The Running Thread - 2016

[derekleigh]

-6 degree was the coldest I've run in. That is a raw temp no WC. I know there was some wind but I never record that stuff as its too variable.

 

[bellrae]

Coldest I have ever run in was the marathon weekend 5km in January 2015! I was so keen to get into a hot shower I ran a PB

 

[SunDial]

Y'all run in some crazy cold weather. The coldest I have run in was last year's marathon weekend. For me that was nuts. Didn't like it. Hated waiting around for the start. 2010 I was a spectator. That year I thought everyone was insane.

 

[Krynn]

Krynn - Run the Bluegrass half marathon - 04/02/16 - 3:10

Wine and Dine 2015 was supposed to be my first half but we all know how that went ... so this will be my first half marathon! The day after Wine and Dine I got on the internet and found a half close to home about 3 weeks out and decided to run that since I was ready. I ended up spending the last night of my vacation at Celebration Hospital and came home to my Doctor recommending that I not run the race. So I am excitedly waiting for my first half.

 

[Berniemgr]

I'm a total baby when it comes to cold weather and I have no excuse after growing up in MN. Honestly, anything under about 35-40 has me inside on the TM. In fact, I put in 22 miles on a training run in Nov for the Marathon. Of course, I stared at 4am so I didn't have much competition for the machine.

But I will race in the cold. I did a Chocolate Run a few years back that started in the single digits with sub zero windchills. The race coordinators were encouraging people to bail at the 5K instead of finishing 15K. I stuck with it because at the time, it was my longest distance. My cocoa had ice cubes in it when I got it lol.

I force myself to run in the morning because I'm not a morning person, but I know if I don't, things are more likely to come up that prevent me from running in the evening. Or at least in the winter. In the summer, when I can still run outside at 8pm, I'd take that over the mornings.

The gym I'm at seems fairly laid back regarding time limits after hearing others' stories. No one really seems to worry too much. There's several of us that run longer distances at that location. I notice we all naturally try to stager our runs so that we're not hogs. But I made it very clear when I signed up that I was using the gym only for their treadmills. They were nice enough to agree to "divorce me" for 6 months a year, waive my dues, then reunite with me each fall for another round of treadmill use until spring comes back.

 

[ChattaDIS]

Krynn - Run the Bluegrass half marathon - 04/02/16 - 3:10

Wine and Dine 2015 was supposed to be my first half but we all know how that went ... so this will be my first half marathon! The day after Wine and Dine I got on the internet and found a half close to home about 3 weeks out and decided to run that since I was ready. I ended up spending the last night of my vacation at Celebration Hospital and came home to my Doctor recommending that I not run the race. So I am excitedly waiting for my first half.

Wow tough first half. Done it the last two years. Serious hills but definitely a great race

 

[bellrae]

Hey @LSUlakes - what do you think about adding something on the front post for all those that are in the NYC ballot? We seem to have quite a few reading through the thread. Just an idea

 

[FFigawi]

Hey @LSUlakes - what do you think about adding something on the front post for all those that are in the NYC ballot? We seem to have quite a few reading through the thread. Just an idea

Don't jinx yourself. I wouldn't add it until you're in.

 

[FFigawi]

Not running related but too funny not to share.

http://www.theonion.com/article/disney-world-opens-new-ordeal-kingdom-family-meltd-52230

 

[derekleigh]

I'm a total baby when it comes to cold weather and I have no excuse after growing up in MN. Honestly, anything under about 35-40 has me inside on the TM. In fact, I put in 22 miles on a training run in Nov for the Marathon. Of course, I stared at 4am so I didn't have much competition for the machine.

But I will race in the cold. I did a Chocolate Run a few years back that started in the single digits with sub zero windchills. The race coordinators were encouraging people to bail at the 5K instead of finishing 15K. I stuck with it because at the time, it was my longest distance. My cocoa had ice cubes in it when I got it lol.

5k mark?! That's when you are all warmed up! The Hot Chocolate 15K is something I'd love to do, but they don't travel too far north, or at least in the New England area.

22 miles on a treadmill?! Man that takes a lot!

