The Running Thread - 2016

[SarahDisney]

Hi Everyone. I'm new to this thread, but I've been RunningDisney since 2010. After recently "donating" my Garmin to my cross-country running daughter, I'm playing with what to do next. Would you please share your favorite apps for the iPhone for running? I don't mind paying if the app will do everything I want. I'm looking for these features:

• Easy and clear use of intervals for run-walk-run.
  
• Some way to know how far I've gone without digging out the phone to look; maybe a voice that tells me every so often?
• Plays my music playlist.
• Records my distance and pace.

Basically, I'm looking for a Garmin, an iPod, and a Galloway interval timer all in one. Is that too tall an order?

Thank you all for any help, and happy running in 2017.

My sister uses Runkeeper, and I'm 99% sure it does all 4 of those. The only complaint she has is that sometimes the interval change and the distance alerts come at the same time, and the distance overrides the intervals (so she doesn't realize that she's supposed to switch). But other than that, it's been working really well for her.

 

[ZellyB]

ATTQOTD: Running two consecutive weekend halfs to qualify for half-fanatics (which I never actually joined ) since that was one of my running goals this year. However, it led to injury so kinda stupid in hindsight. Not the first time that has happened either. Best laid plans and all that...

 

[Ariel484]

@GBBTomorrow my husband uses RunKeeper and it does all of those things. The interval programming is a little tricky to find the first time, but it's there.

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: What are you most proud of doing running wise in 2016?

Well at the beginning of 2016 I finished my first half marathon. Now at the end of 2016 finishing training for my first marathon. So the half was my proudest running moment so far but in training I've learned I can do even more.

 

[ebradley23]

ATTQOTD: Finishing my marathon under 4 hours with negative splits and finishing the 50k are my two biggest accomplishments. I also ran at least one 18+ mile run each month this year which was a big deal for me.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

I can't be the only one who didn't know onion goggles were a thing, right?

I didn't even know RaceDots were a thing.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

ATTQOTD: Honestly 2016 was a little tough for me running wise. It started in 2015, but my passion and drive to push myself as a runner was really not there. I am proud that I ran the 2 half marathons I set out to do. But mostly, I'm proud that I ended the year still doing it (even if my mileage is very light right now) and excited for running in the new year.

 

[SarahDisney]

ATTQOTD: This is a tough one for me. I went into 2016 with some pretty lofty running goals, but things kinda came to a screeching halt when some stuff happened. I'm definitely proud that I kept up with the running (and even increased my distance) and never really gave up hope that I will eventually get to that next level.

 

[Wendy98]

ATTQOTD: 2016 was a good running year for me despite some injuries (had to take my first DNS).

Highlights:

*Breaking the 3 hour barrier at Boston this year. I ran 2:58:20 which was good enough for 65th woman, 5th in AG (pays to be older).
*Getting a new half PR and finishing first female at Heart mini marathon (1:25 and some change)
*Winning Flying Pig 10K
* New PR in 5k (18:50)
*Running Chicago Marathon sub 3 hours (2:59:41). This was after recovery from injury over the summer. I loved that race and already committed to it next year.

 

[PrincessV]

I know for some people Hokas are just not going to be their thing,maybe the shoe is to tall or whatever but for me as long ask find one with a good fit the cushioning just adds an extra bounce in my step and makes me want to go further.

Yeah, the fit is the primary issue for me: they've yet to make a shoe that matches the shape of my feet. I thought maybe the Clayton could be it... nope.

QOTD: What are you most proud of doing running wise in 2016?

ATTQOTD: Finishing my first 26.2 feeling STRONG and ready to do another!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I am just happy to be running well again after my injury last year.

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD: 2016 was not really a stellar year for me, either. My motivation was just not there for most of the year. I did PR at the 10K (1/1/2016) and 5M (4/10/2016) distances, which wasn't super difficult as I had only run 2 10K's and 1 5M before that , but shortly after that 5M is when my motivation went on the downswing. I got some achilles tendinitis type issues after running a 10M race on 4/24. I skipped a lot of runs leading up to my first HM of the spring on 5/14 to try and rest my achilles, and it was a slow slide from there.

