[AbnormalQ]

On October 9th, I am going to be running the Chicago Marathon. I am doing Hal Higdon's 18 week training course. I have run two marathons before, and used his intermediate programs for both, and was relatively satisfied. Though I am not callow, the fact that I say relatively is exactly why I am making this thread. I can always learn more.

I know that there is a good portion of OT (Ess, Mordon, Randers, etc) that are really knowledgeable about fitness/dieting and/or into the whole marathoning/running thing, and so I thought I'd make a thread to A.) get some advice/thoughts, B.) getting an OT dialogue going about our collective Summer/Fall race training (whether that be a 5k, or a marathon, or triatholon, whatever).

The backstory...
I got assfucked out of the business I started by a sociopathic partner. I got all depressed at wasting 16 months of my life building that entity from an idea, to a healthy, growing, productive situation; only to be left with nothing but my dick in my hands. It sucked, and the mental pain had physical ramifications. I just stopped giving a shit about what I ate. And since I was segueing into a trading lifestyle in the interim before I figured out my next move, I started sitting on my ass a umpteen hours a day. And smoking that sticky more than normal, which exacerbated the eating problem, not just in terms of quantity, but in terms of the timing of the eating binges as well.

I am ashamed to admit that at one point at the beginning of this year, I weighed 237.8 pounds. I am 5'10". It was disgusting. I decided in February, after I got into graduate school, that I needed to fundamentally change my lifestyle. Or else I was going to have a heart attack at 35 weighing 300+. Not to mention, I have a child, and a wife that works a very demanding schedule, so I knew I would need to drastically increase my energy levels in order to get the best out of grad school. Over the course of both degrees I'm taking, it'll cost me ~100 G's. And so there is no fucking way I am not extracting maximal EV from the experience by not being fit enough (with correspondingly high energy levels), given that level of expenditure. I am staking my entire working future on the next 2/2.5 years. I need to prepare for this like a boss.

I got into the keto lifestyle, and I really fucking love that diet. It took some time to get over the carb cravings, and the low energy/shitting feeling. But once that keto switch turned on, it was glorious. Exercise-wise, I started slow, doing the Slim in 6 aerobics tapes (I feel like a huge fag for admitting that) for a few weeks and getting used to keto, and getting my body used to exertion again. Then I started going to the gym. I started with the stairmaster for a few weeks and then moved to the treadmill, so I could start the process of getting into running. Over time, the distances got longer, and the incline got higher and the speeds got faster, all whilst keeping my HR right at that 120 bpm fat burning sweetspot. At that point, I added in Yoga, 2x per week. P90X Yoga is one of the greatest switch up workouts ever. It is a full body workout that tones every muscle you got, gives you flexibility, balance, and no joint pounding. It's been an awesome addition. Over the last 6 weeks or so, I started running. Warm up with a brisk walk for a mile or two, run 3-4 miles, 1-2 warmdown. I was doing about 25 miles a week combined walking/running. Lifting weights wise, my adductor and abductors are really weak, so I do those 2x a week. My belly was massive and so abs are almost an everyday focus. And my lower back hurts, so I do a lot of lower back stuff. Basically core, and weak parts of my leg muscle structure. Anything else gets worked during Yoga.

Knowing that my 18 weeks starts on June 6, I took a little break about two weeks ago; To let my muscles reallllly heal from months of hard work before I get into more months of hard work. And given that an endurance athlete can't really do keto, I started introducing myself back to carbs. Initially, my weight ballooned back, but I am back to my ending keto weight of 210. 27 pounds down, but still a ridiculous amount of work to do, since I gotta get to 185-190 to run the marathon, which is where I was at for the last two.

Training going forward...
Each race, and the training leading up to it, is its own journey, its own idiosyncratic thing. In my first marathon, I made the fatal mistake of overtraining. I was pretty fit to start, so I did Higdon's Intermediate-2 program. It was the second 20 miler that killed me. I turned my ankle on mile 19, and I did all kinds of damage to my ankle; tearing some cartilage, two weeks before the race. I did a lot of work on it, and still finished the race, but the time was awful. I doubt my ankle gets so effed if I hadn't overtrained so much. The second marathon, I got dehydrated. I just completely fucked up my taper schedule by hitting the sauna too much. Your body stores 3-4 g/water for ever g/glycogen it stores in the muscles. So, by sweating TOO much, I wasn't storing enough water during the few days before the race. So by about mile 18, I could literally start to feel my body systems start to shut down. First the leg muscles, then the core, etc. I made it through that race too, but again, with a time that was easily an hour behind the time I had in mind.

