Tips for a ROOKIE REGISTERED for a FULL MARATHON
Replies
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One... I applaud you for taking a step and making a big commitment. That's awesome.
Two... just because you don't like the answers- doesn't mean you need to get snarky with people trying to help you.Sure boss. To make you happy. You are right. You are the all knowing. Thank you for gracing this forum with your knowledge. LMAO. You are soooooooooo right, I mean heaven forbid that I move after I run the C25k day, because ANY activity after, before, on the same day as..would just be crazy.
Because you're missing the point.
But you don't have room for tinkering. You've committed to a big undertaking, that requires training- specific training.
You've chosen to do a few programs. But you are already saying you aren't doing the program- you seriously do NOT have room for not doing the program if you want to succeed. The program exists for a reason- follow the program.
If it says rest. then rest. You're GOING to need it. You might not feel like it now- but you will- so get in the habit of resting when it says rest.
If that means foam rolling for you- then roll.
Light yoga and stretching? Going for an easy walk with the dog- sure...
doing nothing on the couch but eating doritos and drinking a cold one- go for it.
REST. don't make up extra work. You don't need it.
Rest days are where you actually reap the benefits of your efforts. Take them. As said above, if you can't stay still go for a walk, but skipping rest days isn't the greatest of ideas. My buddy just started c25k a few weeks ago and wanted to run a 4th or 5th day that week. We all told him no and he did anyway and couldn't get though the next week and had to do the next week a second time before moving on. He now understands the power of the rest day.0 -
Rest days are where you actually reap the benefits of your efforts. Take them. As said above, if you can't stay still go for a walk, but skipping rest days isn't the greatest of ideas. My buddy just started c25k a few weeks ago and wanted to run a 4th or 5th day that week. We all told him no and he did anyway and couldn't get though the next week and had to do the next week a second time before moving on. He now understands the power of the rest day.
yuppers.
I didn't realize how badly I needed them till I got on an intermediate/advanced lifting program. The first week was a joke- I hated it- felt like a waste of time- I wanted to do more- but I didn't. Fast forward 10-15 days and holy ballz.... every second I wasn't lifting I wanted to be sitting down or sleeping- or eating.
Rest. You seriously need it- take as much of it as you can get.0 -
Rest days are where you actually reap the benefits of your efforts. Take them. As said above, if you can't stay still go for a walk, but skipping rest days isn't the greatest of ideas. My buddy just started c25k a few weeks ago and wanted to run a 4th or 5th day that week. We all told him no and he did anyway and couldn't get though the next week and had to do the next week a second time before moving on. He now understands the power of the rest day.
yuppers.
I didn't realize how badly I needed them till I got on an intermediate/advanced lifting program. The first week was a joke- I hated it- felt like a waste of time- I wanted to do more- but I didn't. Fast forward 10-15 days and holy ballz.... every second I wasn't lifting I wanted to be sitting down or sleeping- or eating.
Rest. You seriously need it- take as much of it as you can get.
My understanding is that she is taking rest days, just adding more of a walk on the days that she's doing her run. Most running programs suggest at least one solid rest day a week (stretching, foam rolling, sitting on the couch) but doing cross training the other non-run days.0 -
I think we're seeing more misinformation about the best way to effectively train than a real personality failure.
It's like somebody who looks at the MFP set-up and thinks "I can lose 2 pounds a week!" not realizing that it's not ideal for their situation.
the person that signs up and tries to go the wrong route just doesn't know better, and that's not a failing at all. we're all here to learn. i didn't create an MFP account because i knew everything, I created it because I needed help to lose weight.
but her situation isn't just "i didn't know better". hers is the equivalent of the new MFP'er setting up for 2 pounds per week loss when they only have 10 pounds to go, starting a thread asking for advice, and then getting 150 replies from people that have successfully reached goal weight that say "set your goal for half a pound" and despite all that good advice, tells the people that they're all haterz and she's gonna stick with the 2 pound per week goal anyway and we can all support her gurney or get out. that's the character flaw. getting good info and then willy nilly discarding it for no good reason.
i mean, who WOULDN"T want to lose 2 pounds of fat per week. hell, how bout 5? but once it's explained to you why it's not a great idea, then you back it down a bit. so if the next thread by someone says they haven't run in ever, but they want to run an ultramarathon 6 months from now, what do we say to them? "Go head grrrrrrl!" seems to be the only acceptable answer.
I'd say the equivalent would be maybe 50 pounds to lose. 2 pounds a week isn't a good idea...but it's kind of on the edge.
And the next guy who wanted to run an ultra? I'd tell him that the fastest way to get there is to back off for now. Take it slow and let his body adapt. Learn to love running. Listen to CarsonRuns. I'd provide him my experience from when I was at the point he is at (slow down, s-l-o-w d-o-w-n).
