support for a marathon

[daisy2jae]

I enjoy the feeling I get from running. Okay more like jogging. I work fulltime as a daycare provider of 12 kids 10-12 hours per day M-F. I also manage 51 income base apartments mostly disabled and elderly tenants. (Which I really love!) I also run a youth club and we do volunteer service through out the month. I want to run a mini marathon summer 2010. My dream is to run in the Disney marathon in the future. However I've researched websites on training but can't seem to find anything to help get a base set. I'm not an experienced runner. Since November 10th I've been running apx 2-3 miles every other day. I seem to average 10-11 minutes per mile. I bought Nike Plus and I really enjoy it. I love that it uploads to my facebook to share with my friends. It keeps me going knowing that if I give up everyone will know. Wondering if anyone would share their running stories....Any good ideas so I can get a base set. I've read that to start training you need to be able to run at least 30 minutes at a time. I can do this but after apx 20-25 minutes I have to really work to keep going. I love to work out at night but mornings (5AM) seems to work best with our schedule. I have to go to the gym right now since yesterday is was -3 degrees outside with lots of snow on the ground. We do have a gym in town with a track but I'm not a member there. I go to Anytime Fitness since it's a 24 hours gym. Plus it's only $26.99 per month. Not something I'm proud of but.....I weigh 192.2 lbs as of today. I was at 202.8 on 11-8-09. I've slowly been cleaning up my eating habits. I use to drink 3-4 cans of pop a day. Now I'm down to 1-2 cans per week. I'm learning to enjoy drinking water Sorry for the long post but hoping someone has some advice.

 

[MerMom60_94]

Have you checked out the Cool Running website? They have a couch to 5k plan that you might want to start out with. It sounds like you are running close to that distance anyway. They also have articles on training and preparing for a run. I started running late summer 2008 and ran a 5K that September. This past May I ran my first 10K. I have given thought to shooting for a longer distance but I think, for me, that I would rather stop at the shorter runs but work on improving my time. Also, I understand from a friend that you can get a training program download for your Nike chip from itunes. I haven't checked it out yet but she told me it's pretty good.

Best of luck and good for you for setting such a healthy goal!

 

[minniebeth]

Check out the W.I.S.H. board, there's lots of great info. there.
My DH ran a 1/2 marathon this past fall and trained off of a program but I forgot the name. I'll check back and post when I get a chance to ask him.
Best Wishes!! What great goals!

 

[pyrxtc]

I second coolrunning.com and starting with the couch to 5k program. My DH did this just about 20 months ago and he is running his first marathon in January at Disney.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

I enjoy the feeling I get from running. Okay more like jogging. I work fulltime as a daycare provider of 12 kids 10-12 hours per day M-F. I also manage 51 income base apartments mostly disabled and elderly tenants. (Which I really love!) I also run a youth club and we do volunteer service through out the month. I want to run a mini marathon summer 2010. My dream is to run in the Disney marathon in the future. However I've researched websites on training but can't seem to find anything to help get a base set. I'm not an experienced runner. Since November 10th I've been running apx 2-3 miles every other day. I seem to average 10-11 minutes per mile. I bought Nike Plus and I really enjoy it. I love that it uploads to my facebook to share with my friends. It keeps me going knowing that if I give up everyone will know. Wondering if anyone would share their running stories....Any good ideas so I can get a base set. I've read that to start training you need to be able to run at least 30 minutes at a time. I can do this but after apx 20-25 minutes I have to really work to keep going. I love to work out at night but mornings (5AM) seems to work best with our schedule. I have to go to the gym right now since yesterday is was -3 degrees outside with lots of snow on the ground. We do have a gym in town with a track but I'm not a member there. I go to Anytime Fitness since it's a 24 hours gym. Plus it's only $26.99 per month. Not something I'm proud of but.....I weigh 192.2 lbs as of today. I was at 202.8 on 11-8-09. I've slowly been cleaning up my eating habits. I use to drink 3-4 cans of pop a day. Now I'm down to 1-2 cans per week. I'm learning to enjoy drinking water Sorry for the long post but hoping someone has some advice.

