Ran a 10k in June (1 Viewer)

[Keggers]

I like to eat just about everything. Last year at this time, with no physical activity, I was in the habit of eating the following:

- One frozen pizza per week.

- Chicken wings at least one meal per week (hard to beat $.25 wings!).

- Eating fast food at least 3 times per week (didn't plan meals so I hit the drive thru when hungry).

- Eating at restaurants at least 2 times per week (not including fast food or wing night).

For a guy in his mid 30s that's not good....heck, that's not good for anyone! Now that I run, I can probably get away with eating those items. However, I choose not to because I know it'll adversely affect my run the next day. Let me rephrase that....I still eat those items but MUCH less frequent. I still like to eat at restaurants a few times a week. No more frozen pizzas or fast food. I might have chicken wings every other week. I am much more conscious of my food intake.

I started running to be healthier...that's changed a bit...now I have become healthier to run better. Does that make sense or am I just really bored at work and babbling?

P.S: GREAT race reports from everyone! Truly motivating!!!

 

[BassNBrew]

Knocked out 9 miles last nite at 9:10. I also think I knocked my right hip out of the socket.

 

[Darrinll40]

Just don't eat catfish the night before your second half marathon in less than a month. Lesson learned.

You really should share the finish line video for those who may not have seen the PSA for "Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Catfish for a Pre-Race Meal"?

I would, but I forgot where I uploaded it to.

 

[tri-man 47]

I started running to be healthier...that's changed a bit...now I have become healthier to run better. Does that make sense or am I just really bored at work and babbling?

Makes plenty of sense! We should convince Darrin to post his blog link so y'all that are newer here can see how far he has come over the past few years. Truuuuly incredible and inspiring. Darrin, you game? Or is that ancient history in your mind (and I respect it if it is)?

 

[Darrinll40]

I started running to be healthier...that's changed a bit...now I have become healthier to run better. Does that make sense or am I just really bored at work and babbling?

Makes plenty of sense! We should convince Darrin to post his blog link so y'all that are newer here can see how far he has come over the past few years. Truuuuly incredible and inspiring. Darrin, you game? Or is that ancient history in your mind (and I respect it if it is)?

No problem, though I have not kept the blog up and it is severely outdated. Deleon Springs Half finish, or the day after I ate the catfish.

I am having a helluva time with google today.

http://darrin42.blogspot.com should get you there.

Man, I cannot get to anything on google. Getting ready for a run tonight, not sure how far yet.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Any thoughts on how much time is needed after a 1/2 marathon before you can/should run another? I'm sure it really depends on the person,

I agree. Listen to your body and what it's telling you.

True dat. I see absolutely no problem doing 1/2's six weeks apart - no problem at all. In fact, the hard effort of the first one should be good 'training' toward your second.2Young, I try to acknowledge your wonderful children, and you turn around and make it all about you. :( (Sorry, bud!) Seeing a 'Dances with Dirt' shirt during my race started to fire me up for next September's event!! Speaking of races ...don't you owe us a report on your race?

Speaking of race reports - fellow marathoner, pmbrown ...

Its about the kids 24/7 and you know it (but if you'd like me to post a picture of my AG award, I'd be happy to).Posted my Cliff's Notes race report version in reply to gruecd. Not much to report, weird day made even stranger with the 3 deaths in the race and all of them were running right around my pace. A bit of the conversation around here has switched to the fact that they were all running right around the 8:20, 8:30 MM pace and all dropped within 20 minutes of each other. I posted right after the race and before I knew about the deaths that I have never felt so hungry and thirsty running a race ever. I easily took double the water I normally do and double the gel & beans. I have heard the same from a few other folks. The coroner has sent tissue samples for additional testing on the three that died. It is a bit frightening to think there MAY have be an outside issue or influence.

 

[Third]

Posted my Cliff's Notes race report version in reply to gruecd. Not much to report, weird day made even stranger with the 3 deaths in the race and all of them were running right around my pace. A bit of the conversation around here has switched to the fact that they were all running right around the 8:20, 8:30 MM pace and all dropped within 20 minutes of each other. I posted right after the race and before I knew about the deaths that I have never felt so hungry and thirsty running a race ever. I easily took double the water I normally do and double the gel & beans. I have heard the same from a few other folks. The coroner has sent tissue samples for additional testing on the three that died. It is a bit frightening to think there MAY have be an outside issue or influence.

...just a little?

 

[Darrinll40]

Google is back, so anyone wishing to view my blog I used to keep up, Here it is.

I ran the same 3.5 tonight, but I did it 2.5 minutes faster than before, 3.53 in 36:02 for a 10:12 pace. The best part was I could have gone a bit faster, I decided to just coast in the last mile.

 

[jonmhend]

I started running to be healthier...that's changed a bit...now I have become healthier to run better. Does that make sense or am I just really bored at work and babbling?

Makes plenty of sense! We should convince Darrin to post his blog link so y'all that are newer here can see how far he has come over the past few years. Truuuuly incredible and inspiring. Darrin, you game? Or is that ancient history in your mind (and I respect it if it is)?

Wow, doesn't really go far enough does it? Very inspiring Darrin. Looks to me like you did better than most of the contestants on Biggest Loser! Spent some time going through some of your old posts. Great stuff. Thanks to all for the thoughts on the 6 week break between halfs. That pretty much confirmed what I was thinking. Now I'm going to do a 10M race on Turkey day for training and to sort of start getting some baselines on where I am in my overall fitness. I'll have a 12 M and 10M run under my belt before the Vegas RnR. Goal there is to finish under 10 Min/miles. We'll see how that goes then try to improve for the AZ RnR.

 

[Darrinll40]

I started running to be healthier...that's changed a bit...now I have become healthier to run better. Does that make sense or am I just really bored at work and babbling?

Makes plenty of sense! We should convince Darrin to post his blog link so y'all that are newer here can see how far he has come over the past few years. Truuuuly incredible and inspiring. Darrin, you game? Or is that ancient history in your mind (and I respect it if it is)?

Wow, doesn't really go far enough does it? Very inspiring Darrin. Looks to me like you did better than most of the contestants on Biggest Loser! Spent some time going through some of your old posts. Great stuff. Thanks to all for the thoughts on the 6 week break between halfs. That pretty much confirmed what I was thinking. Now I'm going to do a 10M race on Turkey day for training and to sort of start getting some baselines on where I am in my overall fitness. I'll have a 12 M and 10M run under my belt before the Vegas RnR. Goal there is to finish under 10 Min/miles. We'll see how that goes then try to improve for the AZ RnR.

Thanks, it was a lot of hard work and determination. I can still remember riding my bicycle the 100 yards to the mailbox and having to sit down and rest when I got there, and one day I did one crunch and almost passed out. Being that fat is not really a lot of fun. The day I ran the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon in 1:56:30 was one of the greatest days of my life right behind my weeding day.

 

[SteveUK]

Thanks, it was a lot of hard work and determination. I can still remember riding my bicycle the 100 yards to the mailbox and having to sit down and rest when I got there, and one day I did one crunch and almost passed out. Being that fat is not really a lot of fun. The day I ran the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon in 1:56:30 was one of the greatest days of my life right behind my weeding day.

Darrin, you spend waaay too much time in your yard

 

[2Young2BBald]

Posted my Cliff's Notes race report version in reply to gruecd. Not much to report, weird day made even stranger with the 3 deaths in the race and all of them were running right around my pace. A bit of the conversation around here has switched to the fact that they were all running right around the 8:20, 8:30 MM pace and all dropped within 20 minutes of each other. I posted right after the race and before I knew about the deaths that I have never felt so hungry and thirsty running a race ever. I easily took double the water I normally do and double the gel & beans. I have heard the same from a few other folks. The coroner has sent tissue samples for additional testing on the three that died. It is a bit frightening to think there MAY have be an outside issue or influence.

...just a little?

A lot, not a little. Seems crazy, though, that these guys didn't drop at different times of the race. The guy in his 60s had dozens of marathons under his belt and headed up a running club in OH. The other guy within a few feet of him was a distance vet too and the kid a the finish was very active. I swim with several doctors, including two emergency room docs and got to talking to them at the pool last night. Of all the things, they were shocked a 26-year old could not be revived, considering his age and that he literally fell at the feet of an on site doctor. I sincerely doubt there was any foul play, but typically when this has happened (like Ryan Shay), the autopsies immediately reveal an enlarged heart on congenetal defect that went unrecognized from what I recall. All three have had tissue, blood, etc sent for further testing.

 

[Darrinll40]

Thanks, it was a lot of hard work and determination. I can still remember riding my bicycle the 100 yards to the mailbox and having to sit down and rest when I got there, and one day I did one crunch and almost passed out. Being that fat is not really a lot of fun. The day I ran the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon in 1:56:30 was one of the greatest days of my life right behind my weeding day.

Darrin, you spend waaay too much time in your yard

Damn keyboard. Of course I meant Wedding day.

 

[tri-man 47]

Thanks, it was a lot of hard work and determination. I can still remember riding my bicycle the 100 yards to the mailbox and having to sit down and rest when I got there, and one day I did one crunch and almost passed out. Being that fat is not really a lot of fun. The day I ran the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon in 1:56:30 was one of the greatest days of my life right behind my weeding day.

Darrin, you spend waaay too much time in your yard

Damn keyboard. Of course I meant Wedding day.

Well, I don't know. There's nothing like a good pull or trimming the bushes.BTW, for those less patient than jonmhend, Darrin's June 2007 report is where you'll drop your jaws. If you weren't around here at the time, you'll then understand all of our delight over Darrin's half-marathon performance!

2Young, I think you know I was totally kidding ...not sure, though, from your response. Very weird to hear some of the Detroit news. It would add to the tragedy if it wasn't just an extreme fluke of timing and circumstances.

I'm feeling quite healed up, though not pushing anything this week (despite great fall weather and colors). Just doing some stretches and getting back to my reps. Who's up next? Gruecd cruising through NYC and/or some Halloween runs?

 

[culdeus]

Posted my Cliff's Notes race report version in reply to gruecd. Not much to report, weird day made even stranger with the 3 deaths in the race and all of them were running right around my pace. A bit of the conversation around here has switched to the fact that they were all running right around the 8:20, 8:30 MM pace and all dropped within 20 minutes of each other. I posted right after the race and before I knew about the deaths that I have never felt so hungry and thirsty running a race ever. I easily took double the water I normally do and double the gel & beans. I have heard the same from a few other folks. The coroner has sent tissue samples for additional testing on the three that died. It is a bit frightening to think there MAY have be an outside issue or influence.

...just a little?

If somebody was spiking water I'd think there would be many more than 3 deaths.

 

[gruecd]

I sincerely doubt there was any foul play, but typically when this has happened (like Ryan Shay), the autopsies immediately reveal an enlarged heart on congenetal defect that went unrecognized from what I recall. All three have had tissue, blood, etc sent for further testing.

Yeah, that's the part that's got me confused. Could it have been flu-related??

 

[Sand]

Knocked out 9 miles last nite at 9:10. I also think I knocked my right hip out of the socket.

I hope this was in jest. Did you really do damage?

 

[Sand]

Thanks, it was a lot of hard work and determination. I can still remember riding my bicycle the 100 yards to the mailbox and having to sit down and rest when I got there, and one day I did one crunch and almost passed out. Being that fat is not really a lot of fun. The day I ran the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon in 1:56:30 was one of the greatest days of my life right behind my wedding day.

I looked at your blog. Seriously - you have done your wife and kids a wonderful thing by taking up running.

 

[SteveUK]

Thanks, it was a lot of hard work and determination. I can still remember riding my bicycle the 100 yards to the mailbox and having to sit down and rest when I got there, and one day I did one crunch and almost passed out. Being that fat is not really a lot of fun. The day I ran the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon in 1:56:30 was one of the greatest days of my life right behind my wedding day.

I looked at your blog. Seriously - you have done your wife, cats and kids that immigrant you sponsored a wonderful thing by taking up running.

Fixed

 

[2Young2BBald]

2Young, I think you know I was totally kidding ...not sure, though, from your response. Very weird to hear some of the Detroit news. It would add to the tragedy if it wasn't just an extreme fluke of timing and circumstances.

Absolutely, and I apologize for you even having to respond. The intended response was pure, that it is all about the kids and I added the AG thing in jest. Didn't mean to be a downer about the race report either, but the whole set of occurances soured the day quite a bit. It was one of the best, if not the best staged events I have ever done and I enojoyed the day, even with uncooperative legs a ton. From the revised route, to the water & Gu stops and the massive fan support. But, for whatever reason, I can't help but wonder where I was in relation to each of these guys on course. Detroit gets such a bad rap (much of the time rightly so), but this time the city did itslef proud and now is recognized as the event where three guys died, not for the success it was. I am not sure why I even care.

 

[gruecd]

Found an awesome Packers bar in NYC to watch the Packers/Vikes game after the marathon next Sunday. It's called the Kettle of Fish, and it's supposed to be THE place for Packers fans to congregate on Sundays in the Big Apple. The only problem is that I probably couldn't get there any earlier than 2:30-3:00 for the 4:15 ET start, and by then the place will be filled to capacity. I called the place and told the guy that I was coming into town from Green Bay for the marathon, and he said to call ahead, and maybe they can work something out.

Hoping maybe they can sneak us in the back door or something. Keeping my fingers crossed....

Oh yeah, ran an easy 7 miles last night. SRD today. Going to see The Hangover tonight at the local discount theater.

 

[BassNBrew]

Knocked out 9 miles last nite at 9:10. I also think I knocked my right hip out of the socket.

I hope this was in jest. Did you really do damage?

Right him is yelping, left arch (outside) feels bruised. I forget what the cause of that is but weight lifting has remedied it in the past.

 

[Darrinll40]

Thanks, it was a lot of hard work and determination. I can still remember riding my bicycle the 100 yards to the mailbox and having to sit down and rest when I got there, and one day I did one crunch and almost passed out. Being that fat is not really a lot of fun. The day I ran the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon in 1:56:30 was one of the greatest days of my life right behind my wedding day.

I looked at your blog. Seriously - you have done your wife, cats and kids that immigrant you sponsored a wonderful thing by taking up running.

Fixed

My son, my son. After two hard days at work and a harder run yesterday I was feeling a bit sore right before my run tonight. SO I figured what the hell and went out to do 3.5 easy miles. I averaged 10:59 and felt great until the last mile when my lower back started aching a bit. This happened before when I ran through this before at about this weight and I am confident I can do it again.

 

[SteveUK]

Well, I don't know. There's nothing like a good pull or trimming the bushes.

BTW, for those less patient than jonmhend, Darrin's June 2007 report is where you'll drop your jaws. If you weren't around here at the time, you'll then understand all of our delight over Darrin's half-marathon performance!

2Young, I think you know I was totally kidding ...not sure, though, from your response. Very weird to hear some of the Detroit news. It would add to the tragedy if it wasn't just an extreme fluke of timing and circumstances.

I'm feeling quite healed up, though not pushing anything this week (despite great fall weather and colors). Just doing some stretches and getting back to my reps. Who's up next? Gruecd cruising through NYC and/or some Halloween runs?

Gruecd has the pleasure of another 26.2 while I shall be doing half that in Daytona. However, since Daytona Half starts at 6am, I will be done and home before Gruecd is even on the start line ETA: Accuweather is claiming that the overnight low on the 31st is going to be 51F

 

[Sand]

Knocked out 9 miles last nite at 9:10. I also think I knocked my right hip out of the socket.

I hope this was in jest. Did you really do damage?

Right him is yelping, left arch (outside) feels bruised. I forget what the cause of that is but weight lifting has remedied it in the past.

Well, hope it heals up quick.On my end I am ramping up training for the 10k in November. Did a 5 mile speed/tempo type run (2nd and 4th miles fast, the rest slow) today in 8:15, 7:30, 8:20, 8:00, and 8:17. I am pretty pleased with that. The 4th mile was a bit slower than I wanted, but it was over the hardest climbing in the run - three substantial 10%+ grade hills.

The Runner's World workout generator claims I should be good for a 7:42/mile or 47:55 10k after doing the workouts and basing that off of my 5k earlier. I think it is full of #### - I'm just aiming for something under 50 minutes. As I always do I'll push it to the limit - we'll find out who is right.

 

[prosopis]

Did 6 miles today

 

[prosopis]

Google is back, so anyone wishing to view my blog I used to keep up, Here it is.

I ran the same 3.5 tonight, but I did it 2.5 minutes faster than before, 3.53 in 36:02 for a 10:12 pace. The best part was I could have gone a bit faster, I decided to just coast in the last mile.

WOW I just read the 6/2007 stuff. That is amazing with a capitol A. I to used WW and I lost about 25-30lbs with it. I am now using http://www.sparkpeople.com/

It is free and I like all the info on it. Your story is amazing man. That is better then those biggest loser people.

Congratulations.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Alright, to prove I am not the only one wearing the I just received my weekly runmail from a local running store. I'll say this again, I don't want to believe it was anything other than a freak occurance. But, I'll add that I have never felt quite like I did after I took water at mile 4.1 of Sunday's race in over 50 races I've done (and posted the same before I knew of the deaths). Here is the run mail:

Yo run gang,

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By now, most of you have heard that 3 half marathon runners died at the Detroit Free Press Race last Sunday, 2 at around mile 12 and one at just after finishing the 13.1 mile run. My heart goes out to the families who are no doubt looking for answers that might help them accept their loss. I have attempted to read all the information available on this tragedy so that I might learn something that I could share with you, something that could have prevented these deaths or prevent future tragedies. I have found nothing.

At the time of the deaths it was sunny and in the high 30's, low 40's, what most runners would consider an ideal day for a distance run. All three runners, men, ages 26, 36 and 65 appear to have been well trained and healthy. The initial autopsy findings found no immediate cause of death. Toxicology and other tests will take weeks to be finalized but again the autopsy uncovered no obvious reasons for the deaths. Medical attention was immediate and even the use of defibrillators had no effect. It all seems so wrong on a day that seemed so right in the City of Detroit.

Race day from a participants perspective: My wife Kathy and I ran well and enjoyed every minute of the half marathon, from the pre race excitement to the music and dancing at the post race party, heading home tired and fulfilled, totally unaware of the sad events that had taken place on this glorious fall day.

We live a life that requires risk to be enjoyed fully; we must weight the risks and benefits in every choice we make. As I look out my window, the sky is blue, the sun is shining and my choice is to keep working or go out for a run. I've made my choice; I'll see you on the road.

Randy Step, an obsessed runner, looking for answers

 

[wraith5]

Greetings from Pigeon Forge, TN!!

Down here with family and friends at the Wilderness indoor water park... but had to get my run in!

7 miles total this morning, including 1 mile (7:43), 2 miles (8:08) and 2x 800 (7:13 and 7:55) with 400 rest intervals and warm-up/cool-down.

Pretty hilly here - 1650 ft total ascent/decent during the run. Sure felt like it might be more than that! That last 800 started with a 55ft ascent so I'm not unhappy with the slower time.

4 mile tempo run on tap for Friday, then back home to IL for my next 20 miler on Sunday!

 

[tri-man 47]

Say 'hi' to all our friends in Pigeon Forge, Wraith! Another solid workout for you.

 

[wraith5]

Say 'hi' to all our friends in Pigeon Forge, Wraith! Another solid workout for you.

You might have to be more specific on that request - I've been walking around telling people "tri-man" says hi and I'm not getting a very positive response... Nike Outlet store here I come!!

 

[tri-man 47]

I've been walking around telling people "tri-man" says hi and I'm not getting a very positive response...

Welcome to my world.

 

[BassNBrew]

http://www.cycletofitness.com/race/

Team opportunity in triathlon and road racing for Michigan peeps.

 

[Sand]

I've been waiting for the last one of these to pop up before posting. I'd like to hear opinions from the serious runners on here about this set of articles. I really like they layout and logic of how he proposes a training regimen - fascinating reading.

Prelude

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

 

[Darrinll40]

I've been waiting for the last one of these to pop up before posting. I'd like to hear opinions from the serious runners on here about this set of articles. I really like they layout and logic of how he proposes a training regimen - fascinating reading.

Prelude

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Right off the bat he hits my philosophy. When training for endurance you want to do a lot of running period. The easiest way to do that is to make all of it slow.

What is that quote about the intelligence of people that agree with you?

One of the biggest problems I’ve seen with triathletes is that their running schedules are willy nilly fly by the pants lets see if I’m in the mood to run tomorrow

Triman, are you willy nilly?

 

[Darrinll40]

Sometime next month I am going to start my tempo and interval runs. I want to be able to run 3-5 miles at a 10 minute pace without dying first.

I am thinking .25 mile on and .25 mile rest for interval, and trying to average between 9:30 and 9:45 m/m on tempo runs. Of course as I get faster the on interval will get longer and the tempo runs faster. I just had a thought on this, right now I am running 4 days a week. Two 3.5 mile runs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Do you guys think it might help if I did a short tempo run of around a mile on Thursday, then build on that as I feel able?

I can't decide if I want to try for a 10 mile long run before the 10 mile race on Thanksgiving. In the past I have always done more than the race distance before the race, including my half.

Last night after the run I was a bit sore, but today I feel great. Maybe it is because my body knows I am not running again until Saturday morning.

Sorry, I got caught up at my work site today and got bored.

 

[prosopis]

I've been waiting for the last one of these to pop up before posting. I'd like to hear opinions from the serious runners on here about this set of articles. I really like they layout and logic of how he proposes a training regimen - fascinating reading.

Prelude

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

So much of that stuff goes over my head. I just dont get it. I wish I did and maybe someday I will. Right now I am just running and working on running further and getting miles on my feet.

 

[tri-man 47]

One of the biggest problems I’ve seen with triathletes is that their running schedules are willy nilly fly by the pants lets see if I’m in the mood to run tomorrow

Triman, are you willy nilly?

Why, do I seem to be willy nilly, silly?I like your thought of the intervals ...1/4 mile on, 1/4 mile off. I'd suggest focusing on getting your reps up to a 'comfortable' 6-8 (or 10) before worrying about picking up the speed. And if you just stick with these, better speed will come. There's a whole training program (marathon and other distances) built around three runs per week - an interval run, a tempo run, then a weekend long run (FIRST - Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training). It fits the approach you're taking here.--Back at it! 40 minutes in the pool today.

 

[SteveUK]

I've been waiting for the last one of these to pop up before posting. I'd like to hear opinions from the serious runners on here about this set of articles. I really like they layout and logic of how he proposes a training regimen - fascinating reading.

Prelude

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Interesting stuff which I am still digesting One thing I do not agree with (and I'll be interested to hear other views on this) is his assertion that running 6 days a week can be done by anyone, regardless of age. I don't think you can disregard advancing years when it comes to frequency of training. The role of rest and recovery should not be underestimated. I do think you can train for 6 days a week; just not run every day. My own experience is that when I was running in my 30's, I could and did run 6 days a week - now in my 40's, it takes longer to recover and 4/5 days a week is all I can manage.

I'll be interested to hear what other older runners have experienced.

 

[Third]

I've been waiting for the last one of these to pop up before posting. I'd like to hear opinions from the serious runners on here about this set of articles. I really like they layout and logic of how he proposes a training regimen - fascinating reading.

Prelude

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Interesting stuff. After having looked at the FIRST program as a possibility for training for a half, this seems to be nearly 180 degrees the other direction. Six days of training with the focus is on slower than race paces with the exception of phase 3 tempo and race-specific runs.

You know, a newbie could get overwhelmed just trying to figure out how to train.

 

[SteveUK]

I've been waiting for the last one of these to pop up before posting. I'd like to hear opinions from the serious runners on here about this set of articles. I really like they layout and logic of how he proposes a training regimen - fascinating reading.

Prelude

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Interesting stuff. After having looked at the FIRST program as a possibility for training for a half, this seems to be nearly 180 degrees the other direction. Six days of training with the focus is on slower than race paces with the exception of phase 3 tempo and race-specific runs.

You know, a newbie could get overwhelmed just trying to figure out how to train.

Newbie's are in good company - there are so many theories around, anyone can get confused Experience and experimentation is the only way to figure out what works for you.

In the meantime, just run regular and often

 

[jonmhend]

I've been waiting for the last one of these to pop up before posting. I'd like to hear opinions from the serious runners on here about this set of articles. I really like they layout and logic of how he proposes a training regimen - fascinating reading.

Prelude

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Interesting stuff. After having looked at the FIRST program as a possibility for training for a half, this seems to be nearly 180 degrees the other direction. Six days of training with the focus is on slower than race paces with the exception of phase 3 tempo and race-specific runs.

You know, a newbie could get overwhelmed just trying to figure out how to train.

Newbie's are in good company - there are so many theories around, anyone can get confused Experience and experimentation is the only way to figure out what works for you.

In the meantime, just run regular and often

I've only been at it for a couple of months now so I'd fit pretty squarely in the "newbie" category. I would say that for me it seems like every time I try to do "speed" work I end up with a joint issue. I seem to recover pretty well from my distance runs, but whenever I really try to push to another level on time, I end up really feeling it and generally end up having to take an extra day off. Its happened a few times now and I don't seem to be learning from my mistakes. I think for the near future, I just need to get in miles and not worry as much about how long it took.Hopefully next year that won't be the case.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Gruecd: Hangover = Going to a Packer bar =

BnB: HTFU!

Darrin: great way to start intervals. Once you get up to 10; I recommend you shoot for .5 miles with a .25 mile recovery between (starting at 4, working up to 10).

2Young: I am still over the results of the marathon. My thoughts/prayers go out to each of the families.

Tri-Man: Great to hear that you are back at it already!

Wraith: Great workout!!!

Sand: I haven't had time to read through all the information, but look forward to it!

_______________________________________

My Update:

I had an awesome 7.5 miler yesterday afternoon, after postponing my am run due to thunderstorms. It was only 71 degrees, with low humidity when I left = most awesome, compared to what I've been running in. I vowed to not look at my watch until I heard the beep of my Garmin at the end of the first mile, as I didn't want to go any slower or faster than my legs wanted to go. First mile was 8:12, followed by 8:10, 8:06, 7:58, 7:55, 7:41, 7:37, then 7:28 for the last half mile. I didn't have my HR monitor on, but am pretty sure it was escalating during the last 1.5 miles. My legs feel awesome today = no damage done, by speeding things up a bit. A cold front went through here last night, and I woke up to 48 degrees and our high today is only supposed to be 71!! Additionally, the 10 day forecast has lows in the 60's or 50's for every day here forward. This will hopefully allow me to have some quicker runs, as I feel very ill-prepared for my race in 2 weeks.

 

[tri-man 47]

One thing I do not agree with (and I'll be interested to hear other views on this) is his assertion that running 6 days a week can be done by anyone, regardless of age. I don't think you can disregard advancing years when it comes to frequency of training. The role of rest and recovery should not be underestimated. I do think you can train for 6 days a week; just not run every day. My own experience is that when I was running in my 30's, I could and did run 6 days a week - now in my 40's, it takes longer to recover and 4/5 days a week is all I can manage.

I'll be interested to hear what other older runners have experienced.

I still have to read through those articles. But I'm now officially in my mid-50's ( ), and in my dedicated marathon training over two months, I was consistently running 5 or 6 days a week. Gruecd wasn't a fan of the hard Sat/long, slow Sunday sequence as part of that, but that didn't bother me. A key, I'd say, is that I've put a big focus on core training over the past three years.

 

[Sand]

Pretty pumped about my swim last night. Did 10x100yd intervals (10 sec in between). Averaged 1:28 per 100 for the set. I think the dryland work and water work trying to upgrade the relevant major muscle groups is paying off. Gonna do that through the winter and work on increasing tempo in the spring after the half-marathon. Strength + tempo = mega speed.

Still, I was pretty pumped about those splits - I was holding pace throughout the session (averaged 1:27 for the first five).

Other than that I am keeping with the 10k training. The bike time is lagging - the rain has kept me back on that front, in any case.

 

[pigskinliquors]

One thing I do not agree with (and I'll be interested to hear other views on this) is his assertion that running 6 days a week can be done by anyone, regardless of age. I don't think you can disregard advancing years when it comes to frequency of training. The role of rest and recovery should not be underestimated. I do think you can train for 6 days a week; just not run every day. My own experience is that when I was running in my 30's, I could and did run 6 days a week - now in my 40's, it takes longer to recover and 4/5 days a week is all I can manage.

I'll be interested to hear what other older runners have experienced.

I still have to read through those articles. But I'm now officially in my mid-50's ( ), and in my dedicated marathon training over two months, I was consistently running 5 or 6 days a week. Gruecd wasn't a fan of the hard Sat/long, slow Sunday sequence as part of that, but that didn't bother me. :( A key, I'd say, is that I've put a big focus on core training over the past three years.

I think I fall into the "older runners" category as well TM = "ancient runners" category I have gone from a 5 day a week runner, to a 4, to a 3 day runner. This is mostly due to my body needing more recovery from harder workouts than it used to. I could run 6 days a week, but at least three of the runs would have to be "nothing" runs (just putting miles in). With 3 runs, I'm able to have all runs serve a purpose (1 long, 1 speed & 1 pace), without having to worry too much about my body falling apart. During this summer (= hot/humid) all three of my runs were short and slow, as my HR would soar too high if I did anything else.

In 2002 I had my first ever major injury from running (calf tear), after running for 20+ years (trying to qualify for Boston). I was training hard/long (like I was young) 5 days per week when it happened. I had 3 more major injuries in the next two years, even though I had reduced the intensity of my training. I then reduced to just 4 days per week in 2004 (for a January 2005 marathon) and again got injured prior to racing. I repeated this almost verbatim (4x per week, injury at the end of training), in 2005 (for a 2006 marathon). I then decided to go to 3x per week, and was too bored, so I decided to run my first ever triathlon in 2006. The cross-training helped, as well as the 3x per week. I completed my first marathon in almost a decade in 2006, then another in 2007. I have had injuries training just 3x per week, but none have been nearly as serious as those at 4x or 5x per week. I also believe that Oxysox have helped me tremendously. I've worn them for all, but 2 runs this year, and have had my ONLY injury this year on one of the two non-Oxysox runs.

Bottom Line: My body can't "run" 6 (or even 5 or 4) times per week without falling apart. Much of this is that my ego gets in the way and I tend to over train. I could most likely put miles in on three day, and "run" on the other three, but that doesn't trip my trigger. For me, running 3 purposeful runs per week has been optimal, with cross-training on off days.

 

[pmbrown_22]

Finally got back on the road...err, treadmill today and did an easy 2 miles. It felt great and I wanted to go more, but my mind prevailed and I stopped. I have no interest in pushing it a week after the marathon although I will run a couple tomorrow, my Sunday run is going to be in the 6 or 7 range at a slow easy pace.

_________________________

I have not had a chance to read the article yet, but have thought about a few of the posts that I have read. I am not in the old age category as far as age goes, but I usually consider my body a little older than my age. I played college baseball and sports for all seasons for about 15 years before that. You cannot underestimate how sports when you are younger really wears down your body when you play a lot of sports. For me it is not so much my muscles as it is my joints. I can never sneak up on anyone in my house because my joints creak and crack all the time.

