Getting Started with a Training Program
If you’re just beginning a new running program, you likely have a lot of questions about training, aches and pains, and other running experiences. From all kinds of discomfort during training runs to dealing with woodsy critters, our first installment of New Runner Questions is sure to provide answers to make your training program as fun and effective as it can be.
Q: I have recently started running after eating breakfast, but I’m getting nauseous. I don’t really want to go without eating. What should I do?
A: It is a good idea to eat something before you run, especially as a beginner. Beginners have a higher dependence on their food for supplying muscle glycogen for their runs. Try eating 2-3 hours before running rather than right before. You can also experiment with lighter amounts of food. Your best bet is a light meal/snack of simple carbohydrates that are relatively low in fiber (think half bagel, toast, etc.). At the same time (2-3 hours before), take in about 17-20 oz. of water. Right before you head out, drink 10-12 oz. of water (sip some of that before you run and bring the rest with you for the early part of the run, if you can tolerate it). Then eat the rest of your typical breakfast (or other meal) after your run. Don’t forget to rehydrate after the run.
Q: I have been increasing my mileage and I am getting painful chafing from my clothing. I otherwise like my outfit but the chafing is getting worse.
A: For chafing you already have, try a healing ointment such as Aquaphor. To prevent chafing going forward, try an anti-chafe balm such as Body Glide. Apply this to any areas where your clothing rubs against your body (or you have body parts against body parts). Common areas include: inner thighs, inside of upper arms, bra lines/seams for women, nipple area for men, etc. Apply before every run but especially for your longer runs. It washes off very well in the shower afterward.
Q: I have started following a beginner training program that I found online (Hal Higdon). I have started getting blisters and hot spots on my feet. What should I do?
A: Since you are following a good training program, your ramp-up of work is probably pretty reasonable. First, make sure you have a good pair of properly fitting running shoes. If you are uncertain, go to one of the local running stores (Dick Pond, Road Runner Sports, Naperville Running Company) and make sure you have quality, well-fitting shoes. Next, take a look at your socks. I personally prefer double layer socks (Wrightsock is the brand I wear) as they are virtually blister proof. Body Glide or a similar anti-chafing product applied to the toes and other hot spots can help prevent blisters as well. For blisters you already have, if they aren’t serious (no broken skin), Compeed or similar blister cushions provide great relief. If you have developed more serious blisters with broken skin and/or infection, seek medical attention.
Q: I have been working on increasing my mileage and I am getting out of breath. What should I do?
A: First of all, make sure you warm up thoroughly before your runs as going out too fast too soon can often cause you to feel out of breath. As you increase your mileage, chances are you will need to slow your pace in order to avoid getting out of breath. Check your speed/pacing and make sure you are not trying to go too fast. If it is hot and humid, you will need to slow your pace even more. When you feel out of breath, try focusing on your exhalations rather than trying to inhale. Your body will inhale naturally if you focus on blowing out the old, stale air. If you try all of these things and still feel out of breath, or if you feel as though you can’t catch your breath, check with your doctor for medical advice.
Q: I want to run outside on the trails but I am afraid of ticks. What can I do?
A: The CDC offers great advice on avoiding ticks. In addition, here are my own tick tips for runners:
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Wear light clothing (so you can spot ticks) but not white clothing (ticks are attracted to white).Wear bug repellent. The CDC website offers some natural options if you are not interested in wearing chemical sprays while running.Run on paved trails or crushed gravel rather than dirt trails. If you must walk through mowed grass, pick up your feet rather than shuffling.Avoid running underneath trees. Ticks can drop onto you from trees as you are running. If you feel something small hit you from above, make sure you brush it away. I have often gotten them this way.Make sure your socks are tight to your body. Some types of socks (like roll-down anklet socks) provide a reservoir for ticks to fall into between the sock and your ankle.Follow the CDC’s recommendations to check your clothing and your body. Follow their checklist, look at your feet and between your toes and then shower right away. Also, be sure to shake out your running shoes and keep them outside.
Look for our Q-and-A later this summer on keeping your running program strong as race day gets closer.
