Over the weekend I began to think about my aspirations and resolutions for 2008. One of my goals this year is to run the Loch Ness 10K in October. I have always held marathon runners in great esteem. Ironically, I’m not a runner! I love the treadmill, but I can't imagine it is the same as running a 10K. So, why do I want to torture myself and include this among my goals for 2008? I guess to prove that I can actually do it and it seems like a great way to shed a few pounds and tone up my body.
Luckily, I am not the first non-runner to have this harebrained idea. Dawn Dais, the former self-proclaimed “worst runner in the world” has written the book for me—The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women. A guide for other couch potatoes who decide that running a marathon sounds like a fantastic idea. The Non-Runner’s Marathon Guide for Women is a witty and inspiring chronicle of her trials and tribulations as she gives up her recliner for the road.
I would love to know if you have any advice, suggestions or recommendations.
All the best,
Ronda
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8 comments:
Hi Ronda,
Good for you! A 10K is a great goal, and you can do it (it will help to be on a scenic course like Loch Ness). My advice (I've finished 7 ironmans and done quite a few marathons and ultramarathons) is to do a little each day. Do whatever it takes to elevate your heart rate (for 20 minutes or more) on a daily basis - whether it's running, walking, swimming, a little treadmill, or bike at the gym. Your body will adapt to the regime of working out, and you will find that you will likely miss it on your days "off". Don't overdo it, and you will avoid injury, but most of all, you will enjoy it! My favorite thing about working out is being outside - even if it's freezing cold, raining, or dark! There is always something peaceful and meditative about being outside on a run / jog. Good luck!
Eileen
WOW! Thank you so much Eileen. I'm really looking forward to it!
my advice: dont' do it! No, I'm totally kidding, go for it - it's a great, great goal - totally unattainable to me, but you're a lot younger! hahah!!!
okay, where to start?
I'm just a casual runner myself, however
i was married to an obssesive marathoner and also have worked as an editor at a top fitness magazine in the US.
Best advice I can give you is to find a running group to join. you really need a group to keep you going. you'll want to meet up with them at least once a week. to find a group, ask around at your local running shoe shop. (wherever running shoes are sold in your city, you'll find someone who knows about running groups in the area). Make sure that the group you join is one the accomodates runners at your level. (you don't want to be stuck with a bunch of elite runners) Also, track your mileage. Find a pretty notebook or do it online, but track every single day that you run and for how long you run.
Don't run every day of the week. This is one of the mistakes that beginners make. It often leads to injury and burnout.
Cross train. Do other forms of exercise on the days you're not running. Hiking, yoga, belly dancing, whatever.
This is a site that gives you a lot of good info.
http://www.nike.com/nikemarathon/
click on "training" and you'll find a place where you can log and track your training online. (this is a nike US site)
Replace your shoes often! You need new shoes every few months if you're putting a lot of mileage on them. That way your feet will always be cushioned and supported.
This is a great site for shoes and gear. they even let you return shoes you purchase from them (even if you've used them). They'll also guide you through purchasing the type of shoes that are right for your feet.
http://www.runnersworld.com/
run on a track or on the road, not on the sidewalk. Pavement is much better for your joints than cement. YOu can also run on a treadmill, of course. But your training should definitely be outdoors for at least part of the time.
always run OPPOSITE traffic. This is the safest way to run.
don't run for more than an hour at a time without having some sort of a snack (I won't go into the details of why, just to say that your body needs the energy) there's something called "runner's goo" which you can carry with you. it's a tiny gel pack (like a ketchup packet) that contains a liquid carb food.
stay hydrated!
vary your running. do fartleks (interval training) at least once a week. you'll be amazed at the difference it will make in your running.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fartlek
consider getting a heart rate monitor. they can make training fun are pretty useful.
http://www.polarusa.com/consumer/runtri/hrm.asp?qid=run
Know that some days you'll run like an angel and it will feel like your feet are barely touching the ground, and other days your legs will feel like lead.
REST is just as important as running. You'll be amazed at how much faster or further you can go after 1-2 days off.
good luck!
All the best Rhonda! I mean, good luck!
Anonymous you are AMAZING! Thank you soooo much for the great advice!!
Love you blog. I think your New Year's resolution is a great idea. Six years ago I decided to run the NYC Marathon, I wasn't a runner, had never run farther than 5 miles but decided to it. If you're mentally committed you can do it. Read Hal Higdon's Marathon book--great for beginners. If you can't find a running group--try for a running buddy, this will keep you motivated on this days you just don't feel like running. Start slow, build a good base, then find a program to follow--New York Road Runners publishes schedules, check out nyrr.org,
welcome! ;)
I enjoy your site
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