The Running Thread - 2018

[jmasgat]

ATTQOTD: Hmmmm....I love Bug. Love singing the song, love hearing everyone freak out with the dark and the spiders and the pokes. Such fun and a must do for me. COP is one of my (adult) daughter's favorites.

So I won't go so far as to say the worst, but I rode the revised Soarin' and was sorely disappointed. This used to be one of my favorites, but somehow with the redo they created a distorted, choppy "see how many places we can cram into one movie" attraction. The film distortion was so distracting. I mean, the Eiffel Tower looked more like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There was never a problem with the old movie. What the heck happened with this one? It wasn't just one scene either. It was noticeable during the entire thing.

Sad to say, I don't think I want to ride it anymore.

 

[apdebord]

Charleston Half Recap: We drove down Thursday afternoon, were scheduled to arrive by 9:30. We got about 30 minutes from home and my husband realized he forgot his wallet at home. So we turned around and got it. Of course now it’s rush hour, so it took an hour to get to where we were when we turned around. Bad rain on 95 made us slow down and we finally got to the hotel at midnight. Went right to bed, too tired for dinner.

We were some of the first people at the Expo on Friday. It was small, but very nice. It was extremely foggy, but we decided to go have a late lunch at Folly Beach and walk around. Got back to the hotel and I was planning to take a little nap before we found somewhere for dinner. As soon as I laid down, I felt very sick. I think it was just exhaustion. My husband said he was 100% on board with staying in for the night. We said we could do delivery for dinner, but he was asleep around 8:00 and according to my Fitbit, I drifted off at 9:18. No dinner again. Going to bed early ended up being the best decision we made that day. At 2AM we were woken up to a girl banging on a door screaming, “Let me in!” Well, we learned that her boyfriend/husband had kissed another girl at the bar they were just at and that she had seen it happen; it then evolved into someone telling her it happened. I learned a lot of new combinations of curse words. Had we not had a race in the morning, it would have been pretty entertaining. But, I called the front desk and they sent someone up. We couldn’t tell what room they were in and of course after I called, it all stopped for about 20 minutes, so the staff couldn’t find anyone. Started to go back to sleep and woke up to what I assume was a shoe being thrown. Every few minutes she would scream and start crying. No words. Sounded like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Finally got back to sleep around 3:30 and woke up at 6.

On Saturday, we are a small hotel breakfast, had some much needed coffee, and used an Uber to get to the race start. Never done that before, it was nice. We were not prepared for how cold it was going to be. Luckily, I had a long sleeve tech shirt in my drop bag, so I put that under my short sleeve shirt. I was very comfortable during the race. Headed to the “corrals”. It’s done by pace and you seed yourself. The full and half are all jumbled together. My husband was running the full as a training run for his 100K next month, so he placed himself right in front of the 9 min group. I was somewhere in the 10 min group. The start was not as chaotic as I thought it would be with everyone starting together, but my husband and I both said the first mile was very hard to break away. The course was beautiful at the start, running through the historic area. My one complaint is that there were parked cars along the course; most city races I’ve done require residents to move their cars from the course. I know at home they open the garages for them for free. It was really tight through these sections and I was worried I was going to smack my face on the side mirror of a pickup truck, haha. Mile 6 started to get boring, but I was having a great race. The half and full split just before the 10 mile marker for a little bit. Right at mile 10, my legs started hurting. The mile 10 marker was in the same spot as the 15 mile marker. I noticed the 3:35 marathon pacer go by, so I knew my husband was probably close; I opened the race tracker and he was at 14.5. I contemplated walking so that I could see him because I really needed a hug. But I could tell he was having a great race (he had a rough morning bc the day before lol...maybe that was his dinner?). So, I decided not to slow him down with my meltdown, and I kept going. My calves started cramping just past mile 11 and I was having to cut my intervals about 20 seconds short. I walked about .1 to mile 12 and decided that I was going to screw the interval and just run until my calf cramped, walk it out, then run again until the finish. I made it maybe 10 steps past the 12 mile marker and both calves seized, so I pulled over to a wooden post on the side to stretch. Then my foot cramp so I had to sit down and take my shoe off. My left foot was cramped up so bad I didn’t think I was going to finish. As soon as I got it out, the right one went. I wasted 10 minutes there, but I did pause strava. I got back up and walked to the 13 mile marker. I felt okay and ran the .1 to finish. I completely missed the medical tent through the chute, but I was feeling okay by then. According to Strava, I would have had a 7 minute PR if I didn’t sit down on the course, and that included the mile I walked (which was somehow still sub-13). This ended up being my 3rd best time (out of 6). I was pretty bummed that I knew I was going to PR and I just blew up. This is the first half I haven’t PR’d. But, that’s life I guess. Luckily I only had to wait for my husband for about an hour, so I had enough time to change, rehydrate a little and eat a bit. We stayed at the post race party for a little bit, then took an Uber back to the hotel. It was a good party. We are both very sore so we know we have some things to work on before our next race and I have to figure out this calf issue. We did eat dinner and went to bed around 11:30. The girl from the night before started crying at 2:30 AM. I called the desk again and I believe they did find her this time. Unfortunately she was too whiny this time for me to make out her words, so not entertaining. I’m about to head down and see if she is checking out today. If not, we’re going to ask to move. If they can’t accommodate us, we’re cutting the trip short and driving home. I can’t take another night of this.

