A Must Read for any Running Dog that's thinking about 26.2:
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/marathon_do
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/marathon_do
SOSH Running Dogs
- Thread starter Catch Me Bruno
- Start date
TallManinOregon said:
Quoting a dated post, but as a smoker resonated with me. Just posting to have a place of some accountability, seek advice, and maybe provide some along the way.
I was a stand out high school runner, recruited to college, but was burnt out by the time I stepped foot on campus. In the past 10 years since, I have exercised fewer times than I have fingers. After a troubling break up 2 months ago, I needed to find peace somewhere and decided that at 28 I wasn't going to get any younger and started running last Monday. I have been a smoker for the past 10 years with as much as 2 packs a day, and am trying to quit and get in shape at the same time.
In the past when I tried to run one of those 5 or 6 times in the past 10 years I would try to run 3-4 miles, get annoyed with the first day results and never put on my running shoes again. I tried a different approach this time, running only 1.6 miles (easy loop from my house) at a time for the first week and the discouragement never came. I started out at a 9 minute pace last monday, and was sub 8 minutes after 5 runs. Today I stretched it out to 2.5 miles and felt great.
It has amazed me how much the muscle memory has come back so fast, I feel comfortable with my gait and am actually enjoying running. I know it is early, but I hope I am hooked, I want so bad to be healthy and competitive again. I have a 5K planned for 5 weeks from tomorrow in Newburyport and am really hoping I can stick to my training schedule and find that peace I am looking for in my life.
Good on ya, BostonBeerBelly!
A few items:
A few items:
- I ran my 26.2 last Sunday, the 22nd... an accomplishment that's not fully appreciated with a 4h 50m finish time... but I did it. The course was mildly ridiculous as far as hills go. I got to see orcas swimming off the west coast of San Juan Island at the halfway point... and my first half split was superb (for me) at 02:03:00 (2nd half in 02:47:00 not so much... again, hills).
- Good work on adjusting your expectations and training to fit where you're at in reality, versus where you were a decade ago, or where you think you could/should be... the hardest part for me was to hold back and let myself get to certain levels of fitness.
- On the matter of quitting butts... seriously... just stop. I used patches (sparingly for maybe a week), mint tea and gum and after a handful of days the worst was over. There have been exactly zero days of your life where smoking was an acceptable or good idea, and you know it. I look at smokers now, and pretty much every one of them I just look at and think, "what a fool I was"... it really wasn't as bad or as hard to quit, in hindsight (of course).
- And finally, Screw You! Sub-8:00 after five runs? Jimminy... I seriously hate fast people. I am running the local 4th of July 10km race on Friday morning... would love to run more than half of that in the sub-9:00 range and come in around 55 minutes... but in reality, I'll just try to beat my unimpressive time from last year.
Thanks Pedro... and thanks for asking about the 10K. My legs felt pretty good. I improved my 2013 Butte to Butte time by nearly 6:00 and beat my PR at 10Km by more than 5 minutes. Apparently, if you run a lot, you'll get a little faster and a little stronger with each go... huh, who'da thunk that one?
But... I was beat by two10 year olds; one man in the 75-79 age group; three men in the 70-74; five men in the 65-70 age group and would have placed 22nd in the 11-14 year olds division and 16th in the Men's 60-64 age group. Seriously, this town... #smh #TrackTown
But... I was beat by two10 year olds; one man in the 75-79 age group; three men in the 70-74; five men in the 65-70 age group and would have placed 22nd in the 11-14 year olds division and 16th in the Men's 60-64 age group. Seriously, this town... #smh #TrackTown
First two runs (5k each) after waiting for IT Band pain to go away. Much trepidation. Both went well; slowish by design but no pain either during or after either. Optimistic.
Not sure if the marathon is still in the cards, but if I can get up to ten miles a month out...maybe I'll just run/walk a marathon without the chip to just get a feel for it. I already paid, so why not.
Have a half scheduled for three weeks after the full, so I have a fallback plan.
Not sure if the marathon is still in the cards, but if I can get up to ten miles a month out...maybe I'll just run/walk a marathon without the chip to just get a feel for it. I already paid, so why not.
Have a half scheduled for three weeks after the full, so I have a fallback plan.
So I was just approached by a parent about getting a kid's running group off the ground.