Laurie LasseterMarathonerACE Certified Personal TrainerRRCA Certified Running CoachEdward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness
Injury Prevention
Injuries are a concern when running, especially as runners increase their mileage or train for a race, especially for the first time. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize your chances of getting hurt.
1. Build a solid foundation. Follow a professionally created program that increases your mileage slowly and methodically from your current fitness level to a level that supports your goal race distance. There are websites that have running programs that you can tailor to your needs. Alternatively, you can work with a certified running coach to have a customized program created just for you. They key is to follow a program that:
– Starts from your current fitness level.
– Ramps your workload gradually – no more than 10 percent mileage increase per week or per session.
– Includes a slow, methodical increase of your long runs to a longer run consistent with your goal race. For example, marathoners should ramp to a long run of 20 miles, half marathoners should ramp to a long run of 12-14 miles and 5K runners should ramp to a long run of 3-5 miles.
– Includes a slow ramp up of your speed training based on your current fitness level. If you are a beginner, your initial running program should contain no speed work.
– Includes runs of different length, speed, running surface/terrain and hilliness – variety is important to prevent injury.
Also, be realistic. If you are a new runner, build your running base and run regularly for at least six months before attempting your first half marathon, and for a year before attempting your first marathon.
2. Be consistent. Now that you have your training plan, follow it closely. Consistency is one of the keys to preventing injury. This doesn’t mean you can’t miss a workout occasionally, but if you find yourself missing a week of runs, this can be a recipe for injury. Try to stay consistent by keeping the number of runs and miles per week close to your plan. If you miss a week, ease back into the plan (possibly by repeating the previous week in the plan and proceeding from there) or work with your running coach to get back on track safely.
3. Develop good running form. It is difficult to “force” yourself into perfect running form and it can be dangerous, especially if your muscles aren’t prepared for that method of running. However, in order to prevent undue force on the body, landing with each foot underneath your body – instead of in front of your body – is usually associated with lower ground forces on the body resulting in lower injury rate. The easiest way to achieve this is to shorten and quicken your stride. If you find you are an overstrider, practice the shorter, quicker strides with feet landing underneath you on a regular basis.
One way to do this is to practice “quick feet” running drills which increase your cadence (the number of times your feet hit the ground per minute) and minimize the amount of time each of your feet spends on the ground. Some people call this the “hot coals” drill since running on hot coals would certainly quicken your stride and shorten your foot strike time! Try practicing this drill a few times per week by doing 30 second intervals of “quick feet” followed by 30 seconds of “normal” running and repeat five times for a total of five minutes.
4. Strength train. Running is a very repetitive sport. As a result, it creates a high probability of overuse injuries. In order to prevent these injuries, strengthening and mobilizing key areas of the body are important preventive measures. Focus on these areas:
– Core: Strengthen the lateral and anterior core with exercises such as plank and side plank variations.
– Hips/glutes: Strengthen the legs, glutes and stabilizers with exercises such as lunge variations, deadlift and glute bridge variations and with resistance band hip abduction work (such as clams). Also, keep the hips and hamstrings mobile with key stretches for those areas.
– Ankles/calves: Strengthen the ankles and calves with exercises such as calf raises, jumping/plyometrics and banded ankle work. Also, keep the calves mobile with calf stretching. Try doing some of this foot and ankle work barefoot for added benefit.
A strength training program for runners, such as RunSMART, can help you work on all of these areas.
5. Pace. To avoid overtraining and injury, most of your running should be at a slow, conversational pace. Many people overtrain on their easy days and carry fatigue into their hard runs. Make sure you keep your easy days easy, even if you are a veteran runner. Following the pacing of your running program, as well as the distances, helps keep injury at bay.
These suggestions will help you avoid injury and have a great race. Good luck!
Laurie LasseterWhy I Run
Starting a Running Program
- Get medical clearance. Check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to build up to a running program. This is especially important if you are older, have other cardiovascular risk factors, bone/joint issues, are taking medication or have other health concerns. When in doubt, check with your doctor. Once you have your doctor’s approval, it’s time to get to work!