I wouldn't tell him that walking after doing the Couch to 5k program was going to result in injury.
The bottom line is that you can kind of wait it out with new runners. Running is going to give them perspective on running. If they aren't going too far, too fast, too soon, that first 8 mile run is going to be a lesson in distance all by itself.
It isn't the walking. It's the pattern of behavior that's indicative of the issue. Being snarky isn't a problem. Not listening to advice isn't a problem. Going off plan isn't a problem. Biting off more than you can chew isn't a problem. Any of those by itself and I'd be in her side. But combine all those and you're gonna have a GIGANTIC problem.0 -
When I started running I went wholehog not knowing anything and never asking for advice. I got a scortching case of planar faciatias. Everyone here is giving you quality advice because we've all made or at least seen the over enthusiastic mistakes beginning runners make and we're hoping to help you avoid the pain.
This is why I'm not overly concerned about this goal. These things tend to take care of themselves. Personally I think there's little to no chance of this working without an injury. Not in that time frame. tendons, joints, muscles, ligaments. They all need time and training to handle that much distance at once. What do I know? I only took 5 months off for an irritated achilles. Overtraining is a myth.0 -
I finished my first (and so far only) marathon in October 2013. I used Hal Higdon's Novice 1 training program (I highly recommend that you find and follow a training program that works for you, but one that includes long runs on the weekends). The Novice 1 program was sufficient to get me across the finish line in 5 hours, but if you are looking to do better than just cross the finish line, you will want to up the ante with weekly mileage. The more miles you can pack into a week, the better, especially in the final few weeks leading up to your two-week taper (you will want to ease back on the miles and give your body a chance to recover two weeks prior to your race).
Do your miles SLOWLY, with the exception of one or two speed workouts per week (interval training works well to improve your speed). If you overdo it in your first weeks of training, you risk injury, which could put you out of commission. You need to build up a solid base for running.
I also recommend that if you have never done a race before, or at least a long race (like a 10k or half marathon) register for and complete a few of those before your marathon so that you know what a race feels like. You don't want your first race to be a marathon -- you need some experience.
One more thing -- you are doing a May race, which could be HOT -- carry your own water and gels so you can keep your body fueled and hydrated during your long runs and on race day. You might want to invest in a running belt (you can find them at any running or sporting goods store). Also, the tips about shoes are right on -- you will want to get a size up from what you are used to because your feet swell, especially on long runs. You also might want to pick up some KT tape (for sore spots and potential blister areas) and body glide to prevent chafing.
Okay, one more and I think this is the last one . . . get a Garmin to track your miles and your progress, or at least join dailymile.com or runkeeper -- it will help keep you on track if you log your miles.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
Awesome job on that Marathon! The Marathon im doing is in San Diego and the temperature is pretty much the same year round (70's) , except for those few days. I have a garmin watch now , just havent used it, will def use it once my miles go over 5. I will be doing some races along the way to get me set up for the whole feel of a race.
Thanks again. Awesome!0 -
When I started running I went wholehog not knowing anything and never asking for advice. I got a scortching case of planar faciatias. Everyone here is giving you quality advice because we've all made or at least seen the over enthusiastic mistakes beginning runners make and we're hoping to help you avoid the pain.
This is why I'm not overly concerned about this goal. These things tend to take care of themselves. Personally I think there's little to no chance of this working without an injury. Not in that time frame. tendons, joints, muscles, ligaments. They all need time and training to handle that much distance at once. What do I know? I only took 5 months off for an irritated achilles. Overtraining is a myth.
I certainly know nothing about any of this. I still think it was just a coincidence that as a relatively fit guy new to running in the middle of c25k, I deviated from the plan and ran a challenging 5-mile trail loop two days in a row (because "it was fun") and soon thereafter developed a horrible case of plantar fasciitis that took >4 months from which to recover (and then struggled with it in the *other* foot for several months even while sticking to the remarkably conservative plan).
But all of this anecdotal jibberjabber be damned...
GO BIG OR GO HOME!0 -
So you're not following the plan to a T ... read your post then compare it to C25K. You've once again claimed to be doing things "with C25K" that are not part of it.
Sure boss. To make you happy. You are right. You are the all knowing. Thank you for gracing this forum with your knowledge. LMAO. You are soooooooooo right, I mean heaven forbid that I move after I run the C25k day, because ANY activity after, before, on the same day as..would just be crazy.