I selected "thought about it but never acted on it." I am right about where you are, weight wise. Slowly creeping up again. Now that I've added full time school to my schedule, I can't seem to find time to work out anymore.

About a year and a half ago, I tried to start getting in shape to do a half-marathon. I was doing really well for a while, and then every few months I seem to do well for a short time, but I just can't seem to keep the momentum going.

I would really like to set myself a goal of running the Disney half-marathon in Jan 2011, but I will be in my last semester of school then, so I think I will have to wait until Jan 2012.

I'll be interested to read the responses to this thread as well.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

You absolutely can do this!!! I am not an athlete, but four years ago I decided I needed to do something. I started running a little bit at a time. I did a half marathon approximately 9 months after I started running for the first time in my life!!

I've done the same half (Indy mini) four times now. I start training mid January for the first weekend in May. I usually run 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a week in the fall and I am always fine.

I've always made it without walking and usually around 2:30. It's not fast, but I also always feel fine afterward. I've been told I should push myself more! Really, I do it for fun and exercise, not speed!!

I did use a plan the first couple of years, but I don't remember what it was. I know I run M, W, Th, and Sat. I am supposed to cross train T and F, but I almost always don't get both of those done! I usually do a Pilates tape as I think having a strong core helps with running. Sunday is rest day. Saturday is my long run. I go up to 11 miles.

Good luck!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham is an excellent book for beginners and includes several training models for both the full and the half including all walking, all running, run/walking and walk/running intervals.

My first marathon--I did with Team in Training (our coaches used the above for a training foundation)

Second marathon I also did TNT, but bumped down to a half. My DH was on field assignment and I trained during the week on a treadmill and had a sitter on Saturdays for my early morning long runs.

My last was the goofy. I registered while pregnant with my son who was born in March and I did it the following January.

It can be done! (And i am very much a turtle!!!!!)

WISH boards has a training thread for this and you can get lots of internet support and even some buddies for the event itself.

ETA: While losing weight can help your speed, it is not mandatory for any marathon. Folks of ALL sizes participate AND finish within regulation time!!!

 

[FireDancer]

I just finished my first full marathon this past October and have done 10 halves. Definitely come on over to the W.I.S.H. boards. There is a weekly running/walking thread and we have meets not only at the Disney runs but at runs around the country.

A marathon seems like a daunting task that is impossible but it really isn't provided you can put in the training. There is a pretty common saying in Marathon circles that the 26.2 is the easy part and it is true. It is the all the training that is the work and as long as you are prepared for race day that is kind of the crescendo of all the effort. Don't get me wrong, it isn't easy in the "piece of cake way". It is easy in the really hard test that you studied your butt off for and ace kind of way (though everyone doesn't ace it on the first try).

The site I would recommend Hal Higdon's site. There are training plans from novice to Boston qualifiers and everything in between. Find a plan that looks doable from a time point of view. Be careful not to get too optimistic too early. There is a 10% rule that I follow. Don't increase the length of you longest run by more than 10% at a time and don't increase your weekly miles by more than 10% at a time. After you are more experienced that rule isn't as important but at the beginning it is. The best way to hate running is to get hurt early on and not be able to train.

Just about everyone on the W.I.S.H. boards was at the same point you are at one time or another. For me I was never a distance runner until I moved to FL and wanted to find a challenge. I told myself I could do a 5K but that is the longest I cared about. After a couple of 5Ks it was a 10K but no longer...then the half...then a full. I have two more halves in the spring (There will be a W.I.S.H. get together at the second which is in Indy in May) and probably some fall halves with eyes on doing my second full at WDW 2011.

