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April 29, 2024

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Location:

Woods Cross,UT,USA

Member Since:

May 01, 2006

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

Current Running Life:
5k: 17:50 (2010 NSL)
10k: 38:20 (2007 Des News)
1/2 Marathon: 1:23:30 (2009 Provo Half)
Marathon: 2:53:46 (2007 St George)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Long-Term Running Goals:

Personal:

Daddy to 3 great kids - 16 year old son and 11 year old twin daughters

I do not know what tomorrow will bring but I do know it will start with a run.

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Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00
Saucony Grid A2 Lifetime Miles:						125.40
GoRun2 Lifetime Miles:						53.70
Adrenaline 2014 Blue (1) Lifetime Miles:						442.70
Adrenaline 2014 Red (1) Lifetime Miles:						429.20

Fri, Aug 29, 2008

Slow miles	Fast miles	Total Distance
10.00	0.00	10.00

Felt about the same as yesterday but maybe a little better. There were a couple of runners on the road that I tried to catch and stay ahead of so I had motivation to push a little harder. The smoke from the fire last night at the RV shop was pretty bad. I smelled like campfire when I got home.

There is a rule of thumb in running that states that for every pound above your ideal running weight that you are costs you 2 seconds per mile. In looking at my marathons this year, I am running approximately 4-5 minutes slower than I feel I should be running. My "should be" pace is a very real expectation based on performances last year. I am 5 pounds heavier now than I was last year. Five minutes in a marathon is 11 seconds per mile and my 5 extra pounds would suggest I should be running 10 seconds per mile slower. Is it possible that the only reason for my slow down this year is due to the extra weight?

Comments

From Huans32 on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 13:16:22

I been wondering the same thing about the weight and running. And just how much it is weighing in on my running. But totally makes sense. Expecially if its something that simple experiment with it.

From Tom on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 13:52:36

Good question Andy as I've thought about the same issue. I'm also up about 4-5 pounds above my low point back in the winter. But the thing is I'm eating as healthy as I ever have and I don't feel like I'm a major chow hound or anything. I've been hoping the extra pounds are mostly new leg muscle as I've cranked up the miles and done lots of hills and core workouts. Seems like most people lose weight over the core marathon training cycle but I've always gained a few pounds in recent years.

Guess we live and learn and experiment and hope we find some answers over time. Now I'll go back to my high-fiber, whole-grain, low-fat, fruits-and-veggie lunch.

From Andy on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 13:55:51

Tom - My 5 extra pounds are "bad" pounds. That's why I'm wondering if that could be the biggest factor in my slowdown. Now I'll go back to eating my chocolate covered cinnamon bears.

From Tom on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 14:00:55

I have to confess that I do tend to go off the bandwagon on weekends and seek out something very chocolately. But that dark chocolate is good for you, right?

From Michelle N. on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 14:01:18

Andy, I noticed a significant difference in my running when I dropped a few pounds and ate healthier. My problem isn't eating healthy cuz I do but just making sure I'm getting enough calories in. I think thats where a lot of us go wrong and then our body hangs on to every ounce of fat it can for survival.

From RivertonPaul on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 15:08:40

Very perceptive commentary Andy, as usual.

From Sasha Pachev on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 15:23:19

As complex as the body is I do not think you could pack 5 counterproductive pounds without some other side effects. If this does not affect your speed, it may affect your ability to recover from workouts and stay away from injuries. Which in turn will affect the speed in the end. However, you should not wonder about weight if you are not eating healthy to the best of your knowledge. Weight or not, the diet needs improvement.

From Huans32 on Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 15:35:14

I do a great job of eating healthy. Uptil the point of ice cream. I had my bday yesterday and had some for sure there. But that is something I know I can and should cut out of my diet. And the chocolate covered bears etc... That is what is keeping me at my weight that I know isnt really helping me long run.

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