Pacing

When you first get into running, it's difficult to imagine running at different paces.  You can really only imagine having one pace: the slow survival one.  However, as you run more often, you will discover that your body actually has different "gears."  It is important to develop several of these "gears":

• warm-up/cool down: slow, easy pace you begin and end runs with
  
• base: the pace you'll do your longer runs in; you feel like you can do this one forever...but you're breathing a little more than on a warm-up
• tempo: pushing yourself a bit more, less talking with this one, but it's not as fast as what you'd race at.
• race: however fast you can run over a 5k, 10k, etc.  You will be done when you finish.
• sprint: faster than "race" because it is done over a shorter distance.

So what do these paces have to do with your training and race day? EVERYTHING.  We will be beginning our serious half-marathon training next week, which means you will have THREE KEY workouts each week designed around the development of these paces.  Tuesday we will be working at sprint and race pace.  Thursday will be more moderate at a tempo pace.  Saturday, which will continue being our long day, will work at your base pace because that run is about logging mileage and working on endurance rather than speed.  As you progress through your training, you will become more aware of your different "gears" and each of them will become faster.  For example, here are (roughly) some paces I went through, moving from "just had a baby" to "training for a marathon," by utilizing different running workouts:

warm-up/cool-down: 12 min pace to 9:30 min pace

base: 11 min to 9 min

tempo: 9:30 min to 8 min

race (5k): 9:00 to 7:00 min

I did NOT see a drop in my pace or an increase in my running capabilities until I started injecting different workouts in my running.  So, if over the next months, you push yourself in the key workouts, you will also find each of your paces getting faster and feeling more in control of your runs.  One word of caution, though, initial drops in mile pace are significant; the faster you get, the less time you'll be taking off. BUT don't feel like you're not still improving: you are.  When our varsity xc kids improved their 5k time by 15 seconds it was like taking over 90 seconds off a freshman time. 

You might be saying to yourself right now, "But I don't care how fast I run the half. I just want to survive it!"  Well, if you did all the mileage requirements from now until race day, you would most likely finish the race, but you would not feel as strong or as in control.  Running at the same pace everyday causes you to plateau early and often because your body adapts to what you ask of it.  If you're changing things up regularly, you body/muscles have to work harder and become stronger and smarter...and don't you want to run those 13.1 miles with a tough, strong bod?

Saturday Run Report+

*Another great turnout on a Saturday morning!  I had such a good time running with everyone today.  I told Alex how well everyone is doing and that I can't imagine anyone NOT running the half in January.  For those that missed the core workout or want a reminder, we did the following set 2x and :30 planks:

• 8 pushups then rollover and
• 8"boat" sit-ups
• 8 pushups
• 16 bicycles
• 8 pushups
• 8 regular crunches

And don't forget to do something like this EVERYDAY. 

*"This is hard...how am I ever going to do nine miles?"  I heard some variant of that question several times today, and as I was showering I came up with a metaphor to help keep your training a little more in perspective (yeah, I coached high school xc, but I was an English teacher first!).  You have just finished the 3rd of 4 weeks of "base training," which is like digging out the foundation to build a house.  It's not too exciting, but it has to be there or you have nothing to build on.  So, worrying about "nine miles" now is like looking at the foundation and saying, "Well, how am I going to make dinner in there?" or "Where am I supposed to shower?"  A little silly, right?  If you were ready to bust out 9 or 13 miles now, you wouldn't need the next few months of training!  Keep up with the daily workouts, and I PROMISE you will be ready for each mileage increase...that doesn't mean, of course, you won't feel challenged, just that your body will be ready. 

Saturday Run - October 10th

I am so excited to participate in my first training run with all of you! I can't think of a better way to start my Saturday...especially as I plan on stuffing myself at the Faulkner Farms pumpkin patch bbq later.