If you’ve stuck around this far, thank you. I learned a lot from this race and I’m glad I did it and finished. Now trying to convince my husband that I deserve something from the Louis Vuitton store down the street because I pushed through the pain, but I don’t think he’s buying it oh well I tried!

 

[jmasgat]

@apdebord. Wow....that is not the kind of hoopla surrounding a race that I would want. I would have beat the door down of the "happy couple" to get them to shut the F up.

Your attitude is pretty great. Impressed that you took away any positives from the race.

 

[Waiting2goback]

QOTD: for those who have been running for a few years in the group, what single piece of advice would you have given to yourself when you first started out (if that was possible) that would have had the biggest impact? Would that advice change if you were giving it to someone else thats just starting out?

ATTQOTD: I would tell myself and other new runners to just stick with it. Extended time off makes getting back to it difficult and not worth the rest. This is true unless the reason for time off is a injury. I am kicking myself for basically doing little to nothing all of 2017. I finally started feeling better yesterday, and was on facebook when the "my memories" came up. I saw a picture of my family and I the day before the WDW marathon at Hollywood Studios, and then another picture from 6 years ago. Then I kinda looked at myself and realized I was inching closer to the bigger version of myself 6 years ago, and the time for excuses was over. Running 2 miles yesterday was way more difficult than I recall. One Day at a Time!

For me, my advice has changed as time has gone on. My appreciation for running is different since I got injured. The last year of running wasn't as much fun for me. I was so worried about my ankle that I was afraid every time I ran, until I got my recent MRI results and found out everything is fine, it's just pain. But, I miss running worry free. So the advice I would give to myself when I was first starting is to just enjoy each run because you never know how long you will be able to keep doing it.

QOTD: Lets discuss training plans today. Specifically, how do you pick out which training plan to follow at any given time? Do you use one from a book, coach, or make your own? If you make your own, do you do research into other plans and use their ideas to develop yours?

ATTQOTD: When I am training for a marathon I always use one from the book Advanced Marathoning. I just like the theory behind it, but warn it isnt for everyone. I do choose the easier of the plans with a peek of 55 mpw. the next step goes up to ~70 mpw during its peek. Maybe this fall I will use a combination of the two if I get on a role. For other races and the off-season, I make my own and it usually reflects a similar set up to the marathon plan as far as rest days, speed work, and long runs go. I will just decrease overall mileage. I've read a lot, probably not as much a @DopeyBadger , but a good bit. I also look to my piers in my local running community for advice. They have offered some of the best advice I have ever received and even though their ability far exceeds mine, they have always been willing to listen to me and give me suggestions. So, those of yall out there who know some fast runners, do not be timid to talk to them as they are usually the most helpful group out there!

This question relates to the one above. I haven't run with a training plan for two years now. I tore my tendon during the 2016 Disney marathon and have just been doing what I can since.

But, last weekend's race was humbling. While I finished, it wasn't as much fun as the last time because I wasn't properly trained. 2016 finish time was just over 6 hours. This year was 6:17. So not much difference in time. But 2016 I had a blast. It didn't hurt. I was barely sore. This year, was very painful and I'm still a bit sore a week later.

What I am trying to say is that all those excuses that I made this last year came crashing into my head last Sunday and I am hoping to get back to more consistent efforts this year and to start following a plan again.

Fun Friday QOTD: What do you think is the worse attraction / show that is currently open at WDW?

ATTQOTD: I know this attraction has a big following, but I really dislike it... Figment! I'll throw in a honorable mention to Country Bear Jamboree.

