On July 09 2013 09:51 micronesia wrote: I found a couple of running clubs that have useful websites with events in my area. There is one less than ten minutes away in a couple of weeks. It is a USATF sanctioned 5k. Entry is $20 if you pre-register (25 the day of) and you get a t-shirt as well as refreshments and raffles after the race. The course is flat and controlled by local police. At check-in there is 'packet pickup.' Any idea what that means?
I'm going to try running 2.7 miles in 30 minutes tomorrow. A 5k is 3.1 miles. I'm going to try to get my 30 minute running speed up as much as possible between now and the event, but I don't know if I will be able to complete the course in 30 minutes. Should I enter the event?
No reason not to enter, and it will give you a feeling of the race atmosphere and of competition. Packet pick-up is where you get your bag which has your race t-shirt (don't put this on till AFTER the race), bib number, pins, and chip if it is electronically timed, and sometimes random other coupons and such.
What do you do with this stuff? Go back to your car and put it in? I can't imagine you want to run a 5k carrying a t-shirt, or that you just leave your stuff sitting in a pile near the start line.
I will try out those other runs you suggested.
Lol yea I just put it in the car after I pick it up. Definitely NOT going to carry it all race.
Especially since it will be your first race, get there at least 60 minutes early, you'll need some time to grab the packet, figure out the chip, etc. Then you'll probably want to run an easy 5-10 minutes to get some blood flowing, and a little time as well to use the bathroom (often times line can back up bad).
On July 09 2013 14:34 micronesia wrote: When running in competitions do people listen to music? I have no idea how much listening to music affects my ability to run lol
Most "serious" runners won't because they want to focus on their running and because music isn't allowed at elite events. That said there isn't anything wrong with it, as long as you maintain awareness of those around you.
Even some elites prefer to listen to music while they run, for instance Haile had + Show Spoiler [this] +
On July 09 2013 09:51 micronesia wrote: I found a couple of running clubs that have useful websites with events in my area. There is one less than ten minutes away in a couple of weeks. It is a USATF sanctioned 5k. Entry is $20 if you pre-register (25 the day of) and you get a t-shirt as well as refreshments and raffles after the race. The course is flat and controlled by local police. At check-in there is 'packet pickup.' Any idea what that means?
I'm going to try running 2.7 miles in 30 minutes tomorrow. A 5k is 3.1 miles. I'm going to try to get my 30 minute running speed up as much as possible between now and the event, but I don't know if I will be able to complete the course in 30 minutes. Should I enter the event?
No reason not to enter, and it will give you a feeling of the race atmosphere and of competition. Packet pick-up is where you get your bag which has your race t-shirt (don't put this on till AFTER the race), bib number, pins, and chip if it is electronically timed, and sometimes random other coupons and such. USATF sanctioned means that the course is properly wheel measured and will not be short (it will be at least 5m long using ideal tangents).
You can definitely do 5.4 right now. What I might suggest is to do one light progression, a light interval session,and one slightly longer, but easier run. For the progression start at 5.2 and go .3, .4, .5, .6 increasing every half mile and if you are still feeling okay you could go up to say 6.0 to finish out 3 miles if you aren't totally wiped.
For the interval workout, do 5x3min @ 6.2 pace, walking 2 minutes in between. That will give you an idea to remember the feeling of running that speed, as well as how that intensity should feel. The last 60-90s of each of those faster workbouts should feel somewhere between slightly and very uncomfortable. If it doesn't...you can set the speed higher than 6.2.
The longer run could be something like 45 minutes, but at an easier pace, maybe starting high 4's and working your way up to low 5's by the end if you feel good enough.
30 minutes is possibly a bit aggressive as that is 6.2 pace for 5k. I would think you would need to be capable of 8:20/13:15 to go for 30:00, which I know you haven't done but I still think you may be in that sort of shape.
Hahaha. Best advice in the running thread thus far.
No reason not to enter, and it will give you a feeling of the race atmosphere and of competition. Packet pick-up is where you get your bag which has your race t-shirt (don't put this on till AFTER the race), bib number, pins, and chip if it is electronically timed, and sometimes random other coupons and such. USATF sanctioned means that the course is properly wheel measured and will not be short (it will be at least 5m long using ideal tangents).
Hahaha. Best advice in the running thread thus far.
Totally true. Bad mojo, and possibly uncomfortable. I wore the shirt for my first half marathon and it almost rubbed my nipples off.
