The Running Thread - 2016

[preciouspups]

QOTD: What is you next vacation/trip you are going on that is not Disney or running related?

ATTQOTD: The next couple of trips I have planned are for either a running event, or a trip to Disney... So nothing planned outside of that.


Good luck again to all the racers this weekend and I hope everyone else has an enjoyable weekend.

My husband has his 30th class reunion over thanksgiving so I'm going to be forced to spend a holiday with my mil. Ugh! Not looking forward to this trip and I refuse to call it a vacation.

 

[SunDial]

QOTD: Have you ever gone on a run that you regretted?

Not really. More of the opposite regret. Planning a good run and not going on it.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Something off-topic/on-topic: My husband is running a 5k this weekend for a co-worker's charity and he had the choice to add $10 to his registration and receive a medal OR not. And as supplies last, you can decide to purchase the medal at the race for $10, cash or credit card accepted. Anyone ever heard of such a thing? It seems nice for people who would like to save some dough who do not care much about medals but also feels like it'd be a little weird to finish a race and then hand over your credit card... although I guess we do that often enough with beer, etc. ???

The local triathlon series offers the option of refusing your race t-shirt to save a few bucks, and they also have the option of running the event as a "supported training race", meaning no shirt, no medal and you are not listed on the official results. Not sure I'd ever opt for that and not sure how popular an option it really is.

 

[FFigawi]

The local triathlon series offers the option of refusing your race t-shirt to save a few bucks, and they also have the option of running the event as a "supported training race", meaning no shirt, no medal and you are not listed on the official results. Not sure I'd ever opt for that and not sure how popular an option it really is.

I'd probably opt for that if the discount was decent. Any races I do between now and November, for example, are purely for training and not for racing, so I'd be happy to save a few dollars and forego a shirt. I've got plenty of those as it is.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I'd probably opt for that if the discount was decent. Any races I do between now and November, for example, are purely for training and not for racing, so I'd be happy to save a few dollars and forego a shirt. I've got plenty of those as it is.

I never wear the shirts and a lot of the medals are forgetable so id be interested..

 

[Miranda]

My Maine Coast HM went so poorly. I finished, but it was terrible.

We have not been having super warm weather until the past week. Most runs and races have all been in like the 40's and low 50's up until now, and today there was not a cloud in the sky, and since this was on the coast, probably 85+% of the course was completely unshaded beach roads. The temps were up in the 70's by the time I finished in a slug-like 3:05:34 (so so far off my already slow PR of 2:45).

Around mile 10.5 I said f-it and was just going to walk the rest of the way. My walking intervals had gotten longer and longer and longer. I was covered in a salt crust (salt crumbling off me everywhere, face, legs, arms), my calves and the fronts of my ankles kept cramping up, and my Achilles was killing me. Every time I tried to stretch my calves on a curb, the front of my ankles would seize up from going into that position. It was awesome!

But then around mile 11, some ladies that I'd been yo-yo'ing with a little but left behind at the aid station around mile 10 finally came up behind me and were passing me and one of them gave me a hug and was like you got this, and she was encouraging me and asking me if I'd been taking enough fuel or salt (I had run out of fuel, I should have brought a 3rd pack), and she told me to stick with them. She gave me a shot block and really is the only reason I got across the finish line as soon as I did. I was really in a bad place when they came up on me and dragged me into their pack.

Now I am going to go ice my Achilles and question my life decisions that have 2 more HM this spring.

 

[DopeyBadger]

My Maine Coast HM went so poorly. I finished, but it was terrible.

We have not been having super warm weather until the past week. Most runs and races have all been in like the 40's and low 50's up until now, and today there was not a cloud in the sky, and since this was on the coast, probably 85+% of the course was completely unshaded beach roads. The temps were up in the 70's by the time I finished in a slug-like 3:05:34 (so so far off my already slow PR of 2:45).

Around mile 10.5 I said f-it and was just going to walk the rest of the way. My walking intervals had gotten longer and longer and longer. I was covered in a salt crust (salt crumbling off me everywhere, face, legs, arms), my calves and the fronts of my ankles kept cramping up, and my Achilles was killing me. Every time I tried to stretch my calves on a curb, the front of my ankles would seize up from going into that position. It was awesome!

