The Running Thread - 2016

[LSUlakes]

Question I meant to ask when we were doing monthly totals - do you include your walking mileage? For example, I usually walk anywhere from a quarter to half mile before & after each run. Also, my coworker & I will walk 1 or 2 miles on our lunch break a couple of times a week. Just wondering if I could/should count those.

I guess that kind of depends on the person and their goals. If you get 200 miles in a month and 75 of them are walking, I think that's a impressive amount of time on your feet and I would count it. The warm up and cools downs don't bother me either. Now if you are following a training plan, and it calls out for 8 miles on a given day, I wouldn't count the mile or two walk during lunch as part of that task, but would still count it.

 

[doctorintheTARDIS]

I don't know what your training has been over the last several weeks, but I think I would take it pretty easy this week. Since you ran Monday and Tuesday, maybe nothing tonight, then 1.5 tomorrow (slow), then either nothing on Friday (especially if it would be Friday evening with a Saturday morning race), or just do 10 minutes really slow on Friday if you really want to get out. For the 1.5 tomorrow, would it be possible to run the last 1.5 miles of the course (if you want practice on the course)?

Also, since you ran 2.5 miles last week, I wouldn't worry about making the distance. You will definitely be able to make 3.1 during a race. Just really focus on proper pacing the first mile, and you will be fine!

Thanks for the tips! I'm gonna go with this! Slow 1.5 tomorrow. It's currently 96 and I've been outside for like 5 hours today. Not running sounds like a good plan.

 

[roxymama]

So I learned something new today. About how USATF courses are measured. This may be old news to a lot of you, but it was a cool infographic.

http://www.runrocknroll.com/running-gps-vs-certified-courses/


And @michigandergirl I would count my walking miles if it is part of my planned training but usually not if I'm just taking a long impromptu walk with the family. Basically if I have my garmin watch on vs if I don't. My Warm Up and Cool downs have progressed to slow jogging now instead of walking though but I always counted the WU/CD walks before. But I say if you are running as much as you want to run and add on the walking as icing, that is great. Why not count it?

 

[Kathymford]

I agree, if I'm loading up Strava or have my Garmin on, it counts.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Question I meant to ask when we were doing monthly totals - do you include your walking mileage? For example, I usually walk anywhere from a quarter to half mile before & after each run. Also, my coworker & I will walk 1 or 2 miles on our lunch break a couple of times a week. Just wondering if I could/should count those.

For me I count what I call 'shoe miles' any intentional distance with my running shoes on counts (walk or run)

Then 'extra' miles when I hit my step goal without any 'shoe' miles but those count as 5 miles =1 'shoe mile'

 

[huggybuff]

For me I count what I call 'shoe miles' any intentional distance with my running shoes on counts (walk or run)

Oh that's a good point about miles on the shoes not getting tracked if you don't count your WU/CD walking/jogging.

 

[opusone]

So I learned something new today. About how USATF courses are measured. This may be old news to a lot of you, but it was a cool infographic.

http://www.runrocknroll.com/running-gps-vs-certified-courses/

If you're interested, there is also a 1.001 safety factor when calibrating the bicycle, so the actual shortest possible route (SPR) distance is likely slightly longer than the certified distance. For a marathon distance, this would mean about 26.245 miles instead of 26.21875 miles (which is an extra 138 feet). Not huge, but not insignificant either. That being said, this safety factor distance is probably small compared to our own added distance due to not running a straight line and not running the perfect tangents.

 

[mrsgryphon]

There is nothing disappointing about a 2:33:50 finish in any 1/2 marathon. Are there faster people on this thread, sure. But you just started running 2 years ago, you have how many kids, 4? I have 4 kids and just fitting in the training between 4 kids and a full-time job can be very difficult. So many things can go wrong during any one of these races so just to be able to finish is a major accomplishment.

If you have read this thread you know one of my major goals is to qualify for the Boston Marathon and yet my PR in the marathon distance is only 5:01. Sounds like I am crazy, right? I have to cut 1:45 off my time to even have a chance. The reason I think I can still do it is because I learned a lot during that race.

So don't beat yourself up over a "disappointing" finish time. It just means you have left yourself more room for future PR's.

They did an awesome job in their first race.

