A fat man and a marathon

[Marathon Man]

Just did some research on marathon training. Turns out you CAN train for a marathon running only 3X per week. It's called the FIRST (Furman Institue of Running and Scientific Training) marathon program, has been tested by Runner's World and is generally accepted as pretty good.



The idea is "run less, train harder," so instead of silly "recovery runs" you don't run at all. Then you cross train 2X a week. But for this program, ALL 3 runs are faster paced intense workouts, and combine that with 2X of cross train, which is supposed to also be MORE INTENSE cross training, and thats 5 intense days/week.

Call me a sally, but I like to enjoy an easy run or two a week, and some of the seasoned runners in the comments section complained that the intensity gave them mental fatigue since EVERY run was hard, even though it was physically easier.

So then I looked over at Hal Higdon't plan, which is 4 runs a week, but he encourages taking an easy pace and just hitting the miles to build up. Only his advanced plan involves speedwork and hills. Since I think that intensity is causing me more problems than miles, AND if add 1 mile a week for the next 5 weeks I will be exactly where I should be mileage wise to start his 18 week program, I think I'm going to try this program. My goal is to just finish, regardless of the time, so I should train that way, with a focus on miles over pace, don't ya think?

If anyone is interested in marathon plans I'm doing his getting ready plan (starting at week 8) for the next 5 weeks (until January 24th).



Then I'll do his 18 week plan leading up the FULL MARATHON on May 30th in Madison!


I realized today I wasn't scared at all about running the half, so that means my goal must not be high enough! Now I'm worried. So that will keep me more motivated. But I'm not going to change my registration just yet. I want to make sure my legs hold up and I can hit the mileage until February. Then, if all goes well, I'll officially change my registration for the FULL marathon.

 

[Marathon Man]

Hey y'all!

Sorry I haven't been posting in all your journals the last week, but in the spirit of taking the bull by the horns and changing my life, I'm doing my VERY FIRST New Year's resolution (and started early!), which includes ...

1 ... Get my fat ass off the computer!
2 ... Follow my training schedule the next 23 weeks and finishing a marathon
3 ... Save $7500 this year towards my future house

Basically more time for work, more time for family, more time for working out. MORE SAVING, MORE DOING ... haha, looks like I've adopted Home Depot's slogan as my 2009 mantra.

I'll swing by all your journals and catch up this week though!

50+ lbs down in 2009, and the last 80 or so in 2010!

 

[Massive Mouse]

I really admire your goals and I'm sure you'll manage the marathon just fine!

Running is my bane though I really am terrible at it, even when I was quite slim and fit it was a serious struggle.

 

[Marathon Man]

Running is my bane though I really am terrible at it, even when I was quite slim and fit it was a serious struggle.

Haha! I sucked at it for awhile but I now I quite enjoy it! If you ever try some road races maybe you'll get hooked like me.

Super excited to start my running program for the marathon today. This week going 2.5 today, 3 miles Wed, 2 mile Thu, 5 miles Sat and weights and cross training on sunday. Woo!

 

[Marathon Man]

Yesterday was a rollercoaster of emotions. I set in for my first run in like 10 days, the 5-mile long run for this week. AND NOT EVEN 3 MINUTES IN and my shin muscle is so tight it hurts to stretch it ... even after warming up.

Totally deflated. I was so mad. It's just the worst when I want to do something but can't. But then I said f*!@ this! And I drove to Walgreens and bought some foot thingies for my shoes and BAM! I was able to finish my run! So I have hope again. I feel like I'm constantly tweeking my shoes, but FOR ONCE I must have it close to right, since I was able to go from not even being able to run to running with no pain with the inserts.

Hope they don't cause more problems though, but at least I fixed my shin splints! I fought the orthopedics because I didn't want to run unnaturally, but I guess by putting on shoes your making it unnatural ... so I'll live with it, at least until I drop another 90 lb.

And I got a new job. So this month I'm scheduled an extra 35 hours on top of my normal 55 hour weeks. So now I'll have MUCH LESS STRESS, because I have a second job I can make full time if I lose mine. AND I'm going to be able to save more $$$ ... BUT it's gonna really fill up my crammed schedule. Less time for snacking I guess.



p.s. I think I'm going to go back to weekly updates. I still want to check up on all my friends here and encourage others, but LIFE IS BUSY!! Bring on 2010!

