Long distance running muscle memory

[Anonymous]

For those who run long distances and half and full marathons, does your body remember how to do the whole training again? I am considering doing my second half marathon after doing my first one this past year.

[Anonymous]

You should still have some of the adaptations from when you did the last half. Mostly the strength in the ligaments and other supporting structures to put in the training without getting injured.

The main issue with running is it’s a violent thing. It takes a decently long time to get to a place where you can run 30-40 miles per week at a decent clip. That’s why people from a cycling or swimming background with a big engine manage to hurt themselves so easily when they turn to running.

So, that’s a long way of saying yes. Let her rip. Increase volume week over week max of 10% 🚀

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should still have some of the adaptations from when you did the last half. Mostly the strength in the ligaments and other supporting structures to put in the training without getting injured.

The main issue with running is it’s a violent thing. It takes a decently long time to get to a place where you can run 30-40 miles per week at a decent clip. That’s why people from a cycling or swimming background with a big engine manage to hurt themselves so easily when they turn to running.

So, that’s a long way of saying yes. Let her rip. Increase volume week over week max of 10% 🚀

Thank you so much for the motivation. I am pretty sure you provided advice for me this past year for my first half marathon I am no spring chicken but I was playing soccer against 20yr olds until November, which meant a lot of running. I have been trying to keep up with 5 km runs on a regular basis with my CrossFit classes. I think I might have the running bug now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should still have some of the adaptations from when you did the last half. Mostly the strength in the ligaments and other supporting structures to put in the training without getting injured.

The main issue with running is it’s a violent thing. It takes a decently long time to get to a place where you can run 30-40 miles per week at a decent clip. That’s why people from a cycling or swimming background with a big engine manage to hurt themselves so easily when they turn to running.

So, that’s a long way of saying yes. Let her rip. Increase volume week over week max of 10% 🚀

Thank you so much for the motivation. I am pretty sure you provided advice for me this past year for my first half marathon I am no spring chicken but I was playing soccer against 20yr olds until November, which meant a lot of running. I have been trying to keep up with 5 km runs on a regular basis with my CrossFit classes. I think I might have the running bug now.

I remember that - I think you were asking about sugar nutrition. I think you will be surprised at how well you do this time around. I got forced into a short offseason this year through a really dumb foot injury and took almost a month off running, and basically drank beer, ate garbage, and made fires with my dog in the backyard. Obviously not comparable, but it comes back pretty quickly. Similar thing happened last year with a bike accident - about a month off.

Just manage the volume appropriately and you will do great. Initially, you will notice your heart rate is significantly higher than what you were seeing before. But that will come down. Also, now is a good time to start back up again because you can work on aerobic fitness if running outside without your body having to work harder trying to keep your core temperature down.

If you are targeting rock and roll half here in DC in March, that's a great event. I did not realize it was more rolling hills when I did it last year. I wouldn't be afraid of the hill in rock creek park - its the Shoreham drive exit by the Connecticut avenue overpass. Just be aware of it.

[Anonymous]

How old are you? That can make a big difference. It will take a lot longer to do it safely without injury the older you are. It’s definitely possible but just factor in a longer training cycle.

-52 year old who has to take more recovery days to avoid injury

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old are you? That can make a big difference. It will take a lot longer to do it safely without injury the older you are. It’s definitely possible but just factor in a longer training cycle.

-52 year old who has to take more recovery days to avoid injury

OP here, I will be 52 if I decide to do my second half marathon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should still have some of the adaptations from when you did the last half. Mostly the strength in the ligaments and other supporting structures to put in the training without getting injured.

The main issue with running is it’s a violent thing. It takes a decently long time to get to a place where you can run 30-40 miles per week at a decent clip. That’s why people from a cycling or swimming background with a big engine manage to hurt themselves so easily when they turn to running.

So, that’s a long way of saying yes. Let her rip. Increase volume week over week max of 10% 🚀

Thank you so much for the motivation. I am pretty sure you provided advice for me this past year for my first half marathon I am no spring chicken but I was playing soccer against 20yr olds until November, which meant a lot of running. I have been trying to keep up with 5 km runs on a regular basis with my CrossFit classes. I think I might have the running bug now.

I remember that - I think you were asking about sugar nutrition. I think you will be surprised at how well you do this time around. I got forced into a short offseason this year through a really dumb foot injury and took almost a month off running, and basically drank beer, ate garbage, and made fires with my dog in the backyard. Obviously not comparable, but it comes back pretty quickly. Similar thing happened last year with a bike accident - about a month off.

Just manage the volume appropriately and you will do great. Initially, you will notice your heart rate is significantly higher than what you were seeing before. But that will come down. Also, now is a good time to start back up again because you can work on aerobic fitness if running outside without your body having to work harder trying to keep your core temperature down.

If you are targeting rock and roll half here in DC in March, that's a great event. I did not realize it was more rolling hills when I did it last year. I wouldn't be afraid of the hill in rock creek park - its the Shoreham drive exit by the Connecticut avenue overpass. Just be aware of it.

Yes, I was asking about gummies and gels last year! I actually finished my first race with GU’s JET Blackberry gel, and I was like 😎 to the finish line. Thank you for all of the advice last year and with your current posts. I am sorry you were injured this season, but bonfires and beers sounds like a nice way to slow down. I will start running seriously once I am over being sick. Hopefully I can run tomorrow. I like the goal of running in the winter to get me outside. Plus, I know understand the runner’s high. I am aiming for a May race again.