My point there is to basically say that when gearing up and training for such a physical undertaking as a marathon, slight miscalculations in training can have massive effects.

I want to make none of the mistakes I made previously, and mitigate the possibility of making future ones.

So, having said allllll that...Who is running, or thinking about running, a marathon this fall? What, OT fitness gurus, do you think I should do about a diet? I really want to continue on a keto type track, but I just don't know enough about modding it to fit the needs of a marathoner, who needs to lose weight. What other type of cross training are out there? Yoga is awesome, but I think it'd be nice to mod that Higdon program and some weeks add in a second cross training day rather than the early week short run. What kind of running shoes do people recommend? (I'm on the Asics Kanbarra right now, thinking of buying the kayano in July to break them in for a bit and then use them as my race day shoe) Any miracle shoe inserts people use? (These are amazing for my arch/pronation type). Does anyone use Nike+? I'm strongly considering it, the watch thing looks cool.

Just essentially getting the conversation flowing about how people prepare themselves for distance events. I am all about learning more and more about this stuff, so I can get into good shape, and run a race I can be proud of.

And since this is OT:

[dams]

big dicks to yah, wp

[Jaybone2315 Professional Couch Ruiner]

I read the first paragraph, then went to scroll and accidentally scrolled too much. Then saw how long it was, and scrolled to the bottom. Then decided to give up and not continue further.

Good luck tho lol.

[AbnormalQ]

 

Originally Posted by Jaybone2315

I read the first paragraph, then went to scroll and accidentally scrolled too much. Then saw how long it was, and scrolled to the bottom. Then decided to give up and not continue further.

Good luck tho lol.

What's your story since your weight loss thread? Still killin' it?

[Decatur217 OTs Iron Man]

gl abnormalQ. I did not read either but have run 8 marathons with 3:10 as my best. That either is a brag or is not a brag and is just pathetic.

I have a full ironman triathlon on September 11, so I am wtih you in training.

2.4m swim, 112 bike, 26.2 run. Edited By: Decatur217 May 26th, 2011 at 12:21 AM

[AbnormalQ]

 

Originally Posted by Decatur217

gl abnormalQ. I did not read either but have run 8 marathons with 3:10 as my best. That either is a brag or is not a brag and is just pathetic.

I have a full ironman triathlon on September 11, so I am wtih you in training.

2.4m swim, 112 bike, 26.2 run.

That's awesome on the ironman, and that is a sick fucking time for a marathon too. Distill those 8 marathons into some words of advice plz! Everyone had their little tricks and idiosyncrasies that are always interesting to pick up on and see if I can incorporate them somehow into what Im doing.

[Unforseen]

I wanna do the urbanathlon in chicago this october

[Jaybone2315 Professional Couch Ruiner]

 

Originally Posted by AbnormalQ

What's your story since your weight loss thread? Still killin' it?

I made another quick update thread, but it turned into a shitshow cause P5s fucked up and it somehow got posted like 8 times at once.

But ive slacked off a bit. Lost another 10lb since then. My shoulders fucked up, so I cant lift hard and thats driving me crazy. Hope that heals up soon.

Other then that, ive hit a 4 mile run in 33:41, which is amazing for me. For someone that runs marathons, that probably aint shit, but for someone that was obese 4 months ago... its awesome lol.

[AbnormalQ]

 

Originally Posted by Unforseen

I wanna do the urbanathlon in chicago this october

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mens-health-urbanathlon-chicago

This? That looks cool. More details plz. Depending on the timing, I might be down for this. Its gotta be at the end of the month though, to give some recovery time.

edit: 10/15/11, damn. Six days after the marathon is too soon for me to put in that kind of effort, 11.7 miles with all kinds of obstacles. Looks like a sweet as thing to do though.

Have you ever heard of The Tough Guy race in England? Kind of reminds me of that.

 

Originally Posted by Jaybone2315

Other then that, ive hit a 4 mile run in 33:41, which is amazing for me. For someone that runs marathons, that probably aint shit, but for someone that was obese 4 months ago... its awesome lol.

