The Running Thread - 2016

[derekleigh]

QOTD: Todays question is a suggestion from a fellow poster on this thread. Thanks for the suggestion! Have you ever experienced a race mistake: course mismeasured, pace leader taking you off course, obstacle such as a train? Did the race director do anything to rectify the mistake?

Yup and the race still irritates me to this day. It was a 5K I signed up for the morning off with my SIL and SMIL in my wife's hometown. I was familiar with the town but this was the inaugural running of this race. I started off great with myself being one of 6 runners separating early. Not too long afterward the others broke away from me and we hit the "turny" part of the course and somewhere there wasn't a volunteer at a turn and instead of turning I kept on running for another mile or so. I ended up finishing with a time of 30-something for 4.5 miles.

I was hot! I walked straight from the finish to my truck and went home. Later I wrote the RD a polite emailing about their mistake. They offered a complimentary race entry for the next year but I never took them up on it.

 

[Flossbolna]

Can I ask a question about heart rate monitors? I am thinking of getting one, preferrably combined with a GPS. I used to have one that was with a breast strap and I always hated it. Not only was it uncomfortable, it always seemed to give me totally crazy readings. Like suddenly jumping up to 190 during an easy run and then going down to 75 immediately after. And it wasn't as if it was a weired jump for a few seconds, it would stay at those crazy readings for minutes. After it got more and more frustrating, I just gave up on it. Now I am considering one of those new ones that measure your heart rate on your wrist. How reliable are those? I would appreciate to hear some people's experiences!

ATTQOD: I just went through PT for my foot tendonitis and learned a lot about posture. I try to remember this during my runs. I have found out that as soon as I straighten myself out and tighten my core, I suddenly speed up because my form changes so much. This is something I am working on at the moment because the problem is that I don't have the stamina to run with that form for long. Both my legs and my lungs start complaining quickly... Need to work on that!

 

[FFigawi]

QOTD: Today, let's discuss good running form. What do you think about while running in order to maintain good running form?

I think about my arm position and try to keep my hands swinging forward and not across my body, and my forearms low on my body to pull my shoulders down. I can always tell when I'm not paying attention because my shoulders start to rise and get tense.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

So cool! I have shared before, so sorry for the repitition. I run 5K's with my daughter - she is 9. It started when she was 7. What we do is pick out one 5K during each season. I try to find themed/fun ones in different areas. She is super active in general, so we do not do a lot of formal training. But a few times each month I take her out on a run after I have completed mine. My goal is to make sure that she is having fun, following her own motivation, and setting the pace. I let her decide when to speed up or slow down. I do "reel" her in a bit at the beginning, but then I just let her go and follow beside and behind.

It is a HUGE joy to watch her push herself, and she really pushes. I have tried to focus on sharing that I am proud of her effort and running through some pain and not focusing on her age group placing (she has won for her age group, or at least placed, in each race. And I am so proud of her. My hope is that the fun atmosphere of the races and my no pressure approach is keeping it light and fun for her. I would love to continue this into her adulthood. Eventually she will be faster than me though - probably sooner than I want to admit.

Our next race is this weekend, really looking forward to it. Enjoy the runs with your son!

That is awesome...I do recall some of your stories about running with her, doing a race per season. I really like your approach and may try to borrow a few of these ideas. You are so right, the pride in them just swells up when you see them enjoying what you enjoy yourself...such a great way to spend time together. We bumped our weeknight run up from 2.5K to 3K last night and he did really well. His paces are improving (not that it even matters, but he likes to hear that) and he is learning to push through at the end when it starts to get a bit uncomfortable. I also introduced him to fartleks, knowing he would love that word

 

[opusone]

Now I am considering one of those new ones that measure your heart rate on your wrist. How reliable are those? I would appreciate to hear some people's experiences!

As long as you are okay wearing your watch snug on your wrist, the wrist-based (optical) HR monitors are just as accurate as the chest straps. It will not work, though, if you wear your watch loosely on your wrist. I love mine and never plan on returning to the chest strap.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD: Today, let's discuss good running form. What do you think about while running in order to maintain good running form?

