BasicGreatGuy Member

Road miles are completely different than trail miles. Whatever road pace you have, you can forget that on the trails. If you aren't used to running trails, it will make you feel like you are out of shape. Start doing the majority of your runs on the trails. Don't try and go fast. Keep it slow and steady to start. You will…

For long runs and long races, give Tailwind Nutrition a try. It works great.

9/1 13 mile run 9/2 off day 9/3 23 mile run 9/4 off day 9/5 10 mile run 9/6 15 mile run 9/7 11.4 mile run 9/8 20 mile run 9/9 off day 9/10 31 mile run 9/11 off day 9/12 additional rest day 9/13 21 mile run 9/14 36 mile run

Start with the 2 / 1 interval like you have been doing, and then the following week try 2.5 / 1 and see how that goes for you. If you struggle with that, try it for another week. If you go slow like i mentioned, your body will respond favorably for you, provided you don't have medical problems preventing you. Stay slow so…

As long as you don't mind doing a lot of walking, and you don't care about time, you can get through the 13.1 miles. Make sure that you run slow. Don't let race day get you running faster than you are used to. Look at Jeff's site that I linked to and it will give you a good idea of what you strive for with the run / walk…

How many days a week are you running now and how many miles a week? 11 weeks is not much time at all. I suggest you use Jeff Galloway's run / walk program. http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half-marathon-training/

Shoe ratings don't really mean much, when you (as an individual) are getting fitted. What matters, is you having the right shoe for your running / gait needs. Not everyone that is an over-pronator needs a stability shoe. Not every x gait based shoe is created equal. Some can cause more problems than anything. As to what to…

Ignore the comments. Once you allow comments like that to bother you, you have given those comments power over you. Why allow people who don't even know the person that you are, to bring a rainstorm in your life? Being overweight is not who you are as a person, unless you allow others to define you in such narrow terms.

Looks like you can.

I would start with a program like C25K, which promotes running 3 days a week. Follow that program. And if you need to repeat a week, do so. 1) Make sure you have the right running shoes for your gait 2) Make sure that when you are running, that you are not gasping for air. If you can't carry on a normal conversation with…

In my opinion, a good running shoe that fits properly for your particular foot / gait needs should not need breaking in, because the shoe hurts a little when you run from it being new. If that happens, that is a tale-tale sign that more than likely, you purchased the wrong shoe.

Sounds like the person at fleet feet didn't know what he or she was talking about. Conceivably, if the shoes you were wearing are true minimalist, it wouldn't take a heck of a lot to wear them out, if one was an over-pronator, which you very could well be. I would go to another place for a gait analysis. How about posting…

For those who don't like wearing something on the waist for fueling, consider a compact hydration vest.

Why are you getting the urge to eat just to eat? Are you depriving yourself of food during the day and not eating enough? If you can address the root cause, that would be much better, versus trying to find something that merely mask the ongoing problem.

First and foremost, I would make sure that you actually need the extra protein you are ingesting via shakes. Ingesting excess protein on a regular basis, just because one may have read that that is what should be done, is not good for your body.

I wear a Polar M400. I monitor my heart rate and pace during training and only monitor pace during a race. I don't see much point in monitoring heart rate during a race.

Thanks for clarifying. Sometimes it is hard to tell a person's intent on the internet. I appreciate the compliment from you and LittleFinn.

It would be better to wear a weighted running vest or a running backpack filled with extra weight, versus using ankle weights.

Why is my training run funny? Being a ultra runner, it is not uncommon for me to run that kind of distance in training.

9/1 13 mile run 9/2 off day 9/3 23 mile run 9/4 off day 9/5 10 mile run 9/6 15 mile run 9/7 11.4 mile run 9/8 20 mile run 9/9 off day 9/10 31 mile run

I would stop for several days (3 - 5 days). If after that time frame you feel pain again, I would stop and rest some more. Shin Splints is a condition that can be tricky to get rid of, depending on the cause and length of inflammation etc. A lot of people make the mistake of trying to push through the pain, which only…

From what you briefly described, it sounds like you may be experiencing shin splits. If you have only been working out a month, you are doing way too much too soon, in my opinion. And more than likely, that is the cause of your pain. Your body has gotten to a point where it can't overcompensate anymore and is rebelling.

If you don't have allergy problems with dates or raisins, they would be good carb sources. A banana would also work well. You could freeze it and cut it into small pieces. By the time you were ready for a little energy, they would be ready. Whatever you are using to drink and fuel with, make sure to use those same items…

I am glad that my well-meaning advice was received as such. :) Have you been experimenting with hydration and fueling for your upcoming race? Will you be using a handheld or vest?

For those who are considering purchasing the C25K app, go ahead and get the C210K, as the app covers couch to 5K as well. You will save money getting the C210K, instead of purchasing each app separately.

In my opinion, it is wise to seek out last year's model, especially if the shoe has worked well for you. No sense in paying full retail. At the moment, I have 8 pairs of different model Altra shoes on the shelf waiting to be used. All were bought at a 30% - 50% discount. Some are last year's models and a few are new…

Welcome, Rachelle :) Don't ever feel like you have to apologize about your pace (re: "I'm slow"). In the grand running scheme, we would all be slow, if we were to compare ourselves to someone else. Fortunately, we only compare us to us. ;) I see you got in a nice long run on the 4th. You have time to get in a few more long…

I agree. Small temp changes can make a big difference depending on the individual and his or her training background.

Carbs (in and of themselves) are not bad. While some carbs are better for our body's usage than others, it is not a good idea to deprive the body of a fuel source that it naturally uses on a day to day basis. Without carbs, you would have a hard time carrying out regular day to day activities, not to mention exercise such…

Has the weather changed recently? Running in higher temps with humidity can take a toll on you, if you aren't used to it. It is also possible, that your body is not recovering fully from all the activity (running +walking + whatever else).