I can do that, right? My vision is low-key : meet on the local bike path (which is closed to motorized vehicles) once or twice a week. Bring water. Go slow.
I can do that, right? My vision is low-key : meet on the local bike path (which is closed to motorized vehicles) once or twice a week. Bring water. Go slow.
Sure! Sounds like a lot of fun. Focus on good habits (like hydrating) and maybe good form instead of miles and paces.
I agree. I did some Girls on the Run coaching with my 8 year old daughter this Spring so I know a little. They had an entire anti-bullying curriculum that I don't think we need to delve into. Great program though.
There are a couple of running groups that already meet around here but they are all adults. And there aren't many athletics offered at the local middle school.
It might really fill a need.
There are a couple of running groups that already meet around here but they are all adults. And there aren't many athletics offered at the local middle school.
It might really fill a need.
5 weeks after training and I completed my first 5K in 10 years last night. Felt decently good ran 22.48 which beat my goal of 7.30 mile pace. I hope I have caught the running bug and I plan on putting another race on the calendar now. I feed off competition and need something to train for or I will lose focus.
That's a great time, especially for your first 5K in 10 years. Congrats! If you didn't catch the running bug when you crossed that finish line, you never will.
sass a thon said:
Well I was passed by two 11 and 12 year olds 5 feet from the line as they came sprinting by, and I almost had an asthma attack. So I am out to get them next time!
TallerThanPedroia said:
"I've never been able to run several days in a row." I run six days in a row now, often with two-a-days. I had no idea.
Well, three years turned into seven. I had too many setbacks to even try for it until last year. My first attempt last fall was hampered by a small but crucial injury (3:29:47 still), and I started too far back in the pack at Boston last spring, although when I started this little project, my Boston finishing time of 3:10:42 would have been a qualifier, since the cutoff back when I wrote this post was 3:10:59.
But no matter. Yesterday I ran the Lehigh Valley Via Marathon, and my third BQ attempt was a success: 3:03:22. That's 98 seconds below 3:05, which turned out to be the exact actual cutoff for 2014. So as long as demand isn't worse this year, I should actually get a bib for 2015!
And after that, I age up into the 3:10 group! So even though the BAA made it harder than I expected, I'm glad I was able to qualify in the fastest category.
Amidst not-so-elite competition on Saturday, I placed 10th overall in a 5K, even though I was pushing 60lbs of kids in a double stroller (7:14 splits).
On Sunday, I completed my 5th Bradbury Mountain Trail Running Series. On the twelfth and final mile, I tripped on a root, fell forward and braced myself between two trees and dislocated my finger. I couldn't bend it, but it didn't hurt. It actually gave me a needed surge of adrenaline to finish. I was just afraid of falling again and hurting it worse. Afterwards, I couldn't find a single person willing to pop it for me, so I rushed to a walk-in clinic for x-rays to get home in time for the Pats game.
This year was about recouping from Achilles tendonitis. Although it's a little sore today, it's felt better overall than it has in 15 months. This winter will be about trying to drop 30-40 lbs and setting personal bests next year!
On Sunday, I completed my 5th Bradbury Mountain Trail Running Series. On the twelfth and final mile, I tripped on a root, fell forward and braced myself between two trees and dislocated my finger. I couldn't bend it, but it didn't hurt. It actually gave me a needed surge of adrenaline to finish. I was just afraid of falling again and hurting it worse. Afterwards, I couldn't find a single person willing to pop it for me, so I rushed to a walk-in clinic for x-rays to get home in time for the Pats game.
This year was about recouping from Achilles tendonitis. Although it's a little sore today, it's felt better overall than it has in 15 months. This winter will be about trying to drop 30-40 lbs and setting personal bests next year!
I'm thinking of just saying "F It" and going for the Twin Cities Marathon that I signed up for back in June. It's in 2 weeks, and while I in no way,shape, or form was able to train as much as I'd like to, I did run my first half marathon 2 weeks ago in 1:48, and I have been running between 5-10 miles since then around a 7:40 pace. I might see if I can crank out a 15 mile run tomorrow after work, see how it feels, and then just "run" the race slowly (say, 9:45 pace) just to experience it. I can always drop out if I want.
I figure, hell, I paid, its in my hometown (the course runs 2 blocks from my house), so why not?
I figure, hell, I paid, its in my hometown (the course runs 2 blocks from my house), so why not?