I agree. A lot of C25kers have dogs. That's a daily walk before/after the run program. If it's something you are used to doing, it's NBD.
it's not that a 30 min walk is crazy hard and killing her recovery. it's that she's got a short window of time to execute a plan and she's given herself ZERO margin for error or injury...and here we are at week 2 and she's already veered off course. it's more that it's indicative of a personal flaw where she refuses to listen to reason and then won't follow plans that have lead to success for others. if she's already winging it in week 2, what's she going to be doing 5 months from now?
having a personal flaw isn't a big deal. we all have them and i certainly have mine. but not recognizing them and adapting strategies that minimize them is a route that leads to failure more often than not. but hey, more fun to keep blaming things on all the haterz.
I've stayed out of this for a long time, but I am also your friend and watching you. I want to say this publically so these goiod folks can potential add in.
This "Zero Error" is why I believe the C25K is not the best. It is trying to ramp you up to a longer continuous run. then if you go with a transition to 10K it will be trying to ramp you op to a 45 minute continuous run = are trying for a longer and longer continuous run.
A C2Marathon plan graduates your continuous run over a loooooong period of time. You can run a 13 minute pace single mile, and walk a minute, then run a mile/ walk a minute, and do that Marathon within 6:30!
but if you keep working to lengthen your continuous run, you will experience IT overuse, hence a knee twang is right around the corner.
It takes a few years to "run" a marathon. But you can finish one, and feel good, and have fun.
doing a c25K, then a transition to 10K, then transition to half is not the way to go, with your goal in mind.
Couch to Marathon is your best bet.
Todd0 -
One... I applaud you for taking a step and making a big commitment. That's awesome.
Two... just because you don't like the answers- doesn't mean you need to get snarky with people trying to help you.Sure boss. To make you happy. You are right. You are the all knowing. Thank you for gracing this forum with your knowledge. LMAO. You are soooooooooo right, I mean heaven forbid that I move after I run the C25k day, because ANY activity after, before, on the same day as..would just be crazy.
Because you're missing the point.
But you don't have room for tinkering. You've committed to a big undertaking, that requires training- specific training.
You've chosen to do a few programs. But you are already saying you aren't doing the program- you seriously do NOT have room for not doing the program if you want to succeed. The program exists for a reason- follow the program.
If it says rest. then rest. You're GOING to need it. You might not feel like it now- but you will- so get in the habit of resting when it says rest.
If that means foam rolling for you- then roll.
Light yoga and stretching? Going for an easy walk with the dog- sure...
doing nothing on the couch but eating doritos and drinking a cold one- go for it.
REST. don't make up extra work. You don't need it.
You are right, but I get repettive snarkiness..its like if you dont like what im doing get off the forum. Noone needs to read the same 4 comments from the same person.
The only reason im walking after the c25k program is because Im used to doing it. I work out after work..and for the last year this is what ive done. The only thing that has now changed is incorporating c25k for 30 min, but I totally understand that its going to get alot harder and Ill need that extra energy.
Thanks again 0 -
..and this I understand. I will look over this and re-evaluate. Thanks Todd!So you're not following the plan to a T ... read your post then compare it to C25K. You've once again claimed to be doing things "with C25K" that are not part of it.
Sure boss. To make you happy. You are right. You are the all knowing. Thank you for gracing this forum with your knowledge. LMAO. You are soooooooooo right, I mean heaven forbid that I move after I run the C25k day, because ANY activity after, before, on the same day as..would just be crazy.
I agree. A lot of C25kers have dogs. That's a daily walk before/after the run program. If it's something you are used to doing, it's NBD.
it's not that a 30 min walk is crazy hard and killing her recovery. it's that she's got a short window of time to execute a plan and she's given herself ZERO margin for error or injury...and here we are at week 2 and she's already veered off course. it's more that it's indicative of a personal flaw where she refuses to listen to reason and then won't follow plans that have lead to success for others. if she's already winging it in week 2, what's she going to be doing 5 months from now?
having a personal flaw isn't a big deal. we all have them and i certainly have mine. but not recognizing them and adapting strategies that minimize them is a route that leads to failure more often than not. but hey, more fun to keep blaming things on all the haterz.
I've stayed out of this for a long time, but I am also your friend and watching you. I want to say this publically so these goiod folks can potential add in.
This "Zero Error" is why I believe the C25K is not the best. It is trying to ramp you up to a longer continuous run. then if you go with a transition to 10K it will be trying to ramp you op to a 45 minute continuous run = are trying for a longer and longer continuous run.
A C2Marathon plan graduates your continuous run over a loooooong period of time. You can run a 13 minute pace single mile, and walk a minute, then run a mile/ walk a minute, and do that Marathon within 6:30!
but if you keep working to lengthen your continuous run, you will experience IT overuse, hence a knee twang is right around the corner.
