Wk of Jan 21--WISH Walking/Running Club

[Jen117]

Kristi - If I can make it to Disney, I am pretty sure I am doing the full. I am now working on getting the time with work. I should be able to commit in the next month. So yah, I will do the full as long as I can make it there. So if you commit and Mel has already committed, we can all do it together!!!!

As far as upping myself to a full... well, I darn well intend to keep my base up. I will not do the full unless I can keep my commitments of doing a 1/2 in May and other races through the fall. I have to make these commitments in order to stay on track.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I'm going to ask a really basic question -- how many steps should I be trying to do, and what do I need to do to "build my base"? I can currently 30-45 minutes at 4.5 mph on the TM without too much trouble. It's a workout, but I feel good, not exhausted. What is my base supposed to be to run a Half?

I get that I shouldn't start training for the Half until 16 weeks out, but what am I trying to do now? Should I be trying to get faster, or do longer workouts, or both? I've been reading Marathoning for Mortals, so I feel I have a good grasp of a training plan. I'm just not sure what I should be doing to get to that point. Is there a "training to train" plan? The training plans for the Half in MfM have two rest days. Should I still be completely resting, or should I walk on those days?

Please excuse my complete lack of knowledge. I am a reader, so if anyone can recommend other resources, that would awesome. Thanks!

Kristi, andromeda, gatorphipps, monte -- My ds was home from school yesterday, too. I'm dreading the work packet that will come home. 3rd grade homework is way too involved! Seriously, I hope everyone feels better soon!

Blueroses -- Congratulations on doing those lunges! That's hard stuff.

Lily -- I think I'll be behind the back of the pack. Every once in awhile you can look backwards and wave at me

Ashley -- Hi! We'll definitely see you coming!

Keenercam -- I hope your seminar isn't too painful.

Honeibee -- I agree about the Breakfast Club. It's best seen when you're 16 or so, preferably in the mid 80s...

Anyway, thanks for any advice. I signed up, and now I have to figure out how to do it!

 

[Kristi1357]

I just signed Chad & I up for the Great Bay Half on April 1st.

Here's the link if any other WISHers want to join us:
http://www.locorunning.com/greathalf.php

Thanks Scott for telling me about this one!

 

[wtpclc]

I'm just not sure what I should be doing to get to that point. Is there a "training to train" plan? The training plans for the Half in MfM have two rest days. Should I still be completely resting, or should I walk on those days?

Right now you are "training to train." 30 - 45 mintes twice durign the week is good. Maybe work your way up to an hour on Saturday. 2 to 3 miles on Saturday would put you on week 1 of the trainging program, but you'll do better if you'er a little above that. Make sure you do 30 minutes of cross-traing twice a week. This is my biggest downfall, but really helps keep you from injury. Rest days are for REST. Nothing to be done on those days, to teh extent that life allows. These are the days that your muscles recover and are very important.

When we say "putting in teh steps", we mean just that. Go out and walk/run for teh time/distance required. Don't push or anything. The training program will help you work on your pace when you get there.

 

[Jen117]

Maria, Prior to starting my training for my first 1/2 marathon, I had worked myself up to running at least twice during the week for 2-3 miles and then 4 miles on the weekend. I also cross trained with biking or elliptical at least 2 other days a week. During my 1/2 training I ran a 10K race and then gradually built myself up to the 1/2 marathon during those training weeks. I was never injured severely except for a pre-existing condition. Oh and I started walk/run intervals in January 2006 and 1/2 Marathon Training started mid September. All I aimed for when I started run/walk was to be better than a 16 minute mile.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Right now you are "training to train." 30 - 45 mintes twice durign the week is good. Maybe work your way up to an hour on Saturday. 2 to 3 miles on Saturday would put you on week 1 of the trainging program, but you'll do better if you'er a little above that. Make sure you do 30 minutes of cross-traing twice a week. This is my biggest downfall, but really helps keep you from injury. Rest days are for REST. Nothing to be done on those days, to teh extent that life allows. These are the days that your muscles recover and are very important.

When we say "putting in teh steps", we mean just that. Go out and walk/run for teh time/distance required. Don't push or anything. The training program will help you work on your pace when you get there.

Thank you so much! I feel so much better now. I really want to do this, and I appreciate any and all advice!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Maria, Prior to starting my training for my first 1/2 marathon, I had worked myself up to running at least twice during the week for 2-3 miles and then 4 miles on the weekend. I also cross trained with biking or elliptical at least 2 other days a week. During my 1/2 training I ran a 10K race and then gradually built myself up to the 1/2 marathon during those training weeks. I was never injured severely except for a pre-existing condition. Oh and I started walk/run intervals in January 2006 and 1/2 Marathon Training started mid September. All I aimed for when I started run/walk was to be better than a 16 minute mile.

