The Running Thread - 2016

[Keels]

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

ATTQOTD: Donuts, beer, and smokes. I actually did see someone stop for a smoke while running a marathon once before.

My favorite part of the Hot Chocolate 15k:

 

[BuckeyeBama]

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 wear glasses all the time - except when I run. I have contacts for running and I do not wear sunglasses. I'd rather deal with the occasional bug in my eye than the constant issues that come with wearing glasses when you run.

 

[FFigawi]

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 always run in sunglasses when I'm outdoors. I use frames from Rudy Project. They're very light, have lens which are easy to change based on the conditions, and are extremely comfortable when being worn.

 

[PrincessV]

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 love my cheap Ironman sunglasses from target! Very comfortable and dark enough to handle blinding FL sun. I also wave my hands around like a fool while running through swarms of mosquitoes.

 

[camaker]

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 wear prescription glasses and always run in them, either my regular glasses or prescription sunglasses. I would think that the combination of hat and sunglasses would do a good job of keeping the bugs out of your eyes. When I run through swarms of gnats it's always more of an issue of them getting into my mouth or nose rather than my eyes.

 

[Keels]

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! I got a pair of polarized sunglasses off of Amazon for about $20. They're not the cutest, or the most fashionable things - but they work!

 

[Kathymford]

I wear sunglasses any time I am outside, even when it's grey and overcast. LOL. Sometimes it's just too bright. So I had to find some running sunglasses. My first pair was from the cheap sunglasses booth at the DLH Expo, I think I paid $20 or $30. Somehow I lost them and found a good pair at the WDW Expo at the Sunglass Hut booth; I think I paid $60.

I have nothing to add today for the QOTD since I mostly RunDisney, but you guys have some great ones!

@rteetz so sorry for your loss.

 

[Barca33Runner]

ATTQOTD:

I don't think I've ever really been caught off-guard by anything people have been handing out. Everything has been either food or drink, so on some level it makes sense. I don't drink alcohol, so I don't really pay close attention to handouts I am passing because it seems like a good number of them are alcoholic beverages.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

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.

Good tip, really hadn't thought to do that for some reason. I've set the eat alert on my watch during running races before and it is a great reminder when you are locked into the zone...will need to put it into practice on the bike.

 

[LSUlakes]

72 years ago today. May we never forget!

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

 

[DVCFan1994]

As @croach said, you don't necessarily need to have any symptoms to use salt tabs. They are useful in replenishing your electrolytes in ways and quantities you might not always be able to get or want from sports drinks. I find them to be more effective than Powerade, though I still drink that too in order to keep from dehydrating. If you really are looking for symptoms, check yourself during and after a run. If you've got dried salt on your face or coloring your black shorts white, you ought to give some thought to taking in salt tabs during your run.

I am always caked in salt. It is so gross. Might have to try these.

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

ATTQOTD: Donuts, beer, and smokes. I actually did see someone stop for a smoke while running a marathon once before.

I have not seen anything interesting on the course, but most of my races have been Disney ones, so pretty well controlled. I was surprised out in DL that there were people handing stuff out, my stranger danger senses took over initially. Then I was hungry and I took what I thought was a twizzler from someone but it was a red vine, which taste totally different and not good to me. Other local races have had nothing particularly interesting.

Well my only races being Disney races I can't say I've seen anything really crazy. Mostly candy, licorice, and other just quick snack type stuff.

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 am so sorry for your loss.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

This is probably one of the best spectator hand outs ever from during the LA Marathon...

 

[Miranda]

I am always caked in salt. It is so gross. Might have to try these.

My dog loves me when I get back caked in salt. It's like I'm her own personal doggie margarita.

I always run in sunglasses unless it's pouring. I even wear them when it's cloudy as long as it's not too cloudy/dark. Not so much for bugs, but I just like keeping the wind out of my eyes especially in the colder months. And I also like having my eyes hidden from everyone else. I used to use a pair of Under Armour Marbella Shields that I got from LeftLane Sports for like $30, but I never really liked them. They fogged up and I don't care for the kind of sunglasses where the lenses are all one piece. I like the separation at the nose piece. So this year I upgraded to a pair of Oakley RPM Squared and I love them.

 

[Chasing Dopey]

@rteetz Prayers your way.

 

[Dis5150]

ATTQOTD: Haven't really seen anything weird or different. Just candy, beer, pretzels, etc. The Navy 10NM race this weekend had FlaVor Ice pops at NM6 and they were awesome! It was hot and humid and we had just run 1NM in all sun so they totally hit the spot. They also had ice chests in several places on the course with ice to grab and cool yourself off with! Nice!

ETA: At the Diva Half in Branson, a booth from Golden Corral was handing out chapstick with their name on it, on a lanyard. People were like "what the heck am I supposed to do with this?" It was only mile 7-8 so no way was I putting it on my neck and being annoyed by that for 5-6 miles! Luckily I had on a Sparkle skirt so I just stuck it in my pocket. I passed many of them thrown on the ground for the next mile.

 

[Slogger]

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 about your Grandma. Glad you will have great memories of her including the 2015 WDW trip.

 

[Dis5150]

@rteetz I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. My dad died of pancreatic cancer so I know how awful it is. I'm glad she got to see you run and go to WDW with you.

 

[Mimsy Borogove]

ATTQOTD: For the Melbourne Music Half/Marathon last year, there was an official race stop for pickle juice along with the typical water. I love dill pickles like mad, but the thought of drinking the brine during a hot, sweaty half made me a bit ill. Though I totally get the value of such re: electrolytes.

I'm so sorry for your loss @rteetz - your grandma sounded like a fun lady from your TR. Cherish those special memories, my condolences to you and your family.

 

[keahgirl8]

I have asked this question all over and haven't found anything that has worked. I have to wear closed-toe shoes to work. They don't have to be fancy, or dressy, or even that sturdy. They just have to cover my toes. It is so hot now, that I am looking for some kind of closed-toe sandal or open weave shoe to wear to work. Since I am not only a runner, I am someone with weird feet, I can't just wear anything. I have tried Merrell, Skecher, and Keen. Nothing is comfortable to me or fits right. I wear Oofos flip flops outside of work, but I don' really think the clogs will be cool enough. Does anyone have a suggestion?

In other news...I did my first 5K since Princess yesterday! I had to walk and had a little bit of pain, but it felt so good to get outside and move and sweat!