Marathon training during ABSN program

ToughRNMudder326 · Dec 19, 2014

Sorry to hear about the bad timing of your kidney infection. I just graduated an ADN program, during the 2 years I managed to keep up on my fitness for the most part. I ran 2 tough mudders (12 miles each with obstacles), 1 spartan race (5k with obstacles) and a savage race (8 miles with obstacles). I worked ~30 hr/wk during school with 2 children in the house (9 and 11 y/o). It was definitely a struggle to stay as consistent as I wanted to during the program and I would have bouts of heavy training with dry spells mixed in between. I found myself being so overloaded with assignments/studying that sometimes I would have the time to run/train but would feel guilty for not studying. Since you have already attained the fitness level required to tackle a marathon but were not afforded the opportunity to actually run it I would recommend you try and run when you need the stress relief and possibly shoot for a half marathon or something along those lines. My concern would be just the sheer number of hours required to stay on top of that type of weekly mileage.

Good luck!

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2014

I know nothing about running, but I know about listening to music while you workout. If you were willing to trade the music for the recorded lectures, and you were able to focus on them while training, this could prove helpful with grades.

Hope everything works out for you! I have nothing but respect for runners. No idea how you guys do it.

lovemykiddos · Dec 19, 2014

Wow, ToughRNMudder326! I'm exhausted thinking of all those races - during nursing school or not. :-)

I have a good treadmill and typically read/study while I run, but I attribute my ability to stay injury-free the last several months (I have been prone to overuse injuries in the past) to being able to run 90% of that high mileage outside, so being on the treadmill so much for training was a concern. Listening to lectures while I run is a great idea, so I will definitely give that a shot, so I can still get the best of both worlds of study time and outside running. And it can help with the guilt of leaving my family for a few hours on Saturday mornings for my long runs since I'm basically studying during that time. Half marathons crossed my mind (they are my favorite distance, actually) but since I've already done a handful, I was hoping to get that full one in.

RunBabyRN · Dec 20, 2014

I completed two Tough Mudders and a marathon during my 2 year BSN program (so accelerated, but not as much as some). I also have a son who was in preschool and then kindergarten and a husband with physical limitations, so a lot falls on me.

Have you chosen a race yet? Try to time it well with your schoolwork. I went to school through the summer, and my marathon was at the end of August beginning the second year. First TM was about 1.5 months before that, and 2nd was a month or so before graduation.

I did all of my own training scheduling, but I have some experience with that. Plus, you have to allow a certain amount of flexibility, because of course, you'll have a huge exam and a paper due when you're supposed to increase the mileage on your long run. :)

I thought about listening to lectures while running, but really, I needed the mental break from everything. Running is my sanity, so having that opportunity to clear my head (or better yet, get in some social time!) was so important to me.

I did/do read on the treadmill, but more for active rest, when I can crank up the incline and walk slowly while reading. I HATE TM running, and it definitely does NOT equate to time on the asphalt.

If a 13.1 is something you're already trained up for, you should be okay getting in the training you need for a 26.2. Of course your pace makes a difference- if your est. finish time is 3H or 6H, that makes a difference in how long you're training each weekend! I finished mine in just under 5 hours because I wasn't able to train as much as I'd have liked, but I was mostly concerned with just FINISHING.

lovemykiddos · Dec 21, 2014

Yes - just finishing is the goal, and in the 4:30-4:45 so I know that affords a little flexibility with whatever training schedule I'm on. So it sounds like I'm not totally crazy thinking I can try to pull it off. If I can maintain at least a base level of fitness through the spring semester (when I have to take 19 credit hours), I can start picking up the effort in the summer and fall to prepare for one in December or January of next year. Fortunately in Central Texas, we have many options within an hour or two drive that time of year.

Thanks for the input, everyone!

MrChicagoRN, RN · Dec 21, 2014

It's great that you've accomplished several 1/2's, but there are several differences.

A full marathon requires 3-5 days of running, building up to a 20 miler before tapering. I always felt that the hardest part of the marathon was finding the time to train.

And a full marathon is 3x the distance of a 1/2... Trust me, forget the math, it really is.

I've always felt to run it, you have to focus, and get yourself in the zone. Get those endorphins flowing. Couldn't imagine listening to lecture while running. Wouldn't work for me at least.

Finding time for training, studying, and family is an extreme challenge. How about saving the big one as a gift to yourself as a graduation present?

Good Luck!

vanilla bean · Dec 21, 2014

While I was in my program, I had several classmates that trained for, and completed, a marathon. Several of my classmates ran and trained together, and at least one was a parent. It's all about good time management and prioritization. Best wishes to you!

Annie143 · Jan 6, 2015

I am hoping to begin an ABSN program in the Fall and I have considered the idea of committing to some type of training during school to help keep myself balanced/sane! Best of luck to you and please keep us posted on how it goes!

WCSU1987 · Jul 25, 2016

This may be am old post. I am going to start training for a marathon to run next year. I start nursing school in the fall and run the marathon in the fall. My goal is to hopefully run 2 marathons a year. Training think will keep me focused on school and work. Motivate me to get up early energize myself is the goal.