The Running Thread - 2016

[DopeyBadger]

This is not specifically running related, but I wanted to share because I think it's applicable and easy to lose track of as we focus on our training goals, distances and paces while running. My wife is a HS principal in downtown Raleigh. As a result she has to park in a lot about a quarter mile away and walk in. Today as she crossed the street in front of her school in a crosswalk, with the light, she was hit by a car making a left turn with a driver looking for a parking space and not paying attention to what was in front of her.

Most, if not all of us, have to cross streets with or without lights and crosswalks during our running. I just want to emphasize how important it is to maintain situational awareness of the cars around us, regardless of the presence of a crosswalk, walk signal or traffic light. It just takes one stranger not paying attention to cause serious injury. When I come to an intersection with a car while running I try to make eye contact with the driver before crossing. Still, I've had a close call or two when my mind wandered and I didn't make sure to do that.

I'll also throw out how important it is to carry ID when you run, just in case. Keep in mind, too, that you may not be able to respond if an accident happens. I won't run without my Road ID. Whatever type you find you like, use it.

My wife will be fine. She was very fortunate to just sustain scrapes, bruises and strains. She hurts, but nothing is broken. If by sharing, even one injury is prevented, it will be worth it. I consider us all friends here and I don't want you or your families to have to deal with something like this.

I'm sad to hear this happened to your wife. Please send her my best. I've had a few close calls but count myself lucky to not have anything happen.

 

[croach]

This is not specifically running related, but I wanted to share because I think it's applicable and easy to lose track of as we focus on our training goals, distances and paces while running. My wife is a HS principal in downtown Raleigh. As a result she has to park in a lot about a quarter mile away and walk in. Today as she crossed the street in front of her school in a crosswalk, with the light, she was hit by a car making a left turn with a driver looking for a parking space and not paying attention to what was in front of her.

Most, if not all of us, have to cross streets with or without lights and crosswalks during our running. I just want to emphasize how important it is to maintain situational awareness of the cars around us, regardless of the presence of a crosswalk, walk signal or traffic light. It just takes one stranger not paying attention to cause serious injury. When I come to an intersection with a car while running I try to make eye contact with the driver before crossing. Still, I've had a close call or two when my mind wandered and I didn't make sure to do that.

I'll also throw out how important it is to carry ID when you run, just in case. Keep in mind, too, that you may not be able to respond if an accident happens. I won't run without my Road ID. Whatever type you find you like, use it.

My wife will be fine. She was very fortunate to just sustain scrapes, bruises and strains. She hurts, but nothing is broken. If by sharing, even one injury is prevented, it will be worth it. I consider us all friends here and I don't want you or your families to have to deal with something like this.

Holy crap that is scary. Very glad to here that she will be ok.

 

[opusone]

Most, if not all of us, have to cross streets with or without lights and crosswalks during our running. I just want to emphasize how important it is to maintain situational awareness of the cars around us, regardless of the presence of a crosswalk, walk signal or traffic light. It just takes one stranger not paying attention to cause serious injury. When I come to an intersection with a car while running I try to make eye contact with the driver before crossing. Still, I've had a close call or two when my mind wandered and I didn't make sure to do that.

I'm sad to hear this happened to your wife. Please send her my best. I've had a few close calls but count myself lucky to not have anything happen.

@camaker, I'm very glad to hear your wife is okay!

Many, many years ago (in fact, almost 20 years ago), I was walking through a crosswalk with the walk sign, when a taxi coming from the opposite direction was turning left (so across the crosswalk I was in). In any case, fortunately I was paying attention to him, but I really couldn't believe that he just kept coming. He clearly did not see me nor the 3-4 other people in the crosswalk (probably one person in front of me and 2-3 behind me). Anyway, he aimed right for me and kept on turning. When I realized he really wasn't stopping, my only option was to jump up onto the middle of his hood. When I did that, he definitely stopped, so it wasn't a big hit and I just slid back down his hood. At the time, I didn't think much about it, but over the years, I realized how bad it could have been if I wasn't paying attention. Needless to say, I am very careful now especially when running early in the morning, and if I don't make eye contact with the driver, I always assume they do not see me and, therefore, I stop.

 

[DopeyBadger]

It reminds me of the time I was at a crosswalk with a woman both stopped. Inexplicity she just started walking even though it was still a green light. Without thinking, I just reached out and grabbed her and pulled her back. Then a car went zooming by. I don't want to even wonder what would have happened if I weren't there.

 

[Chaitali]

@camaker Yikes, that's scary! I'm glad your wife is ok and I hope her recovery goes well.

 

[Miranda]

@camaker I'm glad your wife is going to be ok! How scary!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Today is a high of 89F and I didn't look ahead so I could plan a run this morning. It's gonna be hot!

We hit temps like that in MA today as well. It will be like this for the next few days at least. I have a fun in the morning, before it gets to hot.

