Detroit Marathon 2008 Training Forum: Welcome to the Detroit 2008 Training Forum

Ok this will be my 2nd time doing the half marathon in Detroit.  Awesome course however it was very challenging 2 years ago when I did it.  Weather was so cold.  I said I wouldnt do it again but have since changed my mind.  I am looking for some great diet recipes.  And training schedules any suggestions?  Thanks in advance!!!

Hey this is great. 

I was using Mapmyrun last year for my first half marathon.  Provided great motivation, logging runs, tracking shoes...really like this site.

Signed up for half again this year, I want to improve on my time.  The bridge was a real killer for a first timer and I really need to train more this year.  Also walked after the tunnel here and there but still finished a hair under 2 hours.  Could have been much better (1:45 goal) but we'll see 

I've logged a bunch of run in the GP Woods area if anyone wants to check them out, I love running along the water.  Hanson's has a very nice training run in GP about a month before the race I highly recommend that. 

Want to do some trail running to help with the bridge if anyone has a suggestion, thanks.

Hey Mzblair,

I used to be just like you last year! I had a friend that i turned to everything running and marathon related. Without her I would have been toast!

The good thing is that you have plenty of time to build up your distance to 13 mi. i might not be the best person to comment on training, diet or shoes though. I personally have tons of questions about shoes. The one thing I do know about shoes is that my running shoes are only for running, and they are only made to run. No cross trainers, that is what i have been told. Drink plenty of water, and I try to eat a lot of fuel (carbs). Also don't add to much distance too soon. That will lead to a running injury if you're not careful.

I did my half marathon last year after training for 8 weeks. If I had started to train sooner, I would have done better. The hardest part for me was finding the time to do my longer runs in my training, and getting motivated in bad weather. The actual half marathon was worth it though, because you train so much, you feel a huge payoff that last all day.

I can't wait to run my 1st full marathon this fall!

Hi all...  I'm new to MapMyRun.com and I'm just getting back into running after a year or so off.  The majority of my running was done in 5K's and shorter distances but I made a go at the full Detroit Marathon in 2006, I made it 1/2 way through Hal Higdons Novice training program when I injured a tendon in my right foot... it totaly took me out, I could barely even walk for about two weeks and never even tried running, so the Marathon was a wash.  After discussing the injury my Dr. he confirmed it was a stress injury.  Then I talked to the local running store owner who watched me walk around the store for about 30 seconds and told me my injury was due to overpronation, he explained exactly what type of shoes I needed in order to prevent the issue again (I highly recomend talking to your local running store guy... he knows!). 

Anyway, now I'm back and I'm looking to go for at least the 1/2 Marathon in Detroit this fall but I sorta want to go for the whole thing, my only concern is that I haven't run more than 3 miles in over a year and the 18 week program starts this week.  Does anyone think trying the full thing is a good idea? or am I nuts?    

Hi to all training for the Detroit Marathon! Good luck and stay healthy in your training. We have a five person relay team this year and have been moving from one mile mall walks to 3 times a week sessions around a local lake.We are a family team of 4 brothers and sisters in their 50s and 60s and one young lady of 21. If you have any advice for us,we would be happy to hear it.We are in the Lansing, michigan area. We are looking forward to a postive experience and wish you all great training

Need some help on a couple of things.

Anyone have suggestions for some hilly runs in SE Michigan?  The LP is pretty flat.  I ended up trying to head to West and I-75 in Woodhaven and ran up that big hill off the freeway.  But I would like a little variety.  Let me know soon, so I can try it.

 

Also was wondering if there are any group runs for weekend long runs?  Total Runner in SG is not doing it this year, and that was my plan.  I really want to do some group running so I can slow my pace down early on.  I feel running with others helps me get in a rythmn.  Let me know.  Thanks!

Detroiter1987 (and other Downriver runners), 

I live in Brownstown, but grew up in Trenton. I mapped out a path (called Trenton Elizabeth Park 1 on the site) starting from my mom's house in Trenton that will run over the viaduct on West Road for a bit of hill work. It then goes through Elizabeth Park, which has uphill and downhill (slight) in its 1.25 miles around (if you want more mileage you could loop around the park again). If you go down Riverside drive, there is a slope down to the river, with at least two streets headed down that way for some additional hill work. Toward the end of the route (down the asphalt bike path to where it meets Marian) you could keep moving south down to a steep hill (I ran that for cross-country in High School) if you want some more hill work, but there is no path to the hill - just grassy field. I think the Detroit Free Press Marathon said that the Bridge and the Tunnel have a 5% grade (which I guess is quite gradual), but maybe this workout could help. This is my first Half-Marathon, so I'm a little nervous. As far as group runs go, I know there are a couple of running clubs Downriver - maybe they have some.

 Good luck to all!

Enjoy the scenery and the crowd - slowoldguy

I like this comment.  During all my training last year, I ran with an Ipod.  For the race I had forgotten it in the car and feared that the run would be agonizing.  It was actually quite motivating.  It's a rare event in the life of an office worker to have people cheer for you, who have absolutely no idea who you are.  For those Al Bundy athletes out there, it also brings back a few memories of high school sports.

 Good Luck!!

Hi, I WAS training for the marathon, however I experienced an injury and have not run for the last three weeks. I've been told it is likely a stress fracture. As of two days ago, I am close to pain free. A little dull ache hear and there now, but not the pain I was in before. I know I'm totally out for the marathon - this was going to be my first one and I had only started training in June, with pretty much no running experience. That was a big part of the injury. Too many miles too quickly. Anyways, I'm wondering if anyone has gone through a similar experience, and if anyone thinks I will be able to do the half. I plan to try to start running tomorrow. Just an easy two miles to start... we'll see. If it hurts, I'll have to stop, but I'm crossing my fingers. What do you think? I was up to the 13 miles 3 weeks ago when I hurt my left ankle. So, I know I'm capable of going the distance, but three weeks without running already... I don't know. Oh ya, and I'm incredibly bummed knowing I won't do the marathon this year. So, to do NOTHING will be even worse!

Detroiter1987 - Rochester Hills is kicking my butt lately. Plenty of hills/inclines out there if you ask me.

To Mguyeskey...go for it!

To all the runners this sunday,best wishes. Keep a steady pace,relax and enjoy the crowds and the city sights. Lets make it a great day!! Good luck especially to all you first timers..See you at the starting line