But then around mile 11, some ladies that I'd been yo-yo'ing with a little but left behind at the aid station around mile 10 finally came up behind me and were passing me and one of them gave me a hug and was like you got this, and she was encouraging me and asking me if I'd been taking enough fuel or salt (I had run out of fuel, I should have brought a 3rd pack), and she told me to stick with them. She gave me a shot block and really is the only reason I got across the finish line as soon as I did. I was really in a bad place when they came up on me and dragged me into their pack.

Now I am going to go ice my Achilles and question my life decisions that have 2 more HM this spring.

I'm sorry to hear the race didn't go as well as you'd hoped. Congratulations on overcoming the obstacles of the race though. It can be so frustrating when the seasons start to change and things don't line up well for race day. Wishing you the best in your recovery!

 

[Chasing Dopey]

My Maine Coast HM went so poorly. I finished, but it was terrible.

We have not been having super warm weather until the past week. Most runs and races have all been in like the 40's and low 50's up until now, and today there was not a cloud in the sky, and since this was on the coast, probably 85+% of the course was completely unshaded beach roads. The temps were up in the 70's by the time I finished in a slug-like 3:05:34 (so so far off my already slow PR of 2:45).

Around mile 10.5 I said f-it and was just going to walk the rest of the way. My walking intervals had gotten longer and longer and longer. I was covered in a salt crust (salt crumbling off me everywhere, face, legs, arms), my calves and the fronts of my ankles kept cramping up, and my Achilles was killing me. Every time I tried to stretch my calves on a curb, the front of my ankles would seize up from going into that position. It was awesome!

But then around mile 11, some ladies that I'd been yo-yo'ing with a little but left behind at the aid station around mile 10 finally came up behind me and were passing me and one of them gave me a hug and was like you got this, and she was encouraging me and asking me if I'd been taking enough fuel or salt (I had run out of fuel, I should have brought a 3rd pack), and she told me to stick with them. She gave me a shot block and really is the only reason I got across the finish line as soon as I did. I was really in a bad place when they came up on me and dragged me into their pack.

Now I am going to go ice my Achilles and question my life decisions that have 2 more HM this spring.

My brother-in-law experienced that sudden temperature (and humidity) spike last fall. He said the end looked like a war zone, so staying in and finishing is no small thing! You should be proud of that.

Take care of that achilles! Careful how you stretch that calf, and don't forget to get your hamstrings, glutes, and back as well. Any tight point along the whole kinetic chain will pull on it.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

My Maine Coast HM went so poorly. I finished, but it was terrible.

We have not been having super warm weather until the past week. Most runs and races have all been in like the 40's and low 50's up until now, and today there was not a cloud in the sky, and since this was on the coast, probably 85+% of the course was completely unshaded beach roads. The temps were up in the 70's by the time I finished in a slug-like 3:05:34 (so so far off my already slow PR of 2:45).

Around mile 10.5 I said f-it and was just going to walk the rest of the way. My walking intervals had gotten longer and longer and longer. I was covered in a salt crust (salt crumbling off me everywhere, face, legs, arms), my calves and the fronts of my ankles kept cramping up, and my Achilles was killing me. Every time I tried to stretch my calves on a curb, the front of my ankles would seize up from going into that position. It was awesome!

But then around mile 11, some ladies that I'd been yo-yo'ing with a little but left behind at the aid station around mile 10 finally came up behind me and were passing me and one of them gave me a hug and was like you got this, and she was encouraging me and asking me if I'd been taking enough fuel or salt (I had run out of fuel, I should have brought a 3rd pack), and she told me to stick with them. She gave me a shot block and really is the only reason I got across the finish line as soon as I did. I was really in a bad place when they came up on me and dragged me into their pack.

Now I am going to go ice my Achilles and question my life decisions that have 2 more HM this spring.

Congrats on your finish! I love to hear of fellow racers helping each other out . I know I've gotten encouragement from a fellow racer right when I needed it, and it really does help. But you were the one to finish and you should be proud. I hope you get some good rest in for your achilles!

