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Question for runners

Mommawarrior
Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So, I am going to go to South Dakota with a friend this August and she is running a marathon there. I am so jealous I can't stand it but I know I can not do it. I was in marathon training several years back but got seriously injured while coaching varsity boys soccer and had to stop running. I have only been able to start running again a couple months back. I am thinking of doing the half marathon that is also going on there that day but what I am wondering is this. My husband and I have started mountain biking and he is very into it and wants to go almost daily. I have not been running like I had hoped to because of it. I do not think I should run and bike on the same day and I also know that I must give my body a rest. Is it a wise idea to even consider trying to be ready for a half marathon on August 21st? Or should I just put the running on the back burner because I know my husband isn't gonna put biking on the back burner.
I will take any advice I can get. Thank you.

Replies

  • taryn_perry
    taryn_perry Posts: 193 Member
    You definitely want to allow enough time to properly train for even a 1/2 marathon. It's great to cross train, but if that means you rarely get out for a run, then it may be best to wait. That being said, if you can get in 3-4 runs a week (2 or 3 short and 1 long), then bike on the other days, that may work. But you do need to allow your body to properly recover from each activity.

    Maybe not very helpful, but it's worth trying and if you don't find you are ready, don't risk doing the 1/2 when the time comes.
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    You don't say how many miles you typically run. If you are physically fit, no injuries currently, and an experienced runner and can get in/up to the kind of training mileage you would need to get to by mid August (with at least a week or two of "tapering" before the race) you could probably do it. I'm a newer runner and am training for a 1/2 marathon in October and using a 16 week training plan through Jeff Galloway's website...you might also look at Runner's World's website for training plans and tips.

    Good luck!
  • Mommawarrior
    Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
    When I get to run, I do typically 3 to 4 miles. But I have only ran 2 times in the last 2 weeks because we mountain bike at least 5 days a week, sometimes 6 and normally our rides are between 6 to 10 miles, except on Saturdays when they are between 12-20. We did 23 on this past Saturday and I ran a 5K on Sunday. I was hoping to rest the legs today but my husband said we are biking.
    My injury was in August of 2009. I was kicked VERY hard in the shin bone and it just shattered the bone like a broken windshield on a car when the windshield doesn't fall apart, it just is all shattered. The docs said it will never fully heal. My bone still looks like it has a bazillion little splinters all over it, but it doesn't hurt to run on it.
  • mmelaragno
    mmelaragno Posts: 162
    Ahh I'm a South Dakota girl! :heart: Where is the marathon at? I just started running and we have a half marathon in September that I was hoping to train and run in but so far I haven't been able to train enough. I'm interested to see some responses. You've inspired me to get my booty in gear!!
  • Mommawarrior
    Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
    Ahh I'm a South Dakota girl! :heart: Where is the marathon at? I just started running and we have a half marathon in September that I was hoping to train and run in but so far I haven't been able to train enough. I'm interested to see some responses. You've inspired me to get my booty in gear!!

    http://www.leadingladiesmarathon.com/
  • coronalime
    coronalime Posts: 583 Member
    Tough Love here:
    No you will not be ready. Can you do it? sure you can..but you shouldnt.

    Bike riding and running are TOTALLY different. I would say its easier for a runner to bike then a biker to run. Running puts alot more stress on the body. Your base mileage is weak and you have about 6-7 weeks to train...maybe..You could look into if the race allows a walk/run slow pace. Like some 1/2 marathons will allow 4-5 hrs to finish.

    You can try and train. There is really no reason why you cant run after a bike ride. The first part of the run will be tough but it gets easier as you keep moving. Dont worry about fast runs etc..Just focus on getting the mileage up. Do a short run, mid run and long run. Rule of thumb is that your mid/short runs can/should equal your long run (or close to it) . So you could do a 2 miler, 3 miler and 5 miler this week. Increase that long run by 1 mile each week and the other 2. I wouldnt do your long run after a bike but your short can easily be done after a bike and your mid can be done to a certain point. You can also break it into 4 runs if you have to per week and just do a bunch of short runs after you ride and the 3 days equal your long run..You may get to 10 miles or 11 depending on how many weeks you have till the race. 10 mile long run should be enough to get you over the finish line. Again though...is it worth it?
  • bstamps12
    bstamps12 Posts: 1,184
    While I agree with coronalime that biking & running are totally different, ever since I started biking to train for my tri, my running has improved drastically. Running does stress my joints and everything more, but biking has built up muscles that I didn't really know were lacking that have really made my stride more powerful. My legs don't tire as quicky now. Most of my runner friends say that if you can run 10 miles, you can do a half marathon. If you hadn't been a runner before, I would say no, you should not do that. But you have almost 8 weeks, so if you maybe say no to one or two bike rides a week in lieu of running and ramp up your normal runs, you can probably do it.
  • Mommawarrior
    Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
    I appreciate all the views.
    I am originally a runner. The day before I was injured in 2009 I had just ran 16 miles. It is so so so so so depressing to have to have started over! UGH.
    I biked an easy 2.8 mile course this evening and then ran the 2.8 mile course. It was awesome. I am not a speed runner. I have never really cared about time. (I know, I am weird).
    I doubt I can get out of biking with my husband cause he is a fanatic, so I guess it is kind of silly to think I could be prepared.
  • Mommawarrior
    Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
    So, I decided I will try to run the half marathon..
    Not sure how the training for the run will work with my husbands now obsession with mountain biking, but I will give it a go. I decided to not register yet and just suck up the extra 10 bucks late registration fee if I feel like I am ready closer to the time. If I am not ready, I won't register.
  • Mommawarrior
    Mommawarrior Posts: 897 Member
    OKay, got 6 miles in today and didn't even really feel it till around the 5.25 mark. I think I can do this.....
    Anyone got any advice?
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