The Running Thread - 2016

[ZellyB]

This is why I run early in the morning:

There may be times I look suspiciously like "The Dandy".

 

[SplashRider]

Doesn't sound like a bad deal. You could probably find something for less money elsewhere, but you are paying a bit of a premium by purchasing at the LBS. For your first bike, that premium is worth it in my opinion. They will get you in the right bike and ensure the fit is good (sounds like they have already done this and know what they are doing), which makes sure you actually enjoy riding the bike instead of getting a "better" bike that doesn't fit right and collects dust. Trek is a good brand and the 1000 looks pretty good...aluminum frame paired with a carbon fork is a nice pick for your first bike.
If you feel good about it I say go for it!

I agree with everything @CheapRunnerMike said. Getting a good fitting is very important. The best bike is the one that fits you, not necessarily the "best" bike. I'd recommend going back to the shop after a month or two of riding it so they can adjust your fit again in case there is anything causing you discomfort. For gear and clothes, here's a list of things I think would be helpful for you.

- a quality helmet, the one area in which I wouldn't want to buy the cheapest one available
- a good set of clipless pedals, cleats, and shoes
- bib shorts (they stay in place better than ones without the bib)
- spare tube, CO2 cartridge, inflator for changing a flat on the road
- stand pump for your house
- new tires (you ought to be able to get the LBS to give you these as part of buying the bike unless you know the existing ones are new)

It's a pretty significant outlay to get started with a bike compared to a pair of socks and shoes with running, but aside from the tires, you shouldn't have to replace any of the gear for a long time.

This is all good advice. $450 is more than I would pay for a 10+ year old bike depending on components (see ebay for a good idea what people are asking for a similar bike, but note that even in that marketplace people have overhyped ideas about the value of their used equipment) but getting a good fitting bike is a great thing and if the store will support you for tune-ups for awhile that is even better. Negotiate with the store to get some of the items above thrown in for the $450 such as helmet, pedals, change kit.

Thanks for all your advice! I went ahead and bought the bike and necessary gear. I think it was definitely worth a little extra to have the help of the knowledgeable workers at the LBS. Even after spending quite a bit of time making sure the bike was right and the fit was adjusted properly yesterday, they spent almost two hours today walking me through what I did and didn't need to buy to start out. The owner even called around to other shops because they didn't have any women's shorts in my size. I ended up spending a little more to get a good helmet and most of the other stuff @FFigawi suggested. I did decide against the shoes and clipless pedals for now because of the additional cost, but may change that in the coming months. I can't wait to get out and ride!

Y'all.

That's all I've got.

The placement of the apostrophe is really critical, I think!

Oh man, please don't judge this ignorant northerner too harshly!

ATTQOTD: For western New York, where I've spent most of my life, I'd say the biggest thing is lake effect snow! The town I grew up in is also the hometown of Lucille Ball (Jamestown, NY). Oh, and buffalo wings!

Not sure what Gainesville would really be known for besides the University of Florida. Go Gators!

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD: What is something very unique to where you live that is not common in other parts of the country?

I live just outside of Hyde Park in London and get most of my runs in along the Thames River, but I'm not in England.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

I live just outside of Hyde Park in London and get most of my runs in along the Thames River, but I'm not in England.

I had to Google all that...I guess I learn something new every day!

 

[gjramsey]

Nothing like college sports to get people good and fired up. GEAUX TIGERS!

Wooooo Pig Sooie!!!!!

 

[PrincessV]

Oh man, please don't judge this ignorant northerner too harshly!

ATTQOTD: For western New York, where I've spent most of my life, I'd say the biggest thing is lake effect snow!

I'm originally from WNY too, and have to agree with you on the Lake Effect! I didn't know about y'all and all ya'll until I moved south

 

[Baloo in MI]

And you would be mistaken. Everyone knows the proper color is blue, maize & blue to be precise.

A Wolverine! This is what I love about the rivalry, distance makes no difference! While still living in California I often caught smack from Michigan fans while wearing MSU gear.

Sadly, now I must remind you of a punt gone wrong and a recent 89-73 basketball game!

Spartans Will!

