5k Jogger to Ultra Runner in 14 weeks

135678

Replies

  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    Why is it that running threads never have the level of butthurt as ordinary threads?

    Because as avid runners, we're all hopped up on endorphins, day after day, after day....LOL! It takes too much energy to get butt hurt. Plus, I have to admit, I thought OP was kidding but I guess not...?
  • well ...... this has stirred up a storm.

    You're all wrong. I've changed my profile picture to show myself and daughter completing the race in May the last time I followed a similar plan.

    I aren't starting at a position of being relatively unfit. I run 25 miles a week and bike about 120 as my commute is a 24 mile round trip.

    I'm not taking about competing, I'm talking about completing so there is no need for pace change. The whole point is to put the hours and the mileage in, you will get there and keep it to a slow pace via a Garmin watch and stick to it. We 'trundle' at an average of about 6mph max

    I'm more than happy to give you all a Diary of how it's going at the end of each week as I know it works.

    James Cracknell is an inspirational figure who is famous for rowing but is now an endurance athlete.

    I added the 2000 calorie bit as I want to shed off a few pounds of holiday weight in the first four weeks and I must admit on long run days, latter in the programme this would be unwise.

    My advice is don't road run if you can avoid it, it's too high impact and is hard on your joints. Consultants rooms are full of ex road runners having knee and hip replacement surgery. Trail running gives you more of an all over workout as you need to keep your balance and the ground is softer on your body.
  • I don't actually know what 'butthurt' means ..... is it some strange American word?
  • chellebublz
    chellebublz Posts: 568 Member
    LOL the average beginner 5k runner is not going to complete 15 miles in the 4th week, and if you or anyone else tries to state otherwise, you will lose all credibility. Not like you had any to begin with from what I can tell by reading the posts. But anyone who says 15 miles, or even the 9 miles in the 3rd week, is easy (or even just doable for a beginner) is lying. Period.
  • LOL the average beginner 5k runner is not going to complete 15 miles in the 4th week, and if you or anyone else tries to state otherwise, you will lose all credibility. Not like you had any to begin with from what I can tell by reading the posts. But anyone who says 15 miles, or even the 9 miles in the 3rd week, is easy (or even just doable for a beginner) is lying. Period.
    Blimey, calm down, you all get a bit personal don't you!!

    It's not easy but it's achievable
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    Can I ask where you got this plan from op as I have googled but been unable to locate the original plan.

    I'd like to see what else they say about this plan.

    Thanks
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    A former Olympic champion who has just gotten back into running might be able to handle this program. If Jillian Michaels (someone I know who is very fit but doesn't really run) decided to complete C25k, she might be able to do this. If you've been winning 5ks in your age group for the past year... but the average middle-aged, never been an athlete, overweight Couch to 5ker hasn't built the physical capacity for this. They can't judge form or effort - it took all the runners on MFP telling me to slow down to get me to my first 10k. I'm now working on my first half. I've been running for 9 months. I'm just beginning to *really* understand how to listen to my body (like how my not-painful-tight-calves affect everything else. A semi-fit new runner can easily run themselves into an injury on their first run. This plan offers multiple opportunities to do this.
  • timeasterday
    timeasterday Posts: 1,368 Member
    It's not easy but it's achievable

    Achievable is a very optimistic way of putting it. But you seem dead-set on doing it even after 3 pages of posts telling you otherwise. Keep us posted on your progress. Maybe start a blog.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    You're all wrong.

    Love it.
  • You're all wrong.

    Love it.

    Yup, this is damn funny, I must say.

    As someone who is finishing up week 10 of a 12 week 10k training program.....wow.

    First, post by Carson is great. Second....running 5 times per week is a damn lot, especially for someone coming off of a C25K. Also, cross training mentioned doesn't include strength training.

    For any new runners looking for a program, please look into other, more reasonable programs before deciding on something as intense as this. It's really not necessary.
  • AprilKill
    AprilKill Posts: 47 Member
    I copied it, i have done a half marathon. But lately my knee has been getting really sore, so I am running really slow and try to take takes off
  • lindsayk324
    lindsayk324 Posts: 54 Member
    This not a wise idea at all. It is a recipe for injury.

    It's a GUARANTEE for injury! Yeah maybe you manage to *finish* a marathon (doubt you'd be able to make it without stopping to walk at one point) but not listed in OP's training program is the 8 months of physical therapy you're going to have to pay for to get your hips/knees/ankles/feet functional again.

