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GAF Running Club |OT| - Couch to Marathons, All abilities
- Thread starter Gowans
- Start date
DatRippelEffect
Member
shooting for around 2:55
The_Inquisitor
Member
Damn I am humbled. Well we had a 5 mile time trial yesterday with my local running club to help gauge my half marathon training progress:
I am aiming for a 1:50 half this year in December so I am just a little behind judging by the numbers. Need to work harder.
I am aiming for a 1:50 half this year in December so I am just a little behind judging by the numbers. Need to work harder.
Ran a 5k this morning. Was a little disappointed that i didn't push myself during the race. Was scared of getting injured since i been running 70 mpw the past couple weeks and about to enter the peak part of training for Chicago in 5 weeks. Sometimes racing gets too mental. Got 5th overall with a 23 second PR(last 5k was last summer).
5:47, 5:49, 5:38, and 5:15 the last .10
Nice times.
I couldn't quite wrap my head around your pace times and your total time, until I realized the pace was in minutes per mile hehe.
Is this normal, total race length in KM but pace in miles?
TheOnlyOneHeEverFeared
Member
Running in the humidity holy shit that's hard.
DatRippelEffect
Member
As Festwill said we just say 5k/10k for races in the US instead of 3.1 and 6.2 miles. Also I wanted the text to look more uniform since i'm manually adding that data to the picture
. I learned how to translate km to miles real quick when i ran Berlin last year and Tokyo this year. Lots of math in my head looking at all the km signs during those races haha.Yeah, it's not fun at all. Glad that the heat is dying down now. Though it also means that it gets darker earlier, and I usually like to run around 6:30 or 7 PM.
I have Tough Mudder this weekend, still pretty nervous. Last year I was completely dead at the end of it, but I had no running training. This year I've mostly focused on my running, but still worried my knees are gonna be in pain by the end of it.
Gemüsestäbchen
Member
Well I've been meaning to update, been a a few months of injury recovery, and I'm working towards my next half-marathon - on 16th Oct. - in Putney, London
So, I had a shin split last I posted and it healed over about 7 weeks -_-
I was signed up for a 10K, which I did and it was for me one of my best times since I'm rarely sub 10:00 a mile for longer distances
25/05/2016 - 10K - 0:58:24 (Chip time)
(Pace: 09:27 per mile)
The competitive spirit is real, and I really pushed myself for the last quarter and it was actually cool that some woman after me bitched at me for being too fast to catch
But then as I started to get back into it, I sort of frayed my hamstring in my other leg, and that took another 4 weeks out
I'm about 6 weeks to go for the half-marathon, I was 2:12:38 (Chip time) in March, I want to try to get under 2 hours or close to that mark.
Gotta do 8 miles tomorrow, gah >_<
So, I had a shin split last I posted and it healed over about 7 weeks -_-
I was signed up for a 10K, which I did and it was for me one of my best times since I'm rarely sub 10:00 a mile for longer distances
25/05/2016 - 10K - 0:58:24 (Chip time)
(Pace: 09:27 per mile)
The competitive spirit is real, and I really pushed myself for the last quarter and it was actually cool that some woman after me bitched at me for being too fast to catch
But then as I started to get back into it, I sort of frayed my hamstring in my other leg, and that took another 4 weeks out
I'm about 6 weeks to go for the half-marathon, I was 2:12:38 (Chip time) in March, I want to try to get under 2 hours or close to that mark.
Gotta do 8 miles tomorrow, gah >_<
Username1198
Member
I'm having a bit of anxiety choosing a pair of running shoes.
Am I overthinking it? I only can spend around 80$and am thinking of getting these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NL25M0/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Am I overthinking it? I only can spend around 80$and am thinking of getting these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NL25M0/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Arthr2ShdsJcksn
Banned
First half-marathon is tomorrow (Milwaukee Brewers MACC fund Mini-Marathon)
I'm a little disappointed in myself. I started running at 311 pounds in April 2015. I've done four races (5k, 7k, 10k, 5k), and had dropped to 255 pounds by June 2016. Nearly 60 pounds is huge, and I'm proud of that, but I've been completely stuck since then.
