The Running Thread - 2016

[*DisneyDreamer]

I've got another race to add to my calendar. I signed up for the Big Ten Network 10K in Chicago on August 6th. I'll be coming from Milwaukee so I'm going to make it a short weekend getaway and spend the day before in the city. And then head back in the afternoon after the race since I'll be doing the Milwaukee Color Run on Sunday the 7th (will be planning to take that one purely for the fun that it's meant to be!). But I'm super excited for the 10K and will be running in support of my Dad's law school alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines (he's coming with me and will be walking the 5K). Go Blue!

And perhaps they have a good reason why they don't, but RunDisney really needs to take pointers from the organization that runs this race. They allow you to submit proof for a preferred corral placement, which I did right away yesterday when I registered. I already got an email verification that my request was approved. It would be so nice if RunDisney would give people indication/confirmation of POT submissions, rather than making us wait until waivers and corrals are released.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I know how you feel about the BQ goal. I finished my first marathon at 4:13:xx, followed up with 3:52:xx, then a :3:43:37 (Current PR). This past January my goal was 3:30:00 at Disney Marathon and posted a crowd pleasing 3:59:12. All of my training leading up to the Disney race suggested that a 3:30:00 marathon was within reach, but that day just wasn't mine. It may seem like a set back, but it was still a year of good training. Like you I have a ways to go to get a BQ, but its a great source of motivation. Remember its a long term goal, for most we don't come near it after 2-3 years. I am confident if you keep focused and concentrate on smaller goals leading up to the big ones it will work out. Focus on this weeks running objectives, this months goals, proper nutrition, ect. There are many pieces of the puzzle and it takes time to get them together. So hopefully we can both keep working hard for our goal and end up at the big dance. (I think I just rambled a lot here)



I've noticed the same thing the other day, which was what gave me the idea to post on someone's board. maybe just maybe it would get them back on track...


I LOVE IPA'S!!!!!! Thinking back on it, the day before my half marathon PR I tailgated all day and had several IPA's. I had an accident on my bike that morning and felt beat up the next morning. It was also a night game, and the race was 1.5 hours away the next morning. I may have to conduct more research on IPA's and PR's! I would advise against falling off the bike.

It would be cool if we qualified the same year and got to run in the same race. But, if you make it before me I will pretend to be happy for you. Just kidding of course!

Thanks guys. I do agree that my training is probably not enough right now for the distances. I'm trying to hold on to my training by my fingernails right now, since my first training plan was targeted for my first mid-May HM. I think I am also kind of mentally weak and take walk breaks a lot when I don't actually need them, I just want them.

I don't have a HRM, although my Garmin is a 220 and can pair with one. I have considered getting one of the Scosche arm ones that DC Rainmaker recommended. I honestly have no clue what my HR ever is during a run, and only have perceived effort to go off.

I would think about getting one. It's just more information that allows you to put in the best training you can.

Hi! I'm new to running, and new around these boards (although I have been following along for a while). I'm planning to do my first half marathon at the Star Wars Light Side weekend in January and I'm currently training for a 10k in August and trying to figure out a HM training plan for after that. One specific question I have is how important is cross-training? I got into running thinking I would follow the Galloway HM plan but I am not doing the run-walk method in my current training and I know many people think doing longer week-day runs (than the Galloway plan) is also a good idea. So, I am looking at other plans. However, most of the other plans I have seen include cross-training days (usually 2-3 per week) and I am wondering how important those are. I am currently running 3 days a week - I might be able to add a 4th day of activity (either running or cross-training) but probably not much more. So I am wondering if I can follow a HM training plan for the running days only and skip the cross-training? Or is that a bad idea? And if I can add a 4th day of activity to my schedule, would that time be better spent just doing more running, or adding in a cross-training activity? Thanks for any advice you are able to give! I have already learned so much from reading the discussions here

I think cross training is very important. I need to get in the habit and do it more consistently myself. I plan to spend the next 4 months putting those habits in place so when I can run again I will already have those habits in place. But cross training could be anything from biking, swimming, yoga, core work, etc... Fitz Koehler (runDisney fitness expert) has a runner specific workout on her website www.fitzness.com. Its about 15 minutes long. Doing it 3 times a week has made a big difference according to stuff I have read on her facebook page, from people who commented.

