Ok, not exactly. I did run 13.1 miles but it was just a training run. "Run a Marathon" is one of my bucket list items, so I'm going to run the Detroit Marathon on October 20th. This morning's run is my longest by far, and while my pace was OK (9:50/mi), I averaged 9:23 for the first 9, then fell off pretty badly over the last 4.
So, any pointers from the veteran runners on the board? I'm following Higdon's Novice 1 plan, FWIW.
KICK.ASS.DUDE.
If you're not using one already, get a heart rate monitor. They are great at helping you figure out when you're pushing too hard early and need to back off.
In addition to running, a basic weightlifting program will help increase your strength over the longer distances. Exercises that strengthen your core should be a key part of your routine.
Congratulations!
+1 for the heart rate monitor. We've used them the entire time we run.
Keep up on the speed training, it really works. I've always seen the best improvement doing intervals.
One thing to keep in mind, the plan is intended for you to get your intended time in October, not now. Plans are basically speed work + endurance work that finally come together on race day.
You are doing great.
Don't get stabbed...
I KEED! 
awesome! I also did a ten mile speed drill this am with plans on running the Steamtown Marathon in the fall.
+1 on the heart rate monitor. I also use the map my run app for getting pace and elevation data (and it talks to you so you know your split times and distance).
Color me jealous, as someone who is too young to be this or of shape, I say way to go! Keep up the great work man!
In reply to BoostedBrandon: Time to start, then.
I lost almost 30lb training for the 2009 Detroit half marathon. Well, that and the next years DXAA half.
The first step is to take the first step out the door.
Listen to your body, but don't use it as an excuse. Also, make sure you eat properly. I never understood why I felt better after the pizza buffet after a run. Looking back, I realize I was actually negative calories for some days because I would do a long run of 15-20 miles and basically consume 1000-1500 calories FOR THE DAY meaning I had no fuel in the tank when you consider the after burn (on the plus side, I dropped weight like a mother berkleyer). Last, keep track of the mileage on your shoes, when I ran back in the stone age, the cushioning was good for about 500 miles. Also don't cheap out on shoes, your body will appreciate it.
On purpose?
Gross.
I ran a 5k one time, as part of a bet...
never again, I'll save my running for when there are people trying to kill me
(AKA rugby)
I'm exhausted after reading this
Good for you! I bet I could have done it back in high school or early in my college career, but now I doubt I could run 3 or 4 miles before my right knee starts to scream. I should really look into a triathlon.
Hijacking a bit here...
A few people have mentioned heart rate monitors. I've tried a few, and the variances between their readings has been huge
Any suggestions on a reasonably decent choice on a budget?
keethrax wrote: Hijacking a bit here... A few people have mentioned heart rate monitors. I've tried a few, and the variances between their readings has been *huge* Any suggestions on a reasonably decent choice on a budget?
Here is how you "calibrate" your heart rate monitor assuming you are in some sort of shape such that you do not die testing yourself for maximum heart rate (MHR). If you aren't sure, see the doc before doing this.
Be sure you're well rested, well hydrated, and well warmed up.
Run hard and fast for 2 to 3 minutes. Jog back to your starting point. Repeat two more times, running a little harder and faster each time. On the third and last repeat, pretend you're running an Olympic race.
Check your heart rate during and immediately after the last repeat. The highest number you see is your actual maximum heart rate (MHR).
Then... take this formula: 205 - (.5 * your_age). That is your calculated MHR based on new formulas I just saw in Runner's World claiming better accuracy than the old standard 220 - your_age one.
Then, buy whichever waterproof HRM that suits you.
Mentally apply the difference to whatever you read on that screen or just base all your percentages on that field tested number. As long as you are only using that HRM then it's all just a relative number.
Here is a quick guideline for finding your correct pace (also plagiarized from RW):
Workout Percent of Maximum Heart Rate (MHR)
Race Distance
In reply to keethrax:
If you have a smartphone, there are some Bluetooth bands that can be read by apps.
