Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Final Week and some updates

We are finally almost to our goal and most people's races will be taking place on Thursday. This week is going to be really simple and easy with no workouts and a lot of recovery. Runs will be easy and slow in preparation for the big day.

Tuesday: Easy run preferably 3-4 miles at an easy and relaxed pace.

Wednesday: Your choice of either a day off to rest or doing some easy jogging of about 1 mile. This day is essentially the final preparations and tweaking necessary for tomorrow.

Thursday: RACE

Now that I have finished the training reports I am going to do one final post tomorrow about pre race preparations to finish off the training. It will be about what to eat the day of, clothing, and final notes about the race. Remember to get a lot of sleep this week and some rest. Stay tuned for tomorrow final notes.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Week 4 Training Plan

Week 4

Here we are in our second to last week before race day and during this week we are going to start downgrading the intensity of the training to allow rest and recovery. It is peak season and its time to sharpen up before the race. This week will consist of less mileage and easier shorter workout.

Monday: Today we are going to continue the easy trend and do an easy 4-5 mile run. Kept it simple don't go crazy because tomorrow's workout is the last challenge before the real challenge (the race).

Tuesday: This workout is something referred to as an accelerator run. If your thinking ahead or just mainly alive the term pretty much gives away what your doing. You are going to accelerate as the run goes on into a controlled push. Start at a normal pace and gradually pick up the pace every once and while until you reached this controlled push. I would recommend doing a 4 mile accelerator and about a 1 mile cool down at the end.

Wednesday: Really easy day, 4 miles tops. Good recovery is going to be necessary. I recommend avoiding hills as much as possible as well.

Thursday: OFF no running.

Friday: Final workout of the week and also final workout before the race. Do solid warm up and some stretching before we begin. The workout for today will be a 400-600-800-600-400 meter workout. The pace for each will be slightly faster than the pace of your 5k goal pace. This workout is not that difficult it is just meant to simulate some faster leg turnover than before. Rest will consist of the same time you did your push for. Get a good cool down and some stretching in after you have completed the workout.

Saturday:
Saturday this week will be switched to your long run day. Try to aim to be around 5 miles for the day at a really slow comfortable pace.

Sunday:
Today is either going to be an option of an off day or a cross training day. If you could imagine today is suppose to be a very simple and easy day to let your legs recover. If you do decide to do some form of exercise keep it between 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity.

Well there you have it week 4 is complete and you should be ready to go. Next week will be even simpler than this with lots of recovery and easy mileage. Stay tuned throughout the week for more updates.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Mariners

This week's run is a running route referred to as "Mariners." This run is essentially an extension of the Mid Hudson Bridge run. It is roughly 6 miles depending on the route you take home. On your way back you can either head back the way you came or head back through Poughkeepsie. For the sake of this blog I will have you go back the same way to avoid confusion.

To start the Mariner's run head out onto Route 9 south towards the Mid-Hudson Bridge. If you don't remember how to reach the bridge refer to my post on the Mid-Hudson Bridge http://mcapping.blogspot.com/2010/10/mid-hudson-bridge.html.

Proceed to the end of the bridge and once you reach the other side of the river there will be one road veering right which you will head towards (I think it's US 44). Keep going uphill until you reach a sign that will say "Mariner's." The sign will point downhill towards a road which you will proceed to head down. This road is one gigantic spiraling steep downhill so make sure to be careful.

Take this all the way down until you reach the riverfront. You will pop out and see a restaurant called "Mariner's" which is an indication that you are at the bottom of the hill. Make a right and run along the river until you reach the Mid-Hudson Bridge. There are some steps down there to help you climb back up towards the top of the bridge. Once you reach the top again head back across the bridge and towards campus and you will have finished Mariners.

I would advise doing this run on your long days because the run totals about 6 miles if completely finished. Another note I don't think I will be able to put up a picture breakdown for this run because I cant find a 360 view of the sign leading down towards Mariners. Because of this I cant find the downhill road you are suppose to take. However, the sign is very noticeable if you are the left side of the road and the run is very straightforward and easy if you know how to get to the Mid-Hudson Bridge.

So this concludes the run "Mariners." I will post training for next week either Sunday or early Monday but till then good luck with the training.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Week 3 Training

Week 3

First thing I would like to say is sorry for the lack of posts throughout the week. I have been doing a lot of other work for some of my other classes and got a bit caught up. Also I was not able to write the first day of week 3’s training because of a big paper yesterday but it should not hinder anything. After those notes here’s training for week 3.

