The Running Thread - 2016

[DopeyBadger]

Off Topic Rant: First off, congrats to Wisconsin on the W. They knew exactly what to do to stop us and should have won by a much larger margin.
We could have FIRED LES MILES last year!!!!! But NOOOOOOOOOO, politics got in the way. So, the man says he will change the way the offense plays and fools Tiger nation again. Special teams and the offense is a dumpster fire. #7 should have packed his bags and gone to the NFL instead of stick around for this. Our offense is compared to everyone else is like this, everyone else has the latest and greatest iPhone and LSU is still using the Zach Morris cell phone

Thanks for the kudos. Surprised we won and WI fans know all to well the storyline of this past weekend's game:

Step 1 - Take lead and look good.
Step 2 - Make a mistake and allow it to snowball. Lose lead.
Step 3 - Make it look like we might make a comeback, and then miss the FG or drop the INT.

Thankfully, from my perspective, WI never fulfilled Step 3 and actually pulled it out (unlike 2 years ago). You could tell #7 was frustrated. He wasn't getting the openings he was hoping for. But in the second half I could see flashes that he was getting into it and I was getting worried. I didn't want him to gain confidence. Take solace in knowing most of our front 7 returned from last year that was a pretty stout run defense. Honestly, if I were your O coordinator I would only do three things going forward:

1) Run the ball with #7
2) Play-action pass the deep ball to your tall WRs
3) Run the ball with #7

I was shocked that I didn't see more of this because I was convinced that one-on-one our DBs had little chance with your taller WRs. Eventually they would have either caught it or at least drawn a pass interference. I wouldn't pack your bags yet on the season. Same reason I'm not going to get too hyped about winning one game. Both of us still have lots of chances left out there for good and bad.

At a minimum, at least you have Aranda as your D Coordinator. While it didn't show in the first game he is a wizard . So if you fire Les, you'll likely still have him (because his contract is guaranteed and not tied to Les's outcome).

 

[FFigawi]

I've seen gels used in running, cycling, triathlon, long distance cross country skiing, and long distance open water swimming. I'm sure Clif, GU, and Hammer would love to expand the list to include many more sports.

 

[r2d2_runner]

Does anybody have advice on getting rid of side-cramps while running? I have never experienced this before (although only started running in May) but the last few times I have been out for a run I have noticed my side cramping up. Today it was so bad I had to stop and walk a few minutes - then when I started running again it came back - ugh! A quick google search indicates that this is likely due to fluids intake before a run (which I didn't do) or breathing issues. I don't think I have changed my breathing patterns recently, although my pace has increased a bit so perhaps I am breathing differently as a result? I tried to focus on breathing after my walk break during today's run but it didn't seem to help. Any suggestions from the experienced runners here? It is making me a bit nervous for my next 10k in a couple of weeks!

 

[Mickey Momma]

ATTQOTD: I haven't heard of GU being used for any other sports. I have considered taking it myself for hiking, but usually stick with a snickers bar.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

ATTQOTD: I've only seen or heard of Gu's being used for endurance events (races).

re: College football. I watched bits and pieces of the LSU/Wisconsin, and from what I saw both teams were playing good football. It seemed like a really physical game. Now that teams are opening the season with highly competitive match ups i think it is even harder to figure out how the team will look the rest of the season. Wisconsin may turn out to be a perennial playoff team and by the end of the season that L wont' look so bad for LSU fan. You know the old saying, teams make their biggest improvement between weeks one and two and hopefully LSU will get back on track...seems like their next 4 are very winnable games.

 

[PrincessV]

I'm sorry for your loss @Disney at Heart.

Has anyone that has had IT Band troubles had any success with using intervals as a way to keep your conditioning but not aggravating the injury further? I find if I stop and walk for a bit then there is less chance of pain when I started running again, but there seems to be limit on the running I can do in one hit at the moment.

Honestly, no. I was already doing intervals when ITBS struck and altering the intervals in any way didn't do anything to help.

I'd recommend a strategy of slow, easy, and steady. Take time to build your strength and flexibility up than to rush back into things and hurt yourself even worse. As the saying goes, come race day it's better to be undertrained than overtrained and injured.

