Training:

We're pleased to offer you a variety of training programs and resources to help you prepare. Be sure to check out all the helpful tips on this page before you begin your training.

Self Coaching Advice from Olympian Frank Shorter

Training Tips from Trinity

We are lucky to have Physical Therapists and experienced marathoners Ryan Heuer and Tarra Richard from Trinity offer us their expertise. If you have a training and running related question for Ryan and Tarra, be sure to submit it here. The most frequently asked questions and questions that apply to a large number of runners will be answered and posted on our Facebook Page. Be sure to join our Facebook page so you can participate.

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Finding Your Target Heart Rate:
Heart rate Target Zone Calculator
To find your predicted maximal heart rate based on your age, subtract your age from 220 for men, 226 for women, A 34 year old's predicted max heart rate: 220-34=186 beats per minute. General rule of thumb is to train at 60-80% depending upon fitness level. For the above example 60-80% of 186 beats per minute is 161 beats per minute. During training, longer runs may be toward the lower end of the range and shorter runs toward the upper end of the range. Exact percentage will depend upon the training program you are following.

Importance of training:
#1. Injury prevention. It is necessary for your body to slowly adapt to the increased demands you are placing on it. This will be dependent upon on your baseline fitness level. A general rule of thumb is to increase your training volume no more than 10% per week. If currently running 10 miles per week, add one mile to longest run the first week.
#2. Cross training. Active recovery with a different mode of exercise allows your body to recover while maintaining/improving cardiovascular gains.
#3 Psychological training. It is important to set weekly incremental attainable goals. Think of training on a weekly basis as opposed to the end result of running 26.2 miles. It is important to know that you can run 20 miles.
#4 Strength training/stretching. It is important to "work your weakness." If you have muscular imbalances limiting your performance they must be addressed before or after they become problematic.
#5. Nutrition. Practice what you are going to use on race day. It is important that your body has enough fuel to make it through the event. Do not use something different than what you have trained with. If the race provides one type of product and you have been using another product stick with it. General diet should consist of the right foods. Make sure to have adequate protein and anti-inflammatory foods.

How to find the right shoe:
Before venturing out to find new shoes, watch Take the Wet Test and check out following links: What is my foot type or Foot Diagnostics. Find an experienced retailer such as Active Endeavors or Running Wild and have your foot type determined and measured for issues such as flat foot, neutral foot or high arch type foot. Depending upon foot type, body size and mileage the retailer can determine which shoe is best. Examples may include a cushion shoe, stability shoe, or motion control test. Bring your old shoes with you so wear/tread patterns can be observed.

If you currently are using a shoe that works well for you with no injuries do not switch to the latest fad shoe.

How do I know if I am over training?

Over training occurs when training exceeds recovery capacity. Training volume and intensity may need to be adjusted. Physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms may be present. Symptoms of over training may include: increased fatigue, moodiness, appetite changes, a decrease in performance, sleep disruption, decrease in leanness despite increased volume and or intensity, an increase in musculoskeletal injuries and decreased enjoyment in event participation.

Over training may take a significant period of time to resolve. Overuse injuries may require significant training modification or even a complete break from training to let the affected tissues heal.

Over reaching may include the above to a lesser degree. With adjustment to training it usually resolves within a couple of days.

How Do I Know if I have a Strain or Injury?

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, also known as a pulled muscle. Muscle fibers tear as a result of overstretching, overuse or faulty mechanics. Symptoms may include localized pain, weakness and possible discoloration and bruising. Depending upon the severity of strain, interventions may be as simple as icing the affected area, compression, rest and elevation. For severe cases medical intervention may be appropriate.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament when the joint is carried through greater than normal range of motion. Severity of sprain can range from overstretching to complete rupture.

Symptoms are similar to strain and include edema, discoloration, pain and possibly reduced weight bearing. Interventions may include rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). If symptoms are severe and/or do not trend towards improvement follow up with your physician. Physical therapy may be able to address faulty mechanics and muscle imbalances and accelerate the healing process.

Join a training group is highly recommended.
Talk with other runners to determine if a group exists that meets your needs. If you live in the Quad Cities area, Cobham and Cornbelt Running Club offers a marathon training group. Cornbelt Running club also offers weekly workouts. Charity running programs and Online groups are also popular.

Whether a novice or experienced runner, training for a marathon is different every time. Variables include: time of year, health and different courses. Training groups offer commitment, tips, tricks, assistance with nutrition, camarderie, support, accountability, increased compliance with training plan, and knowledge that others in group are facing similar challeges. You may develop race partners who train at your pace. Training groups help you form long-term relationships with other runners. A novice training alone may lead to injury or disappointment.

QCM Marathon/Half Marathon Fall Training Program

16 week training program beginning June 5th, join anytime

All abilities welcome, from first time to veteran distance runners
Supervised by Coach Russ Hart and experienced marathoners
General and personalized training advice provided
Weekly long runs, track workouts, training schedules and more provided