Yup. Jeff Galloway actually mentions a few experienced runners who got faster after he convinced them to incorporate scheduled walk breaks. Maybe it has something to do with how the legs get a chance to recover (perhaps push out some lactate?), and the heart rate settling down. Who knows. 2:30/:30 is pretty good. I think you shouldn't worry about eliminating the walk breaks, but instead experiment with the run times. Think about how it feels at the end of 2:30, the on the next run bump it up to 2:45, and keep it there until the end of that time feels like the end of 2:30.

When I first started, I was begging for my walk break. But I got up to 4:30/:30 before I got hurt, and I'm slowly building back up (1:45/:30 right now). I may be back there by Wine & Dine.

ATTQOTD: I've already started for Dopey, as DW and I are using Galloway. His plans are long, and are designed to get people over the finish line. There are 3 runs a week until the last couple months when the extras come in.

Here's a question, though: Any thoughts on what to do if you've got a race in the middle of your plan that doesn't have enough miles? On Wine and Dine weekend, the plan calls for 8.5m on Sat. and 20m on Sunday. We'll only be running 6.2 and 13.1, of course. (We've thought about running around the parking lot before or after the races to get our miles in. Boy would we look ridiculous.)

Jeff Galloway has said, numerous times when asked this question on the Mickey Miles Podcast, that the miles in the parks will make up for the decreased miles in the races. And like DopeyBadger said, if you do all your other runs during the training cycle this weekend won't make a big difference anyway.

BINGO! Before I attempted the run/walk, I was only entertaining maybe doing a 10k, but I knew I could do more the first time I tried it. Now getting ready for Dopey.

In fact, that first time out has made everything possible. I'll be getting into triathlons next year. I really need to find Jeff Galloway and thank him at the next expo.

If not for run/walk I would probably still be sitting on the couch. I have thanked Jeff in person. What a nice guy.

I had to cut my run short yesterday because my arch started feeling funny and the leg that has been hurting on and off for months was getting worse. I think it might be time to see a doc. I feel super depressed since I have been doing so well with training and just signed up for Dumbo. Thanks for letting me vent!!

Where is the pain exactly? I wonder if it is plantar fasciitis. For me it started in the arch and as it got worse it spread and ended up covering the whole bottom of my foot.

QOTD:

I know what my racing schedule is, give or take a race here and there, through November of 2018. Of course this all assumes I am able to return to running longer distance races. My training plans are on hold for the time being, obviously. Although I may try and run tomorrow. I probably shouldn't but my bike has a flat and for some reason nobody stocks the freaking tube I need. I am feeling like a slob so I may give the ankle one more try and if it hurts during this run I will shut it down. If not, I get to run more until the surgery.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I keep forgetting to ask this question. It is directed at Mike and John because I know they do a lot of bike work, obviously. Anyone else who has any info is more than welcome to answer.

I won't be able to start riding my bike again until the fall, which is when it gets dark and cold around here. I don't want to avoid my bike until next year so I have been thinking about getting a bike trainer stand so I can put in some miles during the winter. I will have a lot of work to do to make up for the next 4 months. Do you guys use one and if so, what kind? There are magnetic, which seem cheap, wind, and fluid. From what I have read the fluid ones seem to be the best but they cost the most and it sounds like they may leak a lot. I am asking now so I can save the money for the right one.

