Intro, and Marathon Training ?'s

[brandienee]

Hello. I usually post on MF, since that was my home board back at the bad place. But it's been dead there lately, so I thought I would throw this out to the H&F universe. 

H and I have gotten this crazy idea into our heads that we want to train for a marathon. I am a non runner, so this is going to be... interesting. But I also want to raise awareness for my mom's disease (Huntington's Disease) and it seems to be a good way to go. I've been feeling that there is more I need to do for her, since I tested negative (my therapist says it's survivors guilt). I have this healthy body to work for her, so why not use it? 

I've been doing C25K and I can finally run 30 minutes without wanting to pass out on my lawn. Actually, I still want to pass out but I've learned to keep it together for the neighbors sake. But I am slow. I don't think I've actually hit a true 5 k yet.

What do you do to stay motivated in the training? Would you run a race like a 10 k or a half marathon during training? I am looking at these long run numbers and... ugh woah. What do you listen to? Why do you like running, what keeps you going? (If you're a runner, if you're not, why do you love what you do?) How did you deal with your physical weakness when you began? 

MH was a cross country track star in his home town, so this isn't going to be as difficult for him. It is also frustrating because I don't have anyone to really workout with, since he goes at his pace... (ungodly fast) and I go at mine... (snail). So I need all the motivation advice I can get. 

Sorry to write this novel for you. If you've gotten this far, thank you and I am sorry. 

[thom]

Hi & welcome!

I'll give you a few thoughts below. But, please feel free to stick around & keep asking questions. I'm sure we won't get everything answered in one post, and lots of things can come up during marathon training to freak out about. At least for me.

First, I'm sorry your mom is dealing w/ that, and it's awesome you want to run to support her.

Have you picked a goal race yet? If you are set on the marathon, I'd look for something about a year away if possible. I think if you have time to slowly build & do some shorter races first you'll have a better experience. (I'm not saying you couldn't do a marathon sooner if that's your plan.)

Or, what about choosing a half marathon as your goal fundraising race? This is still an admirable goal & distance.

Either way, I think getting past the mental scare factor of the long runs is what has helped me the most. If I tell myself I CAN do the distance & mentally focus on the positives I am guaranteed to have a better run that day.

I almost always run alone, and I like solitude outside. Sometimes I'll stream books from audible.com or listen to fast pop/rock/country music. I always listen to books or podcasts on the treadmill.

Make sure you've been fitted for good shoes from a running store that actually evaluates your feet & your stride. This should help you avoid injury as you get into the longer runs. For a training plan, runnersworld.com has many ideas, you can google the Hal Higdon beginner marathon plan, or find lots of other options on the net.

Good luck with your decisions & your fundraising!

Edit: What keeps me going?

Staying focused on my goals and looking back at how far I've come. I've also raised $ for several marathons so I think about the cause. Some mornings I have to remind myself I'll be so mad if I wimp out on my workout.

Every run will not be great and you'll have bumps in the road. But, some runs will be great, and you've got to focus on how awesome you feel on good runs and on your end goal. While on training runs I sometimes visualize myself running with spectators cheering, and I imagine crossing the finish. This sounds corny, but positive visualization really pumps me up.

[hannahb]

Are there any groups to join in your area? There are many first time training groups out there that will provide coaching and companionship along the way. They usually meet once a week for the long run which helps with motivation. I know you said there isn't anyone to run with. Not sure if you meant people you knew already or that you've already looked into groups.
Ditto what PP said about getting fitted for shoes. Note that shoes last about 300-500 miles so you will need to break in another pair before the actual race
Finding a half to run as part of training is a great idea.
Practice fueling. This is critical as you gain mileage and especially over the hot summer months

[brandienee]

Thank you so much for the tips.

I am completely open to doing a half as my first big race, there are some in November in my area that I am looking into. And some fun 5ks are also coming up in a few weeks that I am considering going to. I just haven't committed to anything yet. There is a part of me that feels like I will just fail at it anyway, so why bother? My running confidence is really low.

There are some groups in my area, they usually go run on my work days so I haven't had the chance to join. With the summer approaching, I will have some more free time, I can probably see what I can do to run a couple of times with them.

When I started C25K I got fitted for a great pair of shoes. I know that I will probably have to replace them eventually, especially if I start running longer distances.

