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Hey all, I've been searching message boards and such for some tips and possibly support in planning my first marathon.
I decided to start running after my roommate finished the Chicago Marathon last fall. My girlfriend is a week away from running Grandma's in Duluth.
I started (using Hal Higdon's Beginner Program) training a few weeks ago. This is the second week of the program.
I'm running the Twin Cities on October 4.
I started by lightly jogging, running and walking a mile or two to get my body in tune with prepping for the three-mile runs the plan calls for.
I went R-3-3-3-R-6-CT (rest, miles, rest, miles cross train) in the first week.
I jogged at a slow pace the first two days and my legs were on fire. By the third day, my breathing was getting better and I wasn't gasping. I think this is because I spent three weeks preparing for the plan.
I've got to do a better job of stretching, because my calves burn (quads not so much after the first week), but I'm worried about the possibility of shin splints.
I'm 5-10, 260 ... and have been as big as 320. I wrestled in high school, but I haven't been physically active in nearly 12 years. I'm in modest shape for a big guy, but this is more of a personal challenge goal, and a way to help me start being active.
One thing I have been doing is documenting with a video blog. They get off tangent sometimes, but I find they keep me wanting to run, because I want to talk about my video. (on youtube at www.youtube.com/oduwildman)
I worry about my achilles. I had tendonitis in my right one about a year or so ago and worry about them getting torn or getting tendonitis again.
I was fitted for a pair of shoes at a running shop and they are comfortable and I can run in them. My feet don't burn, but my legs do.
I have problems with learning what my stride is. I have shorter legs and they're pretty solid. Most of my weight is in the gut ...
Here's what bothers me the most about the stride. I've tried slow jogging (which admittedly, I don't know HOW to run or jog) and that seems to burn, but I don't feel I'm "getting there" ... I know it's a long ways out, but I find myself running/jogging the first 10-12 minutes and then walking. Then I try to pick back up and I can't go for more than three minutes without my legs burning fiercely. My breathing is fine. I can carry on a conversation with a running buddy.
My girlfriend ran with me twice, but she has to slow down her pace. I just have so many questions and the need for advice, since I'm doing this myself. The girl will be gone for six weeks during the summer and I don't want to quit.
I've started running with music, but how do I keep myself from getting too fast to where even the three-mile runs aren't brutal? Does that come with time?
I realize this is long-winded, but I hope to share the experience with people and be able to support the challenge.
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