Originally Posted by
I've seen black diamonds!
It's really easy to over do it when training for a race, especially if you're fired up for it. Here are a few more recommendations:
-You need to add volume and intensity very carefully. Don't increase mileage/time (depending on what you are counting) more than about 10% a week.
-If you add any speed work don't add mileage at the same time. Maybe even back off a little.
-When you start feeling generally fatigued back off for a week (reduce volume by 25% or so). This should leave you feeling pretty fresh, and you can then go back to adding 10% to the previous week's volume. Doing this once every two or three weeks can make you stronger.
-Heat = intensity. If you hit a string of 95 degree days you need to slow down and maybe even reduce volume.
-You need to run at a comfortable pace most of the time. You should be able to talk comfortably while you run. It's ok if this pace fluctuates. It's ok if you walk, especially uphill. You're not a highly trained machine. But because you're new to this as long as you keep running and don't injure yourself you will get faster and increase your endurance pretty steadily.
-Things like running on tired legs, or running on an empty stomach are legit BUT you are probably better off not doing this. It's just going to increase your injury risk. Even people who do benefit from these strategies don't need to do it with any frequency. Something like back to back 8 miles runs a couple weeks before the race would be enough.
-Lose weight. If you're not skinny right now, losing weight will make this challenge easier.
Note that all of the above is about not getting hurt. That is what will stop you. Not the stuff you're worried about.