OFFICIAL Jan 2011 Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Dopey or Goofy Challenge Thread

[QTrunninglady]

January will be my second WDW half marathon. My goal is to finish and improve my time over January's. I'm just in it for the fun. But, I pray with all my heart that the weather is warmer this year. 28 degrees with snow flurries is not my idea of fun. I figure if it's that cold again this year, then it's not meant for me to compete in WDW January Marathon Weeken and I'll just have to move to October's Wine and Dine next year!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Another question for those experienced marathoners...is there a point after you run a half or a full that your body "forgets" about the distance you have run? So, if you don't run that distance for a while, it is just like starting over with your training? I know that increasing mileage too quickly is a main cause for injury, but how long does everyone give themselves a break after certain distances to recuperate, if any? Or, do you just get up the next week and start with the next training program?

The Princess Half is going to be really close to the WDW Marathon this year and I am trying to figure out what the best plan of attack is for the six weeks in between. Training programs don't really cover turnarounds like that. Especially if I end up having a lot of soreness, or an injury (not planning on it, but all about planning for worst case scenario. )

 

[jmasgat]

Shelby

I have read that 3 weeks of no activity will cause you to lose some--not sure how much-- of your fitness. But it won't all go out the window!

My experience this past year after I ran the full----I didn't run again really til beginning of February. But I was letting some injuries heal. And yes, I felt sometimes like I was starting from scratch. For the halfs I have done this year, I felt fine afterwards, and just kept going with training the following week. So what you do depends in part how beat up your body is.

I would take it easy the week after the full for sure--no running, but some light XT if you feel like it. After that, you'll still have 6 weeks before Princess, and you could start with some easier short mid-week runs, and a LR of 6-7 miles and build up from there. Don't know what plan you are following, but you be able to jump in to the last 6 weeks.

I think it's totally doable, but just listen to your body.

Maura

 

[Belle1811]

Just catching up on my reading.

Belle, congrats on the 10K

I ran my first 6 mi run today in 67 mins, I was so excited. Then I realized that hey, I could actually do a 10K now so I'm on the hunt for one to do before the half in January, hoping for one in November.

Thanks princessfionasmom and vertical chaos too, I was a little disappointed at first as it was a slower time than before but I decided I was being too hard on myself (as usual!) and I felt pretty good when I finished, not my normal collapse in a heap, so got to feel good about that

Well done on your time too, there are normally quite a few Christmas 10k's about, I know I'm in the UK but I'm sure there will be some by you. The Christmas ones are normally really fun too, I'm signed up for the Reindeer Run (free antlers to all runners ) and the Santa Dash

 

[verticalchaos]

Thanks princessfionasmom and vertical chaos too, I was a little disappointed at first as it was a slower time than before but I decided I was being too hard on myself (as usual!) and I felt pretty good when I finished, not my normal collapse in a heap, so got to feel good about that

Well done on your time too, there are normally quite a few Christmas 10k's about, I know I'm in the UK but I'm sure there will be some by you. The Christmas ones are normally really fun too, I'm signed up for the Reindeer Run (free antlers to all runners ) and the Santa Dash

Yeah...the first thing I'm doing when my paycheck hits the bank (after electricity and cable bills) is officially joining New York Road Runners and signing up for a 10K the first Sunday in December and then a 4 mile midnight race on NYE. Who knew I'd get so addicted to running???? Hee!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Yeah...the first thing I'm doing when my paycheck hits the bank (after electricity and cable bills) is officially joining New York Road Runners and signing up for a 10K the first Sunday in December and then a 4 mile midnight race on NYE. Who knew I'd get so addicted to running???? Hee!

NYRR is a super organization. I'm running the Kleinerman 10k as well. The NYE race looks fun (we go to Central Park every year for the fireworks, and see the runners), but it's such an awesome fireworks show that I'd hate to be running during it.

 

[verticalchaos]

NYRR is a super organization. I'm running the Kleinerman 10k as well. The NYE race looks fun (we go to Central Park every year for the fireworks, and see the runners), but it's such an awesome fireworks show that I'd hate to be running during it.

Yeah. I'm in Front Runners already, but I know that NYRR is THE one to join for sure (and yes...I'm already thinking ahead to the 2012 NYC Marathon...). The Kleinerman will be my second 10K - but the amount of running is just about where I should be for my long run with training that week (I may have to tack on 2 miles after it's over, but we'll see). I've never been out for the fireworks (there are enough going off on my street in Bklyn that I'm usually cowering in my bedroom away from the windows). Again, that coincides with my training calendar, so woo!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Yeah. I'm in Front Runners already, but I know that NYRR is THE one to join for sure (and yes...I'm already thinking ahead to the 2012 NYC Marathon...). The Kleinerman will be my second 10K - but the amount of running is just about where I should be for my long run with training that week (I may have to tack on 2 miles after it's over, but we'll see). I've never been out for the fireworks (there are enough going off on my street in Bklyn that I'm usually cowering in my bedroom away from the windows). Again, that coincides with my training calendar, so woo!

I was thinking of joining FrontRunners.

 

[verticalchaos]

I was thinking of joining FrontRunners.

Sweet! I just officially joined at the end of September. They're a really supportive group! My running the Get Outside on Governor's Island 10K got written up (as do all the races they're aware of people doing) in the weekly emailed newsletter and they made me feel so good about even my 1:17:19 time that had me 594 out of 603. I mean, I felt good about it anyway since it was my first one and I survived, but when they're like "Beth nailed the course - her very first 10K - in an impressive 1:17:19." :

The fun runs are really lowkey and easygoing. And your first Saturday morning run you get treated to free bagels and coffee/juice/gatorade!

