Any Runners?

jbray01 · 09-13-2008, 08:24 PM

Ok, so I am trying to get myself motivated to get back into shape. I ran in middle school and high school, but really haven't run since. I am obsessed with Disney World, and saw that there is a half marathon there in March of 2009. I figure this is probably a good goal to set for myself and its a good way to get myself motivated to acutally get out and do the training...

so my question is, are any of you out there experienced runners? is this an unreasonable goal for someone who hasn't really run in a few years? and can you recommend any good training plans/places to find a good training plan???

Filnyyena · 09-13-2008, 08:46 PM

Near any sand? The deep part gives a nice resistance and will build up your endurance.. It is reeaally tough though..

RBark · 09-13-2008, 09:06 PM

Try to run on soft dirt at first, build yourself up. Usually when getting back into running, it's not your stamina, but the fact that the high impact keeps you from running the next day.

So start light and on soft dirt, build yourself up. Nobody says you have to finish the marathon, so keep that goal.

Pepper · 09-13-2008, 09:09 PM

Stretch A lot! Start out slowly and just gradually build up your pace going farther each day. Eventually you'll be able to go pretty far. I have to be able to run far, because my little dog has really high energy needs so I have to be able to run for at least half an hour to and hour or bike for an hour.

Curbside Prophet · 09-13-2008, 11:09 PM

I've run in high school and college and have a number of marathons under my belt. 6 months should be an adequate amount of time to finish a marathon. My suggestion would be to not worry about a strategy. Instead, find a group of runners with a common goal. My suggestion would be to find a group like Team In Training, raise some money for a good cause, and finish the marathon you want to finish. I don't know if Team In Training is doing the marathon you're looking at, but I highly recommend this approach. I've done marathons on my own too, and it was much harder to get in shape than if you have support. Plus, your experience may even help someone who will have more of a challenge in finishing a marathon.

stfuandrun · 09-14-2008, 01:01 AM

I agree with finding a running group or Team in Training or something to get into the discipline of running.

Maybe try a modified version of the Couch to 5k to get a base going, then find a half marathon training program you can follow (Hal Hidgeon sp?, Jeff Galloway, etc). I think that March is plenty of time to build a base and get some miles and endurance under your belt.

The important thing is to start out slow with the right pair of shoes to prevent injury so that you'll continue running.

I would suggest keeping a training log (www.runningahead.com has a great one, with a fantastic running community for any specific questions you may have) so that you can keep an eye on your progress.

Welcome back to the world of running.

I also wanted to add, I've been running for one year and two months. My first 10k was in May, my first half marathon will be next month. I found that I was totally ready for that 10k. Maybe you can do a few 5k's and/or 10k's for motivation over the winter months. I find that I stick better to my training if I have goals like that.

For what it's worth, I started running to lose weight. I would do a Couch to 5k plan type thing. i started out running 5-7 miles a week, one mile per day. Now I'm running 20 miles a week. I hated running in high school, hated it.

allison · 09-14-2008, 01:05 PM

To add...

A half marathon is 13 miles; when you are training stop at 10 miles. You will be able to do the last 3 when you are there. 6 months should be more than enough time to train if you are dedicated.

Also... nutrition is very important. I would consult a nutritionist or trainer. You need to eat the right amount of cals and the right % of carb/fat/protein ratio. And don't wait until the marathon gets closer... start now!

Shoes... extremely important! However.. DO NOT get brand new sneakers and wear them for the first time at the marathon. Make sure they are broken in I'd say at least 20 miles worth.

Start running on a track then get yourself on pavement. Very different surfaces! Your knees/joints/etc. will kill if you don't ease into it. But, you know your body best! Stretching very important, I agree.

Go to a yoga/pilates class 3X a week if you can. Sounds weird, but it will help not only in your flexibility but in your core strength and endurance.

JOin a team as suggested... will help you stay motivated and in the loop!

Run some of the local 5Ks/10ks... good idea!

When you are training do not sprint... remember during a real marathon you run quiet slowly till the very very end.

Treadmills... ugh! They will not prepare you for the pavement BUT they will help your endurance.

