The Running Thread - 2016

[derekleigh]

QOTD: If you have a pet, do you take it out for runs with you? Do you adjust your pace to accommodate your pet? How far do you run with your pet?

I have two dogs and two cats. Sadly, only one dog runs with me now as our oldest is getting up there in age and running would probably hurt her. Our youngest (he is actually going to be 9 in July) is a Australian Shepherd/Border Colie mix and loves to run (he is quite the running addict). I'll put on mesh shorts for non-running purposes and there he right on my bed looking at me all excited like Are we going for a run?!?!?" The longest I've taken him running for was I think 10-11 miles above that it might be a bit much and I never bring him more than 4 or 5 miles during summer weather.

 

[surfde22]

QOTD: If you have a pet, do you take it out for runs with you? Do you adjust your pace to accommodate your pet? How far do you run with your pet?

We have two pugs. One loves to run. I've taken him on a few runs, but not in a couple of years. He has some knee problems so running isn't good for him. The most he's done is 1.5 miles. I don't think he could do more than that.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I had my doctor's apt this morning. I went a little worse than expected. I will admit, I almost cried in the appt. First, the good news. If I keep running this year and the tendon snaps the recovery and chances of fixing it are the same as they are now. So, I could technically run this year and do all my races if I wanted and then just have the surgery in the fall. I have a brace, which I put on before I got on the computer. There is no way I can run with this thing on but I can wear it all the other times to keep the ankle as strong as possible until surgery.

Now for the bad news. He is going to fix the tendon and then on the top part of my foot on the opposite side he has to take a chunk of the bone out and insert a screw. Apparently my ankle is twisted more then the average person, which is causing the tendon to break down. By doing the other part of the foot it will loosen the tendons that are causing my ankle to be more twisted and it should align my foot better and hopefully prevent the tendon from breaking down again because if it keeps happening it can't be fixed multiple times and it will put a stop to my running life. But, he said he can't guarantee I will be able to run again. I am hoping that is just that conservative crap to prevent being sued type talk but still stinks to here. Just when I finally found something I love to do to hear it might be gone was not fun. And he did say I may not be able to do the marathon distance anymore. I suppose that's fine, except that I won't get to ever do Boston. I'll still do Dopey though because you can walk that if needed.

The recovery will have me off my feet at least 3 weeks before moving to a walking boot for a few weeks. I can resume riding a bike after 2 months and attempt to try running again in 3 months. They will call me to schedule the surgery tomorrow but he said most likely the end of July. I didn't want to wait until the fall. I may need to move by then and doing it on crutches will be less than fun. Plus this way I get to be home for a month during the summer with the kids.

But, I get to run my upcoming 10k's and run with the kids for their 5k. And I figure during the 2 months I can't do anything I will do upper body stuff, like P90X as I have neglected that for a while. I had to stop it because I couldn't do a lot of the balance moves cuz it hurt. I will also use the extra time to do a lot of my reading so when I can get back to exercising I will have a plan in place. I need to become even more focused about losing weight though. I have to think losing an extra 20-30 lbs will only help the wear and tear issue.

So, it looks like Boston in 2017 is out for sure. The charity spots fill up before I will be able to try running again so I can't commit to it this year. I have a feeling with the help of PT and maybe having the new alignment that I will get there eventually but for now it's off the table.

Sorry if some of this didn't make sense. I'm not in the best mood right now and kind of typing as I think out loud.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Sorry, forgot QOTD: I don't have any pets, my son if very allergic. So this one doesn't apply to me. I wish I could get a dog though.

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD: I don't yet run with our puppy. She is going to be a year old in a couple weeks, and I know you're not supposed to run with them until they are older, although in reality I doubt that my slow run/walk pace would be too much for her for a couple miles. I'd like to run with her, but she's kind of a spaz, and I don't know how she'd behave on leash... usually when you start running while she's on leash, she zig zags and goes crazy and I'd need to get her to learn to stay with me whether I'm jogging or walking. I think she'd be a good running companion, though... she's got a lot of energy. She is an Australian Cattle Dog/Labrador Retriever/German Shepherd Dog mix.

Here she is at Covered Bridges pre-race pasta supper last weekend.

 

[camaker]

I had my doctor's apt this morning. I went a little worse than expected. I will admit, I almost cried in the appt. First, the good news. If I keep running this year and the tendon snaps the recovery and chances of fixing it are the same as they are now. So, I could technically run this year and do all my races if I wanted and then just have the surgery in the fall. I have a brace, which I put on before I got on the computer. There is no way I can run with this thing on but I can wear it all the other times to keep the ankle as strong as possible until surgery.

