Signed up for a marathon

[Priss]

Well, HALF marathon actually. But to me 13 miles sounds just as impossible as 26! It's not until February, but I need help! Needless to say, I'm not a runner. I'm trying interval training now (warm-up walk, run, walk, run, walk...you get the idea) to build up my endurance, but can anyone suggest anything else I should be doing? I really want to do this!

[greeteachday]

Excellent! Good for you!

I was never a runner either, but got into it pretty heavily this year. I never thought I would - I'm working on part 2 of my life, lol. I have run 5 races since June and placed each time - it blows my mind. For me it's been all about realistic training - I had to build up aerobic fitness first then work on speed. I started out like you did with the walk run combo to build up endurance - run a lap, walk a lap and gradually built up the amount of time I was running consistantly until I could easily run 45 minutes at a time. I then started adding one long run day per week (on weekends usually), each week adding a half mile to a mile to my long run until I got at least to the furtheest distance I want to be able to compete at. I am primarily a 5K and 10 K racer - 13 miles is still a bit daunting to me and I still combine running and walking once I go beyond about 8-10 miles. (Lots of folks do this during marathon races too)

In order to build up speed, I work on neuromuscular training. I start with 10-15 minutes of warm up - gentle run, then do fartlek intervals - really fast for short spurts, then recovery at a slow jog, doing this at least 6-8 times in my short work out, then a gentle cool down run. Hill sprints are also excellent training and help add speed (start light and build up as your muscles develop, otherwise you can hurt yourself)

Most training programs recommend 4 or 6 days a week running with full rest at least one day and cross training on others (weight training, biking, pilates, etc.) if you prefer running just every other day. I run 6 days a week mostly because I have grown to love it and it makes me feel really good.

Some of the things I do that help me that do not involve running itself are:

1.) Challenge myself - to me it's all about trying to beat my personal best.
2.) Keep a running journal - I include the time I run, distance, speed and any observations (how hot out, how I felt mentally and physically, etc) I have one of those things that go in my shoe and connect with my MP3 (don't want to mention brands here, but you have probably seen them) and I'm hooked on having it track everything for me.
3.) Always do a brief gentle warm up then at least 5 minutes of stretching before a run, followed by cool down and 5-10 minutes of stretching after.
4.) Get out and try races - I set a goal for myself in each race, whether it is simply to complete the race or to beat my personal best time, whatever - just something to motivate myself.
5.) Make sure I have the right running shoes and replace every 300 miles or so. If you haven't had yourself professionally fitted at least once at a good running store, it's really worth it. There's nothing more painful than the effects of the wrong type of shoe.

Let us know how you are doing - I think that's really great that you have signed up. You may want to try some shorter distance races once you feel comfortable running for a bit, just to get a feel for how it feels to race and so you won't be super nervous come race day.

[Priss]

Greet--Thx so much for the reply! The first few days were pretty rough, but I think I'm starting to get into the swing of things...especially when I stopped caring whether or not I looked like an idiot! I've been tracking my time, but you're right, I need to be tracking my distance and other factors too. Thanks again for your help and enjoy part 2 of your life!!

Priss

[dave47]

Congrats on signing up for a half Priss.
When I started running, I could only manage 10 minutes for the first few efforts, but forced myself on and after about 6 weeks was up to 7 miles. I have ran a few half marathons and a few 10ks, and it might help to get in a 10k and then maybe a 10 miler as you have plenty of time.
Definitely take the time to do some stretching exercises and keep yourself hydrated. I normally have a glass of water, and a coffee about an hour before I go out and I take a 500ml bottle with me. I have a banana at the same time, but if I am running a bit later( I like to run early on a Sunday morning), I have a bowl of porridge or a bagel. I find these give me a bit more energy after an hour or so.
I try to do a long run on the Sunday(10 miles), and a week day run of 45 minutes to an hour, where I try and run a bit faster.
As Greeteachday advises, go to a running shop and be properly fitted for shoes. I think proper footwear is the only essential piece of running kit that you need to start with.
If you Google MAP A RUN, you can work out your mileage and times on your own running routes.
Occasionally, I have tried to up things and run three times a week, but that leaves me feeling drained. You will gradually work out what you can do.
Best wishes with the training, it doesn't take long for the body to adapt.

[jerect]

Yay!!! Another runner

I have run 1 half marathon and countless 5K's 10k's and 15k's in between. The half marathon was by far my favorite race to date. I'm planning on doing a full marathon in Febuary 2011.

All of the above advice is great... and consistancy is the key.. just keep at it, you will have good runs and you will have frustrating runs, it's just all part of the process. Build up your endurance first and work on your distance.. don't worry about your time or your pace. YOur goal for the 1st 1/2 should be just to finish. There are some good structured running plans out there for marathoners.. I like both Jeff Galloway and Hal Higdon.. they both offer free running plans on their websites from the beginner to the elite..

Good luck and most importantly have fun

[spen71]

I used to run a lot when I was younger and before the booze took over my life. I am on day 9 and have signed up for a gym from Tuesday. Going to build my fitness up a little bit then I am going to hit the roads again.

My major problem is shin splints so will have to get some good trainers sorted out.