The Running Thread - 2016

[GreatLakes]

Wow, I would be scared to run that late! I just would not feel safe even carrying mace or something, plus even though we live in a moderate sized city (for NH) of 30,000, there's still a lot of wildlife out there I wouldn't want to run into in the dark. I have seen bear cubs a few hundred yards from where we live, and I'm sure the mama was not far away, and a friend's neighborhood nearby had problems with coyotes attacking some dogs, and we also have had moose and bobcat sightings in town.

Other than paying attention to skunks I don't really worry much about the wildlife. I have never really felt unsafe either. I don't run with anything, not even my cell phone, and have never felt in any danger when running late at night. YMMV of course.

 

[LSUlakes]

Before my kids were in school we used to go this week each year. Loved it! Its post veterans day crowds, pre-Thanksgiving crowd and you'll start right at the end of the F&W festival. I'd go that week every year if I didn't have to worry about pulling my kids from school.

My understanding is very low crowds and normally nice weather. It also falls on the same week as a recovery week (lower mileage) for my marathon plan. I'll miss one LSU home game but it isn't against another SEC team so I am ok with it. I've heard a lot of good things, so it should be exciting! DD will be turning 3 during the trip and since she is tall for her age she will be tall enough to ride almost all the rides. I doubt ill be able to talk her into some of the faster ones, but we shall see.

 

[Kathymford]

I forget that people actually post on this thread over the weekend! I had gotten used to trip-planning threads where it would go silent over the weekend! LOL. Nothing like Monday morning coffee and 5 pages of thread to catch up on! Congrats to everyone on their races this weekend! I had bling envy at the new Tink medal (the color is a nice touch!), but other than that it was a good weekend.

ATTQOTD: Mantras; I used to think these didn't work. As I think I've mentioned before, the mental aspect of running is probably where I need the most work. As I've started running more, I find myself actually using them. During the Hollywood Half, near the mile or so, my legs were dead. And I was going to skip one of my running intervals. And I heard my friend in my head telling me, "If it doesn't hurt, you're doing it wrong." Now, he is obviously not a running coach, but hearing him in my head made me laugh and automatically made me think of other ones as I went back in to my running: "If it was easy, everyone would do it." My bf also likes to tell me "pedal, pedal, pedal!" which is actually an inside joke with us from when I was trying to unsuccessfully ride my bike up a hill (pre-running days). LOL

Mornings. Nope. Not for me. I have never been a morning person. I'm not going to lie, I almost got fired from an internship because I couldn't get there on time (I didn't get fired, thankfully). I run after work, but either go straight to the track from the office, or get dressed as soon as I get home. The other issue for me to run in the morning, is I have no where to run in the morning without adding significant time having to drive somewhere. Morning running is something I may have to consider in the future though, as I'm considering going back to my old job that tends to have lots of evening overtime ...

 

[Baloo in MI]

Good morning folks and congrats to all the races this weekend!

QOTD: If you normally run in the afternoon, but would like to start running in the morning, what are some tips you can share to help with the early wake up and run?

ATTQOTD: I have failed many times to make this transition and currently working on making it happen.

I am having/have always had the same problem. Once I am up and out on the run I love early morning runs. Getting up after the alarm goes off I tend to fail! Then I have to fit the run in after work or after my girls are in bed. So sadly I will be of little help here; but I am all ears if someone has a good method!

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

Today was definitely one of those days for me that goes into the category of "a bad run is better than no run." My pace wasn't too bad, but I just was not feeling it and wanted to quit so bad. But I stuck it out and got it done.

I've also got another event to add to the list. Run the Bay 5K this coming Saturday (5/14). It's just a small local event in the village I grew up in, and it was the first official 5K I did 2 years ago. So it's definitely got a special place in my heart.

 

[alexksmith]

I normally run in the afternoon because that's when I have the most time. I normally don't have a big problem waking up early though. I think if you want to wake up early don't just decide oh I'm going to wake up an hour earlier tomorrow. Make it a progression, wake up 10-15 minutes earlier the next day and then add another 10-15 minutes so your mind and body gets used to the wake up. As always eat breakfast even if it's light eat something to give yourself some type of energy.

