Running-need motivation to keep up

[MRSchultz]

Hi everybody:

I'm in the process for training for a 1/2 marathon in June. I've gotten to 9 miles and that really kicked my butt. I haven't been weight training, though, and I'm wondering if that might help?

Also, I'm running with my sister-in-law and she is tall with long legs and runs much faster than I. I feel so inadequate when we get a chance to run together. I just can't keep up and feel that I should be running as fast because I'm sticking with the training schedule, but she just seems to fly past me.

Anybody with some motivating tips - HELP!!!

Thanks, Marcia

 

[cheekster]

Hi Marcia,
My husband is a marathon runner, and I've done quite a bit of the ol' pavement pounding myself. Here are some thoughts that may help. First of all, try not to compare yourself to your sister-in-law, or anyone else. Genetics play such a big role in this sport, and she may have an "unfair" advantage, being of the typical runner's body type. Second, regarding weight training, there are two basic camps. Some people think that any additional weight, even if it's muscle, is that much more to push forward on the road, and avoid lifting. Others note that the improvement in posture and core strength that comes with weight training can improve the efficiency of your stride and help your stamina, especially for long runs like a half or a marathon. My husband and I subscribe to the second idea, and when you factor in the other health and wellness benefits of lifting weight, I can only recommend it. I mean, even if we're wrong, and the extra weight will slow you down, who cares? How important is a time compared to the rest of your life? And hey, it's supposed to be fun, right? (Why is it so hard to remember that in those last few miles?);-) Hope that helps, and good luck on your half!
-Kate

 

[Debra L]

Hi Marcia,

You have to train at your pace, not someone else's. I trained for a 1/2 while my husband trained for a full marathon. He'd run with me on my long run (which was an intermediate distance for him). I controlled the pace by wearing a heart rate monitor & sticking to my upper limit. The pace was slow for him. If you want to run shoulder to shoulder with your sis-in-law, do it on a short run. DH & I had a lot of running dates where we didn't run together, we just ran at the same location.

As for weight training, you have to experiment & find what works for you. It's a bit close to your event to experiment now. I've done a lot of endurance events & find the heavy leg work needs to be done early in my training. But that may not be what works for you.

I don't know how many running events you've done but you'll find that there are all levels out there. You're going to be faster than some & slower than others. But everyone is out there to challenge themselves & hopefully have a good time. So cheer your sis-in-law on & enjoy your own accomplishments!

Debra

 

[AndreaL]

Hi Marcia,

I agree that genetics play a big part in running, just as in anything else. I also am very tall, but I'm not fast. Some people are just naturally fast runners. 9 miles is a long way! I have just realized, that it's okay if the longer mileages kick my butt. I was under the impression that everyone just felt A-OK after a long run and went about a regularly active day. I now know that I'm gonna be tired and sore...and that's okay.

As for weight training I'm experimenting with cutting out lower body weights, but keeping upper and core work. My legs just don't seem to recover fast enough from lower body work AND running to ever feel refreshed. I try to spin once a week and for me, it is quite the endurance workout for my legs.

Have fun with your race!

Andrea

 

[mariep]

Hi, Marcia--

I second what everyone's been saying about not comparing yourself with others. Run at a comfortable pace for you (not too comfortable, though ;-) )! For me personally, weight training helps my running a lot. I feel much more injury-prone when I'm not doing strength training for my legs, especially the quads and hamstrings. By training these muscles, you help protect yourself against injuries, or at least that's how I feel. I know a lot of people just run and don't strength train, but I really feel much stronger and less injury-prone when I add strength training to my running.

Just a suggestion! Oh, and don't worry about feeling so tired after doing your long runs; that's very normal! Definitely plan those for days (usually weekends) when you can just relax once you're done. It really does kick your butt--that's the idea!

Good luck--you'll do great, I'm sure! Just remember to enjoy it--a half-marathon is quite an accomplishment!

Take care,
Marie

 

[babydollsea]

Hi Marcia,

Good luck with your training and running in the half-marathon. I just ran a marathon 3 weeks ago. It was my first. Prior to my training, I only ran 3 races. I did well considering I had not run for more than 2 months before entering in them. It will be a year for me running in July of this year.

