Running

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If I'm training for a marathon, will a 10k race get in the way?

Strategically timed 10K race while marathon training: a balancing act.

Of course, it's okay to race a 10K while you're training for a marathon, but it should be strategically placed in your training block, a month and a half to two months, out would be ideal anything closer to that? Could really impede some of your rest and Recovery, which is so important in marathon training. So if you can fit it in there, good for you and make sure that you are rested and recovered from travel before putting in another hard effort,

Yes, it's okay to race a 10K while training for a marathon, but it should be strategically placed in your training block, a month and a half to two months out would be ideal. Make sure you are rested and recovered from travel before putting in another hard effort.

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It's absolutely fine to participate in a 10K race while training for a marathon. However, it's important to strategically plan its timing within your training schedule. Ideally, aim to schedule the 10K race about a month and a half to two months before your marathon. Participating in a 10K race closer to the marathon date may hinder your rest and recovery, which are crucial aspects of marathon training. If you can fit the 10K race within the recommended timeframe, that's great! Just ensure that you are well-rested and recovered from any travel before exerting yourself in another challenging effort.

The Chicago Marathon in 2005 was your first first place finish at that distance after a couple attempts. What's the story behind it?

Olympic Champion's Struggle for First Marathon Win

Thanks for the question, Sam. When I towed the line at the 2005, Chicago marathon. I had an Olympic bronze medal in my pocket. I had the American record at the Marathon distance, but I had never won a marathon Race. So, I was trying every step of the way to win that race Constantine edita of Romania, made it very hard on me being on my shoulder until the, the last stretch of the race, and she went on after that race to win Olympic gold at the The 2008 Beijing Olympics, but it took every ounce of physical and mental energy to get to that Finish Line first, but that's what it takes to win the race.

I had an Olympic bronze medal in my pocket when I toed the line at the 2005 Chicago Marathon, and I was determined to win the race. My competitor, Constantina edita of Romania, pushed me until the last stretch of the race, but I managed to cross the finish line first. It took a lot of physical and mental energy, but that's what it takes to win a marathon race!

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Thanks for asking, Sam. The story behind my first-place finish at the 2005 Chicago Marathon is quite memorable. At that time, I already had an Olympic bronze medal and held the American record for the marathon distance. However, I had never won a marathon race before, so this was a significant milestone for me.

Throughout the race, Constantina Tomescu-Dita of Romania pushed me hard. She stayed by my side, making it a tough competition. It wasn't until the final stretch of the race that I was able to break away and secure the first-place finish. Interestingly, Constantina went on to win the Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Winning that race required every ounce of physical and mental energy I had. It was a challenging and intense experience, but ultimately, it was what it took to come out on top.

What are your thoughts on someone running a marathon without training?

Training is Key: Don't Run a Marathon Unprepared!

Don't run a marathon without training for one. The training is where all the adaptation takes place your heart and your lungs, and building capillaries being able to digest and get in the fluids in carbohydrates, necessary to do the distance. It's a daunting distance, 42 kilometers or 26.2 miles and only by getting in the the training. Could you not only successfully do one but enjoyably do one which is really important. So fine. And the time to get in the training four to six months of training programs that you can find on the internet or find a reliable coach to follow and then a great Marathon anywhere in the world really like being able to explore the most beautiful cities and countryside's that the world has to offer, that's part of the enjoyment as well. So please please please get in the training so that you can stick with the sport because you will have a ball and doing so.

It is not recommended to run a marathon without training for it first. Training for four to six months, either by following an internet program or finding a reliable coach, is necessary in order to enjoy the experience and have a successful race. Additionally, running marathons can be a great way to explore beautiful cities and countryside's around the world.

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Running a marathon without training is not recommended. The training process is crucial for adapting your heart, lungs, and overall body to handle the demands of the distance. It involves building endurance, developing capillaries, and learning how to properly fuel your body with fluids and carbohydrates. Without training, the marathon distance of 42 kilometers or 26.2 miles can be overwhelming and potentially lead to injury or a negative experience.

To successfully and enjoyably complete a marathon, it is important to invest time in training. There are various training programs available online or you can seek guidance from a reliable coach. Training typically spans four to six months, allowing you to gradually build up your fitness and prepare for the race.

Participating in a marathon is not just about the physical challenge but also the opportunity to explore beautiful cities and countryside around the world. By committing to proper training, you can fully embrace the sport and have a rewarding experience. So, please prioritize training to ensure you can fully enjoy the marathon journey.

What’s the fuel you recommend for the Marathon?

Choosing the Right Fuel for Marathon Success

The right fuel is part of the marathon game and I have a couple recommendations here. One would be if you're gonna carry your own hydration then you could drink whatever you want and my recommendation in that regard would be to find something that you actually enjoy the taste of that you are excited to to reach into at at 10k and just drink the whole bottle because it's so delicious and refreshing so make sure you enjoy it make sure your stomach it agrees with your stomach and if you are not going to carry your own hydration I would say to practice with what the race is offering so if it's Gatorade if it's Martin if it's Powerade whatever it is practice practice practice and your long runs in your easy runs in the summer months when it's warmer and it's critical to hydrate practice with what the race is offering and train your body to digest it well

If you're carrying your own hydration, pick something you enjoy and make sure it agrees with your stomach. If you're relying on the race's hydration, practice with it in your long runs and easy runs so that your body can digest it well.