I've heard that a couple people are feeling a bit sore, so we're going to keep it pretty flat and soft by staying on the bark trail. This week we'll meet at 7:30 at the Redondo Beach start of the bark trail, which is on Herondo (drive south on PCH; turn right at Herondo (aka Anita/190th--it's where the big Redondo Beach Harbor sign is); park before the stop sign, as it's parking meters after that point.  There is plenty of free street parking, and the trail is right at that first stop sign.  We'll then run 2 miles out and 2 miles back, just use the 1/4 mile trail markers.  If you can't stand the suspense of not knowing where the turn around is, it's about 5th street in Manhattan Beach.

Need something else to look forward to? I'm planning on putting you all through a solid core workout after we stretch out.  At the end of all this training, our ward will have the most six packs of any Relief Society!

Running Form

Ok, I said this week's focus would be "pacing," but I changed my mind.  We'll focus on pacing as we end our base training and begin our official training (that's in less than 2 weeks!).  This week, I'd like people thinking about and working on their running form.  To begin, I should say that there isn't ONE form to use.  In fact, one of the "ugliest" runners I've seen ran on the top varsity team in state.  Everyone naturally runs a certain way (hence the existence of both neutral and stability shoes)...you can only adjust to run more efficiently.  EFFICIENCY.  That is why form is so  important.  Good form leaves you with more energy for the actual running.

Arms/Shoulders

• Your arms should be bent at the elbows and swing at about waist level.  If your hands can touch your sportsbra, you are too high.  When you get tired, it's easy to let your shoulders creep up.  Shake your arms out and get them back into position. 
• Your arms should NOT cross your body.  Think of an invisible line down your torso and don't cross it.  Your body follows your arms, so when you cross your body, your hips tend to follow, which means your body has to readjust each time to keep you running straight.  Don't waste that energy.  The stronger your core becomes (are you keeping up with sit-ups??) the less of an effort it is to keep your torso still and strong.
  
• When you're running at a slow or moderate pace, you do not need to swing your arms very much.  If you don't think about too hard, they will naturally swing about right.  No reason to expend energy on your arms when you don't need to.  But sometimes you do... When you are sprinting (like to the finish line!), you will pump your arms strongly, like you're hammering something behind you.  When you are working uphill, you will also want to use your arms more...do so, just keep those shoulders down. 
• Your hands should be relaxed.  Clenched fists mean you are tightening all those muscles up your arm.  Again, a waste of energy and why I don't like running with anything in my hands.

Legs/Feet

• The stronger you become, the better your form in this area will become because your leg muscles will keep everything in place and working appropriately.
• You can tell a lot about your form in this area by listening to yourself run.  You shouldn't really hear your feet hit the pavement.  If you do, you are running "too heavy," which you can often fix by focusing on your feet coming OFF the pavement rather than landing ON it. 
• Long distance running requires less driving of the knees.  Save that for intervals and your finish line sprint. That said, if you hear your feet shuffling, you've got to drive those knees a little more to raise your feet higher.  Shuffling often happens when you're tired, but it will only make you more so. It's like putting on the brakes with every step.
• Long distance (vs. sprinting) also requires smaller strides.  So, you will take more steps over 200m than a sprinter only running that distance would.  Don't worry about eating up pavement with each stride....waste of energy.  When you are running uphill, you will shorten your stride more (think of the difference going upstairs one vs. two at a time).  Conversely, downhill it is more efficient to lengthen your stride.  Changing strides during a run is also a good way to get a second wind, as different strides engage muscles in different ways. 

Head

• One way to tell if a runner is tired is if their head is bobbing all over the place.  Keep your head still but relaxed, focusing on the road a half a block or so in front of you.  Your body often follows your head, so if it's bowing, your chest isn't as open and your shoulders aren't as strong.  To the side or back, you are also propelling the rest of your body in a direction you don't want to go, which (are you tired of this yet?) means you have to spend energy readjusting to get on the right course.  What a waste!

I will be at the run this Saturday, so if anyone has any questions about their form, I'd be happy to watch you run around. :)

Saturday Run Report

Okay ladies, near and far, wherever you ran today, please post a comment about it!

We met up at Valley Park this morning and ran along the beautiful strand. It was awesome. We took a little detour to avoid running into the racers (for the Hometown Fair). Speaking of which, I think some of our group ran a 10K this morning at the Hometown Fair? Please tell us about it! We are proud of you.