I hear my coach's voice yelling at me to drop my shoulders, similar to what @FFigawi said. That's my indicator of poor form, the shoulders hunch up and my neck gets stiff. I like running with the sun at my back and low in the sky so that I can see my shadow to evaluate my form...the Shadow knows.

@CheapRunnerMike: you get tomorrow's question!

On it! Set a reminder on my calendar, now just need to think of a good one

 

[croach]

Can I ask a question about heart rate monitors? I am thinking of getting one, preferrably combined with a GPS. I used to have one that was with a breast strap and I always hated it. Not only was it uncomfortable, it always seemed to give me totally crazy readings. Like suddenly jumping up to 190 during an easy run and then going down to 75 immediately after. And it wasn't as if it was a weired jump for a few seconds, it would stay at those crazy readings for minutes. After it got more and more frustrating, I just gave up on it. Now I am considering one of those new ones that measure your heart rate on your wrist. How reliable are those? I would appreciate to hear some people's experiences!

ATTQOD: I just went through PT for my foot tendonitis and learned a lot about posture. I try to remember this during my runs. I have found out that as soon as I straighten myself out and tighten my core, I suddenly speed up because my form changes so much. This is something I am working on at the moment because the problem is that I don't have the stamina to run with that form for long. Both my legs and my lungs start complaining quickly... Need to work on that!

Good source for any running tech product questions is always https://www.dcrainmaker.com/. I use a HRM that is separate from watch, it's worn on the upper firearm and have had good results. I just went with that though bc I already had a watch and didn't want to buy a new one with the included HRM.

 

[Ariel484]

QOTD: Today, let's discuss good running form. What do you think about while running in order to maintain good running form?

Mostly I try to focus on keeping my core and pelvis stable.

 

[JulieODC]

QOTD: In terms of form, I always think back to my high school cross-country coach's advice to keep shoulders down, and make sure your arms are swinging straight back and forth.

 

[FFigawi]

Speaking of heart rate straps and such, Amazon is having a huge sale on the Garmin 920XT right now. You can get the watch alone for $200 and the bundle with the running heart rate strap for $250. Incredibly cheap prices for a top-of-the-line watch.

 

[roxymama]

@LSUlakes asked me to post this weekend's racers today. Small but mighty crowd here Let us know if you want to add a goal.
My Ditka 5k is basically a party more than a race. It is un-timed and my only goal is to wear a fake mustache the whole time to get a hilarious race photo.
19 - @roxymama - Ditka Dash 5k (NG / N/A)
20 - @Mickey Momma - Humana 5k (NG / N/A)
20 - @Baloo in MI - Chocolate Run, 10K + 5K Challenge (PR-NG / N/A-N/A)

ATTQOTD: I have a tendency to over-stride when I pick up my pace or sprint at the end. I've been super conscious of keeping my short strides under me and keeping my posture from slouching during the last "push" of my races. I probably haven't really picked apart my form that much though...something to think about this upcoming year for sure.

 

[Anisum]

So I ran on Monday. Only two miles. I felt so out of shape but my foot didn't hurt at all during the run. It hurt a bit yesterday because of my work shoes so I iced it and switched my shoes and it feels better today. I think I'm ready to slowly start running again.

Today's QOTD - lets go streaking! Have you ever been or are you a streaker? Running at least a mile a day for a month, 100 days with the Penguin, or even a year or more counts. Going past the cabin of the opposite sex at camp in your youth does not.

I have made four days? Does that count. It wasn't intentional, just when training runs fit into the schedule. Our local running club is doing one from Thanksgiving to New Years so I may see how far I make it before I decide it's not worth it.

QOTD: Today, let's discuss good running form. What do you think about while running in order to maintain good running form?

I always focus on not crossing my arms. I also try to take smaller steps to increase my cadence from time to time. Most of all, I try not to think about my slight pronation because the doctor said trying to correct it is more likely to lead to injury than letting it go given how slight it is.

 

[roxymama]

I've never heard the "keep shoulders down" when it comes to running, but that message got blasted at me on repeat with dancing. So I think I naturally just keep them down from fear of past dance teachers jumping out at me at anytime. Good to know its a universal "fix."