You're right. It is a big deal that I was simply able to finish. And a year before I couldn't have. I did celebrate the fact that I finished 3 half marathons in 6 weeks this spring (partly due to a weather rescheduled race). A year ago I couldn't imagine doing that. I think my disappointment wasn't as much with the actual finish time, but the fact that I failed to execute my training nearing race day. Not due to sickness, injury, or real family-life scheduling conflicts; but excuses and lack of determination. I earned the finish time I got. Being disappointed in myself for that just fueled the determination to do better going forward.

I agree that no matter how perfect your training there are things that can simply go wrong or not your way. On the way to my first half marathon, I was chattering away to my husband about how nervous I was and how I wasn't happy with how much training I had been able to accomplish (no running for 3 of 4 weeks prior due to a stress reaction in my ankle). From the back seat my 5 year old daughter piped up with, "Just hope for the best!" She was right. At that point I had done all the training I could, to the best of my ability. I needed to let it go and just do the best I could do on that day. When I ran past mile marker 10 I commented (out loud) "wow, 10 miles! I've never run 10 miles before." It was a day for celebrating, no matter the finish time.

I love your determination in reaching your goal. If you can dream it, you can do it. And I believe you will. I'm sorry you're struggling with an injury now, but with your positive attitude I know you'll continue toward your goal as soon as you can. Sharing your experiences is a great way to get the point across. Hearing other people's journeys helps to put my own into perspective.

Congratulations to your daughters! It's great to get to share running with them. My 10 year old did her first 5k with me in December. She hasn't asked to do another yet, but I'll wait patiently.

 

[Slogger]

QOTD: What type of meal have you had the night (or day before) a long run / race that you will never eat again based on how you felt during the run?

Hope to catch up on all topics and posts this weekend but training new team members is making 14-15 hour work days the past few weeks. Ugh!

ATQOTD: Fried shrimp, nachos, and a bucket of beer right before my first marathon! No, No, and maybe a smaller bucket next time!

 

[Keels]

I missed the QOTD yesterday and it's such a good one...so I will be turning in my homework late today

I have to shout out to @Keels since I literally one day while in the depths of disboredom (new term I just made up when I'm bored so I go on disboards random threads) I saw that she was doing half marathons every month and I had just gotten the hair brained idea to run a disney race not too long before that. So I started a journal and made the proclamation that I would be doing exactly what Keels was doing but for 5ks. One a month. And I did it...because everyone here encouraged me. I could have easily given up a month or two in and just been like "Meh, too much work, on to the next thing" But here I am. So thank you Keels for being an internet stranger with the bravery to talk about trying something that seemed really hard and inspiring me to try something myself.

Proud of you, lady! You're crushing it! Can't wait for your first RD Half - I will DEFINITELY be there for that!

QOTD: What type of meal have you had the night (or day before) a long run / race that you will never eat again based on how you felt during the run?

Honestly - just anything really over-processed ... like a ballpark hot dog or neon orange cheese fries. I've had some crazy crap before a run and I haven't had a problem - but at least I know what has gone in to everything and it's whole ingredients.

I'm currently digging pad thai the evening before a race/long run. I usually do non-spicy and with chicken ... so I get the noodles, protein, the crunch of sprouts and nice flavor. And the leftovers taste AMAZING reheated after a run.

6 or 7 beers

Hmmm ... what kind of beers?

My go-to meal for dinner before a race is usually sashimi or sushi. You get miso soup for sodium & protein, easily digestible protein from the fish, and simple carbs from the rice. Couple that with a big pancake breakfast earlier in the morning, and you've got all your energy needs met.

Yes. Love sushi. My first sub-3:00 half, I had a rabbit pot pie the night before. It was delicious - protein, salt, veggies, deliciousness.

Tacos! My stomach didn't give me any problems but the indigestion and horrible tasting burps was cruel.

Yeah, that'll do it. I LOVE tacos (and I'm in Texas, so what's up Tex-Mex everywhere!) - so I try to avoid any spicy or overly seasoned meat before long runs. I do love me some basic tacos, though! Fresh tortilla, shredded rotisserie chicken, lettuce and tomato, little bit of sour cream or Chihuahua cheese. YUM.