Also, may I suggest checking the blog before you go to bed on Friday evening? That way you will see any updates on where we are going to meet. Those updates may be in the comments of the top blog post. When we meet up, we will wait for 5 min (until 7:35) and then we are off and running!

One more thing: I think we need a name for our group! So if you have any ideas, please post them. :)

Saturday Run

Three miles this week!  Meet at Valley Park again (Valley and Gould), but run down Gould to the Strand.  Take a right and run until 21st Street in Manhattan Beach (it's past the Pier) and turn around.  Be sure to enjoy some good stretching time in the park with everyone.  

Remember that these "long run" days are about building endurance, not speed.  Run at a pace that is comfortable and allows you to talk to someone fairly easily.  Next week I will write a post talking more about pacing.  Oh, and please resist the urge to walk up Gould...finish the run right! :)

Have fun...and I look forward to joining you next week!

*Sorry about doing 2 posts in one day...make sure you read the post below.

Running Equipment

The cool thing about running is that it doesn't require much in the way of equipment: shorts, top, socks, shoes.  Pretty simple, but there are a few things to be aware of as you shop.

TOPS: I like to run in a tank top or a looser-fitting shirt (cotton or dri-fit).  I feel too constricted in tighter cotton shirts.  I have the whole range, from Hanes boy t-shirts to nicer Nike tanks.  I like them all.  I wouldn't invest in a running jacket...not around here.  You'll want to ditch it a mile into your run.  Quick tip: I've found that Marshall's often has reasonably priced athletic clothing.  

BOTTOMS: I really prefer running in shorts.  Go longer or shorter, depending on comfort (i.e. thighs rubbing uncomfortably together? Go longer).  However, if you want to go with pants, stay away from anything loose and cotton (too hot, doesn't move/breathe how you want it to).  Nike makes some pretty cool leggings (saw them at Kohl's last night on sale for about $30). 

SOCKS: I like a blend b/c it breathes better. I also prefer a thinner sock, but everyone's different on this one.

SHOES: The biggest investment you should make is in your shoes.  A good shoe will help you run better and prevent injury.  If you are running in a shoe you've had for years, STOP!  Go buy a new pair ASAP!  I was horrified when I discovered Alex was running in a 3-year old pair of sneakers from Payless.  Shoes are NOT the time to save money by staying away from name brands.  The name brands cost more because of the technology....and they are worth it.  I bought a $135 pair for my marathon (most I'd ever spent), and they made a HUGE difference.  After 26.2 miles, I was definitely tired, but I had no sense that my body was pounding the pavement.  Here are some basic points to know when going running shoe shopping:

• Go to a speciality running store like Village Runner or Roadrunner Sports.  The salespeople know their stuff and can help you choose the best shoe for your needs.  Once you know your shoe, feel free to find a good deal on it at Sports Authority, etc.
• Running vs. Cross-trainers:  DO NOT buy cross-trainers.  You need RUNNING shoes.  There is a definite difference between the two.
• Foot strike: Do you have a neutral strike or do you pronate?  Don't know? Ask the salesperson.  You will buy a neutral or stability shoe based on this information.
• Mileage: You do not need to buy a high-end marathon training shoe.  You also shouldn't waste your money on a shoe made for someone running a few miles 3x a week.  Tell the salesperson you are a beginning runner training for a half-marathon in January. Your mileage will peak in the 35-40 miles/week range.  You should get a new shoe every 300-500 miles.  Failure to do so results in hurt knees, etc.
• How many?  Shoes need 24 hrs to recover, so it might be a good idea to buy a second pair to rotate.  To maximize cost, you may want to buy a lower and higher mileage shoe.  
• Brands. I love Aasics and Saucony.  I feel ok about Nike. My sister-in-law swears by Mizunos.  Try on a variety to see what best fits you.
• Size. You will wear one size (or more) larger in running shoes than in your regular shoes.
• Trial run....literally.  Run around the store in the shoes. Village Runner is even cool with you running through the parking lot.  They should feel comfortable IMMEDIATELY.