^THAT!!! Seriously, you simply can't push through ITBS: you have to give it the time it needs or it'll just keep coming back.

QOTD: Last night as I was driving home from my run I tuned into the radio broadcast of the FSU Ole Miss game and the announcers are talking about players cramping up. Then I the guys mentions how the team is taking in GU and taking in fluids. He said for those who don't know what GU is look at a marathoner. So with that in mind, what other sports or activities have you have heard of the athletes using GU? (Lets go ahead and say Tri events = running.

ATTQOTD: I see cyclists using gels pretty regularly, but can't say as I've seen or heard of it outside of that, running, or tris.

And on the subject of college football... GO GATORS!!! Terrible game, but we got it done.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

Finally caught up after getting home yesterday from DL. The races went pretty well. The 10k was awesome, lots of park time. The half was more difficult. I think I over did the parks the two days before and didn't fuel like I should have. I also started out way too fast. At mile 7 I started to struggle but then I got the stadium and that gave me a second wind. But at mile 11 my back was giving me trouble and I started to slow down. Mile 12 I hit the wall. It seemed so bad but I finished and my time was only 5 minutes slower than my PR which surprised me. I hope to get a TR together soon.


ATTQOTD: I haven't heard of other sports using GU.

 

[girliea]

I love this thread, but man is it hard to catch up when you get behind!

Sorry for your loss Disney @ heart! My dad and I spin together 3 times a week and I am not looking forward to the day he is not with me. Prayers and hugs to you!

Congrats on the IronMan @CheapRunnerMike! I have a friend who has done 3 now and he is one of the reasons I started running! You are inspiring more people than you can imagine!

Off Topic Rant: First off, congrats to Wisconsin on the W. They knew exactly what to do to stop us and should have won by a much larger margin.
We could have FIRED LES MILES last year!!!!! But NOOOOOOOOOO, politics got in the way. So, the man says he will change the way the offense plays and fools Tiger nation again. Special teams and the offense is a dumpster fire. #7 should have packed his bags and gone to the NFL instead of stick around for this. Our offense is compared to everyone else is like this, everyone else has the latest and greatest iPhone and LSU is still using the Zach Morris cell phone

I think you and my hubs were in the same room watching the game b/c he has no love for LM! Yeah buddy---long season tigers!

 

[LSUlakes]

Thanks for the kudos. Surprised we won and WI fans know all to well the storyline of this past weekend's game:

Step 1 - Take lead and look good.
Step 2 - Make a mistake and allow it to snowball. Lose lead.
Step 3 - Make it look like we might make a comeback, and then miss the FG or drop the INT.

Thankfully, from my perspective, WI never fulfilled Step 3 and actually pulled it out (unlike 2 years ago). You could tell #7 was frustrated. He wasn't getting the openings he was hoping for. But in the second half I could see flashes that he was getting into it and I was getting worried. I didn't want him to gain confidence. Take solace in knowing most of our front 7 returned from last year that was a pretty stout run defense. Honestly, if I were your O coordinator I would only do three things going forward:

1) Run the ball with #7
2) Play-action pass the deep ball to your tall WRs
3) Run the ball with #7

I was shocked that I didn't see more of this because I was convinced that one-on-one our DBs had little chance with your taller WRs. Eventually they would have either caught it or at least drawn a pass interference. I wouldn't pack your bags yet on the season. Same reason I'm not going to get too hyped about winning one game. Both of us still have lots of chances left out there for good and bad.

At a minimum, at least you have Aranda as your D Coordinator. While it didn't show in the first game he is a wizard . So if you fire Les, you'll likely still have him (because his contract is guaranteed and not tied to Les's outcome).

You described our entire offense based on one game you have watched. That's what we do all year long and every team we play knows it. Its hard to run the ball when the defense knows exactly when and where its coming. It's so extremely frustrating to watch all the talent we have go to waste. We cant get a Jr QB to throw a accurate 10yd pass in the middle of the field, and everyone knows it, so they stack the box and tee off on the run. Then our QB runs for his life because PS takes a little time to develop but its not fooling anyone when it's go routes and the CB's are all over them.

