The Running Thread - 2018

[Mickey Momma]

I have a question for the running board ladies. I am terrible about dressing in office attire! Up until recently I was able to just hide in my office all day in my jeans, race shirt and retired running shoes. Well, our new Interim Superintendent imposed a new rule that all office doors must remain open so now I am on display to everyone. While I still plan to wear jeans I will switch up to a blouse or nicer shirt. But I find that wearing flats hurt my back. Do any of you have a recommendation on some office appropriate flats/shoes that fit and feel like running shoes? Proper arch support and comfortable sole? They also need to go with capris, skinny jeans and boot cut jeans. Because I am cheap and don't want to have to buy a bunch of pairs, lol.

I haven't tried them yet, but have been eyeing several different ballet flats from Birkenstock. I love how my sandals mold to my foot and it seems like the flats I have looked at have the same cork foot bed.

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD: Covered Bridges HM in Vermont

 

[Sailormoon2]

ATTQOTD: Dopey. It’s one registration so I’m counting it.

DITTO^^^

 

[SheHulk]

I have a question for the running board ladies. I am terrible about dressing in office attire! Up until recently I was able to just hide in my office all day in my jeans, race shirt and retired running shoes. Well, our new Interim Superintendent imposed a new rule that all office doors must remain open so now I am on display to everyone. While I still plan to wear jeans I will switch up to a blouse or nicer shirt. But I find that wearing flats hurt my back. Do any of you have a recommendation on some office appropriate flats/shoes that fit and feel like running shoes? Proper arch support and comfortable sole? They also need to go with capris, skinny jeans and boot cut jeans. Because I am cheap and don't want to have to buy a bunch of pairs, lol.

I wear nicer sneakers in black. Not everybody can do that but I just buy styles that don’t scream Running Shoe. I will not sacrifice my races to the fashion gods by jeopardizing getting hurt!

 

[PrincessV]

QOTD: You are allowed to only run one race that you have already participated in for the rest of your life and that race only, which one are you going to run?

ATTQOTD: I'd like to say WDW Marathon, but I think the day is coming when I'll have to give up that distance. So I'll go with Dark Side Half.

I have a question for the running board ladies. I am terrible about dressing in office attire! Up until recently I was able to just hide in my office all day in my jeans, race shirt and retired running shoes. Well, our new Interim Superintendent imposed a new rule that all office doors must remain open so now I am on display to everyone. While I still plan to wear jeans I will switch up to a blouse or nicer shirt. But I find that wearing flats hurt my back. Do any of you have a recommendation on some office appropriate flats/shoes that fit and feel like running shoes? Proper arch support and comfortable sole? They also need to go with capris, skinny jeans and boot cut jeans. Because I am cheap and don't want to have to buy a bunch of pairs, lol.

I have yet to find a flat that feels like a running shoe! I work in a pretty buttoned up office, but in FL - I mostly live in "fancy" Birkenstock sandals at work: patent leather makes them "fancy" enough to work with dresses or pants with a nice top or sweater. In colder weather, or for meetings that really require a step up in formality, I wear Born flats or Earth heels. Both have nice arch support and comfy footbeds.

 

[jennamfeo]

I am going to go with the Disneyland 10K.

The Disneyland 10k is my favorite race ever in the whole wide world...... BUT. I am going with the Disneyland Half Marathon (the one that goes through Angel's Stadium, if I get to pick the course, too) because if I am gonna do a race distance it's gonna be a Half.

I have a question for the running board ladies. I am terrible about dressing in office attire! Up until recently I was able to just hide in my office all day in my jeans, race shirt and retired running shoes. Well, our new Interim Superintendent imposed a new rule that all office doors must remain open so now I am on display to everyone. While I still plan to wear jeans I will switch up to a blouse or nicer shirt. But I find that wearing flats hurt my back. Do any of you have a recommendation on some office appropriate flats/shoes that fit and feel like running shoes? Proper arch support and comfortable sole? They also need to go with capris, skinny jeans and boot cut jeans. Because I am cheap and don't want to have to buy a bunch of pairs, lol.

