[Glo4m Confess to me]

Last year AbQ's Marathon training thread was very helpful, so I thought we should start a new thread for anyone training for a race in 2012. It's not too early to start planning for the fall, and some folks may be doing spring/summer races as well. There are enough of us to warrant a break off from the work out crew thread.

After completing my first half last November, I am excited about working on improving my time this year. I have decided to wait another year or two before training to run a full, so for 2012 my tentative plan is to run the same half in November, and a few other shorter races.

My Dad is in his 60s, but still running and biking a lot, and he has been a big inspiration for me. One of the things on his bucket list is to run a race called the Bear, so for his birthday I promised to pay registration (reg isnt open yet) for it this year for him, myself, and anyone else in my family who wants to run it. It's a 5mi race up the side of a mountain as part of the Highland Games (http://www.hopeformarrow.org/bearinfo.htm). So far my sister and brother in law have confirmed so the 4 of us will run it in July.

Besides this race and the half in November, I would also like to run a couple 5ks or 10ks and maybe an obstacle race as well. My goal between now and spring is simple weight loss, I would like to cut 25 lbs to get back to high school weight, and ultimately improve my pace.

So what are YOUR goals for the year?? Let's use this thread to stay motivated and exchange tips, advice, etc and let's KICK ASS in 2012.

Last year's thread:

http://www.pocketfives.com/f13/fall-...thread-638809/

[Mr Galt sister-in-law's a ho]

I would like to run an 18.30 5k. Planning to work in some leg lifting this year. Might also train for a half marathon.

[Glo4m Confess to me]

You rape 5ks Galt, I would love to see your time for a half, I bet you could break 1.5h pretty easily. I am shooting for sub 2h this year.

[Unforseen]

Running Tough Mudder in Torontoon August 18. Haven't started training yet

10-12 miles. Longest I've ran is 2.

welp.

[Glo4m Confess to me]

Awesome man! I might look into TM and see when its coming near me. Trust me, 12 miles seems a lot longer it really is, and you have plenty of time to train! I am interested to see which OTers have run a race like this and what kind of training they have done. Edited By: Glo4m Jan 10th, 2012 at 05:37 PM

[TINNAL]

 

Originally Posted by Unforseen

Running Tough Mudder in Torontoon August 18. Haven't started training yet

10-12 miles. Longest I've ran is 2.

welp.

My bro ran this past years at Wintergreen, VA. He didn't train one bit but is fairly fit and finished the course in pain and scarred for life lol. I definitely wanna give it a go, looks so fun but I need to buckle down on the cardio aspect.

[Glo4m Confess to me]

OK I just checked TM's website and it lists NC as a "coming soon" location. I went ahead and preregged since its free, so hopefully they get it set up for this year. Looks like a bad ass race!

The ultimate one sounds scary as hell:

December 15 & 16, 2012 – Location: TBA

Prizes
Not only will the winner receive a cash prize of US $10,000, but they will also have earned the right to call themselves the World’s Toughest Mudder who has competed against over 50,000 Tough Mudders from across the US world to have reached the finals.
Qualification
To qualify for this epic event you must finish in the Top 5% of any of the Tough Mudder events occurring across the world in 2012.
Course
The event will last a whopping 24 hours and will test the human body to its limits. Edited By: Glo4m Jan 10th, 2012 at 05:48 PM

[Z-Fresh]

GL! I couldn't imagine running that far.

[Glo4m Confess to me]

 

Originally Posted by Z-Fresh

GL! I couldn't imagine running that far.

Someone who surfs as much as you, I bet you could do a half easily. You should sign up for a race for 2012 and train with us!

[Z-Fresh]

 

Originally Posted by Glo4m

Someone who surfs as much as you, I bet you could do a half easily. You should sign up for a race for 2012 and train with us!

I paddle out for 5-10 minutes then sit on board and stare at dolphins waiting for a wave. It's not that tough. Haha.

In reality, my knees couldn't handle it. They're pretty withered. I hiked Mt. Whitney a year and a half ago (22 miles) and couldn't walk for days after. I almost didn't make it down my knees hurt so bad. I took 3 Norcos while hiking and was still in pain.

[Glo4m Confess to me]

 

Originally Posted by Z-Fresh

I paddle out for 5-10 minutes then sit on board and stare at dolphins waiting for a wave. It's not that tough. Haha.