Now for the bad news. He is going to fix the tendon and then on the top part of my foot on the opposite side he has to take a chunk of the bone out and insert a screw. Apparently my ankle is twisted more then the average person, which is causing the tendon to break down. By doing the other part of the foot it will loosen the tendons that are causing my ankle to be more twisted and it should align my foot better and hopefully prevent the tendon from breaking down again because if it keeps happening it can't be fixed multiple times and it will put a stop to my running life. But, he said he can't guarantee I will be able to run again. I am hoping that is just that conservative crap to prevent being sued type talk but still stinks to here. Just when I finally found something I love to do to hear it might be gone was not fun. And he did say I may not be able to do the marathon distance anymore. I suppose that's fine, except that I won't get to ever do Boston. I'll still do Dopey though because you can walk that if needed.

The recovery will have me off my feet at least 3 weeks before moving to a walking boot for a few weeks. I can resume riding a bike after 2 months and attempt to try running again in 3 months. They will call me to schedule the surgery tomorrow but he said most likely the end of July. I didn't want to wait until the fall. I may need to move by then and doing it on crutches will be less than fun. Plus this way I get to be home for a month during the summer with the kids.

But, I get to run my upcoming 10k's and run with the kids for their 5k. And I figure during the 2 months I can't do anything I will do upper body stuff, like P90X as I have neglected that for a while. I had to stop it because I couldn't do a lot of the balance moves cuz it hurt. I will also use the extra time to do a lot of my reading so when I can get back to exercising I will have a plan in place. I need to become even more focused about losing weight though. I have to think losing an extra 20-30 lbs will only help the wear and tear issue.

So, it looks like Boston in 2017 is out for sure. The charity spots fill up before I will be able to try running again so I can't commit to it this year. I have a feeling with the help of PT and maybe having the new alignment that I will get there eventually but for now it's off the table.

Sorry if some of this didn't make sense. I'm not in the best mood right now and kind of typing as I think out loud.

I'm sorry that this is all happening, but I may be able to provide some limited optimism for you. What you are going to have done sounds very similar to the surgery that my wife had done 2-3 years ago. She has very flat feet and that, in combination with a deformity in her heel bone, led to the overstretching and calcification of the tendon that ran over the outside of her ankle. She was to the point that her leg was cramping constantly at night before she sought treatment and the doctor told her much the same as yours did, that the worst that could happen was the snapping of the tendon which would just be replaced during surgery. She ended up having the tendon replaced by a transplanted tendon from her little toe area and they also sliced her heel bone, realigned it, inserted a titanium wedge and ultimately secured everything with a screw.

It's kind of good news/bad news from there. The bad news is that the surgery and recovery processes were quite painful. The good news, though, is that her foot and ankle have performed much better since the surgery and rehab, to the point that she ran her first ever 5k this year at SWDS. Given her poor physical condition going into the operation versus yours, as an established distance runner, I would expect you to be able to recover even more completely and return to running. Maybe not at the pre-surgical level, but enough to resume the activity that you love. I wish you the best going down that road.

 

[GreatLakes]

QOTD: If you have a pet, do you take it out for runs with you? Do you adjust your pace to accommodate your pet? How far do you run with your pet?

I haven't run with our dog yet but my wife has. She did a 1 mile, 2 mile, and 5K race with him. The weather has gotten too hot for him so his running career is on hold until we get back to cooler months.

 

[croach]

I had my doctor's apt this morning. I went a little worse than expected. I will admit, I almost cried in the appt. First, the good news. If I keep running this year and the tendon snaps the recovery and chances of fixing it are the same as they are now. So, I could technically run this year and do all my races if I wanted and then just have the surgery in the fall. I have a brace, which I put on before I got on the computer. There is no way I can run with this thing on but I can wear it all the other times to keep the ankle as strong as possible until surgery.

Now for the bad news. He is going to fix the tendon and then on the top part of my foot on the opposite side he has to take a chunk of the bone out and insert a screw. Apparently my ankle is twisted more then the average person, which is causing the tendon to break down. By doing the other part of the foot it will loosen the tendons that are causing my ankle to be more twisted and it should align my foot better and hopefully prevent the tendon from breaking down again because if it keeps happening it can't be fixed multiple times and it will put a stop to my running life. But, he said he can't guarantee I will be able to run again. I am hoping that is just that conservative crap to prevent being sued type talk but still stinks to here. Just when I finally found something I love to do to hear it might be gone was not fun. And he did say I may not be able to do the marathon distance anymore. I suppose that's fine, except that I won't get to ever do Boston. I'll still do Dopey though because you can walk that if needed.