This morning I was 251, but I was really hoping to be 235 or less for this thing. My training hasn't been going easy, and if I'm being honest with myself, 2hrs30min should be my realistic goal. I can easily do 5k in under 30minutes, but past the 10k mark, I really start to lose steam. In the few long distance (10+ miles) training sessions over the past month, I hit a wall around mile 9.5 where my toes feel like they're stabbing me... only fully stopping for about 30 seconds and stretching, then walking for a bit relieves it. I really think that dropping more weight will alleviate this, but as it is, I will have to watch out for it.
Anyway, I'm overthinking and it really doesn't matter anymore, I'm just excited to be doing my first official half, which was my goal for this year (hoping to do my first marathon around the same time next year).
I'm a little disappointed in myself. I started running at 311 pounds in April 2015. I've done four races (5k, 7k, 10k, 5k), and had dropped to 255 pounds by June 2016. Nearly 60 pounds is huge, and I'm proud of that, but I've been completely stuck since then.
This morning I was 251, but I was really hoping to be 235 or less for this thing. My training hasn't been going easy, and if I'm being honest with myself, 2hrs30min should be my realistic goal. I can easily do 5k in under 30minutes, but past the 10k mark, I really start to lose steam. In the few long distance (10+ miles) training sessions over the past month, I hit a wall around mile 9.5 where my toes feel like they're stabbing me... only fully stopping for about 30 seconds and stretching, then walking for a bit relieves it. I really think that dropping more weight will alleviate this, but as it is, I will have to watch out for it.
Anyway, I'm overthinking and it really doesn't matter anymore, I'm just excited to be doing my first official half, which was my goal for this year (hoping to do my first marathon around the same time next year).
Ran a 5k this morning. Was a little disappointed that i didn't push myself during the race. Was scared of getting injured since i been running 70 mpw the past couple weeks and about to enter the peak part of training for Chicago in 5 weeks. Sometimes racing gets too mental
5:47, 5:49, 5:38, and 5:15 the last .10
http://i.imgur.com/3debaX1.jpg[img][/QUOTE]
Mad respect for that time.
Horrible Stockholm Half Marathon yesterday.
Finished on 1.40 which is the second worst time for me the past 5 years.
Body, legs and shape felt really good before the race started. The thing i was worried about was the weather, since it was 23C degrees hot and basically blue sky without a single cloud.
First two or three km felt good but then it was as if all my power just wanished. I did not start in a too fast and uncontrolled tempo so i was really surprised about this. I was really close at around 9km to trow in the towel and give up.
Reading the leaderboards for this race it seemed even the elite was affected by the weather (or something else), since it has never been such bad times for top 250.
A good mantra i keep with me is that if you want accomplish something you never done before, you have learn to accept and deal with failure and disappointment.
Next up for me, 10 km race beginning of October.
Finished on 1.40 which is the second worst time for me the past 5 years.
Body, legs and shape felt really good before the race started. The thing i was worried about was the weather, since it was 23C degrees hot and basically blue sky without a single cloud.
First two or three km felt good but then it was as if all my power just wanished. I did not start in a too fast and uncontrolled tempo so i was really surprised about this. I was really close at around 9km to trow in the towel and give up.
Reading the leaderboards for this race it seemed even the elite was affected by the weather (or something else), since it has never been such bad times for top 250.
A good mantra i keep with me is that if you want accomplish something you never done before, you have learn to accept and deal with failure and disappointment.
Next up for me, 10 km race beginning of October.
The_Inquisitor
Member
Ran a 5k race for my work today. Was a little worried since I ran my long (7 mile) just yesterday. Ran a respectable 25'24". Looks like my half marathon training is progressing well.
Yeah that stings. But like you said, sometimes circumstances make all the difference. Good job on gracefully moving forward. Wish I was that level headed and didnt let bad days/races get to me.
Good job!
Eh that's kind of sucky. I've been living in cities but been lucky to have decent-ish places to run around. Previous place I was 1K from a river with dozens of Km of trail up and down. Now instead I'm about 1K from the harbor, where I can find long straight lines that are either only for pedestrians or with very little traffic. Dont you have parks around? Maybe a track?I moved to a lagrer city and I can't run here with all the traffic lights and shit. Maybe I'm spoiled having always been able to run as soon as I walk out the door
The_Inquisitor
Member
My easy 35 minute run today was made more pleasant by the fact it was only 68F at the start of my run. For once there was't even humidity. But it's about to get miserable again. I have a group run at the track tomorrow evening at 7pm and it's supposed to be 94F. Awful.
