RaceReady News

Question: I have been training for a half marathon and last Saturday, did 13 miles on pavement, including hills, up and down. It is now Friday, and my knees still ache and I'm due to run 8 miles tomorrow Is 53 just too old to start running? Diana F.

Answer: 53 is not too old to start running!!! Many runners don't start until later in life. My philosophy is that it is never to old to start! You just might have to start slower & run lower mileage than the youngsters. I firmly believe that running on a soft surface will help reduce the likelihood of injury. Try running more on trails if you can. Avoid concrete & pavement. You will have to take more time off from running if your knees ache. However, you can maintain a good level of fitness by swimming or walking or some other cross-training until your knees feel normal.

I'm attaching a bio on Helen Klein. She is really inspirational and didn't start running until she was 55 years old!

http://www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/MountainUltraTrail/Klein_Helen.asp

Posted by mary button at 3:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Question: Mary,

I would like your thoughts on running another marathon within 5 weeks of completing my last. I have just completed the Columbus Ohio on October 16th (3:32) and previously the Country Music Marathon on April 30th (3:42). These were my first 2 ever. I will be in the Philadelphia area for Thanksgiving and would like to consider another on November 20th. Your thoughts on long-runs and/or training to prepare would be appreciated. If you think this is not recommended, then that advice is also appreciated.

THANK YOU!!! Jeff from Atlanta

ANSWER: Your marathon times are quite fast, especially for your first 2 marathons. Congratulations! Running another marathon within 5 weeks does not allow for much recovery time. In the past I have done L.A. Marathon followed by the Boston Marathon 7 weeks later. I did this when I was younger (in my 30s) and didn't have any problems. In the good old days I would also stand at the RaceReady Expo Booth and work on my feet 2 days straight before running marathons. Now that I am 46 years old I know that I can't do that sort of thing anymore.

I don't know how old you are, but my point is that if you are "younger" it will be easier for you to do the marathon in 5 weeks. Assuming that you feel OK now, I would suggest doing one other long run before the marathon - I would aim for close to 20 miles, either this weekend or next weekend so you will have 2 or 3 weeks to then taper before Philadelphia. Since your Columbus Marathon was quite fast, I would also advise that you just run Philadelphia "for fun" and not be concerned about your time. You can then train for another fast marathon when you have more than a 5 week training period! Have Fun!

Posted by mary button at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Question: I am 19 days away from the NYC marathon. I did a 1/2 marathon to get in a 13 mile run followed by an 18 mile race the next weekend. Sunday I ran 20 and after 15 miles I had a pain in my hip where the leg attaches near the groin area. I have taken 2 days off, when should I resume running? I will not see a doc. because I am going to run the marathon and I do not want to be told I shouldn't. How should I proceed with training during my next 2 and 1/2 week taper period? I still need to do 15 miles next Sunday. Should I do it?
Laura

Answer: You are probably not going to like my answer....but I suggest that you see a doctor if your injury does not get better.

It sounds to me like an overuse injury. Running long distances at a fast pace on pavement can sometimes cause injury. Often times a few days of rest will do the trick. I would go out in the next day or so and "test" the leg by running an easy 4 or 5 miles, preferably on a soft surface. If there is pain present, I honestly think that you should seek medical advice. That being said, I would advise going to a Sports Doctor that specializes in running injuries. Most good Sports Doctors DO want you to be able to run if at all possible, and will hopefully help you so you can participate in the upcoming marathon.

Wishing you well on the road to recovery,
Mary

Posted by mary button at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)