ATTQOTD: I've only seen or heard of Gu's being used for endurance events (races).

re: College football. I watched bits and pieces of the LSU/Wisconsin, and from what I saw both teams were playing good football. It seemed like a really physical game. Now that teams are opening the season with highly competitive match ups i think it is even harder to figure out how the team will look the rest of the season. Wisconsin may turn out to be a perennial playoff team and by the end of the season that L wont' look so bad for LSU fan. You know the old saying, teams make their biggest improvement between weeks one and two and hopefully LSU will get back on track...seems like their next 4 are very winnable games.

That rule applies to most teams but since the year of pick 6's the game plan has been the same and nothing changes.... EVER! I wish I can come back to this post in November to eat crow, but Les will be Les and hopefully by the end of November we have a coach lined up... I'll take Houston's coach.

I think you and my hubs were in the same room watching the game b/c he has no love for LM! Yeah buddy---long season tigers

His press conference today was harder to watch / listen to than normal. He is till defending the late hit in the 4th quarter... he is just clueless.

 

[roxymama]

Does anybody have advice on getting rid of side-cramps while running? I have never experienced this before (although only started running in May) but the last few times I have been out for a run I have noticed my side cramping up. Today it was so bad I had to stop and walk a few minutes - then when I started running again it came back - ugh! A quick google search indicates that this is likely due to fluids intake before a run (which I didn't do) or breathing issues. I don't think I have changed my breathing patterns recently, although my pace has increased a bit so perhaps I am breathing differently as a result? I tried to focus on breathing after my walk break during today's run but it didn't seem to help. Any suggestions from the experienced runners here? It is making me a bit nervous for my next 10k in a couple of weeks!

Has it been especially hot on the days you've experienced the cramping. I've had this happen only a few times, but always on an extremely hot day or day I didn't hydrate properly. Since I've gotten better at being more "aware" of weather forecasts, it's no longer an issue because I can hydrate correctly. I have a feeling yours could be due to dehydration. (But I'm not a dr., so only listen to me a little bit.)

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Does anybody have advice on getting rid of side-cramps while running? I have never experienced this before (although only started running in May) but the last few times I have been out for a run I have noticed my side cramping up. Today it was so bad I had to stop and walk a few minutes - then when I started running again it came back - ugh! A quick google search indicates that this is likely due to fluids intake before a run (which I didn't do) or breathing issues. I don't think I have changed my breathing patterns recently, although my pace has increased a bit so perhaps I am breathing differently as a result? I tried to focus on breathing after my walk break during today's run but it didn't seem to help. Any suggestions from the experienced runners here? It is making me a bit nervous for my next 10k in a couple of weeks!

Slow deep breathing eliminates side cramps. Believe it or not, you can slow your breathing considerably when running. But deeper breathes are even more import. Slow shallow breathing will not help - slow and deep.

 

[baxter24]

[B]QOTD: [/B]Last night as I was driving home from my run I tuned into the radio broadcast of the FSU Ole Miss game and the announcers are talking about players cramping up. Then I the guys mentions how the team is taking in GU and taking in fluids. He said for those who don't know what GU is look at a marathoner. So with that in mind, what other sports or activities have you have heard of the athletes using GU? (Lets go ahead and say Tri events = running.

I met a few people who have taken them on long hikes but that is it.

 

[opusone]

Does anybody have advice on getting rid of side-cramps while running? I have never experienced this before (although only started running in May) but the last few times I have been out for a run I have noticed my side cramping up. Today it was so bad I had to stop and walk a few minutes - then when I started running again it came back - ugh! A quick google search indicates that this is likely due to fluids intake before a run (which I didn't do) or breathing issues. I don't think I have changed my breathing patterns recently, although my pace has increased a bit so perhaps I am breathing differently as a result? I tried to focus on breathing after my walk break during today's run but it didn't seem to help. Any suggestions from the experienced runners here? It is making me a bit nervous for my next 10k in a couple of weeks!

A long shot... but are you eating food too close to run time? That's pretty much the only time I get side cramps. Not sure why.

 

[DVCFan1994]

Does anybody have advice on getting rid of side-cramps while running? I have never experienced this before (although only started running in May) but the last few times I have been out for a run I have noticed my side cramping up. Today it was so bad I had to stop and walk a few minutes - then when I started running again it came back - ugh! A quick google search indicates that this is likely due to fluids intake before a run (which I didn't do) or breathing issues. I don't think I have changed my breathing patterns recently, although my pace has increased a bit so perhaps I am breathing differently as a result? I tried to focus on breathing after my walk break during today's run but it didn't seem to help. Any suggestions from the experienced runners here? It is making me a bit nervous for my next 10k in a couple of weeks!