It takes a few years to "run" a marathon. But you can finish one, and feel good, and have fun.
doing a c25K, then a transition to 10K, then transition to half is not the way to go, with your goal in mind.
Couch to Marathon is your best bet.
Todd0 -
When I started running I went wholehog not knowing anything and never asking for advice. I got a scortching case of planar faciatias. Everyone here is giving you quality advice because we've all made or at least seen the over enthusiastic mistakes beginning runners make and we're hoping to help you avoid the pain.
This is why I'm not overly concerned about this goal. These things tend to take care of themselves. Personally I think there's little to no chance of this working without an injury. Not in that time frame. tendons, joints, muscles, ligaments. They all need time and training to handle that much distance at once. What do I know? I only took 5 months off for an irritated achilles. Overtraining is a myth.
75% of runners, no matter how experienced or seasoned and regardless of the miles they run each week end up with some sort of soft-tissue injury that requires them to sit it out for at least three training runs sometime in a year. That's the solid reality that all runners live with and work around.
Being a newbie and ramping up distance quickly just loads that set of dice away from your favor.0 -
Avoid grandiose announcements about your intentions to run a marathon. Naysayers can take a toll. I only told my girlfriend. Then when I finished it no one believed me but I had the pictures and medal to prove it. They were stunned.0
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I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.0
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I have not read what everyone has said before me. So if I repeat myself, I'm sorry. These are my tips from years of running.
1. New and good fitting sneakers- replace every 300 miles or so.
2. Learn what you can put in your body nutrition wise. I have diarrhea at 18 miles no matter what.
3. For every pound you lose, you will run about 1.5 to 2 seconds per mile faster. I know you don't care about pace, but this will also be less strain on your body.
4. Get a plan. I can't tell you to start with the C25K or C to marathon. I'm not that good of a fitness guru.
5. Buy a foam roller. It will be the best $30 you ever spend. I lost many a podium spots in tris because I couldn't push thru the end of my run because of a tight IT band.
6. Try running with music and headphones vs no music. When it's hot out, I find the music to be a distraction and an irritation. When I'm cold, it keeps me pumped.
7. Crosstrain- buy a bike, swim, walk, dance, run the fire escape, etc. Something, all, anything. Your muscles will appreciate it. And you will not be bored.
8. Get outside to run when you can. Running on a treadmill is much different than outside running. You need to learn about wind, sun, etc.
9. Find a hill and run it. Repeatedly. Careful with the downhill though, they can cause some injuries and soreness.
10. Consider doing a shorter distance triathlon like a sprint. That will force you to crosstrain.
11. Make sure you take care of your feet and toenails.
12. There are people on here who will tell you to not do it. Maybe they are right, I don't know. I don't know your fitness levels, how much time you have, how dedicated you will be, where you live and what the weather will allow, etc.
13. Be careful. And I don't just mean with injuries and stuff like that. I mean with cars, and strangers. I live in the inner city and don't run after dark. I also won't run with earphones if I find myself out alone in the park. Always carry a bottle of water in my opinion and a few dollars incase you need a taxi. Pay attention to the weather forecast if you go out for a long run and someone can't come get you in a bad storm, especially in a rural area. Always tell someone how long you'll be gone and where you're going or use a Live Tracking app and send to a friend or parent. At 29, my Mom Live Tracks every single run and bike ride I take. There are whackos out there. Your safety is your first priority.
Enjoy this journey. I hope you succeed. If nothing else, it'll be a learning experience for you. You will probably drop some more weight and your fitness will improve if you keep at it. Some days will suck like there is no tomorrow. Your next run could be amazing. Just keep at it. Even a bad run is better than no run.
Friend me if you'd like additional support.
Charlene0 -
Avoid grandiose announcements about your intentions to run a marathon. Naysayers can take a toll. I only told my girlfriend. Then when I finished it no one believed me but I had the pictures and medal to prove it. They were stunned.
hehe freakin awesome!!0 -
I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.
You are right!!0 -
I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.
I understood her goal was to finish, and assumed that meant walking may be included (although she did say "to finish" is her plan b). That doesn't change my answers. Her plan is still C25k, Bridge to 10k and onto a marathon training plan.0 -
I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.
I understood her goal was to finish, and assumed that meant walking may be included (although she did say "to finish" is her plan b). That doesn't change my answers. Her plan is still C25k, Bridge to 10k and onto a marathon training plan.
hopefully she is reconsidering that
not the best idea
review and C2Marathon plan and you can see the sense of it
oh my I am getting caught up in this again...
haha I have done multiple Ironman events, trained so many new runners I can't even count. At the YMCA we used to train groups for charity marathon events, and I will tell you..... this philosophy of doing well at a short distance gives you any chance at a longer distance is riddled with injury and drop outs
a marathon is much much further than 2 half marathons and a half marathon is much further than a couple 10K's0 -
I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.
