The Running Thread - 2018

[Keels]

ETA: I'm also old enough to remember a time not that long ago when cell phones were not ubiquitous. People went for runs and shopping and lived their life fully and successfully without being plugged in and available at a moment's notice. Technology has improved our lives in many ways. I don't think this is necessarily one of those ways.

It's funny you mention this. When I started training for my first marathon, one of my good friends did some of the first few long runs with me ... and he talked about how it was much easier to train for a marathon nowadays than it was back when he trained for his first one.

Why?

Because he would run with a Walkman cassette player strapped to his hand and a fanny pack full of cassette tapes to listen to. "It was a real beating when I'd have to stop to flip the tape over.".

 

[Gemini1131]

My favorites are my phone with podcasts, flip belt with a zipper pouch, aftershockz headphones, my Garmin watch, and my goodr sunglasses - these go with me on every single run or walk.

The phone discussion is interesting. I wonder if we took a poll whether there might be a gender divide here as well, more so than a generational divide. As a woman, I am always somewhat cognizant of my safety on a run and having a phone makes me feel safer.

I was actually wondering the same thing as I was reading through.

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD:

My clothing options (for tops and bottoms anyway) are limited, because as a fluffier runner, they don't make my size in most running brands, especially things like Oiselle and Lululemon. I buy a lot of stuff from Old Navy, because I don't need the plus size gear (like 1X/2X), but I need the bottoms to go to a true XL and I generally get my tops in XXL so they are a little looser. (And for the guys, no, despite the number of X's, 1X and 2X are not the same as XL and XXL )

Lots of my gear I have gotten on good deals on sites like LeftLane Sports, 6pm.com, Joe's New Balance Outlet, Backcountry.com, the bargain bin at the Lululemon outlet, even though it's usually higher priced stuff. Like my Oakley sunglasses were half price on Backcountry.com when I got them.


Sneakers: Altra! I wear the Paradigms for road running and the Solstice for Orangetheory. The Solstice is a little thinner/lighter weight than I would really like to be running in, but the treadmills there are bouncy, and I need something that can do double duty when we switch to doing floor/weight work. I cannot do lifting or anything lateral in my Paradigms. I would definitely not road run in the Solstice, though, I am too heavy.

Tops: I have just a mix of Old Navy tops along with some Adidas and a couple of NB ones that I got cheap from 6pm.com. I have a few half zips from Target and Old Navy, and a nice NB winter jacket with some windblocking on the torso that does not fit right now (#sad).

Bottoms: Never ever shorts. Only Sparkle Skirts when it's warm, Old Navy capris when it's medium, and... well I had 2 pairs of Sugoi fleece lined tights the last couple years, but they both had critical failures in the inner thigh seam this past winter, so will need replacing for this coming winter (RIP).

Head: Bondi Bands most of the time, although I sweat so much that I pretty much soak those instantly. Sometimes Headsweats visors although they're usually a little tight on my head. In the winter, I tend to go hatless unless it's like 0-10F (my head runs extremely hot), but for those single digit days I have a thin knit Lululemon hat that has a hole in the back for my ponytail. I also have a Lululemon headband thing that leaves my head open on the top but my ears covered up.

Sports Bra: I have like 6 or 7 of the Moving Comfort Fiona that probably are in desperate need of replacement right now... they're still branded Moving Comfort, not Brooks, that's how old they are. They chafe me terribly, and I'm on the hunt for something new, but I haven't found anything yet.

Socks: Not too picky or blister prone. I have a bunch of pairs of Sock Guy brand socks that I used to order with other things from LeftLane Sports to round out the amount needed for free shipping. They were like $5 a pair for these gray ones that were super comfy, so I would throw 3-4 pairs into every order to get the free shipping. Sadly I need to really look into retiring them as I have worn them so many times that they are starting to wear through on the heels. I also have 4 pairs of Thorlo socks that I got at the Tinker Bell Expo in 2015. You know how they say nothing new on race day? Yeah, I was like "hold my beer" and bought those socks at the expo and wore a pair for the HM. They were fine.

Tech: iPhone, Garmin (last 3 years a 220, next week a Vivoactive 3 should be here), Apple Music (streaming radio and downloadable playlists), Overcast (podcasts), Scosche Rhythm+ HRM (soon to be replaced by the VA3's built in one), Jaybird BlueBuds X bluetooth earbuds (although I kinda want to try some Aftershokz bone conduction ones)

Safety: Tracer360 vest, Black Diamond Spot headlamp, Lighthound (Tracer360 harness for my dog!)

