The Running Thread - 2016

[DopeyBadger]

Ugh. The thought of 50 mile weeks leading up to marathon training would kill me. That's the peak of training for me. Please tell me you run with a group. I just did a 20 miler on my own this weekend, and it was so much harder than when I ran with my training team last year.

@LSUlakes I'll be honest. In my current training plan with over 240 miles in a few months, I only exceed running 2 hours (roughly over 14 miles) four times. I'm a big believer that time spent training around 90 minutes consistently matters the most. This makes the training easier because time wise it's a small commitment in any given day. The big commitment is to continuously do 90 minute runs almost everyday.

 

[Dis5150]

I'm to slow to keep up with the folks that run that kind of distance, and cant find anyone else crazy enough to try it with me. In theory, over time I will be able to run with the faster folks, but for now I am on my own until sub 8 minute miles become a somewhat easy pace, and race pace for a marathon is hanging around 7 or better. Solo 20 milers are not any fun. I have done them, and they may be more difficult than a marathon. If I cant find anyone running the same distance I will try to get them to run the last 5-10 miles with me.

On my long marathon training runs my DH rides his bike with me. It keeps me company and keeps me from being bored. The time goes by much faster! Plus he carries my water lol!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

@LSUlakes I'll be honest. In my current training plan with over 240 miles in a few months, I only exceed running 2 hours (roughly over 14 miles) four times. I'm a big believer that time spent training around 90 minutes consistently matters the most. This makes the training easier because time wise it's a small commitment in any given day. The big commitment is to continuously do 90 minute runs almost everyday.

I have engaged a trainer to help me get ready for the Dopey after my injury and was given this same advice. I have worked my way past a 60 minute run and have a plan to extend that to 90 minutes, but nothing past 90 minutes until the last few long runs in December. But I have a lot more runs of 90 minutes later in the schedule. Some weeks have three 90 minute runs. That is going to amount to a lot of miles (assuming my pace continues to improve).

My trainer swears by this technique for anyone, but especially for people trying to BQ. I have never tried it - until this year. Not trying to BQ, but always looking to be the best me that I can be.

 

[Kathymford]

Hi everyone. I've been browsing this section of the boards reading up on Dark Side and stumbled upon this thread. How awesome! Also, registration for WDW marathon weekend brings back a lot of memories. Ha. I can't believe that was only a year ago.

One year later, I have just completed by fourth half marathon and finally achieved my goal of finishing in under 3 hours! I don't know if it was because it wasn't a Disney race (less crowded) or because I achieved something else too. I actually finished a training plan. From beginning to end, 3 days of running a week (missed one week because of a darned cold). It's been a great feeling and I want to keep going! So now what? HA. I need to find a new goal! I'm not quite sure what that will be yet.

As for races, I'm in for Dumbo this year and plan to do Kessel Run next year. I'm sure there be more in between too!

Glad I found this thread as I credit all of you for giving me the itch to actually train for real. So thank you.

 

[croach]

I think it's just finding what works best for you. I didn't have a "breakthrough" in my marathoning until I extended my long runs out to 23 miles. Guess it's trial and error. I know people swear by less is more and some people qualify for Boston walking water stops. Just have to figure out works.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

I have engaged a trainer to help me get ready for the Dopey after my injury and was given this same advice. I have worked my way past a 60 minute run and have a plan to extend that to 90 minutes, but nothing past 90 minutes until the last few long runs in December. But I have a lot more runs of 90 minutes later in the schedule. Some weeks have three 90 minute runs. That is going to amount to a lot of miles (assuming my pace continues to improve).

My trainer swears by this technique for anyone, but especially for people trying to BQ. I have never tried it - until this year. Not trying to BQ, but always looking to be the best me that I can be.

Not much to add as I'd probably be making the same basic case just saying it a bit different.

I flamed out pretty bad on my first attempt at a BQ and when I went back and looked at what I needed to change it was obvious I wasn’t putting in the miles. So, I took the next 8 months and built up my mileage. For my second attempt I had increased my mileage over 60% and it made the difference. Only my weekly long run went over 2 hours, but there were some mid-week long runs that got close. Even now, I feel like if I want to go sub 3:00 I’ll need to increase it more, but I’m not sure I have that in me.

