The Running Thread - 2016

[CheapRunnerMike]

I drank all day long yesterday and decided to take today off and drink, drink, drink to get back to normal. I have mile repeats as my speed work lined up for tomorrow, so I want to be back to full strength for that.

The SEC is always going to go down to the end of the season, so I take nothing for granted. Too many great teams and a key injury can swing seasons for teams. Still, Roll Tide!!!

I like your style @BuckeyeBama

 

[dis_or_dat]

I drank all day long yesterday and decided to take today off and drink, drink, drink to get back to normal. I have mile repeats as my speed work lined up for tomorrow, so I want to be back to full strength for that.

The SEC is always going to go down to the end of the season, so I take nothing for granted. Too many great teams and a key injury can swing seasons for teams. Still, Roll Tide!!!

I had to reread this a couple of times - I totally thought you were talking about beer! I guess you know where my head is at! Looking fwd to Saturday!

I guess @CheapRunnerMike had the same thoughts! lol

 

[opusone]

Ran a 20 miler today - my first run with e-Gel. I was out of town (in Chicago) all week, but I managed to get in all of my runs, so I felt ready for the run. I got a good night's sleep (Alabama won!) and woke up to 70+ degree weather and 100% humidity.

The e-Gel worked as advertised for the first 16 miles or so of the run. They have a lot more volume than any other running fuel that I have used, so that will take some getting used to. Ran with water instead of Gatorade in my Camelbak. But the heat and humidity eventually caught up with me. The e-Gel makes me more thirsty than any other fuel that I have used, then add in the weather conditions and I ran out of water too soon. The last 3 miles of the run were really bad, but I made it. Kept my heart rate low (averaged 138 BPM) but lost 6 pounds of water weight on the run even though I drank 65 oz of water - not good. That also explains why I was so light headed at the end.

I am going to use the e-Gels a few more times before making a final decision about them. Again, the size/volume was a slight problem for me, as was how thirsty they made me (drank a lot more water that I am used to drinking in similar conditions which caused me to run out of water too early in my run).

Thanks. With only one run using e-Gels I will certainly try them a few more times. They are not as thick as Gu, which made them easier to consume while running. I just wish that they came in smaller packages. I'll carry more water/mile on my next run - lesson learned there.

The thickness issue is one I feel the major brands still can't quite figure out. My chocolate Clif's are kind of like a soft fudge/frosting, but the razz ones I also use are more like syrup. I'm giving Tailwind a try this weekend. I figured it was about time I did given the rave reviews from my ultra running friends, and the discussion about it here recently finally got me off my butt to order some.

I also tried e-Gel for the first time yesterday. Usually for a 10-mile run, I don't take any fuel or water, but I wanted to test the e-Gel out, so I took it with water at about the halfway point of my run.

Having used GU forever, I did like the consistency of the e-Gel better (not as thick). I also like that it has 1.5x the carbs and a good electrolyte concentration. However, like @BuckeyeBama, I was a bit more thirsty after the e-Gel compared to my normal GU, and I believe that the electrolyte concentration is a key reason why the e-Gel makes you more thirsty. Not a bad thing, because I believe I usually don't drink enough during a race, so this may actually help me, plus you need a certain amount of water to properly dilute the electrolytes to match your body's concentration. I also agree with @BuckeyeBama that the physical size of the packet is a little problematic. I use my zippered pocket in my shorts to hold my fuel, and I can fit up to three GUs in the pocket, but I was barely able to stuff one e-Gel in there. I will test to see if I can somehow fit two e-Gels in the pocket, but I somewhat doubt it.

As far as taste, I tried the Vanilla Strawberry Slam, and it was tasty although on the strong side; I was a little shocked with the amount of flavor on first taste. I think the GUs that I use are typically on the bland side of the flavor spectrum.

I will definitely continue to try the e-Gels on my long runs for now. I bought their trial pack, so I have two packets of each flavor such that I can find which flavors do/don't work for me.

 

[Chaitali]

QOTD - I really like having the data and feel some weird need for "proof" that I actually ran. I'm not sure what that's about. So it's pretty rare I run without my garmin. The only times I've run without capturing data is when I'm low on motivation and dreading runs (usually as I'm trying to acclimate to the Summer heat) and I go without the garmin just as a way to not dread the run. I let myself do 3 miles with whatever pace it takes. If I have to walk most of it, so be it. But it's time on my feet and mileage done. If I have the watch I would beat myself up about the pace so I let it go for those couple runs where I'm feeling that bad about it.

 

[surfde22]

QOTD: Do you ever run "naked"? By naked I mean without a tracking device for time and/or mileage.... not nude.

