Old and slow

If you're a marathoner, especially if you're either "of a certain age" or a slower runner/walker, you'll probably relate to my posts. I've completed all the states, my total is over 80, and I've even collected a few age group awards along the way. But I'm always in the last 10% of finishers, thus my view is always from the back of the pack.

Monday, November 22, 2010

How to start training for long distance runs

If you're a 5K or 10K runner, you might be afraid of a half marathon, or a even more a full marathon. I remember when I couldn't imagine running longer than six miles. I thought a 10K stretched my limits. But hearing other runners talk about longer distances finally got me motivated to try it.

I learned that I could extend my distance just a little each week, IF I slowed my pace just a little. I was careful to keep my mid-week runs the same distance, only increasing one run a week. Seven wasn't bad, either was eight. Nine make me aware of a little more fatigue than usual, as did ten. I repeated several ten's before I moved on to eleven and twelve. Then the big thirteen! The key is to take your time--go slow and easy. After the distance is established, you can then work on speed at that distance.

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