The Running Thread - 2016

[Anisum]

QOTD: How has your running or racing been influenced by anything you have read on this forum?

I've gotten a lot of solid advice on this forum that has helped me immensely. I've also found races I wouldn't have run otherwise (@roxymama 's Pumpkin Run) and am planning for races I never thought I'd run (Dopey because of how much @Keels enjoyed it after @FFigawi convinced her to do it). I've also learned a lot more about triathlons from many of you and about the science of running from @DopeyBadger . Everyone's stories are amazing though and all of you have inspired me in some way (I will gladly tell you if you want to know) but those are a few things that stand out to me.

 

[michigandergirl]

ATTQOTD: I love the encouragement, motivation, practical advice, and a sense of belonging to the coolest running community ever!

Yesterday's QOTD: I do have a foam roller but don't use it much. I frequently have my husband use a rolling pin on me a couple times a week, which feels awesome!

@roxymama A coworker let me borrow his $400 TENS unit for a day and it was absolutely the most amazing thing ever!!!

As far as my 10 Mile race this Sunday, maybe I should have specified SUB 1:48 for a goal - I hope to knock at least 5 minutes off last years time.

 

[cburnett11]

ATTQOTD: I "found" this group a year or so ago after I had signed up for my first Disney race. Reading the experiences of others was really helpful for me leading up to my first marathon. Now I have to look at this particular forum/thread daily. The main thing I've taken from this is that we all have different running goals, training, nutrition habits, PRs, experience, math skills, etc.... but everyone on here enjoys running and Disney so it's a great place to hang out. I've gotten tips and ideas from a number of people here, but specifically I'd like to give a shout out to @DopeyBadger. After reading through his running journal it got me motivated to step up my training quite a bit. It's obvious that all his hard work and determination has really paid off for him over the last couple years.

 

[PrincessV]

ATTQOTD: My thoughts are more about all of the rD threads on the DIS than just this one, but the incredible volume of INFORMATION I've gotten here over the years has been invaluable! Info on registration, race transportation, expos, courses, training, injuries, equipment, you name it. I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable about rD nowadays, but I owe most of that to the DIS - at this point, I'm just paying it forward when I help new folks with questions!

 

[Waiting2goback]

QOTD: This one is tough for me to answer because I am not sure the thread has changed the way I run. It has added to my enjoyment of running. It keeps me motivated to run because I know I need to come back and post my monthly totals (not that I have yet to put up anything I consider respectable yet). I love when I have a question there are so many opinions to consider.

For me the biggest change is the community. I know quite a few people on these threads, from ToT, the 2016 Marathon thread, and this one have helped me and motivated me. I may not be the fastest or most experienced runner, I just hope by participating I can pay it forward and have a positive impact on someone else.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

I have a renewed passion for running again after finding this forum. I have always been a runner (or triathlete), but sometimes it's tough to focus and motivate yourself. This is usually due to the fact that running just falls further down on the priority list of life at times. However, having a community of like-minded people that not only enjoy running, but also strive for continuous improvement and discuss interesting questions, thoughts, and stories on a daily basis, keeps running at the forefront of my mind, and therefore, remains a constant priority in my life which is what I want and need.

Well said! Can I say that quite often I "cringe" around other runners (and triathletes) in real life because they are so self-absorbed...everyone here genuinely seems to care about each other which is incredibly refreshing!

And last but not least, I just did my 3rd yoga workout in the last 2 weeks

You just made @FFigawi and @Ariel484's day...NAMASTE

I've gotten a lot of solid advice on this forum that has helped me immensely. I've also found races I wouldn't have run otherwise (@roxymama 's Pumpkin Run) and am planning for races I never thought I'd run (Dopey because of how much @Keels enjoyed it after @FFigawi convinced her to do it). I've also learned a lot more about triathlons from many of you and about the science of running from @DopeyBadger . Everyone's stories are amazing though and all of you have inspired me in some way (I will gladly tell you if you want to know) but those are a few things that stand out to me.

