The Running Thread - 2016

[preciouspups]

That's good news Keels. How often do you have to go? Insurance doesn't cover the visit? Did you ask their opinion on yoga possibly helping as well?


I had an interesting day. My "wife" comes up to wake me up this morning. I was already up but dread going downstairs with this cast on so I was laying here. She says, "We have a bat in the sink". Huh? "We have a bat in the sink". She was doing dishes and she saw a bat in the sink so she covered it with a bowl. I come down and managed to get it out of the house and then we find out that we all need to go to the ER to get rabies shots. So all 5 of us (my 8 year old slept at her friend's last night so she missed out) hit the ER at 11:15 this morning and we left about 5 pm. We all had to get rabies shots because there is no way of knowing if we might have gotten bitten in the middle of the night. I am usually good with pain but I needed 6 shots and the medicine is very think and it burned going in, big time. The best part is, we each have a $200 co-pay with the insurance company so it cost us $1000. Now we need 3 follow up does over the next 13 days.

Holy Hell!

 

[girliea]

So it stopped raining here and we live far enough away from the rivers that are backing up that we should not have any problems. A lot of folks aren't so lucky.
My usual running spot is under water which I have never seen before. It's really bad for a lot of folks in south Louisiana.

I was hoping you were high and dry! We are too but not a lot of our friends-so frustrating b/c you can't get to people to help them b/c of roads closed or flooding! Please let me know if you and yours need anything.

 

[LSUlakes]

Flood update:
Haven't slept all night. Water is backing up the bayous and causing major flooding. Water is rising all around us and I have started moving furniture off the ground. Our neighborhood is currently dry, but I'm not certain that it will remain that way. Prayers for all of those would be appreciated

 

[FFigawi]

@LSUlakes hope you & your neighbors stay safe & dry

 

[DVCFan1994]

Man you go away for a week and it takes 2+ hours to catch up! Some great discussions while I was away. Our trip was fantastic but super busy, I managed to get one run in, I'd hoped for 2 (no more because my husband traveled further for a few days) but I am glad I got in at least one.

QOTD: What training program did you use when you first started running if any? Why did you make that decision?

My first running was training for a triathlon, and I used a beginner sprint tri program, can't recall the program name. My first half marathon (Glass Slipper) I used Higdon's Novice 2 plan, but every in the last 6ish weeks added a few back to back runs.

QOTD: Lets discuss running shorts. What do you like or dislike in a pair of running shorts? What are you looking for when you buy shorts?

Am I the only one who felt short after reading these responses? So many responses started with I am tall so.. I am shortish, 5'4" I don't like loose fit running shorts, they cause chafe with my mega quads. I wear mostly capris, tights in the winter her in NE, I have a few running skirts from athleta and Lululemon, and one pair of compression shorts. The main must for me is pockets that hold my fuel and phone. Athleta has compression capris/tights that have the most amazing pockets. I hope they never start taking them!

Yesterday a question was asked about fueling for running. I figured with everyone either already starting or will soon be starter a training program it would be appropriate to make it a official QOTD.

QOTD: Question for those who fuel during runs, what do you use? What rules govern your decision for fueling? Do you also include water and/or sport drinks?

So I am a very profuse, very salty sweater who also refuses to eat before a run, unless my run is not in the morning. I need to fuel on runs over an hour. I mainly use the extra salt shot blocks, but have used honey stinger chews and sport beans as well. I also drink water with each fuel and sip gatorade halfway between fueling times. Depending on the outdoor temp and thus how much I expect to sweat, I will fuel every 20 to 30 minutes after the first half hour.

QOTD: Building off of yesterdays QOTD, if you don't carry your own hydration during a race, what have you found is the best approach to the grab and go drinking method from hydration stations along the course?

I wear a fuel belt on runs over an hour, and keep my fluids in that. I will refill at water stations. I can keep running and drink from the bottles in the belt without issue, but if I need to stop at a water station to use their cups, I have to walk, just can't get the pinch, sip and run thing down. That usually is only an issue at hot and/or humid races.

QOTD: How often to do you wait to the day of a race or day before to decided to register/run it? Why did you wait?

Am I the only one who does this often? Almost every race I've done outside of Disney I have registered day of at the event. Usually because I am injured and unsure of my status, sometimes it due to lack of clarity about family commitments..

Flood update:
Haven't slept all night. Water is backing up the bayous and causing major flooding. Water is rising all around us and I have started moving furniture off the ground. Our neighborhood is currently dry, but I'm not certain that it will remain that way. Prayers for all of those would be appreciated

How awful. The pictures I have seen on tv are so scary, and I am sure reality is much worse. Thoughts and prayers to you, your family and neighbors that things will start to improve.