This sounds like a perfect program for me. You guys are the best! I can definitely follow your model, Jen. Thanks for the support!

 

[RunningLilo]

I'm going to ask a really basic question -- how many steps should I be trying to do, and what do I need to do to "build my base"? I can currently 30-45 minutes at 4.5 mph on the TM without too much trouble. It's a workout, but I feel good, not exhausted. What is my base supposed to be to run a Half?

Maria, sounds like you're doing exactly what you should be. MFM (chapter 5) says that you should be running or walking at least 30 minutes three times a week for at least a year before you start a half or full training program. So just continue that up until it's time to start your training program. Don't push yourself too much at the start, but I would just start slowly working up to the intervals that you want to do on race day. This will help prepare your bones and muscles to withstand the stress without injury. Also, if you haven't you may want to get a heartrate monitor to make sure that you are training in the correct zone during this time.

As far as rest days go, I'm not exactly sure what the correct answer is, but I would do the rest days now like they are in your training program. Remember rest days are when your body gets stronger so they are very important. It also would be great to start out getting used to cross training now too. Just so your body isn't so shocked with new activity as you are starting to increase milage during the training program.

Hope this helps! I'm pulling for you!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Maria, sounds like you're doing exactly what you should be. MFM (chapter 5) says that you should be running or walking at least 30 minutes three times a week for at least a year before you start a half or full training program. So just continue that up until it's time to start your training program. Don't push yourself too much at the start, but I would just start slowly working up to the intervals that you want to do on race day. This will help prepare your bones and muscles to withstand the stress without injury. Also, if you haven't you may want to get a heartrate monitor to make sure that you are training in the correct zone during this time.

As far as rest days go, I'm not exactly sure what the correct answer is, but I would do the rest days now like they are in your training program. Remember rest days are when your body gets stronger so they are very important. It also would be great to start out getting used to cross training now too. Just so your body isn't so shocked with new activity as you are starting to increase milage during the training program.

Hope this helps! I'm pulling for you!

Thanks so much, I am feeling better already. I was starting to panic that I wasn't going to know what to do. I should have known you guys would come through!

I am going to take everyone's excellent advice and really rest on the rest days. I promise. I was just feeling guilty that I wasn't doing anything, but that sounds like it's the exact right thing to do!

 

[mogulskr]

I just signed Chad & I up for the Great Bay Half on April 1st.

Here's the link if any other WISHers want to join us:
http://www.locorunning.com/greathalf.php

Thanks Scott for telling me about this one!

Kristi - your welcome

Good Afternoon everyone, did the TM at lunch for a maintenance run of 3 miles including warm up and cool down. I have basketball tonight and that's always a work out.

Question - How does everyone manage to respond to everyone? Do you write as you go along because there is no way I could remember everything I just read.

 

[RunningLilo]

Hey Team,

I've got a question that's driving me crazy. I'm trying to figure out which '08 event I should set as my goal. Completing the WDW 1/2 (W/R) is always going to be my ultimate goal, but it doesn't have to be in '08. The baby is due the 4th of July so that gives me 6 months to get ready for an event. Actually probably less due to the 6 week recovery period. So let's say I'll be able to work at it for 5 months. Now that coupled with breastfeeding (sorry guys! tmi...) and having to do feedings every three hours with very little sleep I'm just feeling like there's no way I'll be able to realistically do the 1/2 in '08. Honestly, the thought of it makes me exhausted and I've felt no desire to go ahead and sign up. I don't know if I'm having a moment of doubt or if I'm finally taking an honest look at everything. Right now the better fit for me feels like it should be working up to (W/R) the 5k in January, the Minnie '08, DL 1/2 '08, and then WDW 1/2 '09.

I would love some help if anyone has any insight.

Quoting myself, I know it's rude, but I didn't get much of a response (maybe i just missed some comments), but I'm really struggling here.

I've come up with this calendar layout:

July- Have Baby!
Aug-
Sept- Begin mixing running back with the walking to do Walk/Run intervals
Oct-
Nov-
Dec- Festival of Lights 5k
Jan 2008- WDW 5k
Feb-
Mar- Gate River Run 5k
April-
May- Minnie 15k
June-
July-
Aug-
Sept- DL ½ Marathon
Oct- Race for Taste 10k
Nov-
Dec-
Jan 2009- WDW 1/2

How does this look to you more experienced athletes? Do you think I'm being too conservative by doing the WDW 5k instead of walking the 1/2 in 2008? I just really want to be able to do walk/run intervals during the 1/2. I'm such a slow walker I'd be in fear of the sweepers the whole time and not enjoy it. And I want it to be FUN!!!

