Who thinks they can Coach this obese man into running a sub 4:00 marathon by November?

1) I agree with those who question whether or not the marathon in the fall is the best goal for you. I understand that a big target is a great motivator, however, as someone else mentioned, I'd prefer a 2016 target date.

2) Isn't there a significant amount of grass around the Parthenon? Even if you only did your easy/short runs there, it would be better for you. Any large park with grass would suffice.

Try

http://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Greenways-and-Trails/Maps.aspx

. Scroll down for hiking and equestrian options

3) Keep posting on this thread...an easy way for external accountability

4) Good luck on your journey.

Can you tolerate the track? I'm not saying do any workouts (yet) but 3 or 4 easy miles on a newer track is going to be softer than running on pavement. It does get boring, but a run or two a week would give the joints a break.

Yeah, I guess the track could work for some shorter runs. Thanks for the suggestion.

Why aren't you targeting the Biggest Loser? They just love the magic words fat & 'thon.

Heaven forbid we shoot for a sub 40 10K.

Now a Coach wrote:

What is the physiological explanation behind water diluting fat cells?

Hydration is overrated.

Dehydration can according to some research papers but you don't need to drink massive amounts of water to avoid dehydration.

I don't know the physiological explanation, but it makes sense to me that since fat has a low water content, and cellular metabolism has to take place in aqueous solution, having sufficient water to dilute fat before you break it down is essential. The amazing thing is that there's scientific evidence that really hydrating can increase your fat metabolism by itself. One thought I have on this is the primitive situation of filling your belly with water when there's no food around.

Also, it looks like if you don't have the chance to fill your belly with water in a fasting situation, you burn protein (muscle) instead. Meaning hydration is the key to keep from getting "skinny fat" as x fit guy moans about.

Of course, like anything, you can overdo it.

Here's a paper:

"Glycerol turnover (2-[(13)C]glycerol infusion technique), reflecting whole-body lipolysis, increased significantly during hypo-osmolar conditions. The results demonstrate that the metabolic adaptation to acute hypo-osmolality resembles that of acute fasting, that is, it results in protein sparing associated with increased lipolysis, ketogenesis and lipid oxidation and impaired insulin sensitivity of glucose metabolism."

Maybe I was lucky I survived without some sort of injury and this shouldn't be tried at home but on Feb 1st of 1982, I weighed 205 on a 5'7" frame. Decided to take up running to lose weight(was 24 and not a former runner). So comparable size but not the same running background as the OP. Increased the mileage over the next few months, took some weight off, ran a few 10kms and then did a 2:45:59 9 months later. Sounds like the OP is selling himself short of what he might be capable of(IMHO).

yeah, sub40 10k is about the same as a 4h marathon...

Been there and done that wrote:

Maybe I was lucky I survived without some sort of injury and this shouldn't be tried at home but on Feb 1st of 1982, I weighed 205 on a 5'7" frame. Decided to take up running to lose weight(was 24 and not a former runner). So comparable size but not the same running background as the OP. Increased the mileage over the next few months, took some weight off, ran a few 10kms and then did a 2:45:59 9 months later. Sounds like the OP is selling himself short of what he might be capable of(IMHO).

Totally disagree. Who gives a rat's ass if he does 3:20 rather than 4:00? The point is to be heading in the right direction.

Which is better:

(A) Hit 3:55 now and 3:20 a year from now

or

(B) Shoot for 3:00 now, get injured and discouraged doing it and end up back at 260 lbs

NUFCrichard wrote:

yeah, sub40 10k is about the same as a 4h marathon...

Missing the point. The 'thon is an unnatural distance for any runner, let alone a newbie. The 'thon wouldn't be near so popular if Everest was more affordable.

You know I am right on this one.

I ran a 3:25 at 220lbs and I am only 5 11'. You just gotta train and not be a bitch. I would recommend doing one of the body transformations that are free on bodybuilding.com (Kris Gethins is the best) and also running on the side. I lost 40 lbs last year in 12 weeks doing this. My PRs were simlar to you a lil faster

Today when I woke up I was 224 (down from 230 2 weeks ago and 227 last week). I was originally 260.

I ran 6.5 miles today and felt good. I still haven't had a drink of alcohol. I think that is the main source of me losing weight. I am also drinking plenty of water. No injuries as of yet, and I am being very conservative on my runs because, as someone said, I am not focusing on a fast time right now. I just picked 4:00 arbitrarily. Really I would be happy finishing, but the LRC doesn't like to hear that. I actually have a secret long term goal of qualifying for Boston by age 34 (I am 26).

Do you think this is possible if I don't get hurt? I try not to think about it too much, because I need to improve slowly and not rush things.

Secret posted on internet not much of a secret

ZerotoMarathon wrote:

Today when I woke up I was 224 (down from 230 2 weeks ago and 227 last week). I was originally 260.

I ran 6.5 miles today and felt good. I still haven't had a drink of alcohol. I think that is the main source of me losing weight. I am also drinking plenty of water. No injuries as of yet, and I am being very conservative on my runs because, as someone said, I am not focusing on a fast time right now. I just picked 4:00 arbitrarily. Really I would be happy finishing, but the LRC doesn't like to hear that. I actually have a secret long term goal of qualifying for Boston by age 34 (I am 26).

Do you think this is possible if I don't get hurt? I try not to think about it too much, because I need to improve slowly and not rush things.

It's certainly possible, given your PRs.

One more thing you might try is to run doubles one or more days of the week. Run 4 in the AM, 3 in the PM. That's 7 miles -- you just ran 6.5, so 4 and 3 should be okay. But the two shorter runs should be a little easier on the body. I believe there is a fixed benefit to getting out the door at all, so doubles get you this benefit twice each day you do them. And my experience as an ex-ex-runner is that getting that AM run in first thing seems to help get the weight off.

Are you serious?

Under most circumstances I would say no way, but since you are a former competitive runner and so young it's definitely possible. You do have to run (not walk) to run 4 hours and it's going to be real difficult unless you can lose another 30 pounds.

Let me go back to "why are you running a marathon?"

You're 26. There's no hurry. You're risking injury for nothing.

I do understand your eagerness. I ran 2 sub-4 hour marathons in my 40s within 8 months of starting to run, after losing 50 pounds in 12 months.

I should have stopped then and focused on enjoying my running.

Marathons should be run for 2 reasons

- To finish under 3 hours (or AG equivalent)

- As a one off "life event"

Winky thing

Randy Oldman wrote:

Let me go back to "why are you running a marathon?"

You're 26. There's no hurry. You're risking injury for nothing.

I do understand your eagerness. I ran 2 sub-4 hour marathons in my 40s within 8 months of starting to run, after losing 50 pounds in 12 months.

I should have stopped then and focused on enjoying my running.

Marathons should be run for 2 reasons

- To finish under 3 hours (or AG equivalent)

- As a one off "life event"

Winky thing

I would love to run sub 3 one day.... Is that even remotely possible? As I stated above, I'd really love to qualify for Boston by the time I'm 34, but I honestly have no idea how much I can improve by then. I'm losing weight and my long run is currently at 7 miles and my weekly mileage is only 25. Could a sub 3 ever occur?

no doubt it could occur. Just be patient, it takes a long time, but you can do it if you stay healthy. I'm old now- and I see I totally messed up so many times because I tried to progress too quickly. Be patient, you have time on your side.

I agree. Anything is possible but focus on staying healthy. 25-30 mpw with a long run of 6 - 7 miles is fine for now