Plus, you can milk that shit. You can get the rest of the afternoon on the couch watching football. No reason not to.
I've got the Green Mountain Marathon in South Hero VT coming up on October 12.
Then a Half on November 5.
Then a Half on November 5.
Racing the Maine Half, then pacing a friend hopefully to a 3:35 BQ at Hartford. Then a bunch of shorter races I think. Too many to choose from in October!
Dude, you never regret the things you do. I have no fucking idea what time I'm going to run this marathon in. I've certainly trained but not as well as usual. I've missed long runs for things like sick kids. I never run with a watch. In all likelyhood I'm not setting a PR (3:52) or coming in under 4 hours. But you know what? It doesn't fucking matter. I've made peace with this. I'm going to go out and enjoy the run. Celebrate being alive and finish sometime before the course closes. Going to enjoy every step.
I'm bib 8629 and am starting in corral 2. The course looks beautiful. The race seems to be well organized. I'm excited. It's okay to get scared before a marathon. 26.2 miles is a long fucking run. But that's what makes it worth doing. Will there be moments that suck? Yes. Moments that I want to quit? Yes. Moments that I'm wondering what the hell I'm doing? Yes. But you know what? Fuck those moments in the ass. I'm gonna run/jog/walk/crawl right through them.
I'm staying at the Residence Inn Depot downtown.
I'm staying at the Residence Inn Depot downtown.
The metrodome staging would have been awesome. But whatever, no other race that I've done has anything like that and it works out fine. Thanks for all of the recommendations. My brother in law lives in Eagan and we'll be spending time with him. I'm traveling with kids age 4 and 1 which adds a few wrinkles but whatever.
I'm looking to continue running outdoors this year and wanted to get some advice on what kind of clothing I should be wearing. I've read (probably in here) that you don't need to bundle up too much because after the first mile you'll be warm enough. So what are the essentials for winter running (in Boston)?
I don't run as often as I really want to be and right now I'm really trying to focus on getting to a place where I can do longer runs and eventually run a marathon (before I turn 40 is my goal - I just turned 37 and fully believe I could do this in the next year). That said, does anyone have any recommendations for a heart rate monitor so I can understand my Zone 2 pace?
I ran my first official 5k last summer and had to pass on a half in October (I have my daughter 10 days a month and it fell on one of those days), but plan on finding a half in the spring. Any recommendations for something in/close to Boston?
I don't run as often as I really want to be and right now I'm really trying to focus on getting to a place where I can do longer runs and eventually run a marathon (before I turn 40 is my goal - I just turned 37 and fully believe I could do this in the next year). That said, does anyone have any recommendations for a heart rate monitor so I can understand my Zone 2 pace?
I ran my first official 5k last summer and had to pass on a half in October (I have my daughter 10 days a month and it fell on one of those days), but plan on finding a half in the spring. Any recommendations for something in/close to Boston?
I'm not a great runner, but I do run throughout the winter. I think winter dressing is largely about what works for you through trial and error. I recommend running through the fall into the winter. This allows your body (I think including your lungs) to get used to the cold. Don't take 2 moths off (or stay inside on a treadmill) until its 20 degrees out. As it gets cooler, you can experiment with adding layers. Some like a lot of clothes, others (like me) don't need much. A pair of gloves and a hat can go a long way when it's chilly. When it gets a little cooler, I had long sleeves and then very light pants or tights. You'll probably want 2 pairs of pants to start, one heavier than the other, but just how heavy is a personal preference. Maybe get a medium weight pair to start, and see if you want to go heavier or lighter for another pair. I think breathability is key to shed moisture, and that kind of material is very common today. It takes time to learn what you like and to build up the right wardrobe--don't go on a shopping trip to buy everything at once.
Layers layers layers!
I live in Vermont and run all winter long. I've gone running in weather as cold as -10 F
I was always told the rule of thumb was dress as though it was 20 degrees warmer. So a 30 F day will feel like 50 F once you get going.
Tights under windpants are great. When the temperature gets really down there I put regular cotton sweatpants over those.
Fleece uppers are really great too.
You can't go wrong with Smartwool socks. When it gets really cold I double them up too.
Ice and slush can be a problem. A running buddy here swears by Icebug winter running shoes, although they are a little pricey for my tastes.
I also have YaxTrax which are okay on the ice but kind of a pain on regular pavement.
