'The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend'

[joel_maxwell]

29?! Yikes, the one I was looking at had a 23- and 26-miler, and even THAT was too much for me. The injury thing you bring up is what really gets me...maybe that's how he justifies the two 30-45 minute weekday runs, so that you can recover from the weekend.

I know part of the reasoning behind those super long runs is getting used to being on your feet that long (but THAT is why you do a 20-22 miler at slower than race pace!! ) and getting you confident that you actually can tackle the distance (but the 20-22 miler also does that! )...eh, I don't know.

Okay, I see it now - the 29-miler on December 15 in the Time Improvement plan. I was looking at the total beginner plan (which is the one I was considering using to train for the 2012 WDW Marathon). I mean...I don't know. I'm sure it's fine for some people, and when I was using his half plan for my first half I really liked having a long run one weekend, then a 3-miler the next, etc...I guess my preferences have changed since then. I used Higdon's Novice Supreme for the 2012 WDW Half and actually didn't get the 20-miler in thanks to the weather, so I maxed out at 18 and felt really good during the race. Of course, I'm one of those runners that stops to take a picture at every mile marker and meets almost every character, so that may have had something to do with it!

Ahhh, blasphemy! Get that PR. LOL

 

[Ariel484]

Ahhh, blasphemy! Get that PR. LOL

Pssh, that's what races at home are for!

AND...it was my first marathon, so technically it was a PR anyway!

 

[melflip8]

I would stick with Galloway if you are this early in running. The walk method will really benefit you. I was a little more advanced to do that, I tried it and it really held me back. Again, that was just for me and I had been running for about 10 months straight.

Dont change now, but do a different schedule next time and see how you like it better. Granted, you will be more skilled, so the next schedule will appear to be easier, but I think you will really be able to make a educated decision.


Yes, I like to add some mileage here, take a mile or two away there but still keep the same weekly distance. I ran my first Full on my own terms and it kicked my , I ran my second word for word of what Hal said and it was night and day difference. He is the Man!

About 30 days out, we will start coordinating the "Meet" before the event.

My only confusion is about the 30 minutes during the week portion...all the time? Isn't one of the biggest things building endurance? I would think that just doing 2 days during the week at 30 minutes doesn't help you improve for a long run only once a week?

Or am I reading the plan wrong?

 

[melflip8]

Also, I felt very dirty on the treadmill yesterday...training for a DISNEY race while watching Harry Potter.

Did 4 miles though, which is my longest distance to date. So...wahoooooo.

 

[joel_maxwell]

Pssh, that's what races at home are for!

AND...it was my first marathon, so technically it was a PR anyway!

Haha.

Congrats on your first marathon.

My only confusion is about the 30 minutes during the week portion...all the time? Isn't one of the biggest things building endurance? I would think that just doing 2 days during the week at 30 minutes doesn't help you improve for a long run only once a week?

Or am I reading the plan wrong?

That is what I said. See, I saw 30 minutes of exercise. I translated that to see how far or how many miles we can do in 30 minutes. I would bust it and get 4 miles in. So, I was fast... but my endurance training stunk. That was partly my fault.

I just didnt think running slowly for 30 minutes and covering 3 miles was different than running 4 miles at a faster pace. It just didnt work for me. I ran that schedule for the inaugural W&D. With the heat and humidity at the night of the race and being on property chasing a 2 year old around for 4 days prior, I was happy with anything sub 2. Made it by 2 minutes.

 

[Runnin'Gator]

I agree with Joel. I think 29 miles is a little overkill. If you can hit 22, 23, 24 miles, you are going to get to 26. The only benefit I can see coming from that is you definitely know you can do the distance and from there you can work on pacing.

After all is said and done I think you have to do what works best for you. It may be one of these plans or it may be something you come up with on your own.

 

[Ariel484]

Haha.

Congrats on your first marathon...

Aw thanks.

 

[Mad Stitch]

Isnt there a 29 mile day on one of the Saturdays. That is rediculous if you are wanting to achieve 26.2.

That's what turns me off from using the Galloway training schedule. I always felt that all those weeks of training should be used to build up strength and endurance for the big event on race day. When you exceed the mileage beforehand, it's like spoiling the surprise party for the guest of honor.

 

[joel_maxwell]

That's what turns me off from using the Galloway training schedule. I always felt that all those weeks of training should be used to build up strength and endurance for the big event on race day. When you exceed the mileage beforehand, it's like spoiling the surprise party for the guest of honor.

I like for my week day mileage total to equal my weekend long run total. That is balance to me. Not 30/70 (or whatever the % would be with Galloway)

 

[Fievel]

I'm doing Galloway for the full, but only because I just want to finish. I'm a back of the pack kinda guy, and I'm ok with that. I've gotten slowly faster over the last year or so with my hectic schedule, and I'm not going to make a habit of running full marathons. The half is really my distance of choice, but I'd never forgive myself if I didn't do a full every few years.

 

[Texas84]

Agree. Galloway is for casual just-finishers. Like me. But I don't do the longer distances in the plan. I've read too many articles that say anything over 20 in marathon training is not necessary and mighth even be risky. I maxed at 20 training for last January and endurance was not a problem. I made a couple other dumb decisions that caused me to cramp up at 24.

