Comments on: Can You Become a Runner, or Are You Genetically Doomed?

By: fit36.com

fit36.com — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:33:03 +0000

I’ve always felt as if I’m in the genetically doomed camp, but I’m trying again — this time with C25K. Enjoying it so far, but I’m not at all deep into the program yet.

By: » Learning to Run: Insights from an Expert @ fit36.com «

» Learning to Run: Insights from an Expert @ fit36.com « — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:46:16 +0000

[...] Can You Become a Runner, or Are You Genetically Doomed? [...]

By: Cool Video From Outside Magazine About Chris Lieto @ Run to Win

Cool Video From Outside Magazine About Chris Lieto @ Run to Win — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:51:29 +0000

[...] It’s a very neat concept about how magazines in the near future will move just like online video and will appear to be a lot more interactive. Chris Lieto is a triathlete who is an absolute powerhouse on the bicycle; nobody can touch him. Unfortunately, his running leaves a lot to be desired, as evidenced by losing a 5 minute lead going into the run only to lose the Boise Half-Ironman by 2 seconds. (Maybe he should read this article!) [...]

By: John Tomac

John Tomac — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:00:07 +0000

I think the more running you do, the faster you are going to get. However, the improvements aren’t going to be linear, at least in my experience they weren’t.

Usually improvement is marked by a breakthrough where you are running faster than you have before. That is followed by a period where you start hitting that time with consistency, then another breakthrough.

So, if you were to chart your improvement, it would look like a stair case with steps of various size and length.

The other thing to keep in mind is that like any other athlete a runner can go through a slump where everything can go right in practice and go equally as wrong on race day. Similarly you can go through stretches where nothing is going right. I think the key there is to keep grinding it out day in and day out, assuming you believe in the training plan that you are following.

By: Wes

Wes — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:59:59 +0000

I share Heather’s pain Running is my weakest link. I think nutrition and hydration definitely play a big part in it, and strength training during the off season has really helped me so far this year. Also, I would say test your limits, no matter how much it hurts. That’s the only way you will ever set a new, higher limit…

By: Chick J

Chick J — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:31:54 +0000

I was always told not to eat before a race, workout, or game. It has been hard to change this habit. I am learning to get well hydrated and eat something small. (And no, I haven;t throw up yet. : -- })

By: Perry

Perry — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:46:25 +0000

Yes, I really like Blaine’s list of possible attacks on the problem.

By: Douglas Welch

Douglas Welch — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:43:27 +0000

Excellent post Blaine! I was guilty of the same things prior to getting injured and requiring knee surgery. I used to just go out and run as fast and far as I could every workout, and I never ate anything before running (I didn’t want to puke, LOL)! Thank goodness I hooked-up with my friend (an experienced triathlete and marathoner) who agreed to coach me and succeeded in slowing me down. I’ve managed to stay healthy and happy while consistently improving my performance. I’ve steadily increased my milage but started my marathon training running only 4 days a week (all at my E Pace, which started out @ 12:04/mile). I’ve performed a large majority of my runs @ E pace, but have now built-up to running 6 days a week with one “speed” workout, one “tempo” run (M Pace), and one Long run. My first race in October was a 5k (29:00), in December I brought my 5k PR down to 25:38. I just ran the Hyannis Half Marathon in 1:54:14, and the last 5k of the half was well under 25:00!

Fueling-up properly and slowing-down my training runs has been the key to my success!