- Choose the right footwear. Before you start the walking portion of this program, make sure you go to a reputable running shoe store for a professional shoe fitting. You’ll use these shoes for the walking and running portions of your training program, so it’s worth investing in a well-fitting pair. Good shoes go a long way toward preventing unnecessary injuries.
- Start walking. It’s crucial that you take steps to build up a strong walking base. If you aren’t currently walking, start with 10 or 15 minutes per session, 2-3 times the first week. After the first week, you will slowly build walking duration and frequency. The plan looks like this:
- Week 1: 10-15 minutes per session, 2-3 times per week
- Week 2: 15-20 minutes per session, 3 times per week
- Week 3: 20-25 minutes per session, 3-4 times per week
- Week 4: 25-30 minutes per session, 3-4 times per week
- Add some running (ease into it). Now that you walk for 30 minutes at a time, add some brief running intervals. Start with an interval consisting of 1 minute of running, followed by 2 minutes of walking. Over the next several weeks, increase the length of the running intervals. Continuing from the four-week plan above:
- Week 5: 1 minute of easy running followed immediately by 2 minutes of walking. Repeat this sequence 10 times for 30 total minutes. Do this workout 3-4 times per week, in place of your walking from Weeks 1-4.
- Week 6: 1st workout: 2 minutes of easy running followed immediately by 1 minute of walking. Repeat this interval 10 times for 30 total minutes (1 min. walk/2 min. run x 10). 2nd workout: 3 min. run/1 min. walk x 7. 3rd and 4th workout: 4 min. run/1 min. walk x 6.
- Week 7: Progress to 5-7 minutes of running/1 minute of walking. Do as many intervals as you can fit into 30 minutes.
- Week 8: Progress to 8-11 minutes of running/1 minute of walking. Do as many intervals as you can fit into 30 minutes.
- Week 9: Progress to 12-15 minutes of running/1 minute of walking. Do as many intervals as you can fit into 30 minutes. By the end of this week, you are doing only 2 intervals.
- Week 10: Progress to 16-20 minutes of running/1 minute of walking. Then complete the 30 minutes with running.
- Week 11: Progress to 21-25 minutes of running/1 minute of walking. Then complete the 30 minutes with running.
- Week 12: Progress to 26-30 minutes of running/1 minute of walking. Then complete the 30 minutes with running. By the end of this week, you should be running 30 minutes without a walking break.
- Train for a race! Once you have completed the program above and have a good running base, build on this to train for a goal race. A 5K would make a great first event. Look on our blog for tips on effective training, injury prevention, and preparing yourself for race day.
Laurie LasseterImproving Your Running Speed and Race Time
By now, you are well on your way to completing training for the Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon & 5K. Hopefully, you’re following the appropriate Half Marathon or 5K training program that we previously posted on this blog. If not, it’s never too late to start! Just begin at the week that is the closest match to what you are already doing. The basic training programs are focused on finishing the race, but what if you want to try for something more – like a personal record or a certain time? That is where speedwork comes into play. Here is how to incorporate speedwork into your routine:
Frequency. In general, if you are a relatively new runner, aim for one speedwork session per week. If you are more experienced, start with one speedwork session per week, but later add a 2nd session, preferably using different speedwork methods.
Speedwork methods. The most popular speedwork methods are discussed below in increasing order of intensity, difficulty and risk:
- Strides (accelerations): Do these 30-40 second speed accelerations to improve your running economy and leg turnover rate (cadence). They are easy to do and don’t take a lot of time. Start with your warm-up for 10-15 minutes at conversation pace. Then, to do a stride, build your speed for 30-40 seconds, then gradually slow back down to conversation pace. In the first week, add 1-2 of these strides near the end of one of your easy runs, then add another stride each week until you are up to 6-8. This will improve your running efficiency and economy, but won’t significantly improve your overall speed and capacity. These are a good choice if you are a beginner but want to get a little bit of extra leg speed for your race. Incorporate strides for a few weeks before you try one of the other methods below, just to get your body used to running at a faster pace.