I bought a pair of Tieks about 6 months ago for work and also just in case I wanted a nice shoe for our WDW trip. They are a pretty penny, but honestly, worth every single cent. I stand at work most of the day and I wear these 4-5 times a week to work. They are so comfy that when I went to put on some cheap flats I had from Target it was like walking on straight concrete so I threw all my other flats away. Do they feel like I am wearing a running shoe? No. But for flats they are comfy and they go with anything. I got a pair of black ones and seriously love them so much.

 

[JClimacus]

ATTQOTD: Disney Marathon for sure. It's a cliché, but every mile really is magic. No other race has that same quality.

EDIT: Like @PrincessV my marathon days may be over. I've been dealing with injuries ever since the Wineglass Marathon last October, so if I ever do heal up from them all, I'll likely stay away from the marathon distance in favor of prolonging my running life. I'd make an exception for the WDW Marathon though.

 

[cavepig]

ATTQOTD - WDW marathon! the Mouse & are I pretty tight! & it's not like I've ran Boston or anything beside Disney & local.

 

[BikeFan]

QOTD: You are allowed to only run one race that you have already participated in for the rest of your life and that race only, which one are you going to run?

ATTQOTD: Without a doubt, the Boston Marathon would be my choice.

I'd have to go with Boston too, just because of the history of that race, and the BAA and the people of the Boston area do such a great job putting on that event. It's such a huge honor to be there, and the race has a great spirit. The WDW Marathon (or the Dopey Challenge if that's not cheating!) would be a very close second though. Marathon Weekend is just such a fun event for me. I never try for time on most of my Disney races, so it's a chance to run a race without any of the pre-race jitters and training anxiety I have if I'm worried about racing. I've run a bunch of the Disney races with family, and running alongside my wife, brothers, or kids has been such a joy. I enjoy the atmosphere, the on-course entertainment, the great runner costumes, and the great spirit and excitement most people have doing these events.

As for race fees, it's definitely an issue - the costs of this hobby add up, and it's not just Disney either. The NYC Marathon is $295 for US residents and $358 for non-residents, and lots of other bigger events have started creeping up as well. The Marine Corps Marathon was $100 or less for many years until it started selling out regularly, and has had big price jumps since. I paid $160 last year and $170 this year to enter. Race fees and related costs are the one thing keeping me from doing more races.

 

[jennamfeo]

Crushed my PR 32.30!

Race felt good other than early crowding. The last mile or so runs straight east. It made me think about running sunglasses. But this is the 4th time I’ve done the Dbacks race and the first time I’ve been in any sort of running shape, so that felt awesome!

Great job! I kept trying to look for a mom and a 7 year old. I *might* have seen you but I don't know, haha. The weather was so perfect that morning though.

 

[Dis5150]

I bought a pair of Tieks about 6 months ago for work and also just in case I wanted a nice shoe for our WDW trip. They are a pretty penny, but honestly, worth every single cent. I stand at work most of the day and I wear these 4-5 times a week to work. They are so comfy that when I went to put on some cheap flats I had from Target it was like walking on straight concrete so I threw all my other flats away. Do they feel like I am wearing a running shoe? No. But for flats they are comfy and they go with anything. I got a pair of black ones and seriously love them so much.

So this is not the cheap option, but the most comfortable flats I have ever worn are Tieks. They come in all different colors. I bought the heather grey ones as they matched most of my outfits so I could wear them with skirts, jeans, capris, etc. I wore them on our two week trip to Europe last summer and they were great. Walked 20K steps a day and never had a issue. Have also worn them to WDW for a five day trip. They are worth the investment if you plan to wear them a lot.

I had a mini heart attack when I saw their price, lol! But if they last and are comfy I do have a birthday this month. How do they fit size wise? I am an 8 1/2 in regular shoes (normally) and wear a 9 in my running shoes (Nike and Saucony). I saw they only come in whole sizes

 

[kleph]

Interesting article

Are races worth the money?

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/get-healthy-orlando/os-runners-pay-for-races-20180216-story.html

I know many of us would say yes but it’s something to ponder for sure.

You would think that in an article discussing the cost of races, they would take the time to talk to a race organizer to go over the expenses involved. In my experience you can find plenty of lower-cost events to run in but you take the chance on getting stuck with a incompetent organizer.

 

[FFigawi]

QOTD: You are allowed to only run one race that you have already participated in for the rest of your life and that race only, which one are you going to run?