That's what I love about running. Ultimately, the only person you are competing against is you. Eight minute mile pace is what I had trained for the last two marathons. I ran all four of my 20 mile training runs right on the button. But, of course, the races themselves were a different story, like I said in the OP.

Now, I struggle to maintain 9 minute miles for 3 miles on the treadmill. And my legs usually hurt afterwards. I certainly have a longggggg way to go. Edited By: AbnormalQ May 26th, 2011 at 02:38 AM

[Jaybone2315 Professional Couch Ruiner]

 

Originally Posted by AbnormalQ

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Now, I struggle to maintain 9 minute miles for 3 miles on the treadmill. And my legs usually hurt afterwards. I certainly have a longggggg way to go.

Feels good knowing i got someone beat lol (for now anyway)

[qjuice14]

I used to be really big into running, for someone who never ran cross country or did track, my first few years of college. I never trained for a marathon and just did my own schedule but I would run 4mi/day 5days/week, 8mi once, and 1mi once. Then one day I quit and haven't ran since. I was always pretty disappointed that I never ran a marathon before and I have recently been thinking about getting back into it because, like you, I am pretty disgusted with my current shape. Back in the day I was running a 5min mi and a 24min 4mi but i know i could never come close to that anymore.

[kingkong30]

I was always a bigger guy 6'1 200 lbs. Broad shoulders and big chest. When i got stationed in Germany all the amazing beer and food I put on 40 pounds in a year. It was weird still being able to run and exercise well and pass all my pt test with over a 90 but still put on 40 pounds.

I always loved running and it wasn't until one of my new bosses got stationed here and brought up the idea of getting a bunch of people to run the Berlin marathon together in September did I really realize I needed to change my life. That was 3 months ago. Since then I lost 15 pounds running anywhere between 3 to 8 miles a day. I wanted to get in shape to start my Hal Higdon Training Plan which started last week. Its been going amazing and Ive been able to find more trails to run on. Cant wait to start doing trail races. Biggest hurdle is having the self control and knowing I cant be eating shit food.

[Decatur217 OTs Iron Man]

 

Originally Posted by Unforseen

I wanna do the urbanathlon in chicago this october

Just last sunday I did the Down and Dirty Mud Run Chicago (Elgin). Just like the urbanathlon but with mud but still obstacles. I got 2nd out of the whole damn thing which was pretty sweet.

And for marathon advice, obviously you MUST get in your long run EVERY WEEK. And along those lines, YOU SHOULD run 1/2 your long run distance the night before your long run. So if your long run in september is 20 miles on sunday morning. Run 10 miles Saturday night. This is done for a reason. Anyone that runs a marathon can run the first 6 miles. Long runs are for the LAST miles. You will be somewhat tired sore after those miles so it is like running the last 20 instead of first 20. So again, run 1/2 your long runt he day before your long run.

There will be pace groups that run PERFECT times. So if your goal is 4:30 marathon the pacer people and groups will run the exact split each mile for that time. HOWEVER, if you do not practice running those times during your long runs do not attempt to run that time. it will be worse. If you think you can run a 5 hour marathon but have been practicing at about a 4:30 pace...if you attempt to run with the 5 hour group you will be way worse. Stick to exactly what you have practiced.

Order some Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes. Take one every 45 minutes. They help I promise. Gu/Gel every 11 miles.

Buy some Bodyglide from any sports store. Rub it on your achilles, feet, nipples, underarms. Trust me on this, super important.

Just run. It is fun, chat with people who are also running. High five the kids who are watching as there are millions. Chicago was the best one Ive done.

But among everything even if you do not consider yourself a runner. There are 40,000 people running it. You will get through the 15th mile and literally seem like you just started. You will get through it and it will seem easy. After mile 16 at Chicago you will get up near De La Salle HS and the ghetto and it smells like chicken. Around mile 20 is the Hispanic neighborhood and literally there are like 40 chihuahua's running the streets thats kind of cool.

[AbnormalQ]

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

Originally Posted by Decatur217

Just last sunday I did the Down and Dirty Mud Run Chicago (Elgin). Just like the urbanathlon but with mud but still obstacles. I got 2nd out of the whole damn thing which was pretty sweet.

Sick brag, nice work.