 

[SunDial]

There was a Chocolate Sundae 5K in the park minutes from me. This past years finisher medal was a spoon. That was a nice run with ice cream when crossing the finish line. The company announced they will be staying local in the Orlando area. No more traveling.

 

[Anisum]

Do you guys using fitness watches? I currently use my iPhone but I'm considering switching. I want to be able to connect to runkeeper automatically since I use that to track my progress and I want something that's low maintenance? I don't want to have to worry about whether or not it'll last through a long run or whether or not the gps will work for an area I run in three times a week. Not sure how realistic that is though, so if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

 

[FFigawi]

Do you guys using fitness watches? I currently use my iPhone but I'm considering switching. I want to be able to connect to runkeeper automatically since I use that to track my progress and I want something that's low maintenance? I don't want to have to worry about whether or not it'll last through a long run or whether or not the gps will work for an area I run in three times a week. Not sure how realistic that is though, so if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

I use a Garmin 920xt and am very happy with it. I can record all of my workouts with ease, including all the data from my various sensors, after which they upload automatically to Garmin Connect and from there get sent to Training Peaks (where my coach and I schedule workouts and track my progress) without me ever having to lift a finger to press a button. Garmin Connect can also send workouts directly to Runkeeper. That said, the 920 is probably overkill for most people since it has many more features than they would ever need. In addition to whatever suggestions others here might have, I recommend paying a visit to DC Rainmaker's site. He's a gadget guy and reviews almost every sports watch and GPS device that gets released. You can find him at the link below. He's a great resource for any running, biking, or swimming gadget or training device.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com

 

[Anisum]

I use a Garmin 920xt and am very happy with it. I can record all of my workouts with ease, including all the data from my various sensors, after which they upload automatically to Garmin Connect and from there get sent to Training Peaks (where my coach and I schedule workouts and track my progress) without me ever having to lift a finger to press a button. Garmin Connect can also send workouts directly to Runkeeper. That said, the 920 is probably overkill for most people since it has many more features than they would ever need. In addition to whatever suggestions others here might have, I recommend paying a visit to DC Rainmaker's site. He's a gadget guy and reviews almost every sports watch and GPS device that gets released. You can find him at the link below. He's a great resource for any running, biking, or swimming gadget or training device.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com

That's a good site, thanks. I'm sure 920 is overkill for me but the amount it can track is impressive.

 

[camaker]

Do you guys using fitness watches? I currently use my iPhone but I'm considering switching. I want to be able to connect to runkeeper automatically since I use that to track my progress and I want something that's low maintenance? I don't want to have to worry about whether or not it'll last through a long run or whether or not the gps will work for an area I run in three times a week. Not sure how realistic that is though, so if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

I will wholeheartedly second @FFigawi's recommendation of the DC Rainmaker site. It is a fantastic resource.

I also use Garmin watches to track my running. I started with the Forerunner 220 and found it to be a great starting point and recently upgraded to the Forerunner 235 (Christmas present) and could not be happier.

 

[LSUlakes]

QOTD: Do you stay active on recovery/rest days?

ATTQOTD: For the most part no, but this year I am making an effort to use the weights at my house on one of my recovery days and at least one other day. The plan is for Sundays to be a complete day of rest and spending time with DW and DD.

I had a good 5 mile run yesterday evening. First two miles at a decent pace, miles 3&5 pushing fairly hard, and mile 4 a recovery mile. Overall pace was 7:46 / mile. I plan on another 5 tonight on the treadmill at the office at a recovery pace.

Hey @LSUlakes - what do you think about adding something on the front post for all those that are in the NYC ballot? We seem to have quite a few reading through the thread. Just an idea

I think I will go with @FFigawi on this one. When do they announace if your are in or not? I read an article recently that a lawsuit had been filed on the organization on the way they handle the registration process. Anyone have any concerns about it?

Don't jinx yourself. I wouldn't add it until you're in.

Do you guys using fitness watches? I currently use my iPhone but I'm considering switching. I want to be able to connect to runkeeper automatically since I use that to track my progress and I want something that's low maintenance? I don't want to have to worry about whether or not it'll last through a long run or whether or not the gps will work for an area I run in three times a week. Not sure how realistic that is though, so if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

I have a Garmin 620. I love Garmin products but wouldn't suggest this particular watch because newer watches have come recently that have many of the same functions and is much more affordable. Like others have said, dcrainmakers reviews are legit. Let us know what you end up with.