This week’s training will be the meat and overall toughest week because I will implement two workouts and only one day off this week. It is a bit difficult to create a training plan for a 5k in such a short amount of training time but don’t worry you’ll get your rest.

Tuesday: Today is going to be a workout because I could not get the schedule up yesterday. Today’s workout will start with the regular warm up plus some quick stretching. I decided to make this a bit of a track workout however; you can to this in terms of timed pushed as well. The workout will consist of a 2x1600 meter (or mile) run at 5k race pace. The rest will be an 800 meter jog/walk recovery. In order to do these just use your average goal pace for a 5k and do pushes for that amount of time. For recovery take anywhere from 3-4 minutes of job/walk recovery. Be sure to cool down and stretch afterwards.

Wednesday: Easy jog recovery day of 4-5 miles. Take today nice and slow to give your legs of recovery from yesterday’s workout. Don’t push or pound today because you’ll regret it.

Thursday: Today is our cross training day so I recommend getting 30-40 minutes on the elliptical, bike, or pool. Remember stay off the treadmill.

Friday: Final workout of the week today. This workout will be similar to the 5-4-3-2-1 workout but a little different. Get your typical warm-up in and for the workout do a 5-4-3 twice. The rest is the same as the timed push you previously ran.

Saturday
: OFF no running today.

Sunday
: Typical long run day for this Sunday afternoon. I recommend getting at least a 5 mile run in today maybe stretching it out to a 6 mile run. I am going to post a 6 mile run later this week called Mariner's that I recommend doing for this run.

This week is going to be tougher than the previous week's but stay confident and remember to go easy on those easy days. I'll post the Mariner's run later this week so stay toned.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Week 2 Training

We are now going to begin entering our second week of training. This week will be similar to last week's training with a small increase in mileage and intensity. We shouldn't be to sore from last week so I'm going to get right into it.


Monday: Start the week off right with an easy 4 mile run. Head out around the area maybe this is a good day to venture towards the Mid Hudson Bridge for a change of scenery.

Tuesday: Tuesday is going to be our workout day where we will be experiencing more intense running. The workout will consist of a warm up followed by some pre workout stretching and prepping. The workout is similar to last week's however you are going to be doing a 5-4-3-2-1. This will consist of 5 minutes of hard but relaxed running followed by 5 minutes of easy jogging. Then 4 minutes of hard running 4 minutes of jogging and so forth for the rest. You want to make sure you are running hard but are saving enough energy for the later reps. Once you have finished do an easy cool down and stretch.

Wednesday: Take today off and let your body relax from the workout yesterday and get ready for the next few upcoming days.

Thursday: Today you should venture off onto another 4 mile run. Maybe head over the quiet cove and run the trails in the back to add on additional mileage. When you get back make sure you stretch and rehydrate.

Friday: Cross Training day. Head into the gym and do some biking, swimming or any other aerobic machine for at least a half hour. Make sure you dont use the treadmill because the purpose of today is to give your body a rest from the pounding on hard surfaces and cement.

Saturday: Day off; rest.

Sunday: Long run day. Head out and get in at least 5 mile jog around town. May I suggest the Mid Husdon Bridge run or maybe just an out and back run. Whatever your choice is make sure it is done at a slower pace then your normal runs.

That wraps up training for week 2. Throughout the week I was thinking about doing another place to run or a post on core training. I'm a big supporter of core training and I think that the benefits are very useful for runners. Well Ill get both of those posts up at some point but till then good luck with your training.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Basic Stretching Guide

So I realized that during the first week's training plan I told people to stretch before and after they run. I decided to make a basic stretching guide to discuss some of the most basic stretching you can perform for your lower body. Some of these stretch you may have performed or heard of before but I think it is very important to know a few basic stretching for before and after workouts.

Standing and Sitting Hamstring Stretch

These two stretches are very common and easy to perform. For the standing hamstring stretch stand with feet touching each other and reach down until you can no longer extend towards the ground. Hold that stretch for about 10 seconds and switch legs by crossing one leg in front of the other and then touching your toes again.

For the Sitting Hamstring Stretch sit up facing forward and extend one leg forward with the other either tucked in front leg or behind the body. Next, you extend your opposite arm forward and reach as far as possible towards the front leg. Hold for 10 seconds and switch.



Quadriceps Stretch

This stretch is also performed standing up and consists of grabbing one leg and tucking it behind your body up against your behind. Hold for 10 seconds and then switch to the other leg.



Calf Stretch

The calf stretch can be most effectively performed by using a wall for assistance. Find a wall and stand within about a foot of the wall and lift the front of your foot and place it against the wall while keeping your heel touching the ground. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds and switch.