Good luck!!

jbray01 · 09-14-2008, 09:59 PM

hey thanks for the advice everyone!

i am really ready to start doing this. i am actually planning on doing a 1/2 marathon in disneyworld. I'm a little kid at heart so i love it there. i went to sports authority and bought a new pair of shoes today. they are trail running shoes which is what i will be training on. we have a lot of soft trails near my house. i dunno if anyone here is familiar w/ philadelphia, but i think that the fairmount park area will be a great place to run..

i am doing this sort of as a reinvention kind of thing. i feel like i need a change, and i feel like it is good to do something way out of my comfrot zone...plus after the 1/2 marathon i can maybe go on some rides...

but my sister ran the marine corps marathon a few years ago, so i am going to get her to do this with me, so i can maybe rely on some of her expertise.
you guys all gave really helpful advice as well...i'll keep you updated on my progress..maybe i'll be a whole new me!!!

haha..maybe not... its worth a shot...

for now i am enjoying my last night of pretraining indulgence....a little chocolate...a little steak...and maybe a little beer...haha

allison · 09-14-2008, 10:05 PM

Good for you!!!!

One more thing... nutritionally, training for a marathon is not like eating healthy normally. You are not entitled to "treat days" or anything like that. Google sample meal plans in regards to training for a marathon.

Keep us posted!

LuvmyRotti · 09-15-2008, 10:28 AM

I think a Half Marathon is a good goal to have. However, I would suggest setting smaller goals first. Go to a running room and check the 5k runs coming up in your area. You can pre-register (costs around $20-30) and because you already paid - you feel obligated to run - no backing out! You have now set a 5K REALISTIC GOAL. Plus, you can join the 5k runs with the club to run properly. This way when you do a 5k run - you get a sense of accomplishment that will keep you running. Then aim for a 10K. I think that is a healthier way for you and your joints. I have been running for 10+ years and although I have never ran a 1/2 marathon or full - I run regulary and pretty injury free. Some days 3K other days 10K. But, i do it a few times a week, and running, along with a healthy diet is a great way to stay in shape.

I have had friends start running that jump into 1/2 marahtons - do them then either get injured or stop running.

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbray01

hey thanks for the advice everyone!

for now i am enjoying my last night of pretraining indulgence....a little chocolate...a little steak...and maybe a little beer...haha

You don't have to stop living and enjoying the other things you like. I eat pretty strict Sunday-Friday (aftnoon

). Come Friday night I have wine or beer with pizza. Saturday is eat what I want day. Come Sunday back to my oatmeal, yogurt etc.. You need to find a healthy balance for the long term or you will not stick to this. Just my opinion.

jbray01 · 09-15-2008, 02:08 PM

there is a 5k next month and a 10k in november that i am planning on...the 5k next month will be a little rough but i am def up for the challenge.. i bought myself a brand spankin new pair of running shoes yesterday for my first training session tonight, and i realized that i bought them 2 sizes too big!! i have no clue what was going thru my head!! hahah so i will need to stop and exchange those badboys today..haha

i dont think i am going to get too crazy over the diet. obviously i am going to eat healthy, but i am not going to stop eating the foods i enjoy and start eating liek tofu or something...my usual meal is pretty balanced. i usualy eat a lot of fish or chicken, and pair it with veggies and pasta.. so i am not to worried about that...i will just have to stay away from my vices a little more. i just want to get more into the mindset of finding foods that provide good fuel for running...

(even though i had a wawa hoagie for lunch today...so hard to resist...i have to put an end to those badboys sadly..haha)

stfuandrun · 09-19-2008, 01:32 AM

Don't deprive yourself of the food you love to run. Then you'll just hate running because you associate it with not being able to have ice cream, hoagies, etc. Run to live, live to run.

I noticed you haven't updated in a few days, how did the start go?

jbray01 · 09-19-2008, 02:16 PM

thanks.. i've been trying to eat healthier than usual, and i am feeling less bad about it. my absolute favorite food is pasta, which i figure isn't too bad since you need carbs for fuel for running. i just want to keep everything in moderation.

as far as the training goes, its my first week and i'm not as bad as i thought. i am trying to take it slow for now. my first day i did just a mile, just to get used to it. i went back again on wednesday and did between 2-3 miles. i'm going to do that same workout again tonight after work and then maybe go for a long run tomorrow...maybe about 5 miles???

i want to do as long as possible since i am going to the eagles game on sunday and might not be able to get a run in...

it doesn't sound like a lot, but it sounds a little scary to me...i'm hoping to be 5k ready in a few weeks. thats gonna be tough, but i gotta work hard.

its really great to be running again. my muscles are really sore, but its the good kinda sore.. if that makes any sense..haha

stfuandrun · 09-19-2008, 11:59 PM

5 miles is pretty crazy your first week. I would probably stick with lower mileage. The worst thing you can do right now is push it too hard and end up with an injury. Maybe just aim for a couple of miles. Don't focus so much on the mileage in the beginning, even if you do want to do a 5k. Just focus on getting out there and doing a mile or two. You sound very eager, though. LOL I forsee no problem with you being able to stick with it.

Just remember, stay injury free!