Different training programs---confused

[debm]

Can anyone that has used a specific program before for training give me some insight? They look so different! I am training for the 1/2 at DL and so far have just been doing about 15 miles a week, with the longest run being 5 miles. My running partner is using the Jeff Galloway schedule and yesterday we did 6 miles for the long run. I have a copy of that schedule along with Hal Higdon's program. There is a huge discrepancy between the amount of miles you end up running though. With Higdon the most you ever run is 10 miles and wth Galloway you end up running 14-15 three weeks before the 1/2. But his program doesn't specify your other mileage increasing on the other 6 days of the week like it does with Higdon. I am going to read some of Galloway's book---maybe that will help. But I just wondered if anyone felt that either program gave them more or less success. I feel confident about doing the 1/2 now but I don't want to increase mileage too fast etc. and it doesn't look like Galloway gives me much specifics other than the long run mileage. Anyhow....thanks for any insight! Much appreciated!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Different programs accomplish different things.

Some are just set up to just get you to finish (John Bingham's)

Others are set up for helping you do your best

And others are set up to help you BQ.

For your first events--it is best to look at something that starts out in the first several weeks at about where you are at. If you are a 3 day a week running--starting out with a 6 day run daily training program would be a very bad idea.

If you are new to running--you need something that mixes cross training and running.

If you are prone to injury--you need something that will get you a "finish" result--but won't kill you while you get there.

You ONLY ONLY ONLY need to do ONE long run of 10 miles for ANY half marathon training if you goal is to only finish.

Training programs that have more long long runs of that distant--or runs that exceed that distance--are really for people trying to time well.

Also with a half--that is much less strenuous training than a full---so you can get away with having 3 long runs in excess of the final distance though it is not necessary just to finish.

With a full--you almost never see a training program where you complete the distance on any long run prior to race day. In fact the most you should see is ONE 18-20 mile run. Those programs that do that long run multiple times--or those that include a trail marathon as part of training--aren't geared for beginners and are aimed at those who are in exquisite physical shape and trying to break personal records and maybe even Boston Qualify.

You need to define what your success will be for you.

Will it be to just finish? Any training program can get you there and for a FIRST time out--less is more (as long as it is an identified program that will get you there and with a 10 mile long run--that sounds right!).

Will it be to do it as fast as you can? You really want to go for some type of goal--well you will need a little more training in your program to accomplish that. With a solid base--you could probably rack up a program with a little more distance in it.


But as Bingham would say--"It's Disney for Pete's sake--you are there b/c it is Disney why would you try to get through it as quickly as possible if they give you THREE whole hours to get through it!" (Okay not verbatim his words, but he did say something to that effect at our Team in Training Pasta Party at Disney last January).

To some success is success even if they are the last person to cross the finish line so long as they got that medal.

 

[TiffJ]

Hi Deb! I used the Marathoning for Mortals book by John Bingham. I was a total beginner & it worked well for me. I did the walk 1/2 marathon plan. He has several different plans for what you want to do. Walk, run or a combination of the 2. Its also a good read. You definately DO NOT need to do 14-15 miles before the race. That is way too much for a beginner & totally not necessary. My longest run was 10 & I was prepared come race day. Also you dont need to increase too much each week or you will get injured.

Good luck & see ya in 13 weeks!!!

 

[debm]

Thanks for the help! Please keep the comments coming! I agree it needs to be where I'm at now---yet I'm a bit ahead of the Hal Higdon schedule for the 1/2 in Sept. yet I don't think I have the time to do Bingham's super long runs prior to the 1/2. The hardest part for me is my running partner who is doing a 1/2 three weeks after me is absolutely set on using Galloway's program. I'd like to continue to run with her but I think I may tell her that his "more than 1/2 mileage" towards the end won't work for me. I am afraid of getting injured---I already have a slight interior shin splint on my left leg--I know I hit harder on that side and have been working on my breathing and exhaling. I know I can finish the 1/2 which is really my goal but I also would like to finish between 10-11 minute miles too. I ran the Minnie last month with only 4 mile training runs and even though I was quite sore afterwards I really just wanted to finish and was so excited when I did! Now that I've gotten serious about training properly I am more confident. So for me it is finishing and feeling good. I am not out to "race" ---I do want to enjoy DL and not kill myself since I am just a beginner. Thanks!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Bingham doesn't have any super long runs. They start out at 2 and go up to 10 with some weeks taking a dive (you go down in miles instead of up).