Groin Stretch

This stretch is more commonly referred to as the butterfly stretch because you are going to sit on the ground Indian style and press your elbows against the top of your knees. Apply enough pressure to push down until you feel a comfortable resistance. Perform for 10 seconds then take a short rest and repeat the stretch.



Hip Flexor Stretch

Lunge forward with one knee on the ground and the other knee in front of your body. Place one hand on your hip and one hand on your knee and lean backwards until resistance is sustained. Perform for 10 to 20 seconds and switch legs.



Back Stretch

Sit on the ground similar to the sitting hamstring stretch with your right leg forward. Take the other leg and tuck it towards your chest and place your foot on the right side of your right leg. Twist your torso so that your right elbow is placed on the left side of your knee and push for resistance. Hold for 10 seconds and switch legs.



Those are just a few stretches that you can incorporate into your training regime. I would recommend always stretching after running and before a workout. However, make sure you warm up first because stretching a cold muscle can lead to injury and other problems. I'll post a few other sights that have addition stretches for anyone interested.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Week 1 Training Plan

So this week I will start mapping out a training log for those interested in following my tips and advice on running at Marist College. I will outline a seven day training regime this week with a goal of encompassing four weeks of training. Also it was mentioned in class today that I should gear this training plan towards a final race towards the end of November sometime around Thanksgiving where there are a plethora of road races during that time of year. I think that this could be a very beneficial idea for people interested in competing in a Turkey Trot during Thanksgiving. This will be a beginning runner training regime so don’t think I am going to be assigning ridiculous workouts; it will be based on someone doing their first 5k.

The first week of training will be very straight forward and not too complicated. It will consist of straightforward road running and cross training to get your body geared towards the workload of running.

Monday: First day of real training for a competitive race in a month. Go out and do an easy 2-3 miles to get your legs moving and ready to go for the upcoming days/weeks. My advice, head out and do the Campus Mile route with a little add on towards the end. This run is very short and simple with no hills so it will help your legs get acclimated to the roads.

Tuesday: Today I would recommend getting a solid 3 miles in at a slighter faster pace than yesterday’s run. This run is designed to stimulate the body a little more than yesterday’s run and get you accumulated to running faster.

Wednesday: Rest no running required for this day.

Thursday: Today will be somewhat of a tempo run. For those unfamiliar with a tempo run it consists of hard (but relaxed) pace for an extended period of time. The point is to be a challenging running pace but something that you could continue to run at even after stopping. For this tempo I would recommend getting five good minutes of warm up running before starting to ensure your muscles are warm and ready to go. The workout will consist five minutes of hard running followed by five minutes of easy running and another five minutes of hard running. After the workout make sure to stretch thoroughly and replenish the body with fluids.

Friday: Today I would recommend a day of 20-30 minutes of cross training for the day. Cross training can consist of biking, swimming, going on the elliptical, etc. The purpose is to let your legs rest from the pounding on the ground and let them recover and heal from yesterday’s workout.

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: Final day of the week it is important to get one day of what I like to call a “long run.” This will consist of a run that is generally longer than your normal every day run. Generally I would say for this week keep your long run at about 4-5 miles at a slower than normal pace. The long run is designed to increase aerobic capacity and increase your endurance as well.

That concludes this week’s training segment. Stay tuned throughout the week for more blog posts and updates.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Mid Hudson Bridge

So for the last running location before I start outline training strategies and tips (not the last overall) I would like to introduce a more complex and complicated run that includes the town of Poughkeepsie. This run will include the Mid Hudson Bridge and the roads leading up to this area. If you are afraid or fearsome of heights I would not recommend partaking in this run because the walking lane is directly next to the edge of Hudson River. So from an advisory position because I've run with people who are terrified of heights don't chance it because looking down may be a really bad decision.

Like always starting from Mccann head out towards the south gate and this time make a left south of route 9. You are going to travel down the road until you reach the first exit off of Route 9 (Its really close and if you stay on the left its nearly impossible to pass). Head uphill towards a small walking/driving bridge which will transport you across the railroad beneath. You will now be on North Water Road and continue heading down this road past the lower train station entrance and continue until you reach the first traffic light. At this traffic light make a quick left up the road continued by a quick right onto Rinaldi Blvd. Proceed down Rinaldi for two blocks and at the second block make a left onto Gerald Dr. At this point you will continue up Gerald and on the left side of the road there will be an entrance for walkers/runners to enter onto the bridge. For visual purposes Ill provide a close up of the entrance so reader's can see where it is located. You have arrived at the bridge now its up to personal preference how far you are willing to go across the bridge. Across and back the entire bridge is approximately a little less than a mile and a half making the entire Mid Hudson Bridge run about 4.5 miles. Like all other runs follow the same route back to campus and you will have finished the Mid Hudson Bridge run. As usual I will post the a breakdown of the run in visual format below this post.

