Running Questions?

emloz345
emloz345 Posts: 2 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys! I'm currently a full time student, and, though I'm rather slow and not naturally built for running, I LOVE it. I'm more naturally built for strength training - which I do, anywhere between 3 and 4 times a week. I train hardcore woth a personal trainer on Saturdays and Sundays. I really want to increase my mileage and work toward running a half marathon in June or July. I've done lots of 5ks and a 10k, and I really want to step it up. However, I'm having a really hard time finding when a good time for those extra long runs would be. Should I do it immediately after my classes, or would it be a bad idea to run on those tough weight training days on the weekend when I will have time? Also, any other tips? Thank you all so much!

Replies

  • NaturalNancy
    NaturalNancy Posts: 1,093 Member
    It is up to you!
    Try it at different times and see what you like best, I don't think there is a specific time you should run.
  • emloz345
    emloz345 Posts: 2 Member
    Alright, I'll do that. Thank you!
  • NaturalNancy
    NaturalNancy Posts: 1,093 Member
    Way to go! Hope you find a good time!

    :-D
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    emloz345 wrote: »
    Hey guys! I'm currently a full time student, and, though I'm rather slow and not naturally built for running, I LOVE it. I'm more naturally built for strength training - which I do, anywhere between 3 and 4 times a week. I train hardcore woth a personal trainer on Saturdays and Sundays. I really want to increase my mileage and work toward running a half marathon in June or July. I've done lots of 5ks and a 10k, and I really want to step it up. However, I'm having a really hard time finding when a good time for those extra long runs would be. Should I do it immediately after my classes, or would it be a bad idea to run on those tough weight training days on the weekend when I will have time? Also, any other tips? Thank you all so much!

    I used to think that too until I finally got serious about running. Turns out I'm pretty good at it. We'll see how good over the next couple years but I'm already better than I ever thought possible.

    Don't sell yourself short. There may be a runner inside you just waiting to get out. :D
  • ironhajee
    ironhajee Posts: 384 Member
    dewd2 wrote: »
    emloz345 wrote: »
    Hey guys! I'm currently a full time student, and, though I'm rather slow and not naturally built for running, I LOVE it. I'm more naturally built for strength training - which I do, anywhere between 3 and 4 times a week. I train hardcore woth a personal trainer on Saturdays and Sundays. I really want to increase my mileage and work toward running a half marathon in June or July. I've done lots of 5ks and a 10k, and I really want to step it up. However, I'm having a really hard time finding when a good time for those extra long runs would be. Should I do it immediately after my classes, or would it be a bad idea to run on those tough weight training days on the weekend when I will have time? Also, any other tips? Thank you all so much!

    I used to think that too until I finally got serious about running. Turns out I'm pretty good at it. We'll see how good over the next couple years but I'm already better than I ever thought possible.

    Don't sell yourself short. There may be a runner inside you just waiting to get out. :D

    Agreed! Believe in yourself!
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,506 Member
    Its personal preference, really, but my general tip for anyone in their first distance race is to set up your long run as race practice. So if the race is on a Sunday morning, go out for your long runs Sunday morning. This way you can practice nutrition (what you eat for breakfast, what time you eat, what works, what doesn't, etc - oh, also pay attention to what you eat the day before your long run). When you wake up on race morning, your body already knows 'Oh, its Sunday morning. Time to run. I know this routine".

    This is less crucial in a half marathon than it is in a full, however, so its up to you. I don't know that I'd want to run 10 miles and then go squat heavy, so I can understand just trying to fit your miles in whenever.

  • Aed0416
    Aed0416 Posts: 101 Member
    Labeling yourself as not naturally built as a runner is setting you up to think running is "harder" before you are out the door. Stop that. You are human, I am assuming, so you are literally naturally built to run. Your body type may not be inclined to win a marathon, but that's not what you are going for.

    You are going to have to fit in your long runs. They aren't going to be convenient. I like to get them out of the way early. They will probably feel easiest prior to lifting. This may mean you have some lifting days that are more difficult and less effective but training for this half may have to be the priority for a couple of months.
  • litsy3
    litsy3 Posts: 783 Member
    I'm built like a lady rugby player, but when I got into running it turned out I was reasonably good at it. I just look a bit less skinny than the other girls standing around in their crop tops on the start line, but it doesn't always mean they are faster (although sometimes it does).

    My tip would be to keep most of your runs really easy - you're building up your distance, so you don't need to push really hard, and especially not when fitting it in around weight training.
  • PoundChaser2
    PoundChaser2 Posts: 241 Member
    Look up a training program for the distance you want to run and follow it the best you can. Food is trial and error. If your really into the running keep a log book for each run.

    Training log (might) include the following:
    1. How far or how long
    2. Where
    3. Food you ate /when you ate /was it enough /did it sit well
    4. What did you wear/did it work
    5. Weather conditions
    6. Any unusal pains/ where

    Your list could include whatever you need.

    Good luck!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories