Ran a 10k - Official Thread (8 Viewers)

[MAC_32]

What is everyone's thoughts on soda?

Ive been fiending soda lately.  The bubbles, the caffeine, I just bought one to go with my lunch.  I must have them  Note I didnt say I was fiending sugar.  Im actually not wanting the pure sweetness and have been gravitating towards the diets.  Ive been trying to get it to a few a week, like 5 .  That said, I cant stop thinking about soda and im not a soda drinker.  Im also a good eater, so I dont really worry about the calories.  I have like 2 cups or so of black tea a day, neither worried about the caffeine.  This craving is prolly a couple months old.  Im wondering if its a passing want.

Does anyone else worry about soda?  Too much, not enough?

We all have our vices and knowing mine I don't think adding a coke to the mix would be a good idea.  I'd need to sacrifice something else and I just don't want to.  I don't remember when I phased it out of my diet, but it's been a while - and I don't miss it.  I'll have one-to-four per year when the meal and conditions are right, but it's extremely infrequent.  One black coffee in the morning then (probably) way too much water is my boring daily routine.  It works for me.

 

[The Iguana]

So... have seen the thread around and it just happened to be on top when I stopped by for the first time in quite a while... I can use some accountability partners so figured I might as well post here.

Boring background info, feel free to skip... was a mediocre cross country and track runner in high school, almost 30 years ago. I have run on and off (more off than on) since then. Mostly an out-of-shape, soon-to-be 48 year-old - 6', weighed in at 228.6 on Monday morning. And then I signed up on Saturday to run a half marathon in Indianapolis on 11/3.

I ran for the first time in about 4 months yesterday and followed it up with a run today at lunch.

Monday - 2.02 miles, 10:04/mile pace

Tuesday - 2.04 miles, 9:56/mile pace

Training plan is to run about 2 to 3 miles a day 3 days a week (MTR) with some light weight work - mostly doing push ups and sit ups right now. Then run an increasingly longer run on Saturdays. Wednesdays and Sundays will basically be days off. Fridays are up in the air - might do a crossfit-esque class at work and/or just do some kind of weight training.

Saturday plan:

week 1: 4 miles

week 2: 5 miles

week 3: 6 miles

week 4: 8 miles

week 5: 10 miles

week 6: lighter/shorter run

week 7: 13.1 miles

Thoughts? Have seen some plans were maybe I do the 10 miler week 6 and take a week off/do a shorter one week 5. Week day runs right now are just getting some miles on my legs. Later I'll probably do some interval type stuff.

Goal is mostly just to finish and be able to walk on 11/4. But also have some ideas on what kind of pace I can run it in but we will see how realistic that is as the training progresses.

Thoughts, dos, don'ts, etc? TIA

 

[SteelCurtain]

What is everyone's thoughts on soda?

Ive been fiending soda lately.  The bubbles, the caffeine, I just bought one to go with my lunch.  I must have them  Note I didnt say I was fiending sugar.  Im actually not wanting the pure sweetness and have been gravitating towards the diets.  Ive been trying to get it to a few a week, like 5 .  That said, I cant stop thinking about soda and im not a soda drinker.  Im also a good eater, so I dont really worry about the calories.  I have like 2 cups or so of black tea a day, neither worried about the caffeine.  This craving is prolly a couple months old.  Im wondering if its a passing want.

Does anyone else worry about soda?  Too much, not enough?

I rarely drink soda (1-2 per year).

I regularly drink seltzer which has bubbles but no sugar.  Highly recommend if you need something different than water.

 

[tri-man 47]

What is everyone's thoughts on soda?

I tend to like a 12-oz'er on weekends a few hours after a long run, preferably Coke or Pepsi.  But that's about it ...avg of about one per weekend.

 

[tri-man 47]

So... have seen the thread around and it just happened to be on top when I stopped by for the first time in quite a while... I can use some accountability partners so figured I might as well post here.

Boring background info, feel free to skip... was a mediocre cross country and track runner in high school, almost 30 years ago. I have run on and off (more off than on) since then. Mostly an out-of-shape, soon-to-be 48 year-old - 6', weighed in at 228.6 on Monday morning. And then I signed up on Saturday to run a half marathon in Indianapolis on 11/3.

Training plan is to run about 2 to 3 miles a day 3 days a week (MTR) with some light weight work - mostly doing push ups and sit ups right now. Then run an increasingly longer run on Saturdays. Wednesdays and Sundays will basically be days off. Fridays are up in the air - might do a crossfit-esque class at work and/or just do some kind of weight training.

Thoughts? Have seen some plans were maybe I do the 10 miler week 6 and take a week off/do a shorter one week 5. Week day runs right now are just getting some miles on my legs. Later I'll probably do some interval type stuff.

Goal is mostly just to finish and be able to walk on 11/4. But also have some ideas on what kind of pace I can run it in but we will see how realistic that is as the training progresses.

Thoughts, dos, don'ts, etc? TIA

  Glad to have you join the fun!  Your plan is reasonable, though you might consider shifting that shorter run from Th to F ...it'll make Saturday's effort a bit harder.  Otherwise, just get at it and see how it goes!  You won't have time to gear up interval training, I don't think, but you could, when comfortable over coming weeks, either (a) add some short accelerations into your runs, or (b) push the last 1/4 or 1/2 mile at a faster clip.

 

[Spartans Rule]

What is everyone's thoughts on soda?

I've cut it out almost entirely. My schedule of working evenings is helpful, because I rarely need caffeine to stay awake. If I had a 9-to-5 job I'd have to learn to like coffee or I'd go back to drinking soda.

The five times or so per year I have to wake up early for whatever reason, I get super excited that I have an excuse to drink a Coke.

 

[The Iguana]

  Glad to have you join the fun!  Your plan is reasonable, though you might consider shifting that shorter run from Th to F ...it'll make Saturday's effort a bit harder.  Otherwise, just get at it and see how it goes!  You won't have time to gear up interval training, I don't think, but you could, when comfortable over coming weeks, either (a) add some short accelerations into your runs, or (b) push the last 1/4 or 1/2 mile at a faster clip.

As in run MTFS instead of MTRS? Goal is to run 4 days a week with one of them being increasingly longer. The other day (Th or F) I would probably do the "crossfit fitness" class at work as something different - they are basically high cardio workouts with some weights tossed in - lots of rowing/running with some wall balls, kettle bells, etc. Also figured any day that especially crappy weather I would substitute either one of those classes or some combo of rowing/bike. 

Also, nothing like picking 2 of the hottest, most humid days of September to start - yesterday was like 80 with 80% humidity at lunch. Today was 88 and about 65% or something. Was pretty excited to stay at an even pace - according to my app, the 1/2 mile splits were all within 2 seconds of each other pace wise. Felt good to get started. 

 

[gianmarco]

As in run MTFS instead of MTRS? Goal is to run 4 days a week with one of them being increasingly longer. The other day (Th or F) I would probably do the "crossfit fitness" class at work as something different - they are basically high cardio workouts with some weights tossed in - lots of rowing/running with some wall balls, kettle bells, etc. Also figured any day that especially crappy weather I would substitute either one of those classes or some combo of rowing/bike. 

Also, nothing like picking 2 of the hottest, most humid days of September to start - yesterday was like 80 with 80% humidity at lunch. Today was 88 and about 65% or something. Was pretty excited to stay at an even pace - according to my app, the 1/2 mile splits were all within 2 seconds of each other pace wise. Felt good to get started. 

Go ahead and join Strava now so we can all follow along as well.  Check out the OP in this thread.  And listen to these guys in here....they know their stuff. 

 

[bud29]

Discouraging run last night - started off at a pace I thought I could sustain, but I got eaten alive. Meant to go 5 miles but had to shut it down early, something I hadn't done before. Hot and humid weather. During the last mile, I accidentally cut someone off and got cussed out. Not my night.   Most concerning, though, was some pain I started having in my right knee near the end of the run - it's a fairly deep, sharp pain below the kneecap. I've had some soreness in this area of both my knees *after* running, but this was the first time I experienced it during a run. It hurt for another hour after my run, and when I woke up this morning, my other knee was hurting in the same spot. Not a good sign.

Googling around, it looks like this a pretty common ailment for runners, but there are a variety of possible causes such as poor form, weakness in the quads/hips/core, etc. Have any of you dealt with this, and what did you do to fix it? Any recommendations? I do think my form could use some work, as I might be overextending my legs a bit. 

I'm guessing the correct thing to do would be to stop running until I get the problem diagnosed/fixed, since I don't want to permanently damage my knees by trying to push through it. On the other hand, I only have an easy 4-miler scheduled for tonight, so part of me wants to try it out, see how I'm feeling, and use it as an opportunity to work on my form. I was expecting to deal with some injuries at some point, but it's disappointing that I'm already having issues after just one month of training. 

 

[Ned]

I regularly drink seltzer which has bubbles but no sugar.  Highly recommend if you need something different than water.

We have a guy in our mtn bike group that brings seltzer water on rides with him.  He said it's so much more refreshing.  It's hilarious hearing the fizz as he opens the bottle and then burping down the trail.  

I was a big soda fiend back before I lost 50# in 2010 - cutting it out was a big reason for the weight loss.  I am OK without it as long as its not in the house.  If we have soda left over, for say a bday party, I can't resist it.  I'm usually good with not getting it when we're out to eat, but I'll indulge from time to time. 

 

[ChiefD]

Discouraging run last night - started off at a pace I thought I could sustain, but I got eaten alive. Meant to go 5 miles but had to shut it down early, something I hadn't done before. Hot and humid weather. During the last mile, I accidentally cut someone off and got cussed out. Not my night.   Most concerning, though, was some pain I started having in my right knee near the end of the run - it's a fairly deep, sharp pain below the kneecap. I've had some soreness in this area of both my knees *after* running, but this was the first time I experienced it during a run. It hurt for another hour after my run, and when I woke up this morning, my other knee was hurting in the same spot. Not a good sign.

Googling around, it looks like this a pretty common ailment for runners, but there are a variety of possible causes such as poor form, weakness in the quads/hips/core, etc. Have any of you dealt with this, and what did you do to fix it? Any recommendations? I do think my form could use some work, as I might be overextending my legs a bit. 

I'm guessing the correct thing to do would be to stop running until I get the problem diagnosed/fixed, since I don't want to permanently damage my knees by trying to push through it. On the other hand, I only have an easy 4-miler scheduled for tonight, so part of me wants to try it out, see how I'm feeling, and use it as an opportunity to work on my form. I was expecting to deal with some injuries at some point, but it's disappointing that I'm already having issues after just one month of training. 

1. The humidity is brutal right now. Don't beat yourself up about that. When it's this hot, you just have to slow down and get your work in, even if the pace seems really, really slow.

2. As for the knee, you probably have some tight IT bands. This happens to me fairly often, and when it does I have to use my foam roller to stretch them out. You might google IT band issues and check that out.

 

[ChiefD]

I will add @bud29 - this happened to me just the other day. Left knee was sore so I pulled out my foam roller. It hurts like all hell to stretch them out, but it works. I need to do more of it actually. 

 

[bud29]

1. The humidity is brutal right now. Don't beat yourself up about that. When it's this hot, you just have to slow down and get your work in, even if the pace seems really, really slow.

2. As for the knee, you probably have some tight IT bands. This happens to me fairly often, and when it does I have to use my foam roller to stretch them out. You might google IT band issues and check that out.

Yeah, I can't wait for the weather to cool off later this week. Last night I was shooting for the 7:40 pace I ran during last week's tempo run, but it was 15-20 degrees cooler then. SI was >150 when I started running at 10 pm. Not fun. (Also, last week's "tempo" was more "balls to the wall" than "comfortably fast," so recreating that may have been unrealistic regardless of weather). 

I've been meaning to get a roller for a while now - might stop by walmart and pick up a cheap rolling pin tonight. Thanks for the advice! 

 

[MAC_32]

Discouraging run last night - started off at a pace I thought I could sustain, but I got eaten alive. Meant to go 5 miles but had to shut it down early, something I hadn't done before. Hot and humid weather. During the last mile, I accidentally cut someone off and got cussed out. Not my night.   Most concerning, though, was some pain I started having in my right knee near the end of the run - it's a fairly deep, sharp pain below the kneecap. I've had some soreness in this area of both my knees *after* running, but this was the first time I experienced it during a run. It hurt for another hour after my run, and when I woke up this morning, my other knee was hurting in the same spot. Not a good sign.

Googling around, it looks like this a pretty common ailment for runners, but there are a variety of possible causes such as poor form, weakness in the quads/hips/core, etc. Have any of you dealt with this, and what did you do to fix it? Any recommendations? I do think my form could use some work, as I might be overextending my legs a bit. 

I'm guessing the correct thing to do would be to stop running until I get the problem diagnosed/fixed, since I don't want to permanently damage my knees by trying to push through it. On the other hand, I only have an easy 4-miler scheduled for tonight, so part of me wants to try it out, see how I'm feeling, and use it as an opportunity to work on my form. I was expecting to deal with some injuries at some point, but it's disappointing that I'm already having issues after just one month of training. 

Probably just too much, too fast, too soon.  Very common with people just getting started, even those with prior experience.  It's been a long time, but I went through something similar - definitely not the only one in here either.  More easy runs is the long game play.  And because I can't resist myself - strength training too.

 

[MAC_32]

So... have seen the thread around and it just happened to be on top when I stopped by for the first time in quite a while... I can use some accountability partners so figured I might as well post here.

Boring background info, feel free to skip... was a mediocre cross country and track runner in high school, almost 30 years ago. I have run on and off (more off than on) since then. Mostly an out-of-shape, soon-to-be 48 year-old - 6', weighed in at 228.6 on Monday morning. And then I signed up on Saturday to run a half marathon in Indianapolis on 11/3.

I ran for the first time in about 4 months yesterday and followed it up with a run today at lunch.

Monday - 2.02 miles, 10:04/mile pace

Tuesday - 2.04 miles, 9:56/mile pace

Training plan is to run about 2 to 3 miles a day 3 days a week (MTR) with some light weight work - mostly doing push ups and sit ups right now. Then run an increasingly longer run on Saturdays. Wednesdays and Sundays will basically be days off. Fridays are up in the air - might do a crossfit-esque class at work and/or just do some kind of weight training.

Saturday plan:

week 1: 4 miles

week 2: 5 miles

week 3: 6 miles

week 4: 8 miles

week 5: 10 miles

week 6: lighter/shorter run

week 7: 13.1 miles

Thoughts? Have seen some plans were maybe I do the 10 miler week 6 and take a week off/do a shorter one week 5. Week day runs right now are just getting some miles on my legs. Later I'll probably do some interval type stuff.

Goal is mostly just to finish and be able to walk on 11/4. But also have some ideas on what kind of pace I can run it in but we will see how realistic that is as the training progresses.

Thoughts, dos, don'ts, etc? TIA

If Saturday is your increasing mileage day then I don't think strength training Friday is a good idea.  Intense back-to-back's when you're new doesn't pass the juice vs. squeeze test for me.  I think you can pick any day between Mon and Thu though.  Welcome aboard!  

 

[MAC_32]

I tend to like a 12-oz'er on weekends a few hours after a long run, preferably Coke or Pepsi.  But that's about it ...avg of about one per weekend.

Me personally, I prefer a different sorta 12 oz'er on weekends a few hours after a long run. 

 

[Zasada]

Re soda, I do drink a little of the zero-calorie variety.  I just hate drinking my calories, especially empty ones.  Beer is a treat once in a while.

But my beverage of choice is generally True Lemon Lemonade.  It's sweetened with Stevia ("natural") which supposedly is better than other low/no-calorie sweeteners.  Until they find out that it kills us just like everything else.

 

[gruecd]

I've been meaning to get a roller for a while now - might stop by walmart and pick up a cheap rolling pin tonight. Thanks for the advice! 

"Real" massage sticks and foam rollers only cost $10-25.  Not exactly high-ticket items LOL

 

[Brony]

"Real" massage sticks and foam rollers only cost $10-25.  Not exactly high-ticket items LOL

I'm about as frugal as they come and I second this.  Here's one for less than 25. and you can just lay on it and let gravity do all of the work. 

 

[Sand]

Saw a couple more folks joined the Strava group.  Welcome, gents.

Also, under the heading "people are effing nuts" - a new bike land speed record of 187mph.

 

[jb1020]

Had my first Tempo Run this morning on the Higdon Plan.  Thought it went well.  The plan says "near 10k pace" which I don't have a great feel for right now.  9:09 is the pace I need for a 2 hour half so the goal was to do that 30 minutes at 8:45.  

Wake up mile - 10:35

mile 1 - 9:00 - 152 HR

mile 2 - 8:47 - 168 HR

mile 3 - 8:50 - 160 HR

.45 miles - 8:58 - 162 HR

A tad slower than I had wanted to do, but running fast like that is not something I do very often.  Hell Strava even told me that was my 2nd best 5K.  

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.  It does make me wonder if I'm pushing myself enough in all my other runs.  Not going to be too concerned about that right now.  

My dog didn't know what hit her this morning.  I was dragging her ### by mile 2.  I kept getting these WTF looks from her.  

 

[Brony]

Saw a couple more folks joined the Strava group.  Welcome, gents.

Also, under the heading "people are effing nuts" - a new bike land speed record of 187mph.

nuts alright...

Mueller-Korenek set a women's speed record of 147 mph in 2016. It took her two years to return to the salt flats to attempt to best the men's record, in part because of a string of setbacks in 2017: a crash that broke a shoulder blade and a rib, as well as an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg.

 

[MAC_32]

Had my first Tempo Run this morning on the Higdon Plan.  Thought it went well.  The plan says "near 10k pace" which I don't have a great feel for right now.  9:09 is the pace I need for a 2 hour half so the goal was to do that 30 minutes at 8:45.  

Wake up mile - 10:35

mile 1 - 9:00 - 152 HR

mile 2 - 8:47 - 168 HR

mile 3 - 8:50 - 160 HR

.45 miles - 8:58 - 162 HR

A tad slower than I had wanted to do, but running fast like that is not something I do very often.  Hell Strava even told me that was my 2nd best 5K.  

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.  It does make me wonder if I'm pushing myself enough in all my other runs.  Not going to be too concerned about that right now.  

My dog didn't know what hit her this morning.  I was dragging her ### by mile 2.  I kept getting these WTF looks from her.  

Re running fast - you've probably done the right things up to this point just doing easy miles considering as of 2 months ago you'd basically been off since April.  Don't read too much into your output today - it's just benchmark setting.  Nice work 

 

[bushdocda]

I clutter the home with rollers, knobby balls, foam, voodoo floss products in every room. I’d be the tin man otherwise even with all the damn clamshells. 

And I’m addicted to lime seltzer water.  Feels good to admit it. 

 

[gianmarco]

This weather can EABD. Even tried to get out a little earlier than usual for me but the dew point is back up in the 70s and just felt so suffocating out there.

But, got my workout done that I failed to do yesterday and felt good to get it finished. It was on my mind all day yesterday so now I know how @gruecd was feeling. 

Ignoring the weather component, I'm starting to notice differences in smaller tempo changes. I've always just approximated paces and deal with :15 changes (i.e. 8:00 vs 7:45). 

This morning, I could feel a significant difference between 8:00 and 8:05. The latter felt much easier than I'd otherwise expect for such a small change. It felt like something I could more comfortably do for longer than the 8:00 pace. I think that's the first time I've noticed something like that over that little difference. I'm hoping on race day that better weather and fresher legs make 8:00 feel the same way but today was a great learning point for what it needs to feel like. 

It was a good day despite the suck.

 

[ChiefD]

This weather can EABD. Even tried to get out a little earlier than usual for me but the dew point is back up in the 70s and just felt so suffocating out there.

But, got my workout done that I failed to do yesterday and felt good to get it finished. It was on my mind all day yesterday so now I know how @gruecd was feeling. 

Ignoring the weather component, I'm starting to notice differences in smaller tempo changes. I've always just approximated paces and deal with :15 changes (i.e. 8:00 vs 7:45). 

This morning, I could feel a significant difference between 8:00 and 8:05. The latter felt much easier than I'd otherwise expect for such a small change. It felt like something I could more comfortably do for longer than the 8:00 pace. I think that's the first time I've noticed something like that over that little difference. I'm hoping on race day that better weather and fresher legs make 8:00 feel the same way but today was a great learning point for what it needs to feel like. 

It was a good day despite the suck.

Wait until you run Sunday morning. You will cream your pants because of how good that weather is gonna feel. 

 

[The Iguana]

Really looking forward to this whole thing after the first 2 days. Followed the linked and joined the group. My old, heavy legs probably will be thankful for the day more or less off but I kind of wish I had planned to go out today - did a 1.5 mile walk at lunch, which was a good stretch and then will walk 9 holes or so of golf later today but I definitely have a bit of the bug right now. Needed something to kick my butt into gear after being too lazy for quite a while. Even went to the gym last night for a little light lifting and a whole lot of stretching. It's a good start.

 

[The Iguana]

ooh... just saw the calendar and added mine to the list. have no idea who gruecd is, but I now have an official goal besides just surviving - hopefully I can finish the half before he can finish the full marathon!

 

[Ned]

ooh... just saw the calendar and added mine to the list. have no idea who gruecd is, but I now have an official goal besides just surviving - hopefully I can finish the half before he can finish the full marathon!

Don't worry - he's a nobody.

 

[Sand]

have no idea who gruecd is

He's just some schmo from Wisconsin, no need to worry about him.  

 

[gruecd]

ooh... just saw the calendar and added mine to the list. have no idea who gruecd is, but I now have an official goal besides just surviving - hopefully I can finish the half before he can finish the full marathon!

Dude's a loser anyway.

 

[MAC_32]

This weather can EABD. Even tried to get out a little earlier than usual for me but the dew point is back up in the 70s and just felt so suffocating out there.

The average high in St Louis between December and February is in the low 40's.  In March and April you have some rather ideal racing conditions.  Do with that info what you will - besides reaching through your computer and smacking me anyway.

 

[gianmarco]

The average high in St Louis between December and February is in the low 40's.  In March and April you have some rather ideal racing conditions.  Do with that info what you will - besides reaching through your computer and smacking me anyway.

I'm going to complain about the weather all year. Pretty soon it's going to be too cold to get out and you're going to hear about it.

Just call me Princess.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'm going to complain about the weather all year. Pretty soon it's going to be too cold to get out and you're going to hear about it.

Just call me Princess.

I've forgotten, do you have plans to keep up the consistent training in the winter?  If so, I really think you'll start embracing your "cold" weather.  

 

[The Iguana]

I'm going to complain about the weather all year. Pretty soon it's going to be too cold to get out and you're going to hear about it.

Just call me Princess.

I actually am kind of glad it was brutally hot when I started - better to be ugly and then nicer than the other way around. If I can get out there now, then I'll have no excuse as the temps drop (well until they drop too far  ). 

 

[tri-man 47]

I'm laying low this week before the Dances With Dirt relay on Saturday in eastern Michigan.  My left hip is inflamed ...if guessing, I'd say I have some bursitis, probably due to a couple of stretching days (with squats/lunges) that I haven't done in quite a long time.  I probably need to lay low for a month, but I'll see if I can get through a mid-October 5K that I'm signed up for (a race my university sponsors).  The area just off the edge of my hip bone/pointer is sore to the touch and slightly swollen.  It's not due to running, but running isn't good for it.  :sigh:  DWD certainly won't help things at all.

 

[gianmarco]

I've forgotten, do you have plans to keep up the consistent training in the winter?  If so, I really think you'll start embracing your "cold" weather.  

I was actually just thinking of this recently. Last winter, I had only just started and it was a welcome break before starting to run more in February.

I worked a good bit for the summer races, took a month off, and now coming up to the end of 12 weeks of training for this HM. I'll still do some work for the early December 15K. 

The thought of a break is nice, but I also don't want to lose some of the gains I've made. I haven't mentioned it yet to you crack dealers because I already know what will be said, but I've at least considered the Go Marathon here in early April. I just don't know if I'm ready yet, mostly mentally. I wanted to see how this half goes and then see how I feel about this whole distance thing. 

The timing would otherwise work but I also don't know if it's reasonable to go right into another training plan nor if I even want to.

Long way of saying I don't know. But I'm more likely to do something, even if just some base training. 

 

[bushdocda]

I haven't mentioned it yet to you crack dealers because I already know what will be said, but I've at least considered the Go Marathon here in early April. 

 <—— crack 

edit - that would entail winter training (not hot though!)

 

[gruecd]

I was actually just thinking of this recently. Last winter, I had only just started and it was a welcome break before starting to run more in February.

I worked a good bit for the summer races, took a month off, and now coming up to the end of 12 weeks of training for this HM. I'll still do some work for the early December 15K. 

The thought of a break is nice, but I also don't want to lose some of the gains I've made. I haven't mentioned it yet to you crack dealers because I already know what will be said, but I've at least considered the Go Marathon here in early April. I just don't know if I'm ready yet, mostly mentally. I wanted to see how this half goes and then see how I feel about this whole distance thing. 

The timing would otherwise work but I also don't know if it's reasonable to go right into another training plan nor if I even want to.

Long way of saying I don't know. But I'm more likely to do something, even if just some base training. 

Hop on I-70 and go run Carmel instead.

 

[gianmarco]

Hop on I-70 and go run Carmel instead.

One step at a time.

And why would I do that instead of starting here in my own town?

 

[MAC_32]

I was actually just thinking of this recently. Last winter, I had only just started and it was a welcome break before starting to run more in February.

I worked a good bit for the summer races, took a month off, and now coming up to the end of 12 weeks of training for this HM. I'll still do some work for the early December 15K. 

The thought of a break is nice, but I also don't want to lose some of the gains I've made. I haven't mentioned it yet to you crack dealers because I already know what will be said, but I've at least considered the Go Marathon here in early April. I just don't know if I'm ready yet, mostly mentally. I wanted to see how this half goes and then see how I feel about this whole distance thing. 

The timing would otherwise work but I also don't know if it's reasonable to go right into another training plan nor if I even want to.

Long way of saying I don't know. But I'm more likely to do something, even if just some base training. 

You're gonna be shocked but I'm not gonna peer pressure you into a spring marathon. But I think you should consider another half. Iirc your lack of winter running sure seemed more like just an unwillingness to deal with the elements. Me thinks jumping head first into multiple cycles building up to 20 miles in that stuff may be more than you are really ready to chew. But a goal race will get you out in the winter garbage more so you can see if it's something you're really ready for - mentally, as you said. Physically you're probably ready for the mileage increase necessary to pop your marathon cherry. 

 

[gianmarco]

You're gonna be shocked but I'm not gonna peer pressure you into a spring marathon. But I think you should consider another half. Iirc your lack of winter running sure seemed more like just an unwillingness to deal with the elements. Me thinks jumping head first into multiple cycles building up to 20 miles in that stuff may be more than you are really ready to chew. But a goal race will get you out in the winter garbage more so you can see if it's something you're really ready for - mentally, as you said. Physically you're probably ready for the mileage increase necessary to pop your marathon cherry. 

I was just looking at Higdon's intermediate plan and yeah, I don't think I'm quite there yet.  Doing the Go! Half might be perfect.  I can take one month easy, do another 12 week plan and give it a shot.  Let's see how things go in 2 1/2 weeks, though......

 

[SFBayDuck]

I was just looking at Higdon's intermediate plan and yeah, I don't think I'm quite there yet.  Doing the Go! Half might be perfect.  I can take one month easy, do another 12 week plan and give it a shot.  Let's see how things go in 2 1/2 weeks, though......

https://running.competitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/50-Mile-Training-Plan.pdf  

YWIA

 

[Ned]

I was just looking at Higdon's intermediate plan and yeah, I don't think I'm quite there yet.  Doing the Go! Half might be perfect.  I can take one month easy, do another 12 week plan and give it a shot.  Let's see how things go in 2 1/2 weeks, though......

I say stick with a couple more halves before jumping to the full. So many of us just kept upping the ante without the base to support it only to find out the hard way that we weren’t really ready for the full. There are a million marathons out there for when you’re really ready to move up. 

Now I’m not saying I think you wouldn’t be ready, it’s just a word of caution.  

 

[tri-man 47]

I say stick with a couple more halves before jumping to the full. So many of us just kept upping the ante without the base to support it only to find out the hard way that we weren’t really ready for the full. There are a million marathons out there for when you’re really ready to move up. 

Now I’m not saying I think you wouldn’t be ready, it’s just a word of caution.  

I agree with this (and @MAC_32's) advice.  Enjoy a bit of a step-back this winter and build up for something you're comfortable in the spring.  

 

[mr. furley]

This weather can EABD.

Monday we hit 90 with dew points in the upper 60s/low 70s. i struggled through 4 miles.. and just stopped sweating. my shirt was dripping sweat. there was no way for me to continue. drank probably 64 oz. of water and was just parched all night. woke up dehydrated sore.

