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Training for 1/2 marathon

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/7/2010 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
I just signed up for the CCFA 1/2 Marathon fund raiser to take place on June 4th.  I walked in a 1/2 Marathon in 2007 which took me 3 1/2 hours.  I'm gona try and run it this time.

I just got a personal coach wit 10 years experience.  He has dealt with people with health issues but I think this will be a bit different.  I know I got a challenge ahead of me and was wonder if any other members has some training tips/experiences to share.

I'll be using a heart monitor for the first time and hope this will be a good indicator of getting a good workout.  It's hard to use feedbk from my body as fatique and left side cramping isn't always from working out wink .

I also read on some past posts how some doctors don't want you to work out during a flare as you need to give your body time to heal. I also hear that regular exercise helps the body bounce back quicker. I guess it depends on individual factors. Right now I think I'm doing OK..no major flaring, just occassional mucous mixed with some blood, no cramping.

Posted 12/7/2010 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
Good for you. I just finished my first 1/2 marathon in Sept. It was quite a feat seeing that last year at this time i had just undergone a totalcolectomy with permanent illeostomy surgery. Then in Feb. had my anus and rectum removed. I started running in June and in Sept. I did the 1/2. I joined a female running group and everyone in the group was getting together for  a weekend away to do a 1/2. At first I thought it was just going to be a fun weekend away from my kids and hanging out with some wonderful ladies. I thought I would walk most of the race. However, I must have had the biggest addrenaline rush of my life b/c I ran the entire race and never stopped once.  I didn't train well enough but what got me through it was breaking it up into little peices. I started at the back of the race, way back and then focused my energy and thoughts on catching and passing anyone I could. I would count people as I passed them. Of course I lost track but it kept me focused on that instead of how much I wanted to quit running and walk. I just kept focused on the small goal of catching the next person. Of course I did it at a reasonable pace more like a jog than a run. I think I finished in 2:17.  

Anything is possible!!! That is what I have learned so just enjoy it and take it at your own pace. Have fun and good luck!!!

Best,

Mindy

Posted 12/7/2010 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Half marathons are a great distance. They're not too far that you're going to kill yourself doing it but it's far enough that it'll be a challenge. And you have plenty of time to train. You'll have a lot of fun. I haven't run a race like that since I've had this disease so I can't really give you too much advice as far as that goes. But I can tell you that unless it's a small race, there will be port-a-potties all along the route. I know it's not ideal going in those things but somehow it's different during a race. And the other thing I can tell you is to pace yourself. Start out slow, it's really easy to want to take off and go fast at first. Resist doing that and try to keep at your usual steady pace. Otherwise you'll poop out way too soon. And if you need to, stop and rest or walk. But most importantly, have fun!
Posted 12/7/2010 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thats Awesome! I love running..I havent given it up, i just tweak my training a bit...For me, I take an Immodium pre run, i drink a little water, and just enjoy being out and running!
Posted 12/7/2010 10:27 PM (GMT 0)

hmvpdx said...
Thats Awesome! I love running..I havent given it up, i just tweak my training a bit...For me, I take an Immodium pre run, i drink a little water, and just enjoy being out and running!

Good idea about using immodium. I try an use it sparenly as one pills seems to have lasting effects!

Posted 12/7/2010 10:29 PM (GMT 0)

mincon said...
Good for you. I just finished my first 1/2 marathon in Sept. It was quite a feat seeing that last year at this time i had just undergone a totalcolectomy with permanent illeostomy surgery. Then in Feb. had my anus and rectum removed. I started running in June and in Sept. I did the 1/2. I joined a female running group and everyone in the group was getting together for  a weekend away to do a 1/2. At first I thought it was just going to be a fun weekend away from my kids and hanging out with some wonderful ladies. I thought I would walk most of the race. However, I must have had the biggest addrenaline rush of my life b/c I ran the entire race and never stopped once.  I didn't train well enough but what got me through it was breaking it up into little peices. I started at the back of the race, way back and then focused my energy and thoughts on catching and passing anyone I could. I would count people as I passed them. Of course I lost track but it kept me focused on that instead of how much I wanted to quit running and walk. I just kept focused on the small goal of catching the next person. Of course I did it at a reasonable pace more like a jog than a run. I think I finished in 2:17.  

Wow!  Thanks!!  This is very helpful strategy.  I'm just looking to finish and hopfully without walking!

Posted 12/8/2010 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
The run 9 walk 1 plan is the best way to go. Ask your trainer, he/she should know about it. It works.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-381--236-4-3X5X7X8-5,00.html
Posted 12/12/2010 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
So I have done multiple marathons before I was diagnosed. I have found that hard workouts make my guts actually feel better and I have less D that day. So if you are like me, marathon training may actually be better for you than not doing it. Good luck and take those first runs slow.
Posted 12/16/2010 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
That is wonderful.  I'm excited for you.  I've lived with UC for almost 20 years now and have been participating in half marathons and triathlons for the past 3.  I find that if I take just one immodium pre-race, I'm good.  If your mornings are the most difficult part of your day, you don't want to start the race dehydrated!  Good luck.  Keep us posted on your training.
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