Distance or Speed first?

[KnottedYet]

LOL - that's actually my plan right now. But, you run farther and faster than me, so it's all good.

Betcha I don't! I'm *walking* the half marathon this weekend. I've been in such a fight with my boo-boo hip that I haven't run in months. (though I did run about a block this weekend)

I was asking my co-workers (who are serious runners, whereas I am a comedic runner) your question about training distance/speed. The marathoner in the office said she would recommend Oakleaf's set up. The former Olympic middle-distance runner said he'd do the run-walk routine and try to increase the length of the run portion as you go. Pretty much pushing the distance and letting the speed take care of itself.

Hope that helps! At least it's better than my training non-plan!

[Deborajen]

When I first started running, it was all about building up distance, starting with a 10-minute easy run. I think speed intervals, with moderate running mixed with easy run rest breaks, started after about 4 weeks. But now I always do a speedwork or tempo run at a shorter distance, a short easy run, and a long easy run every week. There are lots of websites with training programs - Runners World, Hal Higdon, etc.

Not to change the subject but you mentioned walking your dogs at the same time as when you go for a run. How many dogs do you walk at once? I just started running with my dog a few weeks ago. We've only had her for a little over a month and she hadn't been on a leash much before we adopted her, so it can get a little crazy trying not to trip each other but it's a lot of fun for both of us. When you mentioned "dogs" I could only imagine how crazy that could get - but it all sounds like some great mutli-tasking.

[MommyBird]

Keep mindful of training injuries.
This is just a generic page on the subject:
http://www.drpribut.com/sports/topten_avoidinjury.html

I am not sure of your age but you did mention weight and either one of these increase your chance for injury.

I have a boo-boo foot that has side-lined me for more than two years. Plantar Fasciitis with massive scar tissue buildup. I produce an overabundance of scar tissue when I heal so surgery is not an option. Running can become a drug which makes it mentally and physically hard to rest an injury.

KnottedYet...It is nice to know that I am not the only grown woman who tags her injuries with "boo-boo". My husband is nursing a boo-boo hand right now from hitting a non-tennis ball with a racket for our relentless Jack Russell. The ortho says it may never be the same.

[Zen]

i was asking my co-workers (who are serious runners, whereas i am a comedic runner)p