Tuesday it was 60 with much lower humidity and a light breeze. i ran 4.5 at a full 90 seconds per mile faster. felt amazing. only reason i stopped was because i had to get home for the kids. could have run for another 90 minutes. 

i love warm weather but running in it isn't always awesome

 

[gianmarco]

Thanks guys.

I know for me, thinking more on it, just not ready yet and as some said, probably smarter to keep building. But a target HM for spring is likely in the cards and will give me something to work on over winter.

Just the fact I'm even thinking about a full marathon considering where I started 1 year ago is nuts to me and a testament to how addictive you guys are.  But I'm not going anywhere so, one day, we'll see

Now back to my regularly scheduled weather complaining.

 

[JAA]

So... have seen the thread around and it just happened to be on top when I stopped by for the first time in quite a while... I can use some accountability partners so figured I might as well post here.

Boring background info, feel free to skip... was a mediocre cross country and track runner in high school, almost 30 years ago. I have run on and off (more off than on) since then. Mostly an out-of-shape, soon-to-be 48 year-old - 6', weighed in at 228.6 on Monday morning. And then I signed up on Saturday to run a half marathon in Indianapolis on 11/3.

I ran for the first time in about 4 months yesterday and followed it up with a run today at lunch.

Monday - 2.02 miles, 10:04/mile pace

Tuesday - 2.04 miles, 9:56/mile pace

Training plan is to run about 2 to 3 miles a day 3 days a week (MTR) with some light weight work - mostly doing push ups and sit ups right now. Then run an increasingly longer run on Saturdays. Wednesdays and Sundays will basically be days off. Fridays are up in the air - might do a crossfit-esque class at work and/or just do some kind of weight training.

Saturday plan:

week 1: 4 miles

week 2: 5 miles

week 3: 6 miles

week 4: 8 miles

week 5: 10 miles

week 6: lighter/shorter run

week 7: 13.1 miles

Thoughts? Have seen some plans were maybe I do the 10 miler week 6 and take a week off/do a shorter one week 5. Week day runs right now are just getting some miles on my legs. Later I'll probably do some interval type stuff.

Goal is mostly just to finish and be able to walk on 11/4. But also have some ideas on what kind of pace I can run it in but we will see how realistic that is as the training progresses.

Thoughts, dos, don'ts, etc? TIA

Welcome!

Which days are you swimming?  Will you bike on a trainer during the winter months?

 

[Juxtatarot]

I say stick with a couple more halves before jumping to the full. So many of us just kept upping the ante without the base to support it only to find out the hard way that we weren’t really ready for the full. There are a million marathons out there for when you’re really ready to move up. 

Now I’m not saying I think you wouldn’t be ready, it’s just a word of caution.  

Wait a minute.  Who's this new Ned?  From the OP...

 
I'm thinking about running a marathon, should I? Yes.  You're a #### for even asking.

 

[JAA]

Discouraging run last night - started off at a pace I thought I could sustain, but I got eaten alive. Meant to go 5 miles but had to shut it down early, something I hadn't done before. Hot and humid weather. During the last mile, I accidentally cut someone off and got cussed out. Not my night.   Most concerning, though, was some pain I started having in my right knee near the end of the run - it's a fairly deep, sharp pain below the kneecap. I've had some soreness in this area of both my knees *after* running, but this was the first time I experienced it during a run. It hurt for another hour after my run, and when I woke up this morning, my other knee was hurting in the same spot. Not a good sign.

Googling around, it looks like this a pretty common ailment for runners, but there are a variety of possible causes such as poor form, weakness in the quads/hips/core, etc. Have any of you dealt with this, and what did you do to fix it? Any recommendations? I do think my form could use some work, as I might be overextending my legs a bit. 

I'm guessing the correct thing to do would be to stop running until I get the problem diagnosed/fixed, since I don't want to permanently damage my knees by trying to push through it. On the other hand, I only have an easy 4-miler scheduled for tonight, so part of me wants to try it out, see how I'm feeling, and use it as an opportunity to work on my form. I was expecting to deal with some injuries at some point, but it's disappointing that I'm already having issues after just one month of training. 

Take a day or 2 off. No reason to push it. Not worth risking it.