[pct-l] re: Transition to running (long)

[pmags at yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

How timely! I am about to do my first marathon on
September 28th. (The Boulder Back Roads). 

In any case, I was not a runner until this past year.
I am not sure of your background, but here is my own
experience.

First, my own background: Have been more an endurance
athelete (as the case with many, if not most, long
distance hikers).  Always said I am not built for
running, but hauling a pack up and down the mountains
all day for many miles, repeat. Two thru-hikes at
least did not disprove this notion. :-)  

Always thought of running as what I remember from high
school gym class: short, intense and fast. Totally the
opposite of the type of activity I seem to do well
in...   I'm more of a pack mule than a race horse! :-)

This past year, as mentioned, started running. Unlike
you, did not start right after my PCT thru, but about
three months later. To make a long story short, went
on a "fun run" with some friends on New Year's
Eve..did better than I thought. Started running more
and more, and enjoyed it. Commited myself to doing a
marathon in September. A long run is similar to a long
hike: it is about endurance, pacing yourself, not
burning your self out too fast and a good chunk of it
is mental! 

>From my own perspective as primarily a long distance
hiker first (and a runner second):
- LD hikers tend to have a good baseline to start.
Most beginning runners have trouble with running two
miles without walking part of it at first. LD hikers
are in better cardio shape to begin with it seems. Was
surprised was up to 10k runs fairly quickly and doing
it comfortably
- LD Hikers are used to the mental aspect that comes
with endurance activities..like a marathon. Pushing
yourself when you want to quit. At the same time,
forcing yourself when needed to slow down when the
tendency is to push, push, push (otherwise you burn
out..not making it to Manning/finish line)
- While a marathon is about endurance, there are
obviously some differences from hiking 26.2 miles in a
day with a pack over 10-12 hrs vs RUNNING 26.2 miles
in 4-5 hrs. While LD hiking has given me a good
baseline (and my stamina is very good to begin
with..), just as you have to build up to those
legendary "30 miler" days on the PCT, you have to
build up your body to get used to using that much
energy in such a short period of time.

We are used to exerting that much energy, but I do not
think I could come off the trail and run a marathon
straight away.   Again, have to train the body to get
used  to using that much energy in such a short period
of time. Started out running about 3-4 miles, worked
my way up to where I am now: 21-22 miles.  I will say
that I think my ld hiking background has helped
GREATLY in getting to this point. Better than average
endurance, but more importantly I think mentally
prepared for a grind.  

As a converse example, my two friends who have been
mentoring me in running are experienced marathon
runners. They have both done the NYC Marathon 2x each.
Naturally, they are faster runners than I.  But, I
tend to hike faster and longer then them when we go,
well, hiking.  All three of us are probably in equally
good shape, but they are geared up for (relatively)
short, intense periods of energy expenditure.  They
would have to work up to the 25-30 mile hiking days
for days at a time, but have  a great baseline to
start with.  If anything, ld hikers have more in
common with ultra-runners than traditional runners as
far as how the body is "geared up".  

Sorry for the long and rambling post, but it is
interesting you asked a question as I am about to do
what you are planning. This was my own experience. As
mentioned, I come from a long distance hiker
background and have never really ran until this year.
I should also note that I have a short and stocky
build, so I am not really the fastest of runners
(About 8:30/mile), but seem to do well with plugging
along at a consistent pace. Don't get too much faster,
but don't slow down much ethier.  Kinda how I hike.
:-)   When I did a trail 10k, started towards the back
of the pack..by the end of the race was smack in the
middle as far as completion times are concerned. Will
be happy if I do about 4hr 30 minutes in this upcoming
race... Be happy to finish it!

In summary: LD hikers tend to be in good cardio shape
and have good endurance to start, but suggest working
your way up to expending that much energy in the
realtively short time of a marathon (as oppsed to
multi-month hikes). Start with fairly short runs, work
your way up to the bigger runs. Don't want to hurt
yourself while running!

We'll see if my theories have any resemblance to
reality in about two weeks. :D


Mags

ps. If anyone is curious:
http://www.boulderbackroads.com/
And for the short and sweet
(The course with elevation profiles):
http://www.boulderbackroads.com/coursemaps_big.html

pps. The other big difference between a marathon and a
long hike? Lots more people giving you food and drinks
in 26.2 miles of running than in 26.2 miles of hiking.
:D



=====
************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com