 

[DVCFan1994]

QOTD: Do you stay active on recovery/rest days?

ATTQOTD: For the most part no, but this year I am making an effort to use the weights at my house on one of my recovery days and at least one other day. The plan is for Sundays to be a complete day of rest and spending time with DW and DD.

I had a good 5 mile run yesterday evening. First two miles at a decent pace, miles 3&5 pushing fairly hard, and mile 4 a recovery mile. Overall pace was 7:46 / mile. I plan on another 5 tonight on the treadmill at the office at a recovery pace.

I think I will go with @FFigawi on this one. When do they announace if your are in or not? I read an article recently that a lawsuit had been filed on the organization on the way they handle the registration process. Anyone have any concerns about it?

I have a Garmin 620. I love Garmin products but wouldn't suggest this particular watch because newer watches have come recently that have many of the same functions and is much more affordable. Like others have said, dcrainmakers reviews are legit. Let us know what you end up with.

I usually have 1 day of total rest per week. I run 4 days a week, and cross train two days usually spin classes, sometimes swimming. Swimming is weird for me in that I dread it every time I plan on it, and bail maybe half the time, but I feel so good after doing it. I should do strength training more consistently, but my plan is usually to do it on Tuesday and Thursday, after shorter runs. My physical therapist just told me he wants me to modify my schedule to a 10 day cycle due to a rash of injuries. Haven't figured out how I will do that yet. He is accomplished runner and triathlete though, so I usually follow his advice even when it sounds crazy

 

[DVCFan1994]

Do you guys using fitness watches? I currently use my iPhone but I'm considering switching. I want to be able to connect to runkeeper automatically since I use that to track my progress and I want something that's low maintenance? I don't want to have to worry about whether or not it'll last through a long run or whether or not the gps will work for an area I run in three times a week. Not sure how realistic that is though, so if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

I too used DCrainmaker to make my decisions on watches. I started with the Garmin Forerunner 210. I like using heart rate zones for training, and I really got sick of that chest strap. I got the 225 in October which has wrist based heart rate. It has been very accurate in my opinion. I like it, and like @FFigawi said, I like that all I have to do is plug it in or connect it to my phone and my run data uploads everywhere I want it to go with no additional effort from me. I occasionally run in areas that do not have cell signal, or very weak signal but I've never had issues with the GPS watch. I can also go 3-5 runs depending on duration before I need to charge it. Longer if I turn off the bluetooth features. I'd say its definitely low maintenance.

 

[ZellyB]

Do you guys using fitness watches? I currently use my iPhone but I'm considering switching. I want to be able to connect to runkeeper automatically since I use that to track my progress and I want something that's low maintenance? I don't want to have to worry about whether or not it'll last through a long run or whether or not the gps will work for an area I run in three times a week. Not sure how realistic that is though, so if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them.

I have a Garmin 210 that I've had for a few years. It's been a great watch and a good workhorse. I'm looking at a 220 now though. Mostly I want the upload ability without having to plug into my computer. I also want faster satellite hook-up. Mine can be agonizingly slow sometimes. It's also got more options for the running display which I want. I did a comparison on features and while I considered some of the higher level watches, they really didn't add functionality that I would use. The Garmin site has a nice option to select up to 4 watches and do a compare of features side-by-side. Echoing about DC Rainmaker as well. Fantastic, detailed reviews with lots of pictures and even video.

QOTD: Do you stay active on recovery/rest days?

ATTQOTD: Nope but I need to. Of course, I've been saying that for years. At different times, I have mixed in some light weight-training but haven't been consistent. I really do have a goal this year to get more consistent on weights and to add in some yoga.

 

[LSUlakes]

ATTQOTD: Nope but I need to. Of course, I've been saying that for years. At different times, I have mixed in some light weight-training but haven't been consistent. I really do have a goal this year to get more consistent on weights and to add in some yoga.

Like you, I know it would do wonders for me, yet I keep pushing it off. Lets make it a goal to include some sort of weight lifting (or other non running activity) 2x per week. At least 30 minutes?