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Time on my feet

by Andrea Hill on March 9, 2009 · Comments

in General

After the Last Chance race a few weeks ago, I went out for dinner with Chuck “MarathonJunkie” Engle and my friend Helen. Chuck has already run 10 marathons in ‘09, and placed in all but one (winning 4). I told him that I’ve noticed myself fading in late miles and asked him for advice. He asked my weekly mileage, and told me that the single most important thing to focus on was “time on my feet”. They could be easy miles, but simply to log the time.

I listened:
February Run Time: 6:59:14
March Run Time (up thru 03/08): 8:00:05

Yes, I’ve already logged more time on my feet in 8 days than I did all last month.. I’m definitely over my “burn-out”!

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  • i do believe in time on your feet (long runs) but i also believe in hard workouts during the week (tempos, intervals). i definitely tell beginners to focus more on 'time on feet' instead of their pace.

    8 hrs running for the month already sounds so intense to me! glad you've busted out of your rut.

    i wish i could win a marathon, ever. guess i need to hold my own private race. i'd probably still lose. :)
  • hmmmm....a private race.....I know of at least one other person who held is own private race...and he did win. So your idea is a good one. Just don't invite any runners that are even close to your ability and you are a shoe in. And from what you have posted I agree with your advice to "beginners". I just like to get people up and moving. Slow or fast..just get them moving.
  • I'm gonna disagree with his advice. Stamina is about more anaerobic than aerobic fitness and the last few miles are about fighting your demons than anything else.
  • Andrea,

    Thanks for the credit. As for the naysayers, this advice was specific to you. And I appreciate you considering my suggestion for your own use. I am usually more timid about giving advice much like anyone would be with giving an infant a loaded gun. RUN MORE!
  • right, and your actual advice was "increase mileage" - which is definitely hard to do when it takes you a long time to get the miles in b/c you're going slow! Still, I've taken your advice in the way that works best for me - just getting myself back into the habit again.
  • Absolutely. I love to see that you are getting back in the habit. My run today was 8 miles and it took me well over an hour. My goal is to run for my lifetime. It has been my experience that most runners tend to abuse themselves with detrimental workouts that are run to often and / or to hard. Diminishing returns seem to only lead them to the false belief that they are not doing enough intense workouts. The whole cycle tends to lead them to a shortened running career and a dislike for the sport. I am hopeful for you and also excited that you are finding and taking the time. I think you might surprise yourself. RUN MORE!
  • Andrea Hill
    If you disagree with this, wait until I post his other "plan for success"!
  • I like red wine. Anything else is hearsay and should be regarded with a some hooey and humbug. Speaking of red wine......when are you back in OH-IO so we can have a few more sips of magic running elixir together with Helen?
  • Someone else gave me "time on my feet" advice before and I hold to it when talking to others about running. Good advice!

    <abbr>Run Mommy’s last blog post..Reese's Run</abbr>
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