Running

In our Tryout Workout series we take you through the workout gauntlet to find which type of workout fits you best!

Thinking about running a marathon?

In this episode of Tryout Workout, Desi talks with fitness expert Kevin Leathers at the New York City Marathon. Kevin, a member of Team McGraw and “Can’t Stop Endurance,” shares some tips on how to get ready to run a marathon. Marathons are a great place to test our your running strength and endurance, so it’s important to train and eat accordingly to make sure you are in top shape before the big race.

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This video features Desi Sanchez.

Duration: 4:49. Last Updated On: Nov. 8, 2017, 6:14 p.m.

Transcript

00:02 Hey guys.
00:03 It's that time of year again where runners are gearing up, getting in shape and
00:07 getting ready to run the New York City Marathon.
00:09 I for one am not one of those runners.
00:12 But by this time next year I would love to be crossing that finish line.
00:16 Along with the other 45,000 runners who are making it happen.
00:19 But that means that first, I've gotta get into marathon shape,
00:22 which is why today we're talking with Kevin Leathers, an endurance athlete and
00:27 certified national running coach for Team McGraw.
00:29 Try to keep up. [MUSIC]
00:37 >> First let's get a little warm up, so why don't we go for a run?
00:40 >> Yes. >> Come on, let's go.
00:50 Okay, so if you're looking for that marathon next summer,
00:53 now we kind of wanna establish where your current fitness is now.
00:56 Because the real goal is to get you training for
00:58 that without getting you hurt.
01:00 We wanna get you to the starting line fit,
01:01 before we can ever worry about getting to the fitness line.
01:03 [MUSIC]
01:08 >> So what stretch are we doing now that I'm a little bit warmed up.
01:11 >> Well, first I like to just get my hamstrings a little loosened up,
01:13 so I'm just gonna go real, and you first feel it grab.
01:16 Then I just kind of sit there.
01:18 Just hold that for 30 to 45 seconds to let everything kinda release.
01:22 So hamstrings, then I like to do that, almost that modified lunge,
01:25 but you know in, in, so your weight's on that front leg.
01:29 And rotate that left hip forward a little bit, and you really feel it.
01:32 And you're looking for that stretch right here.
01:34 So we'll do that on both sides.
01:36 And then that's about all I do before I run.
01:40 Okay. You're warmed up, you're stretched.
01:41 You ready to run?
01:42 >> Absolutely, let's do it.
01:43 >> Let's go. [MUSIC]
01:52 >> Let's say we're starting from scratch.
01:54 I haven't run before.
01:55 How long should my first run be?
01:57 >> Well, you really have to start from where you are.
02:00 And that's a lot,
02:01 a mistake a lot of runners make is they, they have their goal.
02:04 But they don't take into account where their starting point is.
02:07 So you may go out and walk 30 minutes three days a week for the first week.
02:14 And then walk, you know work that up to a 45 minute walk.
02:18 And then come back and start a run walk.
02:20 Because the, the problem is, you get a few weeks in and
02:22 you feel like you're ready to go, but all those tendons and joints aren't ready and
02:26 that's where you get injured.
02:28 If you're consistently in that two to three miles for
02:30 a month, and then you pick one run per week and bump it up to four.
02:35 So let's say you're-
02:36 >> Just one? >> Just one.
02:37 >> We then wanna take that from three miles right now to six
02:40 miles by the end of the month.
02:42 So we go three, four, five, six.
02:43 >> So it's cumulative.
02:44 >> It is cumulative.
02:45 >> Wow. I didn't know that. [MUSIC]
02:49 How fast should we be running?
02:52 >> Oh, that's a great question.
02:53 Your, when you start out and your easy runs should be just like this.
02:57 Conversational.
02:57 Where we could carry on a talk.
02:59 Easy enough where you could have a conversation.
03:00 [MUSIC]
03:04 Cool down. Now I'll kinda go through that
03:05 same process.
03:06 Hips are first.
03:08 I'll take 15 to 20 minutes after my run and go through a stretching process.
03:12 >> Let's talk about gear.
03:13 Cuz I saw you casting some aspersions upon my sneakers earlier.
03:18 >> When you start your running program.
03:20 The first thing you do is you go get a good pair of shoes.
03:23 And I strongly encourage you to go to your local running store that is
03:26 staffed by runners.
03:28 Take your old shoes in.
03:29 They can flip it over, look at your wear patterns.
03:31 See how your foot hits the ground.
03:33 They'll watch you run either in the store or on a treadmill.
03:37 And then they're gonna recommend several different types of shoes.
03:39 And try on three or four pair, and narrow it down to the one that feels the best.
03:44 >> All right Kevin, you've already got me sold.
03:46 >> Good. >> I'm ready to train for
03:46 this marathon and run next year.
03:48 But for those people at home who maybe are still a little bit unsure if it's for
03:51 them, if they can really start a running practice.
03:53 Is there any advice you can have for beginners?
03:56 >> I think the keys are being consistent.
03:59 Be patient.
04:00 Cuz we want to avoid those shin splints, the knee problems, the hip problems.
04:04 Clean up your diet.
04:05 Cuz every pound you can shed helps the, the wear and tear on your body.
04:09 And accountability is another big deal.
04:12 So if you can find a coach or a running partner.
04:15 If you know somebody's waiting for
04:17 you down at the corner to run, you're much more apt to be there, not blow it off.
04:22 >> Wow. I love that.
04:23 Guys, this has been so eye opening.
04:26 I'm so excited for what's to come.
04:27 >> Absolutely.
04:28 >> To get out there and run that marathon.
04:30 If you wanna learn more,
04:31 make sure you check out Team McGraw online, at tugmcgraw.org.
04:36 And remember, there's no excuse.
04:37 Anywhere you go, it's your workout place.
04:39 You can workout in your neighborhood, your local park, anywhere.
04:43 I'll see you guys next time, and thank you so much.
04:45 >> Thank you. [MUSIC]