Where I live in the summer I run at night (around 9pm) while there's at least 90F, not that much different on the other seasons either sadly.
ambientmystic
Member
Greetings RunningGAF, I've been lurking in this thread for sometime now, admiring all of your progress in the field of running.
I've only started running in the past year or so. I started solely on the treadmill and my first outdoor run was for a 5K in August last year which took me 31 minutes to finish. I slowly added onto to my overall distance using the 10% per week rule, which lead me to 10K events and then 12K events by the beginning of this year.
It is now September, and I have just finished 3 half marathons in the past 2 months or so around my country (Malaysia), and am just aiming to gain more experience with the distance before focussing on improving my time.
What I find rather vexing with these longer distance runs is the longer recovery time that is required after the run before I can start again in the following week. My legs felt like deadweight for nearly 3 days after my first half (The Standard Charted Marathon in Kuala Lumpur) which took me 2:11 to finish. I also found that the last 3 miles (5K) of every half that I've done so far is the most difficult on my legs; I've had to shuffle through them everytime and it seriously impacts my finishing time. I chalk that up to a lack of experience in that distance.
With that said, I hope to build on what I have and hopefully be able to run a full in the next 2 years or so (i am in no hurry lol). If there's any advice RunningGAF can offer to reduce recovery time needed per run, I'd be more than happy to hear it.
Thanks in advance guys!
I've only started running in the past year or so. I started solely on the treadmill and my first outdoor run was for a 5K in August last year which took me 31 minutes to finish. I slowly added onto to my overall distance using the 10% per week rule, which lead me to 10K events and then 12K events by the beginning of this year.
It is now September, and I have just finished 3 half marathons in the past 2 months or so around my country (Malaysia), and am just aiming to gain more experience with the distance before focussing on improving my time.
What I find rather vexing with these longer distance runs is the longer recovery time that is required after the run before I can start again in the following week. My legs felt like deadweight for nearly 3 days after my first half (The Standard Charted Marathon in Kuala Lumpur) which took me 2:11 to finish. I also found that the last 3 miles (5K) of every half that I've done so far is the most difficult on my legs; I've had to shuffle through them everytime and it seriously impacts my finishing time. I chalk that up to a lack of experience in that distance.
With that said, I hope to build on what I have and hopefully be able to run a full in the next 2 years or so (i am in no hurry lol). If there's any advice RunningGAF can offer to reduce recovery time needed per run, I'd be more than happy to hear it.
Thanks in advance guys!
Hey dude. Hard to give advice if we dont know what you're doing now for recovery. I don't think there are any big secrets though, after a hard race you need proper food and rest. That means proteins for muscles, carbs for fuel (also water after your race, obviously). Rest means no exagerated effort and some good, quality sleep. If that's not enough, try massaging your legs, maybe with some arnica cream, ice your leg muscles (ice packs wrapped in towels to avoid cold burns), and elevate (sit your ass in your couch and prop your legs up). Some people will suggest recovery runs, I'm sort of ambivalent about those. I've read there's no such thing as a "recovery run," only runs that are easy enough they don't notably stress the body (but dont actually contribute to recovery itself). Some people swear by them, but they've never felt like they've helped me. You could certainly give it a try yourself and see if it works for you (run a shortish distance at rly slow pace). Stretching also works for some, but you'll find people with very strong feelings about stretching one way or the other ("stretching is terrible and gives leg cancer!", "make her want you with this one weird stretching technique!"). Dunno that there's anything else, others will chime in if I forgot something.
As for last Kms of your semis being tough, how long are your long runs? You typically want those to be a good chunk longer than your target race distance. Dunno what's the recommended distance for preparing a semi, but I'd probably say around 28, 30Km. People also often say it's a good habit to try and finish your long runs at higher pace. Gets your body used to producing a big effort when you're already tired. It's meant to help finish races strong.
