I want everyone to know that it is possible to train for a marathon on a treadmill. That is right, on a treadmill. Although my roommates, collegues and even members of my family doubted the possibility and thought that I was going to kill myself. I did it. Ironically my fear about hurting my knees and finding routes, and my pride to prove those people wrong kept me from running on the road. I sympathize with all of you that try this though. Three hours of looking at a blank wall is not my idea of fun. My training schedule was pretty simple: 6 miles Monday, 8 Miles Wednesday, long run on (increasing by two miles each week) on Friday and cross training the other days.
I wasn't planning on running a marathon when I started. I just wanted to work off the 15 pounds that I had gained over the holidays and win the biggest loser competition with my family for my little brother's wedding. When I got to 8 miles though, I contemplated training for a half marathon, and my friends Pete and Anna convinced me to train for a whole one in late February. The long runs were pretty exciting because they were the longest distance that I had ever run each time. They were still on a treadmill though. I kept myself occupied by singing Red Hot Chilli Pepper songs and would run to the beat. I took off two weeks to go to India in the middle and to the end of March and was worried after not training.
I signed up for the marathon the monday before still skeptical of whether or not I was going to do it or survive it. I learned the most about running that week. Like my shoes were what was giving me shin splints and that energy gels (which are pretty disgusting) and water are so important for running long distances.
I came in 135th or something and finished with 3hrs 36 min and high on a level of caffeine from my first experience with these gels. I felt great at the end. It was a huge rush to sprint the last 0.2 miles and have everyone cheering.
The news interviewed me and when they showed the coverage, said that I was Russian guy who finished 6th overall. I can understand because I was out of breath and English was hard for me during the interview and I was sweating enough to be in 6th overall. Awesome experience and I am sure that I will recommend it to everyone as soon as my muscles allow me to forget the pain that I put them through.
I wasn't planning on running a marathon when I started. I just wanted to work off the 15 pounds that I had gained over the holidays and win the biggest loser competition with my family for my little brother's wedding. When I got to 8 miles though, I contemplated training for a half marathon, and my friends Pete and Anna convinced me to train for a whole one in late February. The long runs were pretty exciting because they were the longest distance that I had ever run each time. They were still on a treadmill though. I kept myself occupied by singing Red Hot Chilli Pepper songs and would run to the beat. I took off two weeks to go to India in the middle and to the end of March and was worried after not training.
I signed up for the marathon the monday before still skeptical of whether or not I was going to do it or survive it. I learned the most about running that week. Like my shoes were what was giving me shin splints and that energy gels (which are pretty disgusting) and water are so important for running long distances.
I came in 135th or something and finished with 3hrs 36 min and high on a level of caffeine from my first experience with these gels. I felt great at the end. It was a huge rush to sprint the last 0.2 miles and have everyone cheering.
The news interviewed me and when they showed the coverage, said that I was Russian guy who finished 6th overall. I can understand because I was out of breath and English was hard for me during the interview and I was sweating enough to be in 6th overall. Awesome experience and I am sure that I will recommend it to everyone as soon as my muscles allow me to forget the pain that I put them through.
2 comments:
I always think of you when I climb onto our treadmill. Congratulations on finishing knee-pain free!
Can I put in a request that you post some pictures of India please?
scotty, you are my success story. maybe training on treadmills will be the next craze. if I could look as good as you did at the end of the marathon, I might be willing to try it. oh wait, I would rather shoot myself in the head than do long runs on a treadmill. you are amazing.
can't wait to run the new york city marathon with you!
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