- Hill repeats: Find a hill that takes approximately 30-60 seconds to run up (if training for the 5K) or about 1-2 minutes (if training for the half marathon). For your hill repeat workout, do a 15-20 minute warm-up on flat ground, then do 1-2 hill repeats, running uphill as fast as you can with good form and then jogging downhill. Each week, add another hill repeat to the total until you are at 6-7 total hill repeats. Hill repeats build leg strength, overall speed and aerobic capacity. These are a good choice for a beginner/intermediate runner, especially if you have a history of injuries because this type of work builds aerobic capacity and leg power with minimal impact. (Running uphill is lower impact than running on flat ground).
- Tempo runs: Tempo runs are longer speed runs done for a sustained period at a somewhat fast, but controlled, pace. Generally, these will be done at a pace that is a bit faster than your half-marathon goal pace. In your first week, do a 10-15 minute warm-up at conversation pace, then do a 15 minute tempo run followed by a cool down. Each week, add 5 minutes to the total until you are at 30-40 minutes. Tempo runs improve your performance at a higher speed with an emphasis on endurance and are a great choice if you are an intermediate runner training for the half marathon.
- Intervals: These short distance runs, performed at a fast pace with a timed recovery between each one, are done over a measured distance (800 meters is a good distance for most people). Perform them at a pace that is faster than (or right at) your 5K goal race pace. As an example, do your 800-meter repetition, then jog slowly back to the start as your interval (rest period). Start with a 10-15 minute warm-up, followed by 1-2 800-meter intervals, followed by a cool-down. Each week, add another repetition/interval to the total until you are at 5-6 repetitions. This is a good choice for more advanced runners and for advanced 5K runners wanting to improve speed significantly. Don’t do this type of speedwork if you are injured or injury-prone. Shorter intervals can also be done (400 meters or less), but these further increase the risk of injury, so I generally don’t recommend them.
Regardless of which method you choose, progress slowly and carefully, and be aware of any unusual aches and pains that develop. When in doubt about whether an injury is brewing, repeat a week before progressing and/or take time off. By carefully using these speedwork methods, you should see improvements in your race times this fall.
Laurie LasseterTraining for your First 5K
* Week 4 – Run 45 minutes per session, 3-4 times per week
Beyond Week 4 – Continue as above, adding 5 minutes to each run every week until you are running for long enough to complete 3.1 miles of running during each session.
lot of soreness, aches and pains, repeat the current week before proceeding to the next one in the plan.
Once you are running 3.1 miles in training, you are ready to run in a 5K (3.1 mile) race! For your first one, set a goal to finish in lieu of a specific time goal. Since you’re already running 3.1 miles in training, you should have no problem completing that distance in a race. However if you are interesting in improving your speed before race day, incorporate a ‘speed day’ into your training program. Shorten one of your weekly runs by 10-15 minutes and gradually increase to a pace that is 15-20 seconds per mile faster than usual. (Measure your easy/conversation pace to use as a baseline and use a measured track, course, GPS watch or phone app to do this accurately.) You can achieve a faster speed by increasing the speed of your leg turnover (your cadence).
So, you’ve followed the plan and you’re just about ready. Incorporate these night-before tips to ensure a great race:
* Try to relax!
On race day, try to run a fairly even pace for your 5K. This pace should be just slightly faster than the conversation pace you ran in training. If you did a speed day each week, aim for that faster pace. Enjoy your first race experience and finish strong!
Laurie LasseterEight Common Running Injuries
- Femoral neck stress fracture: This is a serious cause of anterior groin pain in runners. Usually worse with activity such as running or walking and better when not weight bearing on the hip, femoral neckstress fracture is caused by repeated stress on a bone which causes a small crack to develop. This can occur after increased training loads when runners increase their volume. It may not be visible on an x-ray, and a physician should evaluate persistent groin pain, as more advanced imaging such as an MRI may be needed to diagnose. This type of injury requires prolonged rest from running to heal. Lack of treatment can prevent proper healing of the bone in the femoral neck.
