The Running Thread - 2016

[roxymama]

Confession time: I didn't run last night like planned because I was being lazy and pajama pants and blankets and couch. I'm having the run-jitters right now at work because it looks so nice out and so I need to run tonight. It's like I'm going through withdrawal...which I only know from the times I've tried to quit diet coke. Everyone here is allowed to yell at me loudly if I don't run tonight before bed.

 

[Anisum]

QOTD: What is your max price for runDisney races you'd pay before you said no thanks? Does that price vary for other races of equal distance?

I think it depends on what I get and how much of an increase it was from previous years. For example if a challenge (other than Dopey ofc) suddenly went from $350-$365 to $500 I would certainly hesitate. Too much higher than that and I would probably have to skip out or plan more wisely. There are other places in the world I want to see and other races I could run for far less and I think it would have to be an anniversary year for a race I really wanted in order to go.

I think we may have touched on this subject in some form in the past, perhaps regarding obstacle races (Mud, Foam, color, ect..) Either way it was a good suggestion and worth visiting again.

QOTD: What is your position on virtual races?

I think they can be great motivation for some people. I've done one and while I love the medal and shirt that came with it the entire process was somewhat unfulfilling for me. Without the environment of the race and seeing other runners it was just like any other training run. I love that proceeds often go to charity but I'd rather just give to the charity and skip the virtual race aspect since it leaves me with a medal that I just feel meh about because it doesn't have race memories associated with it.

 

[roxymama]

since it leaves me with a medal that I just feel meh about because it doesn't have race memories associated with it.

That is the best point and makes so much sense to why I felt meh about my virtual run...I have not race memories to attach to the medal! And all my other medals have memories to go with them. That is a very smart comment!
If I ever do another virtual race it will have to be something I can tie a bunch of memories too...like run it with a family member who is not a runner or a group of friends or I'd have to do something completely out of the ordinary. I honestly can't even remember the route I took for my one virtual race...probably just one of my standard through my neighborhood.

 

[Anisum]

That is the best point and makes so much sense to why I felt meh about my virtual run...I have not race memories to attach to the medal! And all my other medals have memories to go with them. That is a very smart comment!
If I ever do another virtual race it will have to be something I can tie a bunch of memories too...like run it with a family member who is not a runner or a group of friends or I'd have to do something completely out of the ordinary. I honestly can't even remember the route I took for my one virtual race...probably just one of my standard through my neighborhood.

I know mine was through the neighborhood. I think if I had run with friends or something I would feel differently but it's just a cool medal I don't care that much about.

 

[LSUlakes]

Just got off the phone with Garmin. After a few attempts to get the watch working again doing various different things, they have agreed to replace the watch. This of course means I am without all my fun features for the next week or two. I did ask if I could just upgrade and I would pay the difference, but that was not given a green light. However, they do offer a 20% discount on upgrades if you return the old watch.
Looks like after work I will have to get the old watch hooked up the PC and re-register it to my account for tracking purposes.

 

[Chaitali]

I've done virtual races through Nerd Herd running in the past and I enjoyed them. But I like that the money goes to a charity and that they are very transparent about the financials. They have an annual report, you can see how much money goes where, etc. I also like the medals since they all had nerdy themes They also have a great online presence where people post photos of their runs, costume contests, etc. I feel like that helps with making it feel like more of a real race with camaraderie, etc. That helps with the memories tied to the medals. I still remember the shout out for the hunger games photo I posted where it was our ride photo from splash mountain (we happened to be in Orlando the week of the race) and we were making the hand symbol from the movie. Here's the photo composite I used for that virtual race.

Having said that, I chose not to do it this year because I was trying to reduce the amount I spent on races. Or at least spend it where I would get more bang for my buck.

