The Running Thread - 2016

[disneydaydreamer33]

QOTD: Do you have a movie, book, song, YouTube video, ect that after seeing it, makes you want to stop what you are doing and go out for run ASAP? Have you ever actually just dropped everything you where doing and went out for a run?

Hmmm . . . I actually think "dance movies" make me want to go out for a run more than "sports movies." Probably because I don't dance anymore and running is my primary exercise outlet; dancing is still extremely inspiring for me.

Same goes if I hear a really dance-able song (hip hop inflected pop and upbeat Broadway is my go-to) . . . which makes Hamilton my ultimate makes-me-want-to-move music (I LOVE 'Guns and Ships' @Anisum !)

I don't think I've ever just dropped everything and went for a run. With young kids to care for, my runs have to be scheduled around them.

 

[Anisum]

Read this article this morning and thought of the triathletes on this thread: Race with an Anaconda anyone? Not what you expect to find in Maine...
http://whdh.com/news/local/triathletes-to-swim-in-river-thats-home-to-giant-snake/

That's odd. I would think Maine would be too cold for an anaconda. I wonder if it was someone's pet?

Same goes if I hear a really dance-able song (hip hop inflected pop and upbeat Broadway is my go-to) . . . which makes Hamilton my ultimate makes-me-want-to-move music (I LOVE 'Guns and Ships' @Anisum !)

I like the whole soundtrack but I find most of the songs off pace for my running. It's my goto in the car though.

 

[JulieODC]

QOTD: I always find that watching others run, makes me want to run -- esp marathons. Living in MA, I've watched many Boston Marathons, and without fail, it always inspires me to want to run!

Can I ask another question? This one inspired by my lunchtime run just now.... How do you deal with dogs? Any tried and true methods to stop a dog(s) from approaching? I had my first run-in with 2 ogs (I think they might have been Yorkshire terriors) - 2 of them came running across a lawn, then across the street at me, barking a lot, lunging -- but luckily, no bites happened. I backed up, started to run away, but that seemed to only make them come on stronger. Finally, they backed off as I got a little further from their house. No owner in sight.

It made me realize that I didn't really know what to do in the situation, if I did the right/wrong thing? Not going to lie, it was a little scary, even if they were tiny dogs! (I was bitten twice by my SILs dog, unprovoked, a few years ago, so I am a little more nervous about dogs these days....)

 

[PrincessV]

Can I ask another question? This one inspired by my lunchtime run just now.... How do you deal with dogs? Any tried and true methods to stop a dog(s) from approaching? I had my first run-in with 2 ogs (I think they might have been Yorkshire terriors) - 2 of them came running across a lawn, then across the street at me, barking a lot, lunging -- but luckily, no bites happened. I backed up, started to run away, but that seemed to only make them come on stronger. Finally, they backed off as I got a little further from their house. No owner in sight.

It made me realize that I didn't really know what to do in the situation, if I did the right/wrong thing? Not going to lie, it was a little scary, even if they were tiny dogs! (I was bitten twice by my SILs dog, unprovoked, a few years ago, so I am a little more nervous about dogs these days....)

Fortunately, I've yet to have a negative dog interaction and 99% of folks where I live keep their dogs well controlled on-leash. But I still always slow to a walk when approaching a dog, even when leashed, and continue walking until I'm past it and its attention is clearly not on me. I've always heard that you never run from a dog, as its natural instinct is to give chase. I've also heard it's best not to make direct eye contact, as that implies a challenge, and smiling with teeth can be viewed as baring teeth in aggression. So I simply ignore the dog altogether and only look at/speak to its handler. If I were to some across a dog on its own and it began to approach me, I think I'd stop moving and try basic commands first - "No! Stop, sit, stay!".

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

You got it! Red sparkle skirt optional but highly recommended.

View attachment 193122

I'll sign off on the red sparkle skirt. I'll see your beer and raise you a margarita (you know, for the salt).

 

[DVCFan1994]

QOTD: I always find that watching others run, makes me want to run -- esp marathons. Living in MA, I've watched many Boston Marathons, and without fail, it always inspires me to want to run!

Can I ask another question? This one inspired by my lunchtime run just now.... How do you deal with dogs? Any tried and true methods to stop a dog(s) from approaching? I had my first run-in with 2 ogs (I think they might have been Yorkshire terriors) - 2 of them came running across a lawn, then across the street at me, barking a lot, lunging -- but luckily, no bites happened. I backed up, started to run away, but that seemed to only make them come on stronger. Finally, they backed off as I got a little further from their house. No owner in sight.

It made me realize that I didn't really know what to do in the situation, if I did the right/wrong thing? Not going to lie, it was a little scary, even if they were tiny dogs! (I was bitten twice by my SILs dog, unprovoked, a few years ago, so I am a little more nervous about dogs these days....)