In reality, my knees couldn't handle it. They're pretty withered. I hiked Mt. Whitney a year and a half ago (22 miles) and couldn't walk for days after. I almost didn't make it down my knees hurt so bad. I took 3 Norcos while hiking and was still in pain.

fair enough. I have read that only full marathoners are possibly doing damage to their knees, the article said something like going beyond 15 miles on the reg has shown to cause issues, etc. But you have to be careful with your knees so who knows.

One thing I can say is, if you can find a tai chi group or class, it does wonders for your joints. I use it to prevent these recurring lower back problems I have. It has helped greatly with the running as well. I would recommend tai chi to anyone for a million other reasons too, its just amazing how many benefits I get from it. Edited By: Glo4m Jan 10th, 2012 at 07:42 PM

[Z-Fresh]

 

Originally Posted by Glo4m

One thing I can say is, if you can find a tai chi group or class, it does wonders for your joints. I use it to prevent these recurring lower back problems I have. It has helped greatly with the running as well. I would recommend tai chi to anyone for a million other reasons too, its just amazing how many benefits I get from it.

I'll actually look into that. I heard Yoga can help strengthen knees as well. I used to do yoga on the semi reg years ago before the knee issues but would like to get back into it.

[curiousgeorge baby duck hat]

im planning to start the couch to 5k program to lose weight

[Glo4m Confess to me]

 

Originally Posted by Z-Fresh

I'll actually look into that. I heard Yoga can help strengthen knees as well. I used to do yoga on the semi reg years ago before the knee issues but would like to get back into it.

Yeah, Yoga and Tai Chi come from the same Taoist roots, they use different methods in an attempt to achieve the same end result afaict. There are different advantages to both from what I read (never done Yoga), but with Tai Chi you get some pretty redic self defense applications in addition to the million health benefits. But its important to find a good teacher/class, there are tons of hacks out there with 2-3 yrs under their belt trying to profit off of the mysticism of it or whatever. Mastering one tai chi form takes a minimum of a decade or more, and thats with daily practice. There are some easy questions to ask and things to look for to make sure an instructor is legitimate.

 

Originally Posted by curiousgeorge

im planning to start the couch to 5k program to lose weight

This is a great way to lose weight, but I would highly recommend a diet as well. I lost ~ 20 lbs last year starting basically where you will start, but it took like 6 months because I wasn't dieting. You can lose weight much faster if you are watching your caloric intake + running. It just sucks because the running will invariably increase your appetite.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, keep us posted on your progress!

[Popperhead]

This thread is reminding me of my younger days when I used to blade 10k everyday after work. You guys are beauties for doing this I wish I had the motivation and actaully liked running one iota. I'm gonna try and run 5K in the spring and see how I hold up. 12 miles Unforseen you crazy brotha

[Glo4m Confess to me]

 

Originally Posted by Popperhead

This thread is reminding me of my younger days when I used to blade 10k everyday after work. You guys are beauties for doing this I wish I had the motivation and actaully liked running one iota. I'm gonna try and run 5K in the spring and see how I hold up. 12 miles Unforseen you crazy brotha

Dude, make this your year. Ditch the cigs and pick up running instead!

[dolphin13 OT Vice MVP]

I ran a 5k in 19:27.

Today I ran for four minutes and my heart rate was 187. FML

[Glo4m Confess to me]

 

Originally Posted by dolphin13

I ran a 5k in 19:27.

Today I ran for four minutes and my heart rate was 187. FML

I read in the other thread you were thinking about p90x, you should start running again as well, or just run in addition to, or instead of, p90x. Pick a race for the fall and start training now! The weight will start taking care of itself while you focus on your training.

[dolphin13 OT Vice MVP]

Yeah, after today I realized I should just focus on getting my ass on my treadmill at home everyday for 30 minutes and then use the gym a couple days a week just to do some lifting and swimming. It's going to take months and months to just be able to run a 5k let alone get under 30mins. Loooong road back. I think my knees will hold up if I just run on my treadmill. Just can't train on pavement.

I'm in the worst shape of my life. Pretty sad really. Edited By: dolphin13 Jan 10th, 2012 at 10:10 PM

[AbnormalQ]

Good lookin' out glo4m.

In seeing this thread, I realized I totally forgot to update that thread with what happened in my race.

