The Running Thread - 2016

[Slogger]

@DopeyBadger ......those are interesting plans. Definitely different than what I have done in the past. Might have to give it a try.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[GreatLakes]

I have a running question for the experienced endurance runners that are oh so wise here: has anyone ever gone back to the beginning with a program such as couch to 5k with the intent of improving speed or form? After my half in April I'm thinking I'd like to focus on speed in shorter distances for a while, especially with the heat of the AZ summer rapidly approaching, making long runs much harder. Thanks for any advice!

Everyone is different but I don't think going back to the very beginning is necessary. I would recommend track work and hills to increase speed. I like doing 800, 400, and 20 meter repeats and try to go as fast as you can each time. Hill repeats are also a good idea. I have a few lung busting hills I use but for best results look for hills that change incline as opposed to stay at the same level the whole way up.

If the object is to increase time for shorter races I would shorten my long runs. If you are aiming for 5Ks I think shoot for runs between 3 and 6 miles.

 

[DopeyBadger]

@DopeyBadger ......those are interesting plans. Definitely different than what I have done in the past. Might have to give it a try.
Thanks for sharing!

No problem. Always enjoy learning more from others and helping others with things I've learned. Let me know if you decide to try something out new and want some more detailed advice.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Just in case anyone is looking for motivation for overcoming the odds during a race:

Yesterday was the World Half Marathon Championship. Arguably one of the top 3 favorites (Kamworor) fell at the sound of the starting gun when he tripped over the timing mat. He not only caught back up to the lead back, but he won the race with an astounding 59:10 time. Then when you see his knees were scraped and covered in blood it really adds to the amazing performance. Check out the link for a story and video of the fall...

http://www.letsrun.com/news/2016/03...g-trampled-world-half-marathon-championships/

 

[roxymama]

Attqotd: Easter bunny came this morning and hid eggs all over our house. Then I ran 5 miles (throwing my jacket at my porch on mile 3 because it was getting too warm.). Realized later I only needed 3 miles today because tapering is a thing (doh!). Then ham and lamb at the in-laws and then relax relax relax with basketball tonight. It's race week. 8k on Sunday. Eeeeeee. I'm excited for the expo because I like shopping a bit too much.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I've been lucky enough to do both and can confirm that they are excellent marathon events. MCM might be my favorite marathon, but Disney is not far behind.

Well, I have done Disney and I certainly hope to do MCM in the future as well. It ranks right below Boston on my list to do.

I have a running question for the experienced endurance runners that are oh so wise here: has anyone ever gone back to the beginning with a program such as couch to 5k with the intent of improving speed or form? After my half in April I'm thinking I'd like to focus on speed in shorter distances for a while, especially with the heat of the AZ summer rapidly approaching, making long runs much harder. Thanks for any advice!

Everyone is different but I don't think going back to the very beginning is necessary. I would recommend track work and hills to increase speed. I like doing 800, 400, and 20 meter repeats and try to go as fast as you can each time. Hill repeats are also a good idea. I have a few lung busting hills I use but for best results look for hills that change incline as opposed to stay at the same level the whole way up.

If the object is to increase time for shorter races I would shorten my long runs. If you are aiming for 5Ks I think shoot for runs between 3 and 6 miles.

I agree with Greatlakes in that everyone is different. I have gotten faster by running more miles. I guess the real question is, what is the goal? Are you trying to run longer distances faster or do you just want to run shorter distances faster?

For example, I am tossing around the idea of not doing any more marathons (non Disney because those I don't worry about speed) until I master the 1/2 marathon. And as GreatLakes also mentioned, track work and hill work will improve speed. It worked for me last year. Don't underestimate cross training as well. If you strengthen your core muscles, that help lift your legs when tired, that should help speed too. So it is hard to answer your question without knowing what the long-term goal is.

 

[IamTrike]

Well I just submitted my lottery application for the Marine Corps Marathon. I didn't get into Beach to Beacon through that lottery, hoping this one goes better

I submitted mine too.

ATTQOTD: I loathe cotton and denim. I attempt to avoid wearing them in any and all situations.

So you won't be signing up for one of my patented denim running singlets

QOTD: Easter weekend is upon us. I realize there are a number of things that make this event very different for different people. So my question is, what do you do for Easter weekend?

ATTQOTD: Being a Catholic in the south, it's a big event. Today is Good Friday and family gathering takes place after mass. Crawfish boil is usually the plan. Not much on Saturday, but the Crescent City Classic 10k is always the Saturday before Easter, so we head to NOLA for the race. Sunday is church, egg hunts, and candy for the kiddos. It's usually very nice weather and this year is no exception. So in short we spend a lot of time outdoors with family and friends.

We spend easter with my family. It's a weekend full of games, hunts and lots of driving. On Sunday someone usually presents the easter story. This year my daughter and her cousin did it with a flannel graph.

