Thread: Running...know any good books?

I ran my first 10k this past weekend and rather enjoyed it! My new goal is to run a half marathon this spring in under two hours.

Up to this point I've just been running a few times a week, four or five miles at a time. This seemed to work for the 10k, but clearly a bit more of a *program* is needed for a half marathon. Any runners out there want to share their favorite books, tips or tricks? ..g.:

(whoa, I missed my 1000th post!)

Unfortunately, I'm not a runner but wanted to say....

Congratulations on the 10k!!! ..g.:

Oh yay running-my favorite topic besides dance. Isn't it an awesome feeling to "go the distance"? I've done a few 10ks-I far prefer them to the 5k, I don't know I just feel like I can settle into my pace better. I too, want to train for a half marathon in uner 2 hours (the Mardi Gras 1/2 Marathon in New Orleans in Feb). When I was hardcore training for a 10k, I used the Ultimate Guide to Running a 10K on runner's world.com . It made a HUGE difference in my time. As in-the same race in Austin-capitol 10K -2007: 1:25 I think? And in 2008-56:37 or something like that. I just needed a PLAN to stick to-do this this day, this the next etc. Here's the link for the 1/2: The Runner's World.com Ultimate Half Marathon Training Plan

There are 3 different levels-beginner, intermediate and advanced. I did the intermediate for the 10K, and you can always work in between based on your mileage. Seems like you are def. intermediate if you are averaging 4-5 miles...

So exciting that you are going to be training! I have been wanting to do this forever too, I have just started a new job that isn't in the most running friendly city (Austin was, Lafayette isn't, except its flat :) ), so it has been challenging to plot runs and make the time (hence the GPS watch I was talking about earlier). Good luck to us both eh? . If I think of more tips I will post them, but runnersworld.com is always useful.

Most important-good socks and shoes :) And be hydrated.

Oh an congrats!

"The Runner's Yoga Book". I think the author is Jean Couch. Excellent for injury prevention for any endurance athlete/dancer.

- Leela

Originally Posted by flimflamgirl

"The Runner's Yoga Book". I think the author is Jean Couch. Excellent for injury prevention for any endurance athlete/dancer.

- Leela

I have never read this one but I cannot agree more that the intense stretching in yoga really helped me in running (and like you said injury prevention/overall soreness prevention)...

Jasmine - I just read a bit on runnersworld, and GAH! The idea of running 8-9 miles ONCE A WEEK kind of scares me! I know from experience, though, that I really run too fast for my fitness level (I can't carry on a conversation when I am allowed to pace myself, though neither am I out of breath for more than a minute once I stop running). I would like to settle into a 9 minute mile, but I found when I ran the 10k my first mile was 7:40 and then I slowed down from there (my final time was just under 52 minutes).

I am like one of those horses they use on trail rides that HAS to be in front of the line...even if I'm gasping and out of breath I just want to pass ONE MORE PERSON!

Originally Posted by lilya

Jasmine - I just read a bit on runnersworld, and GAH! The idea of running 8-9 miles ONCE A WEEK kind of scares me! I know from experience, though, that I really run too fast for my fitness level (I can't carry on a conversation when I am allowed to pace myself, though neither am I out of breath for more than a minute once I stop running). I would like to settle into a 9 minute mile, but I found when I ran the 10k my first mile was 7:40 and then I slowed down from there (my final time was just under 52 minutes).

I am like one of those horses they use on trail rides that HAS to be in front of the line...even if I'm gasping and out of breath I just want to pass ONE MORE PERSON!

DANG girl that is impressive for a first 10K! I am a solid 9 miler at that distance, more like 8:30 on a 5K, but my pace stays constant-if I had run a 7:40 mile in the beginning I never would have finished lol-it is an art to learn to pace yourself in the beginning and kick it at the end. whew 7:40 my lungs hurt to think about it (I could do it for a one shot, 1 mile but you know...:) )


Really-don't be scared. The first time I ran 8 miles, honestly, the last 4 were the easiest-I just took my time ~9:30/mile, and I was getting so excited that I was really gonna do it I got this natural high and boom I had ran 8 miles. You just have to focus and push a little, for me the first 4 were all mental-oh I can't do it, its too long, I'm bored, I'm thirsty blah blah but you just ignore it :) And then you're on top of the world!!! I get so excited about running (even though I'm not fast :) ). Hehehe. I find that too, my previous meals have a HUGE effect on performance. Eat junk=run horrible.

So which half do you want to run? I would LOVE LOVE to do the Disney princess one....looks fun :)

The horse analogy cracks me up.....

I'm so internalized when I run that I barely notice other people, and I'm not too competitive when it comes to running because I know I will never commit to the training necessary to run sub 8 minute miles easily :)

PS-I am all about the costume reward-complete the 1/2 in under 2 hours=new costume :) :) :) :)

For the 10K and the 1000th star!!!!
:-)