 

[Waiting2goback]

 

[dmross]

With all this talk about slower, easy runs, and how mentally tough it is to believe in them enough to actually do them, I thought I would put in my two cents on how I think about it. This is greatly simplified, but knowing these basics really helps motivate me to try to complete all my training runs at the proper paces (whether slow or fast):

Running is not one bodily function that you are trying to improve, it is actually a bunch, and they all need to be improved for you to get better at running, so let's start by listing a few main functions involved in running physiology improvement:

1. Cardiovascular System - mainly building up the heart muscle - affects how much oxygen can be delivered from the heart into the bloodstream
2. Lactate Threshold - basically represents the fastest speed you can sustain aerobically - you want to minimize lactate acid build-up in the muscles at faster speeds - lactate acid accumulation in the muscles is what makes you slow down or stop running when you are running too fast
3. Oxygen Consumption/Usage Efficiency (I will call this VO2 Max for simplicity, but it is more than that) - how much oxygen your leg muscles can consume from the bloodstream as well as how much oxygen they use at a given speed (oxygen efficiency)

Now, here is the trick... improvements in all of the above are needed, but there is no one workout that will efficiently improve all three, so we need different workouts for each type of improvement.

1. Easy (Slow) Runs: very good at building up the heart muscle (your heart only needs to be at 60% of Max HR or greater for maximum benefit). The longer the heart is working at 60+%, the stronger the heart will get. And guess what, you can run at 60% of max heart rate a lot longer than at 70, 80 or 90% of max heart rate, so in the 60-70% (Zone 2) range is the sweet spot for these workouts. At these slower paces, you can workout your heart for hours without fatigue. Every run you do that is not working on some other specific improvement should be run at these speeds such that you maximize benefit and minimize potential injury.
2. Threshold Runs: running close to your threshold pace (basically the pace you could stay at for one hour with nothing left in the tank) is the best way to achieve a benefit here. These runs are oftentimes 15-20 minutes long (sometimes long intervals) at close to threshold pace.
3. VO2 Max Runs: running intervals at your VO2 Max pace (basically the pace you could stay at for 10 minutes with nothing left in the tank) for 3-5 minutes. It actually takes the first two minutes of the intervals for the body to gear up to VO2 Max, so you are actually getting 1-3 minutes at VO2 Max with each interval.

Bringing it all together:
- Your VO2 Max Runs will improve your oxygen efficiency in your muscles, but given the short intervals (due to the speed required to get to VO2 Max), they are not long enough in order to accumulate lactate acid, so they will not improve your lactate threshold. Also, they are not long enough workouts to significantly improve the cardiovascular system.
- You Threshold Runs will not stress your VO2 Max/oxygen efficiency because you are not running fast enough, and the threshold workouts are too short to significantly improve your cardiovascular system.
- That leaves us with quite a few easy, slow runs that will benefit not just your heart muscle but your entire aerobic capacity. And since they feel easy, you can put in quite a few hours each week without too much effort which will get you much better cardiovascular improvement than putting in half that time at faster paces, and these unneeded faster runs might also make you feel tired, less motivated, or worst of all, leave you injured.

Thanks, this is really great and easy to follow. I've switched from Galloway to the type of training you've described just because I wanted to try it. Even for me as an interval runner, the easy paces seemed slow. But now that I'm in my 5th straight month or so of formal training I find that I appreciate the slow paces when they come around that week. I had NO IDEA that running could be so technical, and I'm enjoying learning more about the physiological changes that are taking place. HOWEVER, I still have one mystery: why do my legs feel so tired after I run up the stairs at home? Shouldn't this be easier by now? And like someone posted in the last couple of days (can't find original post)... it STILL takes me 30 minutes to warm up.

BINGO! Before I attempted the run/walk, I was only entertaining maybe doing a 10k, but I knew I could do more the first time I tried it. Now getting ready for Dopey.

In fact, that first time out has made everything possible. I'll be getting into triathlons next year. I really need to find Jeff Galloway and thank him at the next expo.

Run/Walk definitely led me safely into longer distances. I'm lucky that I've met Jeff at a Disney expo--- he is so awesome!!

 

[Baloo in MI]

Anyone run with headphones through the rain before? Did they survive?

I have a pair of wireless beats (the ones meant for running...I don't know the specific name) and I just got them a few weeks ago.

It's more than likely going to pour during my race on Saturday (there's currently a 60% chance for the 3 hours before during and after my race) and I'm just hoping the thunder stays away.

Either way, I've never ran without music, but I don't want my headphones pooping out on me (especially because they are like $300! Thank goodness I got it as a promotion with my new apple computer!)

