The Running Thread - 2016

[roxymama]

Ok, I think I'm gonna take the advise above. If it's crummy out I'm just gonna take it easy and finish. If roads are good I'm gonna race. If I have a shot at an age group (aka this is a tiny race for my age group seemingly last few years) then I'm going to try my darndest to get a good time. And thanks for the advise on the clothing. I ran a cold race in November last year and I am remembering now what "too warm" felt like with "too bundled up." Luckily we can sit in our car up until the start...no corrals, tiny race, lots of parking.

I think on Sunday after the race I am going to do some crockpot cooking, go out for my easy easy LR, come back in to yummy smells and then eventually it'll be the super bowl in my sweat pants and slippers!

Thanks all. And sorry for taking over the thread this morning.

 

[FFigawi]

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

They sure do. One of them is even an ironman finisher that gave me a lot of good advice before my first half iron last fall. Most of them think I'm nuts for all the hours and miles I put in training indoors or running circles around parking lots, but they understand why I do it. I did manage to get one guy through his first marathon back in Sept and another one is going to run his first one in October. There's not much else to do in Erbil other than work and workout, so we all spend a lot of time in the gym or pool or talking about the other idiots in the gym or pool.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

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.

Sounds like you will get a chance to practice for a snowy run on Thursday since you expect snow on Wednesday. I would:

1 - Slow down running on snow, but not to a crawl. Just remember to keep all of your weight directly over your hips - no forward leans when running in slick conditions - and you should be fine. The practice on Thursday will help you get the feel for it, but running on snow is not a problem if it is packed or no deeper than 2 inches. Loose snow deeper than 2 inches is a far greater risk and results in pretty slow runs for me. If that happens, again, don't sweat it. Just slow down more.

2 - I would use the Thursday run in the snow as a practice run for the race - especially since you have no experience running in those conditions.

Finally - running in the snow can be fun. Just relax and enjoy the experience.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

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

Yup, I run every day at lunch so a lot of people see me going out. They think I'm crazy on these snowy -20ºC days. There are quite a few people who ask me about upcoming races, Disney races, etc, as well as a few people who ask for advice and even one guy who asked me to put a plan together for him.

Yesterday's QOTD: With all the talk about the beer mile recently, I thought this would be a good opportunity to ask this question. What is the most unique race that you have run outside of your standard 5k, 10k, 10 mile, half marathon, and full marathon? Exceptions to these distances could be if you had something you had to do during the race that makes it different.

I've done Around the Bay which is a 30K (almost 19 miles) and will be running it again this spring. It's claim to fame is that it is "Older than Boston" as it was first run in 1894 and is the oldest race in North America.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Not counting the beer mile which has already been discussed, I'd have to say the Naked Mile at Michigan. Originally organized by the crew teams, it was held around midnight on the last day of classes every spring and took us from one side of campus to the other past many bars where the patrons would come and line the streets to cheer and laugh. I'm sure the administration has shut it down by now, but it sure was a good time.

I've heard of Michigan's Naked Mile...Andy Potts was talking about it on a podcast I listen to from back in his Maize and Blue days. I'm sure it would be fun

 

[DopeyBadger]

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

Everyone knows I run at work because I talk about it all the time. When I first started everyone was supportive in my effort to lose weight but few were runners. Since I've done so well (at running and getting fitter) many others have also picked up running. I've been able to help many people through the beginning stages of running from getting out the door to 5Ks to marathoners. Everyone now bounces ideas off each other. Almost everyone is now moving to Hansons training methods because of the success I've had with it this past year.

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

1) I agree with @BuckeyeBama. Use Thursday as an experience run to see how you tolerate running in snow. Clothes are a personal preference. My singlet/long sleeve cutoff is 40 and my short/pants cutoff is 30. Because a 5K will generate a lot of heat, I would dress lighter than heavier if you are on the fence. Just have a jacket with you until a few minutes before the start, toss it to a friend, and then once finished have a jacket ready again. Also remember that while you have to run in snow and your times may be slower, so will your competitors. Some might not even show up. So if in past years, your best might have age placed, just remember that it might not take that time this year to still age place given the environmental conditions. Be cognizant of short quick steps that always stay below your body as well.

