run I felt well and refreshed.
In comparison, 5 weeks ago I ran 10 miles with around a 100 heat index (this morning was 65), and I ran at a 10:19/mile pace and it was endlessly more challenging and exhausting..
Continue being more and more excited for this weather.
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Had a fantastic run this morning with the cool weather. I ran 10 miles with an average 8:43/mile pace, my final mile at 7:52. It felt great and after about 15-20 minutes post run I felt well and refreshed.
In comparison, 5 weeks ago I ran 10 miles with around a 100 heat index (this morning was 65), and I ran at a 10:19/mile pace and it was endlessly more challenging and exhausting..
Continue being more and more excited for this weather.
Haha oh shit, well I guess it's your turn as the seasons change. I went out for a 15km run, had to cut it after 13.5 (75 minutes). Heat started getting to me, and running the previous 2k uphill into a headwind obviously didn't help.
Australian summers are murder for running in.
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Had a fantastic run this morning with the cool weather. I ran 10 miles with an average 8:43/mile pace, my final mile at 7:52. It felt great and after about 15-20 minutes post run I felt well and refreshed.
In comparison, 5 weeks ago I ran 10 miles with around a 100 heat index (this morning was 65), and I ran at a 10:19/mile pace and it was endlessly more challenging and exhausting..
Continue being more and more excited for this weather.
Haha oh shit, well I guess it's your turn as the seasons change. I went out for a 15km run, had to cut it after 13.5 (75 minutes). Heat started getting to me, and running the previous 2k uphill into a headwind obviously didn't help.
Australian summers are murder for running in.
Here’s a bunch of suggestions that helped me (that you may already be following). Wear long - non cotton, loose, shirts. For sun protection and loose for air circulation. I wear a ball cap with flaps down the sides/back for sun protection. I always bring a camelbak with 50/50 gatorade/water mix. Before leaving, I always have 20-30 oz Gatorade/pedialyte mix. I aim to not eat for 2-3 hrs before leaving.
In the US gulf coast region were just wrapping up those murderous 4 months as well, it took me a while to learn some of the above, but once figured out and trained for the weather, I was able to run 15k-18k (albeit slow) in heat indexes for 43 deg Celsius (Yes - converted to Australian measurements lol)
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@meghan88 Forcing myself to get out there is always the hardest part for me. I feel enormously accomplished today though since I forced myself to do it. :)
Yesss!! Good on you for getting out there. Happy I'm not the only one that finds lacing up to be the hardest part.
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Had a fantastic run this morning with the cool weather. I ran 10 miles with an average 8:43/mile pace, my final mile at 7:52. It felt great and after about 15-20 minutes post run I felt well and refreshed.
In comparison, 5 weeks ago I ran 10 miles with around a 100 heat index (this morning was 65), and I ran at a 10:19/mile pace and it was endlessly more challenging and exhausting..
Continue being more and more excited for this weather.
Haha oh shit, well I guess it's your turn as the seasons change. I went out for a 15km run, had to cut it after 13.5 (75 minutes). Heat started getting to me, and running the previous 2k uphill into a headwind obviously didn't help.
Australian summers are murder for running in.
Here’s a bunch of suggestions that helped me (that you may already be following). Wear long - non cotton, loose, shirts. For sun protection and loose for air circulation. I wear a ball cap with flaps down the sides/back for sun protection. I always bring a camelbak with 50/50 gatorade/water mix. Before leaving, I always have 20-30 oz Gatorade/pedialyte mix. I aim to not eat for 2-3 hrs before leaving.
In the US gulf coast region were just wrapping up those murderous 4 months as well, it took me a while to learn some of the above, but once figured out and trained for the weather, I was able to run 15k-18k (albeit slow) in heat indexes for 43 deg Celsius (Yes - converted to Australian measurements lol)
The long sleeves are a no-no for me... I don't know how anyone can tolerate it in any sort of heat, I'd be sweating an ocean out of my arms!
LOL at Australian measurements.
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I ran two miles yesterday, although there was some walking in the mix too. Starting back up again sucks, but I'm trying!
