I sometimes notice when I run the first mile seems tough on my breathing like I’m going too fast but then I settle in and everything is fine. Not sure if it’s the weather or my body and lungs aren’t ready for the run. Does anyone do breathing technique exercises or warm ups before they start their runs? If so what do you do?
7 months ago I picked running back up after a 19 year hiatus. I currently run 100-110 miles a month. All my runs are at least 5 miles and no more than 9. My first race was early December ran a 20:03 5k then I ran another race (half marathon) in March and finished with a 1:45:46 and when I finished I realized I hardly pushed myself. I had another half marathon last weekend and got a time of 1:38:59 and realized I pushed myself a little more but not maxed out (could still talk/ encourage my friends). I still had negative splits throughout the run with larger ones toward the end. I did not use any type of training plan for this. A few tempos here and there, some long runs, and then some Z2 runs.
I'm older school and we didn't use zones and all this back when I ran before. It was more of a conversational pace.
Anyways
I got into the Disney marathon for 2027 and I see most of the training plans are around 20 weeks that means I have about 16 weeks before I need to start that. Should I start slowly increasing mileage each week/month and doing longer runs up to 18 miles before I start my training block or is that too aggressive? My goal is to do some strength training soon as well but it's hard to start because I hate doing it.
Also I'm looking into the Pete Pfitzinger 18/55. I'm a 4/3/3/4 shift worker which means I work 4 nights, 3 days off, 3 day, 1 day off, 3 nights, 3 days off, 4 days, 7 days off. So the mid week long runs would work for me.
Is this probably the best plan?
My marathon goal is 3:30 but being my first one I won't be upset if I don't get the time.