 

[wtpclc]

Question - How does everyone manage to respond to everyone? Do you write as you go along because there is no way I could remember everything I just read.

I take notes as I go. I only do a complete acatch up every week or so, thugh. In between, I just catch teh stuff that sticks in my mind or the questions I think I can help with.

 

[wtpclc]

Dena - I didn't respond the first itme, because I don't know, but I'll give you my thoughts FWIW. It seems like you'll be starting from 0 again, as I cannot imagine you are doing a lot now and that will likely get to be less and less. Then 6 week srecvoery time. I'd stick with your plan. Going from 0 to 1/2 marathon in less than 6 weeks, while taking care of a baby, seems like to much to me. JMO.

 

[Honeibee]

Question - How does everyone manage to respond to everyone? Do you write as you go along because there is no way I could remember everything I just read.

Scott - For my "big" morning post, I usually open something else, like Word, and read the Boards and type my reponses in Word, then spell check it and cut and paste it into a reply. I toggle back and forth between the two.Can't depend on my mind to remember everything, that's for sure!

 

[Jen117]

Maria - I was a basket case all last year trying to figure out if I was doing this right. Just ask, everyone is wonderful at offering their opinion. And when I was overwhelmed at WDW at 4:00am, the team was wonderful to reach out and pull me in. It is a great place!!! I went from walking a 20 minute mile, to walk/running a 17 minute mile, to now run/walking a 12 minute mile, all in one years time. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

OK, DH says he is going to train for his first 5K which is April 28. I told him I would walk, jog, waddle with him the whole way if he needed it. Oh and I said he had to wear my too big WISH shirt and his eyes bugged out a little. I am not sure he is into being seen that much. That shirt is BRIGHT!

 

[zoegirl]

Dena - I agree with Carrie, and I am personally going through this very thing right now.
I un-realistically thought that I'd be able to run throughout my pregnancy. I didn't count on being sick for 15 weeks. I continued to walk when I could but it wasn't a lot. So needless to say, I am back at ground 0 again lugging 25-30 extra pounds of pregnancy weight which doesn't exactly make you light on your feet or do much for speed .
I just started running again 4 weeks ago b/c my dr wouldn't let me run for at least 8 weeks after birth b/c of my c-section (yet another un-expected surprise). I hope to be in good enough shape again to run a half in April but I am not holding my breath. This REALLY disappointed me, but I'm not going to let it ruin my plans for the full next January since it's what I really want to do.
It seems like you have a good plan but don't push yourself too hard after the baby. This is what everyone is telling me now, and I'm making myself take this advice. I had no idea what pregnancy and giving birth does to a woman's body, and have a new found respect for women who get back out there and exercise again...because it is SO HARD!! But don't give up on your goals, because your goals will be your inspiration to run again.

~bree~

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Robert/ultramickeymouse- I'm curious if you had your phone conversation with the director of the marathon, and, if so, how did it go? What did he say about the things people were unhappy about this year such as running out of water, being diverted off main street, etc.

 

[wtpclc]

Bree - I had no idea everythign ws so hard for you! I am glad you are not pushing too hard, though!!!! I know you will get there no matter what, but I hope the journey starts looking better soon!!!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Sometimes that's the hardest part of my workout, just getting to the gym. But once I was there it felt good.

I meant to say I really like this. It is so true for me too!

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Dena--I'm agreeing with Carrie and Bree, I think you are doing the right thing by waiting until 2009 for the 1/2. And your plans looks smart and attainable. I don't have kids, but I can imagine getting your body back is not going to be easy and it will probably take some time to ease into exercising again. Not to mention you'll have a newborn and a little girl to take care of, I think you'll be exhausted!! Slow, steady, injury-free and comfortable is DEFINITELY the best way to go. By the way, your daughter in beautiful!

Scott--I open 2 windows and type as I read and then skim back to see what I missed. Like Carrie, I usually only do big responses once a week and then respond to things that jump out at me daily. It will take a while to keep everyone straight (especially since some of us have similiar names: Krista/Christa/Kristi; Mel and MelR) , but remember some of us have been here 2 or 3 years, so we know each other pretty well.

Robert--I have been wondering how the talk with WDW marathon went too. I hope you stuck it to them!

Bree--You are really freaking me out with this post baby talk!!