The Running Thread - 2016

[opusone]

I also wanted to let you guys know that my grandma past away yesterday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was an amazing woman. She was also on the trip with me in 2015 for my first WDW race. She is in a better place now and doesn't have to suffer anymore.

Sorry @rteetz.

 

[Mickey's sweetheart]

AQOTD: At the Bolder Boulder last week, I saw people handing out vodka, tequila, and beer. There was also Doritos, bacon, marshmallows, and Popsicles.

 

[FFigawi]

I also wanted to let you guys know that my grandma past away yesterday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was an amazing woman. She was also on the trip with me in 2015 for my first WDW race. She is in a better place now and doesn't have to suffer anymore.

Sorry for your loss

 

[FFigawi]

Things I've seen being handed out at races: beer, pizza, PB&J, meat loaf, soup, potatoes, BBQ, candy, hugs/kisses, mimosas, margaritas, rum & coke - all of which have sounded good at one time or another.

 

[Anisum]

So this weekend my official time was 1:17.06. This is a PR but I'm a little disappointed for a few reasons. The first being that my chip didn't go off at the end so my actual time was probably in the 1:16.50 range based on when I crossed the start which is a small difference but I want that little boost so I could have said I was sub 1:17 (my garmin came in a 1:17.03 but I didn't turn it off until after I grabbed my water at the finish). The second is that I was on track to do a lot better until the heat/humidity started kicking up. I got to that point where your core temperature is too high and you feel both hot and cold and clammy at the same time. I ended up having to run/walk my way from about 4.5-5.8 before running to the finish. On the one hand I wish I had pushed more because I think I could have broken 1:15 but I know it would have been bad for my body so... I guess I have to run a 10k in the fall when it's not so hot.

EDIT: I almost forgot I met these two women who highly recommend listening to trashy romance audiobooks while running because it's not mentally taxing and can be quite hilarious.

It is our first. He arrived at 1:02pm central today, and is currently sleeping soundly. He weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 20.5 inches long. Mom had a rough go of it, but is slowly getting better. Before long it will be time to start his training for the diaper dash in January. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.

Congratulations! I hope you guys get some rest and enjoy your family time.

QOTD: What are some unique items you have seen being handed out to runners during a race?

During a race I've seen ice pops and munchkins which I think were the most interesting. Also 'pixie dust' at Tinkerbell Half this year courtesy of two kids. Our hotel shower was a bit glittery after that.

I also wanted to let you guys know that my grandma past away yesterday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was an amazing woman. She was also on the trip with me in 2015 for my first WDW race. She is in a better place now and doesn't have to suffer anymore.

Sorry for your loss! I'm glad she got to see you run.

 

[croach]

I also wanted to let you guys know that my grandma past away yesterday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was an amazing woman. She was also on the trip with me in 2015 for my first WDW race. She is in a better place now and doesn't have to suffer anymore.

Sorry to hear about the passing of your grandma. Nice memory to have of her.

 

[Anisum]

Things I've seen being handed out at races: beer, pizza, PB&J, meat loaf, soup, potatoes, BBQ, candy, hugs/kisses, mimosas, margaritas, rum & coke - all of which have sounded good at one time or another.

I was thinking about potatoes being handed out at races because a friend mentioned it. What form were the potatoes in? I feel like potato skins or baked potato may be the most transportable other than fries but I feel like I'd rather mashed during a run.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

I'm so sorry for your loss @rteetz It sounds like you are trying to have a positive attitude- focusing on the good memories you have with her. You will cherish those your whole life.

 

[croach]

ATTQOTD: nothing terribly crazy but I've seen donut holes, beer, tequila shots, Fireball shots, wine (alcohol seems to be a theme), bowls of candy. My favorite thing though is cold, wet sponges at WWOS during the marathon. Wish more people would think of that one.

 

[FFigawi]

I was thinking about potatoes being handed out at races because a friend mentioned it. What form were the potatoes in? I feel like potato skins or baked potato may be the most transportable other than fries but I feel like I'd rather mashed during a run.