Tri Tri Tri! I need another convert!

 

[huggybuff]

QOTD: How has your running or racing been influenced by anything you have read on this forum?

I came to this thread at a pretty low point confidence-wise (in life as well as running) and this thread has really helped bring me out of the hole that I had dug myself into. Just reading the inspiring stories from our amazing posters help to motivate me to keep getting out there and to finally run a goal race that I can be proud of come January. I enjoy the accountability of having races on the official schedule here, so to speak, and knowing that I'll be expected to report back. The knowledge I've gained here has been immeasurable and I've started to dream bigger...the marathon is in my official plans for 2018.

I can't fully answer this question without giving huge credit and appreciation to @Waiting2goback . He's been my rock for the last couple of months and I couldn't have found a better friend. He's kind, caring, patient even when I don't deserve it, gets after me when I need a boot in the butt, and puts up with my nonsense, which can be substantial. And he's doing all of this for me when he's going through recovery after surgery and major life changes. So, thank you Scott!!!

 

[Ariel484]

Namaste @DVCFan1994!!!

 

[DopeyBadger]

QOTD: How has your running or racing been influenced by anything you have read on this forum?

You all have pushed me to better understand the science even more than I thought I did. I joined this board in October 2015 with the hopes of helping others with my new found knowledge. But you all have continued to press for new answers and new ways to evaluate questions and it has provided me the opportunity to continue to try and learn everything about running that I can.

It's also offered me the ability to learn about others. I knew about run/walk, but because of my even greater knowledge of science and running I have an even greater appreciation for those that do it. And an even greater appreciation for those that put the same effort into their race but do it for twice as long as I do. It's pushed me to continue to push the envelope for myself and to test my own limits. You guys continue to inspire me.

It's also enabled me to help combine my two passions running and mentoring. In my profession, I mentor future researchers (college students) by providing them the opportunity to do simple projects we have here in the lab. It's one of the most fulfilling things I do. Others in the lab don't want to be bothered with teaching the younger generation, but I see it as the opposite and something that is a necessity. It brings me tremendous joy to see the light bulb turn on for them and for them to reach their goals. I've done over 5x more projects with students then the rest of the lab combined. This board offers me that same opportunity except through running. I've gained an extensive knowledge base through all of my reading and helping others understand what I've learned and learning from you all has been truly rewarding. In all honesty, when each of you meet your goals (or have the light bulb turn on) it brings me as much pleasure as it does for me to meet my own goals. I know how hard we all work to fit this hobby into our lives and to reach those arbitrary goals we set for ourselves means so much. And then to have other people trust me with months of their lives of training, which may or may not go well, has been truly heart warming and fulfilling. You all don't know me and most of us have never met in person, but you trust me enough to listen to some of my advice and that means a lot. So thanks to each and everyone one of you! at everyone! (<--- Hope that doesn't actually do anything!)

Edited: LOL! Even though the profile doesn't appear, apparently there is an "everyone" from October 2001 with no posts...

 

[roxymama]

Tri Tri Tri! I need another convert!

Wait, you can use a boat and a motor-scooter and then do the moon walk? I'm in!

Apparently there is a supersprint tri near us this weekend. It's 250m swim, 10k bike, 2.5k run. It says it's for beginners, families and children. Although most children are better swimmers than me, MAYBE I could attempt it next year? A year is enough time to talk myself into putting my face in the water without holding my nose right? Is 250m really short swim distance...it sounds short in theory.

 

[roxymama]

You all have pushed me to better understand the science even more than I thought I did. I joined this board in October 2015 with the hopes of helping others with my new found knowledge. But you all have continued to press for new answers and new ways to evaluate questions and it has provided me the opportunity to continue to try and learn everything about running that I can.

It's also offered me the ability to learn about others. I knew about run/walk, but because of my even greater knowledge of science and running I have an even greater appreciation for those that do it. And an even greater appreciation for those that put the same effort into their race but do it for twice as long as I do. It's pushed me to continue to push the envelope for myself and to test my own limits. You guys continue to inspire me.