 

[Marathon Man]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!



Let's make 2010 a year to remember! Quick recap: In the end I think I may have gained like 4 pounds over the month of December. That's my first real long-term setback though since I started rocking it in August, so I'm not going to stress. I still am down OVER 40 pounds as of January 1st. Now I just gotta keep trucking and training for this marathon. And I rang in the new year during mile 2 of my run on the treadmill! Worked from 7AM-11:30PM, and still forced myself to hit my 2.5 mile run before going home. No wonder I'm so crabby today! Only got to sleep 4.5 hours before getting back up for work.

And I'm scheduled for 38 more hours of work this weekend. At least some of it is sleeping shifts though. Bring on the money and the weight loss!

Time to set a new goal since I totally mucked up December: Hit every single run on my training schedule and no more than 2000 calories/day until Feb. 1st.

 

[Derrick]

You've done an awesome job so far and I am really impressed by your determination to run. You have already run farther than I ever have without stopping and I am a lot lighter than you and have been doing it longer. I'm very impressed. Listen to your body though and watch out for injuries. You are still carrying a lot of weight and obviously have more impact with every stride. Keep losing weight and you'll keep improving your times. Good luck with your training. I'll keep an eye on your journal to see how you are progressing.

 

[Addiecakes]

Marathon Man,

When you first started out, did you start doing runs on the treadmill right off the bat? I'm a little scared to try to run on the treadmill at my current weight simply because when I was around 270lbs. I had a stress fracture in my shin that was undiagnosed for nearly 3 years. My initial plan was to stick to low-impact machines like stationary bikes and the elliptical trainer until I got down to about 250lbs. or so, but my body wants to move ... I can feel that my muscles want to run, and I know that I'm not going to be able to do much to start with, even if I am doing 2.5 miles a day on the elliptical or 6 miles on the bike... I don't even think I could jog a whole mile without stopping, I haven't done that since high school and about 50lbs. less than I am now.

I was just curious. I don't want to get an injury and take myself out of being able to be active for a prolonged period of time because I was impatient, but if it's a matter of just listening to my body, then maybe I will be ready soon.

I figured I'd get your thoughts What you do is amazing!

 

[Marathon Man]

You've done an awesome job so far and I am really impressed by your determination to run. You have already run farther than I ever have without stopping and I am a lot lighter than you and have been doing it longer. I'm very impressed..

Well it was actually easier in the beginning. I ran 8 miles once, but it was just on the sheer willpower of me taking on the world. Now that I've settled into my routine a bit it seems harder because I don't have that mental edge. I've been dealing with slight strains and such for awhile and I think I've finally got it figured out. Good shoes, extra support for the heel, rest days, warm ups, stretching, icing after runs, and slowly adding miles to build. As long as I stick to that plan, hopefully I'll be okay. I am a bit worried about my long runs though once I get into the training. Just gotta drop another 50 pounds to ease the pressure!

Marathon Man,

When you first started out, did you start doing runs on the treadmill right off the bat? I'm a little scared to try to run on the treadmill at my current weight simply because when I was around 270lbs. I had a stress fracture in my shin that was undiagnosed for nearly 3 years. My initial plan was to stick to low-impact machines like stationary bikes and the elliptical trainer until I got down to about 250lbs. or so, but my body wants to move ... I can feel that my muscles want to run, and I know that I'm not going to be able to do much to start with, even if I am doing 2.5 miles a day on the elliptical or 6 miles on the bike... I don't even think I could jog a whole mile without stopping, I haven't done that since high school and about 50lbs. less than I am now.

I read about the couch to 5K program awhile back when I wanted to get back into shape. I didn't really follow the program, but I saw the basic idea of walk 1 minute, run 1 minute ... then build to walk 1 minute, run 1.5 minutes, keep increasing, etc. ...and just kinda made up my own. It was a fun way to start, because I only had to run for 60 seconds (or 30, start wherever you want). I built up steam and used that on and off for most of the year, but I didn't really get serious until August. I used to get on the treadmill and do about 3.5 for the walk and 6.0 for the run. Then one day I wanted to see if I could straight, and I lowered the pace to 5.0 (12 min/miles, my goal for the marathon), and I found out I could run the whole 2 miles, then 3 miles. In fact, I still use the idea to make my runs go faster. I break my run into 2.5 or 3 minute sections, only instead of walking, now I jog @ 5.0 for 1.5 minutes, run at 5.5 for 1 minute. Makes it more fun and a better work out than "gotta go run 35 minutes straight," which can be way boring on the treadmill.