I haven't seen Hal Higdon's plan--but with 3 days running or walking and 2 days of xtraining--Bingham's is about the easiest and most forgiving for a beginner.

Just my 2 cents.

That is what I am using. My coach used some of his stuff as influence on coordinating our training the last two times I trained. I am solo this time.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The hardest part for me is my running partner who is doing a 1/2 three weeks after me is absolutely set on using Galloway's program. I'd like to continue to run with her but I think I may tell her that his "more than 1/2 mileage" towards the end won't work for me. I am afraid of getting injured---I already have a slight interior shin splint on my left leg--I know I hit harder on that side and have been working on my breathing and exhaling.

Running partnerships are just like any other relationship--it may look good on the surface: They look good, they're fun to be with and talk to, they make you feel good...but just may not be your destiny.

If it doesn't feel right now--listen to that. Running with a partner is a good thing---but only if the relationship is mutually benefitial. When one partner gets injured or struggles--that would be a sign that the relationship is not mutuall benefitial.

I would love to have running partners--but I just can't keep up with those whom I would partner with and it isn't worth the potential injury.

 

[10nis]

I have used Hal Higdon's marathon training for novice--twice for the full marathon and once for the half marathon. I do tweak it but the first marathon I was very dedicated to the schedule.
Like Lisa already suggested, it all depends on what you want to accomplish as to what plan you go for. I am always training to start the run, finish the run and have an enjoyable experience---hopefully not too sore the few days after the run. I am also keen on preventing injury since I have a chronic shin splint issue after giving myself a stress fracture training for the marathon.
anyway, I think Hal's plan is excellent and what I like most about it is that it is not scary when you first glance at it. I remember thinking to myself "I can do this!!!"
good luck.
I think a running partner is a great idea but maybe just not every run??? Certainly that person would understand if you choose a different training program?????

 

[debm]

Thanks SO much for all these comments. Sarah, my running pal, and I run really well together as far as pace and our level of mileage. But yes, I must consider that she may want to increase mileage faster than I do and I will have to make that decision and tell her. I am at week 5 then on Higdon's and I feel comfortable with that one. So, because I'm a bit "ahead" should I just hang out here at week 5 and 6 for a few weeks? Or do I go back? I still need to lose about 30 pounds and it is just not happening. I thought with the amount of running I'm doing I would have lost weight--I have only gained--muscle I'm assuming. Muscle underneath the fat. My thighs are just big. I certainly don't look like a runner! I tease that the muscle has pushed the fat out even more. Anyhow....I want to move forward but don't want to peak too soon. Thanks DIS friends. I love reading these threads and it keeps me motivated and excited for DL!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Losing weight while training is virtually impossible. You will tone up and often "appear" as though you lost weight-but for most it doesn't happen. In the two seasons I trained with a team--I know of only one person who actually lost a significant amount of weight while training and it was a Man and a speedy man at that (I think he was 1st or 2nd corral for the full--VERY fast!).

What happens when you do endurance running is that your heart rate switches from fat burning to cardio--at the higher rates--you are working on your heart muscle and you are using glycogen instead of fat to fuel the run. (that's why we have to consume plenty of carbs and replenish them during exceptionally long runs).

You can't diet while trianing either. You can eat well and try to avoid junk food--but that is your limit. If you do not consume enough---it will reflect in your performance and could lead to injury and illness if you are not careful.

I know when I run a marathon--you burn enough calories that day to permanently lose a pound. Long run days were always deficit days---for a full training schedule---once the LR's got to 14 miles and up--breaking even was the best I could do on some days b/c you just burned through so many calories.

So please understand that is why the fat doesn't seem to be going anywhere. It is because once you hit your Target Heart Rate for training--you are no longer burning fat. A bit disappointing when that happens..but it is all for a reason. Fat simply cannot sustain you for the duration you need. And if you didn't train your heart properly--you would never be strong enough heart-wise to complete the distance.