    I mean, C25k is 9 weeks. This program is 14 weeks. This means OP suggests that a non-runner can go from being unable to run a continuous mile to running a full marathon in half a year.

    Jennifer-Lawrence-ok-thumbs-up.gif
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    I copied it, i have done a half marathon. But lately my knee has been getting really sore, so I am running really slow and try to take takes off

    But copied it from where?
  • Lance_K
    Lance_K Posts: 104 Member
    bump
  • thepetiterunner
    thepetiterunner Posts: 1,238 Member
    If you've completed the C25K it's the next step up and will lead in 14 weeks to you being able to complete a trail marathon.

    I aren't starting at a position of being relatively unfit. I run 25 miles a week and bike about 120 as my commute is a 24 mile round trip.

    I think if you can handle this plan yourself, that is great OP. What I take issue with is the fact that you (as quoted above), are suggesting that any average person who's just gotten from C25K can attempt this.

    We have all made mistakes in our running history. I sure have. Gone out too hard, too fast, overtrained, etc. It's one thing to say "I want to go do a marathon in 2 months with no prior training" and it's another to tell other people that they could/should do the same.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    You're all wrong.
    Uh, no.
    Now let me point on the inconsistencies and just plain misinformation in your post. Please accept this as constructive, because your comments here are going to lead someone down a path that will have them sidelined.

    The title of this thread is "5k Jogger to Ultra Runner in 14 weeks" and you stated in that post that this "plan" was the next step up from the Couch to 5K plan.
    If you've completed the C25K it's the next step up and will lead in 14 weeks to you being able to complete a trail marathon.

    Then, later in the thread, you said this (with bold added by me for emphasis):
    I've changed my profile picture to show myself and daughter completing the race in May the last time I followed a similar plan.

    I aren't starting at a position of being relatively unfit. I run 25 miles a week and bike about 120 as my commute is a 24 mile round trip.

    So, which is it? A plan for the novice runner just finishing the C25K program or for an experienced endurance athlete looking for a new challenge? Don't respond, I already know the answer.

    There is no running coach in the world that would advocate this ramp up of mileage for someone just reaching the point where they can run for 30 minutes without stopping. It doesn't matter if you are talking about racing or just completing. It's too much mileage too soon. Period.

    And now for this piece of "advice":
    My advice is don't road run if you can avoid it, it's too high impact and is hard on your joints. Consultants rooms are full of ex road runners having knee and hip replacement surgery. Trail running gives you more of an all over workout as you need to keep your balance and the ground is softer on your body.

    This is just utter hogwash (that's American for bullsh1t). Running injuries occur primarily for two reasons.

    1. Running too fast too soon.
    2. Running too far too soon.

    Additionally, these running injuries are not structural in nature, which you imply (falsely) in the statement above. These running injuries are soft tissue injuries that can be fixed with rest, strengthening exercises and working on proper running form. There are been several studies that show that running actually improves overall joint health. Yes, there is a benefit to running on soft surfaces, but it's not to prevent you from needing to have a joint replaced. There is less impact on the soft tissues which will allow you to run more with less recovery time. It's not significant though, maybe a few more miles a week because of the softer surfaces.

    So, to be clear here, this "plan" that you are advocating is not one for the beginning runner, and probably not one for the intermediate runner as it flies in the face of conventional training methods which have been developed over decades by qualified running coaches, many with PhDs in disciplines that qualify them as experts in the field, that are designed to maximize performance while maintaining the health and well-being of those that follow these programs.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    /end thread
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    I still wish the op good luck.
  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    I don't actually know what 'butthurt' means ..... is it some strange American word?

    It's an expression that means getting overly emotional and hurt over inconsequential issues or perceived injustices.

    And...I would love to see you address the inconsistencies Carson pointed out. I too thought you were talking about going from 5k to ultra running in 14 weeks.

    Lastly, I guess the bottom line is: can it be done? Yeah, I can see where it could be done. Is it wise? Hell no. If you're truly a 5k runner moving up to ultra running in 14 weeks is just dumb. I say this as someone who has been running a mere two years, has been training for my first 26.2 for the last 6 months and will do a 50k in December. I run upwards of 35-40+ miles a week right now and do some cross training and I'm still working on all the essential skills necessary to accomplish these tasks. But maybe I'm just a slow learner.
  • Mia_RagazzaTosta
    Mia_RagazzaTosta Posts: 4,885 Member
    You're all wrong.
    Uh, no.
    Now let me point on the inconsistencies and just plain misinformation in your post. Please accept this as constructive, because your comments here are going to lead someone down a path that will have them sidelined.

