arc918 Member

It did nothing for me (other than separate me from some $). There are those who totally swear by it. You can always give it a try.

I did 4 halfs in 4 days a few years back. Assuming you're in marathon shape already, it isn't that hard. At that time in my marathon training, I would run long on Saturday (16-20) and then run an easy 10 mile recovery run the next day. So 4 halfs really just became a "front loaded training week" if you will. FWIW - I do…

A wise man once said; "training plans are guidelines not gospel." Numbers on a page have no way of knowing if you're feeling great and want to get in a couple extra miles. Nor do they know if you are feeling like crap and need to cut it short. All that said, I try not to mess around with my long runs too much (other than…

Running seems to be ok, everything else is a total crapshoot.

I too avoid the dreadmill at all costs. In over 22,000 miles of running, I've done less than 10 miles on the dreadmill - and that was only because my physical therapist made when I was rehabing a strain. Luckily the So Cal weather never stops me from pounding the pavement. I feel sorry for those suckers at the gym who…

My $.02 - there is NO magic to running and training for a marathon. 26.2 is a LONG way to go and the training is time consuming. Blow off you fall marathon, up your mileage for fun (your half marathon times will improve). Work you way up to an 18+ mile long run, but without the pressure of the race looming over your head.…

My $.02 - the more 20 milers the better. I love 20 mile training runs and they do got easier, but only when you have sufficient mileage to support them. I only wish the marathon would end at 20.

Another huge vote for get off the dreadmill! Nothing better then lacing up your shoes and heading out to explore the world. Just be safe and avoid running with your back to traffic - cars can't be trusted to see you, you need to be able to see them.

I'm a carnivore myself, but check out Tim Van Orden, blog is a now out of date,but he's a raw vegan guy and he kicks @ss. http://runningraw.com/results.html

Good question, here's the ruling: In a multiple loop situation, you are only required to wave once. After that, it becomes optional.

Here's the general rule: all other runners should be acknowledged with either a head nod, wave or finger point. The general rule can be ignored when you're doing speedwork.

Please make it stop! Unless you're right and my brain has already been poisoned by all the "toxins!"

Bottom line, racing a marathon is tricky business, there is little margin for error as going out just a little too fast usually results in a blow up (or at least a slow down at the end). Even if you line up in great shape, you still need things to go your way (good weather and feeling good that day) This is not to be…

Carson would wisely tell you to put in tons and tons of easy miles to build the aerobic engine. The truth is none of know how fast we'll end up until we try. Arbitrary time goals (sub 4, BQ, etc.) are just that, so be careful with them. I can tell you what does NOT work, going out at BQ pace and trying to hold on when you…

My $.02 - stick with 5K ( & maybe 10K) your first time out. Perhaps there is a local race director who is willing to show you the ropes? Lots to consider with timing, road closures, parking, traffic control, etc. The people directly supporting your cause will be forgiving, but runners with no connection are only interested…

TRX is awesome! Class will of course depend on the quality of the teacher. I go to a boutique TRX only gym and it is a great workout (they are always changing it). Best part is they make me focus on things I would otherwise ignore (like my core).

My $.02 - there is NO magic to running 26.2. It's a long way to run, and even longer way to race. Find whatever distance makes you the happiest. Personally, I love racing half marathons. Also, you may find you enjoy training runs more than racing. Now strap on your shoes and find that mojo!

I think you have to segregate newbie plans from experience runner plans (not in a bad way). For a first timer without meaningful racing experience at all distances from 5K to marathon, something like Pftiz just doesn't really help. If you don't know your 5K pace, from your 10K pace and your half marathon pace, then you…

I run most every morning, always on an empty stomach. I get crampy if I eat before I run. I run marathons on an empty stomach as well (just ran my 27th one on Sunday). If I'm running long enough, then I'll have some carbs (gel or bloks) during my run as needed. Like all things running, just figure out what works best for…

It will come back, but be patient. You just need to put your ego aside and train at the pace your current level of fitness will allow. Take is slow and you'll be kicking butt in no time! Happy running.

I'm on my third pair of Bondi 2s (have a pair of 3 I'll break in soon). I switched after literally 20,000 mile in Brooks Adrenaline GTS 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 , 9, 10, 11, 12. It wasn't love at first step, but now I like them. Like with all things running, we're each an experiment with a sample size of one. That said, I'm glad I…

One other comment: I always caution people to be careful with arbitrary time goals. Be it run a specific pace or shoot for a race time goal (sub 30 5k, sub 3 half, sub 4 full or BQ, etc.). Put in the miles and see where you land. Will you be eventually snapping off 9:00 or 8:00 or 7:00 or 6:00 miles with ease? Maybe, maybe…

At issue is their shady business practices of tricking unsuspecting runners into signing up for their bullsh!t add-on services. This then goes on your credit card for eternity. You have look VERY carefully to realize the race registration is complete and they are now trying to trick you into signing up for active advantage…

Active is the DEVIL! I use paper forms whenever available (less and less these days). That said, some races are now charging extra for paper entries so it ends up about the same. I just wish they could price "all in" rather than adding fees. Instead of $75 with an $10 active extortion fee, just charge me $85 and call it a…

With marathon training it's a fine line with the long runs. You need to be able to recover and keep your training going along. When you get up past the low 20s that gets much tougher for most runners. For a newbie, I would focus on more long runs rather than longer long runs. That said, if you are feeling great at the end…

I ran in Brooks for 10 years and could only get 400-425 miles per pair. After that it feel like I have shin splints. I usually run 2,200+ miles per year, so I burn through quite a few.

I can't quite follow it all (got a little confused between marathon, mini-marathon and 20 mile supported club run). Longer long runs will help your halfs for sure. But 20s are probably overkill in the half realm (16ish will do just fine and is easier to recover from). When you get into marathon training, you need to be…

1) Line up at the back of the pack 2) Pin your number on your front 3) Have fun! You have plenty of time to train.

Indeed. Halfs (and shorter) you often can go and end up with a "I had no idea I could run that fast!" kind of result. That pretty much never happens with marathons. Death marching a half is usually the domain of the totally under-trained (injury notwithstanding). Generally not enough miles to deplete glycogen store for…

I'm all about the even/neg splits. I'm thinking a bit too much left in the tank. I was out there too, and the wind kicked my *kitten* as soon as we hit the turn (~ mile 8). Those last 5 miles were a battle (for me). Nice job, but I'd say head out just a little faster next time.