 

[Miranda]

I have a 5K in 2 weeks, and then another HM in 3... hopefully VT has a little more shade than the ME coast. Supposedly the course is mostly downhill, so that should be interesting. Hopefully the fronts of my ankles won't get so tired! I will take it easy this week and just yoga tomorrow, spin M/W, probably not run until Thursday at the earliest. And lots of stretch/foam roll and ice.

 

[Dis5150]

QOTD: What is you next vacation/trip you are going on that is not Disney or running related?

I am going to Colorado Springs over Memorial Weekend to visit my DD26! The SF Giants will be in Denver to play the Rockies so we are going to all 3 games. We are both very excited!

We are in Branson for my Diva Half tomorrow and drove the course after going to the expo. I have to say, the people who wrote the course description I posted the other day are big, fat liars!! It is nothing but hills! It will be a miracle if I finish under 3:00, let alone a 2:45! Well, we shall see how it goes. Race time weather is supposed to be 43 at start to 56 at finish with only 2-5 mph winds so that will help.

 

[michigandergirl]

I had an awesome race today at the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K! My official time is 2:42:54, which I'm very happy with. Also my half marathon split was a PR at 2:17:48!! My friend and I ran a very consistent 10:29 pace from start to finish - we both felt great the entire race, well except for a downpour at mile 13, but it was brief. The weather was certainly interesting. I think the crowd support was lacking this year due to the weather. My family opted to stay home and I don't blame them. It was barely 40 degrees at the start and we had wind gusts up to 30mph. Rain showers were forecasted but fortunately we only had the one. My hands were super frozen after the rain so I didn't stick around for my free beer post race, but I think I'll have one now.

 

[michigandergirl]

My Maine Coast HM went so poorly. I finished, but it was terrible.

We have not been having super warm weather until the past week. Most runs and races have all been in like the 40's and low 50's up until now, and today there was not a cloud in the sky, and since this was on the coast, probably 85+% of the course was completely unshaded beach roads. The temps were up in the 70's by the time I finished in a slug-like 3:05:34 (so so far off my already slow PR of 2:45).

Around mile 10.5 I said f-it and was just going to walk the rest of the way. My walking intervals had gotten longer and longer and longer. I was covered in a salt crust (salt crumbling off me everywhere, face, legs, arms), my calves and the fronts of my ankles kept cramping up, and my Achilles was killing me. Every time I tried to stretch my calves on a curb, the front of my ankles would seize up from going into that position. It was awesome!

But then around mile 11, some ladies that I'd been yo-yo'ing with a little but left behind at the aid station around mile 10 finally came up behind me and were passing me and one of them gave me a hug and was like you got this, and she was encouraging me and asking me if I'd been taking enough fuel or salt (I had run out of fuel, I should have brought a 3rd pack), and she told me to stick with them. She gave me a shot block and really is the only reason I got across the finish line as soon as I did. I was really in a bad place when they came up on me and dragged me into their pack.

Now I am going to go ice my Achilles and question my life decisions that have 2 more HM this spring.

Sorry you had a rough one! Congrats on your finish. Glad you had some support towards the end. I love the support runners give complete strangers, that's so awesome.

 

[Waiting2goback]

My Maine Coast HM went so poorly. I finished, but it was terrible.

We have not been having super warm weather until the past week. Most runs and races have all been in like the 40's and low 50's up until now, and today there was not a cloud in the sky, and since this was on the coast, probably 85+% of the course was completely unshaded beach roads. The temps were up in the 70's by the time I finished in a slug-like 3:05:34 (so so far off my already slow PR of 2:45).

Around mile 10.5 I said f-it and was just going to walk the rest of the way. My walking intervals had gotten longer and longer and longer. I was covered in a salt crust (salt crumbling off me everywhere, face, legs, arms), my calves and the fronts of my ankles kept cramping up, and my Achilles was killing me. Every time I tried to stretch my calves on a curb, the front of my ankles would seize up from going into that position. It was awesome!

But then around mile 11, some ladies that I'd been yo-yo'ing with a little but left behind at the aid station around mile 10 finally came up behind me and were passing me and one of them gave me a hug and was like you got this, and she was encouraging me and asking me if I'd been taking enough fuel or salt (I had run out of fuel, I should have brought a 3rd pack), and she told me to stick with them. She gave me a shot block and really is the only reason I got across the finish line as soon as I did. I was really in a bad place when they came up on me and dragged me into their pack.