- Iliotibial band syndrome: This is a very common type of injury that runners experience. The iliotibial band is the large ligament that extends from the hip to the lateral knee. Runners commonly mistake this pain for a knee injury. It is typically felt as pain on the outside of the knee as the IT band tightens and causes friction against the lateral knee. IT band pain can also be felt anywhere along the IT band all the way to the hip. Just like femoral neck stress fractures, it is an overuse injury caused by too much mileage, over-pronation, running on uneven surface, or worn out running shoes. You may need to rest once you notice pain to your IT band. Look at your running shoes and make sure they are evenly worn, as over-pronation may cause more stress on your IT band. Try to run on even surfaces. If you run on a track, make sure to switch directions every few laps. Self-foam rolling is key in treating IT band syndrome as it stretches the IT band.
- Runner’s knee: Runners knee encompasses a term for any pain in, around or under the kneecap. It can be caused by malalignment of the kneecap or chondromalacia. Chondromalacia is softening of the cartilages under the kneecap where it deteriorates and causes pain. Chondromalacia pain is often worse when going up or down stairs. Imbalances in muscles can also cause abnormal tracking of the kneecap over the femur, causing pain. These muscles can be strengthened by performing Vastus Medialis Oblique or VMO exercises<https://youtu.be/vynEuGZKDEc>. This strengthens the quadriceps muscle so that the patella tracks normally over the distal femur. Runner’s knee injuries may require a reduction in training volume.
- Shin splints: Otherwise known as medial tibial stress syndrome, the cause is thought to be small tears of the muscle fibers near the tibia or inflammation of the periosteum (outer bone lining). Shin splints cause medial shin pain with impact and running. Stress fractures also cause shin pain. With stress fractures, pain is more localized as opposed to diffuse. If shin pain does not go away with rest, seek medical attention to rule out stress fracture. Runners with shin splints can still run but may need to reduce total mileage as shins heal. Ice shins after each run. Strengthening of the anterior tibialis muscle (in front of leg) is a key component of treating shin splints. Do this by performing dorsiflexion exercises with<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElkXCO7IsgU&feature=youtu.be> and without a resistance band or weight<https://youtu.be/jwxugMF0iSk>.
- Stress fracture: Fractures of the metatarsals are common sources of pain that require medical attention and rest from running to heal. Persistent pain to the metatarsals should be evaluated by a physician.
- Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is common for runners and presents with pain on the bottom of the foot occurring anywhere from the heel to the forefoot. The large fibrous band that stretches across the bottom of the foot can become inflamed with repeat pounding the pavement. As a runner, you must stretch this fibrous band regularly. A good way to do this is by rolling a tennis ball under your foot to stretch the fibrous tissues.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: This type of foot pain occurs as the nerve that courses behind the inner ankle bone becomes compressed. Compression of this nerve results in arch pain and sometimes, pain in the heel and toes, numbness and tingling. This syndrome is usually caused by over pronation. You may need to see a
physical therapist or podiatrist to assist with stretching or biomechanical issues. - Achilles tendonitis: Overuse can cause inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which can result in pain in the back of the distal leg just above the heel, and can go into the calf. Runners experiencing this should consider taking time off from running to let the tendon heal as it can develop into a chronic tendonitis. Heel drop exercises performed on stairs (eccentric stretching exercises where you stand on your toes while on the stairs and slowly let your heels drop down) may help, along with calf stretching exercises. Strengthening of the calf muscle with calf raises is important as well. Self-massage of the Achilles tendon either by hand or with self-massage stick may also provide relief.
Training for the Half Marathon
Now that you’ve decided on the half marathon, how do you train for it? There are lots of programs available online for half marathon training. Here are a few considerations for choosing a plan and training for the half marathon:
Starting point: Make sure the first week of the training plan is consistent with your current mileage base. Most programs assume a “beginner” runs 8-10 miles per week. Don’t choose an intermediate program if you are really a beginner. On the other hand, if you have raced the half marathon before, choose a more advanced program that will give you the challenge of speed work and hill training so you can race more aggressively and better your previous time.