It's also enabled me to help combine my two passions running and mentoring. In my profession, I mentor future researchers (college students) by providing them the opportunity to do simple projects we have here in the lab. It's one of the most fulfilling things I do. Others in the lab don't want to be bothered with teaching the younger generation, but I see it as the opposite and something that is a necessity. It brings me tremendous joy to see the light bulb turn on for them and for them to reach their goals. I've done over 5x more projects with students then the rest of the lab combined. This board offers me that same opportunity except through running. I've gained an extensive knowledge base through all of my reading and helping others understand what I've learned and learning from you all has been truly rewarding. In all honesty, when each of you meet your goals (or have the light bulb turn on) it brings me as much pleasure as it does for me to meet my own goals. I know how hard we all work to fit this hobby into our lives and to reach those arbitrary goals we set for ourselves means so much. And then to have other people trust me with months of their lives of training, which may or may not go well, has been truly heart warming and fulfilling. You all don't know me and most of us have never met in person, but you trust me enough to listen to some of my advice and that means a lot. So thanks to each and everyone one of you! at everyone! (<--- Hope that doesn't actually do anything!)

Edited: LOL! Even though the profile doesn't appear, apparently there is an "everyone" from October 2001 with no posts...

We appreciate you too @DopeyBadger !
I have my setbacks now and again, but the fact that I'm now doing 6+ mile mid-week training runs (what?) and liking them (double-what?) and I'm even thinking about attempting more distance is almost 100% due to your help "righting my ship" as far as how I was training and racing. So when one day I do a half or a marathon, I'm totally blaming you...but in a good way

 

[Anisum]

Tri Tri Tri! I need another convert!

I'm working on it! I joined our local women's tri club's fall preview so I could start getting involved in events and I'm going to pick back up swimming (first time since college) again and I just need to find time around all my races to get a bike.

I will second the boat, motor-scooter, moonwalk tri.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Wait, you can use a boat and a motor-scooter and then do the moon walk? I'm in!

Apparently there is a supersprint tri near us this weekend. It's 250m swim, 10k bike, 2.5k run. It says it's for beginners, families and children. Although most children are better swimmers than me, MAYBE I could attempt it next year? A year is enough time to talk myself into putting my face in the water without holding my nose right? Is 250m really short swim distance...it sounds short in theory.

I'm working on it! I joined our local women's tri club's fall preview so I could start getting involved in events and I'm going to pick back up swimming (first time since college) again and I just need to find time around all my races to get a bike.

I will second the boat, motor-scooter, moonwalk tri.

Yippee! This makes me happy

250m is not too far (though I'm sure it will seem like it!)...most pools are 25m, so it would be 10 lengths of the pool. And yes, boats scooters and moonwalks would be an amazing event, sign me up!

 

[Dis5150]

In case anyone even remembers, I interviewed for a new job/promotion back on the 30th of August.
Well, I GOT THE JOB!!
What a great way to start my vacation tomorrow!!

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

In case anyone even remembers, I interviewed for a new job/promotion back on the 30th of August.
Well, I GOT THE JOB!!
What a great way to start my vacation tomorrow!!

Awesome, congrats!!

 

[baxter24]

ATTQOTD: this forum has given me great information, advice, and encouragement. Everybody here is really nice and encouraging in whatever stage you are in with your running. It's cool to come here everyday knowing that everyone is going to be nice and supportive.

 

[ZellyB]

Tri Tri Tri! I need another convert!

Count me in on the boat, motorbike, moonwalk tri group!

In case anyone even remembers, I interviewed for a new job/promotion back on the 30th of August.
Well, I GOT THE JOB!!
What a great way to start my vacation tomorrow!!

Woohoo!!! Congrats!!!

 

[Anisum]

Congrats @Dis5150!! I hope you have a wonderful celebratory vacation as well!

 

[NJlauren]

@LSUlakes So with all this positive talk here today, I thought I would ask to post my very first race to the first page!

