Running question...how realistic is this??
racheljonel
Posts: 400 Member
Is it a realistic goal to go from essentially not running (I can run a mile without stopping, but that is it) to doing a 10 mile trail race in November? November sounds so far away but I'm not sure what it takes to get prepared for something like trail running, and such a long distance.
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Absolutely! Start off slow and gradually work your way both faster and further. Just make sure to have a good pair of running shoes so you don't hurt yourself (shin splints suck) and warm up, stretch, and cool down every time. About the shoes, I'd recommend going to an actual running store and getting fit for a good shoe that is designed for trail running. They're expensive but your feet will thank you later.0
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Yes it's doable. I would say to do something like C25K to get started and then look up a beginner's half marathon training scheme (i.e. http://www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/beginner-half-marathon/ ). Don't start out too fast or you will injure yourself and you should get through to running your race in November at a much better level of running fitness than you will be at now. It does get easier as you run more so expect the first weeks to seem like you've bitten off too much, but you'll be fine and make great progress after a month or two
Good luck!0 -
Improbable but certainly not impossible. Be careful that you don't injure yourself pushing too hard in training and be aware that walking part of the course is perfectly acceptable.0
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Absolutely. Follow a plan like c25k and build up your mileage slowly. Maybe joining the monthly running challenge threads as well.
I couldn't run 2 minutes last August and am doing my first HM next month.
Advice you've heard on this thread that common is avoid the temptation to run to fast/much too soon.0 -
racheljonel wrote: »....what it takes to get prepared for something like trail running....
Running on trails?
Anyway, I'd say it's feasible although quite hard work to get there. You'll need to moderate your expectations around time and progress.
I'd suggest starting with a Couch to 10K plan, getting you up to running for an hour. That's about 14-16 weeks long. That's also about 60% of the distance that you'll do on the day.
From there it's reasonably straightforward to use a 10K to half marathon plan to work your way up. A half marathon plan will get you consistently running 10 miles in the remaining time.0 -
Absolutely doable. Take a look at this plan:
http://www.exrx.net/Aerobic/RunnersEdge/HalfMarathon1.html0 -
swimriderun16 wrote: »Absolutely! Start off slow and gradually work your way both faster and further. Just make sure to have a good pair of running shoes so you don't hurt yourself (shin splints suck) and warm up, stretch, and cool down every time. About the shoes, I'd recommend going to an actual running store and getting fit for a good shoe that is designed for trail running. They're expensive but your feet will thank you later.
Yes! But seriously, make sure you stretch. And if you start to feel shin splint pain, back off some. I pushed through until I was limping and couldn't go down stairs which led me to a 3 week break in training. Do your stretches and get fitted for running shoes. But it's definitely an attainable goal. Generally you want to increase by a max of 10% each week. Good luck!
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swimriderun16 wrote: »I'd recommend going to an actual running store and getting fit for a good shoe that is designed for trail running.
That depends on the trail.
I'd actually say it would be better to get appropriate running shoes for general training, rather than trail shoes. Trail shoes restrict ones ability to train on harder surfaces, whereas road shoes can be used on trails albeit with some loss of performance.
For a new runner, keep it simple. Follow a plan, maintain a reasonable expectation and avoid overcomplicating things.
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Definitely, last year I went from only running 1 mile warmups before lifting in June to running a full marathon in October. You've got plenty of time (but start now!)0
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Yes 100% doable. Start slow though.0
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I went from couch to marathon (26.2) back in 2008 in about 7 months.
It's very do-able.0 -
Don't listen to anyone saying its improbable... Your body adapts faster than you think and if your nutrition and rest are in check it's totally possible0
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Yep, if you can commit to the training I say go for it.
Just a heads up, there are a few things I was unprepared for in my first trail race. Sometimes you have to run in single file so make sure you line up at a manageable pace. My trail pace is about a minute slower than my road race pace. Also, there is something really fun about running down a mountain of a beautiful day that makes you feel like a superhero, have fun and good luck!0 -
You've got this! Like everyone else, do the C25K first and find a little fun run in your area like the color run!0
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racheljonel wrote: »Is it a realistic goal to go from essentially not running (I can run a mile without stopping, but that is it) to doing a 10 mile trail race in November? November sounds so far away but I'm not sure what it takes to get prepared for something like trail running, and such a long distance.