Any other suggestions for running in the rain?

I love rain runs! But my biggest suggestion is to prepare for chaffing and blisters as your clothes/shoes get wet. I ran a half last year where it rained consistently for an hour. I was soaked though to the skin. Glide made a huge difference!

 

[Baloo in MI]

I've got another race to add to my calendar. I signed up for the Big Ten Network 10K in Chicago on August 6th. I'll be coming from Milwaukee so I'm going to make it a short weekend getaway and spend the day before in the city. And then head back in the afternoon after the race since I'll be doing the Milwaukee Color Run on Sunday the 7th (will be planning to take that one purely for the fun that it's meant to be!). But I'm super excited for the 10K and will be running in support of my Dad's law school alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines (he's coming with me and will be walking the 5K). Go Blue!

And perhaps they have a good reason why they don't, but RunDisney really needs to take pointers from the organization that runs this race. They allow you to submit proof for a preferred corral placement, which I did right away yesterday when I registered. I already got an email verification that my request was approved. It would be so nice if RunDisney would give people indication/confirmation of POT submissions, rather than making us wait until waivers and corrals are released.

Sounds like an awesome race. But as a life long MSU Spartans fan and alum I must confess to struggling with the "Go Blue".

Please do share how the race is. Go Green!

 

[Miranda]

Anyone run with headphones through the rain before? Did they survive?

I have a pair of wireless beats (the ones meant for running...I don't know the specific name) and I just got them a few weeks ago.

It's more than likely going to pour during my race on Saturday (there's currently a 60% chance for the 3 hours before during and after my race) and I'm just hoping the thunder stays away.

Either way, I've never ran without music, but I don't want my headphones pooping out on me (especially because they are like $300! Thank goodness I got it as a promotion with my new apple computer!)

Any other suggestions for running in the rain?

I wore my Jaybirds for the first ~50 min of my HM in early June, and it was pouring. I rolled the dice because they are guaranteed against sweat, so I figured they might have a better shot, and they survived. I only took them off after 50 min because I was getting water in my ear, which was making the silicone tips slippery, and they kept falling out of my ears. They certainly did not stay dry in the pocket of my SparkleSkirt over the next 2 hours, either.

Some other rain tips... if you're at all worried about your phone (if that is what you are using for music), make sure it's in something. I don't worry about my phone just with sweat (the iPhone 6s has some waterproofing inside of it to protect the electronics somewhat), but for rain, I use ziploc bags just in case. And a visor really helps keep water out of your face/eyes.

 

[keahgirl8]

Thanks guys. I do agree that my training is probably not enough right now for the distances. I'm trying to hold on to my training by my fingernails right now, since my first training plan was targeted for my first mid-May HM. I think I am also kind of mentally weak and take walk breaks a lot when I don't actually need them, I just want them.

I don't have a HRM, although my Garmin is a 220 and can pair with one. I have considered getting one of the Scosche arm ones that DC Rainmaker recommended. I honestly have no clue what my HR ever is during a run, and only have perceived effort to go off.

I have a 220. I use a Fitbit now for my HRM, but I did use the 220 before I got that. I had the chest strap and it worked fine. It just went under the band of my bra. You can buy them on Amazon.

QOTD: I am curious about how everyone plans their running schedule. How far into the future does your training plan go? How often do you find yourself revising pace/distance/ect once you originally planned them?

ATTQOTD: I have my runs planned out till the end of January at this point. During the fall I will probably add to it for spring races based on my fitness level and achievements at that time. Things don't always go as planned, as life happens. I do try to at least hit the correct mileage.

Usually, I start planning somewhere in late summer and then I have a schedule until Princess weekend. I am hoping to do that, and I am somewhat following a schedule right now, but I'm just happy to be running.

I think this is going to vary from person to person. Some people can run every day and not do any cross training and be fine. It didn't work well for me. I had a lot of knee pain when I started running. A PT recommended some exercises to strengthen my hips, core and glutes and it really helped. So maintaining the strength training is a priority for me. My ideal schedule is running 3 times a week and strength training 2 times a week.