 

[Ariel484]

That's what turns me off from using the Galloway training schedule. I always felt that all those weeks of training should be used to build up strength and endurance for the big event on race day. When you exceed the mileage beforehand, it's like spoiling the surprise party for the guest of honor.

Agreed!

Agree. Galloway is for casual just-finishers. Like me. But I don't do the longer distances in the plan. I've read too many articles that say anything over 20 in marathon training is not necessary and mighth even be risky. I maxed at 20 training for last January and endurance was not a problem. I made a couple other dumb decisions that caused me to cramp up at 24.

So you did 20 miles instead of the 26-miler? I think I'd do the same if I used a Galloway marathon plan.

 

[Texas84]

So you did 20 miles instead of the 26-miler? I think I'd do the same if I used a Galloway marathon plan.

Yep. During Marathon I didn't feel that great at 20 but actually got a third wind at 22. Then my calves blew up at 24. I'm re-working my nutrition plan with a lot of help from this board.

 

[joel_maxwell]

Hal Higdon tweet, so true: ‏@higdonmarathon When following any coach's training program, including mine, adapt it to your own schedule of work and family obligations.

The bolded is most important to me. Dont miss the run, dont miss time with the family.

 

[wilkeliza]

Hi guys I need some advise. I have been rather sick lately and this week and miss a weeks worth of runs. I am pretty active as far as walking goes and have been trying to keep up with at least 1 mile of walking a day while sick (I could never make a full 30 minute run I feel like I would literately die) and have been trying to stay hydrated and let my body recover as much as possible before I go running. My mind and heart tell me I need to be out there but my body keeps reminding me to heal now so I don't do more damage later.

What is the best thing for me to do when I get back out there? I have missed a very long run and a tester session for my race day cadence. Should I just pick up training right where I should be or back track and try and fit another day in? I'm worried that I have messed up my chances for completing by being sick. My biggest fear since this is my first outing is being told my pace is too slow and I have to leave the course. When I left training I was at like a 14 minute mile after a few weeks of training. I started out at a 15 minute mile. At my absolute worst ever which was years ago now I did an 18 minute mile.

By the way this is a sickness that usually hits around this time of year. I get awful sinus infections between fall and winter and then again between spring and summer. They mostly are manageable but this years have been the absolute worst. I barely make it to work let alone out for exercise.

 

[Ariel484]

Hi guys I need some advise.....

Staying hydrated and letting your body recover is a good thing. You're not going to do yourself any favors by trying to come back before you're ready.

My thought would be to pick up where you left off in your training and do not try to make up for the runs you missed. I think it's very rare that a training plan is followed 100% to the letter (i.e. when I was training for my marathon, I had to miss about a week's worth of runs due to injury - twice - AND missed my longest long run due to a giant snow storm. I still made it across the finish line). You're training for ToT, right? You still have quite awhile to get there...I know it doesn't seem like it, but missing a week won't be the end of the world. If you start back out and your pace isn't quite where you want it to be, don't worry! It'll come back. Just continued to drink water and heal...you will be okay!

 

[wilkeliza]

Staying hydrated and letting your body recover is a good thing. You're not going to do yourself any favors by trying to come back before you're ready.

My thought would be to pick up where you left off in your training and do not try to make up for the runs you missed. I think it's very rare that a training plan is followed 100% to the letter (i.e. when I was training for my marathon, I had to miss about a week's worth of runs due to injury - twice - AND missed my longest long run due to a giant snow storm. I still made it across the finish line). You're training for ToT, right? You still have quite awhile to get there...I know it doesn't seem like it, but missing a week won't be the end of the world. If you start back out and your pace isn't quite where you want it to be, don't worry! It'll come back. Just continued to drink water and heal...you will be okay!

Yes it is for ToT. My goal is to be running a smooth 7 miles by the end of August (pulling 3 to 4 ok now) and then add the last 3 miles across the month of September. Of course these are just goals for myself even though they don't follow the training plan perse. I could go run all 10 miles today but I don't think I would feel great afterwards you know. For my first race I want to just have a steady pace that will allow me to do some character picture stops and such and not be worried of being picked up. I think if I am doing an easy 7 on a long run by the last day of August I will be in great shape.

So now my body just need to heal. If I don't feel better tomorrow a trip to the Dr. is in order.

 

[Texas84]

Staying hydrated and letting your body recover is a good thing. You're not going to do yourself any favors by trying to come back before you're ready.

My thought would be to pick up where you left off in your training and do not try to make up for the runs you missed.

Totally agree. I occasionally skip a week and I'm actually a bit stronger when I start back on my plan. After two or more weeks you might want to backtrack a bit. Use your own judgement. Everyone is different.

 

[dreamfinder]

Common thought seems to be that a missed week is ok, 2 weeks you need to dial it back a bit. Now missing a week by being sick may have affected you more than missing 2 weeks due to say a sprain. You really will need to just take it slow the first time back out and don't push to hard and listen to your body.

 

[melflip8]

For any Novice's using Hal Higdon, we are 10 weeks out and this is buckle down time! I am pretty sure I am going to die during this race, and not because of the 5th dimension. I did some strength training and yoga to stretchy stretch my leggos and am ready for a nice and easy 2 miler tomorrow. Gah.