The Running Thread - 2016

[BuckeyeBama]

QOTD: What is your opinion on virtual 5ks? (I think we discussed this at some point, but I have had a few people PM me as a QOTD idea. I figured it worth discussing again.)

ATTQOTD: While I haven't participated in one, I think if its a event that gets someone to get out the door and run, then so be it. It could open the door to other possibilities for that person or it could be a event to keep someone on track for a goal. Some people may want to race, but are not comfortable around large crowds, so I see this as a event that works for them. It is also a great way for fundraising for a charity or cause that is spread out across the country to get many people from all over to partake in a event and not just one small area.

My answer would be an exact duplicate of yours. I may try the disney ones in 2017 if the medals are interesting. Trying to do something interesting to keep my wife and her friends motivated between races.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Took a little longer to get to my desk with all the conversations of the firing on Sunday. I had a beer to celebrate. It was time for him to go, and even though a part of me feels for the guy, I quickly remember they are still paying him another ~$12 million. Hard to feel bad for a guy who would not change after given a chance with that big of a check hitting his account. If we have any Houston fans here, I think yalls guy is our #1 pick at this time.

Tough loss to Auburn. Any truth to the rumors that Briles is also a candidate?

 

[Flossbolna]

ATTQOTD: I think those are a great way to get motivated when you are starting out running. Here in Germany the running scene is rather athletic. I am a slow runner at about a 11 min/mile pace for my 5ks and 10ks when I am good. This puts me in the slowest quarter of the field at any running event I have been part of. At the beginning I was horribly scared of being the last person to cross the finish line. Today I am far more relaxed about this. But for people with the same fear that I had in the beginning (I would always check previous years results to make sure that there were enough people who finished slower than my estimated time before signing up) I think those virtual races can be a great way to try out racing. However, the one thing that really got me when a friend had finally convinced me to try my first race was how much the race atmosphere made the race different from any normal training run. I know for myself I would never get the same kick out of a virtual run as from a real world race. But everyone is different and I feel that there is no harm in offering them when other people want to sign up for them.

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: What is your opinion on virtual 5ks? (I think we discussed this at some point, but I have had a few people PM me as a QOTD idea. I figured it worth discussing again.)

I've never done one but I might depending on what it's for. Since RunDisney announced they are doing the virtual races again I might do those. Otherwise I don't think I would do one unless it's for a charity I like.

 

[dis_or_dat]

Funny, when I heard the news I immediately thought of @LSUlakes and a friend who played on their baseball team. I'm not super familiar with the SEC (except they always win the National Championship), but I always thought Les Miles was one of those untouchable coaches like Nick Saban and Urban Meyer. Do you think he might move on to USC? I don't think I could handle that.

ATTQOTD: I would only do it for @Keels ' 5k! Otherwise, I feel like many are just cash grabs (unless it goes to charity etc, but I would look to see how much actually goes to charity). However, I definitely think it's great as a motivator and a way for people to dip their toes into the world of racing if they feel at all intimidated. Actually, I like what @DopeyBadger did with @roxymama and her husband - a virtual "race" between friends in far off places!

 

[LSUlakes]

That's no excuse. Don't your coworkers know you have obligations to all of us here on The Running Thread?

lol, My coworkers know I run, and I get asked the crazy question if I won the race from time to time. I also get asked whens my next marathon and how far is this one going to be... Sigh. The only other time running is brought up is when someone new is introduced and I am asked about Boston 2013. Other than that, my obsession with WDW and running aren't really known, much less this thread of 9,000+ post. lol

Tough loss to Auburn. Any truth to the rumors that Briles is also a candidate?

I think anyone who isn't named Nick Saban, and Urban Meyers are options. Many rumors will surface for months to come.

Here in Germany

GERMANY!?!?!, had no idea we had people from that far reading this thread. Since October is around the corner, please send beer! Thanks for reading along with us!

 

[FFigawi]

If we have any Houston fans here, I think yalls guy is our #1 pick at this time.

Herman would be a great choice for any school.

I don't mean to offend anyone who participates in virtual runs at all, but for the mostpart*, I don't understand the appeal. I think I'll just leave it at that.

^agree 100%

GERMANY!?!?!, had no idea we had people from that far reading this thread. Since October is around the corner, please send beer! Thanks for reading along with us!

Oktoberfest is in full swing already. It typically ends the first weekend of October. You better get your beer now.

 

[Barca33Runner]

QOTD: What is your opinion on virtual 5ks? (I think we discussed this at some point, but I have had a few people PM me as a QOTD idea. I figured it worth discussing again.)

