jszat's Group - FULL (Page 2)

What is the biggest stumbling block in her mind?  I didnt run my first until I was 27 but I used to play tons of bball like yourself along with soccer.  If you plan on keeping a heavy schedule of sports and doing the marathon, you could be pushing it a bit.  You most certainly will not be able to hammer it the week after either as there is some recovery involved.  Maybe take a look at how your schedule fits in with that.  Are you playing basketball during for school now?  She may have some legitimate concerns with your schedule and age.  I had terrible knees at your age and if you are going through any kind of growth spurt the longer distances could hurt a bit.  Just some things to consider.  Not yay or naying it though.  Maybe a half would be a good compromise to start out though too.

I have the convenience of four kids to force my training to the AM or it usually doesnt get done (except in run ups to longer rides and runs on the weekends), but it helps me to pack everything for the gym the night before so I am not fumbling around wasting workout time.  I have changed my priorities to cutting out most tv in the evening and trying to get to bed at a decent time (still need work on that).  I live on the very edge of civilization between the burbs and rural roads, so generally can get some decent biking in the spring and summer in the early AM.  Just get some blinkers and a good head lamp and you are good to go (oh yeah, vest helps folks see ya too).

RE the swim, I am still reluctant to get in the pool most of the time but will focus on it once my shoulder heals.  I found the best results came about signing up for a race with a swim much longer than I could fudge through.  With about a month before my first half iron I decided it would be a good idea to focus my training on the swim as that whole drowning thing could really ruin my day.  I know how hard the swim can be cuz I really have only been doing this sport for about a year and a half and it took me about a 15 months to get my freestyle somewhat functional.  Read, research, watcher others swim and see what they do.  Just a few thoughts for ya.  Motivationally, you have to decide if it is worth it.

It seems most of the ones not on the weight training bandwagon are the fast ones.  Look at the average marathon winner or top tri guys.  Very little excess bulk.  I dont really want to be wispy thin (and dont think I could ever get there with my diet and affinity for a few frosty ones from time to time) so throw in weight training.  I dont know that Madison has a cap on participants, but would check into that.  I never recall it being sold out or anything like that, but I ran it in 2000.

I cant access that forum from work, but took a look at it over the weekend.  Have you done any runs since?  I would say there is no reason not to get a jump start and start running ASAP. 

I would agree on the 2-3 days of no to light running.  For most of my races, I will shut er down a few days for total rest and then maybe a short run at race pace (even like a mile or two) just to get the sticks going.  Dont overdo it though.  Your fitness is as good as its going to get for the race at this point so any longer runs or whatever with the hopes of building more ability will actually just fatigue the legs.  As far as pacing goes, you should run a steady pace that you can comfortably sustain.  If you are pushing too hard or too fast to where you are breathing heavy, you likely have gone beyond your lactic threshhold.  This is basically the point where the body stops working aerobically (efficiently) and works at an oxygen deficit.  When this happens, your body produces lactic acid, which is a bad thing for longer distance events especially early in the game.  So keep the pace easy, remember that you are going a full 13 and avoid blowing up.  Believe me cuz I have done this before- it is better to stay with the comfy pace versus going out to fast and having a sufferfest the remainder of the race.  Walk if you need to and when you need to, but then get back at it.  And keep hydration in focus, definitely.

I generally go with plain cotton socks for training runs, though also use biking socks (footy type).  For shorter events, I work up to sockless too to save time in transitions.  With blister issues, you might want to check more in to technical socks. They have many different types that help prevent blisters.  You might want to try this for starters:

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/mensapparel/menssocks/list/?_requestid=10062

Welcome back!!  Where are you at on the run?  Do you have access to spin classes at all (better than nothing)?  That race is early June, correct?

Well, here is my two cents.  First off, step away from the speed work.  Before you even sniff that stuff, you need to build a stronger base in just general running.  This helps build your aerobic system and builds your body to the stresses of running.  Right now hitting speed work will likely lead to 1) discouragement  2) injury.  My advice is to just get out and run and try and enjoy it.  If you can do 3 or 4 times a week, just get out there at a comfortable pace for about a month or so and you will see results.  Second, I think you can build up to an olympic distance tri by June, however, speed work is putting the cart before the horse.  Focus on frequency and comfortable pace now.  Learn to enjoy running and screw the pace for now.  I have a pretty good base after working up to the Vegas marathon in December, but, and you will find this consistently if you search the forums, the majority of your runs should be at a comfortable pace as it most efficiently trains your aerobic system with the least shock to your system.  Once you get where your base is better and you are feeling stronger running, that is when you throw in the speed stuff.  I am always happy to help and running is something I can actually do in this sport.  Swimming, your on your own   Hell, I will coordinate run days with your schedule if you want so you know someone else is chugging away out there with ya.