The Running Thread - 2016

[Baloo in MI]

I have been out of the country for almost two weeks and even though I tried to follow along on the thread when I could get wifi I am hopelessly behind! Anyway, as I chip away at the 300ish messages here are my responses to the first two QOTD I have come across:

QOTD: Gear I want to get - I need to get a new fuel belt, I have never liked the one I have. It works but does not really meet all the things I would like from it. Other than that shoes, seems like I always need new shoes...

QOTD: What is the longest distance you have traveled for a race in terms of both miles and travel time?

The longest I have traveled for a race is about 1200 miles for WDW Marathon Weekend. Thank goodness by plane.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

Yesterday's ATTQOTD: When we go to Disney it is either just for the day or for a race so I have not gotten a chance to run around the resorts.

Today's ATTQOTD: My summer plans are to start running on consecutive days to prepare for Goofy training. I am trying to take it slow so I won't get injured, you will probably be seeing lots of 1 mile runs on Strava for a couple weeks. I also am going to try to work on speed and maybe run one more half for a better POT.

@LSUlakes your family will be in my prayers

 

[Waiting2goback]

To make a really long story short, my ex stepdad is going to be taken off of life support within the next 24-36 hours. There is a lot of family drama, mostly because of my mother, we don't have all the information, and what information we get from my mom is unreliable anyway. I left work yesterday to say my final farewells so his biological children and grandchildren can spend as much time with him today/tonight. If yall could send some prayers that he may not suffer and that his family can find peace I would appreciate it.

Sorry to hear that. I'm sending thoughts and prayers. My grandma has pancreatic cancer and it's at the point where it's going to be any day now where it might be her last. It's never easy losing anyone.

Sorry to hear what both of your families are going through. I hope everything turns out as good as it possibly can given the situations. Let's just pray for minimal to no suffering!!!

Yesterday's ATTQOTD: When we go to Disney it is either just for the day or for a race so I have not gotten a chance to run around the resorts.

Today's ATTQOTD: My summer plans are to start running on consecutive days to prepare for Goofy training. I am trying to take it slow so I won't get injured, you will probably be seeing lots of 1 mile runs on Strava for a couple weeks. I also am going to try to work on speed and maybe run one more half for a better POT.

@LSUlakes your family will be in my prayers

Nothing wrong with 1 mile runs to get the legs used to back to back runs. Injury free running it the smartest, not that I would know, I have been injured each of the last 2 years so far.


QOTD: My goal is to get to my fall races with no injuries and put up good times if possible. I have also given myself a weight loss goal that I will post here to have some accountability. I am 225 now and I would like to be at 210 or less by 10/1.

I got my bike fixed today. I am planning on a ride tomorrow. I road on the street with my kids a bit today after I fixed it and it hurt my ankle so this should be interesting. I am still waiting on the results of my MRI.


Good luck to everyone with a race this weekend.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

ATTQOTD: keep moving forward so my goal smash is achievable- running a sub 2:37 at space coast in nov (one hr less than it took me last year) I'm currently about a 3:00 so getting closer..

 

[Baloo in MI]

I think I have ten pages to go to catch up so taking these a few at a time.

QOTD: What role does self-doubt play in your running, if any? Does it keep you from trying a new distance or going for a certain time goal, for example?

Self doubt for me comes more during a race or a challenging work-out. It does not stop me from trying things. I have found that I have to talk to myself (out loud if alone; in my head during a race) and tell myself to shut up when I am second guessing myself or doubting myself. Although I do set time goals and go after my PR it is more about how hard I try. When the race is over can I look back and feel I left everything on the course. When I let self-doubt creep in and take over I tend to slow down/give up and I hate it when the race is over.

In the past it hasn't but now I am worried I might not be able to make the time commitment to do a full. I'm fairly slow. My PR is 2:05 for 10 miles at race pace so while I am definitely within the pace/time limit for marathons training to go further than 13.1 seems daunting because long runs would be committing to a day (or at least a half way though I don't know how I'd feel after) of running. I would like an intermediate length between 13.1 and 26.2 so I don't feel like it's such a jump.

Try a 25K, it is only 2.5 miles more than a half-marathon but was a good challenging distance. Forces you to think and plan beyond 13.1 and is very attainable. Good stepping stone to the full. But I beleive that if you can train for and run a half you can run a full, it is in you!

QOTD: How much do you warm-up and cool-down? Is it distance based or time based? When you give a time for a run, does it include warm-up or cool-down? If so, are they significantly different from the "performance" part?