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I've been training for a Spartan Race, so my mileage is way down as I've been focusing on strength. Once this race is over (Saturday), I plan to take a small break and then dive into a 13.1 training program for a spring half
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Well, on Sunday I ran my first half marathon. 2:31! I didn't have to stop, I didn't throw up, and I finished. I made all my goals. My splits were:
5K in 32:14, Pace 10:23 min/Mile
10K in 1:06:43, Pace 10:45 min/Mile
10.8MILE in 2:03:34, Pace 11:27 min/Mile
I am debating if I want to do a full marathon now.
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Well, on Sunday I ran my first half marathon. 2:31! I didn't have to stop, I didn't throw up, and I finished. I made all my goals. My splits were:
5K in 32:14, Pace 10:23 min/Mile
10K in 1:06:43, Pace 10:45 min/Mile
10.8MILE in 2:03:34, Pace 11:27 min/Mile
I am debating if I want to do a full marathon now.
Congrats!
I did several halves before eyeing a full.
Personally I found training for a half to be a physical event whereas the full was a mental event, if that makes any sense.
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Well, on Sunday I ran my first half marathon. 2:31! I didn't have to stop, I didn't throw up, and I finished. I made all my goals. My splits were:
5K in 32:14, Pace 10:23 min/Mile
10K in 1:06:43, Pace 10:45 min/Mile
10.8MILE in 2:03:34, Pace 11:27 min/Mile
I am debating if I want to do a full marathon now.
Awesome job!
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I ran two miles yesterday, although there was some walking in the mix too. Starting back up again sucks, but I'm trying!
Yes. Yes it does. I took a month off with a hip injury. Last week, did 2 miles of run/walk intervals at the track (200m repeats), did a slow/easy run/walk to the farmer's market. It went ok. So coach sez, let's do this! We'll start slow.
So today...
10 min warmup (includes stretching).
45-50 min of 300 m repeats with 100 m jog as recovery (uh, this is starting slow?)
10 min cooldown (included stretching, and I had to mostly walk it)
I pretty much could only manage 9:30 miles for the 300 m repeat, (before injury, I was prob at 8:15-8:30) and had to walk part of the recovery jogs.
But I did 18 of 'em and ended up completing 5 miles soo...yay me?
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Congrats @rivendale !
I ran a mile today. I hate how it's dark so late this morning, and it isn't even as bad where I live as it is further north. Of course the upside to starting over at this time of year is that I don't have to wake up as early for a one mile run as I would for a five mile run...
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Well done @rivendale. Yes, agree with ysette9 that a marathon is all in the head. At some point during it you're going to have an urge to panic, freak out, sit down and cry or just simply roll over and die.
It's good to develop a strategy for pushing through that before you attempt it :)
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25K trail race tomorrow through gorgeous fall colored trees!
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I sympathize with starting back up FireHiker. I restarted running this past June after a year off from an injury (pro tip: do not drop heavy furniture on the joint on your big toe).
I finished a half-marathon yesterday. Time was meh: 3:10:17 but that is 17 minutes faster than my previous time on the same course. And I ended up walking quite a bit of it because I just hadn't trained enough. The summer heat is killer. Plus the darn work gets in the way! ;-)
I'm hoping it'll be easier to train over the winter when at least I won't be overheating. Toying with re-running the same half next October. I really would like to get to under 3 hours. I'm so, so slow.
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3 miles on the trails today. First run in a couple of months.
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I sympathize with starting back up FireHiker. I restarted running this past June after a year off from an injury (pro tip: do not drop heavy furniture on the joint on your big toe).
I finished a half-marathon yesterday. Time was meh: 3:10:17 but that is 17 minutes faster than my previous time on the same course. And I ended up walking quite a bit of it because I just hadn't trained enough. The summer heat is killer. Plus the darn work gets in the way! ;-)
I'm hoping it'll be easier to train over the winter when at least I won't be overheating. Toying with re-running the same half next October. I really would like to get to under 3 hours. I'm so, so slow.
Chin up @Mongoose - sometimes the runs where you feel "slow" are the ones you value the most for the sheer bloody minded determination to finish. 17 minutes off your previous time is something to be happy about!
