The Shift from Triathlon Training to Run Training

For the past 7 years I have been a triathlete. The only run training I did was the minimum required to bring me to the finish line after swimming and biking. I finished my fourth Ironman still unhappy with my marathon running ability. My short distance running has made huge advances in the past 3 years but my long distance i.e. marathon running has not.

2005 Tri PR 5km time: (first year racing - no run races only tri's)
Tri: 31:36
2006 Tri PR 5km and 6.6 mile (longest distance ever run) and Run PR 5km times:
Tri: 29:31 / 1:21:23 Run: 29:37
2007 Tri 5km / 10km / 13.1mile and Run 5km / 20km
Tri: 27:44 / 1:10:45 / 2:39:31 Run: 28:22 / 2:14:05
2008 Tri 5km / 10km / 13.1mile and Run 5km / 5 mile / 10km  / X-Marathon
Tri: 27:52 / 1:13:29 / 2:41:53 Run: 30:13 / 43:13 / 55:43 / 5:12:37

***Highlighted times are after my 1st marathon. I didn't change anything about how I ran. The only thing I realized after running/walking a marathon was how short and easy 5km was. I broke a mental barrier.

2009 Tri 5km / 10km / 13.1 / 26.2 and Run 5km / 8km / 10km / 15km / 20km / 13.1 and 26.2
Tri: 25:52 / 52:53 / 2:03:56 / 4:45:23 and Run: 24:12 / 41:14 / 50:12 / 1:20:10 / 1:55:22 / 4:15:18
2010 Tri 5km / 10km / 13.1 / 26.2 and Run 1 mile / 5km / 10km / 13.1
Tri: 24:01 / 50:35 / 1:50:25 / 4:26:55 and Run: 6:26 / 22:06 / 46:14 / 1:46:09
2011 Tri 5km / 10km / 26.2 and Run 5km / 10km
Tri: 23:06 / 47:56 / 4:43:24 and Run: 21:45 / 45:39

2009 is when I joined Gulf Winds Track and Tri club. 2010 and the beginning of 2011 is when I had a Tri coach: Ian Briggs of Tri3Sports.      
                                                                                                          



 

2005: 1st Triathlon - Mad Dog

2011: Red Hills Triathlon



I am into my third week of training for a Marathon as a runner. This approach is brand new to me since I have always been a triathlete who was forced to run in order to finish the race. 

Three weeks in and I already have a much better appreciation for runners. Before, my max runs a week would be 4. Most time I only ran 2-3 times per week. I have had two weeks now with a 5 and a 6 times a week run.....and I LOVE IT. It feels easier to get up and run each day. Let me explain why I think this is:
For the triathletes: you know when you miss a few swims or you haven't been in the pool for a few days, that first day back is always hard. You feel dead, your form feels off, it takes a while to get into the rhythm.

That is how I used to feel about running. The difference now, with every run I feel more and more comfortable. I feel I am finding my pace, my stride, and my form better. 

I look forward to the challenges ahead and I am excited to face this new obstacle. I will keep blogging about my training and keep you all posted on my progress. Till then, see you all on the trails but I am still going to hold on to the pool and road, just not as often. Happy Running!