Marathon training?

Question

I'm overweight and short, but I do work out a lot. I currently do dragon boat paddling once a week, hot yoga 3 times a week, and i run 3 times a week. I'm 5 ft tall and about 145 lbs. I enjoy being a foodie so that's probably why I'm still chubs LOL.

Anyways, I have a lot of frustration at the office and I wanna lose weight, so I'm thinking of starting to train to run a marathon. Or maybe a half marathon.

Currently I can run 5 miles in 1 hour. I run/jog a steady slow pace. I haven't tried running for longer than 1 hour. I'm not sure how far and how long I can go before getting tired.

My friend is a marathon runner and he told me that as long as I can run and talk at the same time, then I should be able to hold that pace for the entire marathon. While I'm training I shouldn't worry about the time and just try my best to finish 26 miles at a slow pace at first.

So far, that is the only piece of advice I have on marathon running/training. Anyone else have advice/suggestions?

Answer 1

"I'M OVER WIEGHT AND SHORT, BUT I DO WORK OUT ALOT"

WELL  U SHOULD BE HAPPY THERE ARE PEOPLE ON TV WHO WIEHG 500 POUNDS LIKE ME!!!!

Answer 2

SHORT PEOPLE cannot run marathons...OMG I like to know who said that...what an uneducated thing to say...(I'm 5'2" and run marathons, dragonboat, yoga, cycle, swim, kayak)

Marathoning takes committment.  You can still train for a marathon by running 3 days / week (but shouldn't do more than 5).  Just keep up with the other stuff that you do. (yoga/dragonboating, etc).  Walk on rest days.  Get yourself a new pair of good runners - get fitted at a specialty running store.  Wear your old ones to the store so they can analyze your shoes, feet, gait, over/under pronation, etc.  Become a healthier foodie...reduce fat, increase fruit/vegie and fibre.  Invest in some comfortable running clothes for comfort on long runs.  Your friend is right, don't set time goals for your 1st marathon.  Sign up for a 1/2 marathon as part of your training.  Pick out a training plan that works for you.  Join a local running club, so you can buddy up and train with others.  This really helps for motivation and to beat lonliness on those long runs.

Warm up by walking or slow jog for the 1st 10 minutes before you run, and cool down, do stretches after your run - those yoga positions are great.  When you run, take smaller strides, back straight aligned with the hips, swing arn slightly, so you don't tire out easily and is easier on your shins/knees/back.  Do fartleks (run slow, then faster for 30 seconds or as long as you can do it, then slow down, repeat whenever you can in your runs) this will help with endurance.  You should vary your runs (run every other day...rest days...hill repeats, speed drills, and 1 long run per week.) Increase your mileage slowly, no more than 10% per week.  Doing too much too soon will only create injuries and slow you down in your training.

Now is the time to try out sports drinks/gels  that works for you,  never try new stuff at race day.  Make sure you are well hydrated throughout your days of training (you'll know this when you pee, its clear).  Fuel - food plays an important role in your training...just choose the right foods.

Keep a journal and record you mileage/time/how you felt/weather/what you ate/etc.

This is motivating and also you can see how you've progessed in your training.  Also to see what foods works, what shirt chaffed your skin, etc.  Record your other activities as well.

Heres a good link to give you lots of information - explore the site in various areas pertaining to you and training:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,71...

Train smart...

Good luck and remember,  finish upright and smiling ;)