I need a little help here. I am just getting back to running after the 8 week lay-off post high hamstring strain. But, I am unusually worried about running alone right now. I have never been a group runner or had a partner, I have always run alone. I live on the very edge of my city, next to a rural town I am in within a tenth of of a mile of starting. I am not sure how many of you have heard about the runner in Princeton MA that was assaulted and killed midday a week ago yesterday, it made national news, and I saw it on Facebook from Runners World and other running sites. Princeton is next to the town I usually run in, so the same vicinity. All the routes I run are mostly in at least slightly populated areas, but, there are always some small sections that are a bit more isolated. I have read local news stories that many women have stopped running alone outside and are running inside or only in groups. My schedule does not work with any of the groups I am familiar with, and I absolutely despise the treadmill. I suppose I could run toward the city instead of toward the town I run in, but the traffic and roads are difficult to deal with. I usually am not someone to let this kind of thing bother me so much, I'd take a "don't let fear win" attitude, but this time it really is getting to me. I have to run today, and I am going to do it at a track, but I want to get back to the roads. When I do return to the road I'll ditch the headphones for now, and be sure to let someone now where I am going and when I expect to be done. But any other tips anyone has to conquer this fear and try to feel safe on the roads again would be appreciated.

 

[IamTrike]

No one around me cares about running so I figured I'd come on here to share...for the first time EVER in my life I ran 10 miles. Yes it was on a treadmill (heat index was 110 degrees yesterday) and yes it took me 2:09:08 to finish it but I don't care. I felt so accomplished! And I finally feel like running my first half in a month will actually be doable. Just figured that if anyone understood my excitement, it would be you guys!

Hurray! First Double Digit run is huge and doing in on a treadmill shows lots of mental fortitude.

Flood update:
Haven't slept all night. Water is backing up the bayous and causing major flooding. Water is rising all around us and I have started moving furniture off the ground. Our neighborhood is currently dry, but I'm not certain that it will remain that way. Prayers for all of those would be appreciated

Sorry to hear that, hope you stay safe.

I need a little help here. I am just getting back to running after the 8 week lay-off post high hamstring strain. But, I am unusually worried about running alone right now. I have never been a group runner or had a partner, I have always run alone. I live on the very edge of my city, next to a rural town I am in within a tenth of of a mile of starting. I am not sure how many of you have heard about the runner in Princeton MA that was assaulted and killed midday a week ago yesterday, it made national news, and I saw it on Facebook from Runners World and other running sites. Princeton is next to the town I usually run in, so the same vicinity. All the routes I run are mostly in at least slightly populated areas, but, there are always some small sections that are a bit more isolated. I have read local news stories that many women have stopped running alone outside and are running inside or only in groups. My schedule does not work with any of the groups I am familiar with, and I absolutely despise the treadmill. I suppose I could run toward the city instead of toward the town I run in, but the traffic and roads are difficult to deal with. I usually am not someone to let this kind of thing bother me so much, I'd take a "don't let fear win" attitude, but this time it really is getting to me. I have to run today, and I am going to do it at a track, but I want to get back to the roads. When I do return to the road I'll ditch the headphones for now, and be sure to let someone now where I am going and when I expect to be done. But any other tips anyone has to conquer this fear and try to feel safe on the roads again would be appreciated.

I think one of the better podcasts I've ever listened to was this episode of Mickey Miles. http://mickeymiles.podbean.com/e/episode-371-run-safely-with-susan-schorn/ It was an episode on runner safety where they talked with Susan Schorn a martial arts teacher, woman's self defense expert and the author of Smile at Strangers. https://www.amazon.com/Smile-Strangers-Lessons-Living-Fearlessly-ebook/dp/B008LQ1QOY It was a great episode that really delves into this and even more than just helping you to feel safe, it talks about the things to do to be safe.

 

[ZellyB]

I had an interesting day. My "wife" comes up to wake me up this morning. I was already up but dread going downstairs with this cast on so I was laying here. She says, "We have a bat in the sink". Huh? "We have a bat in the sink". She was doing dishes and she saw a bat in the sink so she covered it with a bowl. I come down and managed to get it out of the house and then we find out that we all need to go to the ER to get rabies shots. So all 5 of us (my 8 year old slept at her friend's last night so she missed out) hit the ER at 11:15 this morning and we left about 5 pm. We all had to get rabies shots because there is no way of knowing if we might have gotten bitten in the middle of the night. I am usually good with pain but I needed 6 shots and the medicine is very think and it burned going in, big time. The best part is, we each have a $200 co-pay with the insurance company so it cost us $1000. Now we need 3 follow up does over the next 13 days.

