Couch to Half Marathon? Is this possible?
Replies
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agreedmalavika413 wrote: »Almost anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
you should be- every fitness program should have some element of strength/resistance training and some element of cardiovascular training.I'm not interested in strength training.
I don't like running- I don't like cardio.
I do it because it's good for me.
Just like resistance training will make you a better runner and will increase bone density- which as a woman you should be extra concerned about.
I understand that this site really promotes strength training, but at the moment it isn't part of my goals. I'm interested in becoming thinner, that's about all.
who said anything about not being thinner? lifting weights won't make you bigger. it will make you stronger.
You've progressed since the last time you posted- to wanting to do SOMETHING at all- so WIN! Big win.
But the reality is- you need to have both. Period.
It isn't about being thin- or not- it's about what's good for your body and health and wellness.
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<sigh>
What you look like is a matter of body fat composition- not bony- not bony- toned- or ripped.
You can still be strong- and functional and not be "toned"
It's like you think you are going to go to one class and get a degree- like picking up some weights is going to makke you ripped over night. that's not the way it works.
Secondly- being 'bony' isn't healthy. And if you think that's some sort of paramount look to achieve- I would recommend seeing someone about your view of your body.
Check out Staci on nerd fitness- she's not really ripped- but she's incredibly strong. Lifting weights- or even doing body weight workouts is REALLY good for you- and you can control what your body looks like with the amount of body fat you have on it.0 -
<sigh>
What you look like is a matter of body fat composition- not bony- not bony- toned- or ripped.
You can still be strong- and functional and not be "toned"
It's like you think you are going to go to one class and get a degree- like picking up some weights is going to makke you ripped over night. that's not the way it works.
Secondly- being 'bony' isn't healthy. And if you think that's some sort of paramount look to achieve- I would recommend seeing someone about your view of your body.
Check out Staci on nerd fitness- she's not really ripped- but she's incredibly strong. Lifting weights- or even doing body weight workouts is REALLY good for you- and you can control what your body looks like with the amount of body fat you have on it.
I've seen Staci on nerd fitness. I'm happy that she's happy with her body, but it's not the body I want.
Maybe 'bony' wasn't the right word. I just want skinny and boyish more than I want curvy and feminine.
I understand I won't be ripped overnight, but I've told myself that once I get down to my goal weight (about 110-105 pounds), I'll consider strength training.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »Hi there! So, my university hosts a half marathon every March, and it's supposed to be a rite of passage for every student to attempt it at least once. No, I'm not trying to do it this March, but a friend of mine roped me into running with her next year. This is the kind of friend that never forgets a promise, and she's extremely disciplined and a talented runner--so I can't get out of this easily.
I'm really, really out of shape. We're talking gets-winded-up-a-flight-of-stairs out of shape. Would it be possible for me to train for a half marathon by March 2016? If so, is there a program I could follow? Something a chub like me could accomplish, within reason?
In a year? TOTALLY do-able. You have OVER a year to train for it. Getting past the first mile without stopping, then the first 5 miles without stopping. Those were the first two big steps for me when I first started running. Once I got past 5 miles, it was smooth sailing getting to 10. I did my first half in November and am currently training for a full marathon. You've got ample time. I'd make sure you find a training schedule, allow rest days and do cross training.
Learn about fueling, hydration, etc and invest in a GOOD pair of running shoes...it made all the difference and can help prevent injuries.
Best of luck! I love LOVE running-feel free to add me!
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malavika413 wrote: »Resistance training isn't a must for everyone, though.
It's not essential, but it helps improve running performance and reduce the risk of running injury.0 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Resistance training isn't a must for everyone, though.
It's not essential, but it helps improve running performance and reduce the risk of running injury.
I also hear a lack of bone density is a b!atch.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »<sigh>
What you look like is a matter of body fat composition- not bony- not bony- toned- or ripped.