 

[FFigawi]

Just got off the phone with Garmin. After a few attempts to get the watch working again doing various different things, they have agreed to replace the watch. This of course means I am without all my fun features for the next week or two. I did ask if I could just upgrade and I would pay the difference, but that was not given a green light. However, they do offer a 20% discount on upgrades if you return the old watch.
Looks like after work I will have to get the old watch hooked up the PC and re-register it to my account for tracking purposes.

I'll sell you my 910

 

[RunDisneyDad]

ATTQOTD: I agree with what has been said already, although they aren't appealing to me I'm all for anything that gets people moving.

But, I was thinking about it and there is another reason I'm for them. Way back in like 1999 I did one of those Jingle Bell Fun Runs which I guess could somewhat qualify as a non-traditional race event. Anyway, that was one of the first events I recall doing and I fell in love with the people, the atmosphere and the energy of race day which ultimately led me to want to keep doing more events.

So, on top of getting people moving I think they are a great way to comfortably introduce people to running events and hopefully get them hooked and moving toward other types of events.

 

[ebradley23]

ATTQOTD: I wouldn't participate, because I don't really want to pay for a run around my neighborhood (remember my cheapskate comment to yesterday's question). I would probably try to convince anyone about to sign up for one to look for a live event too. There's something about a live event that I think gives people the running bug to keep it up. Plus, most people train for live events. Not sure the same is true for a virtual event.

 

[Baloo in MI]

QOTD: What is your max price for runDisney races you'd pay before you said no thanks? Does that price vary for other races of equal distance?

Todays QOTD was a suggestion from another poster on the board. Thanks for the suggestion and keep them coming!

ATTQOTD: At this time I haven't found a marathon that I wouldn't run because of registration fees. I am fine with the price Disney charges for its races, but I should add I have only run the marathon there. Without looking up the 5k, 10k, ect I am ok with it. The most expensive race I have run (Registration fees only) has been Boston at a fee of ~$300. Worth every penny and wouldn't hesitate to pay it again. Now I think for a 5k, about $35 is my cut off, $50 for 10k, and the half and full just really depend on where its at.

I am sure there is a limit, I am certainly not wealthy - I work in education! But I think for what you get as an overall experience and how the races set up as a focal point and goal for me. The money is well spent. What hurts the most is not the race registration but the resort, food, travel, etc. These things make it a once a year thing for me and I do have to give up other things to save the money; I miss you NFL Ticket! Good luck to everyone running this weekend.

 

[LSUlakes]

I'll sell you my 910

I am going to go "look" at the 235 during lunch today. I will still send the 620 out for repair/replacement and will probably hold on to it as a back-up or maybe sell it. I still have my first GPS watch which is the Forerunner 410. I don't think anyone would take it, if I tried to give it away for free. DW keeps claiming she wants to use it for when she goes outside to walk.....

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: What is your position on virtual races?

I don't mind them. I haven't participated in one yet but I've thought about it. The Disney ones interested me but it would've been nice if part of the entry fee went to a charity. I might do one eventually.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Virtual races play a great role in the running community, but they generally don't interest me.

 

[Mickey's sweetheart]

QOTD: I don't get virtual races. I don't understand paying for something I can do for free, i.e. running by myself on my usual routes. I would consider doing one, however, if it was with a group of friends and we made it an event.

 

[cburnett11]

QOTD: What is your position on virtual races?

Not for me, but if others like them... more power to them!

I am going to go "look" at the 235 during lunch today.

I bought the 230 back in early December. It's pretty much the same as the 235, without the Wrist-based HR. I really like the watch and have had zero issues with it thus far.

 

[Dis5150]

ATTQOTD: I have a virtual medal sitting on my dresser at home. I haven't been on a training run long enough to count it as a half and I won't wear the shirt or hang the medal until I do. I signed up for it as I was planning on doing 2 other Race13.1 events and I wanted the medal for doing 3. Well now I am only able to sign up for 1 of the 2 so I won't qualify for the special 3 race medal anyway. And with that, I lost my motivation to do the virtual half. So it will continue to sit on my dresser...

