1st time running a marathon

Question
I've decided to cut back to the 1/2 marathon.  I do not want to risk injuries or to commit too much time away from my family.  I tried a sprint triathlon recently and would rather work towards running a few 1/2 marathons a year and maybe work up to a full triathlon someday soon.  I no longer want to run a marathon just to say I've done it.  Thanks for all your help and I would like to continue with you if you have training suggestions for my next 1/2.  I plan to run the Music City 1/2 Marathon April 2005 and maybe the Tom King 1/2 Marathon in March 2005.  What's your thoughts?  Do you still think I should cut back on weight training if I'm only running 13.1 miles?

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Followup To
Question -
Okay, I've started:
1) running 1 hour on Wed and 1.5 hours on Sat/Sun. Mostly I like not worrying about the distance but I still feel tired so I'm going to run these a little slower pace to save my energy so I can finish easily.
2) I do weight training on Mon and Fri.  I'm not sure how much is too much but mostly I'm lifting just under my max up to 15 reps.  Open to suggestions as this weight training versus other alternate training like biking or other cardio equipment.  I'm pushing situps - each month almost daily adding 5 to 10 reps... I'm up to 40 x 3 this month of 40 forward situps + 40 to each side.  I'll do 2 sets of this in one day if I'm not too tired.
3) Haven't got the body fat measured yet, but will do that this week.  My poor diet habits still need to be modified.  I'm eating what I like, although not increasing weight, I'm probably eating too much fat and not reducing my "extra" around the middle.
4)  I'm only running a few miles depending on how I feel inbetween the hour on Wed and 1 & 1/2 hours Sat.  Do I need to increase the total running per week?  

Got any suggested weekly schedule based on all the above?

Thanks so much for all your advice!
John
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Followup To
Question -
1..what is your height
 5'8"  and weight is 154
2..how manny miles a week are you running now
 8-10
3..how manmy   miles in last 3 months per week
 same
4..how much time a week can you devote to this program
 as much as is needed; now I do around 5 hrs mixed training per week.
5..what would you call a respectable time that you would be proud of and like to accomplish in april.
 4:10 I guess
6..do you have any health problems  now or in past 2 to 3 years.
 no health issues.
THANKS
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Followup To
Question -
I ran my first 5K last year and my 1st half marathon this year.  I've only run once in awhile my whole life but always wanted to run more than 1 to 1-1/2 miles.  I started last year with a goal to run a marathon but quickly cut back to a half.  My concern is for injuries.  I'm 43 in good shape at 155 pounds.  I did the half last April in 2:19 and can run a 5K under 30 min. My goal is to finish the Nashville Country Music Marathon but run almost continuously.  I'm not concerned about time except that I want it to be respectable and something I can be proud of.  I may not run a full again because I hear that weight loss and injuries are common consequences.

I'd like to know if I should wait another year or more, continuing to work up to the full marathon, or go ahead and try for it April, 2005.

Also, how do I prepare for the full marathon and when should I start?  Any other advice will be greatly appreciated.  I can't afford to hire a personal trainer and I get mixed advice from local runners who I'm sure mean well.

Thanks, John
Answer -
dear John
first thing running your marathon in april 2005 is fine.go for it.in regards to preperations i need to ask you some questions.as follows.
1..what is your height
2..how manny miles a week are you running now
3..how manmy   miles in last 3 months per week
4..how much time a week can you devote to this program
5..what would you call a respectable time that you would be proud of and like to accomplish in april.
6..do you have any health problems  now or in past 2 to 3 years.

john get back to me with these questions and then we will move on start time and preperations for nashville and get you going.

the best to you
John DeHart
rentacoachinternational
albuquerque new mexico





Answer -
John your official start date will be october 1 but in between iwant you to start running for time instead of miles.this way you can use more routes and will make it more interesting.
first do not worry about speed right now.go by how you feel which will change from day to day.if your fast one day push it.if you feel tired one day take it easy.your body will adapt over the course of the program automaticly.
second i want you to start increasimg 2 runs.one in the middle of the week and one at the end of week.
i always use a 7 day schedule but let me know if that is ok with you.......the duration of the runs will be 1 hour and the middle and end of week 1hr30min for now.
next..iwant you to get your body fat measured corectly since you height weight is a little out.the training will take care of some of this but i want to make sure.do that right away john.
get back to me about this posting with your thoughts as to the schedule and things i discusted and don"t forget to wach the mens marathon sunday in athens for motivation and education.
till next time
John
rentacoachinternational
albuquerque new mexico   PS. what is your vitimen schuedleand and what kind of terain where you live and part of the country so i can advise further.
Answer -
Dear john
   You have to start running more and cut back on the weights.If you want to run a 4 10 marathon you have to get real serious about the milaege...your weight..diet and you still did not get your body fat taken and your not running 1 1/2 hours on wednesday like i said.you said you would do what it takes but i do not see the comitment and i figured you get in touch oct1 to set it all up and now it is almost november?you tell me what you want to do.

John

Answer
Dear John
   At this point in time it looks like your just enjoying your self and doing a lot of fun competitions and don't want to get to serious which is an ok thing and if you want to lift weights or anything else go for it.As far as thoughts i have many but at this time your on your own unless you want to sign up for my phone coaching program which will cost you a couple of dollars..I basically answer questions here not coach you.This is what i have been doing for well over twenty years and allexperts.com was my way of doing a little pro bono for a few people to try to make a difference.hope this explaines all John.

The very best to you
John
www.yourprivatecoach.com



From time to time i do FREE conference calls and cover various topics on running and weight loss and Q&A.......IF you feel you or any of your friends would like to attend just go to my web site and send me an email as to this topic.


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