How They Train! Linda Levins

May 2012

Age

  • 58

How many years have you been running?

  • I’ve been running since 1983 with two breaks of about three years each. I average about 15 to 25 miles per week.  I got started running after going to a few races with my husband.

Lifetime personal records

  • 5K – 28:27

  • 10K – 54:54

  • 15K – 1:32:00

  • Marathon  – 4:51:24

What are your training goals?

  • Double Bridge 15K (Pensacola, Florida); I am beginning to train for the Disney marathon in 2013. I love training for and participating in the GWTC Grand Prix series.

What does your typical week of running look like?

  • Monday: AM: sit-ups, light weights, stretches, PM: 3-4 miles-track work.
    Usually 400’s on the track; one mile warmup and two miles of 400’s and then a cool-down lap or two.
  • Tuesday:AM: sit-ups, light weights, stretches, PM: 6-10 miles, easy.         
  • Wednesday: AM: sit-ups, light weights, stretches, PM: 3 miles (with fartleks), usually at Tom Brown Park while my granddaughters play at the Park.
  • Thursday: AM: sit-ups, light weights, stretches, PM: 5-6 miles 
  • Friday: AM: sit-ups, light weights, stretches, PM: REST
  • Saturday:  Race or rest.
  • Sunday: Rest or 3-6 miles depending on whether I race on Saturday and what distance the race was. 

    This schedule will change somewhat as I train for the upcoming Disney marathon. Usually longer runs on the weekend in the winter because of shorter daylight hours.

Do you take recovery or down time?

  • As necessary, whatever my body tells me.

How much sleep do you usually get at night?

  • 6-8 hours

What time of day do you normally run?

  • I normally run in the evening, except on Saturday/Sunday runs (AM).

What injuries have hampered your training over the past year? 

  • Hamstring issues.

Do you take any dietary or medical supplements?

  • Multi-vitamins for women.

What type of running shoes do you prefer?

  • Asics Gel.

Do you use weight training?

  • Light free weights for upper body with 10 – 15 pounds usually 5 days a week.  Have started going to Youfit (gym) and working with machines.

Do you stretch? 

  • Yes, hamstrings, calfs and hips after daily runs and races.

What are your favorite running routes?

  • Run at Tom Brown park a lot, and enjoy the Maclay Gardens race 5K route and really love the Wakulla Springs 5K route (except for the ticks).

What running resources do you like that would benefit someone else?

  • Magazines: Runner’s World and Running Ahead.

How has your training changed over the years?

  • Gotten slower of course but my focus on running is better.

What examples can you give of specific training methods, and what were the results?

  • Track intervals and longer runs.  I think this training has helped with maintaining my speed in races and I feel better during and after longer races.

What advice do you have for beginning or experienced runners to help them with their training?

  • Run for yourself and enjoy it. Set a small goal and be persistent about getting there.  I usually run alone, but run with others at the track.