The Newbie Chronicles: Mike's Story #1

Sunday's Workout: 6 quick miles with Portland Running Company Race Team - 46:30 @ 7'45"

10 miles with Jill in 1:45 = Total 16 miles

My great friend Mike has decided that the year 2013 is going to bring him to the finish line of his first marathon! I couldn't be more excited. Right now Mike (Austin's best man at our wedding) is staying with Austin as he gets settled from moving back to the West Coast from New Hampshire. We have planned out a running schedule for him that will end with a full 26.2 at the Newport Marathon on June 1st. 

Mike and I the day I became Mrs. Moothart

Today he had a personal distance record of an 8 mile long run! I've decided to exploit the fact that he is my roommate and begin a chronicling of his experience as a first time marathoner.

So begins The Newbie Chronicles: Mike's Story!

Here is a few questions that I have asked him and his mostly paraphrased responses.

(As you can see from this photo, he is really fast, I mean, look how far ahead of us he was)

Why run a marathon?

I'm not sure. It's a really hard thing to accomplish - and I want that challenge. I want to be able to say that I did it, and then I can throw that back in people's faces. (Try to figure out which part is not true)

What is your running/workout history? 

I've run a couple 5ks and 10ks as well as Hood to Coast in 2011. In college I was active in intramural sports. I also have dabbled in winter sports like snowboarding. My favorites activities are probably playing basketball and getting jacked at the gym bro (he makes me use specific gym words when we are there together, like straight diesel and yolked so we can fit in with the big guys). I haven't really stuck too consistently to one activity - and that's another reason I am excited about training for a marathon, because it requires consistency. 

You have an Exercise and Sports Science Degree - How will you use that to benefit your training? 

I know a bit of information on the nutrition side of things as well as some more detailed information about muscles and their responses to training. I am planning to make sure that I am eating clean and doing my best to prevent any injuries while training. 

Mike before his first scheduled long run!

What is your biggest concern with training? 

I am a little worried about the possibility of overtraining and getting injured. I've never had any real injuries other than ankle sprains and the like and don't want to be sidelined in training. 

Do you have any questions for Mike? 

Whichever ones you ask I'll make sure that he answers in his update post!

Advice?