QOTD: When at Disney, but not for a running event, what are some good running routes you have run or heard of? Can you run on the shoulder of roads?

ATTQOTD: After the marathon this year I managed to get one run in from the Wilderness lodge. They have a nice trail that leads to the campgrounds (which I got lost in). Saw a lot of wildlife and was surprised how tamed the deer are. Not sure what kind of deer they are, but they are small. Did see one white tail which is common in this area. Overall nice route.

I haven't run at Disney, other than for a race.

Oh good, I'm not the only one that runs on the outlawed back road at AKL

Is this the back road we ran for the marathon?

This is not specifically running related, but I wanted to share because I think it's applicable and easy to lose track of as we focus on our training goals, distances and paces while running. My wife is a HS principal in downtown Raleigh. As a result she has to park in a lot about a quarter mile away and walk in. Today as she crossed the street in front of her school in a crosswalk, with the light, she was hit by a car making a left turn with a driver looking for a parking space and not paying attention to what was in front of her.

Most, if not all of us, have to cross streets with or without lights and crosswalks during our running. I just want to emphasize how important it is to maintain situational awareness of the cars around us, regardless of the presence of a crosswalk, walk signal or traffic light. It just takes one stranger not paying attention to cause serious injury. When I come to an intersection with a car while running I try to make eye contact with the driver before crossing. Still, I've had a close call or two when my mind wandered and I didn't make sure to do that.

I'll also throw out how important it is to carry ID when you run, just in case. Keep in mind, too, that you may not be able to respond if an accident happens. I won't run without my Road ID. Whatever type you find you like, use it.

My wife will be fine. She was very fortunate to just sustain scrapes, bruises and strains. She hurts, but nothing is broken. If by sharing, even one injury is prevented, it will be worth it. I consider us all friends here and I don't want you or your families to have to deal with something like this.

I am sorry to hear what happened to your wife. I am glad she will be OK. Hug her very tight tonight because it is just a reminder that we never know when our time is up. Don't ever take it for granted.

I have almost been hit a few times during my runs. I keep on my toes for sure.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

@camaker - Hope that your wife is okay. I run trails most of the time because drivers do not look for pedestrians - EVER. I have been "almost" hit more times than I could count.

ATTQOTD - I have run most of the "official" WDW routes in/around the resorts and like them all, but my favorite is at CBR. As for running on the shoulders at WDW - what shoulders? Take a closer look next time. There are no shoulders. If you run in the streets, you will get killed by the buses.

 

[Chasing Dopey]

QOTD: When at Disney, but not for a running event, what are some good running routes you have run or heard of? Can you run on the shoulder of roads?

My first run that officially started my training for my first race ever was on the NB trail by the Wilderness Lodge last year, training for the Rebel Challenge in January. I took in some of the camp grounds as well, and of course got lost and went a lot farther than I was supposed to. Great memory!

But the winner goes to my brother-in-law, who, during some late extra magic hours and parades and fireworks... did... this...



(In 1:01:24, in case you were wondering.)

 

[FFigawi]

@camaker glad your wife isn't hurt badly

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

So scary about your wife @camaker but that's so great she will be OK. Definitely a good warning for runner. I bought myself a road id band, but I when I fitted it to me, I cut it too short and now it's a bit uncomfortable for a run. This is a good wake up call to get that taken care of!

 

[camaker]

So scary about your wife @camaker but that's so great she will be OK. Definitely a good warning for runner. I bought myself a road id band, but I when I fitted it to me, I cut it too short and now it's a bit uncomfortable for a run. This is a good wake up call to get that taken care of!

Thanks! I did the same thing with my RoadID band. Thought I'd measured properly and it ended up snugger than I'd like. It's still usable, though. One of these days I'll get around to ordering a replacement. Maybe in January when I can order a custom "Dopey" or "48.6" badge to go on it!!

 

[Barca33Runner]

But the winner goes to my brother-in-law, who, during some late extra magic hours and parades and fireworks... did... this...

I'm pretty sure the park portion of that map is what my brother-in-law and I did, separately, in the hour immediately following my sister's stroller getting mistakenly taken/stolen. We probably hit every inch of the park twice trying to find that thing with no luck.

 

[Keels]

QOTD: When at Disney, but not for a running event, what are some good running routes you have run or heard of? Can you run on the shoulder of roads?

My parents live EXACTLY five miles from their front door to the main entrance to La Nouba in Downtown Disney, and 5.1 miles from front door to lobby entrance of Saratoga Springs. Prior to Dopey, on long runs, I did either one or two out and backs from their house to Downtown Disney/Saratoga Springs and back. Basically, down Apopka-Vineland, up Hotel Plaza Boulevard and then pick which direction. It gave me locations for a real bathroom or a water refill if I needed it. It also had wide sidewalks, I only had to cross the road one time each way (at a light by my parents' house, pedestrian bridge on the Disney side) and was actually pretty shady.