Also, remember the golden rule of increasing mileage…no more than 10% increase per week. Oh, and have fun. And also remember sometimes it just sucks, but most of the time its awesome.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I think it's just finding what works best for you. I didn't have a "breakthrough" in my marathoning until I extended my long runs out to 23 miles. Guess it's trial and error. I know people swear by less is more and some people qualify for Boston walking water stops. Just have to figure out works.

Amen - we are all different.

 

[Disney at Heart]

That's awesome! Maybe by the time I'm 40...or 50! lol

If you do Dopey at 40 or 50, you will be a decade or two younger than I am! Now to figure out a good training plan. Any tips on Dopey training from anyone who is a "senior runner"?

 

[DopeyBadger]

I have engaged a trainer to help me get ready for the Dopey after my injury and was given this same advice. I have worked my way past a 60 minute run and have a plan to extend that to 90 minutes, but nothing past 90 minutes until the last few long runs in December. But I have a lot more runs of 90 minutes later in the schedule. Some weeks have three 90 minute runs. That is going to amount to a lot of miles (assuming my pace continues to improve).

My trainer swears by this technique for anyone, but especially for people trying to BQ. I have never tried it - until this year. Not trying to BQ, but always looking to be the best me that I can be.

I'm happy to hear this. This is very similar to what I'm planning for my fall marathon cycle. Below is my tentative schedule based on time for my fall marathon cycle:



The goal is to do as many 90 minute runs that I can tolerate a week. MANY of these runs are at a very slow comfortable pace. The last column is total time spent training (weekly). I'll be interested to see whether my body will be able to tolerate it.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Thanks for sharing your story. You have definitely dealt with some challenging times, and I am glad you have found the sport of running. Just an FYI, if you happen to get a BQ and still want to raise money for the charity of your choosing, they are far more willing to accept you at that point. The reason is, you already have a bib and you are offering to bring them additional funds. The last time I looked a charity runner with a BQ is required to raise $1,000. I know your goal is for more, but its a lot less stressful to pull of than 5k. Whichever route you go, I will make a donation to your cause when you choose to run Boston. Good luck!

Thank you. I am 90% sure I will try to raise the money and do Boston next year. I will need all the help I can get to reach the goal.

Looking for a little feedback from my fellow runners. I am working out a long term plan to get a sub 3 hour marathon. (Very Long Term) the question I was wondering is what approach should I take. Should I work on speed to hit 5k and 10k goals the equate to a predicated marathon equal, then work my way up to a 10 miler and half marathon. (For example a 18:46 5k = 2:59:59 full, and 39:08 10k. And then on and on... Or should I just put in as many miles as possible and the sped will come? I tend to think that perhaps a combination of the two may be ideal, but I am not sure exactly how to approach it. My running has been lacking for a while now, so I am currently working on just building back up to a decent base. Any and all suggestions are welcomed. TIA

I had the same thought myself last year. Do I focus on smaller distances and master those and work my way up or do I just run like Forrest Gump until I build up the endurance and finally qualify. I decided I will just work on putting in the miles. I have found that when I do my heart rate training and put in the mileage that my pace improves pretty quickly and significantly.

ATTQOTD: I don't really have anything that sticks out in my mind.

As for Darkside, I had an awesome race. My time was way slower than I had hoped for but I have my first half under my belt now and I'm sure my time will only improve. I did a recap in my training journal (link is in my signature)

I'm also super excited I just signed up for the Disney marathon! I decided to go ahead and do Goofy, DH said he would run the half with me, I hope I'm not going to regret it. I have a lot of training ahead of me.

Great job on Star Wars and I don't think you will regret doing Goofy. Yes, it will be a lot of work to get ready for and during the marathon you will question your judgment many times. But once you cross that finish line you will be so happy you did it.

Well it looks like the general thought on achieving the goal from folks on here and other friends I spoke with, the best method is high mileage. Next two weeks @ 30 miles, then 40, and 50. Goals to get 50 mpw until marathon training starts. With summer right around the corner, that's going to mean either a lot of TM miles, or doubles. Fun times await.

You might be increasing the mileage to quickly though. Just a thought.


QOTD: I live near a lake so I get to run by the lake a lot. I love the water so this is always fun for me. Obviously running through Disney is beautiful scenery for me. It may be man-made but I still think most of it is beautiful. I have also seen some nice scenery during a couple races. Run to the Rock is in Plymouth, MA and the finish line is on the ocean near the Plymouth Rock and Mayflower and during the Baystate Marathon right near the end we ran by some pretty waterfalls.

