The Running Thread - 2016

[Slogger]

QOTD Answer>I've run in the teens many times...two years ago it was 16 degrees and snowing AND dark. Fun! Can't use my phone for music and gps in the cold because it shuts down. Maybe it is trying to tell me something.

I will say that the WDW 5k in 2015 was one of the coldest "official" runs that I have ever experienced. Temps in Upper 20s and 20 mph wind gusts...and Dark. Brrrr!

 

[Mickey's sweetheart]

QOTTD: I've run when it was 13 degrees. I kept seeing guys with facial hair and for the first time in my life, I was jealous I couldn't have a beard. I try to wait until the warmest part of the day to run if I can but then wind can be a factor. I have a treadmill that I use as a last resort with something playing on Netflix.

 

[Barca33Runner]

ATTQOTD

I run almost exclusively on the treadmill. Have done a couple races with temperatures sitting just below freezing, but I much prefer running in heat (>75F) to cold (<40F) because I hate wearing layered clothing. I do my weekday runs later in the day because I get up at 6:40 AM for work and have no desire/will power to wake up earlier. Weekend runs are usually in the AM.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

I'm guessing the coldest I've run is around freezing. I know I've been caught in the rain when it was like 37, but generally S. Texas doesn't stay cold enough throughout the day to run in anything less than low to mid 30's.

 

[DVCFan1994]

QOTD: What is the coldest weather you've run in? Do you run inside with a treadmill? Do you run later in the day?

ATTQOTD: The coldest temps I have even run in is 25. Rarely gets into the 20's around here and the morning it was 25 was the morning of a Turkey Trot 5k about 3 years ago. I run on a treadmill, but not because of it being to cold, but more so because when I get off work it's 5:30PM and by the time I get home its already dark. I am not a big fan of running 8 or miles all at night in my neighborhood because people aren't looking for runners. I will run in the afternoons during summer when its a bit cooler outside.


Didn't put in the miles I wanted over the weekend. On 1/23 I got 3 stroller miles in @ a 8:02 pace and 8 miles @ 8:08 pace on 1/25. Planning on 5-6 miles this afternoon because I didn't hear my alarm go off this morning. Today is also the start of my diet and training towards my spring marathon.

I think 8 degrees, with a windchill into the negatives. It was my first ever 8 mile run over two years ago training for 2014 PHM, my first HM. I was nervous how I'd handle that cold. I ran out from my neighborhood and went a mile then came back, to see how I felt. Then I went out a little further, back, repeat until I hit my goal. It was not as bad as I feared. I've done single digit runs plenty of times since, but I don't think they've ever had the wind I had that day. I have done long runs on the treadmill as well, up to 12 miles, but I honestly would rather be out in the crazy cold than use the treadmill. Plus I am currently forbidden to use the treadmill by my physical therapist. So last week when the roads just were not safe, I used my gyms indoor track to do 5 miles, which was 95 miserable laps. From now to PHM, any runs I absolutely can't do outside, will be on that darn track. But its not cold, its unsafe road conditions that send me in. Layers are my friend

How does one do a long run in a gym without really angering the other people by hogging the machine for over an hour?

Very carefully In the past when I did use the treadmill I would get off at an hour if all treadmills were taken. i would head to the track and run there. That also has a window down in to the family gym - where kids and parents can work out together. If I saw a treadmill free in there I would head down. If not I'd stick to the track until I saw two treadmills open. Once I did, I'd get back on the the treadmill.

 

[LSUlakes]

This weekend we have our first race on the list! @DOOM1001 , How are you feeling about the race on 1/31 (Celebration Half) and what's the forecast looking like for race day? Hope everything goes well and you hit your goal of 2:15:00!

 

[ZellyB]

This weekend we have our first race on the list! @DOOM1001 , How are you feeling about the race on 1/31 (Celebration Half) and what's the forecast looking like for race day? Hope everything goes well and you hit your goal of 2:15:00!

And, THIS, is what will make this thread so fun. Nice to be able to track what others are doing and cheer them on.