Best of luck and let us know how things work out for you!
Edit: Re: recovery, also, foam rolling. Dunno how much it actually helps, but it always feels great to me on tight, tired muscles.
As for last Kms of your semis being tough, how long are your long runs? You typically want those to be a good chunk longer than your target race distance. Dunno what's the recommended distance for preparing a semi, but I'd probably say around 28, 30Km. People also often say it's a good habit to try and finish your long runs at higher pace. Gets your body used to producing a big effort when you're already tired. It's meant to help finish races strong.
Best of luck and let us know how things work out for you!
Edit: Re: recovery, also, foam rolling. Dunno how much it actually helps, but it always feels great to me on tight, tired muscles.
Dead Prince
Banned
basically in the gym because of hurricane season. can't even find a good dry day haha.
but i'm back trying to catch up all the losses i made while taking off for a month or so. omg. january 2017 is almost here and i've literally am unprepared for the marathon. fml.
but i'm back trying to catch up all the losses i made while taking off for a month or so. omg. january 2017 is almost here and i've literally am unprepared for the marathon. fml.
The_Inquisitor
Member
I did my first 400m repeats at a ~7 minute pace today. We did 12 total with minimum rests between laps except for every 4. That was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I did the math and realized if I want to BQ I'll need to run that pace for 26.2 miles in a row. I have my work cut out for me next 2 years. My 1:50 half marathon goal for the year suddenly looks good.
The_Inquisitor
Member
I would have done only 4 if I didn't have a group there with me I've been running with for 4 weeks. I almost broke down the door of my apartment when I got back to get to my bathroom as quickly as possible afterwards @_@. I feel okay now but damn I am tired. May have to skip my easy 30-minute run tomorrow depending on how I feel after I run.
lol, gj! If it felt that hard, it'll probably be noticeably profitable (if you keep doing it and get good rest). What other stuff do you guys do? Tempo? Long intervals?
Edit: in other news, I'm slowly, painfully getting back to where I was last year (after a bad bout of tendinitis this past winter). I was struggling to get back to where I was in spite of putting in the work. Comparing myself to last year me, I figured it was some weight I put on. Lost some of it and things are getting better. I've been able to finally relax and keep loose on harder long intervals (instead of tensing up under the effort). Not quite where I want to be yet, both weight-wise and endurance-wise, but things seem to be looking up, which is encouraging after months of stagnation. Still on the topic of comparing myself to me last year, and reading the fitness thread, think I also should get back to working on my core. BUT PLANKS ARE SO BOOORING!!!
My first half marathon this Sunday and I think I'm ready. I've done a couple of long runs of 10 and 11 miles so should be fine there. However I'm currently coming down with a cold and feel a bit crap. I'm struggling to sleep at night as I'm constantly thinking of running, likely putting pressure on myself to get a time of 2:20:00 or less despite trying to tell myself to just enjoy it.
Went for a run this morning just to stretch the legs etc and didn't particularly enjoy it. Felt sluggish and heavy which I'm attributing to this cold so fingers crossed it sorts itself out for Sunday.
Went for a run this morning just to stretch the legs etc and didn't particularly enjoy it. Felt sluggish and heavy which I'm attributing to this cold so fingers crossed it sorts itself out for Sunday.
littledipster
Neo Member
Has anyone else registered/plan on registering for Boston this year? I just registered and this will be my first time signing up! However, I stupidly made a mistake on my application (I put the wrong finishing place for my qualifying marathon, 63rd instead of 64th - this was corrected after he marathon so I was using a picture of my place instead of the official results website which was updated), and now I'm terrified this is going to get me rejected. Has anyone registered before and made a similar mistake? My qualifying time is correct thank God.
The_Inquisitor
Member
I've been given a 6 day a week plan (5 days Run +1 crosstrain). The first 3 weeks were just basebuilding and now we are into the meat of the training. I have 3 "Easy" Run days a week that involve running some flat time at no worse than a 10" pace with a 10 min warmup and 5 min cooldown. Saturday we have a long run that increments by a mile each week (every 4th week we have some sort of time trial which just so happens to correspond with a club race). Tuesdays are kind of the challenge runs meaning either hills/track repeats/intervals, etc.