Now I am going to go ice my Achilles and question my life decisions that have 2 more HM this spring.

I understand we like to judge ourselves by our times, and pace, etc... We have to measure it somehow because it keeps us working hard to try and improve. But what you can't measure is heart and character. I know, it sounds corny and cliché. But I get very philosophical at times and this is one of them. I always like to read people's stories of their races. It's great when they go perfectly and the person gets a PR. But it's also great when things don't go well and the person fights through it and finishes anyway. It shows what you're made of. None of what any of us does is easy. Finding the time in our busy lives to train is hard. Mile after mile of boring training runs (doing laps in parking lots for example) is hard. Racing in less than perfect conditions as michigandergirl describes below, not easy. And to do it for 13.1 miles is just amazing. You fought through when it would be easy to quit. While things didn't go well you pushed through and you have a reason to be proud. I hope when you are sitting there, and icing down your Achilles, that you realize that.

I had an awesome race today at the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K! My official time is 2:42:54, which I'm very happy with. Also my half marathon split was a PR at 2:17:48!! My friend and I ran a very consistent 10:29 pace from start to finish - we both felt great the entire race, well except for a downpour at mile 13, but it was brief. The weather was certainly interesting. I think the crowd support was lacking this year due to the weather. My family opted to stay home and I don't blame them. It was barely 40 degrees at the start and we had wind gusts up to 30mph. Rain showers were forecasted but fortunately we only had the one. My hands were super frozen after the rain so I didn't stick around for my free beer post race, but I think I'll have one now.

Congratulations on a good race and showing up in less than ideal conditions.


Most people in this country are always plopped on a couch watching TV and eating a bag of chips or some other junk food. Even on our worst days we are doing so much better than the majority of the people. We shouldn't forget that.

 

[Miranda]

Thanks everyone, I do feel better about it now. And now that I've been sitting on the couch for 7 hours after doing some icing and taking some Advil (with a few get up and walk breaks to stretch the legs and take the dog out and pick up some pizza ) my legs are actually feeling a lot better. A little stiff, but the stiffness walks out fairly quickly. I think yoga will feel nice tomorrow, as long as we don't have to do too many chair poses or anything.

I didn't do a lot of longer racing/runs in warm temps last year. I did Tink, and it was a very bad winter up here, so it was still kinda cold and we still had snow on the ground when I left for that. And then I only did 5K's and a couple 10K's and a 5M between Mother's Day and when I started hitting the longer runs for W&D at the end of September. I think I need to take more electrolytes or something. I am a very heavy sweat-er under even cooler conditions, in the heat it is just that much worse. I think some of my problems today stemmed from that. I did have Nuun in my 20oz handheld, but I didn't bring any extra tablets with me, and by the time I finished, I was on my second refill of the bottle. I took Gatorade at most of the stops with my water, too, but maybe I need to get salt tablets or carry more Nuun with me.

 

[Princess_Nikki]

QOTD: Have you ever gone on a run that you regretted?

All of them? Lol.

It always starts out rough for me, then I'm good!

 

[DVCFan1994]

My Maine Coast HM went so poorly. I finished, but it was terrible.

We have not been having super warm weather until the past week. Most runs and races have all been in like the 40's and low 50's up until now, and today there was not a cloud in the sky, and since this was on the coast, probably 85+% of the course was completely unshaded beach roads. The temps were up in the 70's by the time I finished in a slug-like 3:05:34 (so so far off my already slow PR of 2:45).

Around mile 10.5 I said f-it and was just going to walk the rest of the way. My walking intervals had gotten longer and longer and longer. I was covered in a salt crust (salt crumbling off me everywhere, face, legs, arms), my calves and the fronts of my ankles kept cramping up, and my Achilles was killing me. Every time I tried to stretch my calves on a curb, the front of my ankles would seize up from going into that position. It was awesome!

But then around mile 11, some ladies that I'd been yo-yo'ing with a little but left behind at the aid station around mile 10 finally came up behind me and were passing me and one of them gave me a hug and was like you got this, and she was encouraging me and asking me if I'd been taking enough fuel or salt (I had run out of fuel, I should have brought a 3rd pack), and she told me to stick with them. She gave me a shot block and really is the only reason I got across the finish line as soon as I did. I was really in a bad place when they came up on me and dragged me into their pack.