I understood her goal was to finish, and assumed that meant walking may be included (although she did say "to finish" is her plan b). That doesn't change my answers. Her plan is still C25k, Bridge to 10k and onto a marathon training plan.
hopefully she is reconsidering that
not the best idea
review and C2Marathon plan and you can see the sense of it
oh my I am getting caught up in this again...
haha I have done multiple Ironman events, trained so many new runners I can't even count. At the YMCA we used to train groups for charity marathon events, and I will tell you..... this philosophy of doing well at a short distance gives you any chance at a longer distance is riddled with injury and drop outs
a marathon is much much further than 2 half marathons and a half marathon is much further than a couple 10K's
http://www.yourmarathontrainingplan.com/free-marathon-training-plan/couch-marathon/
This one?
It has you running for 36 minutes for your first run.0 -
I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.
I understood her goal was to finish, and assumed that meant walking may be included (although she did say "to finish" is her plan b). That doesn't change my answers. Her plan is still C25k, Bridge to 10k and onto a marathon training plan.
hopefully she is reconsidering that
not the best idea
review and C2Marathon plan and you can see the sense of it
oh my I am getting caught up in this again...
haha I have done multiple Ironman events, trained so many new runners I can't even count. At the YMCA we used to train groups for charity marathon events, and I will tell you..... this philosophy of doing well at a short distance gives you any chance at a longer distance is riddled with injury and drop outs
a marathon is much much further than 2 half marathons and a half marathon is much further than a couple 10K's
http://www.yourmarathontrainingplan.com/free-marathon-training-plan/couch-marathon/
This one?
It has you running for 36 minutes for your first run.
That one is for "athletes." Here's a more realistic one... not sure if that is the one being assumed. https://www.digitalrunning.com/couch-to-marathon-training-plan/0 -
I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.
I understood her goal was to finish, and assumed that meant walking may be included (although she did say "to finish" is her plan b). That doesn't change my answers. Her plan is still C25k, Bridge to 10k and onto a marathon training plan.
hopefully she is reconsidering that
not the best idea
review and C2Marathon plan and you can see the sense of it
oh my I am getting caught up in this again...
haha I have done multiple Ironman events, trained so many new runners I can't even count. At the YMCA we used to train groups for charity marathon events, and I will tell you..... this philosophy of doing well at a short distance gives you any chance at a longer distance is riddled with injury and drop outs
a marathon is much much further than 2 half marathons and a half marathon is much further than a couple 10K's
http://www.yourmarathontrainingplan.com/free-marathon-training-plan/couch-marathon/
This one?
It has you running for 36 minutes for your first run.
That one is for "athletes." Here's a more realistic one... not sure if that is the one being assumed. https://www.digitalrunning.com/couch-to-marathon-training-plan/
The long run looks a little out of scale for the total weekly mileage.
ETA - the one I posted said "This 30-week training plan is intended for athletes who have no prior run training, but would like to complete a marathon."0 -
When I started running I went wholehog not knowing anything and never asking for advice. I got a scortching case of planar faciatias. Everyone here is giving you quality advice because we've all made or at least seen the over enthusiastic mistakes beginning runners make and we're hoping to help you avoid the pain.
This is why I'm not overly concerned about this goal. These things tend to take care of themselves. Personally I think there's little to no chance of this working without an injury. Not in that time frame. tendons, joints, muscles, ligaments. They all need time and training to handle that much distance at once. What do I know? I only took 5 months off for an irritated achilles. Overtraining is a myth.
75% of runners, no matter how experienced or seasoned and regardless of the miles they run each week end up with some sort of soft-tissue injury that requires them to sit it out for at least three training runs sometime in a year. That's the solid reality that all runners live with and work around.
Being a newbie and ramping up distance quickly just loads that set of dice away from your favor.
Let's see here... in the past year...
Left AND right Achilles inflammation (physical therapy)
Foot pain (doctor visit, bone scan)
Ankle pain/inside shin pain (doctor visit, bone scan, prescrip NSAIDs)
Blisters (live and learn)
I will say this though, OP, and I love your attitude. I think the seasoned runners here, myself included, are perhaps judging your decision based on our criteria of how a marathon is "ran." When I recommend doing a half instead, my frame of reference is that if I run a marathon, I'm going to run it and accept nothing short of a 4:00 for myself. For myself, I do not accept walking in a marathon as a success, but many others do, and that's 100% fine by me as well.0 -
When I started running I went wholehog not knowing anything and never asking for advice. I got a scortching case of planar faciatias. Everyone here is giving you quality advice because we've all made or at least seen the over enthusiastic mistakes beginning runners make and we're hoping to help you avoid the pain.