I like the gradual idea. I think I'll try that one out. I've tried getting up an hour or two earlier before and it always ends in colossal failure. I might run once or twice, but it's not a habit I can ever make stick.

 

[keahgirl8]

I just finished one of my worst runs in a long time, and all of y'alls mantras failed me. I tried them all ... except @derekleigh's. Nothing was helping me ignore the cramping from mile 8 on.

It's hard to talk yourself out of pain. I'd begin by figuring out what caused it.

ATTQOTD - For me it is simple, it is the only time that I know that I can commit to running, so I do it in the morning. In my case the question is simple - do you want to run or not. If the answer is yes, you get up.

Yup. Agree!

I am a sometimes early runner during the school year, but in the summer it's my only choice on weekdays. I am starting now to add some early runs so it will be an easier adjustment in June when the kids are out. For me there are a few things I do to make it easier.

- I get my clothes out in the evening.
- I plug in my phone and put my headphones with it. My Garmin too if it needs to be charged.
- I set my iPad alarm to go off with a favorite running song.
- When I'm in a stretch where it's harder to get up early, I'll sometimes put my iPad in my bathroom, if I have to get up to turn it off I am up and I'll stay up. It's easy to roll over and go back to sleep if it's on a nightstand.

As for motivation, when I lost 40+ pounds 6 years ago I was up early every morning for the 515 gym opening, so I just remind myself I've had the most success when I've exercised early. Also, once I adjust to the early schedule it actually makes my whole day smoother. No carving out time elsewhere in the day for a run or trip to the gym. Now that running is my primary exercise, it's really only this time of year I'm up early because it is light early enough. I don't do dark runs because I run alone in an area with very poor lighting.

All good advice! Make sure everything is laid out and it will save you some time. I also keep a bite to eat next to my bed and eat it as soon as I wake up. That way, I'll be ready to go by the time I get out the door.

Honestly, my transition to a morning person wasn't easy, and I don't think there is any piece of advice that can help. (I made the change before I started running.)

The single biggest motivator is obligation. I learned I could do it in college (of all times) working at a summer camp. You're responsible for getting those kids to breakfast, so when the bell goes off, you get up. But when you get up alone, without an immediate need, it gets very difficult. For me, just having someone there when you wake up is enough.

But it takes practice. Expect it to be difficult. Move ASAP. If waking up and getting up are two separate things, you have to combine them.

Here's an insight, though: You know it's possible. Every one of us has overslept or slept through the alarm when there is somewhere we have had to be, or something we are required to do. No choice. Isn't it amazing how fast we move under those circumstances?

But then you have to do it again. And again. And again. And like everything else you do over and over, it gets easier. But getting up early is either something you are going to do, or you're not. All the tips, mantras, and reasons mean nothing until you decide to do it, like love someone, every. single. day.

Again, I agree! You just have to do it. If you had to go to work or school at that time, you'd just do it.

You picked up on the fault in my plan pretty quickly......
I don't get to bed until 11:30 and typically get 4.5 to 6 hours of sleep if I'm lucky.
Some mornings I am up by 4am and just go run because I can't get back to sleep.
Tired all the time is an understatement!

I'd say you need to start my figuring out how to bed earlier. If you're tired all the time, that is not enough sleep.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Good morning folks and congrats to all the races this weekend!

QOTD: If you normally run in the afternoon, but would like to start running in the morning, what are some tips you can share to help with the early wake up and run?

ATTQOTD: I have failed many times to make this transition and currently working on making it happen.

This is when I plan to run all summer because I know once I get it done I don't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. I have done runs all times of the day and morning is the hardest but once I get in the habit I know I'll be fine. It's one of those things where you just have to do it, no excuses.