I finished the Chicago Marathon in a time just north of 5 hours. Which was ok, that posterior tibial tendonitis I mentioned itt, was pretty painful, and I was happy to have just been able to finish the race. Believe it or not, my longest run up to that point was 12 miles. Not exactly an ideal to train your body to be put through the paces of a marathon.

I was in the sauna a few days before the race and I ran into the guy who owns the local running shoe store here. He mentioned something interesting, that on some level, even though the injury had limited my training, the fact that I had done two before would serve me in good stead. Because on some level, our bodies "remember" those experiences, even years later. It's almost like the effects of distance running is viewed by your body as a disease, and your body remembers its affects, and has antibodies at the ready, just like if you encounter smallpox 40 years after first getting the vaccination. Whether its immunology or muscle systems, your bodies capacity for remembrance at the subconscious level is a remarkable thing to encounter.

Some three months after the race, I have basically done absolutely zero physically. The shitty thing about this injury is that the only way to heal it is to do nothing. I did this for many weeks in the middle of my training for the Marathon, and thought it had healed. I came down on it wrong in a slight way when playing with my little one at the park, and the injury flared up again. I really want this to heal properly. Otherwise, I think this might need surgery to correct sometime on down the line.

I've gained 15 pounds over the winter months. Gut is getting pretty big again. I had plans to do the London Marathon in 2012, but that is obviously bunk. I am actually strongly considering the Seattle Marathon, since its likely I'll be moved there by that time.

Gonna have to start getting back on the horse now though. Gonna start like a woman. Very slow, lots of walking. Then aerobics. Then yoga. Then running and weight training. I need a very gentle progression that minimizes weight bearing pounding on my right ankle while I lose weight, and strengthen it back up, in a nice little positive feedback cycle.

Will also be doing a keto diet to start. I've had a lot of success with it in the past, and I get to eat a ton of fucking bacon, so whats not to love?

I am going to abso-fucking-lutely hate myself these next few weeks. Getting back in gear after some forced time off is always a bitch.

[dolphin13 OT Vice MVP]

Be careful abnormal. Training for a marathon was the biggest mistake of my life. I had a nice routine and I coulda been a boss just running 5ks. I was in absolute awesome shape but this chick I liked who I was friends with wanted a training partner for a marathon. I messed up my knees when they were hurting by tring to do my 20 mile training run just weeks before the race, couldn't run for six months and didn't even get the girl. I don't want to tell you to not run marathons but... Edited By: dolphin13 Jan 10th, 2012 at 10:28 PM

[AbnormalQ]

 

Originally Posted by dolphin13

Be careful abnormal. Training for a marathon was the biggest mistake of my life. I had a nice routine and I coulda been a boss just running 5ks. I was in absolute awesome shape but this chick I liked who I was friends with wanted a training partner for a marathon. I messed up my knees when they were hurting by tring to do my 20 mile training run just weeks before the race, couldn't run for six months and didn't even get the girl. I don't want to tell you to not run marathons but...

Indeed. But, tbh, the absolute root cause, imo, is not the marathon training. The tendonitis, is really just being caused by some leftover scarring from when I broke my ankle minorly near the spot where the inflammation is. So, on some level, this kind of thing will always be there a little bit, marathoning or not.

I started running XC in the fifth grade though, so my entire frame is used to this stuff. What I really need to is to be 180-185. Right now, I am 212. I ran the marathon at 197. Training in that 200-210 range for the majority was definitely a factor too. I need to take it slower than I did last time. Though last time I was in the worst shape of my life at 237.

[Wooz.PG]

Should be doing the Bupa Great North Run (half marathon) in September again but my groin is still bad from the last one so Im not sure how realistic my chances are. Time for last one was just over 3hours with a torn groin. Wouldda pulled out but was running for charity. Im such a hero.

[Glo4m Confess to me]

Dolphin -- It will come sooner than you think, I agree that you should stick to the treadmill at first to protect yourself, but remember there is no shame in walking. You burn just as many calories running a mile as you do walking it. Start cutting weight and the results will come. But I think there a good strat would be to pick a race now, so you have a concrete goal in mind, and plenty of time to train. I would also recommend focusing heavily on your diet in the beginning. It's amazing how much your body will adjust to the exercise you will be doing. I started last year at 247, the fattest I ever was, and ran the race at around 222. I was surprised I was able to finish it still being kinda fat. All the weight loss came in the first few months and then I just hit a wall and wasnt losing anymore, despite the fact that the miles I was running weekly had increased exponentially. It was quite simply because of my diet.