 

[Waiting2goback]

OK, so I know you said to post on someone else's journal ... and I'm going to do that.

But I also want to say some things to posters here that DON'T have journals, and I think they deserve some internet love as well.

First up ... I don't think I ever gave @FFigawi enough credit for me getting through Dopey. He believed I could do it before even I could. He was around from registration day to Mile 24 of Marathon Day. Nobody believed in me more than he did in that endeavor - and I'm including myself in that group - and he only knew me just from this board. I've been able to accomplish everything I have thus far because I've had his coaching and his friendship. And I'm sure he's pretty tired of my constant b!+ching to him, but whatever.

Because of this board, I met @mbwhitti, who, as she says is the "same person, minus the beer".

I've gone through serious injury and rehab conversations with the amazing @Ariel484 - and she even took time out from her recent Disneyland vacation to see me at the half marathon finish line, a half that she SHOULD have been running if it weren't for an injury. Who does that?!?

I've been inspired by so many of you - @BuckeyeBama, @Waiting2goback, @CheapRunnerMike, @opusone, @DopeyBadger, @croach, @Slogger, @ZellyB, @PrincessV, @Barca33Runner to name a few. And I've been SO proud of many more - @rteetz, @roxymama, @Dis5150, @MeridaAndAngus ... each of you have brought so much to my life by just reading about your journeys and learning from your experiences. THANK YOU.

And then there's @LSUlakes, who is probably going to be mad that I left him for last AND I have nothing to say about LSU Football other than that my husband met Les Miles and he really is tiny in person. Thank you for creating this forum for all of us, of all levels and goals and drives, to talk - and, what's even tougher, for facilitating an amazing discussion every day between so many people.

PRs for everyone!!!

I never thought I would be someone that would inspire someone else, even a little. That was nice to hear. Your story was also inspiring to me when I read it. You have accomplished way more than me though. Your working on your 2nd Dopey and a world major. You have come so far in a short period of time.

I'm glad you're trying to stay positive, but this must pre-surgery time must be scary. We'll be here to support you through the whole thing!

I have no other options. I could resort to my old ways and feel bad for myself or I can turn this situation into an opportunity. I am working on my weight and I really need to strengthen my core and upper body to match the lower half. Now I will be forced to do this. It can only help me in the long run. I am going to miss running for sure. I HATE that I will miss my fall races. But this happened because I was trying to improve myself so how can I be upset.

My first ever marathon was preceded by an evening at O'Hana... Steak, shrimp, chicken, fried noodles, bread pudding, etc. Not my best decision ever. It was not just what I ate, but how much I ate. O'Hana is now an after all the races restaurant only for me!

I have only eaten at O'Hana once, because I can never get an ADR when I go back. It was 10 years ago and I think I am still full. I don't think I have ever eaten so much in one meal in my life. I actually thought I was going to vomit. I can't imagine running the next day.

Question I meant to ask when we were doing monthly totals - do you include your walking mileage? For example, I usually walk anywhere from a quarter to half mile before & after each run. Also, my coworker & I will walk 1 or 2 miles on our lunch break a couple of times a week. Just wondering if I could/should count those.

If it's part of your run, either a warm-up or cool down, I would include it. I wouldn't personally add the walking miles at lunch.

You're right. It is a big deal that I was simply able to finish. And a year before I couldn't have. I did celebrate the fact that I finished 3 half marathons in 6 weeks this spring (partly due to a weather rescheduled race). A year ago I couldn't imagine doing that. I think my disappointment wasn't as much with the actual finish time, but the fact that I failed to execute my training nearing race day. Not due to sickness, injury, or real family-life scheduling conflicts; but excuses and lack of determination. I earned the finish time I got. Being disappointed in myself for that just fueled the determination to do better going forward.

I agree that no matter how perfect your training there are things that can simply go wrong or not your way. On the way to my first half marathon, I was chattering away to my husband about how nervous I was and how I wasn't happy with how much training I had been able to accomplish (no running for 3 of 4 weeks prior due to a stress reaction in my ankle). From the back seat my 5 year old daughter piped up with, "Just hope for the best!" She was right. At that point I had done all the training I could, to the best of my ability. I needed to let it go and just do the best I could do on that day. When I ran past mile marker 10 I commented (out loud) "wow, 10 miles! I've never run 10 miles before." It was a day for celebrating, no matter the finish time.

