Hej!
It's been a while since my last post, which is primarily due to a lot of cycling versus running. But, now I have 16 weeks before Portland Marathon, with a plan to run approximately 900 KM's over that time period, and so far (after 2 days) I am on track! I am trying a new training plan this year from Runners World magazine. I will keep my Daniels book handy to evaluate any shortcomings in the program, but overall it seems do-able.
Heading to Dallas again tomorrow. It's supposed to be 37 degrees for all 10 days that I am there, so that will be a challenge!
A couple of comments on cycling training. It is definitely less stressful than running on the knees, but after logging 1,500 KM's on the bike in the last three months, I am not very satisfied with the activity as an efficient way to train. First, I have not lost any weight, and second, based on my run today, it does not seem to have improved my cardiovascular condition at all. (I was running faster at a lower heart rate in February). I alternated my cycling training between fast 25 KM loops, and slower, long routes, so I did get my pulse up for extended periods of time, but for the 61 hours I spent on the bike, I could have run 600 KM's, and I am quite sure I would have been in much better condition.
Oh well. I hope it was worth it, and that I'll feel prepared for the long 320 KM ride on July 17th & 18th.
It's been a while since my last post, which is primarily due to a lot of cycling versus running. But, now I have 16 weeks before Portland Marathon, with a plan to run approximately 900 KM's over that time period, and so far (after 2 days) I am on track! I am trying a new training plan this year from Runners World magazine. I will keep my Daniels book handy to evaluate any shortcomings in the program, but overall it seems do-able.
Heading to Dallas again tomorrow. It's supposed to be 37 degrees for all 10 days that I am there, so that will be a challenge!
A couple of comments on cycling training. It is definitely less stressful than running on the knees, but after logging 1,500 KM's on the bike in the last three months, I am not very satisfied with the activity as an efficient way to train. First, I have not lost any weight, and second, based on my run today, it does not seem to have improved my cardiovascular condition at all. (I was running faster at a lower heart rate in February). I alternated my cycling training between fast 25 KM loops, and slower, long routes, so I did get my pulse up for extended periods of time, but for the 61 hours I spent on the bike, I could have run 600 KM's, and I am quite sure I would have been in much better condition.
Oh well. I hope it was worth it, and that I'll feel prepared for the long 320 KM ride on July 17th & 18th.
I totally agree regarding biking vs running. But still, biking is a great way to complement the running. Not at all as risky business as running. I actually think that I will continue with the bike riding during all my life. I don't want to have to change my knees when I am 55 years old.
SvaraRaderaI have the same experience as you. I have now 1350km of bike riding since May. Did a run yesterday, felt like beginning all over again! Very slow pace and high heart rate.
Great to read your training plan, 56km/week if I calculated it right. That is very ambitious, but I believe you can make it with a lot of ER as s base. I understand that the the heat down in Texas will be a real challange for you..
SvaraRaderaI am not so familiar with the effect of cycling, but I guess it is a good complement even if very time consuming....
Keep up the good work Chuck! The heat in Dallas would probably kill you, but that's life. For best effort on training, I prefer the cross trainer, but that is of course in-door. Running is prohibited for long time by doctors order, so no Marathon for me for the next 35 years:-)
SvaraRaderaBr
Jan Erik