I have had a similar experience, two small dogs that jumped off their front porch, darted across a very large front yard right to my ankles barking loudly the whole way. No owner anywhere in sight. I was scared at first (I too have been bitten and have a baseline fear as a result) but quickly could tell they were only going to bark. But I had to walk a few hundred feet past the house before they left me alone. I didn't run again until they were out of sight.

Whenever I encounter a dog I slow to walk, and cross the street if possible. I've known plenty of friendly dogs, but simply can't trust those I don't know, particularly when I'm encountering them with no handler around. I've had owners that were in the yard get offended by my avoidance of the dog, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. If I don't know them or their dog I'm going to proceed with caution.

 

[ebradley23]

Can I ask another question? This one inspired by my lunchtime run just now.... How do you deal with dogs? Any tried and true methods to stop a dog(s) from approaching? I had my first run-in with 2 ogs (I think they might have been Yorkshire terriors) - 2 of them came running across a lawn, then across the street at me, barking a lot, lunging -- but luckily, no bites happened. I backed up, started to run away, but that seemed to only make them come on stronger. Finally, they backed off as I got a little further from their house. No owner in sight.

It made me realize that I didn't really know what to do in the situation, if I did the right/wrong thing? Not going to lie, it was a little scary, even if they were tiny dogs! (I was bitten twice by my SILs dog, unprovoked, a few years ago, so I am a little more nervous about dogs these days....)

I carry pepper spray. When I see a dog running towards me aggressively, I try to either turn around (it tends to be houses at the end of a cul-de-sac every time) before I get to the dog or cross to the other side of the road. Most times they won't leave their yard.

I've been caught off guard twice which resulted in the dogs getting really close. Both times I stopped running completely. Their owners were present and got them before I was bitten. Had they not been present, I would have used my pepper spray if they got close. Not sure I would use it on a tiny dog, but I can't absolutely say I wouldn't. It would depend on exactly how aggressive the dog seemed. Big dog (like the mastiff the first time), and I wouldn't hesitate to use the spray. They can cause serious injury if not worse if they get ahold of you.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

I carry pepper spray. When I see a dog running towards me aggressively, I try to either turn around (it tends to be houses at the end of a cul-de-sac every time) before I get to the dog or cross to the other side of the road. Most times they won't leave their yard.

I've been caught off guard twice which resulted in the dogs getting really close. Both times I stopped running completely. Their owners were present and got them before I was bitten. Had they not been present, I would have used my pepper spray if they got close. Not sure I would use it on a tiny dog, but I can't absolutely say I wouldn't. It would depend on exactly how aggressive the dog seemed. Big dog (like the mastiff the first time), and I wouldn't hesitate to use the spray. They can cause serious injury if not worse if they get ahold of you.

My BRF just had to use her pepper spray on a big dog that was charging straight for her. The owner was actually watching the whole thing and didn't make any attempts to try and call her dog back to her or see if anything happened, so my friend felt she had no other choice.

Also, I see you are leaving for vacation tomorrow @ebradley23 Hope you have a great time!

 

[Keels]

Everyone should have a running spouse. Helps keep the actual spouse from being bored with running and training talk all the time.

100% The. Truth. Also, having a group of running besties doesn't hurt - especially when they're Disney-obsessed.

+++++++++++++++++++

Anyway. Thanks for all the well wishes, y'all. Didn't really mean to drop a picture and run, but pain meds make it hard to be eloquent.

Anyway. Got home from California lay Tuesday (after being off my feet almost all of Sunday, quite a bit on Monday, and then all day again Tuesday), and felt the worst I've ever felt. I'd been texting with my aunt, who passed along some of my symptoms to the senior orthopedist in her practice (she does PT and has basically orchestrated all of my PT throughout my various surgeries), and he encouraged me to go get a set of x-rays done so I could get the ole insurance referral to come see him.

I figured my ankle was just a sprain, but after the x-rays were taken, the doctor discovered two stress fractures near an area I had a screw put in about 14 years ago. So, what's up gel cast and crutches! I'm stuck with those bad boys for at least two weeks, until I get another set of x-rays and hopefully transition to a walking boot.

As for my hip, it's still swollen badly, but is likely a Grade II/III sprain. I'm scheduled for an MRI next week to determine if there is any fraying or tearing in the labral area ... but, as for now, I'm just laying low and on a lot of delightful pain meds.

 

[ZellyB]

Sending good vibes for a speedy recovery @Keels ! Delightful pain meds sound, well, delightful.

 

[DopeyBadger]

100% The. Truth. Also, having a group of running besties doesn't hurt - especially when they're Disney-obsessed.

+++++++++++++++++++

Anyway. Thanks for all the well wishes, y'all. Didn't really mean to drop a picture and run, but pain meds make it hard to be eloquent.