A good hat is essential too. Soemthing that will wick away the sweat even in the cold. I like this one
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/adidas_Glacial_Heat_Beanie/descpage-ADGHB.html
I live in Vermont and run all winter long. I've gone running in weather as cold as -10 F
I was always told the rule of thumb was dress as though it was 20 degrees warmer. So a 30 F day will feel like 50 F once you get going.
Tights under windpants are great. When the temperature gets really down there I put regular cotton sweatpants over those.
Fleece uppers are really great too.
You can't go wrong with Smartwool socks. When it gets really cold I double them up too.
Ice and slush can be a problem. A running buddy here swears by Icebug winter running shoes, although they are a little pricey for my tastes.
I also have YaxTrax which are okay on the ice but kind of a pain on regular pavement.
A good hat is essential too. Soemthing that will wick away the sweat even in the cold. I like this one
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/adidas_Glacial_Heat_Beanie/descpage-ADGHB.html
I've never run before, but play several sports seriously, including cricket, which does involve building up a fair amount of endurance as a batsman. So I'm in decent shape in general, but I don't normally run except for a warmup jog as part of stretching. I got shamed into signing up for a local 5k in two and a half weeks with a group of friends, several of whom at least used to run seriously, and I'd love to get some advice on how best not to embarrass myself. I should have no problem being able to run 5k, but I have absolutely no idea what a reasonable pace might be, or how different it is running that distance in a race as opposed to on a track.
I've tried running 5k twice in the last week on a track to get a sense of the distance and what I should be aiming for. The first time, I went out at a 9 min/mile pace to make sure I could go the distance, and found myself knocking a few seconds off each lap without really trying to, finishing in around 26 minutes. Yesterday, I decided to try pushing myself a bit at the start, quickly realized that was a bad idea, and ran around 7:15. I was cramping up a bit in my core (but not legs) - is this common? Does it mean I was using bad technique? Either way, it meant I ended up slowing down a bit, running 7:45 and 8:00 or so miles and finishing in 23:45. I guess I should be aiming for a constant pace, but I'm not really sure? I have no idea what I should be aiming for, or for that matter, what constitutes a "good" time. My goal is to beat the friends of mine who aren't active runners, and I assume I'll get smoked by the runners.
Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate any advice you guys have for me. I still have cricket matches the next couple of weekends, which means I can't really give my training over to running, but I could probably find a way to sneak in a couple of specific workouts if you've got something to recommend.
I've tried running 5k twice in the last week on a track to get a sense of the distance and what I should be aiming for. The first time, I went out at a 9 min/mile pace to make sure I could go the distance, and found myself knocking a few seconds off each lap without really trying to, finishing in around 26 minutes. Yesterday, I decided to try pushing myself a bit at the start, quickly realized that was a bad idea, and ran around 7:15. I was cramping up a bit in my core (but not legs) - is this common? Does it mean I was using bad technique? Either way, it meant I ended up slowing down a bit, running 7:45 and 8:00 or so miles and finishing in 23:45. I guess I should be aiming for a constant pace, but I'm not really sure? I have no idea what I should be aiming for, or for that matter, what constitutes a "good" time. My goal is to beat the friends of mine who aren't active runners, and I assume I'll get smoked by the runners.
Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate any advice you guys have for me. I still have cricket matches the next couple of weekends, which means I can't really give my training over to running, but I could probably find a way to sneak in a couple of specific workouts if you've got something to recommend.
I am running a 50K (a tick over 31 miles!) on November 8th. I have never run more than 26.2, so a new era begins in my running life. I'm a little nervous about it, as it is a trail run with lots of hills. I'm running with 2 guys who have run 50 milers before so I am counting on them to help through it. They seem to think that I am faster than they are, so I will be cheering them in at the finish. I doubt it. I'll be doing 22 this weekend before tapering begins. I have the Army Ten Miler the week after that.
What I am really excited about is my daughter's first 5K last weekend. She was very excited about it and ran great. There were times where she looked like she was a bit tired, but whenever I asked her she was "good". She made it up all the hills, more than expected, and really kicked it in at the end. She finished 33 minutes and was third in her age group. She stood on a podium and received her medal. My wife and I figured out that she finished third, but she didn't know until her name was called. The look on her face is something I'll never forget. She has already figured out that the two girls that beat her will be in the next age group next year and has installed herself as a heavy favorite for gold in 2015!