But we've had pretty good luck with polar stuff. Check ebay for old nib units. For GPS hr monitors we still use garmins to run with. Again, there are apps but I'm still trying to find a good GPS running app.
alfadriver wrote: In reply to keethrax: If you have a smartphone, there are some Bluetooth bands that can be read by apps. But we've had pretty good luck with polar stuff. Check ebay for old nib units. For GPS hr monitors we still use garmins to run with. Again, there are apps but I'm still trying to find a good GPS running app.
Try MapMyRun. It works really well for pace/distance/elevation with configurable splits, etc and if you pay a small fee it does not bombard you with ads. If you have an iPhone they sell a monitor that works with it to overlay the data on top of it. I do not have that bit set up (Galaxy S3...) - but it's been helpful regardless.
For runs of more than 10 miles, I often carry a small ziplock bag of red grapes. It may be a psychological thing, but when I bonk, the sugar and water in them seem to bring me back around.
I've used Polar heart rate monitors and currently use a Garmin GPS with the built-in heart rate monitor (it's an older model I got for around $140). The GPS feature is a big plus, and it stores all the data so you can compare your progress over time.
SnowMongoose wrote: On purpose? Gross. I ran a 5k one time, as part of a bet... never again, I'll save my running for when there are people trying to kill me (AKA rugby)
He is running in Detriot
while many of you jest about the detroit race, it's actually a really neat event. Starting downtown, it crosses the Ambassador Bridge into Canada just a few miles into the course. For timing similar to Angry's, you get to see a rather spectacular sunrise as you crest the bridge and head into Canada. (yes, the race starts in the dark)
Coming back is through the tunnel.
The half marathon is a great course.
My wife did the marathon the same year I did the half- they head out to a nice neighborhood, and then over to Belle Isle (where they race). It's nice, but not as nice as the first half of the course.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:alfadriver wrote: In reply to keethrax: If you have a smartphone, there are some Bluetooth bands that can be read by apps. But we've had pretty good luck with polar stuff. Check ebay for old nib units. For GPS hr monitors we still use garmins to run with. Again, there are apps but I'm still trying to find a good GPS running app.Try MapMyRun. It works really well for pace/distance/elevation with configurable splits, etc and if you pay a small fee it does not bombard you with ads. If you have an iPhone they sell a monitor that works with it to overlay the data on top of it. I do not have that bit set up (Galaxy S3...) - but it's been helpful regardless.
I've got a couple of other apps to try, but I've had a few other issues iwth MapMyRun. It's on the list to check- right now I'm comparing the Garmin data with what app I'm running. In a few min, I'll try SportsTracker.
Then I'll give MapMyRun another try.
I also use a fitness tracker app- MyFitnessPal- which tracks my food and my excerise. Some of the running apps work directly with it. It's a good combo.
Oh- and for those who want to try- many of the running apps do have training plans who will bug you to exersize
For speed intervals I use the Tabata technique. 20sec 100% bursts ans 10sec 50-60% recovery intervals x 8 with a 2min 50% rest and repeat 2x more. Works great but has to be done on flat or you will kill yourself.
Just ran a flat 5mi today and I have cut almost 1.30 off my pace compared to last year.
i use the free mapmyrun app on my blackberry and it's good for pace and distance, but doesn't do splits. our new corporate standard cell is the iPhone4, so i'm just waiting for the bb to get struck by lightning or something.
thanks for the encouragement and the advice on training and survival. i will do my best.
woody, the grapes are a brilliant idea. i carried a bottle of gatorade and i had a banana in my pocket for the 2nd half, but i dropped it near the start (it was a group run) and it got trampled. :-(
Well done. You've inspired me to do something about my fat arse. I keep talking but not doing, so I'm off to enter the Turkey trot 10K on Thanksgiving right now.
EDIT OK, anyone laugh and I'll set Detroit on you. I just went to the Turkey trot site and the online registration appears to be down AND the phone number is saying out of service or disconected. AAGGHH.
AngryCorvair wrote: i use the free mapmyrun app on my blackberry and it's good for pace and distance, but doesn't do splits.
It speaks them to you thru the headphones and if you upload to the website it will give you a good breakdown of the entire run with pace and elevation at every point as well as splits on the mile. It's also "hot" so you can select a split and it highlights it and gives details just for that split in the bottom box.
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