Monday, May 19, 2008

Am I running enough?

I had a discouraging run (read about it here http://lindsaysmarathon.blogspot.com) and I have been trying to figure out what I can do to help me in my long runs. I am currently doing Jeff Galloway's "To Finish" marathon training. It has me running 30 min 2 times during the week and then a long run on Sat. Do you think I am doing enough running during the week for it to be pushing my endurance to help my long runs on Sat? I am just trying to figure out why I am having such a hard time on my long runs, and wondering if I am not doing enough running in the weekdays. Thanks for your wonderful advice for my other questions. You ladies are awesome! Thanks

8 comments:

Courtney said...

That seems like enough to me. I ran for an hour twice a week and then a long run on the weekend. I finished just fine. If you feel like you can and want to do more, then go for it. If not, then don't.

Staci Rocha said...

You know, I wish there was a one size fit all package for runners but unfortunately there is not! So, you have to find out what works best for you personally! I used the running world training guide and I did well with that! The most they have you run for long distance to prepare for a half marathon is a 10 mi run and I would definitely train running more 12 mile runs next time! Those last few miles were/are tough for me. Now, I know and I will do differently next time! I also run with a running group and that makes a huge difference for me! I was worried about how slow I am but you have to start somewhere and you gradually improve! I run at least 12 miles during a weeks time! And naturally I have some good days that I feel great and other days that I feel like I have never ran before!

Some tid bits from me :) I hope you enjoy your training! Good Luck!

foxontherun said...

I like to cross train on the days that I'm not running. Swimming or biking are great things to do.

amydear said...

I think you're running enough! Remember that you're pushing yourself each week to increase to a mileage you've never done before (or maybe you have??); it's supposed to be a challenge. And the object of the long run is to build endurance at a slow and steady pace, not to kill yourself. I'm not sure of your running history, but if you're a relatively new runner, don't go at it too hard. You might get injured. I love your positive attitude. Keep at it!

Latter-day Runner said...

Lindsay, I smiled as I read your blog because I can really relate to it. I kept a blog of my marathon training on MySpace as a way to motivate me to train for last year's St. George. The blogging really helped me. It is amazing what we learn when we train for our first marathon...things like running out and back is better than running in circles, realizing that we need a water pack, etc. :) Anyway, I'm not familiar w/the Jeff Galloway program. I used a book called The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer by David A. Whitsett et. al. It focuses on weekly mileage rather than time. The program worked very well, and I recommend it to anyone who is preparing for her first marathon. Thanks for mentioning the Bear Lake 1/2...I hadn't heard of it before, but I love that area and plan to do it sometime now. I've heard that the Top of Utah is a wonderful marathon and is quite comparable to St. George. Many people set their PRs on those two courses. I've also heard that the SLC and the Deseret News aren't so nice--SLC because it is too flat for those who like elevation change and Deseret News because it is too hot. I recommend an autumn marathon for your first one. Best wishes and keep it up. The first several weeks of training are the worst. After I finished my first 6 miler, I thought that there was no way I'd ever do 26.2. But I hung in there and it got much easier.

Ang said...

I'm going to go against the crowd and say that adding an extra 30 min run during the week may really help. I'm sure if you aren't able to do this, you will be just fine as weel. I just know that when I was training for the SLC marathon, my long runs seem to go better on weeks that I got at least three runs in prior to the long run. So if you can manage an extra run, I think it might help.

But what do I know???

Good luck!!!!!!

Mandy said...

Hey, I'm new to this site, but I read your post and I trained with Jeff Galloway's "to finish" last year for St. George. I ran 45 minutes twice a week and then did my long run on Saturdays. I was just fine. I was amazed actually at how much I still had in me at the end. I think his program is great, especially for finishing and not hitting a wall. I think you'll be just fine. Take your walk breaks and enjoy it!

Kelly(M&M) said...

I am with Ang on this one, but it is definitely a personal preference. I seem to have better long runs when I get in 3 days during the week. I loved Hal Higdon's 4 day a week beginner program when I did my first marathon. ( I also loved his 6 day a week advanced program for SLC, so maybe I am a masochist!) But I also agree that the first 6 and 7 milers are the toughest and then you get past it and it will feel easier. I have always agreed with the rule of thumb that the amount of mileage you run during the week should be a t minimum what you run on your long run. For example: Mon-3 miles Wed- 3 miles Saturday- no more than 6 miles.

Okay, enough for me. I hope your next long run goes better. You will have good runs and bad runs. The bad ones make you appreciate the good ones. :-)

Okay, one last thought. Make sure you are not worried about how long your long runs are taking you. It doesn't matter. They are called "Long slow distance" (LSD) for a reason!! Enjoy them!

Keep us posted!