Has it been especially hot on the days you've experienced the cramping. I've had this happen only a few times, but always on an extremely hot day or day I didn't hydrate properly. Since I've gotten better at being more "aware" of weather forecasts, it's no longer an issue because I can hydrate correctly. I have a feeling yours could be due to dehydration. (But I'm not a dr., so only listen to me a little bit.)

While breathing can definitely cause side cramps, I'll echo @roxymama and suggest you also think about dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalance. If you are running in heat or longer distances than previously gearing up for your 10k, getting too dehydrated or depleted could be a factor. I definitely get side cramps from dehydration, I always bring a drink on runs over an hour. In the summer it's often an electrolyte drink. Anything over 75 minutes and I'll also take a shot block.

 

[asheleycs]

What do you do when you hit a wall? I went for what should have been a short (30 min) run today, but 5 minutes, I just couldn't do it. My legs felt like rocks, it was as if there were no reserves to draw from. I did make myself walk the full 30 min, jogging a minute here and there.

How do you diagnose the cause? I know I didn't sleep well, but nothing else off. I have my first 10k this weekend, and I'm worried this will happen again. I'm sure it's psychological as much as physical, but I'm not sure what it is.

 

[keahgirl8]

I've had ITB issues, and have found crosstraining to be more valuable than altering my run-walk intervals. I do barre, cardio kickboxing, and some yoga. I've found than strengthening my glutes & hips, and working on my core has helped to alleviate most of the IT band pain I was experiencing.

I'd recommend a strategy of slow, easy, and steady. Take time to build your strength and flexibility up than to rush back into things and hurt yourself even worse. As the saying goes, come race day it's better to be undertrained than overtrained and injured.

Good advice. It's what I'm working on now.

 

[Kathymford]

Anyone ever done the 21 fix day diet and work out plan? My husband and I are a week into it. I am doing the food part and not the workouts because I am already running at least four times a week. If you have done it, do you feel like you started to get more of your energy back in the second week? Just curious to hear anyone's thoughts if they have done it.

I have done it! I did both, the food (mostly) and the workouts. I stopped running while I was on it though as I was quite sore with those workouts. Lucky for me I did it at a time when I had lots of time before my next race.

The only thing I can think of is maybe you are running more (thus burning more calories) than the workouts would have you burning? I didn't really notice a drop off in energy other than my sleep schedule since I was doing these workouts in the morning. But everything did seem to get easier in the second week. Except the soreness from the workouts. I swear I was tired of being sore for those 3 weeks.

It really does work though. I lost about 10 pounds, but even more in inches. Actually, now that I'm talking about it ... maybe I should go back to it ...

Yup, this is what my PT has me doing, along with some strength exercises. My interest in intervals is around how I can pick myself up for wine & dine. by the time we get to November, if things stay the way they are now, I won't have run over 5km since July (when I did a PB half). I don't want to go out and hurt myself again by being under trained and in recovery all at the same time. Trying to develop a strategy for the next 7-8 weeks.

I just went through this at Dumbo. I injured my adductor and took about a month off, then had about a month to a month and half to train for Dumbo. Then, I think I did too much and about two weeks before the race injured my other leg. Less severely, but still injured. I shut it all down and just tried to recover as much as I could before the race this weekend. My lack of training definitely showed, but I was able to finish. At that point, that's what really mattered to me and not injuring myself further. Did I have to walk ALL of mile 12 during the half. Yep, I sure did. But I wanted to quit, so that was the compromise (LOL).

So yes, under trained is better than further injury or making an injury giving you even bigger problems down the line. Good luck!

Does anybody have advice on getting rid of side-cramps while running? I have never experienced this before (although only started running in May) but the last few times I have been out for a run I have noticed my side cramping up. Today it was so bad I had to stop and walk a few minutes - then when I started running again it came back - ugh! A quick google search indicates that this is likely due to fluids intake before a run (which I didn't do) or breathing issues. I don't think I have changed my breathing patterns recently, although my pace has increased a bit so perhaps I am breathing differently as a result? I tried to focus on breathing after my walk break during today's run but it didn't seem to help. Any suggestions from the experienced runners here? It is making me a bit nervous for my next 10k in a couple of weeks!

