Any runners here?

[Hall McClenahan]

So you're saying you ran 105 miles per week, or 5,460 miles per year... but 26 miles in one day almost killed you???

Olympic athletes don't even train that much.

You must have gone through running shoes like they were disposable razors.

75 miles a week, the race was 35 miles and I tried to win not just make it. As to the Olympic athletes training I have no experience with them so I will defer to you expertize.

 

[38Scarcello]

I am not a runner, but frequent the gym. I have overheard conversations that, yes running on a treadmill would be good training, but it does not prepare you for the elements of running on the road...wind, rain, etc.

 

[TJSum]

I am not a runner, but frequent the gym. I have overheard conversations that, yes running on a treadmill would be good training, but it does not prepare you for the elements of running on the road...wind, rain, etc.

Excellent point. Beyond the elements, muscles are strained differently on a treadmill than road running, you will feel a big difference going from one to the other. Also road running has much more "impact" on your body, the machines are designed to lessen the impact. Not to put down treadmill workouts, the OP is doing great, but just be aware they are "different".

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

The good and bad thing about treadmills is they set your pace. Its a whole different game when you have to regulate your self, mentally tell your self you are losing a pace on a hill or that you are going too fast on the way down. Treadmill full steam ahead, just run!

 

[PLCG]

Treadmills are also level. Roads have a crown in the middle, so unless you are on the middle line you are not running on a level surface. And, in my part of the country, there are the inevitible pot holes! I've heard that the African runners train over ground [like your lawn or the park] to strengthen their ankles.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

I prefer trails myself, in our area we have had a lot of rails to trails conversions....trails go straight for 12 miles, little to no cars and deer and wildlife everywhere. I run on streets or sidewalks at a min.

 

[Wm. Hattaway]

I am 6'2" and was 220lbs. when I did the '06 Disney Marathon. With my size people were drafting behind me. Here is the scheduled I used to prepare myself for that marathon http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

Wm What did you think of the Disney Marathon, I am thinking of running it in '09. Would it be a good Boston Qualifier (i.e. relatively flat)?

BTW I'm 6'0" and 205 lbs when I ran mine, so I can relate.

 

[Wm. Hattaway]

It was my first (and so far only) marathon so I can't compare it to any other. I more run 5K's-15K's in my area but listening to others talk about it they said it was a good one. I know there were those running who were trying to qualify for Boston. It is relatively flat, a few over passes is the most elevation we had. You run through all 4 theme parks which are about 5-6 miles of the run with the rest being open road. Some of the paths within the various parks narrow with sharp turns (Animal Kingdom) that can interfere with your stride and make passing difficult. Talking to other runners about it being my 1st marathon, they commented that this would spoil me as Disney puts on a top notch production. Water stations every mile, food stations about every 5-6 miles, several 1st aid stations, and even vendors like “Icy Hot” had booths along the way with volunteers to rub their product on your knees and legs. Disney also has the "Goofy Challenge" (otherwise known as the ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? challenge) where you run the 1/2 marathon Saturday then the full marathon Sunday. R. Lee Ermey (US Marine Drill Sergeant/Actor) was there in the predawn hours prior to the race “motivating” us. According to their web site the ‘09 ½ marathon is sold out as is the Goofy Challenge. The full marathon is currently 55% full. Here is the link to register http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....detail?name=MarathonWeekendRegisterDetailPage

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

I really want to do it as my Boston qualifier, however I am not sure I can get my speed down sub 3 hours in enough time. Figure in the cost of $3200 to take the wife and kids, and I am wondering whether or not a closer marathon like Detroit or Toronto might be a better.

I am running 8 to 8 1/2 minute miles, but would have to get about 7 minute miles to qualify...so may not happen anytime soon, unless oeone has a magical solution to run quicker?