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1/2 marathon question
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 2014-04-19 11:40 AM |
Member 52  North Richland Hills, Texas |  Subject: 1/2 marathon questionI'm training for my first 1/2 marathon. I usually do Sprint Tri's and have done a couple of Oly's years ago. This will be my longest run distance in 20+ years. Question: Will running on mostly grass for my long runs hurt me when it comes to running the actual race on all concrete? Hurt me as in will I be able to finish? I'll be building to about 12 miles before the race. I'm concerned about the conditioning aspect of my legs being used to the pounding on the concrete. I'm just a very average runner / tri guy getting back into it after year of not. Sorry for the long post. |
| 2014-04-19 12:35 PM in reply to: HendleyK |
Master 2563  University Park, MD | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question Your concern is well-placed. I would recommend to include more training on the same surfaces that you'll be racing on, so that it comes as less of a shock to your system. A HM race can beat your legs up, and the beating will be greater if you're not accustomed to running on harder surfaces. |
| 2014-04-19 1:18 PM in reply to: HendleyK |
Master 1858  Salt Lake City | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question I am equal parts shocked that you can find 12 miles of grass to run on and that there's a half marathon that consists entirely of concrete. In any case, yes. You'll definitely want to get in at least a couple of your long runs and probably several shorter ones on a harder surface. It won't take long to adapt, but in my experience you'll need 2-3 runs on a different surface for your feet and legs to be used to it. |
| 2014-04-19 3:25 PM in reply to: JZig |
| New user 560 Key West | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question I agree with the previous posters. I would also be concerned that you actually might hurt yourself running longer distances on grass only because of the potential for uneven surfaces (so ankle and knee and hip issues). But, if it is a nice even surface, then just the runs mentioned above to get you prepared should do the trick. Good luck. |
| 2014-04-19 3:41 PM in reply to: JZig |
| Member 326 | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question I would recommend some long runs on pavement. I recently ran my first half too, and did most of my long runs on crushed gravel, the road race hurt my ankles/feet a bit! |
| 2014-04-20 12:13 AM in reply to: VGT |
| 113 | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question I ran trails almost exclusively all winter and when I started hitting the pavement hard I paid for it. My lower legs were in agony. You may be able to finish your half but be prepared for some possible serious lower leg pain. I would recommend doing some pavement training. Ease into it. Good luck in your half! |
| 2014-04-20 6:10 AM in reply to: VGT |
| 504 | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question Trained on trails/gravel for my first HM. Knees ached like crazy. For the second one I trained half trail/gravel and half road. I had no joint/knee issues on the same course that time. Roads tear me up, but I know I have to train on them at least a little bit. Try your medium length runs on asphalt, and maybe one or two long runs. |
| 2014-04-20 12:00 PM in reply to: HendleyK |
Elite 4583 | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question I just lived this. I train almost exclusively on trail and dirt roads but try to run once a week on the pavement. Almost all the half marathons/marathons I do are completely on pavement. I ran the Salt Lake City Half yesterday and my legs are in agony today. It's just what happens. I'll stretch and keep moving today and I'll recover and be fine--but I always know the next day is going to hurt. |
| 2014-04-20 9:01 PM in reply to: 0 |
| 16 | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question I was a runner before becoming an elderly triathlete. Running mostly on grass can be beneficial to saving your knees (and other body parts) but I agree with others...you should train on other surfaces...likely the type of surface you'll be running the half marathon. Finishing? What is your goal? What pace are you planning on running? Is there a time you'd like to finish by?...or do you simply want to finish? Most serious runners will say that "putting in the miles" is the answer. Bottom line...run easy...run long...recover...and do it again. Now that I'm old, perhaps you could do the same thing I do when I run a half-marathon....follow a nice looking woman running a nice easy pace.  Edited by bonsai3s 2014-04-20 9:02 PM |
| 2014-04-21 3:29 PM in reply to: bonsai3s |
| Member 52 North Richland Hills, Texas | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question Thanks for the feedback. I'll be running all on concrete for the race. Hoping to do about 10 min / mile. Doing 8:30 per for 4 miles now. Up to 7.5 miles now. Sometimes all concrete and sometimes 1/2 grass and 1/2 concrete. I'll be mixing up my runs but I'm trying to stay injury free for the next 8 weeks. so I need the grass. I like the comment about the cute girl...Don't tell my wife. |
| 2014-04-21 3:48 PM in reply to: HendleyK |
| 1660 | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question I've done the run-all trails before road races on hard pavement.
Honestly, it will not make a difference if you are training correctly.
I guarantee if you're cranking out 13mile long runs on all-grass or trails with no problem, and then switch to pavement with no increase in speed on race day, you will have no added soreness or injury risk.
I think a lot of folks skip doing speedwork or hard runs on grass/trails, which leads them to think the impact of the road is what's killing them, but it's definitely not, given how not an issue it will be if you put in the requisite training miles regardless of surface. |
| 2014-04-22 5:07 PM in reply to: HendleyK |
| 16 | Subject: RE: 1/2 marathon question I'm 56 and ran a 1:45 on my last half-marathon last November. (Yes, I was following a nice blond again...my wife figured it out a long time ago.) But seriously...you can easily do a 10 minute pace for the race. To avoid injuries, make sure not try new things before the race. For example, new shoes or even a new stride. I was a "heel-striker" for years and in my attempt to run faster, I tried to be a "front foot striker" that only resulted in injuring my calves. Before and after your daily runs, hydrate and eat well to provide good "fuel" for your body....and lastly, don't forget to give yourself a chance to recover. |
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