When I first started running I had this problem. For me, it's two things: dehydration and running posture. I notice it goes away when I really expand/life my chest while running. For me, it often goes away as I run too. Almost like once I get settled into "oh yeah, this is how I run." Running is not quite muscle memory for me yet ...

So, not much of a recap from Dumbo yet, but here are the important things.

First challenge: CHECK
Coast to Coast: CHECK

@LSUlakes you can update my not quite my best results as follows: 10k 1:27:47 and for the half 3:23:46.

 

[dmross]

What do you do when you hit a wall? I went for what should have been a short (30 min) run today, but 5 minutes, I just couldn't do it. My legs felt like rocks, it was as if there were no reserves to draw from. I did make myself walk the full 30 min, jogging a minute here and there.

How do you diagnose the cause? I know I didn't sleep well, but nothing else off. I have my first 10k this weekend, and I'm worried this will happen again. I'm sure it's psychological as much as physical, but I'm not sure what it is.

This is an excellent question. I've had some days like that, and in my case came up with fatigue as the issue... Meaning muscle fatigue that accumulated over a number of runs. I had a run just like that today. I walked for a mile until it became bearable and then picked back up for the last mile of my workout. I think the bigger question is, "how does this feeling of dead, heavy legs factor into perception of effort?" I'd like to hear some input from the more experienced runners.

 

[keahgirl8]

I would have to wonder if you overtrained, were dehydrated, or had not eaten enough that day. If it's mental, sometimes you have to push through it if you can. It's an ongoing process to learn how to listen to your body and figure out how much you need to push through and when to stop or slow down.

 

[Keels]

What do you do when you hit a wall? I went for what should have been a short (30 min) run today, but 5 minutes, I just couldn't do it. My legs felt like rocks, it was as if there were no reserves to draw from. I did make myself walk the full 30 min, jogging a minute here and there.

How do you diagnose the cause? I know I didn't sleep well, but nothing else off. I have my first 10k this weekend, and I'm worried this will happen again. I'm sure it's psychological as much as physical, but I'm not sure what it is.

It obviously differs from person-to-person and is definitely situational.

I've been hurt and really struggled this weekend at the Disneyland Half. No joking, I feel like I hit about nine walls during that damn race. I pulled out all my "mental" tricks - I changed up my playlist, I turned off the pace/interval alerts on my watch so I wouldn't feel like I was falling behind and instead would let myself naturally fall into a groove and get something going, I ate more Margarita ShotBlocs than I normally eat (again, imagining I was having a cocktail and not running), I BioFreezed, I stopped to stretch, I stopped to pet two different dogs (yes, their owners probably thought I was crazy), I went through all my mantras, I texted my friends for helpful words and when all that failed ... well, then I cried. But at least I finished, but man - it was not pretty.

I feel like "walls" are most often mental and I've found that when I hit them during training, I ask myself "Are you really hurt or are you just lazy?" and then I try to find some way to change up the run and make it fun - do dance steps for a bit instead of run or stop at a track and run laps, or run up and down a dam crossing - anything to change up my mindset. That usually works. Also, if I'm not in to a run and go in with the mindset that it's going to suck, well, it's going to suck. But lace up and get out there - garbage run or not. Do the miles. There's always another run after it. Nobody ever has a perfect training cycle.

In my case, on Sunday, the first few times when I asked myself if I was really hurt or just lazy, I convinced myself that I was just coming up with something to excuse my poor pace and downturn in effort. The fourth time I had to ask myself, it was overwhelmingly clear - I was hurt, really hurt. And at that point, it became self-preservation and just do whatever I could to make it as far as I could.

I said it on my Insta following the finish on Sunday, but I think it bears mentioning here - 13.1 miles filled mostly with an internal dialogue of "I can't do this" followed by "You've got to" is a very low and humbling experience. Luckily, I believe in #NeverEverQuit (Go Rangers!), but it was really, really, really put to the test on Sunday.