Yikes on the rabies shots. We have a lot of bats around our place (which I love for mosquito control), but have worried about them getting in the house before. I'd heard that you are supposed to get rabies shots if one is in the house at night. I guess their bites are so small you don't even know you've gotten bit or something. Sorry you all had to go through that!

No one around me cares about running so I figured I'd come on here to share...for the first time EVER in my life I ran 10 miles. Yes it was on a treadmill (heat index was 110 degrees yesterday) and yes it took me 2:09:08 to finish it but I don't care. I felt so accomplished! And I finally feel like running my first half in a month will actually be doable. Just figured that if anyone understood my excitement, it would be you guys!

Congratulations. Hitting double digits the first time is a great feeling. You'll absolutely be ready for your half!

Flood update:
Haven't slept all night. Water is backing up the bayous and causing major flooding. Water is rising all around us and I have started moving furniture off the ground. Our neighborhood is currently dry, but I'm not certain that it will remain that way. Prayers for all of those would be appreciated

The pictures and videos on the news have been horrible. Wishing you the best and hope the water stays at bay for you.

 

[Dis5150]

@LSUlakes prayers for you and your neighbors! That is so scary! Keep us updated (as you can, obviously), as I know I am not the only one worrying about your safety!

 

[roxymama]

@LSUlakes Wow, that is scary. We are thinking about you today and hope you and your neighbors get by without too much damage. Praying for your safety! Hoping your long run later this week can be a run and not a swim.

 

[Miranda]

Fingers crossed for your neighborhood @LSUlakes! That must be so scary.

@DVCFan1994 that has been on my mind a little, as that is only about an hour and a half from here, although I can imagine if I was as close as you I'd be a little more concerned. I see all kinds of people posting in groups about how they never run without mace or people buying these little knuckle knife blades. I don't know... I didn't really do anything different last week, although I do almost always run towards town. I live on the edge of our city (literally). The well populated areas end right around our neighborhood then there is about a 2 mile stretch between us and the next town over where the state university is, but that stretch is fairly rural former farmland and less populated roads. I sometimes run that direction but not usually until I get into the longer runs and need to add on more distance. Most of the time I run towards downtown of our city and create routes that run around the downtown areas and neighborhoods, then head back out to our house. It is a decently sized city for the area (~30k) so there's a lot of houses and people and things going on around the downtown area even when I run early. I don't know how I'll feel about going in the other direction when the time comes, I guess. My SO does worry about it I think more than I do.

 

[Mickey Momma]

No one around me cares about running so I figured I'd come on here to share...for the first time EVER in my life I ran 10 miles. Yes it was on a treadmill (heat index was 110 degrees yesterday) and yes it took me 2:09:08 to finish it but I don't care. I felt so accomplished! And I finally feel like running my first half in a month will actually be doable. Just figured that if anyone understood my excitement, it would be you guys!

Woot!! The only thing better then hitting double-digits for the first time is the way you will feel when you cross that finish line next month!!

Flood update:
Haven't slept all night. Water is backing up the bayous and causing major flooding. Water is rising all around us and I have started moving furniture off the ground. Our neighborhood is currently dry, but I'm not certain that it will remain that way. Prayers for all of those would be appreciated

See prayers and positive thoughts you way.

 

[Mickey Momma]

Alright, I gave the Sports Beans a try on my long run yesterday. Loved the taste, watermelon with caffeine, but when it came time to actually take them I realized that I wasn't sure of the best way. With GU, it's one and done. So I when I hit my fueling time, I ended up chewing three or four at a time during walking intervals. That means it took me nearly twenty minutes to consume a bag!

This should be common sense, but is this right? Should I spread them out even more or try to eat them in a shorter amount of time? Honestly, while I love the taste of Shot Blocks, I eventually stopped using them because I felt like I wasn't getting the fuel in quickly enough and would end up bonking.

