Newbie training for mini-marathon

cailineile13

Hi folks...
kinda new to running here, just started the couch to 5k programme last week. I was thinking about trying do the flora womens mini marathon (10k), and was just wondering how viable this is, or how to adapt to training for it.

At the moment, most of my running is in a forest nearby, is there a major difference to running on that suface than to a road surface?
I was reading about getting my running gait analysed. At the moment, I don't have enough money for new trainers, am using asics gel that I've had for a year or so for my running at the moment. However, I do have a birthday between now and the marathon, so I'm sure I could blag a pair of runners for a pressie! Again though, I don't know if this makes any major difference? Opinion seems to be divided on here...!

So does anyone have any training tips/words of advice for a total running newbie? Is it an achievable target if I'm training between now and June? Any advice/abuse is welcomed!

Oryx

I think the flora 10k require you to show previous running times if you want to be in the 'runners' squad. Otherwise youll be in with the walkers.

The main difference with the road is you will notice it is harder, which can sometimes be tougher on the joints, but if you build up slowly you should be fine. Otherwise I find road easier than trail, its a lot more rhythmic and steady. On a trail you break pace and dodge a lot more!

Re the new shoes, the correct shoes are always a good idea, but if the asics are ok, no harm in sticking with them. Whatever you do, dont change your shoes right before the race and wear brand new ones on the day.

Yes, 10k in June is very achievable. If you run regularly you should be going very well by then.

gerard65

Hi cailineile13, well done on starting a training program. Your goal for the 10k in June is very viable. Have you considered joining up with a meet and train group in your area-
http://www.womensminimarathon.ie/
Training with a group would offer you support and motivation.
Another site you could look at is www.halhigdon.com he has 10k programs that are suitable for novices.
The most important piece of gear you'll ever need is a suitable pair of runners. The age of the shoe is not important but rather the amount of miles you've run in them - 500 - 600mls is a ballpark max.
A gait analysis would be very advisable and remember the most expensive shoe is not always the best.
Running on a softer surface is good but it would be a good idea to do a few runs on the road before June to know what to expect on the day (you don't want your first run on a hard surface to be the race).
Good luck with your training.

*Angel*

Oryx wrote: »

I think the flora 10k require you to show previous running times if you want to be in the 'runners' squad. Otherwise youll be in with the walkers.

There's walking and jogging categories that you don't need proof of previous times for. Although a ridiculous amount of walkers join the jogging category for some reason!!!

yungwan

*Angel* wrote: »

There's walking and jogging categories that you don't need proof of previous times for. Although a ridiculous amount of walkers join the jogging category for some reason!!!

I guess some people like to jog but sometimes break it up with a brisk walk in th middle? I am looking at doing the mini marathon this year too for the first time. I have been out walking/jogging bout three times a week for last three weeks approx two miles or that so hopefully I wont find it too daunting come June! Is this ok progress at this stage can anyone advise? I wont be doing the mini marathon for to win or anything anyway- more to set a target for my fitness.

gerard65

yungwan wrote: »

I guess some people like to jog but sometimes break it up with a brisk walk in th middle? I am looking at doing the mini marathon this year too for the first time. I have been out walking/jogging bout three times a week for last three weeks approx two miles or that so hopefully I wont find it too daunting come June! Is this ok progress at this stage can anyone advise? I wont be doing the mini marathon for to win or anything anyway- more to set a target for my fitness.

Your doing fine. Take your time and increase your distance/ time slowly.
The walk/jog approach is the best way to get fitter. Over the next couple of months just slowly increase the ratio of running to walking.

Aureli

You only need a time of under 95 mins to be in with the fast joggers. So if you could get yourself in a 10k race that is chipped before the entry closing date of the mini maraton, you could start with the fast joggers. I was late for the mini marathon last year and ended up with the walkers. I was nearly at 3k by the time I managed to get a bit of space to run and even at that it was hard!

*Angel*

Aureli wrote: »

I was nearly at 3k by the time I managed to get a bit of space to run and even at that it was hard!

This was what annoyed me, I raced for the first time last year. Now I have no problem at all with people who are in the jogging category and walk a good bit of it (in fact I'm happy to see as many people doing it as possible) but people were walking from the start line ice cream cone in hand with absolutely no intention of jogging. There is a walking category! Anyways out of it now so happy

Edit
Just after realising you were talking about the walking category, I'll shut up now!

beegirl

Yes it is very hard to get going at the start!!! I used up all my energy in the first half, ducking and dodging trying to get ahead a bit - it didn't really work though! Still managed to make it there in 75 mins though - the cutoff for fast joggers back then was 80 mins so it was just in time, or so I thought! But obviously they have changed it to 95 mins since then. I hope they will still accept my time from the 2008 mini marathon?!?

