The Running Thread - 2016

[LSUlakes]

I had a stretch goal that would've required everything to be perfect. Given that it was my first marathon, it probably wasn't going to happen. My more reasonable goal was to break 4 hours. I was under that pace and running very comfortably (holding back intentionally so that I could hopefully run negative splits during the 2nd half... haha!) until I got into AK. In AK, I looked at my watch and noticed my current mile pace was about 35 seconds slower than I had been running for 12+ miles. I knew I could increase my pace, but I couldn't really figure out what caused me to immediately be slower with what seemed like the same effort. As I exited AK I began to increase my effort but I only could get back to the level of what I had run through 12 miles and it became increasingly apparent that the 2nd half waas going to be tougher. Somewhere about mile 15 I convinced myself that if I walked after a water stop, that I could regain composure and start grooving again. It also was at an overpass, so I told myself that going down the hill was going to jump start me. Not so much. The next several miles went like this... Oh, I can still finish in just over 4 hours, then I thought I could break 410, and then finally it became how many walk breaks can I manage and still get under 415. Well apparently I took 1 walk break too many because I didn't account for the fact that I wasn't going to be running 26.2, but rather 26.39...

At any rate it's amazing how much the experience can go from "that sucked" shortly after the finish line, to when can I sign up to do it again over the course of about 24-48 hours.

Chatting with other runners the next day (oh how beautiful the race would've been on Monday morning!), I learned how big an impact the humidity may have had on me. At least I'm telling myself that. It seems like the majority of runners were a little slower this year.

I had enough training and a race or two leading up the marathon that indicated that 3:30 to 3:35 was a goal within reach. Reading your comments above are almost exactly how things went for me. I knew I was in trouble, and I was pretty sure the weather had a big role in that. I walked a lot of the water stops on the last ~9 miles or so. At that point, I had kinda gave up, and was a bit down about the race. 4 hours became my goal, but having had run a marathon I knew my watch was going to be off and I planned a extra 1/4 mile to my math. Came in with a crowd pleasing 3:59:12. Way off my goal. I don't think that 25-30 minute gap was all weather, but I would guess 75% of it. Still enjoyed the whole experience, and now its just time to get ready for the next big race.

Also, the weather on Monday would have been much better for a marathon... so much better.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

It's interesting how many people experienced a similar spot in the race where they started to struggle. Mine too was just after leaving AK. I hit Osceola Pkway and this little voice in side my head said, "I don't want to be doing this anymore." I was toast after that.

 

[Berniemgr]

QOTD: What is the most unique race that you have run outside of your standard 5k, 10k, 10 mile, half marathon, and full marathon?

I haven't done it, but I'm intrigued by the Beat the Blearch series -http://www.beattheblerch.com/ I get the impression its the only race that might sell out faster than Disney. It's on my bucket list for sometime in the future.

 

[Baloo in MI]

QOTD: Interesting Races. Unfortunately nothing out if the ordinary for me. Not much of a contributor this time!

 

[LSUlakes]

Good morning folks. Yesterday was a rest day, but I did get in 40 minutes of weight lifting. Since its been forever since I have done so, I am feeling a little sore today. I have 7 miles planned for this afternoon with 2 of them at HMRP. Hopefully I will be able to get them done outdoors instead of the TM.

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

ATTQOTD: Yes. A few of them. Usually they try to make a witty comment about running. Something along the lines of, what are you running from? Do you get tired? How far is this marathon? You should just run to work... Most of them don't understand why I would put that much effort into something.

 

[surfde22]

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

The people on my team know I run and think I'm crazy for even considering doing Dopey, but are surprisingly supportive. I have one that checks in every couple of days to make sure I'm not falling off of my training.

 

[dsnyfn1022]

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

Nope. I try not to talk about running at work. I'm currently losing weight and I don't like to talk about working out, eating or anything. I don't mind with certain groups but at work I prefer to leave that personal aspect private. I don't think anyone would really care anyway.

 

[roxymama]

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

I would say probably about 6 people know that I run...maybe more. I have a few detractors who think its weird that I run "just" 5k's or think it's weird that I get medals for not winning or wear sparkle skirts (as far as I know these detractors do not run.) And yes I get made fun of for my disney character running pictures of which I truly don't care. There are a few fellows and one women who are runners and they are very very very very supportive and have also ran overlapping races with me throughout last year. All of them run longer distances than me and are for sure faster, and yet have never belittled me for becoming a new runner last year.