I love your determination in reaching your goal. If you can dream it, you can do it. And I believe you will. I'm sorry you're struggling with an injury now, but with your positive attitude I know you'll continue toward your goal as soon as you can. Sharing your experiences is a great way to get the point across. Hearing other people's journeys helps to put my own into perspective.

Congratulations to your daughters! It's great to get to share running with them. My 10 year old did her first 5k with me in December. She hasn't asked to do another yet, but I'll wait patiently.

So I understand exactly what you mean and how you feel. So many times I have been upset with my time because I look back and say, "I could have trained harder, I could have done more cross training, I could have eaten better, etc..." Woulda, coulda, shoulda. I also could have been sitting on the couch the last year and gotten fatter and closer to death. I could have missed out on all these experiences I have lived by holding the couch in one place like I used to. Most of us have lived a certain way for so many years that you can't expect to get off the couch and within 2 years be an elite athlete. Give yourself credit for the progress you have made. You learned from it and now you get to decide how hard you want to work for your next goal race.

Look how excited you were when you got to 10 miles. Wait until you do your first marathon. Then you get to really beat yourself up over your training.

As for my determination. I have no other options. I can never go back to where I was. I just can't. I still struggle with confidence in other areas of my life from my personal life to my career. My running helps with all of this. It doesn't fix it but it improves it.


QOTD: I forgot to add this to my race review. I had salsa and chips before my race this past weekend. I have acid reflux and this always bothers it. I don't know what I was thinking. I got an hour sleep and didn't feel good the whole next day. Multiple bathrooms trips had me doubting if I would even make it to the race. Normally I eat safely before a race. Just stuff I know won't cause an issue.

 

[Waiting2goback]

BTW, I finally got to watch "Walt Before Mickey" last night. I have to say, I wasn't impressed. I love anything related to Walt but I just didn't think the story was told all that well. I felt I got much more from books. I didn't think the movie flowed very well. I also didn't think the characters were believable. When I saw "Saving Mr. Banks" I felt like I was watching Walt. I felt like I was in Walt's office during those scene. I realize it's Tom Hanks, and he is my favorite actor, but it was a different level. The guy that played Roy, didn't look anything like Roy.

The story itself though, it just reminds me of how much Walt went through to create what he did for us all to enjoy. It's why he still inspires me everyday.

 

[Waiting2goback]

 

[opusone]

Hmmm ... what kind of beers?

Don't exactly recall, but knowing me (which I think I do), it was likely Stella or Shiner Bock.

 

[Keels]

Don't exactly recall, but knowing me (which I think I do), it was likely Stella or Shiner Bock.

It was probably Shiner that steered you wrong. I apologize.

 

[Miranda]

I could use some training advice, as I'm already looking ahead for my fall HM training. My first HM of the fall is on 10/23, so a 12 week program should start the last week of July.

I am currently looking at the Higdon HM3 plan, which has 3 days of running per week. I tried to do Novice 2 this spring but replaced one of the days of running with cross training, so this is kinda the same thing, sorta? I am concerned though about some things.

1. Right now, I do run/walk intervals (90/30). The Thursday runs sometimes call for a pace and tempo runs. It's kinda hard to gauge proper paces for those with the intervals. Does anyone have any tips on successfully doing pace or tempo runs when you are doing run/walk intervals? Do you just kinda go by perceived effort? My watch will show overall pace, but it takes a while for that stuff to average out with the walking. Do I need to just give up the intervals?

I think that I would like to shoot for an ambitious fall goal. My current goal is mainly to go sub-2:45, but I would like to shoot for 2:37, that would be squeaking under 12:00 mile. Right now my HM pace is pretty slow because I peter out at the later miles of the race. I haven't put in the training to maintain pace in the later miles, but I have been able to hold paces ranging from 11:30-12:30 over 6 miles before things start to creep up into the 13:00s, so I think if I put in the training it is doable. Which leads me to...