This is why I'm not overly concerned about this goal. These things tend to take care of themselves. Personally I think there's little to no chance of this working without an injury. Not in that time frame. tendons, joints, muscles, ligaments. They all need time and training to handle that much distance at once. What do I know? I only took 5 months off for an irritated achilles. Overtraining is a myth.
75% of runners, no matter how experienced or seasoned and regardless of the miles they run each week end up with some sort of soft-tissue injury that requires them to sit it out for at least three training runs sometime in a year. That's the solid reality that all runners live with and work around.
Being a newbie and ramping up distance quickly just loads that set of dice away from your favor.
Let's see here... in the past year...
Left AND right Achilles inflammation (physical therapy)
Foot pain (doctor visit, bone scan)
Ankle pain/inside shin pain (doctor visit, bone scan, prescrip NSAIDs)
Blisters (live and learn)
I will say this though, OP, and I love your attitude. I think the seasoned runners here, myself included, are perhaps judging your decision based on our criteria of how a marathon is "ran." When I recommend doing a half instead, my frame of reference is that if I run a marathon, I'm going to run it and accept nothing short of a 4:00 for myself. For myself, I do not accept walking in a marathon as a success, but many others do, and that's 100% fine by me as well.
I accept walking in a marathon as a success. I accepted walking in my half marathon as a success. If there is any intention of being a runner after this event, I think that a slower build would be helpful.0 -
I also thought of a few more:
1. Stick to your training plan, whichever one you choose to do. They understand training, tapering, rest, etc more than you, I, or 99.9% of the posters on here. Running a few races does not make someone a pro and what worked for them, may or may not work for you. I can only give you tips based on my own experience, mistakes, successes, and such.
2. Some say you will gain weight. From what I understand, you still have weight to lose. I'm assuming you will drop as you will still want to maintain a small daily deficit. Don't get discouraged as you balance fueling your body with weight loss. It's a tough balance, but losing fat will help your body during your training and on race day.
3. Buy a good running app. I use Runtastic Pro (don't have the Gold plan) because it allows me to dissect my running (or biking) afterwards. Also buy one of those arm bands to hold it. Mine holds a $20 bill and a CC as well.
4. Wear an ID bracelet with emergency contact info when you run outside. Or at least carry your license (or a copy) with you. Tape a copy to your phone.
5. This will be easier without excessive amounts of alcohol.
6. I like running in circles more than an out and back run. I'd rather create a course using different roads and neighborhoods than run x distance or time out, turn around and run it back. Just a personal preference.
7. A man I work with who coaches a high school cross country team taught me this drill for increasing speed as you progress. I like doing it weekly. I'd do this when you can comfortably jog an hour without stopping. Go to a track. Set your countdown time for 6:00. Sprint on the inside lane for 1 lap (1/4 mile). From that time left to 3:00, recover. Get a sip of water, walk, lightly job. At 3:00, repeat. Do that for 3 weeks. Then add another 3:00. Your times will improve and you should be able to get up to 8 repeats I understand this may be 6-8 months away, but that is how I do speed work 1x week.
8. Explain why you plan on finishing the marathon and not "race" it. And I don't mean race to win, I mean race to get the best possible time. If not, you can walk 26.2 miles on your own. You will get to a point where you will want to "race" it.
Charlene0 -
When I started running I went wholehog not knowing anything and never asking for advice. I got a scortching case of planar faciatias. Everyone here is giving you quality advice because we've all made or at least seen the over enthusiastic mistakes beginning runners make and we're hoping to help you avoid the pain.
This is why I'm not overly concerned about this goal. These things tend to take care of themselves. Personally I think there's little to no chance of this working without an injury. Not in that time frame. tendons, joints, muscles, ligaments. They all need time and training to handle that much distance at once. What do I know? I only took 5 months off for an irritated achilles. Overtraining is a myth.
75% of runners, no matter how experienced or seasoned and regardless of the miles they run each week end up with some sort of soft-tissue injury that requires them to sit it out for at least three training runs sometime in a year. That's the solid reality that all runners live with and work around.
Being a newbie and ramping up distance quickly just loads that set of dice away from your favor.
Let's see here... in the past year...
Left AND right Achilles inflammation (physical therapy)
Foot pain (doctor visit, bone scan)
Ankle pain/inside shin pain (doctor visit, bone scan, prescrip NSAIDs)
Blisters (live and learn)
I will say this though, OP, and I love your attitude. I think the seasoned runners here, myself included, are perhaps judging your decision based on our criteria of how a marathon is "ran." When I recommend doing a half instead, my frame of reference is that if I run a marathon, I'm going to run it and accept nothing short of a 4:00 for myself. For myself, I do not accept walking in a marathon as a success, but many others do, and that's 100% fine by me as well.