 

[Keels]

Catching up on some QOTDs since I'm back near a computer!

QOTD: What race is on your bucket list?

Currently, it's going to be the NYC Marathon. Back when I first thought about doing races, it was my ULTIMATE GOAL that I was planning for - but, in a "shoot for the moon, you'll land in the stars" bit of thinking, I lowered my sights to the Disneyland Half Marathon instead to get me (and keep me!) motivated in training. I'm hoping to land a spot in the lottery this year, but I'm also seriously considering fundraising in to keep myself motivated for training and as a goal to ward off the current post-Dopey letdown that I'm currently experiencing.

QOTD: Do you display running items in your house or office? If so, give us a description of your set up.

I have a little medal holder hanging on a wall in a hallway that holds my medals, bibs and a little area to write PRs for distances. But, I've run out of room on that bad boy. I ordered the Dopey shadowbox from Lasting Commemoratives during race weekend, and my BFF gave me a HUGE medal holder that says "It's Kind of Fun to Do the Impossible" - so it looks like I'll be relocating my running stuff to another wall area at some point in the coming weeks, probably on a big empty wall we have on our closed stairwell leading upstairs to our bedroom. Somewhere that people can see if they want, but it's not so "in your face" - but that I get to see every day.

QOTD: Do you normally run your long run on Saturday, Sunday, or some other day of the week? What's the reason for your choice?

My long runs generally happen on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on how I'm feeling and the weather. I do this because it's just easier for me and then I have my weekend completely free to spend with my friends and husband, doing whatever ridiculous stuff we do.

QOTD: What is the coldest weather you've run in? Do you run inside with a treadmill? Do you run later in the day?

Ummm ... maybe in the 30s? IDK. It was Christmas 2014 in New York City and I was due for a 4-miler. I don't like the cold, so I'll generally suck it up and just run on the treadmill or move my training week around to accommodate warmer weather. Having a completely open schedule is nice for that. Even in the summer, I still run in the middle of the day though ...

 

[LSUlakes]

Currently, it's going to be the NYC Marathon. Back when I first thought about doing races, it was my ULTIMATE GOAL that I was planning for - but, in a "shoot for the moon, you'll land in the stars" bit of thinking, I lowered my sights to the Disneyland Half Marathon instead to get me (and keep me!) motivated in training. I'm hoping to land a spot in the lottery this year, but I'm also seriously considering fundraising in to keep myself motivated for training and as a goal to ward off the current post-Dopey letdown that I'm currently experiencing.

The fundraising route to get in a race is like interviewing for a job. That was how it was for Boston at least. Not sure how it is for NYC... If you do go that route and need some ideas for raising funds let me know. The year I ran Boston the minimum was $4,000, so I have some creative ways. Good luck and thanks for answering the QOTD's!

 

[Keels]

The fundraising route to get in a race is like interviewing for a job. That was how it was for Boston at least. Not sure how it is for NYC... If you do go that route and need some ideas for raising funds let me know. The year I ran Boston the minimum was $4,000, so I have some creative ways. Good luck and thanks for answering the QOTD's!

Team for Kids is asking for a commitment of $2620 (cute what they did there, right?). It doesn't seem entirely impossible ... I should just ask all the patrons at my local pub to give up a bar tab for ONE DAY to charity to support me. That should do it!

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD: What is the coldest weather you've run in? Do you run inside with a treadmill? Do you run later in the day?

I refuse to run on the treadmill. Coldest I remember was winter two years ago when it hit -40ºC (windchill). I remember it was -40 because that is the point that Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same

 

[BuckeyeBama]

QOTD: What is the coldest weather you've run in? Do you run inside with a treadmill? Do you run later in the day?

Coldest would have been about 30 years ago, when I was in the 10th Mountain Division. -20F with wind chill well below that. This was in Alaska, we wore balaclavas, and I sincerely thought that I might die during the first mile or so.

More recently - ran with a temp of -6F last February with a wind chill below -20F. I never run inside unless on a business trip with no outside options. I'll run in any weather. Only ice stops me from running (and a broken foot ).

