The Running Thread—2023

[Disney at Heart]

@jmasgat Happy birthday and welcome to the Medicare group! @Kerry1957 can be president, but I am queen of this group!

I am grateful to be still running. I don’t have time pressure anymore like some of the young people on the thread, and don’t have a problem taking a day off if something hurts. After all, it takes a little more rest time to recover than it used to. There’s a freedom in that! My last January goal was to run less (under 100 miles) each month and so far I have accomplished that goal!

That said, I’ll see you all at MW. I’ll be Goofy one more time!

 

[garneska]

@Disney at Heart you are my hero and I hope to still be running as long as you are.

 

[The Expert]

Y’all are giving me a good chuckle. I was so ecstatic that I beat sunset and it was 47 out when I got home from work on Thursday that I rushed out the door as quick as I could to enjoy my first run in shorts in over a week

It hasn't been up to 47 for WEEKS here in Vermont, and I think I saw the sun for about an hour mid-day on Wednesday. It alternates between heavy, wet snow (that melts into icy mud) and dense fog, so I am very grateful for my treadmill right now!

 

[Kerry1957]

@jmasgat Happy birthday and welcome to the Medicare group! @Kerry1957 can be president, but I am queen of this group!

I accept your nomination as President, as long as we are both clear that the Queen is the true inspiration and leader of the band!

 

[NYC_MW]

November running:
Miles: 108.0 [first time breaking 100 this year; would say better late than never, but would actually be maybe okay with never ]
Time: 19:37:01

YTD:
Miles: 951.6
Time: 168:02:06

 

[nancipants]

Thank you to whoever posted about the Brooks shoes on sale. They’re now on my Christmas list.

 

[accm]

What does everyone do about running when it’s icy outside? We usually deal with snow, not so much ice, but the temps have been so up and down, everything is covered in ice.
I ran on the street, where it wasn’t as bad, but had too many cars drive too fast too close to me. I eventually gave up and went home, because the run wasn’t enjoyable when I was worried about every car coming my way.

 

[Naomeri]

What does everyone do about running when it’s icy outside? We usually deal with snow, not so much ice, but the temps have been so up and down, everything is covered in ice.
I ran on the street, where it wasn’t as bad, but had too many cars drive too fast too close to me. I eventually gave up and went home, because the run wasn’t enjoyable when I was worried about every car coming my way.

If I can’t run on the roads, I’m lucky enough to have a community center with a bubbled artificial turf track only a half hour or so away. The same place also has an indoor track, but it takes 8 loops/mile, instead of 4.something/mile on the turf track, and it circles the 2nd floor of the gymnasium, so it’s loud.

I also have a treadmill, but I hate it.

 

[marty3d]

What does everyone do about running when it’s icy outside? We usually deal with snow, not so much ice, but the temps have been so up and down, everything is covered in ice.
I ran on the street, where it wasn’t as bad, but had too many cars drive too fast too close to me. I eventually gave up and went home, because the run wasn’t enjoyable when I was worried about every car coming my way.

As much as I hate it, treadmill at the gym….

 

[sandam1]

What does everyone do about running when it’s icy outside?

Simply put I don't. It's isn't worth a potential fall. Broken bones, torn ligaments, etc. are not on my "to do" list.

I'm lucky enough to have access to an indoor track (and a treadmill if absolutely necessary). In a pinch a well plowed and salted parking lot can serve the same purpose. I've heard the suggestion of larger business park lots on weekends (when there aren't a lot of cars) work well.

 

[Kerry1957]

What does everyone do about running when it’s icy outside?

I run mainly on trails which get icy but not skating rink smooth sheet ice icy. That was stated awkwardly but I hope it's understood. Because of the texture of the ice I can usually put on my nano ice spikes over my running shoes and run without incident. The spikes bother me a bit after 4 or 5 miles so I cut my run short if need be. If it's just too cold and icy then I'll skip a day of running and do an extra day of Orangetheory.

One advantage of being an old guy is that my Medicare Advantage plan gives me 2 free Orangetheory classes a week which I use especially during the winter.

 

[Herding_Cats]

When it’s winter out, I just run on my treadmill. It’s great practice to learn how to turn your brain off. Or a good time to find a show to binge.

 

[AZMermaid]

I’m over here trying to decide if I can run after work this week on an 80 degree day or if it’ll be too hot.

 

[azrivest]

What does everyone do about running when it’s icy outside?

I have spiked shoes for those days. Either trail shoes with lugs or yaktrax.

 

[dis_or_dat]

belated congrats @camaker and birthday wishes @jmasgat !

November totals:
Totals Miles: 61.6
Avg pace: 8:50

Ran a marathon and took 2 weeks off and then started with easy light hiking. Started doing short slow runs and my hamstrings are screaming. Have a PT appt this week hopefully I'll get some help. Unfortunately I have some January halfs and then a marathon to train for in April and then another 2 weeks later. Got a notification that I can apply for London 2024 using a special process, but I don't think my legs can handle it.

 

[FFigawi]

What does everyone do about running when it’s icy outside? We usually deal with snow, not so much ice, but the temps have been so up and down, everything is covered in ice.
I ran on the street, where it wasn’t as bad, but had too many cars drive too fast too close to me. I eventually gave up and went home, because the run wasn’t enjoyable when I was worried about every car coming my way.

I avoid dilemmas like this by choosing to live where it doesn’t snow except in the mall

 

[accm]

I avoid dilemmas like this by choosing to live where it doesn’t snow except in the mall

I was going to say I wish I pick this option, and then I remembered that I'd probably overheat 95% of the year where you live.

Thanks everyone for making me feel less like a wuss for giving up. Next time I'll just start off on the treadmill instead of giving outside a try. I'd also appreciate it if the weather here got its ish together and just stayed cold, so the sidewalks are packed snow instead of skating rinks.

 

[SheHulk]

I was going to say I wish I pick this option, and then I remembered that I'd probably overheat 95% of the year where you live.

Thanks everyone for making me feel less like a wuss for giving up. Next time I'll just start off on the treadmill instead of giving outside a try. I'd also appreciate it if the weather here got its ish together and just stayed cold, so the sidewalks are packed snow instead of skating rinks.

NOT to make you feel like a wuss, but I second the idea of identifying a few reliably-maintained areas for when you need them. My mil lived in an "over 55" community, which was like a development so it gave you about 0.75 mile around the whole thing, and it was very reliably maintained. So I would often drive over there and just circle that development as many times as necessary. We haven't had ice in years though come to think of it.

 

[jrsharp21]

Has anyone done muscle scraping on their quads and hamstrings before a long race? If so, did you feel it helped out?

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Has anyone done muscle scraping on their quads and hamstrings before a long race? If so, did you feel it helped out?

Not my thighs but my chiropractor will scrape my calves at each appointment. Talk about an inner circle of hell, but I do think it helps.