The Running Thread - 2016

[roxymama]

@disneydaydreamer33 congrats!!!! I want your time next weekend, can I borrow it?
Way to rock it

 

[roxymama]

@DopeyBadger I already congratsed you, but I wanted to warn everyone who likes donuts that they will be very hungry reading the end of your race recap. (Dang fritter pictures, smh)

 

[camaker]

Since tearing my hamstring last September I've been using run/walk intervals as part of the rehab and protection process. However, with any injury there comes a time to rip the band-aid off. In order to take best advantage of the training plan @DopeyBadger so kindly put together for me, I need to be fully running. So today's Race 13.1 Roanoke half marathon was the time to rip it off.

The course was one of the prettier I've run and the weather was great for mid-June, with 60deg at the start. It warmed up quickly, though. The course ran primarily on the greenways right along the Roanoke River. Just one significant hill but it was a nasty one you hit coming and going:



My official goal for the race was <2:05, but with recent results I was really hoping to take a run at <2:00. Started out with a target pacing of 9:00 min/mile and was able to hold that pace pretty well with the exception of the hills. It did oscillate a bit the last 3-4 miles as fatigue made it harder to set the cruise control on the legs, though.

Ultimately, I finished in 1:58:26 (8:58/mile). Not quite a PR, but the second fastest half I've run. Good enough for 118th overall and 8th in my age group. All in all, I'm very happy with it! Especially as the first race back to full running with only 4 weeks of full running training backing it up.

 

[jsmjovi]

I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me. I'm training for the half this January using Hal Higdon and the Novice 1 plan. I can run a 10K (12-13 min mile) now, but I started at the beginning of the program. My ultimate goal is to run the entire half, but I might have to use a combo of Galloway and Higdon as I increase the miles (and I'm ok with that).

My question is, once I've completed the Novice 1, do I go back and start the Novice 2? Or do I just start the Novice 1 over again? Or is there something else I can do to keep the miles up so I'm ready for the half.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me. I'm training for the half this January using Hal Higdon and the Novice 1 plan. I can run a 10K (12-13 min mile) now, but I started at the beginning of the program. My ultimate goal is to run the entire half, but I might have to use a combo of Galloway and Higdon as I increase the miles (and I'm ok with that).

My question is, once I've completed the Novice 1, do I go back and start the Novice 2? Or do I just start the Novice 1 over again? Or is there something else I can do to keep the miles up so I'm ready for the half.

My take - If you are handling Novice 1 well, you should put Novice 2 on your calendar so you know exactly when to start that program. Finish Novice 1 and then just run your base mileage between the two programs. Now comes the tricky part - if Novice 2 starts with weekly mileage lower than your base mileage, do not lower your mileage to meet the plan. Maintain your mileage running the types of training run called for in the plan until the plan catches up, then increase mileage with the plan.

Most Novice plans start with really low mileage, and you don't want to give up your gains by lowering your weekly mileage that much. One possible exception - do not continue to run 16-18 mile long runs. Drop that down to about 10-13 miles.

 

[camaker]

My take - If you are handling Novice 1 well, you should put Novice 2 on your calendar so you know exactly when to start that program. Finish Novice 1 and then just run your base mileage between the two programs. Now comes the tricky part - if Novice 2 starts with weekly mileage lower than your base mileage, do not lower your mileage to meet the plan. Maintain your mileage running the types of training run called for in the plan until the plan catches up, then increase mileage with the plan.

Most Novice plans start with really low mileage, and you don't want to give up your gains by lowering your weekly mileage that much. One possible exception - do not continue to run 16-18 mile long runs. Drop that down to about 10-13 miles.

This is great advice. It looks like you would be following the Higdon half marathon Novice plan, though. If that's the case everything @BuckeyeBama said still holds, just drop from the 10-12 mile long runs from the plan down to 6-8 mile long runs in the interim between plans.

 

[derekleigh]

I think we may have touched on this subject in some form in the past, perhaps regarding obstacle races (Mud, Foam, color, ect..) Either way it was a good suggestion and worth visiting again.

QOTD: What is your position on virtual races?

ATTQOTD: I have not participated in one, and do not plan to do so. Having said that, if that event is what it takes for someone to lace up the shoes and get outside to get healthy I am for it.

I've never done one and also don't plan to any time soon. I think if the virtual race is strictly for a good cause, I'd be all for it. But I just don't understand doing virtual races for a shirt/medal/swag/etc unless races are too far away to realistically do and/or these are a make or break for people to keep running.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Finished my first non-challenge 10k this morning. The short version is I finished 7th place overall, 4th place in my age group, 50 seconds slower than my mom, but with a new PR by 4 seconds. It was a really fun race with a SPRINT to the finish! Check out my longer race cap here in my journal: Hot2Trot 10K

DopeyBadger- I read your race report. You said you missed on all 4 of your goals but your not unhappy with it. My question is, why would you be? You did awesome and you gave it your best effort, that is always enough. You should always be proud if you give it your best effort. You can't control who runs the race with you, there may be some people who are just faster. Having goals is nice because it helps to push us, but being happy with the result is just as important.