Nutrition: Nuun in my water, Huma for gels almost all the time (sometimes Honey Stinger or Untapped)

Other: Oakley RPM Squared sunglasses, Smartwool gloves, FlipBelt in the winter when I have to wear pants instead of Sparkle Skirts (none of my capris or pants have pockets), Orange Mud handheld bottle, Orange Mud seat towel for my car, Orange Mud HydraQuiver Single Barrel and Double Barrel (both that I want to love but they fit weird, but they work for some people), STABILicers shoe cleats for running on ice/snow, Tuff Mutt hands free doggo running leash/belt, BodyGlide, RaceDots bib magnets.

 

[Baloo in MI]

And the verdict is in; well my MRI results anyway. I will be having surgery on my ankle, not a full tear but enough damage that it is going to require surgery. I can live with that, at least it will (I hope!) make things better so I can start running again. The worst part is how insanely slow the process is. Ankle hurts see the doctor, told to follow RICE and lay off running for a few weeks. Doesn’t get better go back to doctor and end up in an ankle brace for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks the ankle feels ok until I start running and then it is back to the doctor to get a referal to the specialist. Then two weeks after that the specialist says hey lets get an MRI (again) and an X-ray (again). Then I have to wait to hear from Radiology. I bug them enough that they find an evening time for me and then it is wait to hear results. Today I learn that surgery is the best option and am told that I will be called by the foot specialist for the consolutation... I assume at that point I will hear, yep you need surgery, let’s set that up and I then get to wait for a surgery date. Then it is back to the boot again and then rehab and dare I hope running... Sorry, venting. At least I have a forward direction and I guess I get to practice patience... Did I mention the injury occurred in February!

 

[Smilelea]

I don't HAVE to have all of these things when I run but when I do, it sure does help make it more enjoyable:

- Shorts/capris with pocket big enough for phone. Most of my runs are on the street where I live so I don't have to worry about car keys, etc. However, I did break down and buy a sparkle skirt for races and running at the track/park. Gotta love those pockets!
- Bluetooth ear buds (no idea on the brand). DH surprised me with them about 2 years ago when I kept complaining about the stinking ear bud cords getting caught on things when I ran and being jerked out of my ears. Ouch!
- phone - I want it/need it for my music/audiobooks and for GPS to calculate distance/pace/etc. DH makes me take it for emergency purposes. I do, however, ignore most calls and texts while on a run. He has his own tones so I know when it's him. He also doesn't bother me when I'm on a run unless it's important.
- sweatband - mainly for these hot summer months. I typically don't need one in the cooler months
- Gatorade or water (in the summer mostly) - I put one in my mailbox and will make a quick stop when I pass by around miles 1, 3, 4, 6, etc.

 

[Miranda]

I've seen a lot of discussion about people looking into new GPS stuff recently. So I decided to take a look at the new toys Garmin has out Maybe I just dont remember, but the cheapest running watch seemed to be around $250... $250!!!!! $350 was the high mark for the new running watch it seemed a few years ago. Tri watches a little more. It looks like the new ones start around $500 ish or so. I hope my 235 never dies, because spending $500+ for the new shinny toy is not going to be a fun purchase.

You should have looked on Prime Day last week, if you are a Prime member and an American Express cardholder! I got my Vivoactive 3 for $169 between the Prime Day sale + a 20% deal from American Express.

 

[flav]

ATTYQOTD heat:
Summer is too short! Although the heat slows me down and it is difficult to fit running between all the summer other activities (from hiking to terraces), I am in no rush to go back to snow and ice!

To stretch it, I do like others have mentioned and wear sandals and little dress until almost freezing temperatures.

ATTQOTD gear:
Tracker and camera: iPhone X with Nike Run App

Shoes: Asics Nimbus

Bra: Anita Active Momentum

Tank top: Nike Dry Fit that I only ever found at the Kittery NH Outlets

Capri with deep phone pockets: Joe Fresh

Capri for shorter runs (no side pockets): Champion or Nike

Socks: Asics Quick Lite in summer or Smart Wool ski socks in winter

Belt to hang my bib when racing: Dollarama

Cleats when icy: Yaktrax Run

Fuel: As long as some of them have caffeine, I am ok

 

[SarahDisney]

Just btw ... I'm highly entertained that around here I'm a youngun because I had a cell phone before I started running, but at work I'm basically an old fart because I'm one of very few people in my department over the age of 30.
Life is very relative.