 

Originally Posted by Decatur217

And for marathon advice, obviously you MUST get in your long run EVERY WEEK. And along those lines, YOU SHOULD run 1/2 your long run distance the night before your long run. So if your long run in september is 20 miles on sunday morning. Run 10 miles Saturday night. This is done for a reason. Anyone that runs a marathon can run the first 6 miles. Long runs are for the LAST miles. You will be somewhat tired sore after those miles so it is like running the last 20 instead of first 20. So again, run 1/2 your long runt he day before your long run.

Normally, I'd agree with this. Higdon's Intermediate set up incorporates something similar to your idea above. The problem for me, is that I am coming at this from 210 pounds. I have to drop 25 for race day. Doable, but I have to be careful, moreso than normal, about overtraining. My joints and shit are going to take a pounding, especially in the first 10 weeks as I am sloughing off weight. So, I like the idea of his novice program; taking a day off before the long run. Though I think I am going to mod that, and do light crosstraining, maybe get in a second yoga day some weeks, especially in the beginning as the mileage isn't really high.

 

Originally Posted by Decatur217

There will be pace groups that run PERFECT times. So if your goal is 4:30 marathon the pacer people and groups will run the exact split each mile for that time. HOWEVER, if you do not practice running those times during your long runs do not attempt to run that time. it will be worse. If you think you can run a 5 hour marathon but have been practicing at about a 4:30 pace...if you attempt to run with the 5 hour group you will be way worse. Stick to exactly what you have practiced.

Hal Higdon says this:
Normally I recommend that runners do their long runs anywhere from 45 to 90 seconds per mile slower than their marathon pace. This is very important. Listen to what the Coach is about to tell you! The physiological benefits kick in around 90-120 minutes, no matter how fast you run. You'll burn a few calories and trigger glycogen regenesis, teaching your muscles to conserve fuel. Running too fast defeats this purpose and may unnecessarily tear down your muscles, compromising not only your midweek workouts, but the following week's long run. Save your fast running for the marathon itself. There are plenty of days during the rest of the week, when you can run race pace.

And I feel like this may have been a weak point in my previous two marathons. I might have overtrained, with 2 20 milers in each training program, plus running them both at my 8 minute race pace. I hit all four 20 milers more or less on the nose, but had to deal with the shit I mentioned in the OP, as a result. I don't injure my ankle if I don't do a second one, and maybe I am not dehydrated if I don't do a second one. Idk, maybe it was the mileage, or maybe it was the speed I ran at.

I am really not sure one way or the other. Since running a minute to a minute and a half slower, will suck, mentally. I like a confidence building 20 miler before the race. But at the same time, I don't want to overtrain and increase my likelihood of having problems, which has happened in both previous races.

 

Originally Posted by Decatur217

Order some Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes. Take one every 45 minutes. They help I promise. Gu/Gel every 11 miles.
Buy some Bodyglide from any sports store. Rub it on your achilles, feet, nipples, underarms. Trust me on this, super important.

Ordered both on Amazon. Never heard of the Endurolytes, those look like they'll be great to have on some of the long runs in the dead of summer. I've always used petro jelly for chafing prevention, but that body glide looks like a good product. Ima try it out. Yes indeed, I know how important minimizing friction. One long run way back when in cross country in high school, it was raining. And 13-14 miles of abrasive, wet cotton rubbing on my nipples...I pretty much rubbed them right off. They were bleeding. It was not pleasant.

 

Originally Posted by Decatur217

There are 40,000 people running it. You will get through the 15th mile and literally seem like you just started. You will get through it and it will seem easy. After mile 16 at Chicago you will get up near De La Salle HS and the ghetto and it smells like chicken. Around mile 20 is the Hispanic neighborhood and literally there are like 40 chihuahua's running the streets thats kind of cool.

I am so stoked for this race. This is the third time I've registered for this fucking thing, and there is no way I don't run it this year. I was too lazy one time, and just didn't start training in enough time, and said eff it. The next year, I broke my ankle falling out a tree walking home from the bar after my brother's 21st birthday, two months before the race. I will finish Chicago this year, and it will be under 4 hours. Period. Got a long tunnel still to get through though, to see that light.

 

Originally Posted by qjuice14

I used to be really big into running, for someone who never ran cross country or did track, my first few years of college. I never trained for a marathon and just did my own schedule but I would run 4mi/day 5days/week, 8mi once, and 1mi once. Then one day I quit and haven't ran since. I was always pretty disappointed that I never ran a marathon before and I have recently been thinking about getting back into it because, like you, I am pretty disgusted with my current shape. Back in the day I was running a 5min mi and a 24min 4mi but i know i could never come close to that anymore.

