Running article

[degrandis]

I just finished the NYC marathon and it was a great experience.My only problem was I think I could of ran faster.I was following some techno running plan for the above 40 crowd and it did not develop my speed.Over the years the simpler the running program the better I ran.In todays modern fitness world we put to much emphasis on science instead of what works best for us.I was very impressed by Johns running program that includes weekly intervals.John can that interval program help someone who trains for the mile thru the marathon?I remember the late running doc George sheehan who ran his fastest marathon at age 60 despite running only 3x a week.God Bless Degrandis

[monty]

Degrandis

Been a runner for 30+ years, now, just run a few days a week. I also coach high school cross-country for 20 years now. I ran in jr high, high school ,college and post college. We used intervals at all those levels/
Intervals have thier place but you better have a good base of easy miles before doing them.
I have used tempo runs with myself and my athletes and have seen quite a few gains by doing this. A tempo runs goes for about 20-25 minutes. at 20 seconds slower than your 10k pace. These are hard efforts. My high school runners do cutdowns too after some of their distance runs. Example 3x200 cutdown is you run the first one in like 35 seconds the next one in 33 seconds the last one in 31 seconds. This really helps their turnover
If marathons are your game I suggest once a week long runs, one track(interval workout) and the rest easy miles. Also strength training is important, perferably whats on this website. I ran 2:22 years ago using a schedule simalar to what I gave you.
Studies have found that heavy interval training( multiple days a week) actually diminish your stamina, at least among distance runners.

Monty

[John Peterson]

Hey degrandis,

Congratulations my friend. 26 miles 385 yards is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of by any standard. And what our friend Monty has just recommended is first rate advice. Of course, coming from a 2:22: marathoner like Monty, it's not at all surprising.

But let me share something with you. My best and most enjoyable running was back in the days that I wasn't all that concerned about my time. In fact, it was not really all that tough for me to run my marathons in 3hrs and 15 minutes or so, because I just enjoyed running long distances and did much of it on trails. In fact, I'll tell you something else that my friend Coach Monty might think of as heresy and thats that I never ran with a watch until I get serious about running a marathon in 2:36:00 or better (thereby averaging 6 minutes per mile). Why? Because I was in my twenties and foolishly believed that I was immune to time. But when i did get serious, I really messed myself up(wish I would have had coach Monty back then) I actually got down to 152 pounds and felt like crawling out of my skin. I was running so many miles a week it was ridiculous and what did I get for all that hard work? Would you believe 2:43:37? Man oh man that ended my love affair with the marathon. So my advice is to enjoy yourself degrandis and don't pressure yourself and take the joy out of it. That's just my viewpoint. Once again, congratulations my friend.

---John Peterson

[monty]

Degrandis,

Again John offers great advice. I deal with some very goal oriented kids and have to tell them to train don't strain, and to enjoy running and feeling the wind in your face. I love to run have for almost 40 years, but now more than ever I enjoy it just to get outside and feel the wind and sun etc.

Degrandis, I raced 13 marathons running 80-100 mpw week, I loved setting a goal and training for it, plus I was somewhat succesful at it. But as are good friend John says enjoy the journey. No matter at what level you are at.
Monty

P.S. I really believe I am healthier now than when I was running 10-20 miles a day, due to Transformetrics. I now have full body fitness. Now I set a goal with bodyweight stuff. Trying to increase my numbers.

[degrandis]

John you and this forums wisdom continually surprises me.Thanks Degrandis.Monty would it be OK if I pm you?

[monty]

Dregarndis PM me anytime!!
Monty