    The title of this thread is "5k Jogger to Ultra Runner in 14 weeks" and you stated in that post that this "plan" was the next step up from the Couch to 5K plan.
    If you've completed the C25K it's the next step up and will lead in 14 weeks to you being able to complete a trail marathon.

    Then, later in the thread, you said this (with bold added by me for emphasis):
    I've changed my profile picture to show myself and daughter completing the race in May the last time I followed a similar plan.

    I aren't starting at a position of being relatively unfit. I run 25 miles a week and bike about 120 as my commute is a 24 mile round trip.

    So, which is it? A plan for the novice runner just finishing the C25K program or for an experienced endurance athlete looking for a new challenge? Don't respond, I already know the answer.

    There is no running coach in the world that would advocate this ramp up of mileage for someone just reaching the point where they can run for 30 minutes without stopping. It doesn't matter if you are talking about racing or just completing. It's too much mileage too soon. Period.

    And now for this piece of "advice":
    My advice is don't road run if you can avoid it, it's too high impact and is hard on your joints. Consultants rooms are full of ex road runners having knee and hip replacement surgery. Trail running gives you more of an all over workout as you need to keep your balance and the ground is softer on your body.

    This is just utter hogwash (that's American for bullsh1t). Running injuries occur primarily for two reasons.

    1. Running too fast too soon.
    2. Running too far too soon.

    Additionally, these running injuries are not structural in nature, which you imply (falsely) in the statement above. These running injuries are soft tissue injuries that can be fixed with rest, strengthening exercises and working on proper running form. There are been several studies that show that running actually improves overall joint health. Yes, there is a benefit to running on soft surfaces, but it's not to prevent you from needing to have a joint replaced. There is less impact on the soft tissues which will allow you to run more with less recovery time. It's not significant though, maybe a few more miles a week because of the softer surfaces.

    So, to be clear here, this "plan" that you are advocating is not one for the beginning runner, and probably not one for the intermediate runner as it flies in the face of conventional training methods which have been developed over decades by qualified running coaches, many with PhDs in disciplines that qualify them as experts in the field, that are designed to maximize performance while maintaining the health and well-being of those that follow these programs.

    Gold.
  • ZenInTexas
    ZenInTexas Posts: 781 Member
    You're all wrong.
    Uh, no.
    Now let me point on the inconsistencies and just plain misinformation in your post. Please accept this as constructive, because your comments here are going to lead someone down a path that will have them sidelined.

    The title of this thread is "5k Jogger to Ultra Runner in 14 weeks" and you stated in that post that this "plan" was the next step up from the Couch to 5K plan.
    If you've completed the C25K it's the next step up and will lead in 14 weeks to you being able to complete a trail marathon.

    Then, later in the thread, you said this (with bold added by me for emphasis):
    I've changed my profile picture to show myself and daughter completing the race in May the last time I followed a similar plan.

    I aren't starting at a position of being relatively unfit. I run 25 miles a week and bike about 120 as my commute is a 24 mile round trip.

    So, which is it? A plan for the novice runner just finishing the C25K program or for an experienced endurance athlete looking for a new challenge? Don't respond, I already know the answer.

    There is no running coach in the world that would advocate this ramp up of mileage for someone just reaching the point where they can run for 30 minutes without stopping. It doesn't matter if you are talking about racing or just completing. It's too much mileage too soon. Period.

    And now for this piece of "advice":
    My advice is don't road run if you can avoid it, it's too high impact and is hard on your joints. Consultants rooms are full of ex road runners having knee and hip replacement surgery. Trail running gives you more of an all over workout as you need to keep your balance and the ground is softer on your body.

    This is just utter hogwash (that's American for bullsh1t). Running injuries occur primarily for two reasons.