A.) Those times are awesome

B.) It's funny isn't it? How running becomes a part of you, and then one day, you just stop...I've done the same thing multiple times. But as I've gotten older, it gets much much harder to get back into shape. I've promised myself, that I will never let my weight yo-yo out of control again. I've got shitty metabolic genetics, but that is no excuse. I simply need to prioritize my health, which is exactly what I'm doing. And then, when I get into tip top shape, I will prioritize keeping myself there. Rather than getting to that point and use the fact that I am there as a rationalization for letting laziness creep in to my health habits.

 

Originally Posted by kingkong30

I was always a bigger guy 6'1 200 lbs. Broad shoulders and big chest. When i got stationed in Germany all the amazing beer and food I put on 40 pounds in a year. It was weird still being able to run and exercise well and pass all my pt test with over a 90 but still put on 40 pounds.

I always loved running and it wasn't until one of my new bosses got stationed here and brought up the idea of getting a bunch of people to run the Berlin marathon together in September did I really realize I needed to change my life. That was 3 months ago. Since then I lost 15 pounds running anywhere between 3 to 8 miles a day. I wanted to get in shape to start my Hal Higdon Training Plan which started last week. Its been going amazing and Ive been able to find more trails to run on. Cant wait to start doing trail races. Biggest hurdle is having the self control and knowing I cant be eating shit food.

Isn't it amazing how insidious weight gain can be? 40 pounds in a year is pretty impressive. I've definitely put on weight at that clip before.

In a sense, part of what I love about marathoning, is that fact that, on occasion, I CAN eat shit food and worry a damn bit. Like I said before, I am distinctly genetically disadvantaged when it comes to metabolism. I've always joked that if we were cavemen, you'd die, and I'd be chillin', warm and with plenty of fat stores to get through the winter. Fat lot of good that does me contemporaneously though, pun intended. Especially when carbo loading before the long runs. I mean, I don't think twice about a 2000 calorie gut extender that is Chipotle. Or a ridiculously loaded pasta and breadsticks situation from an Italian restaurant. Etc. Running allows me to enjoy that kind of thing, and not experience any cognitive dissonance over indulging, since its necessary for the body's preparation for a long run.

What Higdon program are you doing? That awesome that we'll be running run around the same time, with the same program.

The last 3 months for me, have been the same: drop pounds, and at least develop the foundational capacity to start on Higdon's program.

Welp, off to do some yoga.

[Jaybone2315 Professional Couch Ruiner]

Just went for a run outside. 3.65 miles in 32:43. Which is not impressive at all.

Considering it was 85 degrees... i dont think it was too bad. I lost over 3.5lbs while running that lol. Obv water, but still. I was sweating my ass off when I was done. Edited By: Jaybone2315 May 27th, 2011 at 12:48 AM

[AbnormalQ]

VN, cold as fuck here in the Midwest. Even had to turn on the heater this morning. This weather is god damned schizo.

Decided against yoga. Going to hit the stairmaster hard at the gym...that way, I can workout AND not mis the Bulls game. Win-win.

What running shoes do you use Jay?

[Jaybone2315 Professional Couch Ruiner]

Reebok Zigtech. I actually made a thread about them after i first bought them. They are awesome, i love em.

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

I'm in the process of getting back into shape. I have been running a 3.6 mile course M,W, and F. Last time was 25min 30sec. Seem to be improving about 10-15 seconds per run. Am planning to do a few 5ks this Summer. Used to run the 5k in about 18m 30sec. Might consider a half marathon if things are going well into the Fall.

[qjuice14]

 

Originally Posted by AbnormalQ

A.) Those times are awesome

B.) It's funny isn't it? How running becomes a part of you, and then one day, you just stop...

Thanks. I was into running very seriously my first year of college. I stopped in May after finals because I was doing tough/exhausting manual labor for a construction company, putting in between 55-75hrs in a 5 day week, as my summer job. I only could manage a light lift and a jog on the occasional saturday.

I fully intended on picking it back up when fall classes resumed but a friend had asked me to try out for the Rugby team, so I ended up doing that instead for the next year and half. I was still maintaining good shape but I wasn't running outside of practices/matches so I probably put on 20lbs of muscle and beer; Rugby players are good drinkers.