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I ran my first point-to-point race a couple of weeks ago: a 10 miler. I enjoyed the point-to-point experience way more than an out-and-back course, that's for sure. Don't have to dread running back up the downhills. ;) Unfortunately, the course had three sizable hills in the first two miles, so those took a bit out of me, but I finished in a solid 1:13:21. It was in the low 70s and humid; I just can't win with weather! Fall is here now, though, and I was really looking forward to a long run this morning, but 1) it was pouring and 2) I was super sore from trying to keep up with a lifting routine. I settled for 10 miles on the treadmill while watching a silly rom-com. I've gotta get outside more this week....
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Congrats on your first 13.1 Rivendale! Like others here, I knew mentally I was not prepared to spend the amount of time that it would take to train for a 26.2 immediately after my first half. I've now done 11 half marathons and still don't feel ready for a full, lol.
I completed my Spartan Super on Saturday and it was a blast! I'm sore and have some scrapes and bruises, but it was so amazing. I'm already looking at several Spartan races for next year...and I do plan on getting back into half-marathon training in a few weeks.
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I sympathize with starting back up FireHiker. I restarted running this past June after a year off from an injury (pro tip: do not drop heavy furniture on the joint on your big toe).
I finished a half-marathon yesterday. Time was meh: 3:10:17 but that is 17 minutes faster than my previous time on the same course. And I ended up walking quite a bit of it because I just hadn't trained enough. The summer heat is killer. Plus the darn work gets in the way! ;-)
I'm hoping it'll be easier to train over the winter when at least I won't be overheating. Toying with re-running the same half next October. I really would like to get to under 3 hours. I'm so, so slow.
Faster than everyone on the couch, cabooses unite!
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This weekend I had a GREAT "long" run. I just started back up again after the hip thing. My coach says "run 45 min easy, then 5 min at a hard pace". So the group I ran with...they were running easy. Sometimes they aren't - there are a large number of people of different paces - it's often hard to find people at whatever pace I'm at that day.
Anyway, they started off 12:00/ miles. Then picked it up to 11:30. It was so awesome. I felt great, did not need walk breaks. So THAT'S what an easy run is supposed to be like. I have serious issues with easy runs, as I am always going out too hard.
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This weekend I had a GREAT "long" run. I just started back up again after the hip thing. My coach says "run 45 min easy, then 5 min at a hard pace". So the group I ran with...they were running easy. Sometimes they aren't - there are a large number of people of different paces - it's often hard to find people at whatever pace I'm at that day.
Anyway, they started off 12:00/ miles. Then picked it up to 11:30. It was so awesome. I felt great, did not need walk breaks. So THAT'S what an easy run is supposed to be like. I have serious issues with easy runs, as I am always going out too hard.
I struggle with pacing myself too. I'll start out my long runs at a 9 min/mile pace, then poop out about 3-4 miles in, and gradually decline to something like 11-12 min/miles.
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I had a good run this morning with my 5 year old accompanying me on her bike. She is the one pushing me to go faster now, which is good motivation. We did 5.5km but it was too late in the morning. The warmth has given me a headache. But I’m still glad we got moving.
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I had a good run this morning with my 5 year old accompanying me on her bike. She is the one pushing me to go faster now, which is good motivation. We did 5.5km but it was too late in the morning. The warmth has given me a headache. But I’m still glad we got moving.
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I am finally easing back into running after being injured since January 2019!
It took 10 months for my Achilles tendon to heal. Although I tried to keep fit with other gym stuff, I really missed running.
This week I ran 4 x 5km which is nice progress. I am hoping that I can properly race in the 5k Turkey Trot coming up in November.
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Today I ran my first 10k and wasn’t too sure what to expect. My only other race I’ve done was a 5k last May with a time of 22:43. I ran hard all summer in countless 90-100+ degree days. So while I got the miles and pushed myself, they were slow in that heat. The last few weeks it has really started to cool down.
My goal for today’s 10k was 48 minutes, but I would have been happy with slower as long as I knew I pushed myself 100%. During my prep yesterday, last night, this morning, everything went perfect. It was 50 degrees as the race started. I ended up feeling good and finished with a 45:49! My pace for the whole race was considerably faster than expected, so even though I felt great, I didn’t want to push it too hard with the fear I might explode before the end. I was able to sprint the last 1/4 mile or so once I saw the line, but I had enough left in me that I was slightly disappointed. Either way, now I have a good baseline for a 10k PR next time.