I tend to only talk about it when someone asks though or if someone says they are thinking about trying it. There's a fellow who has every race bib on his cubicle so it is nice to have some "go to"/veteran people for advise with Chicago specific races and expos, etc.

 

[LSUlakes]

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

I would say probably about 6 people know that I run...maybe more. I have a few detractors who think its weird that I run "just" 5k's or think it's weird that I get medals for not winning or wear sparkle skirts (as far as I know these detractors do not run.) And yes I get made fun of for my disney character running pictures of which I truly don't care. There are a few fellows and one women who are runners and they are very very very very supportive and have also ran overlapping races with me throughout last year. All of them run longer distances than me and are for sure faster, and yet have never belittled me for becoming a new runner last year.

I tend to only talk about it when someone asks though or if someone says they are thinking about trying it. There's a fellow who has every race bib on his cubicle so it is nice to have some "go to"/veteran people for advise with Chicago specific races and expos, etc.

I have never come across a fellow runner that came off as "I'm to good for you" type. In fact, I have found the more experienced runners usually are more supportive of our accomplishments and very willing to listen and advise to help you reach your next goal. The guy who wins your normal half or full marathon are normally very humble.

 

[ZellyB]

Good morning folks. Yesterday was a rest day, but I did get in 40 minutes of weight lifting. Since its been forever since I have done so, I am feeling a little sore today. I have 7 miles planned for this afternoon with 2 of them at HMRP. Hopefully I will be able to get them done outdoors instead of the TM.

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

OK, I'm a loser already on my weights. I was planning to lift yesterday but we had a bit of a crisis the night before and I wasn't in bed until well after midnight. That 5:00 AM workout wasn't going to happen. But I AM going to do this. Congrats on getting yours started.

ATTQOTD: Yes. Quite a few do know. I don't talk a lot about it, but if anyone comes in my office they see my frame and medal from my first marathon, so they often ask. Most are supportive. I've never had anyone say anything bad or scoff about it.

 

[Anisum]

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

Yes, a lot of my co-workers know because when I started it was a big deal for me because I could hardly do a mile in high school. I try not to bring it up unless someone asks. Most are supportive though and encouraging me. I have one co-worker who is a runner (he does a lot of Disney races as well) and he's really good at offering advice and such. He's the one who mentors me on the ins and outs of running when I forget to ask on here.

 

[roxymama]

Can I ask all of you two running questions in regards to my race two Sat's from now?

1) This is my first true winter running a race (last year I was 100% treadmill and no races at this time.) I have a race 2/6. There will be snow 2/3 and then cloudy through race day with PM snow possible that day. And temp is 28 degrees. Does anyone have any tips for "racing" when road conditions may not be the best...also clothing. I've run outside but at my easy pace and not at my race pace. I have a shot at age grouping based on the results from last few years. BUT only if I would be going my balls to the wall race pace. And I worry about that being bad with bad roads.

2) I normally do my weeks as "easy run Tuesday", "speed workout ~3 miles Thursday" and "long run - medium pace Sat or Sun" Since I'm supposed to be doing more mileage than a 5k and at slower pace....should I just change race week to have my long run on Thursday and treat my race like my "speedy 3 miles" that's normally on Thursdays? Or am I over thinking this. I can technically run extra miles the day after the race if needed too.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

ATTQOTD - My immediate team is familiar with my running. I also have a guy on my team who is a triathlete so running/training talk happens every now and then. They are all supportive and occasionally will ask questions and occasionally give me a friendly hard time about it, but its all in good fun.

 

[rteetz]

OTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

Well I'm in high school so I'll answer this as do people at school know you run.

Yes they do. They ask about my Disney runs because they know when I'm gone. It's usually only my friends who ask about it at all though. Most think I'm crazy for having a Disney addiction and running a half marathon.

 

[gjramsey]

ATTQOTD - most of the team knows I run, and some are supportive and ask questions about training and races. Some believe I am insane. Some races I will bring the medals into the office.

 

[derekleigh]

Can I ask all of you two running questions in regards to my race two Sat's from now?

1) This is my first true winter running a race (last year I was 100% treadmill and no races at this time.) I have a race 2/6. There will be snow 2/3 and then cloudy through race day with PM snow possible that day. And temp is 28 degrees. Does anyone have any tips for "racing" when road conditions may not be the best...also clothing. I've run outside but at my easy pace and not at my race pace. I have a shot at age grouping based on the results from last few years. BUT only if I would be going my balls to the wall race pace. And I worry about that being bad with bad roads.