How do the starting line procedures work? I'm guessing there are generally way too many people at events like these for everyone to start in the front. How is the order determined, etc? I have no plans to win but I'm curious how it will happen.
I thought I would post here for some encouragement and words of wisdom. I want to "join" the world of runners again. I used to run Cross Country and Track in my school years. Then I had an injury and an unexpected health crisis that prevented me from running for quite a long time. I have realized that I am improved enough to begin on this path of running again. I know I will need to start out slow but am determined to do so.
On July 10 2013 07:48 micronesia wrote: How do the starting line procedures work? I'm guessing there are generally way too many people at events like these for everyone to start in the front. How is the order determined, etc? I have no plans to win but I'm curious how it will happen.
You just basically start/go wherever you want. Just don't be that guy that starts way up at the front when he is going to be running...or god forbid walking. It just creates frustrating traffic for the people behind you.
Also, you should know that races go off LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL 99% of the time, and because of adrenaline + people around you all going fast you don't necessarily notice. I remember once or twice opening races up with like a sub 70 first quarter or sub 2:30 800 and thinking I was cruising along fine.
Because of that, I would say start in the back 1/5 or 1/4 or the race, unless it's very tight single track trail. Try to start very easily from there...and you will still probably be a little too fast.
On July 10 2013 08:47 kmpisces wrote: I thought I would post here for some encouragement and words of wisdom. I want to "join" the world of runners again. I used to run Cross Country and Track in my school years. Then I had an injury and an unexpected health crisis that prevented me from running for quite a long time. I have realized that I am improved enough to begin on this path of running again. I know I will need to start out slow but am determined to do so.
That's what I like to hear! Looking forward to seeing your progress!
No reason not to enter, and it will give you a feeling of the race atmosphere and of competition. Packet pick-up is where you get your bag which has your race t-shirt (don't put this on till AFTER the race), bib number, pins, and chip if it is electronically timed, and sometimes random other coupons and such. USATF sanctioned means that the course is properly wheel measured and will not be short (it will be at least 5m long using ideal tangents).
Hahaha. Best advice in the running thread thus far.
Totally true. Bad mojo, and possibly uncomfortable. I wore the shirt for my first half marathon and it almost rubbed my nipples off.
The only reason to wear your shirt at the beginning of the race is if you want to troll people. If this is the case I would recommend some denim jeans and big court sneakers as well. Or vans skater shoes. This strategy is especially effective if you can run a sub 15 5k. When finished be sure to ask how you did for your first time out running.
That would be hilarious. I want to see an elite runner do something like this and have it filmed. Oversized race T shirt, baggy shorts, and some funny head wear too.
On July 10 2013 14:58 AirbladeOrange wrote: That would be hilarious. I want to see an elite runner do something like this and have it filmed. Oversized race T shirt, baggy shorts, and some funny head wear too.
If I ever get to 15:xx 5k level I promise you I will run a race like that.
On July 09 2013 14:34 micronesia wrote: When running in competitions do people listen to music? I have no idea how much listening to music affects my ability to run lol
Most "serious" runners won't because they want to focus on their running and because music isn't allowed at elite events. That said there isn't anything wrong with it, as long as you maintain awareness of those around you.
Even some elites prefer to listen to music while they run, for instance Haile had + Show Spoiler [this] +
Just to follow up on this, it's best to listen to music with a BPM that's comparable to your steps per minute (SPM) that you're striving for. If this song just suddenly popped into my playlist, I would either tire myself out real fast (not good), fight my mental side in order to control my speed (not good), or just feel plain awkward as my SPM is out of sync with BPM (would just weird me out).
Well I think this is the first time I actually have a fitness goal. I've been thinking about it really hard for a month. By the end of the spring semester after I graduate from coolidge I'm going to the Marines. But I have to be the fittest I've ever been in my entire life to make it through the physical part.
So I need to run 3 miles in 20 minutes, minimum. I was here a while ago and got help to get myself started on running. Went from barely able to do a mile to being comfortable running a mile in 10. Now running a mile in 6 - 7 minutes... running a 5k at that pace??????? That's going to be the biggest physical challenge in my life.
I've already started running again, going easy of course, did the 5k in around 35 minutes, so yeah I have a lot to work on... What do you guys recommend me to do in order to get to that level? I have 10 months to prepare. I also lift 3 days a week, and currently run on my rest days. I'm thinking about running on days I lift as well, but in a timeslot far from when I lift, Possibly, run in the morning before work, and then lift after work.
