Comments on: Running with the Pack 68: Running Club Meeting, Runners Like Us, Big or Small Marathon, and Action Wipes http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171 Training for and running marathons and triathlons from a couple of mid-pack runners. We also talk about inspirational stories, nutrition, health, motivation, family, and everything else involved with the endurance sport lifestyle. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:23:08 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: 12monthmarathon http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21689 12monthmarathon Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:22:49 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21689 Thanks for the encouragement! It was fun to hear you read my note on the podcast, too. :) I love the idea of a meetup at the Chicago Marathon--will stay tuned for details. Kim Thanks for the encouragement! It was fun to hear you read my note on the podcast, too. :) I love the idea of a meetup at the Chicago Marathon–will stay tuned for details.

Kim

]]> By: Allan Gyorke http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21669 Allan Gyorke Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:57:27 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21669 I remember hearing about that when they had the Olympics in China. The Japanese have caught the running bug, but not so much in the other countries. Most marathons in America are still pretty young (15 years or newer), so China may catch up pretty quickly. Actually, if you know of other English-speaking Chinese runners, share the podcast with them and let's get their movement cranking! I remember hearing about that when they had the Olympics in China. The Japanese have caught the running bug, but not so much in the other countries. Most marathons in America are still pretty young (15 years or newer), so China may catch up pretty quickly.

Actually, if you know of other English-speaking Chinese runners, share the podcast with them and let's get their movement cranking!

]]> By: Allan Gyorke http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21668 Allan Gyorke Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:41:35 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21668 Yeah, we both had a hard time putting them on the first time. It's getting easier for me. Honestly, I don't know what the individual toe sleeves do. Maybe they'll come out with a mitten version. Wear that running geek title with pride. We do. Yeah, we both had a hard time putting them on the first time. It's getting easier for me. Honestly, I don't know what the individual toe sleeves do. Maybe they'll come out with a mitten version.

Wear that running geek title with pride. We do.

]]> By: LDGirl http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21667 LDGirl Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:17:08 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21667 Hi Allan. Good point! I live in Asia and at risk of getting battered by other listeners (readers?) in the region, I'd say that with the notable exception of Japan (which is where I ran my first), there isn't yet the critical mass of marathoners to support loads of marathons at all levels. There are some small marathons of 700-1000ppl but the logistics/$$$/potential base of runners means that a big marathon out here is 8000-9000 (e.g. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon). So I think my perception is being skewed by those 'super-sized' events in US/Europe - when I compare races out here with those, they all seem 'small-to-medium sized'! :-D Hi Allan. Good point! I live in Asia and at risk of getting battered by other listeners (readers?) in the region, I'd say that with the notable exception of Japan (which is where I ran my first), there isn't yet the critical mass of marathoners to support loads of marathons at all levels. There are some small marathons of 700-1000ppl but the logistics/$$$/potential base of runners means that a big marathon out here is 8000-9000 (e.g. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon). So I think my perception is being skewed by those 'super-sized' events in US/Europe – when I compare races out here with those, they all seem 'small-to-medium sized'! :-D

]]> By: RunningSailor http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21664 RunningSailor Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:20:03 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21664 Vibrams came in the mail today (little hard to find them here in Jax North Carolina)! Is it just me or does anyone else feel like a clumsy three year old trying to put these things on?! I finally got them on (guess I might be smarter than your average three year old) but is it always that difficult or do you just get better at it as you go along? I got the KSO's and I will let you know if I am able to use my Polar foot pod with them (yeah I'm a running geek). Scott Vibrams came in the mail today (little hard to find them here in Jax North Carolina)! Is it just me or does anyone else feel like a clumsy three year old trying to put these things on?! I finally got them on (guess I might be smarter than your average three year old) but is it always that difficult or do you just get better at it as you go along? I got the KSO's and I will let you know if I am able to use my Polar foot pod with them (yeah I'm a running geek).