Jeff Galloway actually says you don't have to do it. Personally, I think it's why I got hurt. My core and hips were too weak from lack of strength training.

Did you do anything in particular to cut out the intervals? I would love to cut out the intervals, but I'm not really sure how... just keep extending them maybe? My actual running paces seem to range between 9:30-10:30 on shorter runs/races, but of course I'm not running the whole time, so that drags down my overall pace.

To each their own, but I never want to stop running intervals.

Not directed at me but I thought I'd jump in. One of my goals for the year was to try to eliminate the walk intervals for shorter races. I've been doing 2:30 running and :30 walking. I just did this by gradually increasing the time period before I started my walk intervals. I got up to doing 5k races and not taking a walk break until mile 2 or so. But I noticed that it's actually made me slower In order to be able to maintain the running for longer periods without taking a walk break, my run pace had to go down. I'm currently trying to decide whether I want to keep going with this goal just to say I did it or amend it since it doesn't seem to be making me faster.

The shorter my run interval is, the faster I am.

This is me too! I gut up to running intervals of .25 mile run/walk intervals, but for the most part it has made me slower. I honestly am having trouble deciding which is more important to me, pace or time spent actually running.

For me, feeling good is the most important, however I do it.

So yesterday was my first full day of no soreness or pain in my leg. So, I'm excited yet scared to go back to running. I was considering laying off until next Tuesday, which will have given me a full 3 weeks since I first shut it down. I've started doing some stretches at night, nothing too crazy, and I have no pain when doing it. I just don't want to re-injure it!

Woohoo! I'm looking forward to that day.

Thanks, that makes sense. And I realized I wrote my intervals wrong. It's 2:00 running and :30 walking. But your advice makes sense. And maybe instead of pushing all the way to 2 miles and feeling like I'm dying when I finally take that walk break, I guess I can just try for longer intervals to find a good middle ground.

As far as extra mileage for mid training plan races, I usually add in a warm up jog and cool down jog. But that's easier to do at local races than at races the size of Disney races. Disney races have been goal races so far for me so I haven't had to do it down there.

My intervals are planned. I don't wait until I need one. If I do that, it's too late.

I'm a run/walker and I often yo-yo with people in races. It can lead to some really good conversations during the race because you keep seeing the same person/people and they can get curious about your intervals. In a half marathon this fall, my husband and I were yo-yoing with another couple and so after a few miles of this they were asking us about our intervals and pace etc. On occasion during the rest of the race as they would pass us, they'd say, "see you in 90 seconds". It's definitely not for everyone. For some people, that constant change in pace can just drive them crazy. But as someone said up thread, for me, it allowed me to be willing to take on higher mileage because I KNOW I can run for 90 seconds even when I'm really tired and that can mentally make it easier for me instead of thinking, "Wow, I still have to run for 6 more miles" or whatever the distance might be. I like to think of it as bite-sized pieces.

Exactly! I like it broken up! If I thought I had to RUN straight through 13.1 miles, I don't think I'd even want to do it. Honestly, it might be a little jerky at first until you get used to it, but it doesn't bother me at all. The transition is really important to make it feel good to you. You have to get to where you glide from one to the other. People who don't like intervals (especially short ones) tend to say it's too much stopping and starting. I don't stop and start. I slow down and speed up. Maybe it's because I learned how to run intervals on a treadmill, but it's always felt natural to me.

Anyone run with headphones through the rain before? Did they survive?

I have a pair of wireless beats (the ones meant for running...I don't know the specific name) and I just got them a few weeks ago.

It's more than likely going to pour during my race on Saturday (there's currently a 60% chance for the 3 hours before during and after my race) and I'm just hoping the thunder stays away.

Either way, I've never ran without music, but I don't want my headphones pooping out on me (especially because they are like $300! Thank goodness I got it as a promotion with my new apple computer!)

Any other suggestions for running in the rain?

I definitely would not run with $300 anything in the rain, except my watch and it's water resistant.