I've got no real issue with them, but don't really understand the appeal either. Like others have said, I don't really want to offend anyone so I won't go into my perceptions of possible negatives.

The medals and extras that you can get from some of them are nice and I make it a habit not to question how others use their discretionary income. As I posted in another thread I'd probably have a tough time turning down the rD series if it is a theme I like.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

ATTQOTD: Virtual runs aren't really appealing to me either. I prefer the race day atmosphere (runners, spectators, pre and post race activities).

 

[camaker]

QOTD: What is your opinion on virtual 5ks? (I think we discussed this at some point, but I have had a few people PM me as a QOTD idea. I figured it worth discussing again.)

I did the Half Blood Prince virtual half marathon through the Hogwarts Running Club and found it largely unfulfilling. I might do another if the charity is important enough to me, but otherwise it just feels odd getting a medal for what would have been a training run otherwise.

 

[JulieODC]

QOTD: The runDisney virtual runs don't really appeal to me -- I'm not a big medal person, so the expense just isn't justified. However, I do like the concept for charitable causes -- like the One Orlando one that was done

 

[r2d2_runner]

I ran my second ever 10k over the weekend ... the one I had been working towards for my half marathon proof of time. The weather was nice and cool and the course was nice and flat. I managed to shave 9 minutes off my previous 10k time so I was thrilled!! Afterwards I was thinking about how far I had come since I started running at the end of April and I realized that I really couldn't have done it without all of the advice and discussion I have benefited from here on this thread (stuff I would never have figured out on my own, i.e. training paces, proper hydration, lactate thresholds, etc). So I just wanted to say a big "thank you" to everybody here!! You're awesome!

ATTQOTD: So far I have not been enticed by any virtual races. The medals and/or shirt are nice but not a big draw for me. What I really like about participating in races is doing an officially measured and timed run, being with all the other runners, the excitement of waiting at the start line for the starting gun, support from the crowd during the run, the fun of the post-race festivities etc ... so it is hard to replicate that with a virtual run. But as others have said, if there was a virtual race that helped a charity or special cause in some way that might have some appeal.

 

[PrincessV]

