The Running Thread - 2016

[Neon Cactus]

ATTQOTD: Good shoes, a good playlist (I usually plan mine out based on the course and my pace) and what helps me a lot in the longer races is mentally breaking the race into segments so instead of focusing on running 26.2 miles, I focus on running 3 miles here, then the next segment is 6 miles, etc.

 

[Dis5150]

My awesome medical supply salesman sent me some samples when he found out I'm training for a marathon!

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

My awesome medical supply salesman sent me some samples when he found out I'm training for a marathon!
View attachment 205528

My wife LOVES Biofreeze...tough to find it here in Canada unfortunately, so need to stock up at the runD expos.

 

[roxymama]

I'm going to go with good shoes and gear. If I'm blistering or chafing there is no chance of me having a successful race.

You mentioning shoes reminded me of a question I had during my last race but forgot to ask. So there was a guy running with no shoes at all...barefoot. He was running at a good clip too. I saw a barefoot couple out jogging in a not very clean or smooth sidewalk downtown same weekend. Is this a new trend, an old one, something I missed? I kept just thinking ouch, ouch, ouch. I bet he had insane callouses built up! (Btw, this was pavement with potholes and cracks and manhole covers, etc.)

 

[jhorstma]

QOTD: Other than getting your runs in as part of your training for your next big race, what do you think is the next most important thing to having a successful race?

ATTQOTD: Great question - I like to define what my race goal is, come up with a plan to achieve that goal or goals, and then race the plan. For my first marathon it was to simply survive and have a great time with plenty of pics as proof. Check. For my half marathons this year it was to come in under 2:15 and qualify for an early enough 2017 WDW marathon corral to see MK in the dark and all lit up. Check (I think). And this coming January it'll be to break 5 hours with stretch goals of hitting the time Mr. McMillan says I should hit (4:40) and ultimately to break Oprah's marathon time (4:29:15 in the 1994 MCM). We'll see...

 

[ebradley23]

You mentioning shoes reminded me of a question I had during my last race but forgot to ask. So there was a guy running with no shoes at all...barefoot. He was running at a good clip too. I saw a barefoot couple out jogging in a not very clean or smooth sidewalk downtown same weekend. Is this a new trend, an old one, something I missed? I kept just thinking ouch, ouch, ouch. I bet he had insane callouses built up! (Btw, this was pavement with potholes and cracks and manhole covers, etc.)

It's an old one. It's where the Vibram trend started from my understanding - they were supposed to allow barefoot runners protection from the ground. At my last race, I lined up behind a barefoot runner. I qualified for a C wave, so he wasn't a slow poke if he was in my corral. He also was wearing an old ratty cotton t-shirt and cotton cargo shorts. He looked like he rolled out of bed and was like, "Huh,I think I'll run a race." I wish I could have seen his number, because I'm so curious about his finish time.

 

[ebradley23]

ATTQOTD: Running is mental, so having the confidence to know I can accomplish my goal is crucial. It's one of the main reasons I follow the intermediate running plan instead of the novice. Novice only runs one 20 miler before the race; intermediate does three. One good 20 miler could be a fluke. Three gives me the the chance to know it isn't.

 

[rteetz]

Just found out my statistics teacher in high school last year finished 25th overall in the New York City Marathon! That's pretty incredible.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Just found out my statistics teacher in high school last year finished 25th overall in the New York City Marathon! That's pretty incredible.

Is this the same one who competed in the US Olympic Trials? Kudos!

 

[rteetz]

Is this the same one who competed in the US Olympic Trials? Kudos!

Yes it is.

 

[JulieODC]

QOTD: Good shoes, socks, comfortable clothes, and some good podcast listening on my phone.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

You mentioning shoes reminded me of a question I had during my last race but forgot to ask. So there was a guy running with no shoes at all...barefoot. He was running at a good clip too. I saw a barefoot couple out jogging in a not very clean or smooth sidewalk downtown same weekend. Is this a new trend, an old one, something I missed? I kept just thinking ouch, ouch, ouch. I bet he had insane callouses built up! (Btw, this was pavement with potholes and cracks and manhole covers, etc.)

There was a guy they interviewed during the start of either the Disneyland 10k or half this year (I wanna say it was the half) that was Tarzan and he was running barefoot. Ouch was what came to my mind too!

 

[keahgirl8]

QOTD: Other than getting your runs in as part of your training for your next big race, what do you think is the next most important thing to having a successful race?

ATTQOTD: I am going to say getting enough sleep. I haven't lately, which has effected getting my runs is and is also a likely candidate for why I continue getting sick so easily.