2) I would do the following...

Tuesday - Easy
Thursday - Easy (snow practice)
Saturday - Race
Sunday - Long Run (being cognizant of how you feel during)

 

[michigandergirl]

ATTQOTD:

Most of my coworkers know I run and most are very supportive, but I often hear things like, "I can't run" or "I could never run that far." Then they think I'm crazy for saying, "YES you can!!!" Before I signed up for the Disney marathon last May I had never ran more than 6 miles and mostly ran 5K's. I'm a firm believer in the old cliché "you can achieve anything if you just put your mind to it". Never say never people!

 

[Barca33Runner]

ATTQOTD:

Most people at my workplace, customers and coworkers, are aware of my running. Mainly because of my weight loss and change in appearance. I talk with them when someone asks about it, but don't go out of my way to bring it up. I do wear my race shirts to work sometimes (no attire requirements), so I probably get more questions when I am wearing them. If Dopey comes up it almost always draws "Are you crazy?" looks. Most people are like I was before I started running and wonder why anyone would ever voluntarily subject themselves to physical activity, but I haven't experienced any derision or hostility about it.

 

[Barca33Runner]

ATTQOTD:

Most of my coworkers know I run and most are very supportive, but I often hear things like, "I can't run" or "I could never run that far." Then they think I'm crazy for saying, "YES you can!!!" Before I signed up for the Disney marathon last May I had never ran more than 6 miles and mostly ran 5K's. I'm a firm believer in the old cliché "you can achieve anything if you just put your mind to it". Never say never people!

I get equal parts "I can't run" and "I could run that far, but I don't want to"; both make me want to scream, but for different reasons.

 

[roxymama]

I get equal parts "I can't run" and "I could run that far, but I don't want to"; both make me want to scream, but for different reasons.

I used to be SO GUILTY of telling the runners at my work "Once I get in shape I will start running/go to the gym, but I can't yet"...I realize in hindsight how odd of a mindset that was. And I hear it from other people now a lot too. Once I talked myself just into starting and easing into it I realized that "running/working out" can be anything from "very slow and for minute intervals" all the way up to "really gung-ho." I'm embarrassed a little by my previous attitude (deep down I wanted to be like them but I lacked confidence.)

 

[Barca33Runner]

I used to be SO GUILTY of telling the runners at my work "Once I get in shape I will start running/go to the gym, but I can't yet"...I realize in hindsight how odd of a mindset that was. And I hear it from other people now a lot too. Once I talked myself just into starting and easing into it I realized that "running/working out" can be anything from "very slow and for minute intervals" all the way up to "really gung-ho." I'm embarrassed a little by my previous attitude (deep down I wanted to be like them but I lacked confidence.)

I was probably guilty of both attitudes at different points in my life, so I get where they are coming from. I also understand how unhelpful both attitudes were for me personally, that's probably why it's frustrating.

 

[PrincessV]

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

ATTQOTD: Yes, I assume most know - I plaster my office with race bibs lol! Some ask about it, others never mention it. I'm not real sure what they think... a couple folks who are also active and competitive in other sports seem to have a good feel for the work that goes into running distance, while others don't seem to have a clue. But it's all good; I prefer to keep work and play separate for the most part, anyway.

ATTQOTD:

Most of my coworkers know I run and most are very supportive, but I often hear things like, "I can't run" or "I could never run that far." Then they think I'm crazy for saying, "YES you can!!!"

Yes, I've gotten that, too!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I get equal parts "I can't run" and "I could run that far, but I don't want to"; both make me want to scream, but for different reasons.

The most common comment that I get is along the lines of, "I don't run, and if you ever see me running you should too because something is chasing me".

