runners/marathoners

J

jimmie48

Cathlete
I signed up to run my first marathon in May:eek: and will start training in Jan. I've been doing some research online but also wanted to ask opinions/training tips of any marathoners here in catheland. Did you continue to weight train? Anything you can think of sharing would be appreciated. :)
 
How exciting. Good for you. I've never run a marathon but I run on my own. The longest distance I've ever done is 12 miles 25-30 miles a week but I'm in polar bear mode so the most I run a week now is 15 miles a week. My only tips are to stay hydrated. Go to the bathroom before a long run. Work up to longer distances. Learn how to pace yourself and lastly have fun. There are a ton of fabulous gals here who have run marathons, . .they are huge inspirations to me.
 
I just did my 1st half on Satuday and have already signed up for 2 more in March and April. I'll be doing my 1st full late next year. Definitely keep up some weight training! I have had some aches/pains/minor issues and they are all related to muscle imbalance. Running uses primarily quads and mine have become very overdeveloped because I dropped the weight training this summer! :( I'll be hitting P90X with bonus Cathe lower body workouts in January and hope to balance out my legs soon!
Good luck with your training! There are some terrific on-line programs. I think I'm going with Hal Higdon for this round.
Becky
 
congrats

on taking the plunge! I've only done one full (amnesia has nearly set in...so the day of #2 may come soon!) but I have done a number of half marathons. Keep up with the weights. I truly think that STS Plyo legs may be a secret weapon in a runners arsenal-very flexible but promoting power-may help with the "kick"
I also second the Hal Higdon suggestion.
Jeff Galloway is also a good choice, as is F.I.R.S.T training. Google marathon training and there are a bazillion out there.
Also, some marathons have running groups that host long training runs that help provide hints that can make things a whole lot easier. One of my friends was part of running group for her first half (my 6th) and I wish I would have lived closer-made things easier for her!
Good luck!
julie
 
I agree - keep lifting. I dropped the strength training to an extent when I was training for my half, and I am *certain* that it effected my performance. And I agree with the above suggestion of Plyo Legs - definitely a secret weapon!
 
Cathe = marathon trainer

OK, I just did my 3rd half marathon on December 6th. I don't run. I can run because I do cardio and strength training all year long. I'm sure I could do even better in a marathon if I actually ran and ran long distances, but I don't.
 
I started lifting before I started running marathons, so as I eased into the distance of marathon training I still did weight lifting. I think your upper body benefits from lifting as you need the upper body strength in those last hard miles of a marathon. I also do lower body lifting during training. I think it does help in injury prevention to keep your muscles strong. I normally back off lower body lifting 4-6 weeks before the actual marathon.

Good Luck and let us know how your 1st marathon goes!
 
Good luck with training and the marathon! I totally agree with everyone....keep the weight training as it will help with injury prevention as well as performance.

Also, don't forget to stretch really well after your runs. Alot of people start having problems with tightness. Enjoy, and come back and give us updates on your training and race. :)

Kathy G
 
Oooh! Thats so exciting. I'm not a marathoner myself (yet.) but as for long runs the following comes to mind: you can plant an extra water for yourself if your route doubles back on itself. So you go out 5 miles carrying two waters and leave one by the side of the road for yourself when you come back.

Also two great podcasts are Phedippidations and The Two Gomers Run a Marathon. Check with the race, some do not allow ear buds/ipods etc.

Did anybody else notice Kathy's race log under name? Wow!:eek:
 
Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I will definitely keep plyo in mind. The longer runs are what I am dreading as I have only ran 7 miles at my longest,:eek: but I have been running fairly consistently for the past 6 years, mostly 3-5 miles at a time. Not sure if I am ready for a marathon but I'm gonna try!:D I'll keep ya updated during my training. I know I can count on you for motivation and support.

Nicole
 
Carole was a mentor to me when I was training for my marathon in 2008, so I followed what she described above, except that I cut out lower body weight work sooner in my training since my running routes included a number of hills, and the legs were getting worked hard. I do agree with others about the STS leg work benefitting your running, though, so next time, I will try to keep the lower body work in longer.

Good luck with training!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top