Yeah I agree. I mean I think it would be unrealistic to say that im going to 100% run the marathon. I am sure I will stop at some point , or slow down as to "jog". I dont have a time in mind, I just want to not get picked up by the Losers van. lol..my success will come in the training. I have never run a mile in my whole life, even as a chubby little fat kid. So now even me running for a full 3 min yesterday was a win. My end goal is to cross that finish line, but also my success will come from the "running" leading up to it.
Thanks for the attitude praise. You runners are all a tough crowd. lol....luckily for me, I have tough skin being raised with 5 boys!
Also, thank you for your service Mr. Airman!0 -
I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.
I understood her goal was to finish, and assumed that meant walking may be included (although she did say "to finish" is her plan b). That doesn't change my answers. Her plan is still C25k, Bridge to 10k and onto a marathon training plan.
hopefully she is reconsidering that
not the best idea
review and C2Marathon plan and you can see the sense of it
oh my I am getting caught up in this again...
haha I have done multiple Ironman events, trained so many new runners I can't even count. At the YMCA we used to train groups for charity marathon events, and I will tell you..... this philosophy of doing well at a short distance gives you any chance at a longer distance is riddled with injury and drop outs
a marathon is much much further than 2 half marathons and a half marathon is much further than a couple 10K's
http://www.yourmarathontrainingplan.com/free-marathon-training-plan/couch-marathon/
This one?
It has you running for 36 minutes for your first run.
That one is for "athletes." Here's a more realistic one... not sure if that is the one being assumed. https://www.digitalrunning.com/couch-to-marathon-training-plan/
The long run looks a little out of scale for the total weekly mileage.
ETA - the one I posted said "This 30-week training plan is intended for athletes who have no prior run training, but would like to complete a marathon."
That is why I assumed they meant serious athletes and why it assumes a higher level of fitness than someone who would normally be starting at "couch."
I don't have enough experience to say whether the one I linked to is a good plan or not, but at least it seems to start at true "couch" status given all of the walk/run intervals prescribed.0 -
I think, after reading most of this thread over many days, people are confusing the goal(to finish) with runners(those run from start to finish). The OP isn't training to run a marathon. She has clearly indicated she plans to walk/run to finish.
I understood her goal was to finish, and assumed that meant walking may be included (although she did say "to finish" is her plan b). That doesn't change my answers. Her plan is still C25k, Bridge to 10k and onto a marathon training plan.
hopefully she is reconsidering that
not the best idea
review and C2Marathon plan and you can see the sense of it
oh my I am getting caught up in this again...
haha I have done multiple Ironman events, trained so many new runners I can't even count. At the YMCA we used to train groups for charity marathon events, and I will tell you..... this philosophy of doing well at a short distance gives you any chance at a longer distance is riddled with injury and drop outs
a marathon is much much further than 2 half marathons and a half marathon is much further than a couple 10K's
http://www.yourmarathontrainingplan.com/free-marathon-training-plan/couch-marathon/
This one?
It has you running for 36 minutes for your first run.
That one is for "athletes." Here's a more realistic one... not sure if that is the one being assumed. https://www.digitalrunning.com/couch-to-marathon-training-plan/
The long run looks a little out of scale for the total weekly mileage.
ETA - the one I posted said "This 30-week training plan is intended for athletes who have no prior run training, but would like to complete a marathon."
That is why I assumed they meant serious athletes and why it assumes a higher level of fitness than someone who would normally be starting at "couch."
I don't have enough experience to say whether the one I linked to is a good plan or not, but at least it seems to start at true "couch" status given all of the walk/run intervals prescribed.
Gotcha.0 -
To be clear, my comments in this thread have been for the benefit of those reading more than for OP. OP has made up her mind. There is apparently no changing it one bit...and that doesn't bother me at all. I'm not trying to convince her that her approach is less than ideal. I'm trying to convince those who may be mislead into thinking that her approach is a good idea.
Training injuries suck and are unfortunately unavoidable. However, there are reasonable steps that can be taken to mitigate the likelihood and severity.
"Finish or bust"with a relatively short time frame starting with an untrained individual is a recipe for a bad time.0 -
When I started running I went wholehog not knowing anything and never asking for advice. I got a scortching case of planar faciatias. Everyone here is giving you quality advice because we've all made or at least seen the over enthusiastic mistakes beginning runners make and we're hoping to help you avoid the pain.
This is why I'm not overly concerned about this goal. These things tend to take care of themselves. Personally I think there's little to no chance of this working without an injury. Not in that time frame. tendons, joints, muscles, ligaments. They all need time and training to handle that much distance at once. What do I know? I only took 5 months off for an irritated achilles. Overtraining is a myth.