On one hand, the treadmill is good for me, because I know it's less stress than running on the hard bike path in town, but I've heard it can be bad and lead to injuries as well. I'd say the most important thing is getting good running shoes for your feet, and resting and not going too much too soon. Ease into it. My goal now is just to get my miles, even if I walk. After taking 10 days off running I had to walk a couple times even running slower. So start with jogging a minute alternating with walking maybe. But be careful about the stress facture ... don't want that to happen again. But if your walking at 3.5, a slow jog/fast walk at 4.5 mph isn't really that much more intense. Now RUNNING caused me some problems (too intense, no rest, too soon). Probably more than you needed but I hope it helps.

 

[Addiecakes]

So start with jogging a minute alternating with walking maybe. But be careful about the stress facture ... don't want that to happen again. But if your walking at 3.5, a slow jog/fast walk at 4.5 mph isn't really that much more intense. Now RUNNING caused me some problems (too intense, no rest, too soon). Probably more than you needed but I hope it helps.

Thanks, that actually helps out a lot. I've been doing intervals on the elliptical and on the stationary bike, and it does definitely keep things interesting. I think I may wait until I'm under 300 until I start easing into working on the treadmill, but I figured that I would inquire about it at the very least. Once summer comes back around I'll be able to utilize my old high school's track which is lower impact than street-running and will let me count my miles. I would love to eventually run a marathon (my goal is before I turn 30, and I just turned 25) but I have plenty of time to get there. I just would love to be able to run at least a couple of miles straight before the end of 2010, really.

Thanks again

 

[skkroll]

Thanks, that actually helps out a lot. I've been doing intervals on the elliptical and on the stationary bike, and it does definitely keep things interesting. I think I may wait until I'm under 300 until I start easing into working on the treadmill, but I figured that I would inquire about it at the very least. Once summer comes back around I'll be able to utilize my old high school's track which is lower impact than street-running and will let me count my miles. I would love to eventually run a marathon (my goal is before I turn 30, and I just turned 25) but I have plenty of time to get there. I just would love to be able to run at least a couple of miles straight before the end of 2010, really.

Thanks again

He has given you some solid advice, and the same advice I would have to give if you asked me! I was never a runner by any means... started the "c25K" program (not the exact program but very much the same idea with the intervals) and after completing it, I found that running 3 miles was no problem when 2 months previous to that, I could barely run 1 without stopping. I experienced a lot of pain myself in the beginning (shin splints like a mofo!, blisters on the inside of my feet) but that seems normal for anyone who is a beginning runner. Aside from that program, MarathonMan was how I have been able to run 6.2 miles, even 7 miles straight I have found a lot of inspiration from him, so keep following along

Now MarathonMan,
I love how you rang in the new year during your run! That really takes some will power! Good for you! And you have really great goals set for yourself. I believe you can accomplish them no problem. Glad to see you are still hanging in there with such a busy schedule! Take care
~ Sarah

 

[Marathon Man]

I did it. I emailed the Madison Marathon and told them to go ahead and change my registration to the FULL marathon! *GULP!*!

Ran 3 miles straight and felt great this morning. No pain at all. I'm pretty jacked up to get through this week and try my 5.5 mile long run this Saturday outside in the cold. Been a long time since I've ran that long. Or outside. And with my coworker (hopefully) finally

Now MarathonMan,
I love how you rang in the new year during your run! That really takes some will power! Good for you! And you have really great goals set for yourself. I believe you can accomplish them no problem. Glad to see you are still hanging in there with such a busy schedule! Take care
~ Sarah

That's why I signed up for the full marathon. The half didn't scare me enough to focus me. Now I'm shaking in my boots!

And Addie, I'm sure you could run a few miles after gradually getting into it. Hell, if my lazy ass can do it, anyone can! Keep on rocking and you'll be down over 20 lbs. soon.

 

[Marathon Man]

I love how the gym is so packed now I can't even get on a treadmill. Yesterday I ran my 2.5 miles outside. I loved running in the cold. So refreshing. Except it was dark and icy so I had to run very slowly in some spots. And today, I wait until 9 pm to go to the gym, AND I STILL CAN'T GET A TREADMILL!