You can walk/wog/jog/run a marathon if you put the time in and stick with a plan. It won't happen in 2 months but as long as you have realistic time goals you can be ready to do one by the 2011 WDW Marathon weekend if you stay injury free.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jackemail]

I have done 15 full marathons (12 of them Disney--the best!!). Believe me, if I could finish 15 marathons, ANYONE can. My goal was always just to finish feeling okay, and I never worried about a finishing time. At the Disney marathons, I always finished, got cleaned up, and went to the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon to celebrate. You can do it, great goal. Just check out the sites the others recommended, and realize you may have to adapt things a bit. Do it!

 

[mla1977]

I've done 2 half marathons. I'm not a runner at all. I tried to do Run 3/Walk2 (minutes, alternating) for both of my first 2 races (Princess Half in March and Philadelphia Distance Run in September). I am currently training with Team in Training for the Disney Half. I've been working with the walk coaches and I feel much faster and stronger than I did for either of my previous races. I completed a 11.5 mile "wog" on Saturday and I felt great!

I plan on doing the full next year with TnT and probably the Princess in March again, plus I'm already registered for the Philly Distance Run again. I'm working on building up my endurance and speed while also trying to lose weight.

You can absolutely do this if you put your mind to it. Find a running club. Join the WISH boards. TnT is a great charity group that provides you with training, travel and registration while you raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I recently found a 30-week training plan that I may try for the 2011 full. Take a look at it and see what you think. You can also check out my blogs in my signature to find out more about what a non-runner like me does.

Good Luck!

 

[daisy2jae]

thanks for all the info....I didn't see the W.I.S.H. until someone said to check it out. Can't believe I didn't see it before...tells ya how busy I get and just skim over things. I would love to go to Disney in January to run. We're planning a trip in 2011 but I don't think I'll be ready by then. Perhaps I need to talk to our family and see if they'd be interested in waiting for our trip till January 2012. We actually planned on going Oct/Nov 2011. I'm so nervous about setting a big goal. Right now I have a goal to run in a mini marathon in the blacks hills August 2010. I've been told it's an easy one to run and it's all women. However I'd love to get my husband to do it with me. Call me crazy but I'm scared to go to any marathon and run it by myself. None of my friends run. I've tried to talk a few into it but can't get them to start training with me. I believe you have to want to do something if it's really going to work out. If I push someone into training with me I don't think they'll enjoy it or keep with it. However....I'm terrible at sticking with something. I do really good for a few months and fall off. I have a great husband and he supports me. I also have a hard time training/going to the gym when I know my kids are at home. Does anyone else run into that problem? I'm home all day with the younger two but I still hate to leave at night for 1-2 hours to work out. I know I need to do things for myself but I find it really hard. Thanks for all the great advice!

 

[TnTsParty]

Congratulations on the weight loss and wanting to get out there and run a marathon. It is the greatest feeling in the world to finish a full or half marathon and know that you did something that alot of people would never even think of doing. The bling (medals) given at the end of the races are another big motivator for me - especially Disney bling!!

Please head over to the WISH board part of the DIS we are a friendly group and you don't have to be a runner either - we have lots of folks who walk the entire full marathon in January at Disney. I do more of a run/walk myself instead of running the entire time. For my first marathon training I used Hal Higdon's training plan. Someone else mentioned him - I like his training plans alot. Good luck with your running and hope to see you on the WISH board and one of these days see you at a Disney race - they are lots of fun which takes away some of the painful memories - LOL

 

[daisy2jae]

does anyone use the Nike Plus?

 

[FireDancer]

... We actually planned on going Oct/Nov 2011. ...

Starting next year there is a half marathon in October called the Wine & Dine half marathon. It is the first weekend of Oct in 2010 and is a night run. There is no guarantee of course it will make it to a year 2 but that might work with your travel plans.