In response to your question, I would suggest that you run at a training pace so that you can complete the thon. While it is nice to have a running partner (I didn't), It is a good idea to train on your own too because during a marathon you will hook up with many people and find someone you will enjoy pacing with (especially if it is your first one).

I also agree that weight lifting is essential to performance and prevention of injuries. I lifted 2x's a week (MIS and PH) and I completed my 1/2 marathon 1:52 and marathon 4:10 (first and only for both). I never hit the wall and ran the whole time. I believe the weight training helped with any hills and turns in the road. PLUS, I was able to workout the first week after the marathon! I biked for 30 minutes the first day; second day, biked (30) and lifted upper body and on the third day, ran for 3 miles!!!

Continue your training; stay focused and do not compare yourself to others. Remember this is your conquest and you will do it!! Good Luck!!

Marla

 

[trprwife]

I rambled...I am sorry.....

Hi Marcia. First, let me say that I am so envious of you...a half marathon. That is my goal in life...to run a 1/2 marathon. I did a 10K last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I even won a medal for my age group...third place. I ran it in 55 minutes. Since then, I have cut my running back because I have had a few medical promblems...nothing major, but enough to slow me down. When I ran my 10K, I ran it with my husband who is about 8" taller than me. I naturally have to run harder to keep up with him because he naturally has a longer stride. This helped me in the race, but I was so tired for days...it took me about a week to fully recover. I was only running 6 miles though...not 13. Running with your S-I-L may just be too hard with the difference in gate. You may be pushing yourself harder than you realize to keep up. How many times a week are you running? I only run 3. If you are running alot during the week, this maybe too hard on your legs and they may fatigue more quickly. I am an advid reader of Runner's World, and I am always amazed when I read about people who run 7 days straight...never taking a break.....for years. I would be sooooooo incredibly fatigued. These people, in my opinion, have a God given talent to run. Not everyone has this talent. Maybe you need to play around with how often you run during the week. (Although it is a little late to do this for this race). I have been lifting with Cathe for a few months now and I have noticed it helping with my runs. My legs don't seem to get tired as fast. I have also read about how important strong core muscles are for runners. I would think that lifting would only compliment your running. I'm sorry, I am rambling. I will finish up. The one piece of advice I can give you is too not put too much pressure on yourself with a specific time in mind. I would just focus on finishing the race or running the whole thing. I just ran a 5 mile in March. I ran that same race last year and this year I wanted to cut about 5 minutes off my time. I had a horrible race and finished only about 5 seconds better than last year. I was so upset, I cried all afternoon. I will never do that to myself again. I just try to think...two years ago, I could barely run around the block, and now I am running 10Ks. I try not to let it go to my head, but when my friends say that they think it is awesome that I can run a 10k or wish they could run for an hour...or even 10 minutes, I think, yah know, you are right. I am in great shape and I have accomplished something that most people don't even have the guts to try. If I may quote the "Penquin" from Runner's World...he says "The miracle isn't that I finished...the miracle is that I had the courage to start". I am sooooo sorry that this is sooo long. I love to talk about running...it is truely a passion of mine that I love to share.

good luck....you WILL do great.

Kim

 

[pfive]

RE: I rambled...I am sorry.....

Ladies!!
I know I'm behind here but I'd like to say that you all for your training advice you've shared here! It was very motivating to read this thread. I was "thinking" about doing a run this Sunday and now I know I will schedule that run in! :7

Again thanks,
Angie

 

[26.2runner]

First of all, do NOT compare yourself to someone else. Competitive running is but one aspect of the sport as far as I am concerned. Running for me is more about the cardiovascular fitness, the well being, and the stress relief. I do not have the perfect runners build (I'm a typical Scot; short and stocky) but that doesn't stop me from running. I am usually solidly middle of the pack. Hey, someone has to be there!

Weight training does help with running. It will increase your leg strength. Watch your form when you run. It makes a huge difference in your speed and endurance.