RaceReady News

Question: Hi Mary,

I'm training for my first marathon (6 weeks away) and I'm receiving competing recommendations on how many long runs (18-20 miles) I should complete. I have already finished one 18 and one 20 and according to my New York Road Runners training schedule, I need to compete 2 more, although many veteran marathoners tell me the opposite. Thoughts?
Thanks,
Jean

Answer: Hello Jean:

I would probably just do one additional long run in the range of 20 miles. Personally, I like to do my last long run 3 weeks before the marathon, and then really cut back on your mileage and rest for the race. Doing 3 long runs (of approximate 20 miles) during marathon training has worked for me. Doing too much more than that has sometimes left me feeling flat & worn out for the big marathon race. I would rather be under-trained than over-trained for a marathon. Developing strong mental focus skills has also proven helpful for me.

Wishing you success!
Mary

Posted by mary button at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Name: Marcia

Question: Hi Mary: I'm following a marathon training schedule and I'm overdue for my 21 mile run. Two weeks ago I pulled a calf muscle. Laid off the running for a week, used the eliptical cross trainer instead, found the calf still failed me and rested another week with longer periods of no exercise. I have had two successful short runs on the treadmill this week(6 and 9 miles). TOday I tried my first road run (7 mile). Calf acted up at mile 3. I walked a little and was able to run through it and finished. Following the run the calf is tender and stiff. Now my question ... since I'm getting anxious about completing this next long run should I push it this weekend or hold off. The marathon is 7 weeks away. I've done distances up to 20 miles in the training. I've over trained during the week which I am sure contributed to the injury. I've worked hard though and I would like to feel strong and ready for the race. It is my first and I want it to be a good experience for me. All the literature I read says you should break for 4-8 weeks from running. I don't feel I have that kind of time to spare in training for this marathon. What would you advise?

Answer: Hi Marcia: I would recommend that you try to get another 20 mile (or close to that distance) run in before your marathon, which is less than 7 weeks away. However, if you are experiencing pain when you are running, you would proabably be better off backing off and NOT running. Sometimes when you push yourself while injured, you make things worse and then it takes even longer to get better! It might be a good idea to let yourself heal and recover from the injury and perhaps do a different marathon a few months later. I don't know if this is possible for you, what with your commitments and travel plans, etc., but it is just a thought. If you have pain doing shorter runs, your first marathon will probably not be a good experience for you! You'll have to listen to your body and make the decision.

Posted by mary button at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Name: Susan
Question:
I have developed rapid, acute onset of Achilles Tendonitis (never had it before). These symptoms have shown up all of a sudden. When I get up in the morning, I can hardly walk. Once I get walking, the "crippled looking walk" disappears and I can walk normally. However, if I sit down and work at a desk for as short as half an hour, the same symptoms appear as early in the morning.
I want to get on top of this ASAP. Do I go to a podiatrist right away, or is there some miracle home remedy that I can do?
Thank you very much for your help. I am not a runner, but I walk for an hour every morning at a fairly fast clip. I also started going to a trainer 3x a week about two months ago; the symptoms appeared AFTER I started weight/strength training.

Thank You,
Susan

Answer: Susan, I am not a medical expert but I do think getting an early diagnosis is very important! I've never experienced the type of injury you describe, so I can not be much help, unfortunately. It is hard to know how to treat an injury unless you know what the injury is! I would recommend seeing a Sports Physician as soon as possble for a diagnosis. Also, I would recommend NOT doing any weight training until you get "the OK" from your doctor. I hope you are better soon!
Mary

Posted by mary button at 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Name: Lynn
Question:
I am sixty years old and will be doing a marathon in about a month after several years of not racing. I would like to qualify for Boston (at 4:30, but after not racing for so long I am wondering if I can do it. My former pace was 6-6:15 for a race at any distance and now I am closer to 9:30-9:45. How much is aging and how much is not racing. Does it sound like I can do this? I have been following a training schedule and have done several 20 milers, but they were not very pretty in the heat and humidity.

Answer: Hi Lynn: It is very challenging to try to qualify for Boston! I wish you success. I would try to do one long run at close to your race pace and see how you do. Maybe run a few miles easy and then 13 miles at slightly slower than marathon goal pace. That might indicate how realistic qualifying will be. Another idea would be to enter a Half Marathon Race and see if you can run it at close to your Marathon Goal Pace. That would be a good indicator for you. Otherwise I would recommend doing most of your long runs at an easy pace. Make sure you get plenty of rest and taper before your marathon!

Cheers, Mary

Posted by mary button at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)