2. Related to #1... am I really running my runs too fast? It says my Tuesday run should be slow and easy and my long run should be 30-90s slower than my HM pace. Right now, I generally run 2.5-2.9 miles on 2 weekdays and I run them usually between 11:20-12:00, which is a fairly quick pace for me, and then I just run my long run at "listening to a podcast so I don't run too fast, but whatever feels good" pace. This generally ends up all over the map... maybe fast because it was a flat mile, maybe slow because there was a hill! It looks like due to heat/humidity, my last long run actually did end up being in 30-90s slower than my upcoming goal pace, although when that happens it's not really because I'm running slower (well, not entirely... I probably am also running slower ), it ends up being because I took more walk breaks. Which goes back to #1 again and judging paces while taking walk breaks into account. Do I just need to try and be more disciplined and not take extra walk breaks so that I can get a more accurate picture of my overall pace?

 

[opusone]

It was probably Shiner that steered you wrong. I apologize.

Not your fault at all… I grew up down there so should have known better. However, I will gladly blame it on you! Apology accepted.

 

[Keels]

Not your fault at all… I grew up down there so should have known better. However, I will gladly blame it on you! Apology accepted.

Thank you! I would lose sleep otherwise!!

I generally stay away from red wine, IPAs and anything over about 6% ABV the night before a run.

That said - one of my best friends stayed up drinking all night with my husband ... and they drank ALL the 15% ABV barrel-aged beers, and he ended up running a 1:38 half the next morning, which was a PR of almost 7 minutes for him. Jerk.

 

[keahgirl8]

Thank you. It was so fun. My kids are not normally at my races because my future ex hates that I run and will never bring the kids. So to be able to run with them, and see and hear them laugh the whole time was great. And I look at the pics I posted that first night where we are all holding up our medals and I can see the excitement in their faces, especially Kara, the 8 year old, it makes all the pain to get to that point worth it. I am 3 weeks from my surgery and I am even wondering if I will be able to run anymore. My ankle has gotten worse, and I hurt my right one during the 10K. I'm a mess right now. So if it was my last run it was great!

I wish I could hug you right now! I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time.

Hey Guys!

Looking for a tip from you guys who have been running for a while:

I'm running a 5k on Saturday. This will be my first 5k that I actually trained for. Looking for recommendations of how to train for it this before-race week.
Last week I ran 2.5 miles (at my pace, and a bit faster) without feeling too bad on the run. @DopeyBadger gave me the great advice of taking everything to a very slow pace to save my legs this week.

I ran 2 miles on Monday and 1 very slow mile on Tuesday. Was thinking of trying the whole 3.1 miles tonight at a very slow pace?

However this would be the longest I have ever ran, so I'm nervous if I ran the 3.1 tonight, even slow, maybe my legs would still get tired (of two or three days worth of tired/pain) but on the other hand, I would love to go into the race knowing I can definitely run the miles (and practice on the course).

(for the record my first 5k--which was literately me walking off my couch to running in a 5k, was definitely not an organized run. I started too fast. Was dying by the 1.5 turn around and did run/walk/run all the way back because breathing through the runs was impossible)

Thanks again for all the tips (and I hope my questions aren't annoying!)

I'd take it easy. Keep your legs loose, but don't do anything too crazy.

QOTD: What type of meal have you had the night (or day before) a long run / race that you will never eat again based on how you felt during the run?

ATTQOTD: Chicken Alfredo. No more pasta with dairy in it for me before a big running day.

I'm happy to say that I've never regretting what I've eaten. That is because I have a sensitive stomach, so I'm really picky about what I eat before any run. When I do PHM weekend, I eat the kid's turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes every night before a race. Pretty boring for vacation food, but it keeps my stomach happy until I'm finished with races!

ATTQOTD: Since I attribute all stomach issues to my pre-race anxiety I can't think of a meal specifically that was bad. But I am "proud" of how stupid I was when I had two skyline coney chili-dogs the night before my first 10k and it didn't hurt me. YMMV

Wow. You're so lucky! I would die.

ATTQOTD: I discovered in the worst way that my stomach does not like regular Gatorade/Powerade during a run. I can only use the low sugar versions. Thankfully I was just on a long run in my neighborhood. I was able to make it home.