The recovery will have me off my feet at least 3 weeks before moving to a walking boot for a few weeks. I can resume riding a bike after 2 months and attempt to try running again in 3 months. They will call me to schedule the surgery tomorrow but he said most likely the end of July. I didn't want to wait until the fall. I may need to move by then and doing it on crutches will be less than fun. Plus this way I get to be home for a month during the summer with the kids.

But, I get to run my upcoming 10k's and run with the kids for their 5k. And I figure during the 2 months I can't do anything I will do upper body stuff, like P90X as I have neglected that for a while. I had to stop it because I couldn't do a lot of the balance moves cuz it hurt. I will also use the extra time to do a lot of my reading so when I can get back to exercising I will have a plan in place. I need to become even more focused about losing weight though. I have to think losing an extra 20-30 lbs will only help the wear and tear issue.

So, it looks like Boston in 2017 is out for sure. The charity spots fill up before I will be able to try running again so I can't commit to it this year. I have a feeling with the help of PT and maybe having the new alignment that I will get there eventually but for now it's off the table.

Sorry if some of this didn't make sense. I'm not in the best mood right now and kind of typing as I think out loud.

Sorry to hear that you have to have the surgery. Sounds like no fun but hopefully everything will go well and you will be able to get back there in the fall. Impressive that you are still going to do the races you have scheduled. I'm hoping for the best for you with the surgery.

 

[croach]

ATTQOTD: don't run with my dog even though she is hyper and it would help wear her out. She has a focus problem - squirrel! and she would make me crazy trying to meet every person and dog.

This was on Twitter today though, so good timing -

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/dog-man-duo-sets-new-mile-record

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I had my doctor's apt this morning. I went a little worse than expected. I will admit, I almost cried in the appt. First, the good news. If I keep running this year and the tendon snaps the recovery and chances of fixing it are the same as they are now. So, I could technically run this year and do all my races if I wanted and then just have the surgery in the fall. I have a brace, which I put on before I got on the computer. There is no way I can run with this thing on but I can wear it all the other times to keep the ankle as strong as possible until surgery.

Now for the bad news. He is going to fix the tendon and then on the top part of my foot on the opposite side he has to take a chunk of the bone out and insert a screw. Apparently my ankle is twisted more then the average person, which is causing the tendon to break down. By doing the other part of the foot it will loosen the tendons that are causing my ankle to be more twisted and it should align my foot better and hopefully prevent the tendon from breaking down again because if it keeps happening it can't be fixed multiple times and it will put a stop to my running life. But, he said he can't guarantee I will be able to run again. I am hoping that is just that conservative crap to prevent being sued type talk but still stinks to here. Just when I finally found something I love to do to hear it might be gone was not fun. And he did say I may not be able to do the marathon distance anymore. I suppose that's fine, except that I won't get to ever do Boston. I'll still do Dopey though because you can walk that if needed.

The recovery will have me off my feet at least 3 weeks before moving to a walking boot for a few weeks. I can resume riding a bike after 2 months and attempt to try running again in 3 months. They will call me to schedule the surgery tomorrow but he said most likely the end of July. I didn't want to wait until the fall. I may need to move by then and doing it on crutches will be less than fun. Plus this way I get to be home for a month during the summer with the kids.

But, I get to run my upcoming 10k's and run with the kids for their 5k. And I figure during the 2 months I can't do anything I will do upper body stuff, like P90X as I have neglected that for a while. I had to stop it because I couldn't do a lot of the balance moves cuz it hurt. I will also use the extra time to do a lot of my reading so when I can get back to exercising I will have a plan in place. I need to become even more focused about losing weight though. I have to think losing an extra 20-30 lbs will only help the wear and tear issue.

So, it looks like Boston in 2017 is out for sure. The charity spots fill up before I will be able to try running again so I can't commit to it this year. I have a feeling with the help of PT and maybe having the new alignment that I will get there eventually but for now it's off the table.

Sorry if some of this didn't make sense. I'm not in the best mood right now and kind of typing as I think out loud.