 

[opusone]

I need a little help here. I am just getting back to running after the 8 week lay-off post high hamstring strain. But, I am unusually worried about running alone right now. I have never been a group runner or had a partner, I have always run alone. I live on the very edge of my city, next to a rural town I am in within a tenth of of a mile of starting. I am not sure how many of you have heard about the runner in Princeton MA that was assaulted and killed midday a week ago yesterday, it made national news, and I saw it on Facebook from Runners World and other running sites. Princeton is next to the town I usually run in, so the same vicinity. All the routes I run are mostly in at least slightly populated areas, but, there are always some small sections that are a bit more isolated. I have read local news stories that many women have stopped running alone outside and are running inside or only in groups. My schedule does not work with any of the groups I am familiar with, and I absolutely despise the treadmill. I suppose I could run toward the city instead of toward the town I run in, but the traffic and roads are difficult to deal with. I usually am not someone to let this kind of thing bother me so much, I'd take a "don't let fear win" attitude, but this time it really is getting to me. I have to run today, and I am going to do it at a track, but I want to get back to the roads. When I do return to the road I'll ditch the headphones for now, and be sure to let someone now where I am going and when I expect to be done. But any other tips anyone has to conquer this fear and try to feel safe on the roads again would be appreciated.

I don't know if this will help, but here is an article from five days ago written by a female runner who had been stalked in the past, but she continued to run and shares her running habits:
http://www.runnerinprogress.com/2016/08/10/not-afraid-running-wake-recent-murders/

 

[Neon Cactus]

Did my test run for Dumbo this weekend. Fortunately, the temperatures dropped in Dallas and it was really nice, especially Sunday. I'd done the distances before, but hadn't done them back to back, so it was a good test. I'm pretty new to running and always learn a few things on each long run. Yesterday's lesson was that, even if you use the energy gels and are still feeling really hungry, and even if it's the only option on your route, never, under any circumstances, eat a McDonalds Egg McMuffin and hash browns! I had been joking with my friends that they needed to bring me a Tommy's burger along the Half Marathon course, but I think I'll stop joking about that.

I also worked at my weekend job Saturday night after I did the 6 miles, where I walk a lot and worked until 2 AM, and got up at 5:30 AM to run the 13, so it was a good test to see how I'll handle running after a day in a Disney park and on very limited sleep! I can't wait for Labor Day weekend!!

 

[ZellyB]

Alright, I gave the Sports Beans a try on my long run yesterday. Loved the taste, watermelon with caffeine, but when it came time to actually take them I realized that I wasn't sure of the best way. With GU, it's one and done. So I when I hit my fueling time, I ended up chewing three or four at a time during walking intervals. That means it took me nearly twenty minutes to consume a bag!

This should be common sense, but is this right? Should I spread them out even more or try to eat them in a shorter amount of time? Honestly, while I love the taste of Shot Blocks, I eventually stopped using them because I felt like I wasn't getting the fuel in quickly enough and would end up bonking.

I typically just eat a few at a time on walking intervals as well. If I'm really feeling sluggish, then I just do that a couple of times on intervals until I consume a good portion of the bag.

 

[dis_or_dat]

@LSUlakes stay safe. Lots of thoughts and prayers for you and Louisiana.

@Keels happy to hear you're feeling better

@Waiting2goback yikes! Sorry about all those shots and so much $$$!

@KristinaD626 I remember thinking running 10 miles on a treadmill would be a piece of cake since I've done 10 outside, but it was so much harder, even at a super slow pace!!! So great job!

@DVCFan1994 Definitely heard about that woman and supposedly she ran in an area many purposely avoided? My DH has been sending me these types of articles recently. I'd definitely run towards town as @Miranda has mentioned. Some running apps have live tracking (e.g. strava premium). Do you have an iphone and share an apple account? Your partner can use "find my iphone" to follow your run, my DH does this. I wonder if you can use waze similarly, although you're not a car, maybe you can send a "share my drive". Anyways that's for someone to track you, but what about being actually on the road? Maybe carry some pepper spray or mace? l almost always run listening to something, but if you're running in a rural area, I would not listen to anything so I had a better sense of my surroundings (or at the most 1 earbud).

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Alright, I gave the Sports Beans a try on my long run yesterday. Loved the taste, watermelon with caffeine, but when it came time to actually take them I realized that I wasn't sure of the best way. With GU, it's one and done. So I when I hit my fueling time, I ended up chewing three or four at a time during walking intervals. That means it took me nearly twenty minutes to consume a bag!

This should be common sense, but is this right? Should I spread them out even more or try to eat them in a shorter amount of time? Honestly, while I love the taste of Shot Blocks, I eventually stopped using them because I felt like I wasn't getting the fuel in quickly enough and would end up bonking.

As long as you consume a bag every 30-40 minutes, how you spread them out is up to you. I also spread them out to be sure that I drink enough.