 

[daisy2jae]

Starting next year there is a half marathon in October called the Wine & Dine half marathon. It is the first weekend of Oct in 2010 and is a night run. There is no guarantee of course it will make it to a year 2 but that might work with your travel plans.

something I can think about....I know we are going in 2011 but it's a "big" trip with my in-laws. Not sure how excited I'm getting about it but it's WDW so I can slip away with my family easily and get a break in. I love Disney and would love to run a marathon there but I never thought it would be possible.

 

[MerMom60_94]

does anyone use the Nike Plus?

I use the Nike plus but, I must say, I don't use it to it's potential. My DD and I share the same downloads for itunes. Since she is WAY cooler than I am the itunes account is on her laptop. Therefore, I am lucky to upload my data every couple of months. My friend has told me you can setup challenges with other people and so forth. I should ask her how to do that and you and I could challenge each other! We could be virtual running partners. How cool would we be, huh?

 

[mla1977]

I use a Nike+. It doesn't always work for me. I did a 5-mile run last Thursday and 11.5 on Saturday before uploading and the system only uploaded my 5 mile run. I don't know why it happened, but it has happened more than once. My current plan is to just make sure I upload after every run!

 

[daisy2jae]

I use the Nike plus but, I must say, I don't use it to it's potential. My DD and I share the same downloads for itunes. Since she is WAY cooler than I am the itunes account is on her laptop. Therefore, I am lucky to upload my data every couple of months. My friend has told me you can setup challenges with other people and so forth. I should ask her how to do that and you and I could challenge each other! We could be virtual running partners. How cool would we be, huh?

love the idea! I just started using it before Thanksgiving. To be hones it's what is keeping me going. I think my DH was annoyed with me last night. I was mad because the website was having problems uploading it to my facebook. I love to share with my friends and family that I'm running. I think it actually surprises some of them. I've never been able to stick with anything long other than work. I can't keep up with my hobbies or working out. However I want to change this. I currently make challenges for myself. I currently have 2 challenges set: 100 mile challenge (kinda joined late since I'm apx 25,095th place out of 29,000 people - I only have in 26.9 miles as of yesterday) and my second challenge is to burn 4000 calories by 12-24-09 (I'm apx 1/2 way there). I love how I can see if I'm on track to with my challenge or behind. I've been told you can set up itune workout playlists that are custom made but I haven't tried that yet. Again would love to be virtual running partners.

 

[daisy2jae]

I use a Nike+. It doesn't always work for me. I did a 5-mile run last Thursday and 11.5 on Saturday before uploading and the system only uploaded my 5 mile run. I don't know why it happened, but it has happened more than once. My current plan is to just make sure I upload after every run!

I've never had that problem before but I have uploaded two workouts at once and it will only upload the most current one to my facebook. I try to always upload when I get home. I use that time to as a cool down before I jump in the shower.

Have you ever used the itunes custom playlists? I've heard about them but never used it.

 

[MerMom60_94]

love the idea! I just started using it before Thanksgiving. To be hones it's what is keeping me going. I think my DH was annoyed with me last night. I was mad because the website was having problems uploading it to my facebook. I love to share with my friends and family that I'm running. I think it actually surprises some of them. I've never been able to stick with anything long other than work. I can't keep up with my hobbies or working out. However I want to change this. I currently make challenges for myself. I currently have 2 challenges set: 100 mile challenge (kinda joined late since I'm apx 25,095th place out of 29,000 people - I only have in 26.9 miles as of yesterday) and my second challenge is to burn 4000 calories by 12-24-09 (I'm apx 1/2 way there). I love how I can see if I'm on track to with my challenge or behind. I've been told you can set up itune workout playlists that are custom made but I haven't tried that yet. Again would love to be virtual running partners.

OK. I'm going to get serious with this chip now. I haven't even gone on-line enough to figure out how to do a challenge so I think you are way ahead of me on that. Let me talk to my friend tomorrow and figure out how to do this. You and I are both in winter climates. Are you running outdoors at this point? I have moved inside to a treadmill. I was thinking of trying to continue with some outdoor runs though, so this will give me incentive.