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis, but don't start worrying about things that are both outside of your control and that may never come to be. Stay positive. You're worth it.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

ATTQOTD: I used to really enjoy running with my black lab in his younger years! He is 13 1/2 years old now, and cannot do much more than a slow 1 mile walk I've just started leash training our bichon frisé puppy, but I'm pretty sure I will just walk with her in the future. I am really excited at the prospect of after going for my run, taking her on a 1 or 2 mile cool down walk, so hopefully we can start that soon!

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD: If you have a pet, do you take it out for runs with you? Do you adjust your pace to accommodate your pet? How far do you run with your pet?

Lots of beagle owners on here! My beagle ran about the same as everyone else's on here...not very well. Just way too much going on in the world for her to stay focused on running. Sadly we had to put her down last year, she was 14 years old and in a lot of pain. At least I know I'm not the only one that couldn't get their beagle to run with them

 

[michigandergirl]

We have a rescue pitbull (in my profile pic) and she is far too chipmunk obsessed to run with me! Any furry little critter smell will derail all efforts - focus problem as someone else mentioned. She loves to go on walks, but on her terms. If I go in a direction she doesn't want to go she will put on the brakes, sit down and won't budge. Sometimes I can get her to run if I put one of the kids on a bike in front of us, but not usually very far. The only time she will sort of run with me is in the winter when her paws are cold and she just wants to get home.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Had my first triathlon of the season this weekend...was shooting for a time under 1:10 and despite some really tough conditions (85º+ and 20mph winds) I managed to get my goal and won my age group! My race recaps are way too long and have way too many pictures, so I posted it over in my training journal (which I am now dubbing my Race Recap thread). Check it out if you have a couple hours to spare

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ch...-a-bunch-of-triathlons.3503953/#post-55925802

 

[LSUlakes]

I had my doctor's apt this morning. I went a little worse than expected. I will admit, I almost cried in the appt. First, the good news. If I keep running this year and the tendon snaps the recovery and chances of fixing it are the same as they are now. So, I could technically run this year and do all my races if I wanted and then just have the surgery in the fall. I have a brace, which I put on before I got on the computer. There is no way I can run with this thing on but I can wear it all the other times to keep the ankle as strong as possible until surgery.

Now for the bad news. He is going to fix the tendon and then on the top part of my foot on the opposite side he has to take a chunk of the bone out and insert a screw. Apparently my ankle is twisted more then the average person, which is causing the tendon to break down. By doing the other part of the foot it will loosen the tendons that are causing my ankle to be more twisted and it should align my foot better and hopefully prevent the tendon from breaking down again because if it keeps happening it can't be fixed multiple times and it will put a stop to my running life. But, he said he can't guarantee I will be able to run again. I am hoping that is just that conservative crap to prevent being sued type talk but still stinks to here. Just when I finally found something I love to do to hear it might be gone was not fun. And he did say I may not be able to do the marathon distance anymore. I suppose that's fine, except that I won't get to ever do Boston. I'll still do Dopey though because you can walk that if needed.

The recovery will have me off my feet at least 3 weeks before moving to a walking boot for a few weeks. I can resume riding a bike after 2 months and attempt to try running again in 3 months. They will call me to schedule the surgery tomorrow but he said most likely the end of July. I didn't want to wait until the fall. I may need to move by then and doing it on crutches will be less than fun. Plus this way I get to be home for a month during the summer with the kids.

But, I get to run my upcoming 10k's and run with the kids for their 5k. And I figure during the 2 months I can't do anything I will do upper body stuff, like P90X as I have neglected that for a while. I had to stop it because I couldn't do a lot of the balance moves cuz it hurt. I will also use the extra time to do a lot of my reading so when I can get back to exercising I will have a plan in place. I need to become even more focused about losing weight though. I have to think losing an extra 20-30 lbs will only help the wear and tear issue.

So, it looks like Boston in 2017 is out for sure. The charity spots fill up before I will be able to try running again so I can't commit to it this year. I have a feeling with the help of PT and maybe having the new alignment that I will get there eventually but for now it's off the table.

Sorry if some of this didn't make sense. I'm not in the best mood right now and kind of typing as I think out loud.

Very sorry to hear about this. I hope your recovery goes well and you can get back to running in no time.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

I had my doctor's apt this morning. I went a little worse than expected. I will admit, I almost cried in the appt. First, the good news. If I keep running this year and the tendon snaps the recovery and chances of fixing it are the same as they are now. So, I could technically run this year and do all my races if I wanted and then just have the surgery in the fall. I have a brace, which I put on before I got on the computer. There is no way I can run with this thing on but I can wear it all the other times to keep the ankle as strong as possible until surgery.

