Calling all runners.....................

[banslug]

..........OK, so I think I have now, officially, become a runner. (ya think? After 6 years?) I'm looking to begin workouts that are designed or specifically help my running. I just finished 2 Half Marathons in consecutive weeks and did a lot of soul searching during the half this past weekend (YAY FLYING PIG!!!). Let me share part of my Race Report (yeah, I write one up after every single race) because I think the wording and thoughts will explain exactly what info and input I'm looking for:

(snippet of my race report)
At mile 11 there was a gentleman holding a sign and it seemed as if it was meant FOR ME! He stood there, STARING at me, holding the sign that said, "All it takes is all you got!" Goosebumps covered my body and I managed to find the leg strength to hit the finish line. There was a lot of soul-searching during this Half, about the previous 15 weeks leading up to it, about the goal I set with these back-to-back halves. I set out a long 16 weeks ago with a BIG goal and a training program. And I hit it all! Now that this long term goal has been reached, I realized exactly what I want to do next. I want to use my workouts to improve my running. That may seem obvious to most runners, but I realized that if I could power my way thru that TOUGH TOUGH course with the current level of workouts and my current eating regime (which, isn't really much of anything, lol), than just IMAGINE what I can do if I tailor my workouts TO my running. So, I'm going to be contacting a local coach that I just learned of and speak to him to see what he has to offer. I'm researching core workouts, leg workouts, and UB workouts that are tailored to the runner. I do believe, ladies, that I HAVE BECOME A RUNNER, after 6+ years of running!

So......................have any of you runners ever used a coach or specific workout routine tailored to running??? Would you be willing to share input???

Thanks in advance, from the new RUNNER in the crowd!

 

[cindi1]

I think this is a great topic, Gayle. I'm trying to find the right mix of workouts to support my running as well.

One thing I've done that is helping (I believe) - once a week a take a spin+abs class.
I also found a weight workout at Runner's World that I've been doing - http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263-266-7522-0,00.html

I haven't used a coach though. I'd like to hear what others have to say. I really struggle putting together a running plan that incorporates everything.

 

[buffettgirl]

Gayle, first of all, congrats on your great races. I heard how fast you are! I think using a coach is a wonderful idea. Emily (materialsgirl) seems to have great results and fun with her running group. I've looked for something like that where I live, but there doesn't seem to be anything close. I talked to a woman I work with who runs about starting some kind of club or group, but that's as far as it got. I rely a lot on Runner's World for training programs and info. You may want to check out their forums. They have several - one for new runners (which I don't consider you) and one for women only. Will you be aiming for a whole marathon next?

 

[karenvictoria]

Gayle I really understand where you are coming from. For me I have been running for six years as well ( and to this point) I really didn't consider myself a runner. In some ways I still don't. I have run halfs, and even a full mary last year but why do I not think I'm a runner. I'll tell you why. It really is a personal struggle. For one thing I do not have a typical runners body. My weight goes up and down. Still working on trying to eat like a runner would. Secondly I will stop running and do somthing else. For instance STS. I will go completely without running for like three months and then start again. Why you ask. I have no CLUE. Well, I do in some ways. My body responds to weights really well and cardio poorly so I will say to myself you need to stop all this running and get some weight off. Whenever I train for an event I gain weight. Really. Still I always come back to running because I love it. Just yesterday I wrote out some goals for myself. One of them was to run another mary, do an ironwoman, and do a tri. I really want to get 20lbs off and keep it off eating food that is right for my running and not eating bagels just because I can. I would love to hear workouts that would support me for that goal. I think a coach is an awesome thing. Would love to hear what he and other have to say. Great topic.

 

[wadejen]

congrats

I have been a runner for 15 years. I feel your joy through your writing. Congrats. Running/exercise is all in the mind rather than the body. Your body can go the distance if your mind will let it.

I did little training with a coach. I enjoyed it because she pushed me beyond limits. I did not continue the coaching because the coach was so far away for me. However, I have been doing strength training (STS on my second round, and P90x) and HIIT training (cathe's hiit and insanity). I found that cross training has helped me tremendously. Before I ran 30 to 40 miles a week and felt burnt out. I just ran a 10k that I do every year and I set a new PR. I believe that cross training has truly helped my endurance. Variety is now my new spice of life.

Good luck and congrats. I love your quote.

Jennifer

 

[banslug]

As usual, you guys came thru for me! Lots of good insight and suggestions, and I thank you all!!!