I cannot be left alone with my thoughts while running. It would be horrible. Must. Have. Music/podcasts. lol

Right? I actually get bored, believe it or not. When I'm running Disney races is the only time I don't have music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

I think cross training is very important. I need to get in the habit and do it more consistently myself. I plan to spend the next 4 months putting those habits in place so when I can run again I will already have those habits in place. But cross training could be anything from biking, swimming, yoga, core work, etc... Fitz Koehler (runDisney fitness expert) has a runner specific workout on her website www.fitzness.com. Its about 15 minutes long. Doing it 3 times a week has made a big difference according to stuff I have read on her facebook page, from people who commented.

Agreed! It makes a big difference!

If not for run/walk I would probably still be sitting on the couch. I have thanked Jeff in person. What a nice guy.

Also agree! There is no way I'd still be running. I started off with a Couch to 5K program, because I promised myself I'd train for and run a 5K before I quit. I was on week 4 and up to 5 minutes running. I hated it. When I discovered Jeff Galloway, everything changed. The rest is history. And yes, he is a very nice guy! Exactly what you think he'll be like.

Where is the pain exactly? I wonder if it is plantar fasciitis. For me it started in the arch and as it got worse it spread and ended up covering the whole bottom of my foot.

Yeesh...I hope not! That is killer. Definitely take it seriously.

Run/Walk definitely led me safely into longer distances. I'm lucky that I've met Jeff at a Disney expo--- he is so awesome!!

Me too! I never would have done a half without it. He is awesome!

 

[Miranda]

I cannot be left alone with my thoughts while running. It would be horrible. Must. Have. Music/podcasts. lol

Normally I'm like that for training... music for shorter runs, podcasts for longer. But I have taken my headphones out at a few races recently (sometimes forced like the rain one above, sometimes voluntarily), and it wasn't so bad. I was chatting and running with some 50 Staters during the rain one, they were up in VT from FL and thought everything was so cute and quaint.

 

[keahgirl8]

Normally I'm like that for training... music for shorter runs, podcasts for longer. But I have taken my headphones out at a few races recently (sometimes forced like the rain one above, sometimes voluntarily), and it wasn't so bad. I was chatting and running with some 50 Staters during the rain one, they were up in VT from FL and thought everything was so cute and quaint.

I'm the same way! Music isn't usually enough for me on a long one. To your second point, that's why I don't listen to anything at Disney races. I like to chat with people and hear what other people are saying. In my experience, most people are friendly and encouraging.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

Sounds like an awesome race. But as a life long MSU Spartans fan and alum I must confess to struggling with the "Go Blue".

Please do share how the race is. Go Green!

I will definitely report back on how it is! I'm looking forward to it.

 

[dis_or_dat]

So many quick thoughts:

-interesting about the run:walk intervals making people faster. Some obstinate part of me makes me rather jog suuuper slowly even when it would be faster walking. I'm looking at you hills! ::shakes fist in impotent rage::
-will try that ziplock method in the rain. I use a spi belt under a rain coat and somehow I'm still completely soaked.
-also a music/podcast fan here. Only time I'm without headphones is when doing speed work or if I'm going on a 2 mile jog with the hubs. Got into podcasts for my long runs, but now I'm enjoying them so much that I listen to them almost exclusively. Probably music once I start my strength runs. I have a specific playlist for races.
-love doing light amount of cross training. 15 min max for some core work, leg work, and hip strengthening as well as lots of static stretching. Off day is a great time to squeeze one in if I don't have time after a run. I find I'm terrible at classes (barre, pilates etc) and always regret my groupon purchases.
-ATTQOTD: I have my B race in January (light side, baby!) and my A in February. So @DopeyBadger helped formulate a plan. Give this guy a medal!!

Hi! I'm new to running, and new around these boards (although I have been following along for a while). I'm planning to do my first half marathon at the Star Wars Light Side weekend in January...

Welcome!!! Love seeing another Light Side person here! Since I'm a novice racer, I'm not really a great source for advice but I would definitely listen to everyone else.