I didn't think I would have to run so hard to be a Marine, I thought it would only be a 30 minute 3 mile run which is completely okay, but my Marine friend who told me about the PFT said people were running 3 miles in 15, 18 , 20, 21 min on average @_@.
On July 12 2013 10:24 Snuggles wrote: Well I think this is the first time I actually have a fitness goal. I've been thinking about it really hard for a month. By the end of the spring semester after I graduate from coolidge I'm going to the Marines. But I have to be the fittest I've ever been in my entire life to make it through the physical part.
So I need to run 3 miles in 20 minutes, minimum. I was here a while ago and got help to get myself started on running. Went from barely able to do a mile to being comfortable running a mile in 10. Now running a mile in 6 - 7 minutes... running a 5k at that pace??????? That's going to be the biggest physical challenge in my life.
I've already started running again, going easy of course, did the 5k in around 35 minutes, so yeah I have a lot to work on... What do you guys recommend me to do in order to get to that level? I have 10 months to prepare. I also lift 3 days a week, and currently run on my rest days. I'm thinking about running on days I lift as well, but in a timeslot far from when I lift, Possibly, run in the morning before work, and then lift after work.
I didn't think I would have to run so hard to be a Marine, I thought it would only be a 30 minute 3 mile run which is completely okay, but my Marine friend who told me about the PFT said people were running 3 miles in 15, 18 , 20, 21 min on average @_@.
Wait, marines are all running 15min 5ks? That seems bananas to me.
Anyway, if you've got 10 months to prepare and you're already physically active with a bit of running under your belt, you're in an excellent position. I'm sure L_Master will give you tons of detail, but the basic plan will involve boosting your mileage gradually (around 10 per cent a week is a good rule of thumb) and gradually incorporating various speed workouts. If you can commit to training consistently five or six days a week from now until the day of the test, I think you'll make it no problem.
Snuggles you are at about the same running level as I am right now; I may need to pass the Navy PRT which won't be as bad (I'm probably also in a higher age bracket than you). So, why are you planning to join the marines?
I ran at 5.4 mph today for 30 minutes, after which I did a minute at 4.5 mph, a minute at 4 mph, a minute at 3.5 mph, a minute at 3 mph, and a minute at 2.5 mph, which works out to 3 miles in 35 minutes including the cooldown.
@Bonham I seriously DID NOT believe my friend either. A 5k in 15 minutes is ridiculous. But I did research right after and there's just too much evidence of Marines running like this. The fastest was 14:30 or something. Apparently these guys just run HARD, boot camp, DIs always yelling at you to improve your time. There was a guy who ran 15:40 and would still get yelled at for not running faster. I think there's something about being under that type of pressure that pushes you to run your heart out for the PFT. Of course there's some logic to this, the one who do run 15 minutes and under were already runners to begin with, but on average everyone (non runners) does sub 20 min which is still mind blowing to me. This might be old info though, on the site it says you should be able to run 30 min but I'm hearing this is your first PFT, not the final. My friend was in boot camp years ago just as the war broke out.
I get the mileage part since I've done that with L_Master's advice (god bless him). But I have never attempted to seriously improve my time since I was just focused on getting my mileage up at the time.
@micronesia That's awesome man, it's great and comforting to see someone working hard to get into shape to join the military as I am. I'm dead serious about joining the Marines. I've mulled over it for an entire month. The biggest reason I want to join is because I want to reform myself as a person. I want to come out of the Marines as a better man, I'm not happy with myself right now. Anxiety issues, possibly borderline depression, I pulled myself out of it. But I realized I need to do something life changing in order to be really happy about myself as a person. Otherwise these issues will keep cropping up, for that reason I feel like joining the Marines will force me to get my shit together.
I want to be broken down, every little bit of me. I've tried before to change myself, but I just go straight back to my bad habits. It's been like that for years. I need to change, and if the Marine boot camp can't do it for me, then shit I don't know what will.
Also I might've jumped the gun on the 20 min 5k run minimum. It's actually 28 minutes! But of course I will still shoot for 20 minutes, I have to learn discipline.
On July 12 2013 11:36 Snuggles wrote: I want to be broken down, every little bit of me. I've tried before to change myself, but I just go straight back to my bad habits. It's been like that for years. I need to change, and if the Marine boot camp can't do it for me, then shit I don't know what will.
Also I might've jumped the gun on the 20 min 5k run minimum. It's actually 28 minutes! But of course I will still shoot for 20 minutes, I have to learn discipline.
So are you running 4 days a week? Give us a rundown of exactly what you're doing right now.
EPT
