The Running Thread - 2016

[michigandergirl]

@SunDial so sorry for you loss.

I don't have any trail running advice, but I'm considering a trail race for next month, so I'm reading all the responses!

 

[LSUlakes]

500 Pages!!!!! 9982 post and counting. WOW

 

[FFigawi]

@SunDial I'm sorry for your loss. I also hope you recover from your fall quickly and can get back to training soon.

 

[Ariel484]

The only down side right now is I am in the early stages of a sinus cold.

Same. Wondering if it's a change-of-season thing. Hope you recover in time for your race!!

 

[keahgirl8]

@SunDial I am sorry for your loss. Your running family is here for you if need be.

I echo this statement. Runners are family.

 

[baxter24]

ATTQOTD: I have only done one trail run that was a race. It was a lot of fun but was different from a road race. My advice is to make sure you are looking where you are stepping a lot more and know that your pace will/might slow due to the trail. Part of the trail that I ran on during the race wasn't wide at all. It ended up being single file which was a bit frustrating when I wanted to pass someone or I could tell ther person behind me wanted to pass me.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

ATTQOTD: I have only done one trail run that was a race. It was a lot of fun but was different from a road race. My advice is to make sure you are looking where you are stepping a lot more and know that your pace will/might slow due to the trail. Part of the trail that I ran on during the race wasn't wide at all. It ended up being single file which was a bit frustrating when I wanted to pass someone or I could tell ther person behind me wanted to pass me.

Experienced trail runners understand and are patient. Etiquette dictates that no one is required to step aside to allow another to pass on a single lane trail unless it is an out and back race, in which case those still going out are supposed to step aside to allow those going back toward the finish to pass. Of course, if you are bonking and know that you are holding up hundreds of people behind you, you might want to find a place to rest and let those folks pass.

 

[Anisum]

@SunDial sorry for your loss.

QOTD: Todays question is a suggestion from a fellow poster here. The poster is asking this question on behalf of someone else that doesn't post. That will explain the way the question is posted. He is thinking about doing a local trail run group's 5k race that has "first time trail runner-friendly" in the race description. It is in two weeks, so he wouldn't have time to train on any trails. He wanted to know if anyone here does a lot of trail runs and has any advise for someone who is only used to road running.

I haven't intentionally done trail runs. I have unintentionally participated in a "trail race" but only because I had done the corresponding 5k which was entirely fields with mild hills. I will agree with @BuckeyeBama about the etiquette because that was along the lines of what I experienced. I think this seemed fairly natural because on hills and even trails was often nowhere to step aside. I say that because most people on the trails were not necessarily trail runners (they certainly weren't wearing trail shoes and many of us needed to slow or walk on the steeper hills. I would think if you can run a 5k on the road the trail run would be a good opportunity to try something different.

 

[cavepig]

Not a lot of trail running here these days but have done trail races in the past, but yeah don't follow too close and be very mindful of roots, sticks, rocks...basically everything that could trip you up, but don't stare at the ground too much in case there's a branch or sharp turn ahead. Seems like the trail runs I've done always have gosh awful steep hills. So many different types of trails too from maintained for running to did they even check this out before setting up this race.

 

[LSUlakes]

The hits keep coming for LSU this year. Today our beloved mascot Mike VI died from spindle cell sarcoma. RIP Mike the Tiger

 

[BuckeyeBama]

The hits keep coming for LSU this year. Today our beloved mascot Mike VI died from spindle cell sarcoma. RIP Mike the Tiger

I knew that he had cancer - did not know that he passed. RIP Mike

 

[ZellyB]

@SunDial so sorry for your loss.

ATTQOTD: I've never done a trail race either.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Experienced trail runners understand and are patient. Etiquette dictates that no one is required to step aside to allow another to pass on a single lane trail unless it is an out and back race, in which case those still going out are supposed to step aside to allow those going back toward the finish to pass. Of course, if you are bonking and know that you are holding up hundreds of people behind you, you might want to find a place to rest and let those folks pass.

Hence the need to get out fast if you have any expectations of running "fast" (fast is entirely relative when it comes to trails)...you need to get ahead of the big pack before you get to single track.

I did a race last year and I was part of the lead pack from the start, there was a group of 5. A little over a mile in and we had gapped the field. When we emerged from the woods to cross over at a dam we were surprised to see almost the entire field now in front of us...it turned out that the guy in 6th place that was leading the rest of the field missed a turn and cut half a mile off the course, putting us at the back. Needless to say it was not fun calling out "on your left" and "coming up behind you" for the next couple of miles, but it was a lot easier as part of a 5-man train

 

[dis_or_dat]

@SunDial I'm so sorry for you loss.

 

[Baloo in MI]

@SunDial so sorry for your loss!

Congrats to all, but especially to @LSUlakes for the thread hitting 500 pages! I remember thinking "wow, we hit 100"!

ATTQOTD: So I have fallen in love with trail running and think outside Dopey and a few road races a year I am going to focus on trail races in 2017. I am not sure I have much to offer that has not been said already, I would share: 1) slow down not just to keep good footing and eyes on the twisting trail and trip hazards but to enjoy the natural setting of trail races. 2) the terrain tends to be harder, and the distance will feel longer than it is. 3) be aware of other runners on the trail and mountain bikers who seem to pop up, or come screaming down the trail at you at times! 4) great community, lots of fun and great aid stations - my last race had both chocolate milk and beer for the finishers!

Hope your friend enjoys the race.

 

[ebradley23]

ATTQOTD: I've strictly been a road person, but I'm going to start running trails soon. This QOTD is timely. I just bought my first trail shoes (Saucony Peregrine 6) to start getting ready for the 50k in December. I've read all the replies today, and I appreciate the info.

 

[Disney at Heart]

@SunDial I'm sorry for your loss. Lost daddy the last week of August and am finally starting to feel "normal" again, so I feel your loss. I found that following my training plan kept me sane when times came that I couldn't figure out what to do with myself. I hope you recover from your fall quickly and can get back to training soon. This group is so supportive!

I've done a few trail races from 5K to 15K, nothing longer. Advice: Don't fall and hit your head! I find that all is good for a short race, but as I get tired, I fail to pick up my feet! If I stumble, I know to slow way down or even take a walk break. That may mean stepping off the trail and letting others pass if it is a single track. My trail mantra is "Pick up your feet, pick up your feet, pick up your feet."

 

[JulieODC]

Same. Wondering if it's a change-of-season thing. Hope you recover in time for your race!!

Ugh, yes - my allergies are in full swing - even with meds my nose constantly feels partially blocked.

 

[Ariel484]

Ugh, yes - my allergies are in full swing - even with meds my nose constantly feels partially blocked.

Laaaaame. Hope we get some relief soon!

 

[Kathymford]

Ok, I am behind by almost 50 pages! I love you all, but I AM NOT going back there. LOL. Work has been crazy, so I haven't been reading, and I haven't been running that much. Somehow I think those last two are connected. I don't really have any races planned, other than the LS 10k, either, so maybe that has something to do with it too. I've just been so stressed and headachy after work that all I've wanted to do is go home and have a glass of wine. I really need to become a morning runner ... I. Just. Can't. LOL

So, can anyone give me a 50 page synopsis of what I missed in 100 words or less?

OH! My good news is I planned a trip back to WDW for mid December!! Woohoo! Talk about last minute planning!