What would you recommend for fuel? Is there a gel or power bar that you enjoy?

[thom]

I don't really "like" any gels, but I tolerate chocolate, Carmel, PB gu brand gels, and I once had a raspberry hammer gel that hit the spot. During winter (I live in Minnesota) I can run about 2 hours with no fuel. I'll eat/drink something before. During hot summer I'll take water on most runs and Gatorade for runs over an hour or so. For races I'll always do at least one gel during a half, and maybe 3-4 during a marathon. I know ladies here also like sports beans or Shot Blocks. And some people do better with water & food like pretzels, chewy candy, or even a granola bar. It's totally about practicing & seeing what works for you.

I hope you're able to keep on with your running schedule & pick out a few races. Even if you have some bad runs, your running confidence will increase as you keep training. The mental part of distance running is so important. If you say & believe 10 miles (or 13, 18, etc) is a crazy and unattainable distance, you'll believe that. If you say and believe that you can do it, and you've prepared with your training plan, shoes, fuel, etc, than I think you will be able to.

[katyintx]

May 4, 2014 12:12:28 GMT -5 brandienee said:

Thank you so much for the tips.

I am completely open to doing a half as my first big race, there are some in November in my area that I am looking into. And some fun 5ks are also coming up in a few weeks that I am considering going to. I just haven't committed to anything yet. There is a part of me that feels like I will just fail at it anyway, so why bother? My running confidence is really low.

There are some groups in my area, they usually go run on my work days so I haven't had the chance to join. With the summer approaching, I will have some more free time, I can probably see what I can do to run a couple of times with them.

When I started C25K I got fitted for a great pair of shoes. I know that I will probably have to replace them eventually, especially if I start running longer distances.

What would you recommend for fuel? Is there a gel or power bar that you enjoy?

I think November is a good time frame for your first half.  Depending on which part of the month, and which training program you use, you'd likely be starting that training in Aug or Sept.  That gives you time to build up your base more so you'll be ready to go!  

I agree with thom that entering some smaller races would be a good idea.  I think if you see you can really do it, that'll help a lot with your confidence as well!  One of the things that I think every runner struggles with at one point or another is self-doubt.  You have to practice mental strength just as you do the physical parts.  

Another reason to sign up for some shorter races is to help keep you motivated.  If you have something in the near(ish) future to work for, it'll keep you moving.  Trust me - I don't have anything on the docket until November and I'm struggling!  

Lastly, welcome!  There are a lot of great runners on this board who have already helped me a ton.  I think it's great you want to do this for your mom, and you can totally do it!  Just remember it's not going to come easy, but nothing worth doing ever is...  

[gt7301b]

I think it is great what you are doing for your mom.

I'd probably try a half before you start marathon training. Marathon training is a totally different beast and training for a half would give you a good idea of what you are in for.

When running my first race in any distance I was motivated to just finish. As I do more races I'm motivated to get faster and improve my times. What motivates me on a daily basis is I feel better when I am active, if I go more than a couple of days without working out I feel like a slug.

As for fuel- I usually take one guys on training runs of 10 or more miles. When I started out I took gu more frequently because I was running longer.

During runs I listen to podcasts and music, I'm trying to run without music more and just clear my mind.

[bostonmichelle]

I think this is great that you are doing this for your mom.

I've only been running for about 6 months now and have been focusing on shorter distances (5k's and 10k's). I think lining up a few shorter races between now and then is a great idea. I've tried to pick up running in the past and never stuck with it because I never would sign up for anything, now I like to run 1 race every 3-5 weeks and it allows me a little break but I want take off too many days (unless I need them) since I know I have another race coming up.

I'm planning on two 1/2 marathons before the end of the year so I'm right there with you. I've started fueling on long runs, I would say try stuff out new stuff (food, beverages, socks, compression socks, clothes, etc) on training runs, not on race day.

[jordylee]

You've gotten a lot of good information already, but I'll add in a bit. First of all, I think its amazing what you're doing. I understand what you're going through, and it is hard hard hard. I have HD in my family too, and it is an emotional rollercoaster.