I used some letters to indicate roads and the entrance to the bridge to make it a bit more clear. G= Gerald St. Ent= Entrance the Mid Hudson Bridge B=small crossing bridge. Also I did not give the satellite version of certain parts of this run because I thought it would be easier to see the actual names of the roads you were running on since I described them in the post. That concludes the Mid Hudson Bridge run, next week I will outline a training plan with tips, recommendations for runs, and begin posting some healthy meal plans conclusive to runners. 








Monday, October 18, 2010

Quiet Cove and other news

Welcome back from a bit of hiatus from posting as I have been busy with midterm papers and tests for all of last week. Today I am going to describe a run encompassing Quiet Cove which is located north on route nine about a 1/2 mile past the North Gate. This run is extremely straight forward an totals just under 3 1/2 miles if you do the entire run. Once again we are starting at the Mccann Center and we are going to head out on Route Nine from the South Gate. Next, and the longest step of the run will consist of you going north on nine past campus eventually to the entrance of the little park area referred to as Quiet Cove. The place is almost impossible to miss because it has a rather large sign outside that reads "Quiet Cove." Turn left into the park and follow the road all the way down the hill and back up towards the entrance. If these directions seem really vague you are essentially doing a loop around the park. Once you've completed the loop head directly back to campus the same way that you arrived at Quiet Cove. Alittle hint about this place it has a rather large hill towards the end so make sure to save up enough energy for this difficult hill. Also there are trails in the back so for any interested in expanding on your run check them out.


 Another few quick notes I woulf like to address in terms of the direction of this blog for this week and the upcoming weeks. I will probably give one more post about a place to run before I start designing training plans and tips for interested people. The reason I have not started so yet is because I wanted to outline a few places to run before I jumped into a complete gameplan and training regiment. I will continue to post different places each week so you vary the location and intensity of your runs. Like last post I will include the visual breakdown of the run so you can look and a study the run before you embark on it.





This last one is just a close up of the entire park because it isnt that clear on the map.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Campus Mile

So in today's post I will outline one of the most basic runs someone can paretake in on the Marist campus. The run is referred to as the "campus mile" because it entails mostly the entire campus (or at least the freshman sophomore side). This run is very simple and easy to explain. First, head out from Mccann and head towards to football fields. Continue that direction behind Donnelly and continue on that road until you get to the intersection in front of Lowell Thomas. Make a left towards the river and then a quick right turn onto the road in front of the Hancock Center. Then just head down to Gartland and once at Gartland make a loop around the parking lot in back of E block. Once you have done that you have completed the campus mile. If you'd like that the exact same route back to add on an additional mile and also to get back to where you started.

This run is fairly simple and elementary and should not cause too much confusion if you are familiar with campus. When you think about it its basically just start at the Mccann Center and run to Gartland. I will provide the visual outlook of the for those that would like to see the actual run in screen shots. I couldnt get the entire run in one shot but I labeld each building on campus so you can follow the directions as well.

These pictures are for those who are who like a visual image(s) of the "Campus Mile." Like I said before I had to break it down into three different shots because I thought this would provide a better image of the run.

For any confusion MC= Mccann DN= Donnelly LT= Lowell Thomas DY= Dyson G= Gartland






Monday, October 4, 2010

Welcome

Welcome all, this blog is dedicated to my senior capping project for Marist College. My name is John Kristie and I am a senior at Marist with a major in Public Relations. This blog will be dedicated towards runners at Marist including students, faculty and the surrounding community. I myself have been a member of the men's track and field team for four years and I am looking to give insight on running in the Hudson Valley. Being a member of track team my goal for this project is to give successful advice and exercise tips to members of the surrounding running community.  My blog will consist of various places to run in the near areas, training advice with weekly break downs of a running routine, and much more running related information I feel is important and useful.

Just another note on the blog when I create a post on places to run I map out the run for you to see using either mapmyrun.com or gmaps-pedometer.com. These are both sites you can use to map the length in terms of miles or kilometers of a particular run. I will also post a picture of run itself with lines instructing you on where to go. As the weeks go on the runs will get more complex so the picture will become more important in order to stay on track. Also I will post those to sites in the links section of this blog. Well that’s all for this post I will get my first training post up either tomorrow or Wednesday so stay tuned.