Where to begin? x-posted to Half Marathon Training Group

mellenorris

Hi there! Sort of new to running.

I signed up for a TON of 5k's when I developed a shoulder injury that kept me from doing the circuit training I love. Just as a motivator to keep me active/not bummed out about my shoulder. It's not that I dislike running, but several years ago when I started getting into fitness, it was a nonstop battle with shin splints. My first 5k will be at the end of this month! Signed up for the Graffiti Run... nice and casual. I completed my first 5k without stopping last week (treadmill, not outside). I do enjoy outdoor running whenever the weather is agreeable, which has been very hit and miss here in Colorado!

I've recently invested in some new running shoes (Newtons!) that have totally cured my shin splints issue. They seem to force me to not land on my heels, and I love it. No more pain! I've obviously been training more, trying to do a 5k a few times a week (if walking, more distance). Recently some friends of mine persuaded me to sign up for a half-marathon in October... what was I thinking?! I've still got weight to lose, and I can just barely finish a 5k without stopping!

I'm being relocated for work for three months to the middle of nowhere desert land that is Gallup, NM. I've gotten advice to avoid running alone outdoors there - it's hot during the day, unsafe during the nights, and not particularly pedestrian-friendly. My hotel has a treadmill, so that's all I'll be training with (plus cross-training in my hotel room, if my shoulder will allow it!). What do you recommend for training? Any favorite programs? I'll be in this hotel through early August, with the half-marathon in late October. I feel like by not training outside, I'll be in trouble when I get back to Colorado and can run around on real hills again (fortunately, Gallup is at about the same elevation as my home town, so no concerns there). Any successful treadmill-only training stories out there?

To top it off, I'll be limited to food I can eat raw, or cook in a microwave (my hotel has a fridge, and a microwave in it... but no oven!). It's going to be a challenge! What are your favorite raw foods pre- and post- run? I need all the tips and support I can get.

Thanks guys! I'll take all the advice I can get.

JenMc14

Look at jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon for training programs. The race you're running may have on on it's website as well. That's where I got my 5K plan I'm using right now, my local race's website. I think running indoors will be fine until August as long as you're able to get switched to outdoors for at least a couple of runs before your race. I'm running only on a treadmill right now, my 5K is in June, it's been over a year since I've run outside at all, really, probably. I'll be getting outside for the first time this Saturday, and will only be able to do once a week outside unless I decide I need to run outside more and I change my workout schedule.

mellenorris

Look at jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon for training programs.

Thanks for dropping some names - I haven't heard of either of these folks! I've seen C25K, and since I can juuuust push out a 5k right now, I'm really much more interested in how to train for that half marathon on a treadmill! These should help a ton. Good luck with your training!