FWIW, if you have the right gear, only the first mile is a problem when running in extreme cold. You have to have a plan in case you become injured, so I don't run trails in extreme cold. An otherwise innocuous injury could kill you if you cannot get out of the cold.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Coldest would have been about 30 years ago, when I was in the 10th Mountain Division. -20F with wind chill well below that. This was in Alaska, we wore balaclavas, and I sincerely thought that I might die during the first mile or so.

More recently - ran with a temp of -6F last February with a wind chill below -20F. I never run inside unless on a business trip with no outside options. I'll run in any weather. Only ice stops me from running (and a broken foot ).

FWIW, if you have the right gear, only the first mile is a problem when running in extreme cold. You have to have a plan in case you become injured, so I don't run trails in extreme cold. An otherwise innocuous injury could kill you if you cannot get out of the cold.

The right gear makes all the difference...when I get out running in the extreme cold the only skin showing is a sliver beneath my glasses and above my balaclava. I've found that they key is keeping my hands warm, it makes all the difference. I'll wear ski gloves that are not only nice and toasty but they block the wind as well. Can easily add some hand warmers if you need them too. A mile or so in and you aren't feeling the cold at all.

 

[LSUlakes]

Team for Kids is asking for a commitment of $2620 (cute what they did there, right?). It doesn't seem entirely impossible ... I should just ask all the patrons at my local pub to give up a bar tab for ONE DAY to charity to support me. That should do it!

If that's your local watering hole and the staff knows you on a first name basis, you could try the following. Come to a agreement with owner on a date. (usually a weekday) People who come in with a flyer, the bar will donate 10% (Roughly profit) of that persons tab to your charity. I say a weekday because the bar would like to draw business on a day when the weekend crowd wouldn't normally come in. Then, as you have all your friends in one place you could sale raffle tickets for a 50/50 raffle. Depending on the crowd, you could come close to raising the whole amount in one night!

FWIW, if you have the right gear, only the first mile is a problem when running in extreme cold. You have to have a plan in case you become injured, so I don't run trails in extreme cold. An otherwise innocuous injury could kill you if you cannot get out of the cold.

Well, that's kinda important... to not die and what not.

 

[IamTrike]

QOTD: Do you normally run your long run on Saturday, Sunday, or some other day of the week? What's the reason for your choice?

ATTQOTD: Usually on Saturday mornings because it opens up the second half of the weekend and allows for more family time.

For me it vary's I'll do it on Sundays part of the year, but if the runs are 3 hours or more it can be kind of hard to cram them in and still have time to get cleaned up for church. On those day's I'll do them on Saturday.

ETA - I am in the lottery for the NYC Marathon, but will not run that for time if I make it.

Me, too. Good luck!! Hopefully there will be a few of us selected for NYC!

Good luck to the two of you. NY is an incredible experience. It makes the time between waking up and starting a race at Disney seem really short.

QOTD: What is the coldest weather you've run in? Do you run inside with a treadmill? Do you run later in the day?

ATTQOTD: The coldest temps I have even run in is 25. Rarely gets into the 20's around here and the morning it was 25 was the morning of a Turkey Trot 5k about 3 years ago. I run on a treadmill, but not because of it being to cold, but more so because when I get off work it's 5:30PM and by the time I get home its already dark. I am not a big fan of running 8 or miles all at night in my neighborhood because people aren't looking for runners. I will run in the afternoons during summer when its a bit cooler outside.
.

Coldest for me has probably been in the teens. I don't mind cold if it's not icy. I ran 19 on Saturday after we had just recieved about an inch of sleet and everything had frozen. There was a little snow on top of it, but it was pretty dicey. I don't mind doing some runs on the treadmill although mentally it is a lot harder for me than running outside.