You can still be strong- and functional and not be "toned"
It's like you think you are going to go to one class and get a degree- like picking up some weights is going to makke you ripped over night. that's not the way it works.
Secondly- being 'bony' isn't healthy. And if you think that's some sort of paramount look to achieve- I would recommend seeing someone about your view of your body.
Check out Staci on nerd fitness- she's not really ripped- but she's incredibly strong. Lifting weights- or even doing body weight workouts is REALLY good for you- and you can control what your body looks like with the amount of body fat you have on it.
I've seen Staci on nerd fitness. I'm happy that she's happy with her body, but it's not the body I want.
Maybe 'bony' wasn't the right word. I just want skinny and boyish more than I want curvy and feminine.
I understand I won't be ripped overnight, but I've told myself that once I get down to my goal weight (about 110-105 pounds), I'll consider strength training.
Why wait? Strength training will make you faster by increasing leg strength and improving your VO2 max. You'll increase type I and type II muscle fibers, so you'll start the marathon strong and finish just as strong. It will also help prevent a variety of injuries.
Strength training also helps you lose body fat while retaining the muscle you do have (because you will not build much if any muscle on a deficit), so more of the weight you lose is from fat. So, in the end when you run you have better body composition. Better body composition means a more efficient body, especially when it comes to running.0 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Resistance training isn't a must for everyone, though.
It's not essential, but it helps improve running performance and reduce the risk of running injury.
I also hear a lack of bone density is a b!atch.
Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.0 -
Many running clubs have beginners groups in the spring. Don't be put off by the word club - our beginners course has over 100 beginners each year, most of whom cannot run half a mile when they start - a 10 week course (2 sessions a week) culminates with a 5k run and then the option to join the club and take it as far they want. Shared experience, commitment and achievement help keep the motivation high.
Also look online for a "Park run" near you - these are free to enter 5k run/walks every Saturday morning (you don`t have to do every but once a month or so is a godd way to measure your progress) There`s a mix of entrants from elite athletes to dog walkers, pram pushers and children. They have them in most towns now0 -
malavika413 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Resistance training isn't a must for everyone, though.
It's not essential, but it helps improve running performance and reduce the risk of running injury.
I also hear a lack of bone density is a b!atch.
Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.
If you worry about it now- not only will you be able to carry your groceries- books and things around easily- when you fall later in life you WON"T break a hip.
I know people who have been in tremendous accidents that they only reason they weren't dead or more seriously injuried was 1.) increased bone density and 2.) more muscle to protext themselves.
There is absolutely no reason to NOT be doing SOME sort of resistance training at ANY age- ANY stage- even if it's body weight plyometrics.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.
You've already identified that you have joint problems and that you're significantly overweight, both of which exacerbate other conditions.
Resistance training of some kind has benefits, you pick your objectives and train accordingly. Not all resistance training is about maxing out the weights.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Resistance training isn't a must for everyone, though.
It's not essential, but it helps improve running performance and reduce the risk of running injury.
I also hear a lack of bone density is a b!atch.
Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.
Well, you did say osteoporosis runs in your family. It wouldn't be a risk I'd be willing to take.
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and come on- pushing your own car out of the snow IS kind of awesome.0
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MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.
You've already identified that you have joint problems and that you're significantly overweight, both of which exacerbate other conditions.
Resistance training of some kind has benefits, you pick your objectives and train accordingly. Not all resistance training is about maxing out the weights.
Okay, fair enough, being fat and having weak knees make probability higher.
I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Almost anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
you should be- every fitness program should have some element of strength/resistance training and some element of cardiovascular training.I'm not interested in strength training.
I don't like running- I don't like cardio.
I do it because it's good for me.
Just like resistance training will make you a better runner and will increase bone density- which as a woman you should be extra concerned about.
I understand that this site really promotes strength training, but at the moment it isn't part of my goals. I'm interested in becoming thinner, that's about all.
Hmm. Osteoporosis isn't very sexy to discuss of course.
I prefer a holistic view to health myself. Running supports various areas of life and strength/resistance training supports running among other things.