Even though I feel beat up this morning I can tell my fitness has improved significantly in the past 4 weeks. I want to transition to a full marathon next December so I'm trying to take things quite seriously.
Best of luck, dude! Hope you got the rest you needed and are over that cold.
You're already dead. No I think you should be fine, provided the time you gave them is right. They fuck up on giving entrance to so many people that cheat and fumble their way in, they'd be pretty fucking petty to deny you if you've ran the time.
Enjoy the feeling! Progress becomes gradually harder as you improve. So savor your gains!!
Gemüsestäbchen
Member
Gotta run 9 miles tomorrow - 4 weeks to go before my 2nd half-marathon - I'm so glad it's forecast to rain and cool down - it was the hottest day in September in over 100 years in Britain on Tue.
It's still 30 degrees / 86 F today...
Still need to muster the motivation - my 5 mile mid week run was a disaster - so slow ;_;
It's still 30 degrees / 86 F today...
Still need to muster the motivation - my 5 mile mid week run was a disaster - so slow ;_;
Any thoughts on the Garmin Forerunner 25? I currently do most of my running on a treadmill, I'd like to move it outside, and I think having a watch that displays pace will be a big boon. Mostly looking for a GPS watch that doens't need to be connected to a phone and won't break the bank.
Aw shit. Didn't even realize this thread existed. I've been running for about 5 years now, and after losing some weight initially, and doing strength workouts, and treadmill runs in the winter, I managed to go from not even being able to run a 5k in Feb 2011 to running a 48:49 10k in October 2011.
Sadly that was and still is my personal best 10k time, but I vow to change that this year. Injuries have kept me from progressing like I hoped, but I have a handle on it now, and understand the mechanics of running much better after doing some research. Running pain free for my last 10 runs or so, and crossing my fingers that nothing else pops up.
Subbed to this thread for sure.
I have the 210 myself, and while it's lightweight, and easy to use, it's feature light, which may be the case for the 25 as well, although the "fitbit" type integration is nice. For starting out road running, it should be fine though.
Sadly that was and still is my personal best 10k time, but I vow to change that this year. Injuries have kept me from progressing like I hoped, but I have a handle on it now, and understand the mechanics of running much better after doing some research. Running pain free for my last 10 runs or so, and crossing my fingers that nothing else pops up.
Subbed to this thread for sure.
I have the 210 myself, and while it's lightweight, and easy to use, it's feature light, which may be the case for the 25 as well, although the "fitbit" type integration is nice. For starting out road running, it should be fine though.
Confrontation
Member
Pardon my ignorance, but can someone explain the 7min pace for those 400m interval runs to me? Gonna start doing interval training as well again and was wondering if that's a good aiming point.
Zoe
Member
You run 400 meters at a pace that would take you 7 minutes to complete a mile.
400 meters ~ a quarter mile
Confrontation
Member
Ah I see thanks.
I've been running more than usual recently (7.5 or 9km every two days), and I've completely stopped running indoors to commentate on outdoor running and I feel better than usual. I feel like I've lost some weight too (I'm relatively skinny to begin with so it's nothing major though; but still, it feels better).
I'll run the Auckland half marathon in November with the family (my youngest brother will be running one for the first time, should be fun). Not really sure how well I'm going to do though. I usually take between 1:50 and 2:00, but I don't really time myself when I go for runs so it's hard to know.
The only thing I'm a bit sad about is that I used to run quite often with my other brother. Sadly he recently moved overseas... Running with him was a great way to catch up, talk about stupid or serious stuff like our plans for the future and stuff like that. Running by myself is still a great way to relax and think about random things but I do miss the interactions.
I'll run the Auckland half marathon in November with the family (my youngest brother will be running one for the first time, should be fun). Not really sure how well I'm going to do though. I usually take between 1:50 and 2:00, but I don't really time myself when I go for runs so it's hard to know.
The only thing I'm a bit sad about is that I used to run quite often with my other brother. Sadly he recently moved overseas... Running with him was a great way to catch up, talk about stupid or serious stuff like our plans for the future and stuff like that. Running by myself is still a great way to relax and think about random things but I do miss the interactions.
