Half a Challenge

[Sandy]

It's amazing how it adds up eh Jon and when you put the distance in perspective.  How many miles do you think that is?  I heard Bill Rodgers say on Monday that he has run 125,000 miles so far in his running career- that's just over 9615 half marathons!!!!!

I don't know how many halfs I've done since the beginning of the year but my next "official" half will be Saturday morning, I'm hoping it's HOT!!

[Jon]

Ya...I've ever really tallied up distances before, but this year I'm logging them on the ST forum and it tracks it all, so I will actually know what I did this year.  So far I'm over 1300km's for the year in running alone.

The weather this weekend is supposed to be great.  I am hoping for the same sunshine - makes the workouts so much more fun.

[chattyfeet]

I also have had many runs this year that have been longer than the half marathon distance, all because of my training for my May marathon.  In fact, I''ll have  done 4 runs in April ALONE that are longer than 13.1 k.  However, my big challenge, personally anyways, will be this....can I accomplish my goal once I've done the full in May?  I almost feel as if what I've done so far doesn't really count!  Because I would have been doing those runs anyways.  Post-marathon will be the real test! While I agree that it's a huge accomplishment to have done the distances I've done so far, I don't feel I can count them towards my goal of doing one each month.  I'm looking forward to meeting my goal because it will mean I kept up my fitness all YEAR...instead of FALLING HARD off the wagon in the summer, like I usually do!  Hopefully I'll avoid the 5-10 lb. weight gain that September usually brings!!  I have reg'd for the Niagara half in June...Sandy, I hope you'll be around in July and August to help me...I can't find any half marathons to do!  (there's a REASON I can't find such a race in the summer...it's too damned hot!)

[Kate]

If you don't count the half marathon I ran in high school (which was way to many years ago to mention here), I am now officially preparing for my (first) half marathon (in a very long time) having signed up for the County Half in October.
A couple of questions.
I have set myself out a schedule that I think will more than see me cross the finish line.  However, when I was looking on line to see what training schedules suggested and to compare, they all recommend at least 2, if not 3, days off a week.
Problem ... I run every day.  I haven't taken a day off since January 1st.  I don't really want to.  My family has learned that my daily run is beneficial to all.
Can a "recovery" day consist of a short, slower run?  Perhaps a 5K at a slower than normal pace?  Someone suggested to me that I take a day off after my "long" run day.  But to me, it only seems beneficial to do even a short slower paced run just to loosen up the muscles and joints.
Thoughts???

[chattyfeet]

All I can say is that running every day may work for you now...but later on in life you may pay.  The body NEEDS a day off whether you want it or not.  It is something you should be doing for your body...even though it may feel wrong.  Think of it as a thank you to your body for working so well.  REally, this is something you should try very hard to do...your body will thank you years from now.  Learn to love the day of rest!  Even Olympic athletes take a day off every week.  If they do it, so should you.  Just my opinion....And what about a different type of workout that lets the legs rest?  Perhaps yoga or a workout with weights?

[Kate]

Thanks, chattyfeet.
I think it would be more beneficial to take a day off before the scheduled long run versus the day after.  I seriously think that a slow 3 - 5K on the day after a long run (which in my mind = a day off) would benefit in loosening up muscles, but not being too strenuous.
I realized last night that after looking at training suggestions, I do really need to rethink this running every day ... just that my start of year goal was to run every day until I hit the 1000 Mile Club.  I am just over half way there, but it isn't worth hurting myself either.
Lots to think about.

[chattyfeet]

You are absolutely right about the best day for a rest is the day BEFORE your long run.  I always, always have my best runs when I've taken the day off before.  And even if I take two full days off I have a great run.   It's hard to do when you are the type who loves to exercise every day...it's like the opposite for most people....most people need to talk themselves into exercising at all...and people like you have to talk themselves into taking a day off! How ironic!

[The Moose1]

Well, I didn't sign up, but I'm at 14 1/2's now.  Can I stop?  Please? I know there are still 2 long runs before PEC, and then PEC, and
maybe the Fat Ass, but I'm really tired.

Mike

[Sandy]

NO...NO REST FOR YOU!!

[The Moose1]

Maybe some soup then?

[Sandy]

Ok maybe some soup. 

I got an "over" half done last week but plan to do one again today in support of our choclate runners.  How's everyone else doing?

[Neil]

29 so far.  Not tired but an achilles tendon is aching.  Thank you cross-training. :(

[The Moose1]

1/2 plus 1/2 again today (that's 3/4).  Only 1 more really long one before this old body gets a break.  Man do I need a break.

[raceluvr]

what is this chocolate run I keep reading about?  Where was it, how long was it, and when was it?

[Petra]

Here's the website
http://www.thechocolaterace.com/
It was a half marathon or a 13.35k (supposed to be 14k) race in Port Dalhousie/St. Catharines last Sunday.
Great race and of course great food