a bit of English?

[luisidoro]

Hello to everyone,

first I would like to introduce myself in the forum, I am an Spanish guy living in Warsaw and big friend of running (and triathlon). For that reason I found this forum time ago, but my limited level of Polish does not allow me to understand too much.

Then I have decided to start with this new topic, with the wish that some of you will give me a hand trying to solve the problems I will find during my training time in Poland

Right now, I am starting with a 12 weeks plan for marathon, trying to be ready for Kraków or Katowice marathon... and then appears my first doubts. When I trying to go running, I couldn't find too good places (probably because I live in the city center in Warsaw). Then, people from Warsaw, which are your favorite places for running in town?

And other important question: I am coming from the 12 months warm - hot weather and actually I have discovered I love running with cold weather, ice in the streets and freeze face, but... do you have any recommendation for this weather? (I mean, special warming up, stretching, cares after running, temperature limit to go run...)

I guess for my first time, it is enough thank you very much to everyone!

[Adam Klein]

Hi luisidoro.
We can discuss here but this post will be moved to runners bar: http://bieganie.pl/forum/viewforum.php?f=13

There are many places in Warsaw for goog running, it depends were you are staying, in what part of the city.
Center: Łazienki, Pola Mokotowskie, along the Wisła river, there are good places to the north: Bielanski forrest and south Kabaty Forrest and many others.

Running in cold requires on main thing I know - good clothing, with no cotton.

What result in the marathon are you aiming at?

[luisidoro]

hey, thank you for the answer!

and sorry for posting in the wrong place, as I said before, I have some problems with the language

time ago someone told me about Bielanski forest and still I am planning to go, but probably when the snow will melt (I think right now it is not the best idea...). I am living exactly were metro Ratusz is and yesterday to try something new I went running till park Szczesliwice, couple of laps and coming back, and I have to say once I was there was really nice, but the way with cars and so on wasn't too pleasant.

about the marathon, I have no idea. It will be my first time and I am thinking that finish is a good result. I was previous year running just for myself, combined with triathlon, out of races, then the only mark I have is on 10k (38:28), then also I would like to know with that data if I should think for example in a time around 3:15:00 or it is too optimistic.

[Qba Krause]

Hi there,

As for the latter part of your questions, I think 3:15 is a good aim for the marathon debut on condition you will complete the marathon training plan to prepare yourself for lasting effort. You have got experience from triathlon that means your endurance should be enough good, I think you should go on with the marathon plan and then try to run a half-marathon a few weeks before the desired marathon. Then use the result from half-marathon to evaluate the time in marathon you should aim at, using one of the many calculators available in the web, for example the one on mcmillanrunning.com .

As for running in Polish winter, use this time now when the temperature is not very low to accustom yourself to winter conditions.

Wish you all the best.

[jass1978]

Yes, 3:15 is possible, but the biggest problem for you, i think, is our harsh climate. If you will get familiar with our winter, that's ok, if not, - you should change your plan, find another aim, and starting your preparation a litlle bit later.
Of course you could always use a windmill in a fitness-club, but not everyone likes such kind of activity.

[wojtek]

Increasing the mileage will often benefit all results. It is quite common that preparing for the marathon will drastically improve 10K as well (and all related).
Bielanski is a great place, esp. there is an extension to Mlociny Park, with an option to run into Kampinos National Forest.

This is the way I used to run there. There is a popular 21K loop, from AWF (Academy of Physical Education) to Kampinos Forest and back.
You may also check with your Embassy. Back in the days it was a social club for diplomats living in Warsaw. I saw them running in Kampinos Forest as well.

Several staff members from US Embassy are runners and guards ( US Marines) have regular running routes by Lazienki Park and Agrykola.

Let us know your progress.

P.S. Check this this website:

http://www.warsawhash.pl/

[luisidoro]

hey! thanks to everyone for the answers, and say i'm sorry for the delay answering, but i have problems to get connection to the net

it's great to know all the details you gave me, right now i'm rather training through the streets, and i'm quite surprised, looks like this weather is bringing me benefits, i'm really enjoying it.

about that route in Kampinos, sounds really interesting, perfect to measure distances. i will try to check it and i will keep sending news!

PS sorry for the short answer, but these days i'm all the time in hurry!

[Adam Klein]

There is a popular 21K loop, from AWF (Academy of Physical Education) to Kampinos Forest and back.

Yes, it's extremely popular.
Probably a word "popular" should be redefined.

[wojtek]

Popular but not populated

[Anorak]

¡Hola luisidoro!

Despues tus preparaciones a maratón de Cracovia o Katowice, probablamente maratón en Vratislavia es muy interesante mismo dos anteriores. Yo vivo en Vratislavia y no soy participante de 28. Wroclaw Hasco-Lek Maratón, pero voy a fan de la ruta. ¿Tienes preguntas? - escribir

Saludos Cordiales

[luisidoro]

Hola Anorak!

Siempre es agradable poder hablar un poco en español, pero sino te importa, contesto en inglés para que todos puedan entender

Right now i just want to finish my first one, then kraków sounds good for me (but obviously, problems has appeared already, i hurt a foot and don't know when i'll can go back to my training...)

After that, and if i'm happy with the experience (that for sure i will) i will start thinking in other races

[wojtek]

Hi luisidoro!
Next week I have "a date" with your countryman, "Paco" Mancebo:
http://www.examiner.com/atlanta-sports- ... esentation

Mucho peña and suffereña

[Anorak]

Si Luisidoro

In my opinion English is more easy for everyone. So If You after experience in Katowice/Krakow decide to think about Wroclaw, just write to me:)

Best Regards

[luisidoro]

Cool!

Paquito Mancebo is a great cycler and as I can see, you will enjoy a nice dinner too

[wojtek]

As you can see, we all had a great time!