Anyway. Got home from California lay Tuesday (after being off my feet almost all of Sunday, quite a bit on Monday, and then all day again Tuesday), and felt the worst I've ever felt. I'd been texting with my aunt, who passed along some of my symptoms to the senior orthopedist in her practice (she does PT and has basically orchestrated all of my PT throughout my various surgeries), and he encouraged me to go get a set of x-rays done so I could get the ole insurance referral to come see him.

I figured my ankle was just a sprain, but after the x-rays were taken, the doctor discovered two stress fractures near an area I had a screw put in about 14 years ago. So, what's up gel cast and crutches! I'm stuck with those bad boys for at least two weeks, until I get another set of x-rays and hopefully transition to a walking boot.

As for my hip, it's still swollen badly, but is likely a Grade II/III sprain. I'm scheduled for an MRI next week to determine if there is any fraying or tearing in the labral area ... but, as for now, I'm just laying low and on a lot of delightful pain meds.

Ouch! Feel better soon!

 

[Barca33Runner]

100% The. Truth. Also, having a group of running besties doesn't hurt - especially when they're Disney-obsessed.

+++++++++++++++++++

Anyway. Thanks for all the well wishes, y'all. Didn't really mean to drop a picture and run, but pain meds make it hard to be eloquent.

Anyway. Got home from California lay Tuesday (after being off my feet almost all of Sunday, quite a bit on Monday, and then all day again Tuesday), and felt the worst I've ever felt. I'd been texting with my aunt, who passed along some of my symptoms to the senior orthopedist in her practice (she does PT and has basically orchestrated all of my PT throughout my various surgeries), and he encouraged me to go get a set of x-rays done so I could get the ole insurance referral to come see him.

I figured my ankle was just a sprain, but after the x-rays were taken, the doctor discovered two stress fractures near an area I had a screw put in about 14 years ago. So, what's up gel cast and crutches! I'm stuck with those bad boys for at least two weeks, until I get another set of x-rays and hopefully transition to a walking boot.

As for my hip, it's still swollen badly, but is likely a Grade II/III sprain. I'm scheduled for an MRI next week to determine if there is any fraying or tearing in the labral area ... but, as for now, I'm just laying low and on a lot of delightful pain meds.

Get well, get well soon, we wish you to get well!

Now I need a sugar fix

 

[camaker]

100% The. Truth. Also, having a group of running besties doesn't hurt - especially when they're Disney-obsessed.

+++++++++++++++++++

Anyway. Thanks for all the well wishes, y'all. Didn't really mean to drop a picture and run, but pain meds make it hard to be eloquent.

Anyway. Got home from California lay Tuesday (after being off my feet almost all of Sunday, quite a bit on Monday, and then all day again Tuesday), and felt the worst I've ever felt. I'd been texting with my aunt, who passed along some of my symptoms to the senior orthopedist in her practice (she does PT and has basically orchestrated all of my PT throughout my various surgeries), and he encouraged me to go get a set of x-rays done so I could get the ole insurance referral to come see him.

I figured my ankle was just a sprain, but after the x-rays were taken, the doctor discovered two stress fractures near an area I had a screw put in about 14 years ago. So, what's up gel cast and crutches! I'm stuck with those bad boys for at least two weeks, until I get another set of x-rays and hopefully transition to a walking boot.

As for my hip, it's still swollen badly, but is likely a Grade II/III sprain. I'm scheduled for an MRI next week to determine if there is any fraying or tearing in the labral area ... but, as for now, I'm just laying low and on a lot of delightful pain meds.

Sorry to hear that! Hope you're back on your feet as soon as possible!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Dogs - Running trails I pass many dogs with their owners every single day. The dogs that I pass on the trail are well managed by their owners and are very well behaved. Many runners have dogs with them on these trails (for bear safety), and most of those dogs are not leashed, but they are all well behaved.

I have had a few dogs chase me into the street when I run on the local roads. As others have suggested, I slow to a walk and get out my pepper spray. I have only had to use the pepper spray on one dog, and that was a dog whose owner I had warned repeatedly about its behavior. I felt bad for the dog, but I wanted to pummel the owner. I eventually called the police on the owners. They never did anything - the dog later got killed by a car while running in the street.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Anyway. Got home from California lay Tuesday (after being off my feet almost all of Sunday, quite a bit on Monday, and then all day again Tuesday), and felt the worst I've ever felt. I'd been texting with my aunt, who passed along some of my symptoms to the senior orthopedist in her practice (she does PT and has basically orchestrated all of my PT throughout my various surgeries), and he encouraged me to go get a set of x-rays done so I could get the ole insurance referral to come see him.