since the last week of Dec, I have been counting calories and running even less than I was just a cpl months ago, and I can see and feel the weight start coming off. Diet is HUGE. I've always had a "a man's gotta eat" philosophy, but its a simple input vs output equation, and the more you exercise, the hungrier you get, so unless you keep things in check you will just overeat to make up for the calories you burn (I just I should say I, not you, this is how I am at least) Before anyone comes in crying about broscience, these are simply my own personal observations, grain of salt, etc, etc

Ab -- congrats on finishing, I wondered what happened. That sucks you are still battling injury, but impressive to finish in 5 hrs with any kind of extra pain. The half absolutely destroyed my body and I was at 100% that day, so I cant imagine running a full with any kind of injury. So congrats and hopefully this year it won't bother you as much. How tall are you? I'm 6'0 and in a similar weight situation as you. I ran my half at 222, I'm prob 215ish right now, and I want to get to 190 by April. I'm trying not to live and die by the numbers however, as I am looking to gain some muscle and strength as well.

See what I wrote above about Tai Chi and consider it for your foot. Its great crosstraining like Yoga, and potentially could help you. I swear the shit is like magical in what it does to your body. In any case, something to consider.

Keep me posted on your weight loss! Edited By: Glo4m Jan 10th, 2012 at 11:34 PM

[ciz]

Ran a 5k at the gym the other day in 29 minutes and was happy. Considering I had never run that far before in one sitting.

I'm sure I could do more, but damn my nipples were killing me from my damp shirt rubbing against them. I think my biggest obstacle in a longer run would be my fucking useless nipples.

[killingbird]

good luck sir!!

[Glo4m Confess to me]

 

Originally Posted by cizastro

Ran a 5k at the gym the other day in 29 minutes and was happy. Considering I had never run that far before in one sitting.

I'm sure I could do more, but damn my nipples were killing me from my damp shirt rubbing against them. I think my biggest obstacle in a longer run would be my fucking useless nipples.

lol dude its an easy fix, you just cant wear normal cotton shirts, or if you do you need to bandage your nipples.

by the way a sub 30m 5K is pretty awesome if you never run. You should train to see how fast you can really run it, or train for something bigger like a 10k or a half.

[AbnormalQ]

 

Originally Posted by cizastro

Ran a 5k at the gym the other day in 29 minutes and was happy. Considering I had never run that far before in one sitting.

I'm sure I could do more, but damn my nipples were killing me from my damp shirt rubbing against them. I think my biggest obstacle in a longer run would be my fucking useless nipples.

Chafing is a major issue in distance running. Minimize friction in important spots always. A little bit of vaseline on the inside heal of your shoe. A little body glide in between the thighs, and some duct tape on the nipples (which requires shaving them and the area around...can make you look weird if youre a hairy dude, which thankfully i am not).

Since yeah, there is nothing like developing a chafing problem, particularly the nipples. The worst part is taking any kind of warm shower for days afterwards. The moment that water hits the nipple, it burns like a motherfucker. I once had it so bad my nipples bled. Since that time, I've never had it happen again because I am anal as shit about making sure my nipples are well taken care of before a run.

[dolphin13 OT Vice MVP]

Edited By: dolphin13 Jan 11th, 2012 at 12:25 AM

[ciz]

 

Originally Posted by Glo4m

lol dude its an easy fix, you just cant wear normal cotton shirts, or if you do you need to bandage your nipples.

by the way a sub 30m 5K is pretty awesome if you never run. You should train to see how fast you can really run it, or train for something bigger like a 10k or a half.

My biggest problem is that I hate running typically. I've always been fucking slow. Even when I was in great shape, I think my fastest mile was something like 7:15 or so. What would you suggest as far as clothing goes? All I have is cotton shirts and a poly/cotton blend shirt. I'm also hairy, so I'm not sure if I want to start shaving my chest just to accommodate more running. I do think I could do a better time, though. Before that 5k run, the furthest I had ever run was probably about 2 miles or so. I just fell into a pretty good rhythm (breathing wise) and felt like I could keep running forever...well until my nips started hurting like hell.

EDIT - I think I'd like to try and a half marathon this year if I can get down to a good weight. Right now I'm too fat to probably endure a half-marathon. Edited By: ciz Jan 11th, 2012 at 12:40 AM