Boiled & salted. Perfectly bite size for grabbing a few on the go.

 

[roxymama]

I will be praying for your family today @rteetz Sorry for your loss.

 

[Anisum]

Boiled & salted. Perfectly bite size for grabbing a few on the go.

Ahh, I didn't even think of that. Since we're on the subject how was the soup presented? Cups?

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

ATTQOTD: I have to agree with @Anisum with the pixie dust at Tink, other than that I have only seen candy and pretzels.


Friday's ATTQOTD: My first race was The Bridge of Lions 5k last July. I made so many rookie mistakes, I got there way too early. Then during the race the first mile was across the bridge (I had never run a hill before) and I didn't pace myself. I ended up running that mile 2 minutes faster than I had ever ran before. I paid for that later. But we had a good time and I came right home and signed up for my next race.

 

[PrincessV]

Hello! I just registered for the Walt Disney World Marathon! It will be my first marathon but not my first run Disney event. I did the Princess in 2011 and the Wine and Dine in 2012. I've been wanting to do the coast to coast challenge and even signed up for the Tinker Bell half for last year but couldn't get into the Wine and Dine so i didn't go to the Tinker Bell Any way next year I decided I will get that coast to coast medal (so that would be my bucket list item!) I'm doing the marathon and Tinker Bell. Since this is my first marathon I was wondering if any one has any tips (I tried looking through the pages but there are so many). Thanks!

I ran my first full this past Jan at WDW! I'll mostly echo what's been said already: a full is more than 2 halfs, find a plan that sounds like it'll work for you and trust it, test things like pace/fuel/clothing/gadgets in training, etc. I'll share that in my personal experience, I found the full to be much easier than I expected. Training was a challenge thanks to an extra long spell of summer heat here in FL and my slow pace: trying to pull off 20 miles in temps that never dropped below 75 was HARD. But it finally cooled off for my 22-miler and that was the one that made me realize I could go 26+, no problem. My takeaway was that the training WILL pay off, even if it sometimes doesn't feel like it will!

I have seen a number of people state that they use salt tabs or suggest their use. What symptoms would indicate the need for them? I'm always willing to try something new, but I'd like to make sure I'm addressing a need for something like this.

My usual caveat: I run in extreme heat and humidity, so my case is likely not the norm. I was struggling through long summer runs and told my doc about the symptoms I was having: sweat slowing down significantly, chills, tunnel vision, confusion, heart feeling extra pound-y, dizziness... and she immediately asked, "what's your salt intake like?" It was pretty minimal: I don't add any salt to my food and eat mostly fresh vegetables and whole grains, so I generally come in pretty low in sodium. She told me to add some salt to foods where I can and to start using electrolytes before, during and after I run... I did and all the symptoms stopped. I've also done the math a few times each summer and have found that I easily go through 8-10% of my body weight in fluid loss on a 10ish mile run in summer, so I make sure I'm replenishing as much of that as I can with Nuun. Makes a BIG difference in how I feel on the run and in the days after. In winter, when I don't sweat anywhere near as much, I don't need the extra sodium or electrolytes and can go with just water.

I'm starting to majorly freak out. I have a half marathon coming up on Saturday, which I am totally undertrained for. Obviously no one to blame but myself for that. But now on top of that, the weather forecast is making me nervous. The high temperature for the day is 88-90 at this point, which I know can change, but it's way above average for this time of year. The race will be starting at 7 am, so I know it won't be at 90 at that point but even the lows are in the upper 60s. If the temperature holds true, I hope it's cloudy or not full on sun, and not humid along with it. I'm probably going to be doing a lot of walking. And the goal of using this as a POT for Wine and Dine in November may be out the window. I'll probably just stick with the 10K time I currently have entered.

Any advice??

I've been in that position and approached it with the mindset that I'd take it as ti came: if I felt really good in the first mile or so, I'd go for it. Otherwise, I'd ease back and enjoy the ride. It wound up being a really good day and I nailed a new PR. So my advice is to wait and see how you feel that day before making the call!