ATTQOTD: I'm not sure I have any great tips. I do know that when I have run in the afternoons and evenings, I never seem to have a good run. Plus with getting home from work, eating dinner, doing stuff with the kids there just isn't time to fit it in. So, I guess it's a bit of an issue of if I don't run in the morning, it won't happen otherwise. We get up at 4:30 in order to be out on the road by 5. That gives us time to get in 4-5 miles and still get back home and cleaned up and in to work. My biggest motivator to get myself out of bed, is that when I do workout in the mornings, I feel so much better throughout the rest of the day versus being mad at myself for sleeping in. So, when my alarm goes off and I just want to roll over and go to sleep I tell myself that I know I'll regret it if I don't. And truthfully, once I'm up and in the bathroom, it's pretty easy from there on out. So, it's just that minute or two of forcing myself to get my feet on the floor that I have to force myself through.

Yep, once you get out of bed you will feel guilty going back to sleep so it keeps you up by default.

I don't do dark runs because I run alone in an area with very poor lighting.

I did my run at 9:30 tonight after work. I do many runs in the dark. I found an awesome head lamp that makes it very bright and I wear a reflective vest. I also run against the traffic so I can see all the cars. It's really fun running in the dark, it's kind of peaceful actually.

 

[dis_or_dat]

ATTQOTD: Have a kid! There's no sleeping in. That's seriously what switched me from being a night owl to a morning ... early bird? Anyways, for super early runs, I just try to go to bed a little earlier than usual, set the alarm, and have my clothes laid out so I don't have to wake up my significant other. I actually have a "run bag" that has all my accoutrements like gloves, headlamp, LED blinkers, etc.

Forgot to mention I ran the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. My first big rundisney race and it was so much fun (recap in the Tinkerbell thread)! I even PR'd (I guess that happens when it's your 2nd half marathon!).

5-08 - dis_or_dat - Disney Tinkerbell Half Marathon (1:43:54 / 1:42:28)

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Not running related but Disney related... We have a trip planned for Nov. 14-20!!! Looks like the crowds wont be to bad except towards then end of the trip. I'm very excited!

We have gone many times that time of year and it is an excellent time to go...crowds are down and the weather is usually quite nice. Have fun and enjoy the planning!

 

[LSUlakes]

Todays QOTD was suggested by a fellow poster of this thread. I think we may have touched on it once before, but I figured it was worth another look.

QOTD: Do you run with a group. Either a structured running group or just friends that have found a time to get together and run? If its a formal group, what is the cost associated with being in the group?

ATTQOTD: I try to run with the local running group when I can, but my schedule doesn't allow most of the time. That particular group is free and has a large following. You also get a discount from the running store that is the host if you participate. When I was getting into running after completing couch to 5k I joined a paid group that lasted about 3-4 months. It cost about $120 and included coaching, groups runs, and a discount for the goal race.

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD: I do not run with a group (or anyone). There is a local large club called SIX03 (the area code for NH is 603) that has weekly pub runs and I see tons of them at all the local races, but I think that I'm just too introverted to enjoy a club atmosphere. Plus too slow... I know they advertise they have slow pace groups, but don't think that means as slow as 11:30-12:00 ones.

The pub runs are free to members and non-members, but membership in the club to get the shirts and discounts and stuff costs $60 per year. They are also not just a running club, the slogan is "Not one sport... every sport." They have a lot of triathletes, too.

 

[derekleigh]

Good morning folks and congrats to all the races this weekend!

QOTD: If you normally run in the afternoon, but would like to start running in the morning, what are some tips you can share to help with the early wake up and run?

Before our boys were born, I worked out and ran ALWAYS in the afternoon. But once kids came into the picture, my time available to do such post-work was a mess. It was a wreck trying to fit a workout or a run in when my wife had been with the boys all day with no help and running on very little sleep. So I one day just started working out and running in the morning before anyone got up on an empty stomach, save for water.

I still do it to this day. My advice for the running part, if you plan on running on an empty stomach, start off with only a few easy miles as it will be quite a shock for your body. If you have a GU or something small to eat bring it with you should you feel light headed. Also do not suddenly switch all runs to morning. Start with one and work them back. Too much shock and the body will fight it. Plus it needs time to recover and adapt.

Todays QOTD was suggested by a fellow poster of this thread. I think we may have touched on it once before, but I figured it was worth another look.