Since tearing my hamstring last September I've been using run/walk intervals as part of the rehab and protection process. However, with any injury there comes a time to rip the band-aid off. In order to take best advantage of the training plan @DopeyBadger so kindly put together for me, I need to be fully running. So today's Race 13.1 Roanoke half marathon was the time to rip it off.

The course was one of the prettier I've run and the weather was great for mid-June, with 60deg at the start. It warmed up quickly, though. The course ran primarily on the greenways right along the Roanoke River. Just one significant hill but it was a nasty one you hit coming and going:

View attachment 176178

My official goal for the race was <2:05, but with recent results I was really hoping to take a run at <2:00. Started out with a target pacing of 9:00 min/mile and was able to hold that pace pretty well with the exception of the hills. It did oscillate a bit the last 3-4 miles as fatigue made it harder to set the cruise control on the legs, though.

Ultimately, I finished in 1:58:26 (8:58/mile). Not quite a PR, but the second fastest half I've run. Good enough for 118th overall and 8th in my age group. All in all, I'm very happy with it! Especially as the first race back to full running with only 4 weeks of full running training backing it up.

A torn hamstring is a huge injury to come back from. Your results in the race would be great even if you didn't come back from that injury. It just makes it all the much more impressive. Great job!

I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me. I'm training for the half this January using Hal Higdon and the Novice 1 plan. I can run a 10K (12-13 min mile) now, but I started at the beginning of the program. My ultimate goal is to run the entire half, but I might have to use a combo of Galloway and Higdon as I increase the miles (and I'm ok with that).

My question is, once I've completed the Novice 1, do I go back and start the Novice 2? Or do I just start the Novice 1 over again? Or is there something else I can do to keep the miles up so I'm ready for the half.

When are you scheduled to be done with the Novice 1 plan?


Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there. Enjoy your day!!!

 

[Waiting2goback]

 

[keahgirl8]

Training is important, no doubt about that. But I would suggest not letting "under trained" be the deciding factor on getting out to the starting line. "Under trained" is an incredibly subjective, individual term that can range anywhere from "unable to complete the distance safely" all the way to "perfectly capable, but not performing at an optimum level". You can learn a lot about what you are capable of from running a race somewhat under trained as long as you're self-aware enough to know that you're not going to hurt yourself in the attempt. Letting adherence (or lack thereof) to a training plan dictate whether you're going to get out there on race day is letting your fear hold you back. Get out there and surprise yourself!

I know what you mean. The only thing I would add is that if you do that, you have to be willing to listen to your body and adjust if necessary. Don't be afraid you'll hurt yourself, but don't keep going full force until you do.

I get Runner's World but have never bought or read a running book. I realize it makes me a terrible person, but I've never really been much of a book reader.

I used to be a huge book reader, but I don't read as much as I'd like now. I have a ton of running books on my Kindle, but I rarely read them. I can't remember the last one I bought, but the last one I "read" all the way through was the audiobook of Running Like a Girl by Alexandra Heminsley. It's sort of like what would happen if Bridget Jones became a runner. If you like Bridget Jones Diary, you will love it.

I bought "The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances" a while back. Well, really it was a gift but it's the only running book I have.
https://www.amazon.com/Terrible-Won...id=1466001138&sr=8-1&keywords=beat+the+blerch

I got that one for Christmas!

You're right of course. I think that's a way I set myself up for failure: if I haven't followed the plan to a tee then I am allowed/expected to fail in my mind. I know logically that missing a run here or there won't affect things overall but I build it up in my mind to be a huge roadblock. I must sound like a big headcase!

Missing a run here or there definitely won't make a huge difference. Missing a lot of runs will. No, you don't sound like a head case. You sound like a runner, which depending on who you ask, could be the same thing. You're among friends here. We are your people.

QOTD: What is your max price for runDisney races you'd pay before you said no thanks? Does that price vary for other races of equal distance?

I haven't hit it yet, even though I probably should have. lol It absolutely varies for other races. I wouldn't dream of paying the same for a local race. If it was a destination race, maybe, but not a local race around downtown or something. I paid $50 for a 5K the other day (my fault, because I procrastinated on registering) and I almost choked on it.