I never run naked. I don't always look at the watch during a run, but I like have the data available for me.

 

[kristabelle13]

ATTQOTD: Only when I accidentally turn off tracking. I love the stats of running probably more than running. So, without the stats, I don't feel the reward at the end of the run.

 

[dis_or_dat]

Thanks for all the support guys! I'm so happy everyone else had a great race weekend too!

Also, wanted to add that I ran into a tree branch while I was zoning out during the race. D'oh!

 

[Anisum]

QOTD: Do you ever run "naked"? By naked I mean without a tracking device for time and/or mileage.... not nude.

I run "blind" some days and even some races but I like to have the data for the overall historical value. When I first started my first month or two was totally naked.

 

[dis_or_dat]

Hey guys! If you're not doing anything and have some questions about form, www.lifehacker.com has a specialist answering questions live from 12-1pm PST.

"Dr. Shultz is a clinical biomechanist with Stanford and also a researcher and designer with Lumo Bodytech, a startup developing the next generation of fitness trackers. She’s studied the literal human mechanics of running and can offer some advice on how to improve your form to increase efficiency and decrease the risk of injury. If you’re training for a marathon or just want to improve your daily jog, Dr. Shultz will be here for the next hour to offer advice."

 

[run.minnie.miles]

ATTQOD: I supposed I always run naked... I don't have a GPS watch yet. I always time my runs on my fitbit and map the miles, but I'd love to know mile splits. I think a watch will probably be inevitable as I start PHM training next month!

 

[Mickey Momma]

ATTQOTD: I love maps and I love data, so as long as my Garmin is charged, I'm using it. I even use it on the treadmill to record splits and HR! It helps me to be able to look at the data after a difficult run to see that progress is actually being made big-picture wise.

 

[keahgirl8]

So! I'm putting my newfound race director knowledge and skills to work for ... my birthday!

I've decided to organize and host a 5K complete with a baller "post-party".

My permits with the city officially passed today, so now I can plan the fun things!

It's going to be a fun run, something my friends can bring their kiddos to and enjoy. Out-and-back 5K that ends with a DJ, taco truck, mimosa station, big inflatable slide and bounce house.

And of course COOL BLING.

What else should should I add? Any fun things you've seen at a local fun run?

What an amazing idea! I wanna go!

QOTD: Do you ever run "naked"? By naked I mean without a tracking device for time and/or mileage.... not nude.

ATTQOTD: I am a data junkie, so no for me.

ATTQOTD: I'd be more likely to run nude. And trust me, no one wants that.

Pretty much! I don't stress about my pace, but I do like to have an idea of what it is. I also have to have some sort of device for an interval timer anyway.

Thanks everyone....several mentioned shoes. I had gone and bought new running shoes a few weeks ago. So...yes I'm in good running shoes. But I appreciate the feedback!

The more time goes on, the more I'm suspecting just inflammation from new exercise and that's it's just my knee being like, "whoa, whoa. What are we doing here? Running 3x per week?! I don't think so."

But I'm like, "yep. It's happenin', Knee. Get used to it."

We'll learn to live with each other and my newfound running interest.

I will say this last run was the first time I felt like I might not can do this. I'm second guessing trying for the princess half. Wondering if I should allow myself more time and aim for a half later in the year? I'm concerned if I get sick and have to skip some runs, or if it's icy, and I can't run....not sure I could still run a half by Feb.

Problem with waiting is...princess half is my SOLE motivation. Star Wars doesn't motivate me. Avengers doesn't motivate me. Anything non-Disney is not a motivation either....at this point. (I'm hoping after I runDisney, I'll get hooked and will run more locally).

I'm rambling. I've never cared about running/walking/physical exercise of any kind, honestly.
Part of me says I need to allow myself more time before attempting something so big. Part of me says...if I wait too long, my motivation will die a terrible horrible death. Thought about running the 10k Princess instead of the half...but running through the castle is a HUGE (main) part of my motivation.

running at WDW would be such a huge expense...id hate to spend so much $ on 10k, when my heart really wants that half.

Aaaaaand, I'm still rambling. No need to respond unless you want to...just need to "think" this out loud, I guess.

You honestly have plenty of time to be ready for a half by February. And, the ups and downs of training along with the aches and pains are completely normal. And, we all sometimes miss occasional runs due to weather or illness. As long as you have a solid training plan and stick to it, the random missed run won't derail you. It's very normal during a bad run to start second guessing yourself, but I almost always find that after a bad run, I tend to have a good one that helps me know that I CAN do it. Keep up what you are doing. Celebrate the good runs and don't beat yourself up over the bad ones. You can do this!