...Last year for this 5K was the first time that I did actually experiment with skipping some run intervals, and I have done it in 5K races since then, usually at the start, skipping 2-3 walks, so that the first run ends up being like 5:30-7:00. Then in the rest of the miles I might skip one here or there, usually if there's a good downhill, which leaves me with a few blocks of 3:30. For longer races, I usually only skip the very first walk, which leaves me with an uninterrupted 3:30 at the start of the race, then into intervals.

Woah! So you're running a 5:30 pace? Maybe I should rethink intervals!

 

[FFigawi]

I keep forgetting to ask this question. It is directed at Mike and John because I know they do a lot of bike work, obviously. Anyone else who has any info is more than welcome to answer.

I won't be able to start riding my bike again until the fall, which is when it gets dark and cold around here. I don't want to avoid my bike until next year so I have been thinking about getting a bike trainer stand so I can put in some miles during the winter. I will have a lot of work to do to make up for the next 4 months. Do you guys use one and if so, what kind? There are magnetic, which seem cheap, wind, and fluid. From what I have read the fluid ones seem to be the best but they cost the most and it sounds like they may leak a lot. I am asking now so I can save the money for the right one.

I live in Iraq which means nearly all my rides are done on a trainer in my living room. I have a CycleOps Jet Fluid Pro and love it. It's not the quietest trainer in the world, but it's reliable, handles a wide range of tires and bikes, and is very smooth when increasing or decreasing power during my rides. It's fairly inexpensive too, maybe $450 or so from Amazon. If you're not going to be riding on a trainer for 6-8 hours a week like me, I'd highly recommend it.

All that said, if I had known how much use I'd be getting out of it, I would've bought a direct drive trainer instead. Those are ones where you take off your rear wheel and connect your chain directly to the trainer. They're more expensive but are smoother, quieter, and are able to be controlled by most of the bike training software and online environments currently available.

You can get reviews of the current trainers in the market from DC Rainmaker. He's the best resource for news, tips, and advice on all running, biking, and triathlon gadgets.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com

 

[doctorintheTARDIS]

I love rain runs! But my biggest suggestion is to prepare for chaffing and blisters as your clothes/shoes get wet. I ran a half last year where it rained consistently for an hour. I was soaked though to the skin. Glide made a huge difference!

Where are we thinking/where should I put it? I put glide on my thighs. Is it meant for feet too? I will be wearing moisture wicking socks, for sure.

I've never had any issues with nipples before (to me, the idea that nipples chaff is insane! Probably because I (obviously) wear sports bras? but obviously it does happen!!!)

 

[FFigawi]

Where are we thinking/where should I put it? I put glide on my thighs. Is it meant for feet too? I will be wearing moisture wicking socks, for sure.

You definitely should apply to your feet and toes if you're going to be running in the rain. Moisture wicking socks are no match for Mother Nature.

 

[LSUlakes]

We will skip today's QOTD. This week has not been a good one for our country. Let's keep our thoughts and prayers with those affected by the events of not just last night but this week. Let's hope the violence will end on both sides and our country can come together.

 

[Anisum]

Just got back from a beautiful Disney Cruise. I ran on the ship once but it was only a mile. Now I'm back to the heat and to catching up on the thread.

QOTD: I was just looking at the runDisney site and noticed that the marathon, Dopey, and Goofy are still open for registration. Assuming that is current, what do you think the reason is for the race not being sold out yet?

@Ariel484 said this a number of times but I think that there are people are waiting for the anniversaries next year. I certainly am. That being said, I thought Goofy always took a while to fill up but that's just me.

QOTD: Its the end of the month and time to post your monthly mileage! If you swim or bike, feel free to include that information as well.

I did better with pace this month but I also didn't have the outlier that is the Tinkerbell Weekend. Distance wasn't my strong suit because I get worn out and dehydrated after three miles in the sun or the heat or the humidity even when I slow down. All of you doing long runs this summer are impressive.

Distance: 41.42
Pace: 12:55
Time: 8hr 55min

QOTD: With a lot of talk about various topics, I figured I would expand on one topic. What piece of advice would you give to a first timer on what to do from the time you get to the race and the start of the race?