Scott

]]> By: Allan Gyorke http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21644 Allan Gyorke Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:09:14 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21644 Good choice. Actually, I'd probably stop using them at the end of March, just to make sure that you don't have a last-minute injury and then try going longer with them afterward. Good luck in Boston - that's awesome! I'd really like to do it some day. April, 2015 is probably my best shot. Good choice. Actually, I'd probably stop using them at the end of March, just to make sure that you don't have a last-minute injury and then try going longer with them afterward. Good luck in Boston – that's awesome! I'd really like to do it some day. April, 2015 is probably my best shot.

]]> By: Rebecca1974 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21634 Rebecca1974 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:01:48 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21634 Hi Allan & Stevie - Its been about 2 weeks since I bought a pair of Vibrams, and I wanted to tell you that its going very well. I enjoy the freedom and the general fun of running in them! I should say, however, that my mileage is limited. I keep my Vibram runs under 2 miles. Not because I don't enjoy the runs, but because I am training for Boston and am wary (or terrified!) of making any big changes to my running routine. After the race, I am going to try some longer runs. I feel like the Vibrams will help strengthen my ankles, an area I have had problems/injuries with in the past. The podcast is great! Keep up the good work! Cheers, Rebecca Hi Allan & Stevie –

Its been about 2 weeks since I bought a pair of Vibrams, and I wanted to tell you that its going very well. I enjoy the freedom and the general fun of running in them! I should say, however, that my mileage is limited. I keep my Vibram runs under 2 miles. Not because I don't enjoy the runs, but because I am training for Boston and am wary (or terrified!) of making any big changes to my running routine. After the race, I am going to try some longer runs. I feel like the Vibrams will help strengthen my ankles, an area I have had problems/injuries with in the past.

The podcast is great! Keep up the good work!

Cheers,
Rebecca

]]> By: Allan Gyorke http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21577 Allan Gyorke Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:53:58 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21577 Hey 12-Month. Welcome aboard. It's actually funny how your perception of distance changes as your long runs increase. You should see the looks that I get from some people when they find out that I walk to work or run home sometimes. It's only about 3 miles, but to people who only walk from from their house to their car and from their car to an office building and then back again, 3 miles seems like a marathon. Also, if it helps, adding each mile is easier than adding the one before it - meaning that it is easier to go from 6 to 8 mile runs than it was to go from 4 to 6 mile runs. By the time you get to 18 miles, pushing to 20 is really just a matter of making sure that you have enough food and drink in your belly to keep your energy up. Hey 12-Month. Welcome aboard. It's actually funny how your perception of distance changes as your long runs increase. You should see the looks that I get from some people when they find out that I walk to work or run home sometimes. It's only about 3 miles, but to people who only walk from from their house to their car and from their car to an office building and then back again, 3 miles seems like a marathon.

Also, if it helps, adding each mile is easier than adding the one before it – meaning that it is easier to go from 6 to 8 mile runs than it was to go from 4 to 6 mile runs. By the time you get to 18 miles, pushing to 20 is really just a matter of making sure that you have enough food and drink in your belly to keep your energy up.

]]> By: Allan Gyorke http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21576 Allan Gyorke Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:44:48 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21576 Actually, I'd classify 7000-9000 as a big marathon. Even Jorie's smaller range of 3000 is pretty big. There are some trail marathons in Pennsylvania that have under 300 runners. The God's Country Marathon that Stevie mentioned had 163 finishers last year. Maybe Chicago, New York, and Boston should be classified as "ginormous". Actually, I'd classify 7000-9000 as a big marathon. Even Jorie's smaller range of 3000 is pretty big. There are some trail marathons in Pennsylvania that have under 300 runners. The God's Country Marathon that Stevie mentioned had 163 finishers last year.

Maybe Chicago, New York, and Boston should be classified as "ginormous".