I ended up hurting my shoulder and quit after 1.5yrs and 7months later I damaged ligaments in my ankle playing soccer vs. a d2 school in a tournament I was asked to walk on for. By the time my ankle healed it was time for another summer of work and I just never picked it back.

All of these threads about getting into shape: running, lifting, p90x, firefighting, getting fit for the army...etc... are making me reflect on why I allowed myself to get into the shape I am in now and are inspiring me to get back into shape. Hopefully I don't rationalize my choices anymore so I can stick with it. my metabolism sucks too so I better get into shape now before I get old.

[AbnormalQ]

 

Originally Posted by Mr Galt

I'm in the process of getting back into shape. I have been running a 3.6 mile course M,W, and F. Last time was 25min 30sec. Seem to be improving about 10-15 seconds per run. Am planning to do a few 5ks this Summer. Used to run the 5k in about 18m 30sec. Might consider a half marathon if things are going well into the Fall.

18:30 is a nice time for a 5k, especially for someone that isn't like 21 or 24.

I feel fucking great. I just put in 8 miles. 1 mile brisk warmup walk at a small incline, 6 miles @ 10 min pace, with an easy 1 mile warmdown walk.

I love the keto diet, but it is stunning how much carbs matter for endurance purposes. Just 2 weeks ago I did the same workout and distance, and my legs and back were killing me afterwards. I don't think I am in better shape now, as opposed to then, since I've pretty much done nothing in the intervening two weeks. Taking a little break before the marathon training starts and getting my body used to carbs again. My weight ballooned by 7 pounds when I did so, but eventually, as I got re-acclimated to eating good carbs, I am back down to my keto dieting weight.

Feel pretty good after doing six though. Much better than I expected.

 

Originally Posted by qjuice14

Thanks. I was into running very seriously my first year of college. I stopped in May after finals because I was doing tough/exhausting manual labor for a construction company, putting in between 55-75hrs in a 5 day week, as my summer job. I only could manage a light lift and a jog on the occasional saturday.

I fully intended on picking it back up when fall classes resumed but a friend had asked me to try out for the Rugby team, so I ended up doing that instead for the next year and half. I was still maintaining good shape but I wasn't running outside of practices/matches so I probably put on 20lbs of muscle and beer; Rugby players are good drinkers.

I ended up hurting my shoulder and quit after 1.5yrs and 7months later I damaged ligaments in my ankle playing soccer vs. a d2 school in a tournament I was asked to walk on for. By the time my ankle healed it was time for another summer of work and I just never picked it back.

All of these threads about getting into shape: running, lifting, p90x, firefighting, getting fit for the army...etc... are making me reflect on why I allowed myself to get into the shape I am in now and are inspiring me to get back into shape. Hopefully I don't rationalize my choices anymore so I can stick with it. my metabolism sucks too so I better get into shape now before I get old.

You sound like you have a significant history of being physically active. And I know exactly what you mean by being pissed at how you let yourself get out of shape so wantonly. It's just so insidious.

How old are you? I'm 26, right at that fucking sweet spot where your metabolic rate starts to slow significantly. Well, I shouldn't say your, but my. The males in my family have a history of getting fat in their mid to late 20s. My dad took up marathoning, and got back fit. I suppose I'm following that example. Though his example was what got me into cross country in GS and HS, and then marathoning in my late teens/early twenties. I suppose what Im doing now is re-following that example, to be more accurate.

And I think running has always appealed to me because it fits my personality. I use iPods, but seriously, I have no problems whatsoever go for a two hour run, with nothing but my thoughts to accompany me along the way. I like that the goals I set, are my own. I complete only against myself, and try to better myself, become more mentally tough, etc.

With your history, how about a half marathon to start???

[qjuice14]

 

Originally Posted by AbnormalQ

With your history, how about a half marathon to start???

I think i would probably need to start with a half marathon for sure, but I need to just get back into jogging first and progress from there. I used to be very active in a range of sports but I have been very lazy/inactive the last five years, unless you consider occasionally bowling active?

I am 29 now, and while I am clearly out of shape, I do believe if I find and continue with the necessary discipline I can progress faster than most people my age in similar form. I think my plan right now is just to do a cycle of p90x with strict dieting and then reevalute after 90days and begin to incorperate running into additional workouts that I think necessary.