By the way OP, there are normally training plans on the Flora mini marathon website (http://www.florawomensminimarathon.ie/), it actually says they will be online on March 3rd, which is today!!!

cailineile13

Thanks for all in the info folks....think I might just pop into town & get a gait analysis done, partially outta curiousity, and partially incase it might show me something new!

Doubt I've done more than 100-200 miles over the last year in the asics, so they should have a good bit to go yet. Will try and mix up the training a wee bit so and do both trail and road runs between now and then. Thanks again folks..:)

yungwan

Aureli wrote: »

You only need a time of under 95 mins to be in with the fast joggers. So if you could get yourself in a 10k race that is chipped before the entry closing date of the mini maraton, you could start with the fast joggers. I was late for the mini marathon last year and ended up with the walkers. I was nearly at 3k by the time I managed to get a bit of space to run and even at that it was hard!

Aw crap that what I was thinking! I have already registered in normal jogging section (untimed), as it is my first time to do the mini marathon. Will I be crammed in with really slow people then!?! As I think I would actually be well able to do the 10K in 95 mins based on my current times etc.

Ah well, Ill try it this year and maybe if it goes well I will go into a different section!!

Myself and a couple of friends have registered for it and Im looking forward to the day out and raising a bit of money for charity!!

huskerdu

yungwan wrote: »

Aw crap that what I was thinking! I have already registered in normal jogging section (untimed), as it is my first time to do the mini marathon. Will I be crammed in with really slow people then!?! As I think I would actually be well able to do the 10K in 95 mins based on my current times etc.

Ah well, Ill try it this year and maybe if it goes well I will go into a different section!!

Myself and a couple of friends have registered for it and Im looking forward to the day out and raising a bit of money for charity!!

It is reallt frustrating the number of women in the jogging section that dont even try to jog, at the start
and block everyone else

My advice is - Get there early, be prepared to elbow your way to the front.

For the first 2K, be prepared to elbow your way through crowds of women strolling and chatting.
After that, its fine. Enjoy the buzz and the atmosphere.

beegirl

The best one I saw was a group of women leaning against a tree, about 1/2 km in, having a smoke!!! :rolleyes:

huskerdu

beegirl wrote: »

The best one I saw was a group of women leaning against a tree, about 1/2 km in, having a smoke!!! :rolleyes:

Thats good. I saw a woman stop to use an ATM at about 2K !

rainbow kirby

beegirl wrote: »

The best one I saw was a group of women leaning against a tree, about 1/2 km in, having a smoke!!! :rolleyes:

Don't forget the bags of sandwiches and Lilt too :pac:

cheevermill

<Snip>

yungwan

Hi everyone. Hope the training is going well.
Mine has been up and down so to speak!
I started off walking with bursts of jogging in Feb but got a little unmotivated for a week or two recently.

Anyway I am motivated again and jogging approx 3km now without breaks but I am panicking that I will never reach the 10k mark!! haha

Any tips on how to progress my training at this stage.

I am a first time jogger and this will be my first 10km EVER! I am enrolled in the walker/jogger section and understand i wont be able to jog from the off with the crowds but I will use this time as my warm up and then jog the remaining bit. I know 10k isnt that far but as I said I am new to jogging!

Thanks in advance!

huskerdu

You have 8 weeks and jogging 3Km is a good start.

There are a few training plans for 10K available, if you search this forum.
The Minimarathon website also has a training plan.

I would suggest jogging three times a week, two shorter runs and one
longer run where you run longer than you've ever run before.

You can then increase your distance and stamina gradually over the 8 weeks.

If you can jog 8km in training, the buzz of the day will carry you at the end.

You can do it. Good luck

RayCun

Just keep it up.
Run three days a week, with a day off between each run.
Run a couple of minutes longer each week before you take a walking break.
Build up your distance slowly each week, say .5 k a week.

So this week, run for 15 minutes, walk a minute, run another ten minutes. Do that Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Next week, run for 17 minutes, walk a minute, run another 10/11 minutes.

(Put in your own numbers, they're just examples)

yungwan

Ok, great advice guys thanks!

Yes I generally run three times a week - Mon, Wed, Fri and maybe a slow walk on Sunday (with my 6 year old, hes as slow as christmas!) so i think i will set on of these days as my longer run and gradually increase the length of the other two days.

It certainly is very exhilerating to be able to even jog 3k! Never thought id be able , so im well proud. Just have to increase it all gradually.

I actually thought it was closer than 8 weeks so it takes the pressure off a little!

This weather certainly helps!

Thanks again!

kelle

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I was wondering if anybody could help me here. I registered as a Fast Jogger (I had a time less than 95 mins last year), but my Race Number is blue - should it not be pink for a fast jogger? I didn't realise this until I got home.