QOTD: Do you run with a group. Either a structured running group or just friends that have found a time to get together and run? If its a formal group, what is the cost associated with being in the group?

No. I've never been a sociall runner

 

[Chasing Dopey]

QOTD: Do you run with a group. Either a structured running group or just friends that have found a time to get together and run? If its a formal group, what is the cost associated with being in the group?

Nope. I live towards the outer edge of the Birmingham metro area, so I'm already in a lower density part of a medium sized city. There are a few around, but anything well organized will be closer in to town.

Honestly, I like the solitude. I ran Dark Side with a good friend from college and had a blast! That's awesome for a race, but for training, I don't mind going it alone. I even forgot my earbuds for a 10 miler recently, and actually didn't mind just the sound of my thoughts and feet.

 

[Anisum]

QOTD: Do you run with a group. Either a structured running group or just friends that have found a time to get together and run? If its a formal group, what is the cost associated with being in the group?

No. There are two running groups locally but neither run during times I'm available. The only time I've run with others is with my friends during races.

 

[preciouspups]

Todays QOTD was suggested by a fellow poster of this thread. I think we may have touched on it once before, but I figured it was worth another look.

QOTD: Do you run with a group. Either a structured running group or just friends that have found a time to get together and run? If its a formal group, what is the cost associated with being in the group?

ATTQOTD: I try to run with the local running group when I can, but my schedule doesn't allow most of the time. That particular group is free and has a large following. You also get a discount from the running store that is the host if you participate. When I was getting into running after completing couch to 5k I joined a paid group that lasted about 3-4 months. It cost about $120 and included coaching, groups runs, and a discount for the goal race.

No. I don't even know if there is one here. The local running store does a half marathon training class but it runs at night and on Saturday mornings. I'm not a night runner to begin with but it is also when my son has all of his activities. And Saturdays are for sleeping in! My friend and I have tried running together but I think I'm too slow. Plus she likes to chat and I would rather listen to music.

 

[Slogger]

Todays QOTD was suggested by a fellow poster of this thread. I think we may have touched on it once before, but I figured it was worth another look.

QOTD: Do you run with a group. Either a structured running group or just friends that have found a time to get together and run? If its a formal group, what is the cost associated with being in the group?

None for me. I live in a very small town and there don't seem to be any structured running groups.
Every now and then I will run with a friend or family member but most of my runs are "solitary confinement" (me trapped with a mind that runs faster than my feet)

 

[opusone]

QOTD: Do you run with a group. Either a structured running group or just friends that have found a time to get together and run? If its a formal group, what is the cost associated with being in the group?

I do a little of everything. I like to run with friends or a group, but it is difficult to make work when you are following a training plan with specific paces since you don't have control over the group pace. So, most of my runs are solo, but I do try to fit in group runs as follows:

1. Friends: we have a group of four of us that loosely get together on Mon-Wed-Fri mornings. I will usually join them if I need an easy 3-5 miles on those days; otherwise, I'm on my own.
2. Informal but Competitive Group: there is an informal running group in my area (maybe about 12-15 strong), and they get together regularly for tempo runs on Tuesdays and speed (track) work on Thursdays. Many weekends they will also get together for a long run. The group is mostly female, and all are pretty darn fast. I do like running with them, but it usually only works when I'm not on a specific training plan (like the last few weeks).

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: Do you run with a group. Either a structured running group or just friends that have found a time to get together and run? If its a formal group, what is the cost associated with being in the group?

No group here. I will say I enjoy the disboards group on strava but that's not really a running group that's just following along with everyone's daily runs.

 

[Chaitali]

I like doing my long runs with groups. I ran with the county road runners club for a while. The annual membership fee is $30 and that includes free low key races throughout the year as well as various group runs. You can also sign up for more formal training groups through them (5k, 10k, half and full marathon) but those cost extra. I think the half was around $70 and the 5k was around $30? It seemed very reasonable. I've done the 5k training group and the half marathon training group with them. Currently, I have friends I convinced to get into running so we try to meet up for weekend long runs instead of running with an organized group.