I did p90x for 3weeks last august, before travelling across country for a wedding, and probably lost 12-15lbs. I never got back into it after being on the road for a month and by christmas I had put back on all the weight. My biggest problem is motivation. I'll try something for 2-3 weeks, with fair to great results, and then inexplicably quit.

couldn't agree more about my personality fitting well with running. I never listened to music when I ran and just let my mind wander. Or if i was having trouble with projects in schools, or thermodynamics hw, i would use that time to relax and think about the best way to approach them, at times it was almost cathartic. Edited By: qjuice14 May 28th, 2011 at 09:23 AM

[AbnormalQ]

Soph. year of high school, ever kid had to take speech. I was really nervous for the first one, the two minute self-speech that we all had to give. Since it was the first speech, there was no voting on the best one in my section. From then on, for the next eight speeches, I developed a routine. Basically, it just involved writing a good speech and memorizing it, word for word. I knew I had the speech down when I could say it out loud while I was on a run in the woods (had to trail run when I was test driving speeches, to avoid people I know in my neighborhood thinking I was nuts for talking to myself, lol). I ended up getting best speaker 7/8 remaining speeches. I credit running. Getting up in as an awkward high schooler in front of 50 other awkward high schoolers was nothing compared to stating the speech flawlessly whilst running at a seven minute pace.

That's like, one example of a dozens about how I find running to be cathartic and helpful, mentally, not to mention the obvious physical benefits.

You know, one thing with P90X, idk if it was just me, but if you are in the kind of shape I was in January, then P90X may not be the greatest move? I just feel like for a program like that, it involved a lot more pounding that I'd expect. I remember it being way harder on my joints and such than I thought it should be. Especially that plyometrics tape. Intense, fantastic, but I was very out of shape when i did that program two or so years ago. (Are we sensing a pattern here, kind of like an intermediate term binge/purge cycle...I've got to nip that shit in the bud this time). Edited By: AbnormalQ May 28th, 2011 at 05:32 PM

[slamdonky]

Best of luck to you man. I did my first marathon last fall and I followed Hal Higdon's Novice training. I made it, but felt pain unlike anything I ever had before. Turns out I was using the wrong shoes (Thanks Road Runners!).

Anyway, some really good advice in here, let us know how you do. I haven't decided if I'm going to do it again this year, running became my entire existance for about 4 months!

[AbnormalQ]

Well, bad news, kind of.

I've got posterior tibial tendonitis. Basically, it's happening for exactly the reason that its hard to do this kind of thing...My ankle muscles and tendons are not strong enough. And to double that problem, I've got too much weight crashing on them every time I step.

I've been kind of freaking out the last two days, because my right ankle, underneath the medial malleolus, just fucking hurts with every step I take. It's not unbearable pain, but it can be pretty uncomfortable. And I cannot stand on my toes when supporting my weight with just my right leg. I did 250 flights in 65 minutes on the Stairmaster on Wednesday, and then Thurs. I ran 5 at a 9:15 clip during the high heat of the afternoon. I was not at the gym, and was running out and back from my house, so I didn't get a chance to drink enough water during the run. The last two miles, I could feel myself getting increasingly dehydrated. That, on top of a hard run, on top of a hard workout the previous day, on top of too much weight, not enough warmup and a weak tendon is what led to the inflammation/pain I've been feeling the last two days.

So, I took yesterday off, and it still hurt pretty bad today. Today, I did Yoga X, which was a nice way to get in a great workout without inflaming shit more. And tonight, I found this set of exercises , and after performing them, I can absolutely tell that my diagnosis is right. My ankle already feels better.

My plan is to do Yoga and these exercises from now until Thursday, probably taking Tuesday off. And I'll prolly skip this weeks 6 mile long run and just do an easy 3 or something. I need to rest my tendon, and strenghten it.

I think I can get rid of the pain portion within the next week, and then I'll continue doing this exercises 3x a week for the duration of the training program.

My body decided it wasn't going to go easy on me in this venture. It'll all be worth it when I cross that fucking finish line tho.

 

Originally Posted by slamdonky

Anyway, some really good advice in here, let us know how you do. I haven't decided if I'm going to do it again this year, running became my entire existance for about 4 months!

Yeah, the time consuming part sucks. But, I like the idea that you have to put in blood, sweat, and tears - literally - over a long duration in order to cross that line. Specifically, its about pushing through those moments, in training and in the race, were you are flagging, or when you are doubting yourself.