I am one of the few people that doesn't go to WDW for rides. Sure, I will ride my favorites if the lines are reasonable. And I usually like to try one new ride each trip (finally tried Soarin last weekend) but I really don't go on the rides I have heard are crappy because I'd rather use my time for something else.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

On an unrelated topic: I'm not a big sports fan but after watching the Falcons Super Bowl, Georgia-Alabama National Championship, and Falcons-Eagles playoff last night, I can safely say it seems like a good idea to turn off the TV before the last play of the game.

 

[GreatLakes]

Fun Friday QOTD: What do you think is the worse attraction / show that is currently open at WDW?

I agree with your choice, the current iteration of Journey Into Imagination. I don't want the overall theme if the pavilion to change and want Figment to stay a part of the ride attraction but I want to see it go back to something more along the lines of the original with Dream Finder.

I'm not even opposed to the rumors if it becoming an Inside Out themed ride but it can still be hosted by and include both Figment and Dream Finder.

A close second is the speedway. Such a waste of space. If they want to keep it modernize it with electric cars and drastically shorten it to get back some space.

 

[xjillianpaige]

Fun Friday QOTD: What do you think is the worse attraction / show that is currently open at WDW?

I agree with the folks who said Stitch and It's Tough to be a Bug. Both I've gone on once and never again. Eagerly looking forward to the day Stitch closes forever.

 

[SheHulk]

Just catching up on this thread because the Marathon Weekend thread was updating so quickly it was all I could do just to keep up with that one. Now that I'm here I'd just like to say I hate you all for trashing all my favorite rides
Putting in a vote for Tomorrowland Speedway to get the heck out of there. As others have said, it isn't futuristic and it takes up sooooo much real estate.
In answer to the question about advice: I wish I knew that running isn't enough to make you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. You really need to pay attention to diet. For me at least my diet is way more important to my weight and how I feel than exercise is. It took me a few years to get that. To that end I'm back on Weight Watchers after finishing the marathon last week.
Now that Marathon Weekend is over I'm trying to come up with next goals. Try for a PR in a half I do every year when the weather is perfect, or try for a PR in a local marathon that many people use to BQ (not my goal, just saying it's flat and fast) but which is on Labor Day weekend and usually crazy hot? Mulling it over.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Just catching up on this thread because the Marathon Weekend thread was updating so quickly it was all I could do just to keep up with that one. Now that I'm here I'd just like to say I hate you all for trashing all my favorite rides
Putting in a vote for Tomorrowland Speedway to get the heck out of there. As others have said, it isn't futuristic and it takes up sooooo much real estate.
In answer to the question about advice: I wish I knew that running isn't enough to make you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. You really need to pay attention to diet. For me at least my diet is way more important to my weight and how I feel than exercise is. It took me a few years to get that. To that end I'm back on Weight Watchers after finishing the marathon last week.
Now that Marathon Weekend is over I'm trying to come up with next goals. Try for a PR in a half I do every year when the weather is perfect, or try for a PR in a local marathon that many people use to BQ (not my goal, just saying it's flat and fast) but which is on Labor Day weekend and usually crazy hot? Mulling it over.

Diet is huge. Now that I am older it is harder to lose the fat. Running just isn't enough anymore. I won't do WW like you but diet is back to being a major focus. It will help lose weight, obviously, but will help stay injury free I hope, by now carrying around the extra weight during the miles of training and racing.

I ran for the first time since the marathon today. It was a struggle to get to 3 miles. Stuff is still sore and I had heavy legs. But, it was a start and hopefully a return to what I feel is respectability for me.

I have to figure out some goals for the year pretty soon too

 

[LSUlakes]

Quick check in post Louisiana Half Marathon. Cold, 25 at start. Finished with a anticipated PW of 2:41:01 unofficially. I think having done it is just that extra little push to fully commit to dedication. Also want to give @girliea shoutout for letting me run with her this morning. It was a pleasure! I also learned that doing intervals are hard. I found them to. E more difficult than steady pace running. You folks that race this way are awesome!!! My thighs are killing me like 5 miles in. Much respect!

 

[apdebord]

@apdebord. Wow....that is not the kind of hoopla surrounding a race that I would want. I would have beat the door down of the "happy couple" to get them to shut the F up.

Your attitude is pretty great. Impressed that you took away any positives from the race.

Thanks. My husband really wanted to, but with the state of mind they were in, the anger would have turned on him and may have been worse. She eventually passed out I guess.

 

[dis_or_dat]

Hi guys!

Amazon is having a sale on recovery products and includes nuun tabs, rollers, etc:

https://www.amazon.com/s/browse/ref..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=HGAH07HJ68FRCWF1224D

The massage stick intrigues me, but I have a lacrosse ball and 10+ year old foam roller that have served me well, should I buy it?