9/25, Mayors 5k Run to Break the Silence, 5k, NG as its my first race (I took the Disneyland 5k as more of a fun run lots of pics and stoping )

 

[keahgirl8]

I want to say a few things to any of the shy runners lurking here and not saying anything. I am one of you. My fastest time remains 3:05 in the Disneyland 1/2 although I don't consider that my PR since it contained no stops whatsoever and every race since has contained multiple picture and/or character stops. Don't be intimidated by how fast you aren't. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to learn from some very fast runners who don't care how fast you aren't.

I can honestly say that my first 1/2 marathon was not a "fun" experience. It was something I had to overcome, endure, and accomplish. But every race since then has truly been fun. And part of that fun came from learning from runners here about how to cope with the mental part of the game and see the bigger picture. Don't let your fear of how fast you aren't hold you back. Because at the end of the day if you're wearing your medal around Disney, nobody cares that you were "slow." I've tried to persuade many who admired the medal that earning it wasn't the impossible task their mind made it out to be.

Difficult, yes? Impossible. Never. Walt Disney said it best: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

3:05 is a great time! My PR is 2:59, and I've only done Disney half marathons. I have yet to do one without incident, so I have no idea how fast I can really do it.

Also, yes. I agree with everything you said.

This would be my kind of race if they included a beer too

View attachment 194820

If there is a puking station, maybe. lol I would get so sick if I ate that and ran!

QOTD: How has your running or racing been influenced by anything you have read on this forum?

ATTQOTD: This forum has helped me stay on track or get me back on when I start to slack. I enjoy reading everyone's thoughts and experiences with the QOTD's and other topics that come up on a day to day basis.

My running and racing hasn't really changed any, but my weekly habits have. I found I couldn't go around suggesting everyone do yoga and keep slacking on it myself.

Your encouragement has made me want to get back into yoga, for sure!

QOTD: This was such a great thread to discover -- so much positivity and encouragement, love the diversity of pace/experience/viewpoints, and that everyone is always willing to answer a question!

Definitely. That's what I love about runners.

You all have pushed me to better understand the science even more than I thought I did. I joined this board in October 2015 with the hopes of helping others with my new found knowledge. But you all have continued to press for new answers and new ways to evaluate questions and it has provided me the opportunity to continue to try and learn everything about running that I can.

It's also offered me the ability to learn about others. I knew about run/walk, but because of my even greater knowledge of science and running I have an even greater appreciation for those that do it. And an even greater appreciation for those that put the same effort into their race but do it for twice as long as I do. It's pushed me to continue to push the envelope for myself and to test my own limits. You guys continue to inspire me.

It's also enabled me to help combine my two passions running and mentoring. In my profession, I mentor future researchers (college students) by providing them the opportunity to do simple projects we have here in the lab. It's one of the most fulfilling things I do. Others in the lab don't want to be bothered with teaching the younger generation, but I see it as the opposite and something that is a necessity. It brings me tremendous joy to see the light bulb turn on for them and for them to reach their goals. I've done over 5x more projects with students then the rest of the lab combined. This board offers me that same opportunity except through running. I've gained an extensive knowledge base through all of my reading and helping others understand what I've learned and learning from you all has been truly rewarding. In all honesty, when each of you meet your goals (or have the light bulb turn on) it brings me as much pleasure as it does for me to meet my own goals. I know how hard we all work to fit this hobby into our lives and to reach those arbitrary goals we set for ourselves means so much. And then to have other people trust me with months of their lives of training, which may or may not go well, has been truly heart warming and fulfilling. You all don't know me and most of us have never met in person, but you trust me enough to listen to some of my advice and that means a lot. So thanks to each and everyone one of you! at everyone! (<--- Hope that doesn't actually do anything!)

Edited: LOL! Even though the profile doesn't appear, apparently there is an "everyone" from October 2001 with no posts...

I love mentoring too. Even though I'm not really "running" right now, I love sharing my experience. I hope people like hearing it, because I'm unlikely to shut up about it. lol