 

[Anisum]

I've never heard the "keep shoulders down" when it comes to running, but that message got blasted at me on repeat with dancing. So I think I naturally just keep them down from fear of past dance teachers jumping out at me at anytime. Good to know its a universal "fix."

You're running on a trail. You hear a rustling in the bushes and worry. A squirrel runs past. Perhaps that was the source of the sound? You keep running. Then you hear it again. That same rustling. You turn around to look for the source. Nothing's there. You turn around and right in your face is a past dance teacher. "SHOULDERSSS DOWN" they screech. You push them out of the way and run home, their cries echoing in your ears. Shoulders down. Shoulders down.

 

[opusone]

Speaking of heart rate straps and such, Amazon is having a huge sale on the Garmin 920XT right now. You can get the watch alone for $200 and the bundle with the running heart rate strap for $250. Incredibly cheap prices for a top-of-the-line watch.

Garmin Watch Sale
In addition, many of the Garmin watches are currently on sale. This is a once a year sale, so if you're thinking about getting one, now is a good time. Many are already discounted, but some of them don't go on sale (or additional sale) until 11/24. You can check out the table listed here to see all the discounted Garmin watches (https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/trainers-fenix3-boatloads.html#garmin-and-suunto-sales).

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Good source for any running tech product questions is always https://www.dcrainmaker.com/. I use a HRM that is separate from watch, it's worn on the upper firearm and have had good results. I just went with that though bc I already had a watch and didn't want to buy a new one with the included HRM.

You Americans and your guns...even packing heat on the run

Speaking of heart rate straps and such, Amazon is having a huge sale on the Garmin 920XT right now. You can get the watch alone for $200 and the bundle with the running heart rate strap for $250. Incredibly cheap prices for a top-of-the-line watch.

That is an amazing deal...I paid $600 for mine. The 920 is a full-on triathlon watch, tracking swimming both in the pool and in open water, cycling indoors and out, running indoors or out, and multisport mode as well to bring it all together in a race.

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks for the input! I wish I could take part in any of those deals. Unfortunately I am in Germany and even if Amazon USA ships to Germany, the shipping costs will negate the deal. Will have to deal with prices here at home... And hopefully find some deal or can convince someone that the heart rate monitor would make a great Christmas present.

 

[roxymama]

You're running on a trail. You hear a rustling in the bushes and worry. A squirrel runs past. Perhaps that was the source of the sound? You keep running. Then you hear it again. That same rustling. You turn around to look for the source. Nothing's there. You turn around and right in your face is a past dance teacher. "SHOULDERSSS DOWN" they screech. You push them out of the way and run home, their cries echoing in your ears. Shoulders down. Shoulders down.

Bwahahahaha! Nightmare fuel!

 

[croach]

You Americans and your guns...even packing heat on the run
.

Ha. That's a bad typo.

 

[Miranda]

Can I ask a question about heart rate monitors? I am thinking of getting one, preferrably combined with a GPS. I used to have one that was with a breast strap and I always hated it. Not only was it uncomfortable, it always seemed to give me totally crazy readings. Like suddenly jumping up to 190 during an easy run and then going down to 75 immediately after. And it wasn't as if it was a weired jump for a few seconds, it would stay at those crazy readings for minutes. After it got more and more frustrating, I just gave up on it. Now I am considering one of those new ones that measure your heart rate on your wrist. How reliable are those? I would appreciate to hear some people's experiences!

I don't have any thoughts on the wrist ones, but I do like my Scosche Rhythm+. It pairs with my Garmin 220 and it is a soft arm strap HRM, with similar tech to the wrist ones. There's a plastic piece with the LEDs on the bottom and you can strap it anywhere on your arm. I strap mine to my upper arm, above my bicep, and it's hidden by my shirt sleeve usually and I never notice it's there once I'm wearing it. I got it because 1) I already had the Garmin 220 and didn't want to spend the extra money to upgrade my watch and 2) I wasn't sure I would like the wrist strap one even if I did. My watch tends to slide around on my wrist, it's not always laying perfectly flat, and I didn't know if that would screw up the readings since the sensors would not always be right on my skin.

Edit: This is the one @croach mentioned in his post above. I got the recommendation from DC Rainmaker, too.