MFP Runner's Club - May 17

My husband is taking me to see Star Trek today so I'm stoked. :bigsmile: We're going out to eat but I feel confindent in my food choices.

We went last week. It was AWESOME.

Well, I just ran the longest run yet. 6 miles!!!! I did it in 60:21. I had to stop 4 times to stretch my legs (think I was a little dehydrated), but I did it! A little slow, but I did it!! :happy: It's also got me thinking that i don't know if I can do a half marathon. 6 miles was surely difficult. I can only hope it gets easier, so I don't fizzle out.

Way to go! If you covered 6 miles in 60:21 with 4 stops, I believe you can do it!

I would recommend focusing on your fuel and hydration plan (what you eat and drink the night before, the morning of, during the run, and after the run).

I would also recommend focusing on pacing yourself. Try to really hold yourself back during the first one to two miles. Try doing those at 10:30 - 11:00 minute mile pace. Your goal is to run non-stop over the 6 miles. So, conserve your energy up front so you can maintain your pace during the run and finish strong. No matter how far I run I always practice kicking to the finish line about the last 1/4 mile or so. Another way of thinking about the long run is to shoot for finishing the second half a little quicker than the first half.

Also, don't increase your long run distance too fast. The standard recommendation is 10% a week. So your long run next week would be about 6.5 miles.

Go Sonia Go! You can do it!

Thanks Kechie!!! I think you must be one of the most positive people I know. No wonder your hubby treats you so well.--- So, when you run long distances, you don't stop at all.? I have been wondering if people stop at all during long runs and during the races.

Thank you. You are so sweet.

I do not stop at all. When I first started running two years ago, I would "need" to stop or take walk breaks. By practicing pacing and running long runs, you will learn to "rest on your feet". These days, if I accidentally go out too fast (which I still do), I have learned to slow my pace and rest while I keep moving.

If your route is hilly, the hills may be to blame. When you get to a hill during a long run, concentrate on maintaining your effort instead of your pace.

Now there is a whole other school of thought on walk breaks. The Galloway method which is run/walk a long run is very popular. It is a very successful program that has helped a lot of "average" people run a marathon.

It is whatever works best for you. I've seen people at every race doing both. I think the biggest thing is just that you are being active. I coach young girls and I always tell them if you are moving you are improving. They get so sick of me saying it but it is true!