Pick up your bib in advance if possible. Nothing is more stressful than waiting in a long line the day of to pick up a bib. Also use the bathroom before the line gets long if possible.

I was curious if anyone uses the Road ID bands?

I do. Mine is from 'Gone for a Run' rather than RoadID because I like their shoe IDs better than the ones RoadID sells. I have two so that I don't have to worry about forgetting to swap one out when I'm rotating shoes.

Alright folks, I know its kinda late in the day for a QOTD, but here it goes:

QOTD: So its not so much a question but something I would like everyone here to try to do by the end of the week. The goal is to go to someone's training journal or W.I.S.H journal and post something positive to their wall. I remember when I first started out that each little bit of encouragement I received helped to keep me motivated to reaching my goals. Maybe one of our comments could be that little bit extra to get that person back on track or to dig deep to keep going, or maybe just a smile on their face.

This sounds great and I shall definitely do so. I don't have a training journal because I doubt my ability to keep it updated but I'd love to everyone else's.

QOTD: What type of meal have you had the night (or day before) a long run / race that you will never eat again based on how you felt during the run?

Whatever I ate before the Tink Half which if I recall was probably Ghirardelli Ice Cream after dinner at Ariel's Grotto. It may have been compounded with everything else I ate that weekend and while I was good for the actual run I desperately needed the bathroom.

QOTD: I am curious about how everyone plans their running schedule. How far into the future does your training plan go? How often do you find yourself revising pace/distance/ect once you originally planned them?

No, I have a training plan in mind to ramp up my mileage in preparation for a half that I'll start later in the month and vague ideas on what I want to do in the future. For example in the early Spring I want to train for a local women's sprint tri that happens in June and then I want to switch over to training for Dopey I think. I'm still on the fence about that.

Anyone run with headphones through the rain before? Did they survive?
Any other suggestions for running in the rain?

I ran with my zipbuds and they did fine. I ran a 10 miler in the rain recently and a lot of people on here gave me advice. I absolutely recommend Gliding everything. I did anywhere skin might touch other skin or a seam. Then I put aquaphor on my feet. Some others suggested Vaseline or similar products but I had aquaphor available and while it felt gross while putting on socks it worked wonderfully. Having a hat or visor to keep the rain out is great. Prior to the race hang out where it's dry or wear a poncho or rain jacket that you can take off at the start (if necessary) so that you're not sitting around in wet running clothes. If the race is far from your house you might want to bring spare clothes because you will feel so much better getting out of your running clothes post race.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

I've got another race to add to my calendar. I signed up for the Big Ten Network 10K in Chicago on August 6th....

I've gotta ask...is there actually 14K in the Big 10 10K???

I keep forgetting to ask this question. It is directed at Mike and John because I know they do a lot of bike work, obviously. Anyone else who has any info is more than welcome to answer.

I won't be able to start riding my bike again until the fall, which is when it gets dark and cold around here. I don't want to avoid my bike until next year so I have been thinking about getting a bike trainer stand so I can put in some miles during the winter. I will have a lot of work to do to make up for the next 4 months. Do you guys use one and if so, what kind? There are magnetic, which seem cheap, wind, and fluid. From what I have read the fluid ones seem to be the best but they cost the most and it sounds like they may leak a lot. I am asking now so I can save the money for the right one.

Good tips from John already. I have an Elite Fluid trainer as well as a Tacx Vortex Smart trainer (which is mag). The feel of the fluid trainer is so nice, but I also love the smart features on the Vortex. Ultimately I would recommend fluid, if for no other reason than it just feels much smoother. Mag is okay once you get used to it, but I really notice a difference going between the two. If you do get a trainer you should try out Zwift...it is an online virual cycling world that sounds like it really helps pass the time. I'm going to ride there this winter, and I know John does a lot of his training in Zwift as well.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

We will skip today's QOTD. This week has not been a good one for our country. Let's keep our thoughts and prayers with those affected by the events of not just last night but this week. Let's hope the violence will end on both sides and our country can come together.

Heart wrenching to wake up to this news...