Short answer: They really don't interest me, lol.

 

[Baloo in MI]

I think we may have touched on this subject in some form in the past, perhaps regarding obstacle races (Mud, Foam, color, ect..) Either way it was a good suggestion and worth visiting again.

QOTD: What is your position on virtual races?

ATTQOTD: I have not participated in one, and do not plan to do so. Having said that, if that event is what it takes for someone to lace up the shoes and get outside to get healthy I am for it.

I have to agree with @LSUlakes Virtual races are not appealing to me and not something I am likely to do. But for the people who enjoy it get out and run, then awesome!

 

[Dis5150]

So... After much thought and discussion, DD26 and I will not be doing our first marathon on Labor Day. We are dropping back to the half. She and her fiancé just broke up and she had to move out on her own. Which meant taking a second job, so she is currently working 8:00am to 11:00pm 4 days a week, 8:00 to 4:00 one day, 4:30-11:00 one day, and has one day off. She just can't find time to get the training runs in. Plus she now lives 30 minutes from her jobs so factor in drive time and her days are pretty much shot. I personally am having trouble running in this horrible heat and humidity. The heat index has been 110-120 and even when I start before sunrise, it is ridiculously hot/humid before I am done. I can only imagine how horrible it would be in July/August when I got to the 16-20 mile runs.

So... I am going to do my first marathon at the WDW Marathon. I'm starting the Higdon Novice 2 half marathon plan this week. Then there are 18 weeks from the Labor Day half until the WDW Marathon so I can finish the 18 week Higdon Novice 1 marathon plan right on time to run the marathon. I know no one probably cares, lol, but it doesn't feel real until I post it here.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD: What is your position on virtual races?

Not my thing, but my wife and her running buddy are doing the Disney one and are having fun with it...they go to the park and run in costumes

Confession time: I didn't run last night like planned because I was being lazy and pajama pants and blankets and couch. I'm having the run-jitters right now at work because it looks so nice out and so I need to run tonight. It's like I'm going through withdrawal...which I only know from the times I've tried to quit diet coke. Everyone here is allowed to yell at me loudly if I don't run tonight before bed.

I know what you mean, but I don't understand why you would want to quit Diet Coke??? Confession time -- sometimes I would rather have a Diet Coke than a beer

 

[roxymama]

So... After much thought and discussion, DD26 and I will not be doing our first marathon on Labor Day. We are dropping back to the half. She and her fiancé just broke up and she had to move out on her own. Which meant taking a second job, so she is currently working 8:00am to 11:00pm 4 days a week, 8:00 to 4:00 one day, 4:30-11:00 one day, and has one day off. She just can't find time to get the training runs in. Plus she now lives 30 minutes from her jobs so factor in drive time and her days are pretty much shot. I personally am having trouble running in this horrible heat and humidity. The heat index has been 110-120 and even when I start before sunrise, it is ridiculously hot/humid before I am done. I can only imagine how horrible it would be in July/August when I got to the 16-20 mile runs.

So... I am going to do my first marathon at the WDW Marathon. I'm starting the Higdon Novice 2 half marathon plan this week. Then there are 18 weeks from the Labor Day half until the WDW Marathon so I can finish the 18 week Higdon Novice 1 marathon plan right on time to run the marathon. I know no one probably cares, lol, but it doesn't feel real until I post it here.

I care!!

First marathon at wdw is on my bucket list so I'm excited for you. Your friend sounds like a trooper!

Not my thing, but my wife and her running buddy are doing the Disney one and are having fun with it...they go to the park and run in costumes

I know what you mean, but I don't understand why you would want to quit Diet Coke??? Confession time -- sometimes I would rather have a Diet Coke than a beer

I gave it up for TWO years back in 2012/2013! Now I get one on Fridays at lunch. My diet coke cheat day. Guess what I have right now . And fountain over can is preferred. Bottle is last resort. (But a coffee every morning!)