The Qwer Old Fella's Marathon Method

April 26, 2024

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Location:

Tralee,Ireland

Member Since:

Oct 01, 2011

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

I've never worn compression socks.

Short-Term Running Goals:

To do a race.

Long-Term Running Goals:

1. Break the world record for the marathon in the 50+ age group, when I'm 50 in 2015.

2. Never wear compression socks.

Personal:

Married with two girls (6 and 10).

The Qwer Old Fella's Marathon Method is a four year experiment.

The first year (2012) was about getting back into running, staying off the smokes and booze, while sticking to a healthy eating plan and shedding mountains of lard. All boxes ticked.

Year two (2013 - age: 48) Injured Jan through March. Build back up and work on my 5k speed. Goal 15:45.

Year three (2014) will be about doing my first marathon in the spring. (Just for the experience and on a tough course - maybe Tralee; goal time, 2:30ish.) Then begins the prep work for Berlin 2015

Year four (2015) is all about breaking the world record for the marathon in the 50+ age group - it's only 2:19 :).

The above might sound nuts; it is, but then I'm nuts. Please do not copy any of the training I do: if you do, you are likely to end up running like me - not a good idea.

The idea is to have a laugh along the way. If I fail, I don't know what I'll do - my whole belief system will crumble and I suspect that this little rock might just stop spinning for a couple of seconds. Jakers, I better not fail for all our sakes. That's some burden, even for SuperBam.

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Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00

Mon, Jan 14, 2013

Easy Miles	Marathon Pace Miles	Threshold Miles	VO2 Max Miles	Total Distance
0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00

a.m. No run. Piriformis is much better but my adductors are giving it root-toot. I've decided to take a break...

I've been running now for 15 months without a break. During the 15 months, I've built up from scratch to 100mpw. Although I haven't done any prolonged or structured hard work, I've manage 5:40 pace with ease - just off plodding. This suggests, based on the couple of tester speed sessions that I've done, that once I focus on a structured approach to the 5k, sub 15 will be a realistic goal. I'm aware that the best laid schemes of mice and men often result in failure. For this reason, I'm going to listen to my body and let it soak up and recover from the strain of the previous 15 months. Yes, it'll set me back a touch, but that's no big shakes in the grand scheme of things. In fact, I'm positive, in the long run it'll prove a prudent move.

I''m going to take 7-10 days off and I'll be back stronger than ever...

Night Sleep Time: 0.00	Nap Time: 0.00	Total Sleep Time: 0.00	Weight: 0.00

Comments

From Jake K on Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 08:33:13 from 155.100.226.191

The top guys take time off like that twice a calendar year. Most of us are too insecure / stubborn to do that (and yes, I'm looking at myself when I say that). If this goes well for you, maybe I'd be willing to give it a try after the marathon in March ;-)

From Andrea on Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 09:06:12 from 72.37.171.52

Good idea! 15 months is a long time without a break, and you'll come back stronger than ever!

From Rachelle on Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 10:06:46 from 159.212.71.200

Good plan Bam! You will not lose any fitness in 7-10 days and will undoubtedly come back stronger. If I wasn't so OCD and stubborn I would do the same thing. :)

From Bret on Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 11:24:10 from 63.118.151.12

Wise to listen to what your body is telling you with these issues of late. Recovery is part of training - and taking a break is part of that. Good luck with it. I am sure you will come back as you said, even stronger.

From Bam on Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 14:00:06 from 89.126.28.24

Thanks peeps. I'm not sure about coming back stronger - defo fatter; I'm going to have to watch the calories. I feel 5lbs heavier and it's only been a day.

Seriously, my body's cottoned on that it's getting a rest. I'm not into all the body/mind jiggery-pokery, but it's strange how my body seems to have clocked that this is more than a rest day. All sorts of nutty stuff is going on with both of my legs - it's as though they miss slipping into the tights etc:)

From Russ on Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 16:14:23 from 74.114.3.253

Your last comment sounds like taper madness. Just before my marathons all the rest has my legs thinking they're ready to fall off and I'll need a walker just to stay upright. Makes me full of self doubt, thinking I won't even be able to run the full distance let alone PR. Turns out it's just the mind/body messin' with me. What a rotten thing to do to a person....

From Matt Poulsen on Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 16:40:26 from 98.202.242.213

Your wisdom comes through again. Very smart Bam! I agree, this break will serve you well.

From Bam on Tue, Jan 15, 2013 at 03:25:35 from 89.126.28.24

Russ, it's only day two and I'm feeling like a whale.

Matt, The legs seem to be settling down. So I think it was the right move. Time will tell...

From allie on Thu, Jan 17, 2013 at 14:05:05 from 97.117.83.221

fat and happy time. it's good for you. fire up more beef bourguignon.

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