I figured my ankle was just a sprain, but after the x-rays were taken, the doctor discovered two stress fractures near an area I had a screw put in about 14 years ago. So, what's up gel cast and crutches! I'm stuck with those bad boys for at least two weeks, until I get another set of x-rays and hopefully transition to a walking boot.

As for my hip, it's still swollen badly, but is likely a Grade II/III sprain. I'm scheduled for an MRI next week to determine if there is any fraying or tearing in the labral area ... but, as for now, I'm just laying low and on a lot of delightful pain meds.

Hope you get better soon. Still time to recover before January, but you need to take it easy.

 

[PrincessV]

Ugh, I'm sorry @Keels. Glad you've got a great head start on taking care of things - hope you have a speedy recovery!

 

[JulieODC]

100% The. Truth. Also, having a group of running besties doesn't hurt - especially when they're Disney-obsessed.

+++++++++++++++++++

Anyway. Thanks for all the well wishes, y'all. Didn't really mean to drop a picture and run, but pain meds make it hard to be eloquent.

Anyway. Got home from California lay Tuesday (after being off my feet almost all of Sunday, quite a bit on Monday, and then all day again Tuesday), and felt the worst I've ever felt. I'd been texting with my aunt, who passed along some of my symptoms to the senior orthopedist in her practice (she does PT and has basically orchestrated all of my PT throughout my various surgeries), and he encouraged me to go get a set of x-rays done so I could get the ole insurance referral to come see him.

I figured my ankle was just a sprain, but after the x-rays were taken, the doctor discovered two stress fractures near an area I had a screw put in about 14 years ago. So, what's up gel cast and crutches! I'm stuck with those bad boys for at least two weeks, until I get another set of x-rays and hopefully transition to a walking boot.

As for my hip, it's still swollen badly, but is likely a Grade II/III sprain. I'm scheduled for an MRI next week to determine if there is any fraying or tearing in the labral area ... but, as for now, I'm just laying low and on a lot of delightful pain meds.

Sending quick healing vibes...that sounds painful, but glad you got some meds.

 

[Anisum]

Can I ask another question? This one inspired by my lunchtime run just now.... How do you deal with dogs? Any tried and true methods to stop a dog(s) from approaching? I had my first run-in with 2 ogs (I think they might have been Yorkshire terriors) - 2 of them came running across a lawn, then across the street at me, barking a lot, lunging -- but luckily, no bites happened. I backed up, started to run away, but that seemed to only make them come on stronger. Finally, they backed off as I got a little further from their house. No owner in sight.

It made me realize that I didn't really know what to do in the situation, if I did the right/wrong thing? Not going to lie, it was a little scary, even if they were tiny dogs! (I was bitten twice by my SILs dog, unprovoked, a few years ago, so I am a little more nervous about dogs these days....)

I absolutely agree with your concerns. I too worry about being bitten and I'm one of the biggest dog lovers out there. I have found running makes dogs uncomfortable and while most people are courteous enough to keep their dogs on a leash while walking them or let them out in a fenced in yard that is not always the case. If I'm on a run and I see an owner out with a dog that is within range to run at me before the owner can react then I'll usually walk or try to get out of range. That's an easy enough situation to avoid. The problem is dogs off their leash. I have a reaction that when something startles me (like a dog running at me) I let out this awful shriek. It's rather inconvenient when my friends are trying to scare me but it does make some dogs back away long enough for me to get out of there. If that's not the case I'll usually shout for the owner to get their dog and give them dirty looks since I'm always afraid I'll get bitten or chased if I run past or back. From what I've heard from other runners and some cyclists yelling at the dog in an angry voice may work but the best solution is pepper spray or some sort of dog spray (my friend is a mailman and he carries the USPS issued dog spray on his runs just in case). Of course that seems cruel and I worry that I wouldn't be fast enough but it's better than being bitten by a strange dog especially since you have no idea if they're up to date on their vaccinations and such.

Also, I've always wondered if reporting these people to police would help (there's one house on my route I've nearly gotten attacked at 4 times) since my town has leash laws but I haven't actually tried.

 

[Ariel484]

@FFigawi @CheapRunnerMike digging the red, looks good on you both!

@Keels I'm SO sorry that you're injured, and as you know...I understand how much it sucks. Hoping for a speedy recovery for you.

ATTQOTD: Spirit of the Marathon (not on Netflix sadly) and The Barkley Marathons (on Netflix - one of the best movies, documentary or otherwise, I have ever seen).

 

[cavepig]

@Keels wowzer, feel better soon!

Nothing that I can think of to get me out the door running....

As for dogs I carry pepper spray & will head a different way if I see a not so nice looking dog up ahead in a yard. I pass by a few dogs a lot but these won't bite I just get worried they'll get hit by a car so if they run out I run in their yard to keep them out of the road.