QOTD: What are some unique items you have seen being handed out to runners during a race?

ATTQOTD: Shots of tequila!

I also wanted to let you guys know that my grandma past away yesterday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was an amazing woman. She was also on the trip with me in 2015 for my first WDW race. She is in a better place now and doesn't have to suffer anymore.

I'm sorry for your loss - sending good thoughts.

 

[Chaitali]

@rteetz I'm sorry to hear about your loss. That's wonderful that you were able to create some Disney World memories with your grandmother last year.

 

[dis_or_dat]

ATTQOTD: echoing @Anisum and @MommaoffherRocker - "pixie dust" at Tink, but they were just setting up when I passed them. Not sure if that was a good thing or bad thing!

Quick question ... with the summer running, I've had a few issues with bugs flying into my eyes. I wear hats, but the darn gnats get into my eyes and they hurt! Do you all wear running sunglasses? If so, what do you recommend? Maybe I should run with my head bent down?

 

[opusone]

Quick question ... with the summer running, I've had a few issues with bugs flying into my eyes. I wear hats, but the darn gnats get into my eyes and they hurt! Do you all wear running sunglasses? If so, what do you recommend? Maybe I should run with my head bent down?

Yes, I wear sunglasses when I run (unless it's dark when I am running), and I would highly recommend them. I use Oakleys.

 

[Chaitali]

ATTQOTD: echoing @Anisum and @MommaoffherRocker - "pixie dust" at Tink, but they were just setting up when I passed them. Not sure if that was a good thing or bad thing!

Quick question ... with the summer running, I've had a few issues with bugs flying into my eyes. I wear hats, but the darn gnats get into my eyes and they hurt! Do you all wear running sunglasses? If so, what do you recommend? Maybe I should run with my head bent down?

I do use sunglasses for running. I use under armour marbella glasses (though I'm not sure they still sell them). I got them as a gift. They fit really well, don't move, and have lasted for a couple years.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

I struggled to drink enough fluids until I found something to drink during races/training runs that I really liked and looked forward to drinking. For me that was/is Rain Berry Gatorade. Now that I have found this I stay much better hydrated during long/hot runs, and I no longer have to take salt tabs.

Everyone is different. We have to continue searching until we find what works for each one of us as individuals. But remember that solving your electrolyte problem will not solve you hydration problem. You have to drink.

I know I need to do a better job of drinking...I usually get n the bike and just push push push. This is when I should be drinking and taking in my calories. I'm pretty good about drinking on the run, hitting almost every water stop for at least a quick sip...it's just that on those hot summer days the run course is too late to start your nutrition plan. Bottom line, I just need to get better at eating & drinking on the bike.

Quick question ... with the summer running, I've had a few issues with bugs flying into my eyes. I wear hats, but the darn gnats get into my eyes and they hurt! Do you all wear running sunglasses? If so, what do you recommend? Maybe I should run with my head bent down?

Just run with your mouth open and those midgies will stay out of your eyes, plus you'll get some extra protein I'll wear Oakleys as well, but more and more find that I prefer just wearing my visor.

 

[FFigawi]

Ahh, I didn't even think of that. Since we're on the subject how was the soup presented? Cups?

Styrofoam cups. Oh so good after the sun goes down and your core temperature drops.

I know I need to do a better job of drinking...I usually get n the bike and just push push push. This is when I should be drinking and taking in my calories. I'm pretty good about drinking on the run, hitting almost every water stop for at least a quick sip...it's just that on those hot summer days the run course is too late to start your nutrition plan. Bottom line, I just need to get better at eating & drinking on the bike.

Set an alert on your watch or bike computer to go off every five miles or twenty minutes. When it goes off, drink several good swigs from your bottle, have a piece of Clif bar or shot blok, drink several more good swigs from your bottle, and lather, rinse, repeat. Take a salt tab once an hour if you're not using the lickable salt every 20 minutes.