Everyone is different but I don't think going back to the very beginning is necessary. I would recommend track work and hills to increase speed. I like doing 800, 400, and 20 meter repeats and try to go as fast as you can each time. Hill repeats are also a good idea. I have a few lung busting hills I use but for best results look for hills that change incline as opposed to stay at the same level the whole way up.

If the object is to increase time for shorter races I would shorten my long runs. If you are aiming for 5Ks I think shoot for runs between 3 and 6 miles.

+1 on the hill and speedwork

 

[LSUlakes]

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

QOTD: Which season is your favorite for getting your runs in?

ATTQOTD: I prefer winter for the cooler temps around here. If we had snow I would imagine that would change the answer.

 

[ZellyB]

QOTD: Which season is your favorite for getting your runs in?

ATTQOTD: I'm a fall girl. Fall is just my favorite season in general, but I love the cooler temps that come after the dog days of running. It seems like coming off the summer training those initial cooler days make me feel like I'm incredibly strong and fast. I'm not, of course, but I love the illusion of it.

 

[LSUlakes]

@WhereInFlorida how did the marathon go?

 

[IamTrike]

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

QOTD: Which season is your favorite for getting your runs in?

ATTQOTD: I prefer winter for the cooler temps around here. If we had snow I would imagine that would change the answer.

Fall and or Spring. Cooler temps but not so cold I need to wear multiple layers.

 

[roxymama]

ATQQOTD: Beginning of Fall when it's still sunny late, it finally feels cooler than the summer, it's not as rainy as spring, and all the fun Autumn themed races. Last year I was in good shape in the fall so that may skew my answer. Also the leaves.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD: Which season is your favorite for getting your runs in?

Spring for me...not as hot as summer and there is something to be said for shaking off the winter and running in real running clothes again. Plus it means it is race season!

Missed the last week on here and I have a lot of catching up to do...hope everyone's running has been going well, especially those that have been fortunate enough to be racing already! Got my last huge run before Boston, nearly 24 miles at a 6:45 pace with over 1000' of elevation gain. Has me reconsidering my "take it easy and have fun" goal and instead thinking about a "sub-3 and have fun" goal instead I have a 30K race this weekend on a pretty hilly course so hoping it will be a good indication of where my race fitness is as I haven't actually done a road race in almost a whole year.

 

[Barca33Runner]

So you won't be signing up for one of my patented denim running singlets

It was meant to be a general comment on both materials, not really their suitability for running. The next time I see a person running in jeans on purpose will be the first time. Thanks for that image, but I'd probably go for the full Canadian tuxedo if I was really aiming for a luxurious running experience.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

ATTQOTD: Mine would be early winter. Its finally cool in Central Texas, its holiday season so there's generally a very positive vibe around and (if I"m running Marathon Weekend) there is that feeling of anticipation for the event.

I'm pretty sure I've shut it down for the year, so I'm kind of in this meh rut until I start ramping up for next year's Houston Marathon.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

It was meant to be a general comment on both materials, not really their suitability for running. The next time I see a person running in jeans on purpose will be the first time. Thanks for that image, but I'd probably go for the full Canadian tuxedo if I was really aiming for a luxurious running experience.

As a Canadian I can honestly say that the only person I can remember in full denim is Jay Leno. Real Canadians dress like this...

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: Which season is your favorite for getting your runs in?

I like the fall. Its cool but not too cold. The leaves are changing colors and its football season of course!

 

[Barca33Runner]

As a Canadian I can honestly say that the only person I can remember in full denim is Jay Leno. Real Canadians dress like this...

Realistically, it was just a matter of time before Don Cherry made an appearance in The Running Thread.

 

[Chaitali]

The Fall is my favorite running season as well. I like the cooler temperatures leading to my paces getting faster after the heat of the Summer. And Spring is hard on my allergies so that doesn't work as well for me.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

QOTD: Which season is your favorite for getting your runs in?

This has changed for me over the years. Now, summer would be my favorite.

I have always loved the summer, and running, but not running in the heat of summer. About 3 years ago I decided to trust a coach who told me that running slower in the heat was safer, and that I wouldn't lose any conditioning - the later being the more important to me at the time. He told me to train to a heart rate in the heat, not a pace. Since your body has to act like a radiator in the heat, training to a heart rate means that you will automatically slow down, but not so much that you lose conditioning. The key is that the runs should still be uncomfortable, but they shouldn't create the risk of heat injury. As soon as temperatures fell I found that my conditioning had actually improved over the summer, even though most of my runs were at a pace about 2 minutes per mile slower than in the Spring. I was faster and stronger, and my Fall runs felt easier than any runs had felt in many years.

I run effortlessly in the Winter, but I hate it. I sign up for Winter and Spring races just to make myself get out the door when it is cold and miserable outside.