ATTQOTD: I have no interest in virtual races. Shoot, I don't even particularly like racing real races, let alone pretend ones, lol! But I have no opinion on them in general: if other people enjoy virtual races, more power to them!

~~~
Permission to whine about the heat here in FL? I swear, it's gotten worse since "Fall" arrived, not better! It was a really, really tough weekend of running and I feel like crud now. Oh, and I have a "race" next weekend... pretty sure I won't race it, lol! Ugh.

 

[cburnett11]

ATTQOTD: They don't really appeal to me, but I'm guessing they are fun for others.

 

[Anisum]

QOTD: What is your opinion on virtual 5ks? (I think we discussed this at some point, but I have had a few people PM me as a QOTD idea. I figured it worth discussing again.)

I've done one and it didn't do much for me. I like the environment of a race. There are things I appreciate about virtual runs such as the donations to charity and the motivation they provide for some when it comes to getting out and running so if it's something you enjoy you should definitely do it. For me though, without the memories of a race environment attached to the medal it feels like just another training run. I think perhaps if I did a virtual run with friends or made my own crazy race up like drink a glass of wine at every mile marker I would enjoy it more because there are memories attached to that specific run.

Also @keahgirl8 thanks for the tip. I just bought mylar bankets because I usually save them from a previous race but I currently don't have one.

 

[Ariel484]

I did the Half Blood Prince virtual half marathon through the Hogwarts Running Club and found it largely unfulfilling. I might do another if the charity is important enough to me, but otherwise it just feels odd getting a medal for what would have been a training run otherwise.

Those HRC medals REALLY tempt me...but yeah, I 100% agree with your feelings that it seems like purchasing a medal for a training run.

 

[NJlauren]

ATTQOTD: I've done one the One Orlando race. It was fine and I like my shirt and medal. I have been tempted to do some additional, more for motivation to keep running. If I have some form of accountability will I be more likely to go for the run? Since I'm new to running I'm looking for more ways to keep my interest.

 

[roxymama]

I wanted to jump in and tell you guys about running with pumpkin friends this weekend. So, I'm not sure if it was their first time holding the race at the farm or what but they gave them a tiny barn to do packet pickup day of and I guess they expected more the day before at pre-race pickup because the line was about 20 minutes when I arrived and closer to an hour by the time my friend arrived (I got back in line for her so it wasn't nearly as long). The farm also decided that finishers should only get small pumpkins (fine with me) but they gave one container of small/medium pumpkins for tough pumpkin and made the rest large. As a result my pumpkin (which was on the smaller size by the time I got there) was 11lbs and my friend's was 13lbs. This meant that @roxymama's strategy of a football carry was out. We ended up running at the start and at the finish and otherwise just walking our pumpkins because we didn't want to risk tripping over vines or rocks in the fields we were running through. We still had a great time and felt very accomplished though, it's just not what I expected. I had hoped to run more with my pumpkin friend but my pumpkin friend was just too big for that. On the upside it's a very nice fall decoration. Overall, I feel I would consider running the pumpkin run at a different farm at some point because I want to run with a little pumpkin but this farm did not seem well prepared or the company that holds the run didn't communicate well with them so I would skip out on running there.

Wow, I am super impressed with your pumpkin weight! I'd have probably freaked out if I had gotten there and they were only giving out big pumpkins. My farm had way more size variety. Did you have to take any "put this pumpkin down" rest breaks? My strength is in my legs and I'm a wimp with my arms so I am literally bowing down to you right now. I guess if you do it again next year...maybe smuggle in a little pumpkin and see if no one notices. I also think they should have let you all carry the little free ones and giving away the big ones for free...but that's just me.
On the bright side, you should be able to do your next race no problem due to all that extra pumpkin weight not being there

Funny, when I heard the news I immediately thought of @LSUlakes and a friend who played on their baseball team. I'm not super familiar with the SEC (except they always win the National Championship), but I always thought Les Miles was one of those untouchable coaches like Nick Saban and Urban Meyer. Do you think he might move on to USC? I don't think I could handle that.

ATTQOTD: I would only do it for @Keels ' 5k! Otherwise, I feel like many are just cash grabs (unless it goes to charity etc, but I would look to see how much actually goes to charity). However, I definitely think it's great as a motivator and a way for people to dip their toes into the world of racing if they feel at all intimidated. Actually, I like what @DopeyBadger did with @roxymama and her husband - a virtual "race" between friends in far off places!

My hubby is only slightly competitive. So he went out last night and ran 7.5 miles, that stinker. I told him only his first 7 count. His was at his 12min "long run pace." I don't feel like doing math, we will just call it a three way tie.

I ran my second ever 10k over the weekend ... the one I had been working towards for my half marathon proof of time. The weather was nice and cool and the course was nice and flat. I managed to shave 9 minutes off my previous 10k time so I was thrilled!! Afterwards I was thinking about how far I had come since I started running at the end of April and I realized that I really couldn't have done it without all of the advice and discussion I have benefited from here on this thread (stuff I would never have figured out on my own, i.e. training paces, proper hydration, lactate thresholds, etc). So I just wanted to say a big "thank you" to everybody here!! You're awesome!.

9 minutes off is huge! Congrats!

ATTQOTD: I did one virtual race. Only because I wanted to do a race per month this year like last year. And March was too busy. I only did it because of the group and charity (a group I follow on instagram and facebook) and is very specific to young girls which is close to my heart. The actual "race" and medal receiving did little for me. It was empty compared to race day. So I consider it more of a donation to a charity and no idea what will jump out at me to do another. I would 100% do an @Keels virtual run to support her though, no question.

 

[Anisum]

Wow, I am super impressed with your pumpkin weight! I'd have probably freaked out if I had gotten there and they were only giving out big pumpkins. My farm had way more size variety. Did you have to take any "put this pumpkin down" rest breaks? My strength is in my legs and I'm a wimp with my arms so I am literally bowing down to you right now. I guess if you do it again next year...maybe smuggle in a little pumpkin and see if no one notices. I also think they should have let you all carry the little free ones and giving away the big ones for free...but that's just me.
On the bright side, you should be able to do your next race no problem due to all that extra pumpkin weight not being there

We did not. We just kept shifting the pumpkins from position to position. Sometimes it was on my shoulder, sometimes on my head, most of the time in arms. I was worried that if I got my little free pumpkin before running they'd notice it wasn't the pumpkin I was supposed to be carrying since they wrote my pumpkin weight on my bib but after this I realized they probably wouldn't notice and I should have just gotten my little free pumpkin and run with it. The big pumpkin and I are close now. I carried it all that way, it will not sit outside and get eaten by squirrels. A co-worker said I should smash it but I grew too attached.

 

[keahgirl8]

QOTD: What is your opinion on virtual 5ks? (I think we discussed this at some point, but I have had a few people PM me as a QOTD idea. I figured it worth discussing again.)

Everyone should do what they want to do. I have done a couple of them because I liked the charity and the medal. I didn't do the Disney ones, because they medals weren't that appealing and they were way too expensive for me.