 

[Miranda]

When I list everything out like that, it seems like I must run with like a wagon behind me to carry it all. Maybe because in New England we have a lot of seasons and weather... plus some of it is "race stuff" vs "every day stuff".

Like 95% of my runs are:
- something to wear from each clothing category
- phone
- car key, credit card, health insurance card, driver's license in a plastic sandwich baggie
- Garmin and HRM strap
- sunglasses
- Bondi Band
- water bottle (if hot or a longer distance run)
- ear buds (if solo)

Safety gear and STABILicers and gloves and hats and jackets and fleece pants... all that stuff is just for the winter. Dog stuff... only when running with the dog obviously. RaceDots, fuel most of the time, ear buds most of the time (I don't run solo a whole lot right now), water toting backpacks... all usually race stuff.

 

[PointerPower]

Thanks for the effort to maintain this list! Below are my races for the year:

April
18 - PointerPower - Towpath Half Marathon (<2 Hr / 1:56)
June
10 - PointerPower - Run and Ride Cedar Point Half Marathon (<2 Hr / 1:51)
September
29 - PointerPower - Akron Marathon (4:10:00/ N/A)

 

[BuckeyeBama]

It's funny you mention this. When I started training for my first marathon, one of my good friends did some of the first few long runs with me ... and he talked about how it was much easier to train for a marathon nowadays than it was back when he trained for his first one.

Why?

Because he would run with a Walkman cassette player strapped to his hand and a fanny pack full of cassette tapes to listen to. "It was a real beating when I'd have to stop to flip the tape over.".

Color me old - I remember running with a Walkman and then a Discman before the advent of MP3 players. I ran with many MP3 players before Apple got into the game. Apple really changed the game with their ear buds.

 

[Waiting2goback]

QOTD: It's HOT!!!!! Spent most of the weekend trying to stay hydrated from doing yard work. Had headaches, cramps, felt like trash, and it impacted my run on Saturday. Who is looking forward to much cooler weather? When does is typically start cooling down where you live?

ATTQOTD: I am ready for a polar vortex! Unfortunately we will not experience cooler weather until mid - late October. It seems forever away!

I love the fall but I'm still not ready for summer to be over even though we have FL humidity up here right now. I just dread the winter so I am in no rush for summer to end.

QOTD: What is your must have gear? Favorite hat? Sweat band? Winter hat? Electronic device? The only pair of shorts you ever run in? Fluid or nutrition carrying item? Lucky rabbit foot? Make a list, name the brand, shout it from the mountain tops!

Todays question is a suggestion from a fellow poster and will be followed up with other questions that flow well with this one in the coming day.

ATTQOTD: I'll start off with lights and reflective gear. Things I have tried: Little flashing button light that clips onto shirt or shoes = garbage! I u shaped light that goes around your shoe = also trash. Current head lamp flips up and down while running but did ok, but its made for hunting so my expectations were not high. Winner is the 360 light up vest. Very runner friendly.

Arm bands for your cell phone drive me crazy! I no longer bring my phone for runs for this reason and the fact that I prefer to hear my own breathing patterns and my surroundings.

Hoka running shoes: While a very comfy shoe, for the price and the few miles I put on them before I felt the shoe was breaking down was not worth continuing to purchase them. If helping with a injury I may consider them again, but it's such a different type of a shoe you have to be hesitant starting out in them.

My sneakers are Asics Nimbus, I have a Polar HRM, a Roo Pouch to carry my phone and Body Glide when needed. Other than that, everything else is what's more comfortable or the best value at the time I buy.

And I sit squarely in the middle: the phone comes with me firstly because "getting away from it all" to me means being able to listen to my music without distraction or interruption - and running is pretty much my only chance to do that. Secondly, I feel safer having it with me in case I need assistance, and it's been needed for that a few times.

Yep. I put on my podcasts and I escape from the world for a while. I get aggravated when I even get a text or call during my time but thankfully it doesn't happen often while I run.

Well, I am now dealing with kidney stones. Doctor said that I can continue to run as long as I can handle the pain. But I'm still here.

The pain comes in waves - I am going to try to run between waves. Even breathing is difficult when the pain is in full force.

I tried running with mine last year. I made it about 100 yards. No thanks. And. It to freak out Baloo in MI but the pain from my ankle surgery was worse than my kidney stones but that's because they cut the bone in my foot.