I ran with my kids today. It was their first training run to get ready for our race in July. I had to go to the local track because 2 of them weren't running so they played on the football field while we ran. I have to say, I was pretty surprised. I didn't know what to expect but they did 3 miles at 10 min/mile pace. Not bad for 8 and 12 years old.

But, I had a moment of doubt for a second. My 8 year old challenges me to a sprint so I take off. My pace was around 7 min/mile pace and all I could think was, "How the heck and I going to keep up this pace for 3 hours in order to qualify for Boston???"

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

I always run solo and podcasts get me through my long runs. Problem is finding enough that interest me. Have to save them up. You'll get there. As you know it's a process but as long as you stick to a good plan, the benefits will come.

Not that you were asking for more podcasts, but I thought I would give my favorites if anyone is interested. Also, if anyone has others they really love, I'd love to hear them! First of all my little brother has a great podcast called The Pixar Podcast. He does a great job and interviews cool people from Pixar, does movie reviews, etc. Some other podcasts I love are, NPR podcasts: Fresh Air, On Point, Embedded, Radio West, Diane Rehm Political Podcasts: NPR Politics Podcast, Ken Rudin's Political Junkie, Five ThirtyEight Elections TV Show podcasts: The West Wing Weekly, The Walking Dead AfterBuzz TV AfterShow, The Americans: Slate TV Club Insider, Masterpiece Studio Disney podcasts: DisUnplugged (and most off-shoots from that one), WDW Radio Show Other podcasts: Anna Faris is Unqualified, Stuff You Missed in History Class, *** with Marc Maron Podcast, Serial, You Must Remember This
Podcasts are awesome On a long run, I usually listen to a podcast and then switch to music.

 

[Miranda]

I listen to Serial or Radiolab a lot on my long runs. I'm not as into Serial this season as last season, though, so I've been listening to more Radiolab.

 

[keahgirl8]

Not that you were asking for more podcasts, but I thought I would give my favorites if anyone is interested. Also, if anyone has others they really love, I'd love to hear them! First of all my little brother has a great podcast called The Pixar Podcast. He does a great job and interviews cool people from Pixar, does movie reviews, etc. Some other podcasts I love are, NPR podcasts: Fresh Air, On Point, Embedded, Radio West, Diane Rehm Political Podcasts: NPR Politics Podcast, Ken Rudin's Political Junkie, Five ThirtyEight Elections TV Show podcasts: The West Wing Weekly, The Walking Dead AfterBuzz TV AfterShow, The Americans: Slate TV Club Insider, Masterpiece Studio Disney podcasts: DisUnplugged (and most off-shoots from that one), WDW Radio Show Other podcasts: Anna Faris is Unqualified, Stuff You Missed in History Class, *** with Marc Maron Podcast, Serial, You Must Remember This
Podcasts are awesome On a long run, I usually listen to a podcast and then switch to music.

Good suggestions! I also like Extra Hot Great and Pop Culture Happy Hour.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

The goal is to do as many 90 minute runs that I can tolerate a week. MANY of these runs are at a very slow comfortable pace. The last column is total time spent training (weekly). I'll be interested to see whether my body will be able to tolerate it.

That schedule looks awesome - and scary.

Have you tried double run days? My trainer tried talking me into that later in my training plan - not sold just yet. I'll be 50 next spring and just want to get through this year injury free.

 

[DopeyBadger]

That schedule looks awesome - and scary.

Have you tried double run days? My trainer tried talking me into that later in my training plan - not sold just yet. I'll be 50 next spring and just want to get through this year injury free.

I wish. I just don't have the time. Can't days be like 27 hours long... If I could run more, I would. Because at this point fatigue is not holding me back each day, it's the time left in the day. I can't add a 7th day, because that's the day we schedule my daughter's activities. It's possible I could do a double here and there on the weekend (likely Saturdays) but I'm not ready to make that commitment yet. I really enjoy sleep and feel based on my schedule at this point that to add a double to a weekday it would sacrifice sleep and I'm not ready to make that step either. Essentially, I've set this upcoming schedule as what I believe is my maximum volume for training. If I find that I'm coming up just short of my goals (to BQ), then I'll consider making that last sacrifice (doubles or 7th day) for a few weeks in the Fall 2017 cycle. Doubles are suppose to be really beneficial and based on the elite Hansons plan appears to be about 30-45 minutes in duration at the super slow easy pace. Never say never, but I'm not ready yet.