 

[rteetz]

A Wolverine! This is what I love about the rivalry, distance makes no difference! While still living in California I often caught smack from Michigan fans while wearing MSU gear.

Sadly, now I must remind you of a punt gone wrong and a recent 89-73 basketball game!

Spartans Will!

I love a good rivalry. We don't have an in state one but the Badgers and gophers is a pretty good one for neighboring states.

 

[Mickey's sweetheart]

QOTTD: The Rocky Mountains!

 

[camaker]

QOTD: What is something very unique to where you live that is not common in other parts of the country?

Eastern North Carolina style barbecue. Vinegar-based shredded pork.

 

[Slogger]

ATTQOTD: I live in Grand Rapids which has recently been named Beer City USA. We have so many micro-breweries it's hard to keep track of them all, but I try! My current favorite beer is Founders All Day IPA. In the past, my beer drinking has gotten in the way of my running and vice versa, but I think I've finally found a healthy balance!

Beer City USA. Sounds like my kinda town. Any good running events in Grand Rapids that I need to put on the calendar?

 

[Slogger]

[QUOTE

QOTD: What is something very unique to where you live that is not common in other parts of the country?

[/QUOTE]

Our little town in Virginia was named a top 10 small town in America a few years ago.
Here in Central VA we get all 4 seasons. Probably best known for our history.
We have Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War history right in my backyard.
Go an hour south and you can be at the Capital of the Confederacy. Go an hour north and you can be at the capital of the US.
Virginia peanuts are popular a little further South, and obviously Chesapeake Bay oysters and crabs (and Old Bay) just to the North.

 

[Krynn]

QOTD: What is something very unique to where you live that is not common in other parts of the country?

The Goodyear blimp hangar is located nearby and the blimp is out flying frequently in the summer.

 

[cburnett11]

QOTD: What is something very unique to where you live that is not common in other parts of the country?

Louisville, KY. Home of the Hot Brown, Kentucky Derby (The derby festival has a full and miniMarathon associated with it. The mini began in 1974), Louisville Slugger bats, several bourbon brands, and Muhammad Ali.

 

[derekleigh]

QOTD: What is something very unique to where you live that is not common in other parts of the country?

Lakes Region area in NH? Motorcycle Week (aka Bike Week), Sled Dog Championships, and some other stuff I cannot think of at the moment!

 

[LSUlakes]

QOTD: Anyone have any tricks when motivation is lacking… the bed magnet is incredibly strong or you don’t feel like going for other reasons? What keeps you going? What do you think of to make you determined to get out there?

ATTQOTD: I got nothing, because I currently don't feel like getting out the door for a run. Not sure why, but I just feel tired every afternoon and motivation is lacking big time!

 

[Anisum]

QOTD: Anyone have any tricks when motivation is lacking… the bed magnet is incredibly strong or you don’t feel like going for other reasons? What keeps you going? What do you think of to make you determined to get out there?

Yes, I whine to my mother and that I really should run but I just don't feel like it until she guilts me into running.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

QOTD: Anyone have any tricks when motivation is lacking… the bed magnet is incredibly strong or you don’t feel like going for other reasons? What keeps you going? What do you think of to make you determined to get out there?

After so many decades I have learned not to tell myself that I have to work out. I tell myself that I want to work out. There is a very real difference. You are either committed to something, or you are not. Do you want to do this, or not. If not, stop pretending. That is usually enough to get me out the door.

I also remind myself that I will be very happy with myself if I work out, and very disappointed in myself if I do not.

 

[Barca33Runner]

QOTD: Anyone have any tricks when motivation is lacking… the bed magnet is incredibly strong or you don’t feel like going for other reasons? What keeps you going? What do you think of to make you determined to get out there?

I wish I had something for you, but motivation is always difficult for me. The motivation is there, it is just countered by copious amounts of laziness and apathy.

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: Anyone have any tricks when motivation is lacking… the bed magnet is incredibly strong or you don’t feel like going for other reasons? What keeps you going? What do you think of to make you determined to get out there?

I don't have much for this but I think a lot of it helps if you are registered for a race or not. Right now I'm not motivated to run because I don't have anything to run for right now. That should change come April of course.