Now I am going to go ice my Achilles and question my life decisions that have 2 more HM this spring.

I was in Barrington NH today for a party and wow it was hot and humid! I know exactly what you mean about the abrupt weather change, we've had a mild winter, then a cool spring. And then suddenly this week a hot streak. It's really tough to acclimate that fast. With the trouble you've had with your Achilles lately, and the complete weather shift, I think the way you stick it out and finished is fantastic. I had a horrible race at my last PHM, so I understand the frustration with a race that didn't go as you hoped. But, it sounds like you conquered it, and finished despite the weather and your Achilles and ankle issues. Be proud of yourself for sticking it out and know the next races are new chances to improve.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

I had an awesome race today at the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K! My official time is 2:42:54, which I'm very happy with. Also my half marathon split was a PR at 2:17:48!! My friend and I ran a very consistent 10:29 pace from start to finish - we both felt great the entire race, well except for a downpour at mile 13, but it was brief. The weather was certainly interesting. I think the crowd support was lacking this year due to the weather. My family opted to stay home and I don't blame them. It was barely 40 degrees at the start and we had wind gusts up to 30mph. Rain showers were forecasted but fortunately we only had the one. My hands were super frozen after the rain so I didn't stick around for my free beer post race, but I think I'll have one now.

Congratulations on a great race!

 

[Baloo in MI]

QOTD: A non-Disney and non-running vacation. I actually leave for China on Monday for work, but we are getting about 5 days worth of time between our presentations to explore Shanghai and then Beijing. Should be an incredible trip!

Race report:
Today I ran the Grand Rapids 25K River Bank Run. I went into the race very anxious as I have not been running enough and the time goal I set in January was just not realistic. I decided this week to scrape that time and simply run the race by feel. I wanted to run it hard but smart. I am excited to say I ran my first negative split in quite awhile with my last two 5k's being faster than the first two! I finished with a time of 2:16:23 and actually passed the half marathon mark at a pace that I beleive is my second fastest! The last two miles I felt very strong. I think the weather helped some in that it was freezing, and I think I run better in cold weather. The only bummer of the day is that I talked my family into coming to the race and did not take into account the impact of the weather. It is about an hour and a half from my house and they had to leave pretty early. They stationed themselves at the finish and somehow I finished and they do not see me and I did not see them. My youngest daughter heard my name over the speakers but no high fives and hugs at the finish. And then the skies opened up and in the 40 degree weather it just began dumping rain and hail. When I finally connected with my family they were soaked and freezing! Beautiful course though, I will run this one again!

 

[michigandergirl]

QOTD: A non-Disney and non-running vacation. I actually leave for China on Monday for work, but we are getting about 5 days worth of time between our presentations to explore Shanghai and then Beijing. Should be an incredible trip!

Race report:
Today I ran the Grand Rapids 25K River Bank Run. I went into the race very anxious as I have not been running enough and the time goal I set in January was just not realistic. I decided this week to scrape that time and simply run the race by feel. I wanted to run it hard but smart. I am excited to say I ran my first negative split in quite awhile with my last two 5k's being faster than the first two! I finished with a time of 2:16:23 and actually passed the half marathon mark at a pace that I beleive is my second fastest! The last two miles I felt very strong. I think the weather helped some in that it was freezing, and I think I run better in cold weather. The only bummer of the day is that I talked my family into coming to the race and did not take into account the impact of the weather. It is about an hour and a half from my house and they had to leave pretty early. They stationed themselves at the finish and somehow I finished and they do not see me and I did not see them. My youngest daughter heard my name over the speakers but no high fives and hugs at the finish. And then the skies opened up and in the 40 degree weather it just began dumping rain and hail. When I finally connected with my family they were soaked and freezing! Beautiful course though, I will run this one again!

Congrats on a great race! The weather certainly helped me run faster too. This race always seems to have interesting weather and always with rain, so we've got that to look forward to next year.

Have a great time in China! We traveled there 7 years ago to adopt my daughter and we were able to do quite a bit of touring (Beijing, Nanjing, & Guangzhou). It is a beautiful country, so rich with culture, and the food is delicious.