Rest and recovery. It's during those periods when your body actually absorbs the training effort and begins to allow for improvement. You can't push all the time or you'll be placing yourself at a much higher risk of breakdown (physically and mentally) and injury.

I'll add the next item on the list is a good, strong mental attitude. You've got to believe in yourself or else you're behind the curve from the start.

ATTQOTD: Good shoes, a good playlist (I usually plan mine out based on the course and my pace) and what helps me a lot in the longer races is mentally breaking the race into segments so instead of focusing on running 26.2 miles, I focus on running 3 miles here, then the next segment is 6 miles, etc.

All good answers! I would also include the often repeated advice to not try anything new on race day, and make sure you get your fuel/hydration plan sorted out during training. Oh! Also...don't switch up your intervals (if you run intervals) during the race for the first time, and don't go out too fast. In my first 5K, I went out too fast, then decided to double my run interval for the first time. I almost didn't finish.

My awesome medical supply salesman sent me some samples when he found out I'm training for a marathon!
View attachment 205528

Wow! He's a good friend to have!

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

QOTD: Other than getting your runs in as part of your training for your next big race, what do you think is the next most important thing to having a successful race?

Having a plan and sticking to it. I use to just do whatever I felt like on race morning but the past two races I went in with a plan. I was determined to stick to it and my races were much stronger and I felt like I recovered better.

I didn't race this weekend but I did volunteer at Wine and Dine. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done! I got to give the runner's their medals at the finish. Seeing the first and last runner cross the line was definitely something I had never experienced before and probably wouldn't ever if I didn't have this opportunity. The runners were so much fun, some of them wanted to video me putting their medals on and some had me take selfies with them. I loved all the costumes and seeing people dancing to get their medal. My absolute favorite part was the end. There were so many runners that were emotional after crossing the finish line. I was almost in tears watching them. I can't wait to do it again! And seriously people don't apologize for being covered in sweat when they put your medal on you, it is expected!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Having a plan and sticking to it. I use to just do whatever I felt like on race morning but the past two races I went in with a plan. I was determined to stick to it and my races were much stronger and I felt like I recovered better.

I didn't race this weekend but I did volunteer at Wine and Dine. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done! I got to give the runner's their medals at the finish. Seeing the first and last runner cross the line was definitely something I had never experienced before and probably wouldn't ever if I didn't have this opportunity. The runners were so much fun, some of them wanted to video me putting their medals on and some had me take selfies with them. I loved all the costumes and seeing people dancing to get their medal. My absolute favorite part was the end. There were so many runners that were emotional after crossing the finish line. I was almost in tears watching them. I can't wait to do it again! And seriously people don't apologize for being covered in sweat when they put your medal on you, it is expected!

Thank you for volunteering!

 

[kirstie101]

Congrats to all who raced this weekend!

ATTQOTD: A good mental game is it for me. Most of my race is mental.

Manged to do my 7 mile training run without having to walk it in yesterday. It wasn't pain free but it was less painful than the week before. I'll glady take any suggestions for IT band help. My hips are fairly strong. So I'm working on my glutes and core and hoping that helps. Also foam rolling, stretching and I've been going in for ART sessions.

 

[FFigawi]

My wife LOVES Biofreeze...tough to find it here in Canada unfortunately, so need to stock up at the runD expos.

In the Madrid marathon, there are medics on roller blades who will spray Biofreeze on you while you're running. Nice idea, I thought.

 

[LSUlakes]

Runners World, Cover search winner is a guy from Louisiana this year. See link.
http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-world-cover-search/winner-josh-lajaunie

 

[rteetz]

So this weekend we had our Milwaukee Running Festival. I did not participate but the big news was someone removed cones from the course after the 5th runner or so passed through and a large amount of the runners in the Marathon ran much longer than 26.2 because of this. The race organizers don't know who moved the cones but are offering entry into next years event, or a refund. They also said they will have a person stationed in that area next year so people don't move the cones. Crazy to think people would do that.

 

[pixarmom]

So this weekend we had our Milwaukee Running Festival. I did not participate but the big news was someone removed cones from the course after the 5th runner or so passed through and a large amount of the runners in the Marathon ran much longer than 26.2 because of this. The race organizers don't know who moved the cones but are offering entry into next years event, or a refund. They also said they will have a person stationed in that area next year so people don't move the cones. Crazy to think people would do that.

Isn't that crazy?? I ran the half and was happy with a 1:52, but missed a PR by 8 seconds. Then I read that some are challenging the half course measurement saying that it was measuring at 13.75! Certainly not as significant as the kicked cones for the full, especially for the guy who said he was going to use this to qualify for Boston.