I've really come to LOVE the Runner's World website. I used their SmartCoach program to create the 15 week training program I just completed for my 2 Halves and the program obviously did its job! I just printed this ab workout from their sight, geared toward runners:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263-266-12415-0,00.html

Karen, I swear I could have written your exact post. Until recently, the on-again, off-again love and use of running has been my running 'lifestyle'. But I think I'm finally zoning in on what's super important to me and that is competing with MYSELF and challenging myself and pushing ME further and further.

Running has meant so many different things to me over the last 6+ years...I used running as my escape when family members got sick, I used it to stay healthy for my kids, I used it to raise money for causes near and dear to my heart, I used it JUST BECAUSE, and other times I've used it because I just HAD to. Something just CLICKED in my head and my heart these past 15 weeks and now I want to really work on that.

I have SO MANY other things I want to respond to that some of you posted, but I have to scoot (homework with DS, ugh). But I'll keep you posted as I go thru this...PROMISE! And thanks again.

 

[toughYrun]

I know what you mean, Gayle. I've run 5 marathons, qualified for Boston in one of them and don't consider myself a runner!

I think the main reason is because I had PF so bad that it required surgery. I was out of running commission for about two years. Not being able to run for that extended amount of time really hurt and caused lots of self doubt.

I'm back in the game now though and I've run 3 1/2 marathons since December. I'm currently building my endurance beyond that distance. I think a fall marathon could be in my future. And maybe the Flying Pig next May......

As far as training plans go, I learned from experience that a traditional 16 week marathon training plan doesn't necessarily work for me. Instead of one lower mileage week between long distances in the buildup to 20 miles, I add another one. So, say I run and 18 mile long run, for the next two weeks I might run 12 and 13 miles and then a 20 mile run. I also think that running more than one 20 mile run is good for me too. I've read several running books and like creating my own hybrid plan, making sure I have some intervals and tempo runs during the week along with a longer easy midweek run that is at least 1/2 the distance of my weekend long run.

I also like to keep weight work for upper, lower and core.

You know your body better than anyone, of course, so I say just go with what feels right for you, doing just enough to stress your body so that you adapt and improve and avoid injury.

I didn't tell you a thing you didn't know, did I??

 

[Miss Lee]

Gayle, you are DEFINITELY a runner!!! You totally ROCKED not one, but TWO races at the Pig!!!!! You are Miss Speedy!!!

As for training specifically for running; the links to Runners World with the different exercises really put me in mind of Turbulence Training. The majority of those exercises are included in most TT workouts! And I think kettlebell training would also be beneficial -- for the core and posterior chain work, as well as for balance, flexibility, and overall conditioning. I forget who, (maybe Melissa, aka pink fortitude) but someone posted that they shaved minutes off their running time with kettlebell training.

ELAINE!!!!!! I SO hope you'll do the Pig next year! It was SO MUCH FUN, despite the rain. My performance wasn't too shabby -- I came in 29th out of 84 in my division and set a PR, and 613 people finished after me . My friends Evily (materialsgirl) and her DH ran the 5K with me and literally stayed with me to lend support and encouragement. I still get all verklempt whenever I think about it. They could have easily left me in their dust.

 

[banslug]

Miss Lee, you make me blush!

I have SOOOOOOOOOOOO much in my head right now on this topic of training specifically to our sport. I have been DREAMING about it at night! LOL I wanted to share a link that I had gotten from somebody a while ago; it may have even been somebody on these boards. It talks about bilateral and unilateral training of the lower body and why (and HOW) each works for and/or against specific athletes. It makes total sense to me and when I sit and think about it, my BEST results (both in the LOOKS of my legs and my performance in races) came when I was doing a LOT of UNIlateral training. Check it out:

http://figureathlete.tmuscle.com/fr..._the_perfect_pair_of_legs_unilateral_training

 

[mspina]

Congrats!!!!!!

Some initial thoughts - to get better at running, you need to run more. That's very simplistic, but it's reality. Assuming you already know this, you'll want to add in other cross training to help support your running muscles. Systems that focus on isolated weight work are not really going to help your running - you want to find workouts that are more "functional" (I hate that word, but hopefully you know what I mean by it). Workouts like Core Synergistics, P90X+ Full Body, kettlebells. Plyometric workouts are also *great* for running.

I do work with a coach and highly recommend it - if you find a coach that you click with, you can accomplish amazing things! I'd be happy to talk to you about mine if you are interested in hearing more.