 

[FFigawi]

Another question for those experienced marathoners...is there a point after you run a half or a full that your body "forgets" about the distance you have run? So, if you don't run that distance for a while, it is just like starting over with your training? I know that increasing mileage too quickly is a main cause for injury, but how long does everyone give themselves a break after certain distances to recuperate, if any? Or, do you just get up the next week and start with the next training program?

I think it all depends on how high your training base was and how long your taper period was. If you have a hile mileage base before your race, it'll take longer for all that fitness and muscle memory to decline. Personally, I start running again almost immediately, maybe a day or two after a half and two or three days after a full. I want to get my legs moving again even for just a few miles. I'm back into my long run routine within a week after a half and two weeks after a full. I find it easier to build up a base and maintain it than to drop all the way back down and start over again. I do take a long break once the season is over, though. Not all the way to zero, but definitely no long runs.

 

[rubato]

Just finished my first ever half marathon this weekend en route to the WDW full in January. Finished strong with a 1:52 time and a day later my legs are feeling fine. Hope I can keep it up!

Keep going everyone!

Great job on your first half! Terrific time!

Does anyone have any idea what to do for tight calves other than stretching? I have been hurting for almost 2 weeks, but never during a run until today. It's the very bottom of my calves, and, I know that I'm prone to a "shortening of the muscle" so I stretch a lot and do calf raises. Any other suggestions?

 

[GaPaige]

Does anyone have any idea what to do for tight calves other than stretching? I have been hurting for almost 2 weeks, but never during a run until today. It's the very bottom of my calves, and, I know that I'm prone to a "shortening of the muscle" so I stretch a lot and do calf raises. Any other suggestions?

I have very tight calves and aside from a LOT of stretching, I've been getting sports massages that focus on my calves, hamstrings and quads. They hurt like crazy, but I am seeing results. My calves are super sore for 1-2 days after, but they are loosening up.

 

[FFigawi]

Does anyone have any idea what to do for tight calves other than stretching? I have been hurting for almost 2 weeks, but never during a run until today. It's the very bottom of my calves, and, I know that I'm prone to a "shortening of the muscle" so I stretch a lot and do calf raises. Any other suggestions?

Yoga! Yes, it's my stock answer for questions like this, but it really does work. It will both stretch and strengthen your calves, hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, and all kinds of other areas of your body that are essential to running.

 

[evhorizon]

Another question for those experienced marathoners...is there a point after you run a half or a full that your body "forgets" about the distance you have run? So, if you don't run that distance for a while, it is just like starting over with your training? I know that increasing mileage too quickly is a main cause for injury, but how long does everyone give themselves a break after certain distances to recuperate, if any? Or, do you just get up the next week and start with the next training program?

The Princess Half is going to be really close to the WDW Marathon this year and I am trying to figure out what the best plan of attack is for the six weeks in between. Training programs don't really cover turnarounds like that. Especially if I end up having a lot of soreness, or an injury (not planning on it, but all about planning for worst case scenario. )

It really depends on how hard you push it and your training base. If you simply treat the marathon as a long run and keep your training pace, and you've done a 20 miler before, the recovery shouldn't be much worse than a 20 mile training run. Maybe an extra couple days of rest.

However, if you plan on a personal record and you're pushing yourself hard you'll need a lot more time off. The rule of thumb is 1 day of rest per mile of race when you're really "racing"; so 26 days of rest after a hard marathon. A friend of mine that has run ultramarathons suggested 6 months recovery for a hard marathon.

I ended up just walking (instead of training runs) for the first two weeks after my first marathon. Then I started back up with my taper volume for a couple of weeks, before getting back into a routine.

I would decide between the two races which one is more important. Either go easy in the marathon and push hard in the half-marathon 6 weeks later, or push the marathon knowing that you'll need to take a break and won't be in peak running form for the half-marathon. Going for PRs in both races is an invitation for injury.

 

[KAA1972]

Good luck, or should I say Congrats by the time you read this, on the 10K. I love the cabbage freebee. That has got to be one of the more unique things I've heard about at races!

Interesting about the cabbage. I'm running the Mullet Run this weekend -- yes, mullet -- like the bad 80's redneck hairstyle -- I'm not sure what the gift bag will include.... maybe a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer??

 

[KAA1972]

Great job on your first half! Terrific time!

Does anyone have any idea what to do for tight calves other than stretching? I have been hurting for almost 2 weeks, but never during a run until today. It's the very bottom of my calves, and, I know that I'm prone to a "shortening of the muscle" so I stretch a lot and do calf raises. Any other suggestions?

This product has changed my life!!! I don't work for the company -- but I would!!! I've had chronic hip pain and tightness for years -- this is the only thing that has helped and I've tried everything!!!

http://www.tptherapy.com/

 

[daisy2jae]

FRS Chews? A friend commended them to me while I'm training. Does anyone else use these?

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I'm a running newbie. I ran track in high school, ohhh so long ago. I've tried getting back into running a few times, always sidelined by injuries within a month or two. I started C25K a couple months ago, it worked great for me. I'm up to running 5+ miles at a go, 10-15 miles per week. My first 5K is this weekend in Long Beach! But I am now thinking of entering the WDW Half. I have ordered Galloway's book, and plan on doing intervals. Do you think it's possible to get up to Half mileage by January?

I'm really enjoying running.... and hey an excuse to get back to WDW before my AP expires! And I have a free Southwest ticket that is calling my name.

 

[verticalchaos]

I'm following the plan in Marathoning for Mortals (run/walk a half), and it's a 14 week plan. This is only the second full week. With your mileage already you should be fine.

 

[verticalchaos]

WOOHOO!!!!

Disney accepted my proof of time from my 10K!!!!

I'm in the 2:45 corral!!!!!