Calendar time: Look at your calendar and make sure you have enough time to complete the training before your goal race. You definitely don’t want to try to shorten the program to fit it in with the date of your race. If you don’t have enough time, choose a different goal race.
Weekly running program: Choose a program that includes one longer run per week and at least two shorter runs per week. The long run should ramp up to a maximum of around 12 miles or two hours of running. Your last long run should be approximately two weeks before your race. After you complete that last long run, your program should include a taper, a reduction in weekly mileage while maintaining the speed/intensity of the runs.
Race conditions: Train on surfaces and terrain that are similar to your goal race terrain. Find out if your race is hilly or flat, asphalt or crushed gravel, hot or cold temperatures, morning or evening, and train under conditions as similar as possible to your goal race. If you can’t do all of your training under race conditions, at least do your long runs that way.
Fueling and hydration: For the half marathon, you will definitely need to come up with a hydration strategy that works for you. Determine how frequently you will consume fluids and how much fluid you will consume. It is usually best to drink at the frequency at which water stops will be available on your goal race course. This information should be available on the race website. You may also find you perform better by ingesting some carbohydrates during your long runs – experiment with sports drinks, gels, blocks, etc. to see what works for you. Practice and refine your hydration and fueling strategies during your long runs.
Whether your end goal is to complete a half marathon or to use it as a stepping stone to the marathon, enjoy the race and be proud of the great accomplishment of completing a half marathon!
Laurie Lasseter
Marathoner
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
RRCA Certified Running Coach
Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness Centers
www.EEHealth.org/fitness
Make Running Fun
I think running is one of the greatest exercises you can do for your body. It has so many benefits for physical and mental health. It helps in losing weight, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood sugar, building muscle and keeping a positive mood. So many good things come from running. But not everybody thinks of running as fun. Some of you may be training for your first 5K or half marathon and may find the task of training for this daunting. Here are some simple ways to keep in mind to make running fun.
Find a purpose. Running is always more fun if you are running for something. If you are reading this column, they you have likely signed up to race which is a goal in itself. As you are training, decide what you want to achieve in this race. Is this your first 5K and your goal simply to finish? Do you want to beat your friend who is also racing? Do you want to run a personal best? Your goal should be reachable and attainable. Having a goal to focus on will make training easier as you try to attain that goal. Other people may decide to race for a loved one by raising money for a cause. Raising money for charity in races is a great way to motivate runners and keep it fun, because every time you lace up your shoes, you are doing it for a greater purpose which should give you great satisfaction as you go along with your training.
Don’t go it alone. A second way to make training fun is to buddy up. This can come in the form of training with your friend, neighbor, or family member. Training with someone else makes running a social activity. It allows us to bring others into our training and lives. Many a great conversation has been had on training runs. The social nature of running decreases anxiety and makes it harder to skip a training run. You can also consider joining a local running club with like-minded runners that usually meet on certain days and times. Also, consider getting the family involved. Bring the kids on your run. Put the kids on their bikes so they can follow you while you run. Run to the park with them. Let them play. Take a stretching break and then run back. Now the whole family gets exercise and helps you out along the way.
Mix things up. Varying the intensity of your runs is another way to make running fun. Don’t just go out and always do the same distance run at the same pace. That will get very boring very quickly. The easiest way to vary your runs is to do a fartlek run. Fartlek means “speed play” in Swedish. This is a simple form of interval training in which you vary the speed of your run for certain distances within the run. It can be as easy as seeing a mailbox in the distance and deciding to run a little faster until you get there and then slowing down again. Repeat this, many times, throughout the run, with various distances of increased speed and then return back to your base pace. Keep things interesting with a fartlek run once per week.
Go gadget free. So many of us are fixated on our Fitbits or Garmins that we feel like we can’t leave the house without them. We are constantly looking at the gadget, trying to get feedback on our pace or distance. In doing so, we are disconnecting ourselves, in a way, from our activity. Try running simply for the joy of running. Connect with your own body and settle into your run. Let yourself be free. Feel the wind in your hair, the sweat on your face, and the burn in your legs. This will really bring the joy back to running. Try running without your gadget at least once a week and see how good you feel.