]]> By: Allan Gyorke http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21561 Allan Gyorke Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:03:38 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21561 LOL. Ironman is insane compared to the other semi-standard distances. An Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. Below that, you have a half-Ironman or Long Course, which is 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. The next distance down is the Olympic or International distance, which is a 1500 meter swim, 40K bike, and 10K run. The shortest distances are called Sprint Triathlons. The one I did last year was a half-Olympic distance (750 meter swim, 20K bike, and 5K run), but that distance isn't standard. Many sprints have about the same run and bike lengths, but the swim might only be 400 or 500 meters. There are sites like trifind.com that will help you find a triathlon near you. You'll learn a lot from doing your first triathlon, so I recommend trying a sprint or olympic distance before jumping in the deep end with a half-Ironman or full Ironman! I had some friends make a video of my first triathlon that I did last summer: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPRbjrri3i8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPRbjrri3i8</a> LOL. Ironman is insane compared to the other semi-standard distances. An Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. Below that, you have a half-Ironman or Long Course, which is 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. The next distance down is the Olympic or International distance, which is a 1500 meter swim, 40K bike, and 10K run. The shortest distances are called Sprint Triathlons. The one I did last year was a half-Olympic distance (750 meter swim, 20K bike, and 5K run), but that distance isn't standard. Many sprints have about the same run and bike lengths, but the swim might only be 400 or 500 meters.

There are sites like trifind.com that will help you find a triathlon near you. You'll learn a lot from doing your first triathlon, so I recommend trying a sprint or olympic distance before jumping in the deep end with a half-Ironman or full Ironman!

I had some friends make a video of my first triathlon that I did last summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPRbjrri3i8

]]> By: Allan Gyorke http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21562 Allan Gyorke Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:03:38 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21562 LOL. Ironman is insane compared to the other semi-standard distances. An Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. Below that, you have a half-Ironman or Long Course, which is 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. The next distance down is the Olympic or International distance, which is a 1500 meter swim, 40K bike, and 10K run. The shortest distances are called Sprint Triathlons. The one I did last year was a half-Olympic distance (750 meter swim, 20K bike, and 5K run), but that distance isn't standard. Many sprints have about the same run and bike lengths, but the swim might only be 400 or 500 meters. There are sites like trifind.com that will help you find a triathlon near you. You'll learn a lot from doing your first triathlon, so I recommend trying a sprint or olympic distance before jumping in the deep end with a half-Ironman or full Ironman! I had some friends make a video of my first triathlon that I did last summer: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPRbjrri3i8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPRbjrri3i8</a> LOL. Ironman is insane compared to the other semi-standard distances. An Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. Below that, you have a half-Ironman or Long Course, which is 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. The next distance down is the Olympic or International distance, which is a 1500 meter swim, 40K bike, and 10K run. The shortest distances are called Sprint Triathlons. The one I did last year was a half-Olympic distance (750 meter swim, 20K bike, and 5K run), but that distance isn't standard. Many sprints have about the same run and bike lengths, but the swim might only be 400 or 500 meters.

There are sites like trifind.com that will help you find a triathlon near you. You'll learn a lot from doing your first triathlon, so I recommend trying a sprint or olympic distance before jumping in the deep end with a half-Ironman or full Ironman!

I had some friends make a video of my first triathlon that I did last summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPRbjrri3i8

]]> By: LDGirl http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21557 LDGirl Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:31:52 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21557 On the issue of big/small 1st marathon, I ran a 'small-medium' (7000-9000 runners) for my first & found it offered the best of both worlds. Small enough: no need to wait 1hr+ to cross the start line after the gun; queues for all-important facilities relatively short; you felt people were out supporting YOU, especially with impromptu water/fuel stalls and ability to 'high-5' all the kids along the way-a more personal experience; get your chip removed/bag back fast at the end. Big enough: Excellent organisation; decent spectator support along most of the route; attract a decent group of international elites so you could see how the big boys and girls play (although that may more related to $ than size). So my 2cts is take the 'middle road'! Good luck to Jorie (sp?) with first marathon planning and execution - have a blast! All the best Llamadoughgirl On the issue of big/small 1st marathon, I ran a 'small-medium' (7000-9000 runners) for my first & found it offered the best of both worlds.
Small enough: no need to wait 1hr+ to cross the start line after the gun; queues for all-important facilities relatively short; you felt people were out supporting YOU, especially with impromptu water/fuel stalls and ability to 'high-5' all the kids along the way-a more personal experience; get your chip removed/bag back fast at the end.
Big enough: Excellent organisation; decent spectator support along most of the route; attract a decent group of international elites so you could see how the big boys and girls play (although that may more related to $ than size).
So my 2cts is take the 'middle road'!
Good luck to Jorie (sp?) with first marathon planning and execution – have a blast!
All the best
Llamadoughgirl