"Once you pass 20 miles, you start to break down muscle to make sugars with which to maintain the intermediate biomolecules in the Krebs cycle which then can burn mobilized fat (triglycerides and fatty acids) for energy. If you train routinely by running more than 20 miles, you will break down muscle metabolically which degrades the engine with which you move your legs...

In that last 6.2 miles, the so-called 'second run' in a marathon, the average athlete enters the unknown frontier of his or her own physiologic limitations. Herein is one of the most exciting things about the adventure of marathon running – the adventure of ‘what’s it going to be?’
- Robert A. Hendrix, M.D, coyotemanhendrix.com

That's the part that keeps me going. Knowing that at one point I will approach that moment when I ask myself, "What's it going to be?" And then you push past the barrier.

Call me a masochist, but I enjoy pushing the frontiers of my own personal, physiological limitations.

[ihaterats]

Someone told me about this thread so I had to check it out. Decatur is the fucking man. I mean jeebus dude.

I think I am gonna run the Charlotte marathon in November and will start my Higdon program in a couple of weeks. For the past 3 weeks I have been going to PT for inflamation of my IT band. For those of you that don't know it's a band that runs from your hips to your knees. Mine is inflamed from classic overtraining and being too tight. So I haven't been running much at all and that has contributed to my emoness as of late.

AQ you may also want to get on the eliptical or do water running to keep up your aerobic edge without the impact.

Also in October I am going to run a 200 mile relay race in Kentucky called the Bourbon Run. This should be a good time.

[Milo]

I have a casual friend who is in her 40's and is in reasonable shape. In other words, she looks good, keeps trim, and says she runs 15k a week over three workout sessions. She also smokes (not sure how much, but she went through 3 ciggies over a 4 hour card game last night). She is planning to run a marathon in Vegas in early December. she thinks if she quits smoking September 1st and ramps up her training, she will have no issues completing the race. Should I offer a wager? I think she will be hard pressed to do it.

[AbnormalQ]

 

Originally Posted by ess286

AQ you may also want to get on the eliptical or do water running to keep up your aerobic edge without the impact.

Also in October I am going to run a 200 mile relay race in Kentucky called the Bourbon Run. This should be a good time.

You sound like you got it booked. What is this relay race about?

Yeah, the IT band is a pretty classic overused injury. And I'll def. be messing around on the elliptical.

 

Originally Posted by Milo

I have a casual friend who is in her 40's and is in reasonable shape. In other words, she looks good, keeps trim, and says she runs 15k a week over three workout sessions. She also smokes (not sure how much, but she went through 3 ciggies over a 4 hour card game last night). She is planning to run a marathon in Vegas in early December. she thinks if she quits smoking September 1st and ramps up her training, she will have no issues completing the race. Should I offer a wager? I think she will be hard pressed to do it.

Well, that is certainly an interesting proposition. She has the required base of 10 miles a week, so her muscles and joints and all that are probably in a good position to have themselves worked harder as she trains seriously.

I would bet that she does this. Smoking can fuck your shit up, and your lungs are hard to heal if you've been smoking for a prolonged period. But, you said that you had no idea how much she smokes. I smoked a blunt 6 days before my first marathon. It had no effect whatsoever on my race. The torn cartilage in my left ankle did tho, but thats beside the point.

The point is that she could very well just be indulging herself for a night. A few cigs over a few hours playing cards might be her idea of letting loose a little bit. If that's the case, she'll be all over the race, provided she trains for it like she says she will.

But, if she IS a daily smoker...then she will have some real problems running ultra long distances. Your lungs gotta work mighty hard to get enough oxygen to your starving muscles, especially that last 10 miles. If she is a regular smoker it will be hard to get those lungs to heal in enough time.

Betting is a game of information. Get that information, and then decide on the bet. I actually kinda wish she is a regular smoker, because I think this would be an interesting bet to follow.

[LuckyWilbury]

I did Chi marathon a few years back, get over those injuries and enjoy the race man, nothing feels quite like crossing the finish line in front of a jam packed crowd after running 26.2 miles. Edited By: LuckyWilbury Jun 5th, 2011 at 07:37 PM

[Tim Lock]

More power to all you marathoners out there. I run 15-20 miles a week and I'm good with that.

[bellevuelimo]

If you are planning to run the Chicago Marathon or another Fall marathon and are not part of a training group, join our 18 week training program.