I agree with @ZellyB. You have plenty of time. If you find a plan (very soon) and stick with it, you will have some wiggle room to miss a few runs due to injury, illness or weather. I'm not going to lie to you. Running is hard. You will have bad runs, you will have pain, and you will want to quit. It's worth it, but it's by no means easy. You can do it if you really want it.

 

[rteetz]

Marathon weekenders medals have been revealed!

 

[ebradley23]

Goodness, I go on vacation for a week and there is no way to catch up on this thread.

WDW was fantastic (of course). I need a vacation from my vacation, though. I ran (the term "ran" being used loosely) 18 miles prior to boarding the flight to Florida. It wound up being in the 90's while I was attempting to stick to my training plan, and I didn't use enough Salt Stick. I spent the last 9 miles with muscle cramping that forced me to walk most of it. While at WDW, I knocked out 3 of my 4 scheduled runs at night after touring the parks (17 miles total). I missed the last one (4 miler), because we had our stroller stolen. I found the thieves as they were trying to exit the park, so I wasn't out $400 to the rental company. With all the excitement, I was too exhausted to attempt running that night. We came home this past Friday, and I got in another 12 and 9 mile run over the weekend. My legs feel fatigued today, but I'm going to attempt to knock out my scheduled 5 mile run tonight before resting tomorrow. This week is a 50 mile week that I'm dreading.

ATTQOTD: If a run isn't tracked, it doesn't count in my mind. My MTT coach tried to make us run a few "blind" runs last season. I just shut the face off my watch, but I still had to track it. He made fun of me.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Marathon weekenders medals have been revealed!

pictures?

 

[rteetz]

pictures?

In the WDW marathon thread

 

[LSUlakes]

Goodness, I go on vacation for a week and there is no way to catch up on this thread.

WDW was fantastic (of course). I need a vacation from my vacation, though. I ran (the term "ran" being used loosely) 18 miles prior to boarding the flight to Florida. It wound up being in the 90's while I was attempting to stick to my training plan, and I didn't use enough Salt Stick. I spent the last 9 miles with muscle cramping that forced me to walk most of it. While at WDW, I knocked out 3 of my 4 scheduled runs at night after touring the parks (17 miles total). I missed the last one (4 miler), because we had our stroller stolen. I found the thieves as they were trying to exit the park, so I wasn't out $400 to the rental company. With all the excitement, I was too exhausted to attempt running that night. We came home this past Friday, and I got in another 12 and 9 mile run over the weekend. My legs feel fatigued today, but I'm going to attempt to knock out my scheduled 5 mile run tonight before resting tomorrow. This week is a 50 mile week that I'm dreading.

ATTQOTD: If a run isn't tracked, it doesn't count in my mind. My MTT coach tried to make us run a few "blind" runs last season. I just shut the face off my watch, but I still had to track it. He made fun of me.

People actually try to take a stroller from the park?!?!?! We did not leave anything valuable in ours just because I would rather not tempt someone, but to take the whole thing and leave the park is crazy! So, what happened to the people who tried to take it? I want to know more of this story...

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

ATTQOTD: I enjoy looking at my data too much to run naked. Also, I get bored way too easily to not have a podcast or music to listen to while I run.

This question of the day reminded me of a story about my younger brother. One hot summer day he was running around his city and decided to run without his shirt after feeling overheated (he does not know about wicking athletic material and was in head to toe cotton!) After he got home, he saw on twitter that a local film maker whom my brother really adores tweeted, "Woah Just saw the hairest guy running shirtless that had no business to be in public without shirt on!" (or something to that effect). My brother realized he had run past his house at that exact moment. He laughed it off pretty well, but I felt sad for him! People should not criticize other people's bodies on social media- even in jest!

 

[keahgirl8]

ATTQOTD: I enjoy looking at my data too much to run naked. Also, I get bored way too easily to not have a podcast or music to listen to while I run.

This question of the day reminded me of a story about my younger brother. One hot summer day he was running around his city and decided to run without his shirt after feeling overheated (he does not know about wicking athletic material and was in head to toe cotton!) After he got home, he saw on twitter that a local film maker whom my brother really adores tweeted, "Woah Just saw the hairest guy running shirtless that had no business to be in public without shirt on!" (or something to that effect). My brother realized he had run past his house at that exact moment. He laughed it off pretty well, but I felt sad for him! People should not criticize other people's bodies on social media- even in jest!

They really shouldn't. It's why there are so many people with body image issues.

 

[baxter24]

ATTQOTD: I always run with my watch or my phone. Love the data, even if I don't like what it shows me sometimes.