    1. Running too fast too soon.
    2. Running too far too soon.

    Additionally, these running injuries are not structural in nature, which you imply (falsely) in the statement above. These running injuries are soft tissue injuries that can be fixed with rest, strengthening exercises and working on proper running form. There are been several studies that show that running actually improves overall joint health. Yes, there is a benefit to running on soft surfaces, but it's not to prevent you from needing to have a joint replaced. There is less impact on the soft tissues which will allow you to run more with less recovery time. It's not significant though, maybe a few more miles a week because of the softer surfaces.

    So, to be clear here, this "plan" that you are advocating is not one for the beginning runner, and probably not one for the intermediate runner as it flies in the face of conventional training methods which have been developed over decades by qualified running coaches, many with PhDs in disciplines that qualify them as experts in the field, that are designed to maximize performance while maintaining the health and well-being of those that follow these programs.

    Gold.

    +1
  • Lyerin
    Lyerin Posts: 818 Member
    Yeah, I'm almost done with the C210K program (after today's run, I'll have just week 14 to go next week). There is no way I'm ready for something like that even though I've completed the C25K PLUS all the way to 10K. I had a friend ask me to do a half in November, and I declined because I wouldn't be able to be ready by then (safely and injury free). I am looking for a 10K in October and then may do a couple more 5Ks before the year is over, but nothing more than 10K for sure.

    Definitely not the plan for the average person who has recently completed the C25K program.
  • St_Paul
    St_Paul Posts: 32 Member
    This not a wise idea at all. It is a recipe for injury. There is absolutely no reason to jump from 5K to ultra in that short of a period of time. There are plenty of intermediate goals that are worthwhile. I just don't get why so many people feel like you have to run a marathon or longer to be considered a runner. Why not try for a 25 minute 5K? That still requires you to run nearly the same mileage that you would to train for a Half Marathon.

    Running endurance is not built up over a period of weeks and months. It takes YEARS to build a proper aerobic base AND to condition the muscles, tendons and ligaments to be able to handle the rigors of marathon training. You can't rush it. There are no shortcuts. You just have to run and gradually build your mileage.

    +1
    I have 3 half marathons and one full under my belt as well a some longer gravel grinders and road races on the bike. Doing all this and eating less than 2k calories a day too? Training for any endurance event and trying to roll in calorie limitations seems precarious. Just my experience speaking here. Anyway I wish you good luck - I hope you do well and are healthy.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Why not try for a 25 minute 5K? That still requires you to run nearly the same mileage that you would to train for a Half Marathon.

    I didn't catch this the first time. Really? How many weeks? I'm probably right at 30 minutes now.
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    Sorry but to me this sounds nuts - for example going from 9 to 15 miles in a week would completely kill me and everyone else i know. It sounds a sure way of injuring people if they do force themselves around and I really would recommend people don't try it. Sorry to rain on your bomb fire.
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    Read Carson's post.

    A trail marathon can in no way, shape or form be described as "the next step up" from C25K.

    Yes, I understand some have done this successfully. Your odds of going down in flames, however, are much greater than your odds of success.

    LOL C25K to trail marathon?


    I've ran multiple sub 21 5ks... 2 soon to be 3 marathons, and I still shutter at the thought of a trail marathon.

    I did a trail 25k once, harder than a marathon.

    I'd actually enjoy seeing someone go from C25K to trail marathon. :)

    You sadist
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    my legs hurt just reading this
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Why not try for a 25 minute 5K? That still requires you to run nearly the same mileage that you would to train for a Half Marathon.

    I didn't catch this the first time. Really? How many weeks? I'm probably right at 30 minutes now.

    Probably 6 months. Depends on what you current mileage is and how well your body can tolerate an increase in mileage. I saw dramatic improvements when I started to consistently hit 40 MPW.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    Oh, our bad. By saying 'just completed C25K" you meant "have experience distance running and a 25 mile/week base". Clearly the same thing :huh:

    Still, for a 14 week plan, that's pretty insane. You could find many training plans that are less...uh...'crazy pants'.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Why not try for a 25 minute 5K? That still requires you to run nearly the same mileage that you would to train for a Half Marathon.

    I didn't catch this the first time. Really? How many weeks? I'm probably right at 30 minutes now.

    Probably 6 months. Depends on what you current mileage is and how well your body can tolerate an increase in mileage. I saw dramatic improvements when I started to consistently hit 40 MPW.


    My 1/2 marathon training has me at maybe 17 miles now. 6 months would be pretty do-able for me. I do a fun run on Thanksgiving after the 1/2 at the end of October, but my next real planned race is a 6k in February.