What I am really excited about is my daughter's first 5K last weekend. She was very excited about it and ran great. There were times where she looked like she was a bit tired, but whenever I asked her she was "good". She made it up all the hills, more than expected, and really kicked it in at the end. She finished 33 minutes and was third in her age group. She stood on a podium and received her medal. My wife and I figured out that she finished third, but she didn't know until her name was called. The look on her face is something I'll never forget. She has already figured out that the two girls that beat her will be in the next age group next year and has installed herself as a heavy favorite for gold in 2015!
CSteinhardt said:
I'll give you the best advice anyone ever game me about running races. Run your race. Don't worry about anyone else's race.
But of course you want to beat your friends. I understand that too. I have no idea what they run but if they are fast and experienced you are not going to catch them by training hard for 2.5 weeks. No matter. There is nothing embarrassing about a 9:00/mile 5K, especially your first. If you can rip that off without pushing it, I think you're in fine shape. You should probably think about increasing your pace as you go. At first, just run a comfortable, even pace for the first mile or so. Smooth, light and easy. I'd imagine you'll have a little race adrenaline pushing you along a bit faster than you think. That's alright. When you pass the first mile marker, assess how you feel. Odds are you'll want to pick it up a notch. Do it. If you don't want to, keep your pace. Then figure out where you are at the mile 2 marker. If you feel like it, and it sounds like you might, you should be able to pick it up even more. If you don't feel it, keep your pace. When you see that three mile marker, or the finish line, you can run as fast as you can and/or want. There is no reason to hold back at that point.
Good luck and have some fun!
Nice to see that folks are still speaking about running! Originally I planned to post about my recent 1/2 marathon success and ask for some fueling advice. I had trained with some guidance over the summer and raced the 2nd weekend of September. Beat my target by 5 minutes and felt terrific the whole race. Frankly, it was too easy. All in all it made me feel good about committing to Marathon Bahamas in January.
The only fly in the ointment was a crampy feeling around mile 10 (got through it) and the same or worse crampy feeling for 1.5 hours or so after the race. I had some Greek yogurt about 3.5 hrs before the race started, had one GU with about 2 ozs of Gatorade (probably generous since I spilled most of it), and topped up with a Muscle Milk and some water right after the finish. So what do folks do for fueling? I'm hoping to run one more half before the marathon just to try a new strategy.
As to why I'm finally posting...I tweaked my useless POS back last week. Everyone seemed to suggest resting was mandatory after the half (felt good enough to go the next day). So the follwoing week training totaled about 15 miles. Plus I did a 5k the next Sunday. My achilles tendonitis flared up the next day, so more resting (proud of myself for not pushing through). Then just as I was ready to start up again, my back. It's been over a week. Thus over the last three weeks, I've had four training days and one race. With the marathon 13 weeks away as of Saturday, I'm starting to freak about being well prepared. I planned three goals (in order of priority): finish, BQ, BQ for first day entry (BQ-20 min). My half was so successful, it suggests that first entry was within reach. This lack of training is making me think finishing may be the best outcome. Ughh! Has anyone been faced with a mid-training stoppage?
The only fly in the ointment was a crampy feeling around mile 10 (got through it) and the same or worse crampy feeling for 1.5 hours or so after the race. I had some Greek yogurt about 3.5 hrs before the race started, had one GU with about 2 ozs of Gatorade (probably generous since I spilled most of it), and topped up with a Muscle Milk and some water right after the finish. So what do folks do for fueling? I'm hoping to run one more half before the marathon just to try a new strategy.
As to why I'm finally posting...I tweaked my useless POS back last week. Everyone seemed to suggest resting was mandatory after the half (felt good enough to go the next day). So the follwoing week training totaled about 15 miles. Plus I did a 5k the next Sunday. My achilles tendonitis flared up the next day, so more resting (proud of myself for not pushing through). Then just as I was ready to start up again, my back. It's been over a week. Thus over the last three weeks, I've had four training days and one race. With the marathon 13 weeks away as of Saturday, I'm starting to freak about being well prepared. I planned three goals (in order of priority): finish, BQ, BQ for first day entry (BQ-20 min). My half was so successful, it suggests that first entry was within reach. This lack of training is making me think finishing may be the best outcome. Ughh! Has anyone been faced with a mid-training stoppage?