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That is fast. Nicely done! Cooler weather helps tremendously.
I ended up with a headache for 24 hours after my Saturday morning run because it was probably 70*F out or even warmer by the time I got out. Thankfully my daughter forced me out again this morning when it was much nicer. Somehow a run in cool weather cleared the headache from the hot weather run.
Good thing too because the smoke from the Kincaid fire reached us this afternoon and now we are on lockdown. Ugh. I’m not looking forward to biking with an N95 mask on tomorrow morning .
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Today I ran my first 10k and wasn’t too sure what to expect. My only other race I’ve done with a 5k last May with a time of 22:43. I ran hard all summer in countless 90-100+ degree days. So while I got the miles and pushed myself, they were slow in that heat. The last few weeks it has really started to cool down.
My goal for today’s 10k was 48 minutes, but I would have been happy with slower as long as I knew I pushed myself 100%. During my prep yesterday, last night, this morning, everything went perfect. It was 50 degrees as the race started. I ended up feeling good and finished with a 45:49! My pace for the whole race was considerably faster than expected, so even though I felt great, I didn’t want to push it too hard with the fear I might explode before the end. I was able to spring the last 1/4 mile or so once I saw the line, but I had enough left in me that I was slightly disappointed. Either way, now I have a good baseline for a 10k PR next time.
Wow well done, and there has to be a new best 5k in there as well haha!
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Congrats, use2betrix! Amazing what can happen when we train under adverse conditions (heat) but then race under ideal conditions. So happy for you!
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Thanks for the kudos! Another huge factor, which I kind of forgot from being less experienced racing, was the environmental adrenaline. Something about being surrounded by 1500 racers, passing people (and getting passed), and tons of cheering people along the way, really gets that adrenaline going. 100% of my running aside from that is usually in the morning, in the dark, by myself.. Definitely a different environment.
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I have my “big” half marathon in late January, and want to run one more race between now and then. I was torn between another 10k to beat last weekends PR, or doing a “prep” half marathon to better prepare for January’s half.
I decided to do a prep half marathon in early December. My main concern was pushing myself all out and needing too long to recover afterwards that it would impact my training for the January half. I think that overall, running the prep-half will be a better benefit so I have a better idea in planning and what I need to eat/drink during the race. My goal is around 1:45-1:50 for the December half and 1:40 or less for the late January half... We’ll see..
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Today I ran my first 10k and wasn’t too sure what to expect. My only other race I’ve done was a 5k last May with a time of 22:43. I ran hard all summer in countless 90-100+ degree days. So while I got the miles and pushed myself, they were slow in that heat. The last few weeks it has really started to cool down.
My goal for today’s 10k was 48 minutes, but I would have been happy with slower as long as I knew I pushed myself 100%. During my prep yesterday, last night, this morning, everything went perfect. It was 50 degrees as the race started. I ended up feeling good and finished with a 45:49! My pace for the whole race was considerably faster than expected, so even though I felt great, I didn’t want to push it too hard with the fear I might explode before the end. I was able to sprint the last 1/4 mile or so once I saw the line, but I had enough left in me that I was slightly disappointed. Either way, now I have a good baseline for a 10k PR next time.
That is truly amazing! So fast. Heat makes such a different.
Yesterday's track workout was 600 "on" (aggressive but not sprinting) and 200 recover, for 45 min with 1-2 mi warmup and 1-2 mi cooldown, which I just gotta say - that ain't happening. The warmup and cooldown is a workout on its own!
Anyway, all in all my 600s were at a pace of 8:53-9:14, so not bad. And the full workout (I have to bail at 7 am when they start ticketing cars in the parking lot) was 5.82 miles - the longest mid-week run that I have ever completed.
I have been intentionally leaving my watch on "clock" during my runs the last week. I am trying to run by "feel" and not pace. I think it's helping.