2) I normally do my weeks as "easy run Tuesday", "speed workout ~3 miles Thursday" and "long run - medium pace Sat or Sun" Since I'm supposed to be doing more mileage than a 5k and at slower pace....should I just change race week to have my long run on Thursday and treat my race like my "speedy 3 miles" that's normally on Thursdays? Or am I over thinking this. I can technically run extra miles the day after the race if needed too.

Just my $.02, so with that said:

1) If the road conditions COULD be bad, you probably will not know for sure until the day of the race. So play this by ear. IF the road conditions are slick/snow/bad don't go balls to the wall hard as no race is worth an injury. Clothing-wise, if its a 5K, you should feel a little cold pre-race, but not bitterly cold. You should not real all warm and cozy pre-race. However, if the roads are bad, dress comfortably and run the race by feel and whatever time you get, you get.

2) Having your "Speedy 3" on race day would be what I would do. I might opt to have your long-run earlier in the week but maybe cut it down (what is a long run usually for you - 8, 10, 16 miles?) so you're not burned out for the race. OR Do your long run VERY early in the week, easy-run mid-week and "speedy 3" on race day. If you need to make up more miles, do them at an easy pace the day after the race then start back to your normal schedule. You'd have two easy-runs back-to-back but because they'd be coming right off a race, it would be more like active recovery. But listen to your body first and foremost.

 

[roxymama]

I have never come across a fellow runner that came off as "I'm to good for you" type. In fact, I have found the more experienced runners usually are more supportive of our accomplishments and very willing to listen and advise to help you reach your next goal. The guy who wins your normal half or full marathon are normally very humble.

I couldn't agree with you more! Anyone I've met here or in the non-internet world who likes to run is always at the ready to tell me about a race I should try or a technique or a product that helps, etc. It's a bit different than the competitive dance world I came from earlier in my life. (that world had great people but loads of snobs and exclusiveness too)

 

[LSUlakes]

OK, I'm a loser already on my weights. I was planning to lift yesterday but we had a bit of a crisis the night before and I wasn't in bed until well after midnight. That 5:00 AM workout wasn't going to happen. But I AM going to do this. Congrats on getting yours started.

Sorry you had a rough night, hopefully things improved and you can get that workout in soon. Thanks

Can I ask all of you two running questions in regards to my race two Sat's from now?

1) This is my first true winter running a race (last year I was 100% treadmill and no races at this time.) I have a race 2/6. There will be snow 2/3 and then cloudy through race day with PM snow possible that day. And temp is 28 degrees. Does anyone have any tips for "racing" when road conditions may not be the best...also clothing. I've run outside but at my easy pace and not at my race pace. I have a shot at age grouping based on the results from last few years. BUT only if I would be going my balls to the wall race pace. And I worry about that being bad with bad roads.

2) I normally do my weeks as "easy run Tuesday", "speed workout ~3 miles Thursday" and "long run - medium pace Sat or Sun" Since I'm supposed to be doing more mileage than a 5k and at slower pace....should I just change race week to have my long run on Thursday and treat my race like my "speedy 3 miles" that's normally on Thursdays? Or am I over thinking this. I can technically run extra miles the day after the race if needed too.

1) I know nothing of running in the snow/ice. If any form of precipitation falls in a solid state around here, everything shuts down. We have no idea what we are doing and lack the equipment to properly prepare for it.

2) I would run your normal schedule, but go for a very easy long run the day after the 5k.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?.

Yes, well the men. The men in at my place of business talk about sports and workouts all the time. Fitness is important to most of my co-workers. I know what they do, and they know that I do P90X and run. Very few women at my place of business talk about exercise. Not sure why, because most look pretty fit. Maybe they talk about it among themselves?

 

[sidrich]

QOTD: Do people at work know you run? Do they ever ask about it? What do they think about it?

Yes, a couple know. I get asked occasionally how the training is going- because they know I'm doing a race at Disney. Quite a few are runners themselves so they think it's great. One colleague used the knowledge to rope me into volunteering for the Hudson Marathon/Half Marathon (they end in the same place). My post was at mile~21 for the marathoners and mile ~8 for the half marathoners, directing traffic (which I got really good at, it's like reverse Frogger). I have to say, the half marathoners were all cheerful and waving and thanking me- and the poor marathoners looked liked they'd walked 20 miles in the valley of the shadow of death. Made me glad I'm only running 13.1 miles. That distance sounds perfect.