]]> By: RunningSailor http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21555 RunningSailor Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:38:36 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21555 Once again I really enjoyed the podcast! It's great to drive home listening to you guys. You mentioned a little about the Triathlon and I have been interested for awhile about doing one. Now I have not totally lost my mind and think I can do the Iron Man but I have heard of some smaller races I think they call them Tin Man. Just wanted to get your thoughts on smaller Triathlons and any suggestions as to training programs. Thanks and have a great week! Scott Once again I really enjoyed the podcast! It's great to drive home listening to you guys. You mentioned a little about the Triathlon and I have been interested for awhile about doing one. Now I have not totally lost my mind and think I can do the Iron Man but I have heard of some smaller races I think they call them Tin Man. Just wanted to get your thoughts on smaller Triathlons and any suggestions as to training programs. Thanks and have a great week!

Scott

]]> By: JCM_LR http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21551 JCM_LR Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:05:30 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21551 Ooops, sorry. The Couch to 5K plan was developed at CoolRunnings, not Runner's World. Ooops, sorry. The Couch to 5K plan was developed at CoolRunnings, not Runner's World.

]]> By: 12monthmarathon http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21540 12monthmarathon Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:42:23 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21540 Just wanted to say hi--I'm a new runner, and will be training for a half marathon and the Chicago marathon this year. I listen to your podcast on my runs, and it's so helpful as I learn the terminology, etiquette, training tips, etc. (Now I know what "fartlek" means.) And at this point, hearing casual references to easy 10-mile runs gives me hope that I'll be able to say the same thing one day. :) Kind of like running name-dropping inserted casually into conversation--"Yeah, on my 18 mile run yesterday..." Seems impossible now, but then, so did running for 20 minutes not that long ago. Thanks for the great podcast! Just wanted to say hi–I'm a new runner, and will be training for a half marathon and the Chicago marathon this year. I listen to your podcast on my runs, and it's so helpful as I learn the terminology, etiquette, training tips, etc. (Now I know what "fartlek" means.) And at this point, hearing casual references to easy 10-mile runs gives me hope that I'll be able to say the same thing one day. :) Kind of like running name-dropping inserted casually into conversation–"Yeah, on my 18 mile run yesterday…" Seems impossible now, but then, so did running for 20 minutes not that long ago. Thanks for the great podcast!

]]> By: stevier http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21524 stevier Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:43:16 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21524 Jay, Excellent point. I have recommended that plan to several folks I know here, too, and think it's a good one. Thanks for posting it here for everyone! Stevie Jay,

Excellent point. I have recommended that plan to several folks I know here, too, and think it's a good one. Thanks for posting it here for everyone!

Stevie

]]> By: JCM_LR http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21522 JCM_LR Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:01:56 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21522 Allan and Stevie, Great podcast again, and thought I would mention one other plan for the beginner runner. It is the Couch-2-5K plan from Runner's World. I think that it has taken on a life of it's own, but I highly recommend it for those starting from scratch: <a href="http://www.c25k.com/" target="_blank">http://www.c25k.com/</a> Thanks again, Jay Allan and Stevie,

Great podcast again, and thought I would mention one other plan for the beginner runner. It is the Couch-2-5K plan from Runner's World. I think that it has taken on a life of it's own, but I highly recommend it for those starting from scratch: http://www.c25k.com/

Thanks again,

Jay

]]> By: JCM_LR http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171&cpage=1#comment-21523 JCM_LR Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:01:56 +0000 http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/?p=171#comment-21523 Allan and Stevie, Great podcast again, and thought I would mention one other plan for the beginner runner. It is the Couch-2-5K plan from Runner's World. I think that it has taken on a life of it's own, but I highly recommend it for those starting from scratch: <a href="http://www.c25k.com/" target="_blank">http://www.c25k.com/</a> Thanks again, Jay Allan and Stevie,

Great podcast again, and thought I would mention one other plan for the beginner runner. It is the Couch-2-5K plan from Runner's World. I think that it has taken on a life of it's own, but I highly recommend it for those starting from scratch: http://www.c25k.com/

Thanks again,

Jay

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