I try to get enough calcium to avoid osteoporosis, since it runs in my family anyway.
I'm doing the running to prove my friend I can, also because BF and I could use something other than TV to do. Resistance training isn't a must for everyone, though. Not everyone has a toned body as a goal.
A healthy, balanced nutrition plan is great but if you intend to run, muscle and joint strength really is in your best interest to develop. And when your body is strong and capable, the pounding during running will excert mechanical stress on the bones, which will remodel their structure as a result, thereby doing even more to prevent osteoporosis. The starting point for that, though, is strength and oxygen metabolism.
Ballerinas are strong but visually there isn't anything huge about them.
I'm saying all this because your goal isn't just a 10K but a half-marathon.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.
You've already identified that you have joint problems and that you're significantly overweight, both of which exacerbate other conditions.
Resistance training of some kind has benefits, you pick your objectives and train accordingly. Not all resistance training is about maxing out the weights.
Okay, fair enough, being fat and having weak knees make probability higher.
I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
Strength training will help you get to your goals. Saying you are going to fail at any sort of strength training just reinforces how important it should be to your life and your marathon training.0 -
OP - I remember you.
I'm glad to see that you have opened up to some exercise. I think that's great.
But, with all due respect, it's not strength training that is going to get in the way of your goals. It's fear.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.
You've already identified that you have joint problems and that you're significantly overweight, both of which exacerbate other conditions.
Resistance training of some kind has benefits, you pick your objectives and train accordingly. Not all resistance training is about maxing out the weights.
Okay, fair enough, being fat and having weak knees make probability higher.
I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
Back to the topic at hand...
My run times and endurance during longer runs improved significantly once I started doing squats every other day. You don't even have to use a bar if you don't want to! Just start with bodyweight squats. It seriously helps.
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if anything it will HELP you're goals and secondly- the only way to get stronger is by doing the things.I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
Even MR Olympia started somewhere- again- body weight stuff is resistance training- and can be done at home with no equipment. No one was born strong.
There are always multiple ways to attack the problem.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.
You've already identified that you have joint problems and that you're significantly overweight, both of which exacerbate other conditions.
Resistance training of some kind has benefits, you pick your objectives and train accordingly. Not all resistance training is about maxing out the weights.
Okay, fair enough, being fat and having weak knees make probability higher.
I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
How would strength training in any way get in the way of your goals?
And how do you know it is a fail, unless you have already decided that?0 -
malavika413 wrote: »Okay, fair enough, being fat and having weak knees make probability higher.
I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
In my first post on cross training I mentioned bodyweight training, it's not about lifting huge weights, it's about putting your existing strength under progressive stress to improve performance. Exactly the same as developing your running potential from 8*60 seconds on week one day one of C25K until a 1:50 half marathon, as I've done over 18 months.
Use the tools that help you to achieve your goals. If that goal is a half, then train for a half and cross train in a way that supports that objective.
I do a couple of bodyweight sessions per week, on a short run day I'll run 5km to the park, do a session of bodyweight in the park for half an hour then run home. That makes it more palatable for me.
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This thread is something else.0
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MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Okay, fair enough, being fat and having weak knees make probability higher.
I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
In my first post on cross training I mentioned bodyweight training, it's not about lifting huge weights, it's about putting your existing strength under progressive stress to improve performance. Exactly the same as developing your running potential from 8*60 seconds on week one day one of C25K until a 1:50 half marathon, as I've done over 18 months.
Use the tools that help you to achieve your goals. If that goal is a half, then train for a half and cross train in a way that supports that objective.
I do a couple of bodyweight sessions per week, on a short run day I'll run 5km to the park, do a session of bodyweight in the park for half an hour then run home. That makes it more palatable for me.
What do you do as far as bodyweight training? Is it mainly things like push-ups (because I can't do a single one), or are there other exercises?0 -
malavika413 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Does every person that chooses not to strength train collapse from brittle bones? I mean, once we're old everybody falls and hurts themselves. It's nothing to worry about till I'm past retirement age.
