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Running thread

Ran in the Altras for the first time yesterday. Just did 2 miles, then switched back to my other pair to finish out the run. Not very sore at all today thankfully, but wow, what a difference. Felt like I was running in boots after I switched pairs mid run. I think I'll like them, but I may get an insert to add a little cushioning.
 
bad news = just had a total wipeout about a 1/2-mile from my house
good news = somehow managed to avoid a complete disaster


Ran straight over a "trip wire" (must have been an electric or cable line, sticking out of the ground for some silly reason)


Not sure how I reacted so fast, but got my hands out in front of me to break the fall. Which is nice, because I guess it kept me from breaking my face in half. Got some nice skid marks on my palms, though. Can't be a good thing for my wacking hobby.
 
Just be glad you didn't hit your knee. I had something similar happen years ago and didn't catch myself in time. Slammed my knee cap against my femur. For my efforts, I have a very large scar on my knee from the impact and got to have knee surgery, removing my plica, scraping my knee cap, and fixing some cartilage.
 
Originally posted by B.B.d.K.:
Sound pretty technical. Shew.
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* Lost my Bryant visor at a casino.

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Originally posted by Voinovich.:
Originally posted by B.B.d.K.:
Sound pretty technical. Shew.
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* Lost my Bryant visor at a casino.

furious.r191677.gif
Might have another. I'll check. Think we're doing riding caps instead this year.

Got 30 in this past week. Legs feel really good as well. Marathon training starts the 1st.
 
Speaking of marathoners, any of you have specific training plans to go by?

I don't mind putting in 6-7 day of mid range mileage to total up but I hate hate running over 10. Really over 7. I know I need to get a few long runs in but honestly I doubt I get over 13 more than 3-4 times. I'd run 7-8m 7x's per week with no problem but I'd make excuses all day to avoid an 11 or 12 miler. Don't know why 10 is a big hurdle for me with training.
 
Originally posted by anthonys735:
Speaking of marathoners, any of you have specific training plans to go by?

I don't mind putting in 6-7 day of mid range mileage to total up but I hate hate running over 10. Really over 7. I know I need to get a few long runs in but honestly I doubt I get over 13 more than 3-4 times. I'd run 7-8m 7x's per week with no problem but I'd make excuses all day to avoid an 11 or 12 miler. Don't know why 10 is a big hurdle for me with training.
I've always been of the opinion that you should be able to do 13-16 comfortably leading up to race day, with at least a couple 20+ milers in the books 3-6 weeks before the race. Everyone is different, but I don't see how you'll get conditioned properly to go 26.2 without upping the average on your runs.

Loving the Altra Zero Drops. They have seemingly eliminated much of the joint pain I was having in my knees and hips. Much faster recovery time after a long run.
 
I could do 13-16 pretty comfortably now. Honestly I think I could finish a marathon if push came to shove. However, I'd like to do it somewhat prepared. I'm just not going to be going by a schedule thats

Long runs
Wk1 - 13
Wk2 - 15
Wk3 - Wk8 - 15-20
Wk10 - 22
Wk11 - 24

I plan on doing (1) 20+, a couple 13-18s and several 10-13 milers.

An ideal week would be 7-5-7-5-R-7-5 then just up those to 8-6/9-7 and mix in an occasional long run.

I was averaging b/w 25-30miles per week so I obviously plan on upping that. What I was asking, has anyone seen a plan where you up your total mileage consistently without going long every damn weekend?
 
Everything I've seen essentially goes long on the weekend. My plan will basically reach 5, 8, 5 during the week, but you still have to go long on the weekend.
 
Yeah, I'm just wondering if it's a total miles per week thing(like cycling) or if the long runs are that beneficial.

If I need 40 miles next week does it matter how I get?
 
Running 6-7 days/week doesn't give your body proper time to heal.

Skipping your long run robs you of the knowledge you'll need to finish comfortably -- the pace, hydration, nutrition, etc.



My favorite I've ever used is the Yasso 800s -- which I think you'll like, because theres a lot of speed work/shorter runs involved. But they're mostly all the same, and incorporate rest and cross-training. The biking/swimming/etc will be extremely valuable.
 