Coldest was probably 8 degrees? ish. Which is fine for a short run as long as I have my face covered. But this weekend it was 24 degrees and I thought I would be fine for my long run (every weekend we get with dry sidewalks is a gift I don't feel I can waste) but the wind was 15-20 mph the whole time. After I finished the 14 miles I didn't think I would ever feel warm again. I was standing under the hot water in the shower still feeling cold! Wind sucks- I can't seem to generate any heat. I don't have a treadmill. I could join a gym to get a treadmill, but I feel like I would be kicked off it before I finished my long run. How does one do a long run in a gym without really angering the other people by hogging the machine for over an hour?

They shut of in our work Gym after an hour but usually there isn't anyone waiting so I start again. Our YMCA will only let you run on a treadmill for an hour even if there aren't people waiting. I have friend that will go and just swap treadmills at the 1 hour mark.

 

[roxymama]

Something regarding the cold runs that I hadn't thought of but realize now that I do...I only go out in the cold if my husband is at home and knows what time I should be back. I also tell him my route...and vice versa when he runs.
I don't think it's something I thought much about just something we started doing.

As a woman in the city I feel weird running on my own without someone knowing I'm out there anyways. And with my penchant for ice slippage, the cold weather just adds an element to my paranoia. Sad but true.

 

[cavepig]

QOTD: What is the coldest weather you've run in? Do you run inside with a treadmill? Do you run later in the day?.

Coldest I've run in is where my Tauntaun freezes & I have to slice his belly open to stay warm! I'm pretty sure with windchill it's been below 0 and it hurts. I don't do treadmill. I will skip sometimes if I'm not training for anything and just do strength/core work inside. I find it hard to run when it's so cold as I'm afraid I'll pull something since it's harder to warm up, so it's usually a very easy pace never far from home.
Add freezing rain & snow mush puddles and I get frozen feet which then I think the Wampa should just eat me to put me out of my misery. But it's all fun, I think!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Something regarding the cold runs that I hadn't thought of but realize now that I do...I only go out in the cold if my husband is at home and knows what time I should be back. I also tell him my route...and vice versa when he runs.
I don't think it's something I thought much about just something we started doing.

As a woman in the city I feel weird running on my own without someone knowing I'm out there anyways. And with my penchant for ice slippage, the cold weather just adds an element to my paranoia. Sad but true.

This is a wise thing to do. Whenever my wife goes out running, I tend to track her live on runtastic so that we can both feel comfortable each other knows where she is and that she is safe.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

Funny that the question is about the coldest you've run in. I haven't been running for very long, and haven't done much winter running, but the coldest for me was actually just last week Sunday. I was registered for a local 5K at the zoo that I really wanted to do, and after signing up, the forecast kept going downhill and temps got colder. It ended up being -2 with a windchill around -20 on race morning. In terms of being warm enough, that wasn't an issue once the race started (fortunately we could wait inside beforehand), but I was so bundled up that I couldn't move well and it was tough. Every step felt like it took so much more effort. I probably could have cut back a bit on the layers, but I have no experience with running in extreme cold like that and did not know what to wear.

Oh, and fortunately the zoo took really good care of the walkways, and there were a couple warmer days a few days prior that ice and snow were no issue at all. Just a few spots here and there to the sides that were easy to avoid.

 

[surfde22]

Funny that the question is about the coldest you've run in. I haven't been running for very long, and haven't done much winter running, but the coldest for me was actually just last week Sunday. I was registered for a local 5K at the zoo that I really wanted to do, and after signing up, the forecast kept going downhill and temps got colder. It ended up being -2 with a windchill around -20 on race morning. In terms of being warm enough, that wasn't an issue once the race started (fortunately we could wait inside beforehand), but I was so bundled up that I couldn't move well and it was tough. Every step felt like it took so much more effort. I probably could have cut back a bit on the layers, but I have no experience with running in extreme cold like that and did not know what to wear.

Oh, and fortunately the zoo took really good care of the walkways, and there were a couple warmer days a few days prior that ice and snow were no issue at all. Just a few spots here and there to the sides that were easy to avoid.

My coldest was this past Saturday. Sunday was supposed to be another run day, but it was just too cold after getting minor frostbite the day before.