I do not warm up/cool down enough during runs. I tend to walk for about a quarter mile, increasing speed/pace as I go and then begin to run. I try to start slow and build up to my intended pace for the run. At the end of a run, I stop stretch a little and then walk about a half-mile. During races I try to get out and away from the waiting areas and run about a mile. I know I need to focus on a more intentional plan here as I am often limited by the layout of the pre-race area and how much time I have given myself pre-race.

 

[keahgirl8]

This is not specifically running related, but I wanted to share because I think it's applicable and easy to lose track of as we focus on our training goals, distances and paces while running. My wife is a HS principal in downtown Raleigh. As a result she has to park in a lot about a quarter mile away and walk in. Today as she crossed the street in front of her school in a crosswalk, with the light, she was hit by a car making a left turn with a driver looking for a parking space and not paying attention to what was in front of her.

Most, if not all of us, have to cross streets with or without lights and crosswalks during our running. I just want to emphasize how important it is to maintain situational awareness of the cars around us, regardless of the presence of a crosswalk, walk signal or traffic light. It just takes one stranger not paying attention to cause serious injury. When I come to an intersection with a car while running I try to make eye contact with the driver before crossing. Still, I've had a close call or two when my mind wandered and I didn't make sure to do that.

I'll also throw out how important it is to carry ID when you run, just in case. Keep in mind, too, that you may not be able to respond if an accident happens. I won't run without my Road ID. Whatever type you find you like, use it.

My wife will be fine. She was very fortunate to just sustain scrapes, bruises and strains. She hurts, but nothing is broken. If by sharing, even one injury is prevented, it will be worth it. I consider us all friends here and I don't want you or your families to have to deal with something like this.

That's horrible! I'm sorry sorry she had to go through this, but glad she is mostly okay.

We wont see temps below 60 until October if we are lucky here in Louisiana.

Same here! I live in California, but we have pretty hot (and late) summers!

QOTD: What are your running goals for the summer?

As some of you may know, I'm still building myself back up after my hip injury. My goals are to continue getting stronger, get comfortable with 5Ks, and begin training for a 10K.

To make a really long story short, my ex stepdad is going to be taken off of life support within the next 24-36 hours. There is a lot of family drama, mostly because of my mother, we don't have all the information, and what information we get from my mom is unreliable anyway. I left work yesterday to say my final farewells so his biological children and grandchildren can spend as much time with him today/tonight. If yall could send some prayers that he may not suffer and that his family can find peace I would appreciate it.

I'm so sorry. I can relate. I will be praying for you and your family.

Folks seem to be questioning their sanity a bit. Let's be clear... we're runners, and we leave our sanity at the door when we go out for a run. There is no such thing as a sane runner (or triathlete for those of you who feel more comfortable associating with that gender).

Exactly! You have to be insane to be a runner at all. Why do we do this to our bodies?

 

[Baloo in MI]

Got a Disney question for yall. Have any of yall did the oyster/pearl thing at Japan in the world showcase? Would you recommend it? What happens to the oyster?

I am sure there are multiple responses to this (still trying to catch up). But we did this for the first time in April during our last visit and I thought it was a pretty cool experience overall. Our younger daughter picked the experience as her souvenir. She got to pick the oyster she wanted. The employee pulled the oyster up and pried it open revealing the pearl measured it and taught her how to count in Japanese to eight. At one point there was also a little song and drum thing. My daughter loved the experience and then we bought her a necklace to hold the pearl. Be aware that the cost of the oyster/pearl does not include any type of settings. The settings were not very cheap!

Over all though a pretty fun experience and she is still wearing the necklace and telling people about it.

 

[Keels]

To make a really long story short, my ex stepdad is going to be taken off of life support within the next 24-36 hours. There is a lot of family drama, mostly because of my mother, we don't have all the information, and what information we get from my mom is unreliable anyway. I left work yesterday to say my final farewells so his biological children and grandchildren can spend as much time with him today/tonight. If yall could send some prayers that he may not suffer and that his family can find peace I would appreciate it.

May peace be with him, you and all family members during this time, as well as a quick and painless final journey for your ex-stepdad. I'm so sorry to hear this.

QOTD: What are your running goals for the summer?

Increase speed and increase mileage. I'm training for a very specific time goal for my next half (Disneyland in September) along with the Chicago Marathon. Because training for a marathon in the Texas summer sounded like a great idea!

