The Running Thread—2023

[FFigawi]

I had no idea what a running "gilet" was, so just googled it...it's a vest. Why not call it a vest? Is there a fundamental difference between a vest and gilet, beyond sounding cooler?

I’m a triathlete and cyclist. We like fancy words for basic things.

 

[camaker]

I’m a triathlete and cyclist. We like fancy words for basic things.

Not to mention downright misleading terms. Who on earth thought "Hey, we've got these nifty new pedals you can clip right into, what should we call them? I know, let's call them clip-less!" Smh...

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Daughter tested negative for everything:
No flu
No strep
No covid

I think just sinuses making her throat raw.

I went and bought a lottery ticket....

 

[GuinnessRunner]

'm looking for ideas (if it would even be necessary/useful, which is another question to weigh in on) for non-wrist-based tracking.

Not cheap solutions, but the Oura ring would work or the Whoop band (although there it would depend on why watches are not allowed).

 

[mmm_texas]

I'm looking for ideas (if it would even be necessary/useful, which is another question to weigh in on) for non-wrist-based tracking. I'm registered to officiate basketball this fall/winter, with games starting November 2nd. I'm trying to figure out how (again, if it would be useful) to measure the amount of activity, and possibly the intensity of this. I'm 99% sure I am not allowed to wear my watch while officiating.

Basically, I want to make sure I don't overdo things in conjunction with dopey training.

I'll be working middle school games, so about an hour each, and 2 games per evening. I'm going to try to limit it to 2 nights per week before January, and then I have the week after MW blocked off for recovery, and figure I'll work as many as they'll schedule me for after that.

I've used a Wahoo Fitness TICKR chest strap for HR monitoring for years, which works great, but it needs to be connected to something like a phone. However, their TICKRx model (which I've never tried) has its own memory, so you don't need any device connected during the activity, so maybe worth looking into.

 

[GreatLakes]

I'm looking for ideas (if it would even be necessary/useful, which is another question to weigh in on) for non-wrist-based tracking. I'm registered to officiate basketball this fall/winter, with games starting November 2nd. I'm trying to figure out how (again, if it would be useful) to measure the amount of activity, and possibly the intensity of this. I'm 99% sure I am not allowed to wear my watch while officiating.

Basically, I want to make sure I don't overdo things in conjunction with dopey training.

I'll be working middle school games, so about an hour each, and 2 games per evening. I'm going to try to limit it to 2 nights per week before January, and then I have the week after MW blocked off for recovery, and figure I'll work as many as they'll schedule me for after that.

The HRM-Pro will track independent of a watch. If you want to record the game as an activity you can even start an activity on the watch, leave it on the sidelines in a bag, and then sync the HRM-Pro back after.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Not cheap solutions, but the Oura ring would work or the Whoop band (although there it would depend on why watches are not allowed).

It's the whole "no jewelry" policy. If players can't wear it, officials shouldn't be wearing it. The only thing that would (probably) be permissible is my wedding ring, and that's a silicone band. The chest strap might work, but I'm not sure if I want to deal with, or how far they might actually stick out....or if it would fit under a sports bra.

 

[MissLiss279]

It's the whole "no jewelry" policy. If players can't wear it, officials shouldn't be wearing it. The only thing that would (probably) be permissible is my wedding ring, and that's a silicone band. The chest strap might work, but I'm not sure if I want to deal with, or how far they might actually stick out....or if it would fit under a sports bra.

For reference, my HR strap for OrangeTheory goes directly under the band of my sports bra. I can’t really tell that it’s there.

 

[michigandergirl]

General race impressions: This was absolutely the best race experience I have ever had. All 26.2 miles were just wall to wall people screaming encouragement at you the entire time. You really felt like you were part of something.

Yes, this!! Glad to hear you enjoyed the race and the IT band held up. I would run this race every year if I could, definitely a favorite.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Is there a non-$100 option for garmin chest straps? Just because it seems like it would make the tracking a lot easier if I'm not combining stuff across platforms.

 

[MissLiss279]

Is there a non-$100 option for garmin chest straps? Just because it seems like it would make the tracking a lot easier if I'm not combining stuff across platforms.

Most Garmin watches should connect to about any chest strap as long as it has a Bluetooth or Ant+ connection. I can connect my OrangeTheory chest strap to my watch without issues.

Many, many years ago, I think I connected a Polar chest strap to a Garmin watch - but I may not be remembering correctly.

It’s possible the Garmin strap provides more data than HR?? I haven’t looked at them.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Most Garmin watches should connect to about any chest strap as long as it has a Bluetooth or Ant+ connection. I can connect my OrangeTheory chest strap to my watch without issues.

Many, many years ago, I think I connected a Polar chest strap to a Garmin watch - but I may not be remembering correctly.

It’s possible the Garmin strap provides more data than HR?? I haven’t looked at them.

I honestly have no idea whatsoever. I just need good, budget-friendly suggestions.

 

[GuinnessRunner]

Most Garmin watches should connect to about any chest strap as long as it has a Bluetooth or Ant+ connection. I can connect my OrangeTheory chest strap to my watch without issues.