Pretty much what I figured.

Two things I hate about training schedules: I hate long runs and I hate rest days.

Let me run 4-7 miles per day and I'm happy.
 
Mix it up, Anth. I run on M, W, Th, and Sat. I strength train on M, T, Th, F. This way I really only have Sunday as a free day and pretty much get my ass kicked on M, Th doing doubles.

This post was edited on 12/23 1:11 PM by LadyCat92
 
Anth, I would keep on like you're doing. It may be hard up that way but find a half to run 6-8 weeks from now and run a pace that you'd like to run for the full and see how that goes.

I'm doing something similar as I'd just been doing my own thing since June/July and had really been feeling good so decided about 6 weeks ago to do a marathon in January. FWIW I did do an 18 mile run last week but thats as high as I'm going.
 
Yeah, that's kind of what I'm thinking. Hell I just PR'd a half 2 months ago basically doing the same thing. 4-6 mile runs, no watch, no structure other than running everyday. I had run 8 once in 3 months. Ran a 5:00 minute negative and 1:42. I'd be pumped to keep it under 4 hours. So I think I'll just bump the mileage and hit a few long runs.
 
There are certainly people who train for a marathon by doing what you're discussing, anth. Lots and lots of intervals/speed work/tempo runs. Don't feel like researching it, but you can probably find some stuff out there on the intraweb. I'd throw in an 18-miler just for good measure, to get a feel in your mind for what it takes, but you can do it.
 
Originally posted by anthonys735:
Yeah, that's kind of what I'm thinking. Hell I just PR'd a half 2 months ago basically doing the same thing. 4-6 mile runs, no watch, no structure other than running everyday. I had run 8 once in 3 months. Ran a 5:00 minute negative and 1:42. I'd be pumped to keep it under 4 hours. So I think I'll just bump the mileage and hit a few long runs.
Sub 4 should be no problem (assuming good conditions and a fair course) if you've knocked out a 1:42 half.
 
Cool. Appreciate the input.

Yeah, just looking at some of these marathon programs I think I can figure it out for the most part. Plan on doing a 1/2 in there somewhere and at least 1-2 18+ mile runs during the 16 or so weeks. I get that I need to see how my body reacts, work on a nutrition strategy, nail down a realistic pace.

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@ Run Less. 3 quality runs my ass. I'd go bonkers. Not trying to qualify for Boston or anything. In 10 years or so if I'm still trucking I might think about it, but getting in the low 3's, no thanks. Hell, I'm pretty sure I'll never run another marathon.
 
* Finally crossing the 40 mile threshold for the first time ever.

Doing it in south Florida on vacation was not necessarily a good plan. Either way, so far so good. Not really liking the reduction in swim time and the non-existence of bike time. Slowly jumping back on the bike trainer in the next month or so.


* Registered for this race this Wednesday. Been wanting to do it for a few years now but either been too hungover or out of town the past few years.

* Nothing wrong with Run Less Run Faster... its a nice program for either someone trying to fit in a long-distance triathlon or someone who is just looking to standardize on less "time." It is pretty well researched and a decent history of results, but definitely geared more for people who just want to either knock a marathon off the bucket list or are trying out a planned program for the first time. If you are serious about getting the most out of your run there are a bunch of better programs out there.

* re: 6 days a week running - I can't really see how it isn't a requirement if you want to see strong improvements. Unless you are running everything at tempo or near tempo pace with zero recovery, it is easily sustainable when done right. Major key is not to fluctuate the mileage.

If you are running a marathon and don't already have a hell of a base you basically have to run 6 days a week and have to get to at least 16-20 miles (at pace) as your longest run in at least a few times well before your race. There are people that can get by without, by they are generally athletic freaks. I am obviously not one of those people.
 
Ran 50+ last week for the first time and by Saturday when I knocked out the last 12, my ass was dragging. Probably the worst 12 I have ever done. I'm sure people who constantly do marathons think it's no big deal, but I was exhausted from it. Really took the joy out of running. Did absolutely nothing yesterday and it felt good. Ready to get back after it today.
 