As far as running goes, I would really target a half marathon as your first major event. Halfs have gotten huge in popularity in the last few years, and you can still get the big race experience of a marathon while having a more manageable goal (especially since you're newer to running). Once you're comfortable with the 5k distance, I would consider using the bridge to 10k program, followed by a novice half marathon plan (I really like hal higdon).

I don't want to be discouraging by saying don't go for the marathon right off the bat, but you really have to respect the distance. Could you complete training and slog through it just to finish? Probably. But you probably won't enjoy it, and may end up hating running forever. You're doing this for your mom and you want this to be a positive experience. Once you complete a half or two, you'll be better prepared to tackle marathon training and reach that ultimate goal.

[mrshandy]

I definitely think most people are capable of running a marathon someday and will encourage anyone thinking about doing it.

BUT I do agree with respecting the distance and respecting the distance involves building up to it. Rome wasn't built in a day. Once you have a half marathon under your belt, the distances in a marathon training schedule might not seem so crazy.

I decided a year or so out from my goal marathon that I was going to try to do next year. I started with Couch to 5K, then built up to a 10K, then ran a half 6 months or so later. I started marathon training over the summer and proud to say I finished my first marathon.

I have an exercise mix that has lots of upbeat pop/top 40s songs. It keeps me going. Marathon training, I would switch it up on long runs and do half with music, half without.

What keeps me going? Honestly, I'm a little addicted at this point. It took a while, but running almost every day has made it so I crave it and get very cranky if I don't run for a few days. Races on my calendar and end goals really motivate me as well. I want to try for a BQ this fall and I know that if I don't give it my all over the next few months, I won't have a shot. I have my calendar staring in the face on the fridge so there is no shirking my schedule. I stick to it because that's what I need to do to achieve my goal.

This board is a major motivator as well. The ladies on this board really do inspire me to greatness!

[brandienee]

May 5, 2014 10:31:14 GMT -5 jordylee said:

You've gotten a lot of good information already, but I'll add in a bit. First of all, I think its amazing what you're doing. I understand what you're going through, and it is hard hard hard. I have HD in my family too, and it is an emotional rollercoaster.

As far as running goes, I would really target a half marathon as your first major event. Halfs have gotten huge in popularity in the last few years, and you can still get the big race experience of a marathon while having a more manageable goal (especially since you're newer to running). Once you're comfortable with the 5k distance, I would consider using the bridge to 10k program, followed by a novice half marathon plan (I really like hal higdon).

I don't want to be discouraging by saying don't go for the marathon right off the bat, but you really have to respect the distance. Could you complete training and slog through it just to finish? Probably. But you probably won't enjoy it, and may end up hating running forever. You're doing this for your mom and you want this to be a positive experience. Once you complete a half or two, you'll be better prepared to tackle marathon training and reach that ultimate goal.

This has been going through my head this whole time, since H suggested we try for it. 

I am thankful that you suggested this. I think that this is wise, considering that I have no other running experience. I do love how I feel after my little workouts and am ready to start pushing myself. I just don't feel Marathon confident yet. 

[G22]

May 5, 2014 21:55:52 GMT -5 brandienee said:

This has been going through my head this whole time, since H suggested we try for it. 

I am thankful that you suggested this. I think that this is wise, considering that I have no other running experience. I do love how I feel after my little workouts and am ready to start pushing myself. I just don't feel Marathon confident yet. 

This will come with time. I never set out to run a marathon. I decided to do a small 5mile race, then a 10k, then a 10mile, then a half, and so on. I swore after every new race distance I was never going to go farther. And then did. My motivation for starting to run was I was in my mid-20s, had been an athlete all my life and wanted something to work towards and keep fit. To keep myself accountable to running, I would sign up for races. If I paid the money, I would train for it. Somewhere along the way I fell in love with running. I love to push myself and see what I can do. 

I do think if you've never been a runner (I hated it before I picked it up a couple years ago), that starting with small distances and working up from there is less daunting and helps builds confidence better than going to the long distance straight out of the gate. When I started running, just doing a mile felt like torture. If your doing C25K, that will help you slowly add distance and endurance. Don't worry about being slow. Speed will come as you build endurance.

I definitely think doing a marathon is doable for you. Building up your distance and doing at the very least a half or 2 will make the marathon distance seem less scary. You've gotten a ton of good advice in here. Stick around and ask as many questions as you need along the way. There is a lot of knowledge here