Tough question. Do I go with my first marathon in Richmond? Beach to Beacon to get a trip to my hometown every summer? Marine Corps for the crowds and course? Dublin for the post-race shenanigans? Two Oceans for the incredible scenery? In the end, I'd probably have to choose Comrades, primarily because it's the best overall experience I've ever had before, during, and after a race. Plus, who wouldn't want a vacation in South Africa every spring?

Interesting article

Are races worth the money?

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/get-healthy-orlando/os-runners-pay-for-races-20180216-story.html

I know many of us would say yes but it’s something to ponder for sure.

I think more and more races, not just Disney, are going to find it harder to sell out or even maintain their registration numbers as they raise prices. Too many out there to choose from and too many other challenges and experiences for people to tackle. That said, the point in the article about using races as motivation to get out and run is a valid one. Many people need to have that target and reward looming out there as a way to be serious about their training.

 

[rteetz]

You would think that in an article discussing the cost of races, they would take the time to talk to a race organizer to go over the expenses involved. In my experience you can find plenty of lower-cost events to run in but you take the chance on getting stuck with a incompetent organizer.

I’ve experienced that as well. Milwaukee 10K and Marathon both were shorter than their respective distances. Nothing offered after they admitted this.

 

[KSellers88]

ATTQOTD: I'll jump on the WDW Marathon bandwagon.

 

[jennamfeo]

I had a mini heart attack when I saw their price, lol! But if they last and are comfy I do have a birthday this month. How do they fit size wise? I am an 8 1/2 in regular shoes (normally) and wear a 9 in my running shoes (Nike and Saucony). I saw they only come in half sizes

I think they suggest sizing up if you are a halfsie. I wear an 8 and got an 8 and they are perfect.

 

[Bree]

 

[flav]

ATTQOTD: Dopey, since it is one registration. This dream covers all costs, hotels, etc....correct???

ATTQOTD: If that dream covers all costs and we are allowed one registration that includes multiple races than, of course, none of the two semi-local 10k I ran stand a chance to beat runDisney Wine and Dine Two Course Challenge as an answer to the question!

 

[jmasgat]

Do any of you have a recommendation on some office appropriate flats/shoes that fit and feel like running shoes? Proper arch support and comfortable sole? They also need to go with capris, skinny jeans and boot cut jeans. Because I am cheap and don't want to have to buy a bunch of pairs, lol.

I like Merrell's casual shoes. I currently live in a pair of Dassie slides. I will never win fashion points, but these shoes provide enough support that they serve me well as travel shoes too.

 

[beatlecat42]

question for today: Ooh, this one's tough. I do enjoy the challenge of the Baltimoron (already planning on my 3rd consecutive year of it) and the Baltimore 10 miler, but they have stretches of the city that are not exactly scenic. I loved the Garden Spot Village half (and am looking forward/anxious about it in a week and a half...)...but I think I'd go with the Sole of the City 10k. I loved the distance, the course itself was fairly decent, and they're even starting to give out medals for it. That's probably my answer now, but I reserve the right to change my mind

I have a question for the running board ladies. I am terrible about dressing in office attire! Up until recently I was able to just hide in my office all day in my jeans, race shirt and retired running shoes. Well, our new Interim Superintendent imposed a new rule that all office doors must remain open so now I am on display to everyone. While I still plan to wear jeans I will switch up to a blouse or nicer shirt. But I find that wearing flats hurt my back. Do any of you have a recommendation on some office appropriate flats/shoes that fit and feel like running shoes? Proper arch support and comfortable sole? They also need to go with capris, skinny jeans and boot cut jeans. Because I am cheap and don't want to have to buy a bunch of pairs, lol.

I feel your pain! Ditto to whoever said Birkenstocks (the arch support is fantastic, and they really do help with back pain because they support your heels well, too). If you've got the $$, try Clarks (you can find them on Zappos, and they also have outlet stores). A lot of their flats (and pumps!) have cushioned insoles and decent arch support, they're pretty much my go-to dressy shoes now. They can be pricy, but I've managed to find some really nice flats at a decent discount by hunting through the racks at the outlet store. (I've found they run a little small on my wide feet, so you may need to size up a half)