I did PR those 2 races though, and I qualified for Half Fanatics, which was my goal, by doing 3 HM's in the spring within 90 days. I also did 8/8 of a local road race series that I do, and 2 more HM in the fall. So, even though my training and motivation weren't there, I did make it through all of my races this year.

And I pushed myself way out of my introvert comfort zone and joined a running group that meets 2x a week just before Thanksgiving, so hopefully that will be good for me. The winter group I'm doing right now is free and mainly just for camaraderie and winter motivation, but the spring and fall groups are fee based and working towards a goal race, but the groups are led by RRCA certified people, so hopefully having some people to train with will help me out.

 

[LSUlakes]

A lot of great answers today! I am very excited for each of yall on what you have been able to accomplish over the last year. Looks like we even got some new people to post as well. To those new folks welcome to the thread. Hope you stick around for next years versions. I would like to think that this thread has played some part of helping each of us in some way to achieving our goals and I hope it continues to do so.

 

[JulieODC]

#1: Running 18 miles at a 9-9:30 pace around the Dubai Marina in 90+ degree weather with 98% humidity. This is the run after which I knew I could knock out the IMFL marathon.

• 
  #1a: IMFL marathon in 4:35
  #1b: Beach to Beacon 10k in 55 minutes including stopping for a beer with friends halfway through

Beach to Beacon is on my possible list for 2017 -- and if not this year, sometime in the future. Looks like a great course -- we love that area!

 

[cburnett11]

ATTQOTD:

- Completed my first marathon in January (wdw)... liked the experience enough to also finish my second one in October (Chicago).

- Signed up for both of those races again for 2017.​

- Broke through the 2000 mile mark for 2016 this morning.

 

[FFigawi]

Beach to Beacon is on my possible list for 2017 -- and if not this year, sometime in the future. Looks like a great course -- we love that area!

Registration goes even faster than Disney events used to go. I think it sold out in 4 minutes this year. Make sure you're ready to go right at 7am (6am?) when it opens.

 

[Baloo in MI]

A lot of great answers today! I am very excited for each of yall on what you have been able to accomplish over the last year. Looks like we even got some new people to post as well. To those new folks welcome to the thread. Hope you stick around for next years versions. I would like to think that this thread has played some part of helping each of us in some way to achieving our goals and I hope it continues to do so.

@LSUlakes, yes this thread has made a difference. I feel lucky to be a part of it; thank you.

ATTQOTD:
First congratulations to so many of you! Your accomplishments are very inspiring! For me 2016 has been a bit of a tough year starting with a disasterous WDW Marathon last January, it really kicked my butt. As the year progressed I could just not seem to put together a complete race. No dnf's but some real disappointing times and many missed goals.

I think I am most proud of not letting 2016 get me down or feel like quiting. In fact, I am letting 2016 fuel me for 2017 where I hope to have a strong year and accomplish new goals!

 

[JulieODC]

I'm loving the Garmin I bought earlier this month -- and am wondering whether you all pay closer attention to average pace or average moving pace? The two paces are pretty different -- I do run/walk intervals, so not sure if that factors in -- but am generally not stopping during a run.

 

[baxter24]

Missed a few days due to insane Christmas travel but finally back home!

Running gifts: My parents got me some new running clothes and a winter headband that I can stick my ponytail/hair bob through. My MIL gave us money that we are going to use for marathon weekend!

Running products I didn't like: Someone once recommended the Superfeet inserts so I bought a pair. I ran in them for almost half a year and coincidentally started having IT Band. Took me switching inserts to realize that it may have been the cause.

Most proud of in regard to running: I am honestly most proud of starting and sticking with my training for the marathon. There have been plenty of times that I have wondered what the heck I was thinking signing up for the race! It's been a lot of hard work and hasn't been easy at times but I am proud that I have stuck to it.

 

[Miranda]

I'm loving the Garmin I bought earlier this month -- and am wondering whether you all pay closer attention to average pace or average moving pace? The two paces are pretty different -- I do run/walk intervals, so not sure if that factors in -- but am generally not stopping during a run.

They shouldn't be that different if you are not stopping at all. The average moving pace factors out the amount of time you spend actually stopped like at a crosswalk or tying your shoe or whatever.

I personally have my watch set to Average Pace and then I manually stop/start it, but maybe I should just switch it to Average Moving Pace.