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When it comes to fueling for a marathon, I have a couple of recommendations. If you plan on carrying your own hydration, you have the freedom to choose whatever drink you prefer. My suggestion is to find a beverage that you truly enjoy the taste of and look forward to drinking during the race. It should be refreshing and delicious, something that motivates you to reach for it at each 10k mark and finish the whole bottle. Additionally, ensure that it agrees with your stomach and doesn't cause any discomfort.

However, if you won't be carrying your own hydration and will rely on what the race provides, it's essential to practice with the same drink during your long runs and easy runs, especially in warmer months when proper hydration is crucial. Whether it's Gatorade, Martin, Powerade, or any other beverage offered by the race, make sure to train your body to digest it well by practicing consistently. This way, you'll be prepared for race day and avoid any surprises or digestion issues.

Revitalize and Reconnect: Key Steps to Marathon Recovery

Recovery after a marathon is so critical because you want to go into the next training cycle, really healthy. So for me, recovery consists of taking a physical and mental break for up to a month, I think. Now, with the new Super Shoes, it doesn't really have to be that long, the foam technology doesn't really allow your legs and Joints to be as damaged as much as in the past. So I would still take two to three weeks off, if not a month and really just connect with friends and family that you don't get to connect with. Because of the discipline of training, stick your feet in the sand and don't feel like you have to move really just getting off of that routine is so important allows you to refresh and come back and really focus for the next time around.

Recovery after a marathon is critical, and with the new Super Shoes, it doesn't have to be as long - take two to three weeks off and focus on connecting with friends and family to refresh and come back with focus for the next time around.

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Recovery after a marathon is crucial for maintaining good health and preparing for the next training cycle. Personally, I believe in taking a break both physically and mentally, which can last up to a month. However, with the advancements in foam technology, such as the new Super Shoes, the recovery period may not need to be as long. Still, I recommend taking two to three weeks off, or even a month, to disconnect from the training routine.

During this recovery period, it's essential to reconnect with friends and family whom you may not have had much time for during the intense training. Take the opportunity to relax, put your feet in the sand, and allow yourself to rejuvenate. This break is crucial for refreshing your mind and body, so you can come back stronger and fully focused for the next marathon.

How do you set an appropriate goal for a marathon (about 8 weeks out), especially if you think you’re much faster than your PR?

Maximizing Marathon Performance: Setting Goals and Managing Conditions

What a great question but eight weeks out, you still have time to build your Fitness so it's so great that you think you're in faster than personal best shape. You also have to consider as race day approaches the weather and conditions that you'll be racing in the course because although you're in Personal Best Fitness the course and the weather may not be conducive to running that fast but you should be comfortable through 30k. Maybe if the conditions and the course. Are in your favor. You could run the first 30k at your personal best pace and then start breaking it down a few seconds, per mile for the rest of the of the 12K of that race. So I hope that you reach your personal best. It is a very heroic feat to be able to do that. So many things have to come together, but I wish you the very best

You should be able to comfortably run the first 30K at your personal best pace and then break it down a few seconds per mile for the remaining 12K, depending on course and weather conditions. Good luck!

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Setting an appropriate goal for a marathon about 8 weeks out can be exciting, especially if you believe you're faster than your personal record (PR). It's great that you have confidence in your improved fitness. However, there are a few factors to consider.

First, keep in mind that you still have time to further build your fitness in the remaining weeks. Additionally, consider the weather and race conditions that you'll encounter on race day. These factors can impact your performance, even if you're in personal best shape.

One approach could be to aim for a comfortable pace through the first 30 kilometers of the race, maintaining your personal best pace. Then, if the conditions and course allow, you can gradually increase your speed by a few seconds per mile for the remaining 12 kilometers.

Reaching a personal best in a marathon is a remarkable achievement, but it requires various elements to align. I wish you the very best in your pursuit of your personal best and hope that everything comes together for a successful race.

Deena Kastor answers your Running questions. See all the advice Deena Kastor has and get answers to your own Running questions.

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Deena Kastor is an American long-distance runner and 8-time national cross country champion. She was the holder of American records in the marathon (2006-2022) and numerous road distances. At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, she won the bronze medal in the women's marathon. She ran collegiately for the University of Arkansas, coached by Joe Vigil and Terrence Mahon, and post-collegiately coached by husband Andrew Kastor. Kastor has earned two silver medals in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, and holds U.S. records in the women's road 10 mile, 15K, and 8K. She formerly held the women's marathon, half marathon, 10,000m, and road 5K records. Kastor has won multiple awards, including the Jesse Owens Award, USATF Runner of the Year (2001, 2003, 2004, and 2008), and C.C. Jackson Award. She has been inducted into the New York, National, and Southern California Jewish Sports Halls of Fame.