75% of runners, no matter how experienced or seasoned and regardless of the miles they run each week end up with some sort of soft-tissue injury that requires them to sit it out for at least three training runs sometime in a year. That's the solid reality that all runners live with and work around.
Being a newbie and ramping up distance quickly just loads that set of dice away from your favor.
Let's see here... in the past year...
Left AND right Achilles inflammation (physical therapy)
Foot pain (doctor visit, bone scan)
Ankle pain/inside shin pain (doctor visit, bone scan, prescrip NSAIDs)
Blisters (live and learn)
I will say this though, OP, and I love your attitude. I think the seasoned runners here, myself included, are perhaps judging your decision based on our criteria of how a marathon is "ran." When I recommend doing a half instead, my frame of reference is that if I run a marathon, I'm going to run it and accept nothing short of a 4:00 for myself. For myself, I do not accept walking in a marathon as a success, but many others do, and that's 100% fine by me as well.
Yeah I agree. I mean I think it would be unrealistic to say that im going to 100% run the marathon. I am sure I will stop at some point , or slow down as to "jog". I dont have a time in mind, I just want to not get picked up by the Losers van. lol..my success will come in the training. I have never run a mile in my whole life, even as a chubby little fat kid. So now even me running for a full 3 min yesterday was a win. My end goal is to cross that finish line, but also my success will come from the "running" leading up to it.
Thanks for the attitude praise. You runners are all a tough crowd. lol....luckily for me, I have tough skin being raised with 5 boys!
Also, thank you for your service Mr. Airman!
I think you should plan to both train and actually run at specific run/walk intervals as you are building towards your goal. Perhaps I am projecting, because that's what I am doing for my first marathon training. I ran a 20 mile race in May and there's no way at all I could have done it without walk intervals, despite being perfectly capable of running for 10-13 miles (depending on the day and course) straight. The physical toll of marathon training is much, much higher than even half marathon training. And once you get past half marathon mileage, things can start to happen that are strange and scary. You can fake your way through a half marathon if you are reasonably fit. Faking your way through a marathon is extremely difficult.0 -
I also thought of a few more:
1. Stick to your training plan, whichever one you choose to do. They understand training, tapering, rest, etc more than you, I, or 99.9% of the posters on here. Running a few races does not make someone a pro and what worked for them, may or may not work for you. I can only give you tips based on my own experience, mistakes, successes, and such.
2. Some say you will gain weight. From what I understand, you still have weight to lose. I'm assuming you will drop as you will still want to maintain a small daily deficit. Don't get discouraged as you balance fueling your body with weight loss. It's a tough balance, but losing fat will help your body during your training and on race day.
3. Buy a good running app. I use Runtastic Pro (don't have the Gold plan) because it allows me to dissect my running (or biking) afterwards. Also buy one of those arm bands to hold it. Mine holds a $20 bill and a CC as well.
4. Wear an ID bracelet with emergency contact info when you run outside. Or at least carry your license (or a copy) with you. Tape a copy to your phone.
5. This will be easier without excessive amounts of alcohol.
6. I like running in circles more than an out and back run. I'd rather create a course using different roads and neighborhoods than run x distance or time out, turn around and run it back. Just a personal preference.
7. A man I work with who coaches a high school cross country team taught me this drill for increasing speed as you progress. I like doing it weekly. I'd do this when you can comfortably jog an hour without stopping. Go to a track. Set your countdown time for 6:00. Sprint on the inside lane for 1 lap (1/4 mile). From that time left to 3:00, recover. Get a sip of water, walk, lightly job. At 3:00, repeat. Do that for 3 weeks. Then add another 3:00. Your times will improve and you should be able to get up to 8 repeats I understand this may be 6-8 months away, but that is how I do speed work 1x week.
8. Explain why you plan on finishing the marathon and not "race" it. And I don't mean race to win, I mean race to get the best possible time. If not, you can walk 26.2 miles on your own. You will get to a point where you will want to "race" it.
Charlene
These are good ideas , some I never thought about. # 8. Well yes you are right, I dont want to walk the whole thing, otherwise I wouldnt be "training" . This is something of a challenge to myself. Being immobile last year to now being able to train for something, to have a goal, to be a part of something greater then me is my goal. I will do my best to finish the race running, and I will also do my best to finish it in the best time for myself. I have quite a few obstacles including 3 large hills in San Diego, BUT thats why a person trains. I cannot foresee everything bad that will happen (injuries etc.) but If I do go down, I wont go down without a fight. lol......
Thanks for the sprinting advice, this will def be useful.0
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