Food wise, I have a gut of steel. Last night I ran 5 miles at a pretty decent pace within 10 minutes of eating spicy carne asado burritos for dinner. I thought about letting my food settle some, but I didn't want to be out until 10 pm.

Another lucky one! I don't even want to think about what would happen if I did that.

ATTQOTD: I don't think I have eaten anything before a race that I would never eat again. I try to becareful about what I eat. Before Darkside I drank way too much water the night before and that was not pleasant. I learned quickly not do that again.

Not everyone thinks about over-hydrating, but it can happen! I have to be careful, because I'm a guzzler. I chug water without even thinking about it sometimes.

Is it odd that I often will eat a heartier lunch and then go with like a peanut butter and jelly or simple chicken for dinner? I find it works for me. But I'm not running marathons so I'm sure my strategy would change with the hefty distances.

My downfall is when I don't hydrate smartly the day(s) before. Getting better at that.

I have to really work at that, especially when I run in Florida. It is so stinking hot and humid there. My hydration is totally different than it is at home. Plus, I'm flying all day to get there, which can dehydrate you. I probably drive flight attendants crazy with all of the water I ask for.

You're right. It is a big deal that I was simply able to finish. And a year before I couldn't have. I did celebrate the fact that I finished 3 half marathons in 6 weeks this spring (partly due to a weather rescheduled race). A year ago I couldn't imagine doing that. I think my disappointment wasn't as much with the actual finish time, but the fact that I failed to execute my training nearing race day. Not due to sickness, injury, or real family-life scheduling conflicts; but excuses and lack of determination. I earned the finish time I got. Being disappointed in myself for that just fueled the determination to do better going forward.

I agree that no matter how perfect your training there are things that can simply go wrong or not your way. On the way to my first half marathon, I was chattering away to my husband about how nervous I was and how I wasn't happy with how much training I had been able to accomplish (no running for 3 of 4 weeks prior due to a stress reaction in my ankle). From the back seat my 5 year old daughter piped up with, "Just hope for the best!" She was right. At that point I had done all the training I could, to the best of my ability. I needed to let it go and just do the best I could do on that day. When I ran past mile marker 10 I commented (out loud) "wow, 10 miles! I've never run 10 miles before." It was a day for celebrating, no matter the finish time.

I love your determination in reaching your goal. If you can dream it, you can do it. And I believe you will. I'm sorry you're struggling with an injury now, but with your positive attitude I know you'll continue toward your goal as soon as you can. Sharing your experiences is a great way to get the point across. Hearing other people's journeys helps to put my own into perspective.

Congratulations to your daughters! It's great to get to share running with them. My 10 year old did her first 5k with me in December. She hasn't asked to do another yet, but I'll wait patiently.

HOnestly? I'd love a 2:33 half. For one reason or another, I've never gotten under 2:59. Those are Disney races, but they are my only halves.

BTW, I finally got to watch "Walt Before Mickey" last night. I have to say, I wasn't impressed. I love anything related to Walt but I just didn't think the story was told all that well. I felt I got much more from books. I didn't think the movie flowed very well. I also didn't think the characters were believable. When I saw "Saving Mr. Banks" I felt like I was watching Walt. I felt like I was in Walt's office during those scene. I realize it's Tom Hanks, and he is my favorite actor, but it was a different level. The guy that played Roy, didn't look anything like Roy.

The story itself though, it just reminds me of how much Walt went through to create what he did for us all to enjoy. It's why he still inspires me everyday.

Disappointing! I was looking forward to seeing that. Saving Mr. Banks was great. I'm not sure they could top that.

 

[FFigawi]

Yes. Love sushi. My first sub-3:00 half, I had a rabbit pot pie the night before. It was delicious - protein, salt, veggies, deliciousness.

Sounds like Kimonos on Saturday night before the full

Yeah, that'll do it. I LOVE tacos (and I'm in Texas, so what's up Tex-Mex everywhere!) - so I try to avoid any spicy or overly seasoned meat before long runs. I do love me some basic tacos, though! Fresh tortilla, shredded rotisserie chicken, lettuce and tomato, little bit of sour cream or Chihuahua cheese. YUM.

There's a taco truck near where we met for most of our long runs in Houston. A few of their $1 tacos & $2 gorditas with a cold IPA made for a great post-run snack.