 

[croach]

Not that you were asking for more podcasts, but I thought I would give my favorites if anyone is interested. Also, if anyone has others they really love, I'd love to hear them! First of all my little brother has a great podcast called The Pixar Podcast. He does a great job and interviews cool people from Pixar, does movie reviews, etc. Some other podcasts I love are, NPR podcasts: Fresh Air, On Point, Embedded, Radio West, Diane Rehm Political Podcasts: NPR Politics Podcast, Ken Rudin's Political Junkie, Five ThirtyEight Elections TV Show podcasts: The West Wing Weekly, The Walking Dead AfterBuzz TV AfterShow, The Americans: Slate TV Club Insider, Masterpiece Studio Disney podcasts: DisUnplugged (and most off-shoots from that one), WDW Radio Show Other podcasts: Anna Faris is Unqualified, Stuff You Missed in History Class, *** with Marc Maron Podcast, Serial, You Must Remember This
Podcasts are awesome On a long run, I usually listen to a podcast and then switch to music.

We have several in common. Have you tried Post Show recaps for the Walking Dead? Like them better than AfterBuzz although they do a good Agents of Shield one. Just started listening to Jedi Alliance for Star Wars stuff and Runners World has a podcast now but haven't tried it yet. Also Let's Run Disney is pretty good.

 

[keahgirl8]

We have several in common. Have you tried Post Show recaps for the Walking Dead? Like them better than AfterBuzz although they do a good Agents of Shield one. Just started listening to Jedi Alliance for Star Wars stuff and Runners World has a podcast now but haven't tried it yet. Also Let's Run Disney is pretty good.

Ooh...I'll have to check out the Agents of Shield one! Also, I haven't heard of the Let's Run Disney podcast! I'll check that one out.

 

[LSUlakes]

I had the same thought myself last year. Do I focus on smaller distances and master those and work my way up or do I just run like Forrest Gump until I build up the endurance and finally qualify. I decided I will just work on putting in the miles. I have found that when I do my heart rate training and put in the mileage that my pace improves pretty quickly and significantly.

It seems the general thought is to put in the miles and the speed will come.

You might be increasing the mileage to quickly though. Just a thought.

I don't disagree with you and will proceed carefully. The thought for this go round is to get accustomed to 40-50 mpw being the norm, and the approach is a little aggressive. At the first sign of something going wrong I will pump the brakes. To help, I recently learned that our company has pays for personal trainers for our use in the office gym. The down side is he is free during our lunch hour. Normally I go home for lunch to spend a little time with DW and DD, but at the end of the month we are moving a little farther away and that wont be possible any more. So I am going to meet with the guy tomorrow and explain to him my plans and see what kind of workouts he can develop to help strengthen core muscle groups to help with running. Working out during lunch will also prevent me from eating cra$$y food for lunch. So, I have a plan, just need to be careful.

Have you tried double run days? My trainer tried talking me into that later in my training plan - not sold just yet. I'll be 50 next spring and just want to get through this year injury free.

I have done doubles on occasion. Not sure how much it helped me, but the amount of times I had to wash my running clothes increased drastically.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

Good suggestions! I also like Extra Hot Great and Pop Culture Happy Hour.

Oh yeah I love PCHH- it slipped my mind! I will have to check out Extra Hot Great.

We have several in common. Have you tried Post Show recaps for the Walking Dead? Like them better than AfterBuzz although they do a good Agents of Shield one. Just started listening to Jedi Alliance for Star Wars stuff and Runners World has a podcast now but haven't tried it yet. Also Let's Run Disney is pretty good.

Thanks for those suggestions! I'm excited to check them out!

 

[Baloo in MI]

Congratulations to CheaprunnerMike!

QOTD: My favorite running scene occurred this past fall. I was up for an early morning run at a park a few miles from my house. One of the first snows of the year began. It was cold so the snow immediately stuck to the trees and grass all around me. Plus the snow was falling gently but very thick. It was breath taking. I literally stopped running and just stood ther watching the snow fall and did not realize that I had stopped running.

Also, and sadly, please remove the race I have scheduled for this weekend - Trail Marathon, half marathon Saturday, 4/23. I am not going to be able to go due to a family obligation. Maybe next year.

Lastly, I am so jealous of the DVC and Annual Passport holders who already have their registration complete. Only one week too go for the rest of us. Excited to add Dopey to my race plans!