And the verdict is in; well my MRI results anyway. I will be having surgery on my ankle, not a full tear but enough damage that it is going to require surgery. I can live with that, at least it will (I hope!) make things better so I can start running again. The worst part is how insanely slow the process is. Ankle hurts see the doctor, told to follow RICE and lay off running for a few weeks. Doesn’t get better go back to doctor and end up in an ankle brace for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks the ankle feels ok until I start running and then it is back to the doctor to get a referal to the specialist. Then two weeks after that the specialist says hey lets get an MRI (again) and an X-ray (again). Then I have to wait to hear from Radiology. I bug them enough that they find an evening time for me and then it is wait to hear results. Today I learn that surgery is the best option and am told that I will be called by the foot specialist for the consolutation... I assume at that point I will hear, yep you need surgery, let’s set that up and I then get to wait for a surgery date. Then it is back to the boot again and then rehab and dare I hope running... Sorry, venting. At least I have a forward direction and I guess I get to practice patience... Did I mention the injury occurred in February!

What is torn? And yes, the process is terrible.

 

[Waiting2goback]

 

[cavepig]

I can only assume (hope) there is some ecological reason behind this as it involves several conscious steps:
1. Seeing the snake;
2. Stopping;
3. Removing phone from armband;
4. Taking photo;
5. Returning phone to armband;
6. Resuming run.

Upon seeing a snake my involuntary actions would consist of the following:
1. Soiling myself;
2. Running at Usain Bolt 100 meter pace for several minutes until I pass out.

Yep, exactly, except after taking photo was find a stick & move snake from the road I didn't want it to get hit! It kept lunging at cars that went by while I looked for a stick. It was just a bull snake, big, but harmless.

 

[TheHamm]

ATTQOTD:
Sports Bra: I have like 6 or 7 of the Moving Comfort Fiona that probably are in desperate need of replacement right now... they're still branded Moving Comfort, not Brooks, that's how old they are. They chafe me terribly, and I'm on the hunt for something new, but I haven't found anything yet.

Oh, good, I am not the only one! I cannot decide if it is my imagination or the logo is not the only thing that changed. Oddly, I have more sports bras I dislike than tops to wear over them, yet I keep reaching for those old moving comfort ones.

 

[cavepig]

It's funny you mention this. When I started training for my first marathon, one of my good friends did some of the first few long runs with me ... and he talked about how it was much easier to train for a marathon nowadays than it was back when he trained for his first one.

Why?

Because he would run with a Walkman cassette player strapped to his hand and a fanny pack full of cassette tapes to listen to. "It was a real beating when I'd have to stop to flip the tape over.".

I love this, it's hilarious! I feel like one of my older siblings tried this but not the extra cassette tapes. Which just picturing the fanny pack with tapes is very nostalgic

 

[LSUlakes]

QOTD: Staying with our theme of gear from yesterday. What do you carry in a race that you would not carry on a daily run? What do you take along for a daily run that you would not for a race?

This is also a suggested question from a fellow poster. Thanks for the series of suggestions!

ATTQOTD: The only thing I find that I have for some training runs (mostly long runs) and not races is my turn by turn directions in a Ziploc bag to prevent from getting wet.

 

[bevcgg]

What do you carry in a race that you would not carry on a daily run?[/QUOT

For races I always wear sparkle skirts or shorts with deep pockets that I fill with:
Id/credit card/cash/insurance card
Tissues
Eye drops (contacts)
lip balm (also useful for chafing)
Phone/ ear buds
For Disney races- I actually carry a sport camera (shock/drop proof) usually in my hand as I run (I love the photos)
Honey waffles/sports beans (10 miles or longer)

 

[SarahDisney]

ATTQOTD: Nothing new on race day! The only difference between race and and regular runs is that on regular runs I carry an expired ID, but for race day I will actually take my valid ID out of my wallet and put it in my belt (in case I need ID for something). And occasionally I will bring a credit card to races just in case I need to buy something post-race, but not so much these days because I just use samsung pay on my phone.
But mostly ... nothing new on race day!

 

[Slogger]

Race day I will add:

>belt for key, ID and $$
>Fuel including peanut M & M's and gummy bears
>band-aids
>compression sleeves if run is going to be over 2.5 hours

Non race day I usually bring water bottle. I run loops and will leave it somewhere I can circle back to every few miles.