Now for the bad news. He is going to fix the tendon and then on the top part of my foot on the opposite side he has to take a chunk of the bone out and insert a screw. Apparently my ankle is twisted more then the average person, which is causing the tendon to break down. By doing the other part of the foot it will loosen the tendons that are causing my ankle to be more twisted and it should align my foot better and hopefully prevent the tendon from breaking down again because if it keeps happening it can't be fixed multiple times and it will put a stop to my running life. But, he said he can't guarantee I will be able to run again. I am hoping that is just that conservative crap to prevent being sued type talk but still stinks to here. Just when I finally found something I love to do to hear it might be gone was not fun. And he did say I may not be able to do the marathon distance anymore. I suppose that's fine, except that I won't get to ever do Boston. I'll still do Dopey though because you can walk that if needed.

The recovery will have me off my feet at least 3 weeks before moving to a walking boot for a few weeks. I can resume riding a bike after 2 months and attempt to try running again in 3 months. They will call me to schedule the surgery tomorrow but he said most likely the end of July. I didn't want to wait until the fall. I may need to move by then and doing it on crutches will be less than fun. Plus this way I get to be home for a month during the summer with the kids.

But, I get to run my upcoming 10k's and run with the kids for their 5k. And I figure during the 2 months I can't do anything I will do upper body stuff, like P90X as I have neglected that for a while. I had to stop it because I couldn't do a lot of the balance moves cuz it hurt. I will also use the extra time to do a lot of my reading so when I can get back to exercising I will have a plan in place. I need to become even more focused about losing weight though. I have to think losing an extra 20-30 lbs will only help the wear and tear issue.

So, it looks like Boston in 2017 is out for sure. The charity spots fill up before I will be able to try running again so I can't commit to it this year. I have a feeling with the help of PT and maybe having the new alignment that I will get there eventually but for now it's off the table.

Sorry if some of this didn't make sense. I'm not in the best mood right now and kind of typing as I think out loud.

Really sorry to hear this, but like others have said you need to stay positive and only worry about the things you can control through this whole process. Attitude really does go a long way and I am confident that you will be able to continue on your running journey once you are all healed up!

 

[Kathymford]

I have 3 dogs and find it almost impossible to just take one and leave the others at home. They get so jealous. I think at least one of them would be a great running companion though. He is a terrier mix, we think part Jack Russel, but sometimes I swear Greyhound. He's so fast and skinny. I think he would be a great running partner, but way too fast for me. haha.

I ran 6.5 miles at the beach yesterday and am learning some things. 1. Now that my run intervals are longer, running makes my legs sore! Who knew! My calves and hip flexors were tight as can be this morning! 2. I feel like I'm going slower, but I have to remind myself that I'm actually running more than I was then. I guess I have to decide which is more important, running for longer stretches or being fast. I know eventually it will catch up, but looking at straight numbers I have to remind myself of this. 3. This run totally whiped me out. I didn't do anything the rest of the day and I'm still tired.

Half a mile with a 60# dog in your arms is not a lot of fun...

I saw quite a few of those on the strand during my run yesterday! LOL

I've just started leash training our bichon frisé puppy, but I'm pretty sure I will just walk with her in the future.

I have a almost 6.5 year old Bichon (omg, is he that old already??!) that I REALLY wish I would have trained properly. He's pretty stubborn. How is the training going?

 

[DVCFan1994]

ATTQOTD: I'm super allergic to dogs - no running with animals for me.

@Waiting2goback I am so sorry you have to deal with this injury. Surgery and the the recovery period are tough, but having the final outcome seem uncertain makes it all that much harder. However your determination is clear from your posts, so I am sure you will meet your goals once you are fully recovered. Hang in there! And enjoy the finish at the 50, I am very jealous

 

[Dis5150]

I guess I have to decide which is more important, running for longer stretches or being fast.

This! For me too! I can run really fast for my run portion and walk fast on my walk portion. But if I increase my run time, both are slower. Honestly, I think I am happy keeping my intervals the same if I can keep increasing my speed during the run portion.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

Big question: How was the PIE???

unfortunately I am not fast enough to get a pie, you have to finish under 20 mins for men and 24 mins for women