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eek

Other than Western States or Badwater, that is the race. I'll never do it all but if you need someone to crew/pace with you out there, let me know.
 
Knocked out 18 in 2:12 this morning. Headwind was testy at times, but otherwise a gorgeous day to run considering it's January 1.

Only 53 days to Tokyo
 
Originally posted by MobileCatFan:

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eek

Other than Western States or Badwater, that is the race. I'll never do it all but if you need someone to crew/pace with you out there, let me know.
There's no qualifying. Just sign up and pay. You should give it a try, hoss. You're in much better shape than I am.
 
Ha, zero plans on that one at this point in my life. Would love to go and spectate though.

Before deciding to do anything beyond 26.2 miles, I need to probably run 26.2 miles. That said I'm apparently running two marathons in back to back weekends now. The Derby Festival Marathon and then the Toledo Marathon. My pops is apparently going to make an attempt at Boston at Toledo so I'm going to pace him out for the first 20 miles or as long as I can hold up.
 
MCF -- we may need you as a pacer. Now, my buddy Logan is signed up as well. Pacers are allowed at the 50-mile mark and beyond. And the custom is we pick up the airfare/hotel. So I'll talk with old boy and see if he wants to split your services.
 
Is this your first 100 miler? If so, what's your previous longest?

I've got that distance on my list for possibly 2015.
 
This will be my longest -- I think I've done 7 50-milers. I've got several 50s already lined up for 2014 (including one on Saturday). I think the biggest issues for me, training-wise....

- we do not have hills in se louisiana. seriously. none.
- im BELOW sea level. this race is 2 miles above it.
- just hoping and praying i can stay healthy. if i can make it thru the first half of the year with my standard 40ish-mile/week routine, then id like to just go crazy and actually train for about 2 months leading up to it

Very jacked.

The Vermont 100 opens up on 12/6. It's also first come/first serve.
 
Pacing someone has tons of different benefits. Mainly you're there to make sure they're staying on their goal pace, not too fast or slow. Maybe carry extra nutrition supplies. If its real windy drafting can help but mostly drafting is more staring at someones back helps keep you focused. Some people like casual conversation or updates to help with motivation.

Main thing is to keep you on your GP though.
 
I think it's crazy how the world class runners use pacers. So, they're out there trying to run like a 2:04 marathon, and they've got some slowpoke 2:10er "pacing" them as far as long as they can.

This was actually "outlawed," if you will, in womens. It was a year or two ago that it was announced women can no longer set records if they have a pacer (typically a male, since they're much easier to find).
 
Guess I just don't understand why an elite runner would need a lesser runner to help them with something they practice for every day...

Why can a different runner do a better job of "pacing" than the runner himself, who knows exactly what his goal pace is, and I assume has watches, gadgets, etc to help him out?


...and does Ursch really need (and to pay travel expenses that he doesn't even typically afford himself ) a "pacer" in a 100 mile run/walk from the 50 mile marker? Seems kinda silly, or like having a caddy meet me at the 14th hole of the US Am qualifier when I'm 47 shots back of the cut.

.


This post was edited on 1/1 4:27 PM by B.B.d.K.
 
What?!? I can't have a pacer? There goes my dream of a world record.

Props to you, PTI. I can't imagine doing a 100 though I'd love to be a spectator or support at one. The thought of doing 26.2 this year has me intimidated.
 
Early in a race, the pacers are used to keep the elite runner from going out too fast. Elite runners generally get faster as the race goes on, where your average runner, i.e. someone like me, generally gets slower. The pacer in the beginning helps them keep their energy reserves. A pacer late in the race obviously helps them hit goal pace. Using a pacer is easy than using gadgets as it doesn't cause any thought, you don't have to look down at your watch, and as someone mentioned, depending on the race, the pacer can also supply support such as additional nutrition, etc.
 
What LC said. It makes a few seconds difference for the elites (which is huge in their world). For amateurs it is more about steadying their pace, which is actually really hard to do for most people.

For Ursch, pacing is more about trying to keep the person lucid, moving forward and on the correct path. You are basically their caretaker when you get to those last several hours.
 
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