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Progress tracking:
Run (Goal: jog 25 min daily)
Failed! I missed a few days, the cold weather is making it hard for me. (It has been 20F in the mornings). I have been trying to run at the Y on my lunch break, and it works most week days, but sometimes I'm stuck on a meeting etc. I have to set up a new routine. I did increase my jog time by 3 minutes recently to 28 min. New goal: jog 5 days/week, 28 min each.
W: (Goal 77kg/170lbs).
Check! 75.5kg/166.5lbs. Next month goal: Under 75kg.
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This week I should hit 1000 miles since I started running last July! I technically started a few weeks earlier, but only been tracking on my board since I bought my first pair of dedicated running shoes.
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Hitting 1000 miles is cool! I was so proud of my first 100 I printed out the Nike+ poster and had it hung up at work. :)
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This week I should hit 1000 miles since I started running last July! I technically started a few weeks earlier, but only been tracking on my board since I bought my first pair of dedicated running shoes.
That's really cool. Last year I hit 500 miles (barely). I was at 497 after my accident and decided I needed to hit it.
This year I'm at 427, barring any accidents or injuries, I should also hit 500 (barely).
2016: 114 miles
2017: 390
2018: 502
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Does anyone have insight into what I might have done to my foot? About a month ago on a 7-mile run I stepped on a ~1.5" rock right in the space between the ball of the foot and the outside of the foot -- like right in the middle of the forefoot, if that makes sense. It hurt badly and I finished the run by staying on the grass the rest of the way. The pain went away but if I am barefoot it feels like there is a protrusion on the bottom of my foot, and my foot pops a bit if I go up to tip toes. Other than that running seems to be going fine and have no pain and no limitation in movement. But if I'm barefoot I favor the uninjured foot.
I've had this once or twice before. It basically hurt/felt like a bruise?
This week I should hit 1000 miles since I started running last July! I technically started a few weeks earlier, but only been tracking on my board since I bought my first pair of dedicated running shoes.
That's really cool. Last year I hit 500 miles (barely). I was at 497 after my accident and decided I needed to hit it.
This year I'm at 427, barring any accidents or injuries, I should also hit 500 (barely).
2016: 114 miles
2017: 390
2018: 502
Not sure I'll quite get to 1000 miles this year.... I'm at 1490km with a HM tomorrow to take me to 1500km.
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I crossed 2,000 miles for the year last week! I should finish around 2,200, since I plan to take all of Thanksgiving week off before marathon training begins in earnest just after Christmas. I feel physically ready to tackle training, but my head isn't really in it. Hopefully some down time will help me reset.
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This has been my lowest year since I started almost.
2019 479.2 mi
2018 1746.6 mi
2017 1953.6 mi
2016 1648.0 mi
2015 2054.7 mi
2014 1159.1 mi
2013 909.8 mi
2012 195.5 mi
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Hahahahaha whoops. I should not be allowed on a computer while watching coverage of the NYC marathon, because I entered the lottery for the NYC half on a whim and my credit card just got charged. Guess I'm running 13.1 in March??
For context, my workouts mostly consist of the elliptical and walking a lot. I only really run when I'm on vacation without access to a gym, and a long run for me is 1.5-2 miles. I can run a mile in under 10 minutes at max effort, but 12-ish minute mile pace is more comfortable for anything longer than that. According to my Nike Run Club app, I've run 110 miles total since November 2017.
Can I do this without injuring myself as long as I take it seriously and train? I've always wanted to try a half marathon for the experience and to say I did it, but I don't really know where to start. So far my plan is to follow the Nike Run Club half marathon training schedule and hope for the best.
I don't have any time goals. I just want to mostly not walk and cross the finish line in one piece.
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Hahahahaha whoops. I should not be allowed on a computer while watching coverage of the NYC marathon, because I entered the lottery for the NYC half on a whim and my credit card just got charged. Guess I'm running 13.1 in March??
For context, my workouts mostly consist of the elliptical and walking a lot. I only really run when I'm on vacation without access to a gym, and a long run for me is 1.5-2 miles. I can run a mile in under 10 minutes at max effort, but 12-ish minute mile pace is more comfortable for anything longer than that. According to my Nike Run Club app, I've run 110 miles total since November 2017.