 

[Baloo in MI]

To make a really long story short, my ex stepdad is going to be taken off of life support within the next 24-36 hours. There is a lot of family drama, mostly because of my mother, we don't have all the information, and what information we get from my mom is unreliable anyway. I left work yesterday to say my final farewells so his biological children and grandchildren can spend as much time with him today/tonight. If yall could send some prayers that he may not suffer and that his family can find peace I would appreciate it.

I am so sorry to hear this. You and your ex-stepdad will be in my prayers. Take care of yourself.

 

[Baloo in MI]

So sorry to hear about your grandmother @rteetz. My family recently went through this with the loss of my Father-in-Law to colon cancer. Cancer sucks! Praying for you and your family.

QOTD: When at Disney, but not for a running event, what are some good running routes you have run or heard of? Can you run on the shoulder of roads?

These were shared but I have run around the lake at POP/AOA and the river trail between/around POR/POFQ. Both offered really nice runs in the early morning; very peaceful and enjoyable.

My wife will be fine. She was very fortunate to just sustain scrapes, bruises and strains. She hurts, but nothing is broken. If by sharing, even one injury is prevented, it will be worth it. I consider us all friends here and I don't want you or your families to have to deal with something like this.

That must have been so scary! So happy to hear that your wife is going to be ok.

QOTD: What are your running goals for the summe?

Milage, no-injuries and milage. I have a few races this summer but each is part of my training plan as I build towards my Ultra in September.

 

[Anisum]

Try a 25K, it is only 2.5 miles more than a half-marathon but was a good challenging distance. Forces you to think and plan beyond 13.1 and is very attainable. Good stepping stone to the full. But I beleive that if you can train for and run a half you can run a full, it is in you!

Thanks for the advice! I will be searching out a 25K now. In the meantime I will be mentally working up to a full.

 

[roxymama]

My best friend told my husband that she never thought she would have "crazy runner friends." He said "are we really that crazy" and she said "you PAY money to RUN!"

So I guess all the comments about runner's sanity are legitimate.

I'm writing more about this in my journal, but wanted to update you all that I ran pain-free last night! 1.51 miles in 21.57 minutes. There was a lot of walking and testing. I'm super excited to wake up without pain today too.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

My best friend told my husband that she never thought she would have "crazy runner friends." He said "are we really that crazy" and she said "you PAY money to RUN!"

So I guess all the comments about runner's sanity are legitimate.

I'm writing more about this in my journal, but wanted to update you all that I ran pain-free last night! 1.51 miles in 21.57 minutes. There was a lot of walking and testing. I'm super excited to wake up without pain today too.

That's fantastic news! Especially heading into a long weekend, yay!

 

[roxymama]

Thanks, I am excited but trying not to get too ahead of myself. I have a long weekend to add on to this gradually. I signed up for my 5k on 6/5 as a chip-timed runner instead of an un-timed walker. So I'm doing everything possible not to get competitive with myself and do this smartly. There will be a sea of walkers to keep me company if needed. I still have a doctor's appt on Tues to check it out (even if it feels totally fine that day.) At the very least I can find out what it probably is/was and ask about prevention.
So if I have to rip my chip time off my bib in a week+ just to keep me honest I will

 

[Slogger]

I'm writing more about this in my journal, but wanted to update you all that I ran pain-free last night! 1.51 miles in 21.57 minutes. There was a lot of walking and testing. I'm super excited to wake up without pain today too.

That is awesome news. No pain is always a good thing.

 

[croach]

Question for those of you who use HR zones on your runs - do you go by the actual heart rate or do you pay attention to the zones? I was supposed to running in zone 2 last night but the heart rate I needed to be at put me in zone 4. I'm trying to adjust my watch but it's a pain. I didn't really enjoy running by HR because I felt like I was always yo-yoing the pace to match the HR. Was kind of uncomfortable. But I get the need to run to effort and not just pace - pace is just more comfortable for me. Hope that all made sense.

 

[Chasing Dopey]

Question for those of you who use HR zones on your runs - do you go by the actual heart rate or do you pay attention to the zones? I was supposed to running in zone 2 last night but the heart rate I needed to be at put me in zone 4. I'm trying to adjust my watch but it's a pain. I didn't really enjoy running by HR because I felt like I was always yo-yoing the pace to match the HR. Was kind of uncomfortable. But I get the need to run to effort and not just pace - pace is just more comfortable for me. Hope that all made sense.

I programmed the zones into the watch with the alert if I get too high, but I've wondered the same thing. The slightest hill throws it all out of wack.

I always hear about how running by effort is the best way to do it, and using HR can be a bridge to that. However, I wonder about individual tolerances. It seems to me that two people with the same max HR react differently to a particular rate depending on fitness and athletic history. (Kinda like some people feel like they are going to die when they get hungry, while for others it's not a big deal.)