You've already identified that you have joint problems and that you're significantly overweight, both of which exacerbate other conditions.
Resistance training of some kind has benefits, you pick your objectives and train accordingly. Not all resistance training is about maxing out the weights.
Okay, fair enough, being fat and having weak knees make probability higher.
I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
How would strength training in any way get in the way of your goals?
And how do you know it is a fail, unless you have already decided that?
I'm focused on attaining a skinny body, not retaining curves. Most women I know use strength training to retain their curves. I'm not a fan of my curves at all, I'd love to lose them.0 -
if anything it will HELP you're goals and secondly- the only way to get stronger is by doing the things.I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
Even MR Olympia started somewhere- again- body weight stuff is resistance training- and can be done at home with no equipment. No one was born strong.
There are always multiple ways to attack the problem.
The at home, no equipment idea seems like a good way to go about it. I don't want to lift weights in front of people, so anything I can do in private would be great.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »malavika413 wrote: »Okay, fair enough, being fat and having weak knees make probability higher.
I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
In my first post on cross training I mentioned bodyweight training, it's not about lifting huge weights, it's about putting your existing strength under progressive stress to improve performance. Exactly the same as developing your running potential from 8*60 seconds on week one day one of C25K until a 1:50 half marathon, as I've done over 18 months.
Use the tools that help you to achieve your goals. If that goal is a half, then train for a half and cross train in a way that supports that objective.
I do a couple of bodyweight sessions per week, on a short run day I'll run 5km to the park, do a session of bodyweight in the park for half an hour then run home. That makes it more palatable for me.
What do you do as far as bodyweight training? Is it mainly things like push-ups (because I can't do a single one), or are there other exercises?
you can do push ups on a wall- then a desk- then a chair.
check out nerd fitness best beginner body weigh routine- lots of ways to go about attacking the problem
it's never a matter of can I do this exact thing.. it's a matter of "what can I do at MY level that's still DO-ABLE- but not crushing or impossible- but still work"
start at the bottom- get stronger- work your way up.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »What do you do as far as bodyweight training? Is it mainly things like push-ups (because I can't do a single one), or are there other exercises?
Look up You Are Your Own Gym, there are other programmes like Convict Conditioning0 -
malavika413 wrote: »
if anything it will HELP you're goals and secondly- the only way to get stronger is by doing the things.I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
Even MR Olympia started somewhere- again- body weight stuff is resistance training- and can be done at home with no equipment. No one was born strong.
There are always multiple ways to attack the problem.
The at home, no equipment idea seems like a good way to go about it. I don't want to lift weights in front of people, so anything I can do in private would be great.
upside to lifting/working out at home.
no pants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNNNNNING
Body by You
You are your own gym -as mentioned
convict contidioning
loving fit by tatiana (website
zuzka light (youtube
dailyhiit.com
angry trainer fitness
bloglaties
fitnessblender
lots of places to get quick workouts.0 -
malavika413 wrote: »
if anything it will HELP you're goals and secondly- the only way to get stronger is by doing the things.I just don't want strength training to get in the way of my goals. I'm also kind of puny and lifting weights would be a huge fail.
Even MR Olympia started somewhere- again- body weight stuff is resistance training- and can be done at home with no equipment. No one was born strong.
There are always multiple ways to attack the problem.
The at home, no equipment idea seems like a good way to go about it. I don't want to lift weights in front of people, so anything I can do in private would be great.
upside to lifting/working out at home.
no pants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNNNNNING
Body by You
You are your own gym -as mentioned
convict contidioning
loving fit by tatiana (website
zuzka light (youtube
dailyhiit.com
angry trainer fitness
bloglaties
fitnessblender
lots of places to get quick workouts.
Thank you! These look pretty good. I'll find something in my comfort zone and try it out.0 -
You have got to be trolling......0
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