 

[Mickey's sweetheart]

@LSUlakes: Be safe. Saying "My thoughts and prayers are with you" sounds like a cliché but I really do mean it.

@Mickey Momma: I also spread out Sport Beans. I eat 2 or 3 every few miles. If I do more than that I have stomach issues and my body doesn't like getting all that caffeine at once.

 

[DVCFan1994]

I think one of the better podcasts I've ever listened to was this episode of Mickey Miles. http://mickeymiles.podbean.com/e/episode-371-run-safely-with-susan-schorn/ It was an episode on runner safety where they talked with Susan Schorn a martial arts teacher, woman's self defense expert and the author of Smile at Strangers. https://www.amazon.com/Smile-Strangers-Lessons-Living-Fearlessly-ebook/dp/B008LQ1QOY It was a great episode that really delves into this and even more than just helping you to feel safe, it talks about the things to do to be safe.

Thanks for the recommendation, I will check that out!

Fingers crossed for your neighborhood @LSUlakes! That must be so scary.

@DVCFan1994 that has been on my mind a little, as that is only about an hour and a half from here, although I can imagine if I was as close as you I'd be a little more concerned. I see all kinds of people posting in groups about how they never run without mace or people buying these little knuckle knife blades. I don't know... I didn't really do anything different last week, although I do almost always run towards town. I live on the edge of our city (literally). The well populated areas end right around our neighborhood then there is about a 2 mile stretch between us and the next town over where the state university is, but that stretch is fairly rural former farmland and less populated roads. I sometimes run that direction but not usually until I get into the longer runs and need to add on more distance. Most of the time I run towards downtown of our city and create routes that run around the downtown areas and neighborhoods, then head back out to our house. It is a decently sized city for the area (~30k) so there's a lot of houses and people and things going on around the downtown area even when I run early. I don't know how I'll feel about going in the other direction when the time comes, I guess. My SO does worry about it I think more than I do.

I know the general areas you are talking about. My sister went to UNH, and lived in 3 different parts of Dover before settling in Barrington. My brother lives in New Castle, right near Portsmouth. The area where my sister runs is definitely more remote than the areas I run in. Running around the seacoast cities would definitely be nicer than Worcester I think I am going to try running east from my area instead of north like I normally do. I had to go that way today for the first time in forever to bring my kids somewhere, and I forgot that there are fewer areas that have any isolated spots, its almost all well developed and heavily traveled. I just can't bring myself to run into Worcester, it has its own safety issues and the roads are just pretty unsafe traffic wise.

@DVCFan1994 Definitely heard about that woman and supposedly she ran in an area many purposely avoided? My DH has been sending me these types of articles recently. I'd definitely run towards town as @Miranda has mentioned. Some running apps have live tracking (e.g. strava premium). Do you have an iphone and share an apple account? Your partner can use "find my iphone" to follow your run, my DH does this. I wonder if you can use waze similarly, although you're not a car, maybe you can send a "share my drive". Anyways that's for someone to track you, but what about being actually on the road? Maybe carry some pepper spray or mace? l almost always run listening to something, but if you're running in a rural area, I would not listen to anything so I had a better sense of my surroundings (or at the most 1 earbud).

That is interesting, I haven't read anything about people avoiding the area she was in. It is remote but near a conservation area, and off a state road. She was less than a half mile from her parents house where she was found. Police are not giving tons of details so it's not entirely clear that she died where she was found. My husband rides his bike in that area all the time, it is not far from a ski mountain that lots of cyclists and runners use to train outside of ski season, as there is a well maintained road to the top. I read today they are testing a person of interest's DNA. I hope for her family and friends they can find answers soon. On a bright note, a memorial run was held in Princeton last night, and 250 runners showed up on short notice as a show of solidarity.

I have my phone always and I think I will turn my live tracking on on my Garmin again, so my husband can see where I am. I know he does check on my on long runs using find my friends. I once got a call from him mid run, because I tried a new route and he was really confused as to where I was. As fate would have it I was almost in Princeton, which he thought was unusually far from home for me (it was my 12 miler before my first half).

Today I joined a Facebook group as for a local running club, runners post information about group runs there, and I am hoping to perhaps use that to find someone to run with at least some of the time once I am able to maintain a decent pace again. Until then I think I'll stick to the track for the next few weeks, until I feel stronger out there. I think that is part of my anxiety right now, I feel slow and weak as a runner, on top of nervous about what happened. I think when I feel stronger again, this will improve.

 

[Kristina685]

Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement and congrats!!

@LSUlakes I really hope you guys are ok. My thoughts are with you