Saying all of that, this last marathon training was a Higdon Intermediate II plan where I was running 5 days a week. For my next round and the spring marathon, probably the Flying Pig, I am going to go up a level to the advanced I plan, which is running 6 times a week. the only time that I did this before was before my first marathon in Columbus. I will have to admit that the problem I ran into was not so much recovery time, but just the fatigue of running that much throughout the week. Towards the end of training, my body was just drained and I ended up having to take off a few extra days which I don't think hurt me all that much, but were also needed. At that time, I was trying to get my runs in before work so I was getting up early and that played a big part in it as well.

With running 6 days a week, it does not give you much room for error or cushion for making up a workout if you miss one or trying to re-work your schedule. Probably the main issue that I see is that the nagging issues that you have continue to nag you unless you skip some of your training. Some don't like to do that very often.

 

[pigskinliquors]

I can never sneak up on anyone in my house because my joints creak and crack all the time.

I represent that remark! I have so little cartilage left in my knees and shoulder from too much football as a kid, that there is no way that I could have a career as a ninja

 

[gruecd]

Saying all of that, this last marathon training was a Higdon Intermediate II plan where I was running 5 days a week. For my next round and the spring marathon, probably the Flying Pig, I am going to go up a level to the advanced I plan, which is running 6 times a week. the only time that I did this before was before my first marathon in Columbus. I will have to admit that the problem I ran into was not so much recovery time, but just the fatigue of running that much throughout the week. Towards the end of training, my body was just drained and I ended up having to take off a few extra days which I don't think hurt me all that much, but were also needed. At that time, I was trying to get my runs in before work so I was getting up early and that played a big part in it as well.

With running 6 days a week, it does not give you much room for error or cushion for making up a workout if you miss one or trying to re-work your schedule. Probably the main issue that I see is that the nagging issues that you have continue to nag you unless you skip some of your training. Some don't like to do that very often.

Hey, pmb. I haven't read the article yet, either, but I'm 99% sure that I'll doing the Pfitz/Douglas 18/70 plan for Boston. It's generally six days per week, too. Here's what the weekly mileage looks like:Mesocycle 1--Endurance: 54, 55, 58, 62, 63, 55 (recovery week)

Mesocycle 2--Lactate Threshold + Endurance: 68, 66, 67, 58 (recovery), 70

Mesocycle 3--Race Preparation: 69, 70, 64, 68

Mesocycle 4--Taper and Race: 57, 43, 28 + race

It's not a huge increase from what I did for Chicago, but I've never done anything close to this kind of mileage during the winter. Should be interesting...

 

[pmbrown_22]

Saying all of that, this last marathon training was a Higdon Intermediate II plan where I was running 5 days a week. For my next round and the spring marathon, probably the Flying Pig, I am going to go up a level to the advanced I plan, which is running 6 times a week. the only time that I did this before was before my first marathon in Columbus. I will have to admit that the problem I ran into was not so much recovery time, but just the fatigue of running that much throughout the week. Towards the end of training, my body was just drained and I ended up having to take off a few extra days which I don't think hurt me all that much, but were also needed. At that time, I was trying to get my runs in before work so I was getting up early and that played a big part in it as well.

With running 6 days a week, it does not give you much room for error or cushion for making up a workout if you miss one or trying to re-work your schedule. Probably the main issue that I see is that the nagging issues that you have continue to nag you unless you skip some of your training. Some don't like to do that very often.

Hey, pmb. I haven't read the article yet, either, but I'm 99% sure that I'll doing the Pfitz/Douglas 18/70 plan for Boston. It's generally six days per week, too. Here's what the weekly mileage looks like:Mesocycle 1--Endurance: 54, 55, 58, 62, 63, 55 (recovery week)

Mesocycle 2--Lactate Threshold + Endurance: 68, 66, 67, 58 (recovery), 70

Mesocycle 3--Race Preparation: 69, 70, 64, 68

Mesocycle 4--Taper and Race: 57, 43, 28 + race

It's not a huge increase from what I did for Chicago, but I've never done anything close to this kind of mileage during the winter. Should be interesting...

I found this plan online and at first glance, that seems like a ton of miles for me. I am not so scared off by the miles, but the time it will take me to do the week day runs. I would try and do them in the morning before work, but I think I would end up doing them at night. Just curious, did you read his book? Seems like a lot of people recommend it, but again, I just don't know if I have the time. I may try it out though. If I can fit it in, I can definitely see where it would benefit me to do that kind of training. I will have to compare it to the Higdon as well to see how the mileage stacks up.One more question, anyone you know have good success with the 18/55 plan?