Remember the fun of running isn’t over at the finish line. Continue the fun throughout the year. Make running a lifestyle choice. Happy trails!
Dr. Michael Hartmann
Race Medical Director, Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon & 5K
Emergency Room physician, Edward Hospital
Local Marathoner Adds Naperville Marathon to Growing List of Accomplishments
By Emily Zadny
2016 Media Coordinator
Naperville Marathon & Half Marathon
After being a high school dual-sport athlete, Katie Bryk was looking for a way to stay in shape when she went off to college. She found a niche in distance running, running 5k and 10k races and while student teaching her senior year of college, Bryk had one student that motivated her to go the extra distance, extending her mileage to 26.2.
“I had a first grader in my class that was suffering from Leukemia whose family had received support from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America,” said Bryk. “I learned about LLS’s marathon training program – Team in Training – and decided if this little boy could battle Leukemia with a smile on his face, I could run a marathon and raise funds for a great cause at the same time.”
Now, nearly 20 years later, Bryk has become an avid marathoner.
So avid that she had completed forty marathons by her 40th birthday.
“About 5 years ago I was doing the math in my head and I figured out if I ran 3-5 marathons a year, I would be able to complete my 40th marathon before my 40th birthday. I had done 10 marathons from 1999-2004 before taking time off to have my two sons Payton (11) and Will (9). I returned to marathon running eleven months after Will was born when I ran at the Chicago Marathon in 2007. From October 2007 through April 2016, I ran thirty marathons.”
Her love for the sport and passion to help others enjoy it as much as she does has landed her at Fleet Feet Sports in Elmhurst as the head coach for the marathon and half marathon programs.
“Running is a very unique sport,” she said. “You can run alone, with a friend or two, or a training group of a 100. For me, it gives me time to clear my mind and reset for the day. Running is my yoga.
“I’m very fortunate in that my favorite running buddy is also my husband,” she continued. “We have had some great trips together that were tailored around a marathon—Mardi Gras Marathon, Napa Valley Marathon. I’ve also had Girls’ Trips that revolved around marathons.”
Even though she has traveled across the country for the sport, Bryk has one marathon that is close to her heart and on her calendar every year: the Healthy Driven Naperville Marathon.
“As much as I love traveling for races, I’m a homebody,” said Bryk. “When I was in high school, my family moved to Naperville and I called Naperville home and I spent many high school nights at the Riverwalk!
“Running the Naperville Marathon its inaugural year was like a trip down memory lane for me. I ran by friends’ childhood homes and old hangouts and had such a positive experience my first year, that I have continued to come for each running of the Naperville Marathon.”
Bryk will be at the starting line again this year alongside thousands of runners on Oct. 23 in the marathon’s fourth year. With a new course design, race day gear options, and post race activities, it’s one that Bryk and runners alike do not want to miss.
Needless to say, after forty marathons, Bryk has a vault of advice for others who want to get involved in the sport, whether that is a mile down the road or 26.2 miles.
“Whether someone wants to run a 5k or a marathon, they need to recognize that running is 90% mental and 10% physical,” she said. “Once you release the demons that tell you – you can’t – you can do anything.
“I also recommend that new runners—and lifetime runners, too—consider training with a group. Running with someone makes the miles fly by; going into an 18 or 20 mile run with a group is a lot less daunting then going into it alone.”
While her goal of reaching 40 marathons before her milestone birthday may be complete, Bryk is nowhere near finished with her training and is looking to achieve new goals. This past year, she achieved another goal: running a qualifying time for the most prestigious race of them all.
“Last year I made the commitment to myself to train for a Boston qualifying time, and at last year’s Naperville Marathon, my training paid off and I ran a qualifying time,” she said.
Forty marathons under her belt? Check. Boston Marathon qualifying time? Check. What’s next on Bryk’s running bucket list? The next obvious step up: ultramarathons.
“I am a goal setter,” she said. “Once I finished my 40th marathon I knew it was time to start thinking about a new goal. A 50-miler seems like a perfect new goal for me.”