Arthr2ShdsJcksn
Banned
I didn't want to come back with my time because it was pretty weak. A combination of bad weather, wind, more hills than I thought, and my weight made my first half-marathon a real bear.
Still, I finally have a completion time and PR, with plenty of room for improvement: 2:36:42
My damned right calf cramped up during the last mile too, which made my trot around the in-field at Miller Park less fun than it should have been. Oh well. That's the last long race for the season.
I have another 5k in November, but I'm going to be focusing more on losing weight and just maintenance running until the spring. I definitely know that if I want to get a full marathon by this time next year, I NEED to drop 40-50 lbs.
Still, I finally have a completion time and PR, with plenty of room for improvement: 2:36:42
My damned right calf cramped up during the last mile too, which made my trot around the in-field at Miller Park less fun than it should have been. Oh well. That's the last long race for the season.
I have another 5k in November, but I'm going to be focusing more on losing weight and just maintenance running until the spring. I definitely know that if I want to get a full marathon by this time next year, I NEED to drop 40-50 lbs.
Duebrithil
Member
You did your training, stood on the starting line and then went on to give it your all and finish the race: that's something to be proud of.
I hope you enjoyed your first half-marathon and found plenty of motivation your awesome work running
Arthr2ShdsJcksn
Banned
You did your training, stood on the starting line and then went on to give it your all and finish the race: that's something to be proud of.
I hope you enjoyed your first half-marathon and found plenty of motivation your awesome work running
Thanks. Finishing was definitely a motivation to keep going. I'm going to be 40 in under two years, and I've been fat my whole life. I'd really like to be as healthy as possible as I get older, and in addition to the health benefits of running, the races that I've done so far have been extremely satisfying. I'm also glad that I didn't bite off more than I could chew and decide that I would hop right into a full marathon.
The_Inquisitor
Member
Wow, this is a great tool!
So I went ahead and took off yesterday to give recovery. I am going to run 45 minutes today w/ strides (10 min warmup + 45 +5 cooldown). Then I'll run 8 miles on Saturday. Just wanted to make sure I could finish out the week. This is actually the first time I will be doing strides. Any advice? Thank you.
Nothing too complicated about it, accelerate progressively, hold peak speed for 5-10s, decelerate, stay smooth and relaxed, 5 to 10 reps. Don't need to go all out at peak, just make it so that you feel "hey I'm going fast woo!" It's meant to loosen up the legs and get them used to a fast turnover, but short enough that it's not too taxing. So, have fun and don't overdo it.
The_Inquisitor
Member
By the way. As anyone has increased their distance do you actually find yourself less hungry? I ate 2 pieces of bread for breakfast today which normally I cheat and eat a third piece but I actually feel I would have been fine with 1 piece.
littledipster
Neo Member
It looks like you were right, I got my confirmation today! Very excited and very nervous, this will only be my third marathon (I run my second one next month). Good thing I have a lot of time to prepare!
The_Inquisitor
Member
Congrats man. I am super jealous
I think i am probably 2-3 training seasons away from being ready.Cool! But so, you ran a BQ on your first marathon? Damn, great job! What age category/qualifying time if I may ask?
littledipster
Neo Member
Thanks! I honestly never would have thought it was possible for me to run a marathon, let alone qualify for Boston, so it still hasn't hit me yet. Just stay determined and keep running and I'm sure you'll qualify in the next few seasons! Training this year was rough due to the crazy heat and humidity too.Congrats man. I am super jealous
Cool! But so, you ran a BQ on your first marathon? Damn, great job! What age category/qualifying time if I may ask?
Thanks! And yes, it was my first marathon but I had run two half marathons before I attempted the full. I get really nervous when I do races so I don't sign up for many, which is a shame since I typically have a lot of fun once it's over. I'm in the first age category (18-34 I think, I'm 23), and my time was 2:53:22.
The_Inquisitor
Member
27 here working my way to my 4,5 and 6th half marathons this year (first time i'm formally training). But holy shit that time is ...amazing. I'll do my first full next December then focus on BQ in 2018.
The_Inquisitor
Member
Have fun and let us know how you do. Feeling a little tired today. Hope my 8 mile goes okay in the morning.