This is correct and I have done the same a HR strap that came with a NordicTrack rower. Looked quickly and you can get them on Amazon right now for $26. Likely some that are cheaper if you look a bit more than I did. These will all track basic HR activity BUT only if you are in an activity on your Garmin. So you would have to start an activity and then stop it when your done (just like a run). Not sure how well that works if you have to leave the watch on the sidelines (not sure the broadcast range on the HR monitors). If you can tuck it into a pocket then it would do the trick.

The Garmin HRM Pro, which I suspect you are looking at if it's $100+, does a lot more. It has sensors, similar to the foot pods, that track run dynamics like stride length, ground contact time, etc.

 

[Marebear_runs]

Chicago Marathon 2023 Brief Race Recap

@SheHulk already provided a great recap of the Chicago Marathon and I would second her feelings about it. The first 8 miles of the race absolutely flew by. The crowd support is great throughout the entire race, but the first 7-8 miles in particular are just spectacular. So much energy and so many people. It felt like only minutes had passed.

Everyone will warn you not to trust your watch the first 3-4 miles and they are not exaggerating. The biggest advice I could give anyone running Chicago is to take this to heart and plan for it! Despite knowing this and trying to deliberately hold back, I still went out too fast. My Garmin was useless and I didn’t have enough practice running my “new” race pace based on feel. I overshot the first mile by 30 seconds. I tried to correct but was still 20 seconds too fast by mile 2. Then 10 seconds too fast at mile 3. I finally got it right at mile 4, but I think the damage was done by that point. I definitely bonked later. If I ever run Chicago again, I think I’d run with a pacer at least to help through those first few miles.

I had a goal of finishing under 4 and I managed to squeak in under the wire at 3:59:47. Six months ago I was aiming more for 3:55, but with the health setbacks that I had this summer I readjusted expectations and am satisfied. It was still technically a marathon PR for me and my first sub-4, so I’ll take it!

 

[RuntheMouse]

had a goal of finishing under 4 and I managed to squeak in under the wire at 3:59:47. Six months ago I was aiming more for 3:55, but with the health setbacks that I had this summer I readjusted expectations and am satisfied. It was still technically a marathon PR for me and my first sub-4, so I’ll take it!

Congrats on the PR and Sub 4!!

 

[Grabnar]

I just dealt with something similar. I was diagnosed with piriformis syndrome a couple years ago. If I slack on my PT exercises or do something like sit on asphalt for three days it will flare up. The sciatic nerve is under the piriformis muscle. When the muscle swells it puts pressure on the nerve which is the cause of my lower back pain and pain down the back of my leg. PT exercises, lacrosse ball massaging, Ibuprofen and avoiding sitting on my butt is what helps me. However, my massage therapist is a godsend. It hurts and some foul language comes out of my mouth, but she is a miracle worker

It's unfortunately looking more and more like it may be an SI Joint injury coupled with muscle injuries

Solid chance I'll be walking in Jan just due to being way behind on conditioning at that point. Thankfully I'm able to keep that <15 min mile pace up really well, just can't do a running load on that leg.

Point is, don't worry everyone! I'll be the rear guard against the balloon ladies.

 

[flav]

@SheHulk @Marebear_runs Congratulations on the Chicago Marathon

For NYC Marathon runners: DH and I are in Pink Wave 3 Corral F

 

[GollyGadget]

Chicago Marathon 2023 Brief Race Recap

@SheHulk already provided a great recap of the Chicago Marathon and I would second her feelings about it. The first 8 miles of the race absolutely flew by. The crowd support is great throughout the entire race, but the first 7-8 miles in particular are just spectacular. So much energy and so many people. It felt like only minutes had passed.

Everyone will warn you not to trust your watch the first 3-4 miles and they are not exaggerating. The biggest advice I could give anyone running Chicago is to take this to heart and plan for it! Despite knowing this and trying to deliberately hold back, I still went out too fast. My Garmin was useless and I didn’t have enough practice running my “new” race pace based on feel. I overshot the first mile by 30 seconds. I tried to correct but was still 20 seconds too fast by mile 2. Then 10 seconds too fast at mile 3. I finally got it right at mile 4, but I think the damage was done by that point. I definitely bonked later. If I ever run Chicago again, I think I’d run with a pacer at least to help through those first few miles.

I had a goal of finishing under 4 and I managed to squeak in under the wire at 3:59:47. Six months ago I was aiming more for 3:55, but with the health setbacks that I had this summer I readjusted expectations and am satisfied. It was still technically a marathon PR for me and my first sub-4, so I’ll take it!

Great tip about the pacers and glad you still got your sub 4. Way to go!!!

 

[dis_or_dat]

@SheHulk @Marebear_runs Congratulations on the Chicago Marathon

For NYC Marathon runners: DH and I are in Pink Wave 3 Corral F

wave 2 blue c!

super speedy corrals this year! I thought i'd be back of wave 1 or front of wave 2. but apparently they base it off best pace (NYRR races) and end of wave 1 was 7:17.

 

[jmasgat]

I'm wave 4, Corral D Orange. I don't really care about the whole "upper/lower, which course has 50 ft less elevation and fewer right hand turns". I am not planning to run for time.