Yes , yes , and yes. I started running in October, just 1 mile in 20 minutes. By Feb I ran 14 miles at a 9:30 pace.0 -
heathbilly wrote: »racheljonel wrote: »Is it a realistic goal to go from essentially not running (I can run a mile without stopping, but that is it) to doing a 10 mile trail race in November? November sounds so far away but I'm not sure what it takes to get prepared for something like trail running, and such a long distance.
Yes , yes , and yes. I started running in October, just 1 mile in 20 minutes. By Feb I ran 14 miles at a 9:30 pace.
Similar story to yours. I could barely run 30 seconds without stopping when I started C25K in October. Running my first half marathon this weekend, have run two 5Ks under 30 minutes, and up to 11 miles on my training runs.
So: YES! Go slow, and you can do it.0 -
SergeantSausage wrote: »I went from couch to marathon (26.2) back in 2008 in about 7 months.
It's very do-able.
Me too! Exactly this (except it was in 2013 and closer to 7 1/2 months)
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So glad I asked....yall are all SO inspiring! Thanks so much for all the advice and encouragement!0
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Down 40lbs about 7 months ago and doing my first half marathon in 2 weeks. Ran 10mi 3 weeks ago with no issues. Yeah - you'll be fine 0
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It's definitely doable. Definitely follow a plan to resist trying to do too much too soon. Injury can happen easily from over training.
Definitely find out the terrain the trail run is on. I've done trail runs that were fairly flat and then I've done trail runs up and down the side of a ski resort mountain. Train on the type of footing and elevation change you will be racing on.
Don't give up and keep on going. Commit to doing the race and if you don't get as far as you'd like by November I say do it anyways. There is never shame in walking a good bit
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Absolutely definitely. I went from not running to 10 miles in about three months...somehow!0
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Will it be ok to build endurance on a treadmill at first? That's where I do most of my running now.0
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Hal Higdon programs are pretty good too. I used them to train for a half marathon. Good luck!0
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racheljonel wrote: »Will it be ok to build endurance on a treadmill at first? That's where I do most of my running now.
Boring as hel, and it won't get you ready for trail running. It's low quality base mileage, but it'll do if you can't go out into the real.
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MeanderingMammal wrote: »racheljonel wrote: »Will it be ok to build endurance on a treadmill at first? That's where I do most of my running now.
Boring as hel, and it won't get you ready for trail running. It's low quality base mileage, but it'll do if you can't go out into the real.
I figured as much....I can get out and I will just have to do that. Thanks!
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racheljonel wrote: »I figured as much....I can get out and I will just have to do that. Thanks!
For me, trail running is interesting. It's more relaxed, the variety in surface and elevations makes a huge difference to how the run feels and I can see plenty of different things.
Take time, enjoy it.
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racheljonel wrote: »Will it be ok to build endurance on a treadmill at first? That's where I do most of my running now.
It won't hurt and how I do much of my winter training. Most treadmills at least to 15% grade which helps condition your muscles for the variation, but there is no substitute for the real thing.
Depending on the trail and elevation change trail distance can be much more challenging. Walking periodically is an acceptable strategy, especially for your first run.
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I went from couch to half marathon in 6 months, so you have plenty of time, especially since you're already running a little bit. Don't worry about the treadmill usage. Set the incline to 1.0 or 1.5 (to simulate wind resistance). My Tuesdays and Thursdays are on the treadmill because I have to get up early to get my miles, but I do my long runs outside on Saturdays. Outside miles are better, but not mandatory. Also, train with a heart rate monitor - it will help you compare your indoor running with your outside running. I've seen lots of people start on treadmills get totally winded outdoors because they don't know how hard they are running. The HRM will tell you.0
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