Can I do this without injuring myself as long as I take it seriously and train? I've always wanted to try a half marathon for the experience and to say I did it, but I don't really know where to start. So far my plan is to follow the Nike Run Club half marathon training schedule and hope for the best.
I don't have any time goals. I just want to mostly not walk and cross the finish line in one piece.
You most certainly can. You have plenty of time.
My favorite training programs:
https://www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/half-marathon-training/half-marathon-3/
(I like this one because it's 3 days a week, and many others are 4-5 days a week)
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half-marathon-training/
(especially when getting back from injury, or getting back into running, I LOVE the run/walk method.)
I also have his half marathon book. He states the goal is to cross the finish line upright, in one piece, with a smile, and wanting to do it again.
This is a good book: The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031OQ0W4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
There was another running plan...somewhere...that I used to run my second half marathon. Can't find it but have a screen shot at home somewhere. What I liked about that one was that they gave you goal paces for your track workouts.
There are many many online training plans - they probably all work. Some will work better for you than others because everyone is different.
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Thanks for the encouragement and the info, @mm1970 !
I like the walk/run concept, and also 3 days a week is more realistic for my schedule. I'l try a mash up of these and the Nike schedule and see what feels the best over the next few weeks as I get started.
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Progress tracking:
Run (Goal: jog 5 days/week, 28 min)
Failed! I missed all last week, but I am back today. The days I jogged, I did 28 min. The week prior to that I increased it to 30 min. I did not change my pace, still 12.45. December goal: Jog 5days/week 28-30 min.
W: (Goal Under 75 kg).
Failed! 76.5kg. Next month goal: Under 76kg.
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I have my first half marathon this weekend. My goal is definitely under 1:45 but hopefully around 1:43. Being my first one - my aim is more to get a feel for it, a plan, etc. so I can really go all out for my late January half.
I spent last week overseas and only got a 14 mile run Sunday, 6 mile last Friday, then 6 mile this Sunday. Today was 5 miles (3 at half marathon pace) then 4 Thursday. Before last week I was up to running a little over 30 miles per week.
I’m very excited for this.
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Good luck! Please tell us how it went!
Your training looks good. You might be faster than you predict - races are so energizing that you suddenly have wings.
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Good luck! I hope you have an awesome race. What I've learned from half marathons (8 of them), is training can get you there...but sometimes shit happens.
I've had some races that were doozies with weather or just illness, and it was a slog to finish with a personal worst.
I've had some races where I've felt amazingly great! And cruised along to finish 5 minutes faster than my goal.
You are for sure ready.
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Current status:
I've got an 8.2 mile race scheduled for mid-Jan.
I am considering a Jan 1 "resolution run". I have a tendency to register for 10k's, because I "get my money's worth", so to speak. The 10k and 5k are both $35, so why not go longer? OTOH, I haven't run a 5k for time in years, so it would be kinda nice to run something and be done in approx 30 minutes. There's also the "both" option, which is $40, but I don't really want to do 15k/ 9+ miles so close to the race I've actually registered for.
My long runs are hitting 7-8 miles. I've been having some calf/ achilles issues, so have had to cut back a bit. My coach stopped sending me workouts. I'd bug her, but since she's never actually billed me for her services, I decided to just let it go and wing it. I have a few running books with various training plans, and will be using those along with listening to the various aches and pains. Unless she bills me and starts sending me workouts again.
I had a goal this year to hit <1 hour 10k. Last year my best 10k was 1:01:38. Then I got injured. I've been really struggling to get my speed back...as I ramp my workouts, I've been getting nagging injuries (hip, achilles). My fastest recent 10k was more like 1:06. And that was in July, before the hip issue and the achilles issue.
It's a bummer, but I try to remind myself that speed goals are GREAT, but this is supposed to be fun, after all.
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I am paranoid about the Achilles tendon. I got problems in September 2018, then spent ten months in 2019 injured. I have only started running again in October this year.
Honestly, with Achilles ongoing issues, no matter how small, I would go for a super relaxed fun 5k and then focus on the 8.2 mile race.
What really helped me and what I am still doing now, is foam rolling the calves with a mini roll and stretch every day (lower heel downwards while standing on a step).