ATTQOTD: I'll echo what a lot of others are saying. I don't have a lot of experience with races, but I find the rundisney races ridiculously expensive. I think at most I'll do just one a year. That may be why a lot of the rD races are slower to sell out if at at all. However, the crowd support was amazing at the Tink half compared to the RnR half, but that's actually supporters vs castmembers. But I'm definitely price-sensitive when it comes to races, since I can run for free!

After making a mistake with a color fun run 5k a few years ago (I was under the impression that all races were for charity), I really like to research before taking the plunge: price, location, atmosphere, charity, course, time, date ...

I only do one a year. I wish I could do more, but with the cost of the race, plus getting there, plus staying, eating, etc. it's a lot.

I think we may have touched on this subject in some form in the past, perhaps regarding obstacle races (Mud, Foam, color, ect..) Either way it was a good suggestion and worth visiting again.

QOTD: What is your position on virtual races?

ATTQOTD: I have not participated in one, and do not plan to do so. Having said that, if that event is what it takes for someone to lace up the shoes and get outside to get healthy I am for it.

I have done a couple. I did the inaugural Jeff Galloway ones, mainly because I wanted the shirts and medals and couldn't get to Atlanta. Then I've done a couple for Hogwarts Running Club. The money goes to charity and the medals are cool. I'm pretty selective about them though. It has to be a medal I really want and a charity I want to support.

I know what you mean, but I don't understand why you would want to quit Diet Coke??? Confession time -- sometimes I would rather have a Diet Coke than a beer

Not quitting Diet Coke. Nope. I'd always choose that over a beer.

I gave it up for TWO years back in 2012/2013! Now I get one on Fridays at lunch. My diet coke cheat day. Guess what I have right now . And fountain over can is preferred. Bottle is last resort. (But a coffee every morning!)

Wow! TWO years?! I can't imagine. Sorry people, I don't have a problem with my Diet Coke drinking.

YES! Always fountain...we live for McDonald's dollar drink days

Dollar drinks are great, but I actually prefer Sonic, even though it costs more!

So true.

That said, I gave up all soda (other than sugar-free Red Bull) about four years ago, but sometimes - on VERY rare occasions - I'll have a sip of fountain Diet Coke and I can feel the happiness just immediately course through my veins. The last time, I literally got goosebumps because it just tasted SO. GOOD.

Right? It's amazing. It is liquid happiness. lol

I leave in 5 minutes to take my daughter to our 5k. She is so excited, makes me happy. Just had to share!

I am on the Diet Coke bandwagon. You have to have some vices!

Exactly! I have very few. I exercise, I eat healthy food, I eat dessert and I drink Diet Coke. I'm still alive to tell about it. I realized that I quoted a lot of posts about Diet Coke. It's just nice to be understood on that subject! So many people in health/fitness circles can make you feel like you're drinking battery acid and it's going to kill you!

 

[Miranda]

Team Diet Coke. I like the one with Lime the best, but I miss the one with Lemon, too. In a restaurant I always order it with a lemon. I don't drink it much anymore. One in a restaurant is a maybe once a month thing, and getting a 20oz bottled one is maybe a 2-3 a month thing.

 

[Baloo in MI]

Team Diet Coke. I like the one with Lime the best, but I miss the one with Lemon, too. In a restaurant I always order it with a lemon. I don't drink it much anymore. One in a restaurant is a maybe once a month thing, and getting a 20oz bottled one is maybe a 2-3 a month thing.

Yes! The new soda machines that allow different flavors are great. But I always get the same thing, lime Diet Coke.

 

[Baloo in MI]

I ran a 5k with Bella (my younger daughter) Friday. Great race! It was well organized and part of a festival happening in town. It is so rewarding to run with her. She puts all her energy into it, really gives her all. She did great! I have her set the pace, I encourage along the way and just try to take in the moment.

She got a PR by about 20 seconds, got her finishers medal and wore it all night. I think she is hooked. She wants to run a 10k now! So proud of her.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads! A good father is truly irreplaceable and makes such a difference in this world!!

 

[doctorintheTARDIS]

I've done virtual races through Nerd Herd running in the past and I enjoyed them. But I like that the money goes to a charity and that they are very transparent about the financials. They have an annual report, you can see how much money goes where, etc. I also like the medals since they all had nerdy themes They also have a great online presence where people post photos of their runs, costume contests, etc. I feel like that helps with making it feel like more of a real race with camaraderie, etc. That helps with the memories tied to the medals. I still remember the shout out for the hunger games photo I posted where it was our ride photo from splash mountain (we happened to be in Orlando the week of the race) and we were making the hand symbol from the movie. Here's the photo composite I used for that virtual race.

Having said that, I chose not to do it this year because I was trying to reduce the amount I spent on races. Or at least spend it where I would get more bang for my buck.

