Crossing the 29th CIM Finish Line
I’ve run two marathons in my lifetime so far, and I plan to run more. The first time was the Chicago Marathon, and the second was the 29th California International Marathon (CIM). In this article, I will compare how I trained for each and look at the results.
Training for the Chicago Marathon
Before I ran the Chicago marathon, I trained for an entire year. I used a training plan from a book I read by Dean Karnazes (50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days — and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance!
The first time I completed it was around May-Jun 2010 time frame; I actually ran a marathon on my own; were my calves sore after mile 21. I had to walk and jog periodically until I completed around 26 miles; it was pretty hot that day too! My time was around 4:37.
The second time I completed the training plan was before the actual Chicago marathon. I really stuck to the plan, which meant I ran anywhere from 4 to 6 times per week, logging in many miles. during this second round, I injured myself a couple of times. The first time was to my left knee. I think I logged so many miles to the point that my left knee got very painful to the point where I could no longer run. I stopped running for about a couple of weeks until I could run on it again.
The next time was maybe a month before the marathon. This time the muscles under my feet were sore. I experienced the pains associated with plantar fasciitis. To treat it, I iced my feet regularly using ice in a regular plastic cylindrical bottle (I rolled my feet on it); eventually, it wasn’t as bad anymore and I could run on it.
Oct 10, 2010 came. I ran the Chicago marathon and completed it in 4:57. It wasn’t ideal running weather as it was warm (around 60’s in the morning, then 80’s later in the morning). Were my legs sore! The last 800 meters were a killer as a small incline caught me by surprise. Then on last 200 meters I pushed to the finish line, even getting a chance to take a picture of the finish line from a distance.
Training for the CIM
I took a different approach to training for the CIM. This time I used a training plan from Active.com which they provided for free. The training was scheduled to begin in August and complete just before the CIM (Dec 4, 2011).
Before August 2011, however, I continued some degree of running regimen. Running three times a week only with occasional cross training activities involving a stationary bike (non-weight bearing workouts). I used a training concept I read from the book titled “Runner’s World Run Less, Run Faster: Become a Faster, Stronger Runner with the Revolutionary FIRST Training Program
The general idea is to run only 3 times a week with cross training work outs in between. For the three runs to work, you need have a purpose for each run–interval runs, tempo runs, and long runs. This comes down to achieving the following with each run:
- interval runs – trains you to run faster
- tempo runs – helps your body become efficient at processing oxygen; this way lactic acid are handled better, and as a result, you can run faster longer
- long runs – designed to help your body get used to running for long periods of time; builds endurance
. McDougall is on to something. This inspired me to look into two thing:- barefoot or minimalist shoe running
- chia seeds for energy (Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds, 3-Pound Bags
)
Perhaps the problem is that my feet have been effectively in a cast for the many years I’ve been wearing running shoes. This could account for the weakness in the muscles in my feet, and the issues I had with my plantar fascii. So I got myself a Vibram shoe–Vibram Fivefingers Mens Bikila LS Castle Rock/Navy/Grey 44
To ease my transition to barefoot/minimalist shoe running I also bought a Saucony Men’s Progrid Mirage Running Shoe,Silver/Black/Yellow,11 M US
I stated to experiment with the chia seeds. You can make chia seed drink simply by mixing 2 table spoons of the seeds with 40 ounces of water. Add some brown sugar for flavor (or whatever turns you on), mix, and let stand for at least one hour. I leave mine overnight in the fridge, and it tastes good. It really does give you a energy and because it absorbs water very well, it serves as a good energy drink for long runs.
OK. Back to the training. August came and went. I began my training runs, doing only 3 purposeful runs a week and mixing in some occasional cross training workouts in between. The core of my training was just the 3 runs per week. Two week from December 4, I began to taper off. On the last week, I did very little running.
December 4 in Sacramento area was great. The weather was perfect for running–no wind and the temperature was around the 40’s. On the morning of the run, I made sure I had a little light breakfast (just a light breakfast bar), and I made sure I was hydrated (drank gatorade). Just minutes before the run, I finished drinking my chia seed energy drink. For this run I wore my Nike Pegasus 26+ (not my Vibram Fivefingers since I’m not ready for that yet).
I had a strong first half (2:03), but I buckled at around mile 23 I think. I had some of the most serious muscle cramp attacks in my life–on my left quadriceps and on my right hamstring. I had to periodically stretch and walk just to recover. Nevertheless I completed the run in 4:36! Overall a good run.
Conclusion
Personally, I thought my training for the CIM was better for my body since I didn’t suffer any injuries during my training period. However, I think I didn’t really follow the training plan as well as I could have. I attribute the muscle cramps to this. The preparation in the morning with the chia seeds also helped significantly I think as I felt a lot of energy that day.