I've read that monitoring at our HR can help us realize that either a) we're pushing harder than we think or b) we've got a little more room than we think. But should we? There are schools of thought on either side. Maybe the best thing to do is just do each on different runs, and maybe it will even out?

 

[FFigawi]

Question for those of you who use HR zones on your runs - do you go by the actual heart rate or do you pay attention to the zones? I was supposed to running in zone 2 last night but the heart rate I needed to be at put me in zone 4. I'm trying to adjust my watch but it's a pain. I didn't really enjoy running by HR because I felt like I was always yo-yoing the pace to match the HR. Was kind of uncomfortable. But I get the need to run to effort and not just pace - pace is just more comfortable for me. Hope that all made sense.

When I run by heart rate, I go by zone. I've got them all set up in Garmin Connect and downloaded to my watch. If you're going to use them in your running, you need to be sure you know what your specific zones should be. The defaults from Garmin aren't usually very accurate.

 

[croach]

I programmed the zones into the watch with the alert if I get too high, but I've wondered the same thing. The slightest hill throws it all out of wack.

I always hear about how running by effort is the best way to do it, and using HR can be a bridge to that. However, I wonder about individual tolerances. It seems to me that two people with the same max HR react differently to a particular rate depending on fitness and athletic history. (Kinda like some people feel like they are going to die when they get hungry, while for others it's not a big deal.)

I've read that monitoring at our HR can help us realize that either a) we're pushing harder than we think or b) we've got a little more room than we think. But should we? There are schools of thought on either side. Maybe the best thing to do is just do each on different runs, and maybe it will even out?

Yeah I live in an area where there are a lot of hills so I'm constantly adjusting my pace as I hit them. I agree that using both is a good way to go and I guess it will just take some getting used to.

When I run by heart rate, I go by zone. I've got them all set up in Garmin Connect and downloaded to my watch. If you're going to use them in your running, you need to be sure you know what your specific zones should be. The defaults from Garmin aren't usually very accurate.

My zones are definitely of on my watch. Good to know I can do it on Garmin Connect. I was going to check there because changing it on the watch was making me a little nuts.

 

[opusone]

Question for those of you who use HR zones on your runs - do you go by the actual heart rate or do you pay attention to the zones? I was supposed to running in zone 2 last night but the heart rate I needed to be at put me in zone 4. I'm trying to adjust my watch but it's a pain. I didn't really enjoy running by HR because I felt like I was always yo-yoing the pace to match the HR. Was kind of uncomfortable. But I get the need to run to effort and not just pace - pace is just more comfortable for me. Hope that all made sense.

I always hear about how running by effort is the best way to do it, and using HR can be a bridge to that. However, I wonder about individual tolerances. It seems to me that two people with the same max HR react differently to a particular rate depending on fitness and athletic history. (Kinda like some people feel like they are going to die when they get hungry, while for others it's not a big deal.)

I've read that monitoring at our HR can help us realize that either a) we're pushing harder than we think or b) we've got a little more room than we think. But should we? There are schools of thought on either side. Maybe the best thing to do is just do each on different runs, and maybe it will even out?

So, I run by pace during training, but I also check my HR as I am running (as well as analyze it on Garmin Connect after the run to see how much time I spent in each Zone), so I roughly know where my HR should be for a given pace. Sometimes when I'm on a run, I might feel like I'm exerting more effort than normal for a given pace, or I might look at my watch and see that my HR is higher than normal for the pace. This can happen for many reasons, but the most likely are: (i) I'm on a hill, (ii) I'm coming down with or recovering from a cold, (iii) it's hotter or more humid than normal, or (iv) I'm overtraining. Depending on what I think is going on, I might slow down to lower my heart rate, or I might keep going at the planned pace. For example, if I'm just on a hill, I know my HR will be slightly elevated, so I just keep going at pace, but if it's hot or I'm recovering from a cold, I will usually slow down to the correct HR range.

As @FFigawi said, you need to plug in your correct HR zones into your watch. If you have a Garmin watch, you can do this straight on the watch or you can update it in Garmin Connect under the Devices>[Pick your device]>User Settings, and then sync with your watch after you have made changes.

I would highly suggest you use the Heart Rate Reserve method (% of HRR) when setting up your watch (instead of % of Max HR, or some other method). For an example of how the Zones are determined with the HRR method please see the calculations below (you need both your Max HR and Resting HR to use this method):



Easy runs should be in Zone 2.