So I just found Nerd Herd because of you and will be running the doctor who and harry potter races this year. Yesss. I'm so excited. Thanks

And I also just signed up for the Orlando one. To me, as long as they represent a charity or something, I think I'll enjoy it. I wouldn't just run for a medal though, I don't think.

 

[camaker]

Yes! The new soda machines that allow different flavors are great. But I always get the same thing, lime Diet Coke.

I'm not a big fountain soda fan, but I do enjoy the Vanilla Diet Coke out of the every flavor machines. I do wish they would put out a Cherry Diet Coke, though (in cans). The lack of one has me drinking WAY too much Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi.

 

[LSUlakes]

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there. Hope you are having a good weekend! I ended up pulling the trigger on a new GPS watch and got the Garmin 235. So far I am very impressed with it. It has many features and I still figuring out all the things it can do.

I ran my first 5K since February's Princess Half Marathon this morning! Just a local 5K, but it was a lot of fun! My goal was to get under 10:00 minutes/mile (my training runs have been around 11:00 or 11:30 minutes/mile so this was a push for me!). My official time was 29:32 which made me really happy. As you can see the first mile was downhill, so I was able to cruise pretty fast (fast for me anyway!). The last two miles were uphill, so I was trying to just stay under my 10:00 goal pace. I felt like I did my best which is always the feeling I want to have after a race. Oh, and bonus with this being a very small race I got first in my age group! Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful running weekend!
View attachment 176172

Congrats on a successful race!

Finished my first non-challenge 10k this morning. The short version is I finished 7th place overall, 4th place in my age group, 50 seconds slower than my mom, but with a new PR by 4 seconds. It was a really fun race with a SPRINT to the finish! Check out my longer race cap here in my journal: Hot2Trot 10K

Congrats on the PR!

Since tearing my hamstring last September I've been using run/walk intervals as part of the rehab and protection process. However, with any injury there comes a time to rip the band-aid off. In order to take best advantage of the training plan @DopeyBadger so kindly put together for me, I need to be fully running. So today's Race 13.1 Roanoke half marathon was the time to rip it off.

The course was one of the prettier I've run and the weather was great for mid-June, with 60deg at the start. It warmed up quickly, though. The course ran primarily on the greenways right along the Roanoke River. Just one significant hill but it was a nasty one you hit coming and going:

View attachment 176178

My official goal for the race was <2:05, but with recent results I was really hoping to take a run at <2:00. Started out with a target pacing of 9:00 min/mile and was able to hold that pace pretty well with the exception of the hills. It did oscillate a bit the last 3-4 miles as fatigue made it harder to set the cruise control on the legs, though.

Ultimately, I finished in 1:58:26 (8:58/mile). Not quite a PR, but the second fastest half I've run. Good enough for 118th overall and 8th in my age group. All in all, I'm very happy with it! Especially as the first race back to full running with only 4 weeks of full running training backing it up.

Congrats on going below 2 hours and surpassing your goal!

 

[camaker]

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there. Hope you are having a good weekend! I ended up pulling the trigger on a new GPS watch and got the Garmin 235. So far I am very impressed with it. It has many features and I still figuring out all the things it can do.

Good choice on the 235! I hope you enjoy it! Here are a couple of quick tips to hopefully avoid some of the trial and error learning I went though with mine.

Before going on a run, make sure you have a solid heart icon for the HR monitor, otherwise it may not record HR during the run. I find it easiest to watch on the main HR screen before toggling over to the run activity.

Also be sure to completely customize the HR settings. Out of the box they are WAY out of whack. You'll need to manually enter all the following: resting HR, max HR, calc method (%HRR or % Max HR) and ranges for each HR Zone.

 

[Slogger]

Yes! The new soda machines that allow different flavors are great. But I always get the same thing, lime Diet Coke.

My kids call those machines "soda jukeboxes" but they are my kryptonite. Cherry and vanilla coke mix is my go-to combo.
I am a reformed soda-junkie. Used to have a can of coke and a snickers bar for breakfast every day, soda for lunch, ginger ale at night. Then I got married and my wife put a stop to it (thank goodness).

Now I fight the urge and try to have at least 3 soda free days a week. Sometimes I can do 4 or 5. I don't drink coffee and definitely have issues after going cold turkey a few days in a row. On soda days I am trying to limit it to 12 or 16oz at the most but it takes discipline.

 

[DopeyBadger]

DopeyBadger- I read your race report. You said you missed on all 4 of your goals but your not unhappy with it. My question is, why would you be? You did awesome and you gave it your best effort, that is always enough. You should always be proud if you give it your best effort. You can't control who runs the race with you, there may be some people who are just faster. Having goals is nice because it helps to push us, but being happy with the result is just as important.

My sentiments exactly. Goals are something nice to strive for (and I do like my goals), but in the end if I did the best I could do that day then that's all I can ask of myself.