But I’m sure you’re doing that already.
Enjoy the races and please report back!
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Did my first half this weekend and crushed my goal - finished at just over 1:41. At miles 11/12 I had the worst cramp/pulled muscle in my calf and limped those miles about 80% on my strong leg, stopped and stretched 3 times, and slammed a ton of Gatorade from my camelback. The last mile it subsided a little and I still finished strong. I was very very close to a DNF due to that.
Anyways, all a good learning experience. Will make an effort to hydrate more in the next race. I’m pretty diligent about hydrating the day before. I also have a big glass of 50/50 Gatorade/pedialyte the night before the race and the morning of. I also had a banana about 30 mins before start time.
Loved the race but always dread taper week and cutting back on my lifting the week or two before. Have a few solid day’s of rest ahead then back at it. My calf is still in a lot of pain so hopefully that gets better soon.
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Wow!!! Congrats!! What a great time, considering your cramps in your calf with 1-2 miles to go!
I’m not a medical specialist or anything but whenever I’ve had cramps it was usually due to a lack of magnesium. I now take it as a supplement and the cramps have vanished.
Relax and enjoy the post-race feeling!
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I am paranoid about the Achilles tendon. I got problems in September 2018, then spent ten months in 2019 injured. I have only started running again in October this year.
Honestly, with Achilles ongoing issues, no matter how small, I would go for a super relaxed fun 5k and then focus on the 8.2 mile race.
What really helped me and what I am still doing now, is foam rolling the calves with a mini roll and stretch every day (lower heel downwards while standing on a step).
But I’m sure you’re doing that already.
Enjoy the races and please report back!
I was just thinking that myself on my walk today. My buddy wants to do the 10k but MAN I just want to do the 5k. I've been training long and hard, I want to chill.
@use2betrix way to go and power on through! Great time.
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Wow that’s a great time @use2betrix. Great effort, well done!
Should do under 1:40 easy if you go a touch slower in the first 10 miles so as not to cramp up at the end.
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Wow that’s a great time @use2betrix. Great effort, well done!
Should do under 1:40 easy if you go a touch slower in the first 10 miles so as not to cramp up at the end.
Thanks! Unfortunately, my recovery has been longer than expected. It’s been 3 weeks and I’ve had a few good runs, but also a lot cut short just due to general pain. I’ve now taken about a full week off and will try it again tomorrow. I’m unsure if I’ll get another good half in before summer. May just do some 5k’s and 10k’s. Will see how the next few months go.. I enjoy good running every week a bit more than a week of taper, a good race, and couple weeks of recovery, if this is going to be the norm lol.
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Progress tracking:
Run (Goal: jog 5 days/week, 28 min)
Failed! Holidays and much going on at work made it hard. I did jog at least 2-3 times a week 30 min each - pace is 12.30 a little better than 12.45. Next month goal: 5days/week (30min, 12.15)
W: (Goal Under 75 kg).
Failed! 75.5kg. Next month goal: Under 75kg.
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All of the runs in 2019 are done, and the final total is 2304 miles.
I got a bit overconfident with the running and lazy with the recovery, though. Thanks to the hills around here, not enough true rest days, and too much deadlifting, I now have a nasty case of high hamstring tendinopathy. I'm trying to figure out how to balance recovery with marathon training - it will involve very little speedwork, that's for sure. What a bummer.
Just when I think I have it all figured out.
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Happy New Year!
Start the year off with a run. https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/on-your-mark-get-set-2020-runners-thread/
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My FB memories reminded me that several years in the past started out with runs, but not today. Instead I’ll likely get in a long walk wearing my baby for one of his afternoon naps, and I hope to get in a yoga class tonight.
I’m staying active but running has really been tough to squeeze in lately.
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520.58 miles for the year.
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I finished at 1529km for the year, plus a few short runs & walks I didn’t track.... maybe that gets me up to 1550.
Aiming for 2020km in 2020, and maybe knock my 5km time down to 20:20 too (best 22:10)
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Love that goal, Marty 998!
I finished at a miserly 586km, thanks to my Achilles tendonitis. Hoping to get 2'600km for 2020.
Going over to the new thread to hold myself accountable!