Marathon Training: Treadmill Vs. Running Outside

From what I hear, training for a marathon can be pretty intense. You need to hit a certain amount of miles per week, keep up with your pacing, and keep healthy all before the big day. So, if you live in an area with unpredictable weather, treadmill running might be the way to train.

There are pros and cons to treadmill running:

Pros:

• You can keep training in any weather, your running does not have to depend on the weather outside.


• You can keep track of your miles more accurately.

Cons:

• Running on a treadmill can give you a false sense of speed.



• You may keep a different pace on a treadmill than what you would keep outside.
  

Do you prefer running on a treadmill or running outside? Personally, I love scenery. I also love feeling like I'm going somewhere and actually covering ground. What about you?

--Cassie

Your Defining Moment - Dean Karnazes

Through my short 10 year career in running, I have had my own moments of question and doubt. Can I make it this far? Should I be going this fast? Am I still breathing? Runners of all skill levels and experience have been there. Ultra Marathon Man Dean Karanzes shares with us how he reached his moment of self definition. He writes, " We all have those moments that define who we are...."

June 21, 2007 in Times Square Dean Karanzes attempted to break the world distance record of 24 hours on a treadmill. He lost all ten of his toenails in his attempt to push through.

What is your defining moment? As a runner, mine has to be my senior year of high school's final cross country meet. I finished 10th in the race and had an all out battle with 2 other runners at the finish line...it was only for 10th place but for the average high schooler, it may as well have been 1st.

--Cassie

What Type of Marathon Runner Are You?

Do you run just for the sake of running? Do you run to keep your weight down? Do you run to fit into that favorite bathing suit? Is running your social event?

The following list of "Running Types" was taken from the article "A Typology of Marathon Runners" by Benjamin M. Ogles (published in the Journal of Sport Behavior, March 2003). Unfortunately I do not have a copy of this article for the blog but I do have an excerpt containing the list. Read the following list and determine what of runner you are, then post your comment on the blog.

So are these correct? Is it safe to say that all runners can fit into these "types"? While I have never run a marathon before, I am a #2 runner in general for sure!

--Cassie

1) Running Enthusiasts- Endorse a wide variety of reasons to run, including health, self-esteem, weight management, personal goal achievement, recognition, affiliation, life meaning, etc. Typically older and more marathon participation. More likely to run with other runners and disproportionately female.

2) Lifestyle Managers- Personal goal achievement, self-esteem, health orientation, psychological coping, weight concern, life meaning. Motivated by interest in improving physical and psychological well-being. Not motivated by social and competitive reasons for running. More likely to train alone and run slower marathons. Train fewer miles and days. Less likely to train twice in one day. Disproportionately female.

3) Personal Goal Achievers- Personal goal achievement is motivation to run. Motivated primarily by improving running performance and speed to the best of their capabilities. Not motivated by competition with other runners, only with themselves. Somewhat younger, faster times, training more miles, disproportionately male.

4) Personal Accomplishers- Personal goal achievement, self esteem, health-orientation. Primarily concerned with accomplishment (i.e. a general sense of positive participation). Weight concern, life meaning, and psychological coping are not main reasons for running. Rated near the middle on most variables (i.e. "average" for some of the variables mentioned above), disproportionately male.

5) Competitive achievers- Personal goal achievement, self-esteem, health-orientation, competition, life meaning. Competition with others is main motive for running. Younger, faster marathon times, train more days, likely to train twice in one day, disproportionately male.

New Balance Connections

New Balance has a new site just for runners training for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon; NewBalanceConnections.com. Check this site out for training tips, nutritional advice and expert guidance from world renown marathoners.

You can even participate in live chat with world class athletes and featured competitors. This is a great resource for new and veteran runners alike, there really is something for everyone.

You will need to register and set up a user name, password, and also enter some information about yourself to set up your account; it really just takes a second. But once you do, you will have access to incredible information just for the marathoner in training!

Have a look, then give us your review below...

--Cassie

What is a Shoe Last?

This is a common question people have about New Balance shoes; "What is a Shoe Last?" All New Balance shoes are constructed around a wood or plastic model called a 'last.' The last effects the overall fit of the shoe. The most common lasts are 'SL-1' and 'SL-2.' You can find out more about Shoe Lasts on NBwebexpress.com.

Each New Balance shoe last creates a specific fit for men's, women's and kids' shoes. Once you know the last you need, you can search for shoes based on your desired shoe last. I personally prefer an SL-2 last...it's the most comfortable for me and gives my foot a little room to breath.

Did this answer any questions? Let us know...

--Cassie