Here is an update on my marathon training.
Last Sunday I ran 10 miles with a pace of 9:57 minutes per mile. That’s certainly not going to break any records, but not bad for a first. Let me tell you though, 1 hour and 40 minutes of running seems like a long time. I’m following the Hal Higdon novice training program. This weekend I will be running 10K in the Kelly Carter Scholarship Run in Tecumseh, MI.
I have scaled back my weight lifting to once per week in order to maintain what I have gained. I am making very little to no gains, though I seem to have made some minor gains on chin-ups. But the goal here is simply to maintain.
Shari and I took a Chi-Running class. It has been very helpful for me in implemented the Chi-Running form. This form has made running more enjoyable and easier. It has also helped to improve my Taiji.
Weight loss has not occured. In fact I have gained almost 5lbs. Some of that is no doubt muscle, but this much activity has simply made me a lot more hungry all the time. If I listen to that hunger I eat and I gain weight.
Hey! Great progress update! If you go link the post in my goal update section, I can send you the free UseAgain Bag because no one else is reporting on their goal progress LOL! Tell me more about Chi Running! I find running soooo monotonous and can not imagine running one more step than the 3 miles I do as my sprint-tri training.
You really need to read the book or take a class on Chi-running to get the full understanding. Here are a few key notes about this form though:
Stay relaxed. Keep your ankles and knees loose and relaxed. The legs swing from the gentle rotation of the hips instead of pushing off with your calves. Feet should always be parallel. You strike with the mid-foot instead of the heel and let your legs naturally swing up behind you. The arms swing freely like pendulums. Keep a constant cadence and let your lean (and gravity) pull you forward. The more lean you apply, the faster you go. Keep your pelvis level and lengthen your spine. etc.
Definitely get the book.
BTW, I’d pop for the free bag, but I already have a whole bunch of those reusable grocery bags. I use them every week when I get groceries.
Oh, check out some of the chi-running videos on youtube too.
Go you! When you’re a less busy guy, I’d love to read how your marathon training is affecting your cooking & your eating.
About you not losing weight: I’ve been there, and it can be frustrating. I’ve had some success in the past by finding a time of day that I could be a little hungry and still function. But I’ve never trained for a marathon, your results may vary…
Good luck!