The Running Thread

[verb_to_trust]

Picked out a training plan yet?

I got a higdon one printed out. I actually plan on asking you a lot of questions about your first time so hopefully you check your pms.

For sure, ask away. I used Higdon's Intermediate 1, but kinda wish I had done Int. 2 (similar or same MPW but more speed workouts).

I'm going to be mainly concerned about nutrition during the race. I have zero experience with that.

[run2death]

Ordered a pair of Boston 6s (Black/Purple/Red) off of Amazon this morning for $70.

[verb_to_trust]

That's a sweet deal

[run2death]

Had a serious case of the don't wannas this morning, but got it done. Canals were packed with runners.

[guestT]

I'm going to be mainly concerned about nutrition during the race. I have zero experience with that.

That was my undoing. I'm still trying to figure out what works for me. I think my strategy was like 90% good. I had a big (for me) breakfast - oatmeal and half a bagel - ate a Gu at 5, 10, 15, 19, and 23 miles, ate two random orange slices, and drank water at every station. Had zero stomach issues. Bonked hard around mile 20 and had 3 shitty miles before recovering near the end. I think a slightly bigger breakfast and alternating water with Gatorade would have helped a lot. Still kicking myself for not even trying a Gatorade.

I'm running Grandma's Marathon in a few weeks. I guess I'm still tentatively planning to use the same plan, but if it's as hot in Duluth as it's been down here that will be a struggle. I couldn't get more than one Gu down on my long run the other day and felt like shit ("Gu gut") for the rest of the day.

Yesterday I tried one of the Hammer Nutrition powder mixes that came in the sampler pack they sent me. One pouch was like 270 calories (equal to almost 3 Gu's). It was only a 6 mile run but I thought it worked great. I'd like to try something like that or Tailwind for the marathon, but I don't know how the logistics would work. You'd have to carry a shit ton of it with you and keep refilling your water bottle, or have someone meet you every hour or so.

I guess my best advice would be to try a bunch of shit to see what works best, and make a decision before your last long run so you can practice it.

[run2death]

The whole race nutrition thing is such a minefield that so greatly depends on the individual that I tend to avoid the question if asked.

I have one friend that takes a GU every 20 minutes. (He did this for an entire 100 miler!) And another Ultra friend who only drinks water.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of Tailwind.

That being said, I generally think people eat too much in marathons.

For most people, eating anything after 20 miles isn't actually doing you any good because your body isn't gonna be able to use it as fuel.

[run2death]

Also, those Higdon plans are fine, but after your first couple of marathons I'd really think about looking into a Jack Daniel's (yes, haha) plan.

Periodization and workouts based on your VO2Max/VDOT numbers are proven methods that have become the standard philosophy for running coaches.

[guestT]

Yeah I'm gonna keep using this Higdon plan as a base for the rest of this year but will probably try something more sophisticated next spring. I bought the Pfitzinger Advanced Marathoning book but haven't really looked at it yet.

Logistically, how would someone use something like Tailwind for a point-to-point road marathon where you don't have drop bags? You would have to have someone meet you with refills, right?

[run2death]

Either have someone meet you or put the Tailwind in little snack bags and put it in the pouch of a handheld. That pouch will fit 4 snack bags.

I did that for my two mountain 50Ks last year.

[guestT]

Oh sweet, I just bought that exact bottle last week. So then you just time it so that you can refill the bottle at a water station?

[run2death]

Yup.

[run2death]

Judging from your Strava entries, you're gonna improve significantly over the next year or so. The sooner you switch to a plan that uses the VDOT formula the better.

[run2death]

You guys shouldn't be like me and just putts away your best running years by having no real direction. The number of times I just went out and hammered ever training run, but then saw very little actual improvement in races is disturbing.

[verb_to_trust]

I'm so overwhelmed right now

[Balki]

3.1 on the treadmill...32 minutes. 1.0 incline. I was taking her easy today after something like, 18 beers and endless calories all weekend.

[guestT]

Judging from your Strava entries, you're gonna improve significantly over the next year or so. The sooner you switch to a plan that uses the VDOT formula the better.

Lord, I hope so. I hate to keep being such a bitch about the heat, but I feel like I've gone backward 6 months in the last 3 weeks. Running 4 miles at 7:55/m this morning felt like a huge accomplishment.

I'm so overwhelmed right now

Aw man, don't be. Training is fun. After the marathon you'll look back and see one set of footprints. That's where the Strava group carried you.

[run2death]

Day 5 of the streak. Feel like my legs are getting into the groove.

Switching my work schedule next week so I can run in the morning.

[Peeps]

ive been running at lunch. its about 29 minutes for 2.7 miles. its been hot as balls here

[guestT]

Might have to run in the rain to be a human light again tonight, otherwise my streak dies at 2.

[run2death]

Might have to run in the rain to be a human light again tonight, otherwise my streak dies at 2.

You did it!