So I missed a run since I didn't have my warm clothes with me, but I'll make that up by running on my off day of Friday and switching my long run to Sunday.

I AM starting to second guess this getting a second job thing. I'm working 79 hours this week and 77 next week. But I will hit my goal and not miss a run this month! If I can just make it alive through training and work the next 2 weeks, I think I'll have some more free time. Yeah, yeah ... poor me.

 

[Marathon Man]

It looks like I'm running outside for awhile now! Once again, the gym was packed and I could not get a treadmill. They really need more than 4 treadmills at this place, especially now that it's busy AND I have to go at the busy time. Oh well.

Did not think it would happen again so now I'm 2 runs behind, but now I'll just plan to run outside tomorrow (in the fresh blizzard snow ... I'm actually pretty excited for it), and this weekend.

I should probably start tracking my calories again too. Maybe I'll do a journal from this weekend until next weekend and then fitday the numbers to see my protein/carb/fat %.

 

[thelast20]

It looks like I'm running outside for awhile now! Once again, the gym was packed and I could not get a treadmill. They really need more than 4 treadmills at this place, especially now that it's busy AND I have to go at the busy time. Oh well.
.

Only 4 treadmills?!?! That's crazy, although I don't think it matter at this time of year. My husband has been trying to go after work, which is only 4:30 for him and EVERY machine in the whole place is full. He can't get on anything, and they have about 15 treadmills. That's great that you're still running outside though.. high fives to you!!!

Marie

 

[Marathon Man]

Only 4 treadmills?!?! That's crazy, although I don't think it matter at this time of year. My husband has been trying to go after work, which is only 4:30 for him and EVERY machine in the whole place is full. He can't get on anything, and they have about 15 treadmills. That's great that you're still running outside though.. high fives to you!!!

Marie

Yeah ... just 4. It's not that big of a town though, and just a midsized club. It NEVER used to be a problem, but I haven't run on the treadmill in a week and a half. Ahhh!

Actually, I missed my goal since I did not run 2 runs last week. But I had a wakeup. I got so excited about saving some money for a house and having a savings with more than $20 for the first time in my life that I found myself putting off my healthy lifestyle. That's what I've always done in the past. I've never been one to have a healthy balance in my life. And I was pretty proud the last 6 months how I found that balance. So I told that part time job to shove it where the sun don't shine (well, a little more tactfully) so now I'm only working 55-60 hours/wk the next 2 months. This marathon IS the most important thing and I have to make that my priority.

Also getting back to healthy eating again. It's been pretty erratic lately and I'm still a good 10 pounds ABOVE my low from before Christmas. I've got 2 weeks until I start the official 18 week marathon training plan. So as long as I chill out, ENJOY running (which I really do) for what it is rather than JUST ANOTHER thing I have to do that day, I can hit the ground running still. Haha!

7 straight runs of 3 miles the next 2 weeks (long run is only 3 this week), followed by a 6 mile to cap off the Spring Training. Then there's no turning back!


EDIT: I was just looking over my past few months. And I weighed 284 when I ran 8 miles straight in November. And a few days ago I weighed 289. Reminder to myself. I think I should get back to counting calories if I'm going to hit 239 (another 50 lbs!) by the May 30th marathon.

 

[Marathon Man]

Running outside every Tue-Thu morning the next few months since my mid-week runs are only 3-4 miles runs through March (then it gets to the FUN part of training). I was having trouble getting all my runs done and my coworker just told me, "marathons are all about sacrifice."

Super excited about my new running schedule. Stinks I have to go to bed earlier, and miss some family time, but running outside in the cold snow while everyone is sleeping at 5:30am is AWESOME!

 

[Marathon Man]

Weekly update:

The Milwaukee marathon registration opens next week and I've already commited to doing it with my coworker. So that means I will be registered for 2 marathons and not have run more than 3 miles straight in 2 months! AND I still weigh 280+ lbs! Haha! In way over my head and I love it. The original plan was the half in May and the full in October, but what the hell, lets train for two fulls and see if I can do it.