ATTQOTD: my advice to my old self: stop going so fast at the start of a race! Hope to listen one day.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Hi guys!

Amazon is having a sale on recovery products and includes nuun tabs, rollers, etc:

https://www.amazon.com/s/browse/ref..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=HGAH07HJ68FRCWF1224D

The massage stick intrigues me, but I have a lacrosse ball and 10+ year old foam roller that have served me well, should I buy it?

ATTQOTD: my advice to my old self: stop going so fast at the start of a race! Hope to listen one day.

If you want to be good to yourself spend a little extra money and get an R8 recovery roller. Easily the best running money I have spent. I only use my foam rollers for my back now.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

On an unrelated topic: I'm not a big sports fan but after watching the Falcons Super Bowl, Georgia-Alabama National Championship, and Falcons-Eagles playoff last night, I can safely say it seems like a good idea to turn off the TV before the last play of the game.

The finale of the Vikings vs. Saints playoff game this afternoon was something else. Did not expect that one finishing the way it did.

Hi guys!

Amazon is having a sale on recovery products and includes nuun tabs, rollers, etc:

https://www.amazon.com/s/browse/ref..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=HGAH07HJ68FRCWF1224D

The massage stick intrigues me, but I have a lacrosse ball and 10+ year old foam roller that have served me well, should I buy it?

ATTQOTD: my advice to my old self: stop going so fast at the start of a race! Hope to listen one day.

I bought a massage stick and trigger wheel both by The Stick before Star Wars Light Side 2017 at the Expo. One of the best running purchases I ever made.

 

[surfde22]

The finale of the Vikings vs. Saints playoff game this afternoon was something else. Did not expect that one finishing the way it did.

It’s even more crazy for those of us living in the Twin Cities, especially with LII coming to town.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

It’s even more crazy for those of us living in the Twin Cities, especially with LII coming to town.

I live in the SF Bay Area and remember all the buzz when Super Bowl 50 was here about 2 years ago. I live far enough away from San Francisco and Santa Clara that the game didn't impact my life, but it definitely altered things in the city. There was so much excitement. If not for work that time of year, I may have tried to check out some of the week of the game activities.

 

[AbbyJaws2003]

It’s even more crazy for those of us living in the Twin Cities, especially with LII coming to town.

Holy cow, seriously you are so right. Disbelief! My house erupted last night, it was insane. When you are so used to that sort of thing happening TO your team (like always happens), it is just hard to believe! Fantastic game all around by both teams, for sure.

 

[AbbyJaws2003]

I live in the SF Bay Area and remember all the buzz when Super Bowl 50 was here about 2 years ago. I live far enough away from San Francisco and Santa Clara that the game didn't impact my life, but it definitely altered things in the city. There was so much excitement. If not for work that time of year, I may have tried to check out some of the week of the game activities.

I work for a major hospital system here in Minneapolis but I am completely behind the scenes in the corporate offices and even we are "on notice" for numerous reasons during that week. I am not totally looking forward to the traffic that it will bring (I drive past US Bank Stadium to get to and from work), but the excitement is something else for sure!!! I think the worst part of the whole thing is the massive road construction that went on the last year or so to be prepared for it, uggggg, but I will say it is pretty nice to have all that done now, well a lot of it at least!

 

[LSUlakes]

QOTD: For those who run/walk, is there a method to the slowing down and then speeding back up to reduce the impact on your legs?

ATTQOTD: I do not have a answer to this, but after 4 miles of doing this yesterday my thigh were already getting tight. I stayed with it until I had around 4-5 miles to go, and then jogged the rest of the way in. My knees hurt more than anything last night. I never had them hurt that way before and could only figure the stop and go motion was maybe the reason. Since I've never run any long distances with that approach I figured I was probably stopping to fast and doing that over and over is what could have been the issue. OR it could have been the fact that I havent run double digit miles in probably the last 6 months. Either way, everything is feeling much better today. Just wanted to see if there was a method.

 

[roxymama]

QOTD: For those who run/walk, is there a method to the slowing down and then speeding back up to reduce the impact on your legs.

Attqotd: I'm a continuos runner so I don't have an answer. But I will say that often if I overshoot my mileage a little and have to walk home I prefer very slow jogging to fast walking. My legs just aren't trained to fast walk...They seem to only feel good for slow leisurely walking and jogging/running. It may be a training thing...gotta train to speed walk?