Anyone with marathon plans this year?

[kenny c]

I did my first one last year and I will do another this year. I was happy to finish my first one and I will be prepared to break 4 hours with my 2nd try. I put in just over 1000 miles in 2010 and I'm aiming for 1250 this year. I acutally plan on trying to diet a little too.. (I'm fat - 6'2" and 233lb today)..

What are your goals?

[ShawnQ]

I did my first one last year and I will do another this year. I was happy to finish my first one and I will be prepared to break 4 hours with my 2nd try. I put in just over 1000 miles in 2010 and I'm aiming for 1250 this year. I acutally plan on trying to diet a little too.. (I'm fat - 6'2" and 233lb today)..

What are your goals?

I'm considering a 1/2 marathon in April, and maybe a full later on depending on whether or not I get issued orders to 'A' school.

I've never run more than a 5K and a 4-miler. In a marathon, is it expected to have blistered feet, toe-nails falling off, etc? Or is that the minority?

Just trying to figure out what to expect...

Good luck this year!

[kenny c]

In a marathon, is it expected to have blistered feet, toe-nails falling off, etc? Or is that the minority?

Just trying to figure out what to expect...

I did not have either during training or the marathon. I did have bloody nipples a few times during training. During the marathon, my wife met me at mile 13 and at mile 21. I switched shirts at mile 21. She had all of my supplies - extra shirt, shoes, shorts, socks, hat, vaseline, advil, gatorade, water, etc. I didn't need anything except the shirt.

Blisters and toe nails falling off seem to be a product of bad socks, bad shoes, bad form, or a combination of any of those.

[OldGuysRule]

I'll do a couple mid-season and in the fall. Typically training runs for other things.

As far as black toenails and blisters they are typically products of bad fitting shoes or soaked up socks. You don't typically worry about them unless you are running rather far or your sweat rate is high (like mine!)

I'll black a toe nail or two a year from trail running. Blisters not so much as when I know I'm running far and think I'm going to soak my socks I'll take an extra pair or two with me on the run or in my drop bag on long races.

[ShawnQ]

Is there a good website either of you recommend for shoe fitting and running form?

[AnthonyS]

I'm not going to do more than 10K this year for any race. I'll be up to halves next year. I may never get to fulls.

[kenny c]

Is there a good website either of you recommend for shoe fitting and running form?

I recommend working on your form as you see fit, using some of the methods commonly preached to improve your mechanics. Prose running is one place you could look, but keep in mind they are business and in it to make money. Runners world forums have lots of great information.

My form - I try to keep my arms in close, fists loose like I'm carrying an egg, head up, eyes up, don't over-stride, strike on my mid-foot and push off with my forefoot. Downhills I pick up my cadence but don't stride any further, and uphills I shorten my stride a tad and try to increase my cadence a little and make sure I pump my arms a little more.

I'm 6'2" and 233, so if I can run efficiently then most people should be able to do it.

[tex]

I recommend working on your form as you see fit, using some of the methods commonly preached to improve your mechanics. Prose running is one place you could look, but keep in mind they are business and in it to make money. Runners world forums have lots of great information.

My form - I try to keep my arms in close, fists loose like I'm carrying an egg, head up, eyes up, don't over-stride, strike on my mid-foot and push off with my forefoot. Downhills I pick up my cadence but don't stride any further, and uphills I shorten my stride a tad and try to increase my cadence a little and make sure I pump my arms a little more.

I'm 6'2" and 233, so if I can run efficiently then most people should be able to do it.

Didn't you bitch at me for saying efficient running technique is something anyone can achieve on the old board?

If so, glad you came to your senses, if not, good show!

[kenny c]

Didn't you bitch at me for saying efficient running technique is something anyone can achieve on the old board?

If so, glad you came to your senses, if not, good show!

I believe I disagreed with the way you promoted minimalist running combined with prose, and your wording made it seem all runners had to get on board with that style or they would risk injury. Your post made it seem you were "anti-shoe" and anyone could run with good form in little to no shoe. Either way, it was just a difference of opinion... no biggie. If it works for you (and many others) then that's great. My point was that prose instructors are there to make money.

I do agree with you about efficient running, and if I remember correctly you've been running longer, you run further and faster than me... so who am I to judge? If it works, it works. You did turn me onto that book by Chris McDougal - that is a good book.

[OldGuysRule]

Good article on form:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267-268-8210-0,00.html

As far as Pose or Chi it is for some people for sure and one thing I recommend from both techniques is leg revolutions. Get to 180 strides per minute. If this means shortening your stride shorten it. Get a watch and time how many times your right foot hits in a minute and x 2. This alone will improve most form issues and injury issues. At 180 revolutions your feet are in contact with the ground a very short time.

Lean forward and let gravity do the work FROM your ankles. The line from your ankles to your head should be a straight line.

I do a least a session every other week on grass and barefoot doing sprints. Barefoot makes you land middle to front of your foot.

[tex]

I believe I disagreed with the way you promoted minimalist running combined with prose, and your wording made it seem all runners had to get on board with that style or they would risk injury. Your post made it seem you were "anti-shoe" and anyone could run with good form in little to no shoe. Either way, it was just a difference of opinion... no biggie. If it works for you (and many others) then that's great. My point was that prose instructors are there to make money.

I do agree with you about efficient running, and if I remember correctly you've been running longer, you run further and faster than me... so who am I to judge? If it works, it works. You did turn me onto that book by Chris McDougal - that is a good book.

I don't run in minimalist shoes.

[AnthonyS]

I am anti-shoe for the most part. Just like Chi and Pose running instructors, they are trying to profit too. Most shoes have a heel that is elevated too much and this leads to all sorts of problems. You want flats. They are also cheaper. All the pains I ever had running are directly related to a raised heel. This has kept from running as much and kept me slower and less healthy.