I've finally settled on a running plan. I like Hal Higdon's, but 4 days a week of running like I've been doing may not be enough if I plan to hit my goals. So I'm doing runnersworld.com beginning plan which is 5 days a week with one day of rest and one day cross training. Running outside before work is amazing though. It's pitch black and the icy breeze is so refreshing and I have the whole town to myself. It's so serene and peaceful, just me and my music. I think I'm really going to love running the rest of my life. My town has A LOT of hills though, so I'm struggling to hit 12:00/mile with the icy roads and hills.

Three weeks coming up of running 3, 3, 3, and 6 miles. Then I'm transitioning into the 16 week program of 5 runs/week. I can't believe in 19 weeks I'm going to be running a friggin marathon!

 

[Marathon Man]

It's been like 6 months already! The half year recap for my friends and family:

Eleven months ago, I was unemployed, having just quit my job, and living in a closet (okay, more like a "small office" in a 2 bedroom apartment ... but it was tiny). I was completely out of shape, a fat 320+ pounds, and generally pretty unhappy with myself. But I always wanted to be a runner. I loved the idea of lacing up a pair of shoes and feeling free, just going wherever the road took me. Maybe that's why I have such a passion for motorcycles as well. The breeze on your face, the solitude of the open road, the adventure of it all ... it's so much like running really. I'd heard about the Jacksonville marathon a few weeks before, and, unhappy with the direction of my life, I grabbed a pen and made a list. A bucket list, a do before I die list, whatever you want to call it. The first thing on it was, "lose 100 lbs and run a Marathon."

That February I started the couch to 5K program, and discoved I couldn't even finish week one, which had me go 20 minutes on the treadmill of run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes. I moved around, back to WI where my family was, then off to Iowa because I needed a job, then back to WI again in July. I kept running occasionally, but mostly I put it off and kept eating and eating. Then I finally got serious. I'd jogged on and off, but I was still 329 lbs. I got a gym membership and set some goals and was shocked how quickly I grew in just a couple of weeks, how much a couple weeks of exercise changed my life. I felt like a new person, full of energy and alive again. I don't know if I was depressed before, but I'm cetainly happy and energetic now!

Finally, in October, my coworker found out I was a runner, or more like a slow jogger. He talked to me about marathons and encouraged me to do Madison and start running outside. I'd lost like 30 pounds, but it was starting to feel like work, and I kept getting pains in my left shin muscle. The new goal of running a half marathon (and so soon, "why not," he asked me, and I didn't have an answer to procrastinate with), and the fun of being outside got me revved up again. And to kick off November, I ran 8 miles straight! It blew my mind and took me over an hour and half, but I did it.

The next couple months through the holidays and the first few weeks of 2010, I made excuses again. It was too cold to run outside. I couldn't run at the gym because all the treadmills were full. My leg kept bothering me. But those were just excuses, and just recently, I've solved lingering leg pain and found the joy in running outside again, even enjoying running in the cold. I'm actually dreading the warm weather ... but I won't let that turn into another excuse! I was down over 50 lbs before Christmas. Now I'm at 289 and down exactly 40. And now my marathon training really kicks into gear. Running 4-5 days a week pretty much through October and 2 marathons, one in Madison and one in Milwaukee. I've got a job I love, a new healthy lifestyle, and it looks like sometime this summer I can put that check next to item #1 on my bucket list and move onto #2.

 

[Alta818]

I just want to say...Congratulations for the revelations in your life and the accomplishments that you have acheived for yourself these past months!!..!!

You are doing Fantastic!! It really does take everything else in your life to begin to become in line, so that you can become in line with your wants, and goals, and desires. We all go through ups and downs, and like you said, you have stopped making excuses and that's what it's about!

I had the most fantastic 10 mile run on Saturday and I had a great 4.5 mile hill run to the Hollywood sign yesterday too!! !! I too have found the love again (mainly within myself to continue pushing & allowing my freedom through running BUT for ME!) !!! I'm truly EXCITED for you and your 2 Marathon Goals!!! I love the idea!!! I am sure you can do it!!!

Congrats on the 8 mile run straight!!! Nice work!!! Now, you'll find you that you can jump to the 12 mile mark like NOTHING!! !! Mind over matter!!! You have greatness within you,...down to the core of your cells, now take LARGE LEAPS & SHOW YOURSELF what you are made of!! !!!!!!! !! I have another 1/2 marathon coming up this Feb. 7th! Just started really training again. I'm addicted to the little metals at the end! You'll see when you get yours soon! !!! Congrats on all the Pounds Smashed for LIFE!