If anyone is interested, I can post a map - you can just take a bus to Downtown Disney and get your run on.

 

[Anisum]

@camaker I'm so glad your wife will be all right. I think these are both very important things to note because I know I've nearly been clipped by drivers not looking when they back out of their driveway and I'm sure many others have similar experiences. I also can't recommend roadIDs highly enough. I have one for my shoe because I don't like when my wrists get sweaty from having too many things on them.

 

[LSUlakes]

In all honesty I wouldn't be too concerned about sticking 100% to a plan if you are at WDW during a recovery week. Sure, get a run or two in if you can, but don't force the issue. Enjoy the time with your family above all else, especially since it's the last time it will be just the three of you.
I've had trips where I've run a few times and trips I haven't run at all...both during marathon training blocks. What I found was the only good reason for me to run at Disney (besides rD of course) was to make more room for 'Ohana & Dole Whip

Speaking of this trip, DW is still in some form of denial that we are going. She says, well you never know what will happen, and something major financially could prevent the trip. I guess she has a point since we just moved and have to see how everything settles out each month. I think we are good though.... and even if not, its still worth the risk. BTW, I still haven't had a dole whip, I guess I have a new goal this year. I'm all about the cinnamon rolls in MK.

I have run around POR before. It's beautiful. I believe every resort has running trails, but I could be wrong. There should be a sign posted somewhere with a map.

Y'all are making me out of breath just reading about the temperatures. Anything over 60 is too hot for running, as far as I'm concerned! I eventually have to break down and do it when I'm training for a Disney half, but I do a lot of running on a treadmill or at sunrise in the summer.

We wont see temps below 60 until October if we are lucky here in Louisiana.

This is not specifically running related, but I wanted to share because I think it's applicable and easy to lose track of as we focus on our training goals, distances and paces while running. My wife is a HS principal in downtown Raleigh. As a result she has to park in a lot about a quarter mile away and walk in. Today as she crossed the street in front of her school in a crosswalk, with the light, she was hit by a car making a left turn with a driver looking for a parking space and not paying attention to what was in front of her.

Most, if not all of us, have to cross streets with or without lights and crosswalks during our running. I just want to emphasize how important it is to maintain situational awareness of the cars around us, regardless of the presence of a crosswalk, walk signal or traffic light. It just takes one stranger not paying attention to cause serious injury. When I come to an intersection with a car while running I try to make eye contact with the driver before crossing. Still, I've had a close call or two when my mind wandered and I didn't make sure to do that.

I'll also throw out how important it is to carry ID when you run, just in case. Keep in mind, too, that you may not be able to respond if an accident happens. I won't run without my Road ID. Whatever type you find you like, use it.

My wife will be fine. She was very fortunate to just sustain scrapes, bruises and strains. She hurts, but nothing is broken. If by sharing, even one injury is prevented, it will be worth it. I consider us all friends here and I don't want you or your families to have to deal with something like this.

Glad to hear your wife is okay. Scary stuff.

 

[LSUlakes]

This week we have the following folks with races at different places! Let me know if you would like to adjust your goal. Good luck to all and have a great race!

28 - @opusone - Western Springs Tower Trot 10k (46:00 / N/A)
28 - @Disney at Heart - Deep South 15k Trail Race (NG / N/A)
28 - @Dopey Devon - Liverpool R n R 5k (NG / N/A)
28 - LSUlakes - Jambalaya Festival 5k (22:30 / N/A)
29 - Dopey Devon - Liverpool R n R Half Marathon (NG / N/A)
29 - @SueInBoston - Boston Run to Remember Half Marathon (NG / N/A)
29 - @Miranda - Runners Alley/Redhook 5K (NG / N/A)
30 - @princessallison71 - Memorial Day Veterans 10K (1:00:00 / N/A)
30 - @SFGamerBabe - Bolder BOULDER 10K (58:55 / N/A)

I made a last minute decision to run a 5k Saturday as a tune up type run for next weeks Navy 10 NM.

 

[FFigawi]

Good luck everyone!

 

[LSUlakes]

QOTD: What are your running goals for the summer?

ATTQOTD: My goal is to continue to work on my base mileage and to get as many runs in at or below a 8 minute mile. The summer heat will make the pace part of things a little difficult, but I feel that I have to set a goal of some sort to have purpose for these runs.

 

[Chaitali]

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend! As far as Summer goals, this is a timely question since I just worked up some training plans for myself and some friends. Just maintaining my base for June and July (with a local 10k and 8k for fun) and getting back to doing speed work on the track. August and September will be a 10k training plan with a small, local 10k planned for the end of September. Then October and November will be jumping into training for the RnR Vegas Half.