 

[Baloo in MI]

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

Yes, most of the people I work with know I am a runner. I certainly get the "why would you want to do that" and "I would only run if I was being chased" comments. A few people get excited about my exploits. Mostly though I try not to talk too much about it. Besides the other runners most folks want the opportunity to say something "witty" and then have me drop it. I get way to excited about running and want to go on and on. I have to stop myself from becoming that guy!

 

[Baloo in MI]

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.

Others have likely already said this; I am not caught up on the thread right now. But cold weather racing can be tough. My advice, do not over dress. Wear layers and go with minimal clothing. You should be a bit cold at the start. Your body heat will warm you. Have warm clothes to put on afterward. As soon as you are done you will cool off fast. I have only run in one truly winter event and they did a great job with the race path. Just like any winter running slow before the turn, give yourself space from other runners and good socks! Don't be intimidated by weather, could lead to a really good time! Have a great race!

 

[LSUlakes]

Happy Friday to all! Got a easy 7 miler in yesterday on the treadmill @ 8:27 pace. 3-4 miles planned for this afternoon and lifting as well.

QOTD: What tips do you have for chaffing? What stories? When running distance, what has rubbed you raw... especially things you did not expect.

ATTQOTD: My tip would be, whenever you think you have rubbed enough body glide on, make a second pass. Two stories, the first is I was waiting for a friend around mile 23 of a marathon to run 2.5 miles with him and cut out before the finish. While waiting a guy wearing white shorts makes the corner and the back of his shorts were red. He obviously needed body glide. The other story is while I was running a marathon I ran in a singlet instead of a normal running shirt. I applied body glide everywhere I normally do, but unexpectedly starting chaffing in the area where ones triceps are. As the sweat evaporated, it just left salt on my arm which caused the friction. It burned like hell. Luckily around that point I passed a medical tent and grabbed some Vaseline and the problem was solved. Thank God for the volunteers and from that day on, if I run a long race or run in a singlet everything from my armpit to my elbow now get body glide to go with the normal areas of concern.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD: What tips do you have for chaffing? What stories? When running distance, what has rubbed you raw... especially things you did not expect.

No real revelations other than apply Body Glide everywhere. The singlet tip is a good one...I usually wear one during the warmer months and for nearly every race. I will apply BG from the pits to the elbow as well as the sides of my torso.
Triathlon adds so many more opportunities for chafing and I've been pretty lucky so far...one area to watch for is the collar with your wetsuit.

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: What tips do you have for chaffing? What stories? When running distance, what has rubbed you raw... especially things you did not expect.

I think I'm lucky here. I haven't had any problems with chaffing really while running.

 

[Anisum]

QOTD: What tips do you have for chaffing? What stories? When running distance, what has rubbed you raw... especially things you did not expect.

I second everyone with body glide and for me undergarments that don't have seams everywhere. The worst chaffing was from my fitbit zip when I used to hook it on my pants. It would start to chafe after mile 3 or so. Now I clip it on my sports bra in a spot that doesn't touch my skin. One time I did chafe from my sports bra itself because the hooks on the back folded over without my noticing and dug into my skin on a 10mi run.

 

[derekleigh]

Happy Friday to all! Got a easy 7 miler in yesterday on the treadmill @ 8:27 pace. 3-4 miles planned for this afternoon and lifting as well.

QOTD: What tips do you have for chaffing? What stories? When running distance, what has rubbed you raw... especially things you did not expect.

Usually anything up to a half distance, compression shorts under my regular shorts will be fine. However I've become more aware of the condition of those said compression shorts. Here goes: I had a very well worn in pair and one day I noticed a small spilt in the seam that would set in the upper-inner thigh (crotch). I figured it be no big deal as I was simply going for a simple 4-miler. I was wrong. I might as well as I had a cheese grater down there because it HURT and was RAW for days!

Up until my training for my first marathon, I laughed at those stories of people's nips chaffing as I figured I've run many half marathons and haven't ever experienced! Oh my my my my...I experienced when I went out on my first ever 15-miler. Ever since, if I'm running on a hot/humid day or running anything last more than 13 miles of two hours, I tape those bad boys up!