The Running Thread - 2018

[avondale]

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.

I've never traveled for a race, because of the generally large added cost, which was at least mentioned in that blog article. I can understand registration fees going toward course planning/management, aid stations, bling, t-shirts, etc. But then adding travel costs and hotel costs and extra meals always seems like way too much to me. Also, my husband doesn't run and really doesn't care to spectate my races, so it's not so much fun traveling to a race by myself - and I find the cost harder to justify. (I'm going to pay to fly somewhere, stay overnight, so that I can run for a few hours, then get back on the plane and come home?) I'd rather spend that money on a planned vacation we can both enjoy. (Yes, I could find a race near our vacations, but we usually go pretty hard-core hiking in national parks, which is not really ideal for pre- or post-races.)

I expect that eventually I will splurge on some strategic destination races, but it won't be something that I do multiple times per year.

The point of using races as motivation for exercising and training is a good one, and I do that myself. I just find that I can do races within a reasonable driving distance from my house to do that. My two cents.

 

[AZMermaid]

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 like Fit Flops- I get the ones with the little sparkles. Well I did until our Superintendent said no more flip flops. They aren't terribly cheap, but they are comfy. I often wear my older running shoes honestly. It looks weird, but I am comfy.

 

[jennamfeo]

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.

To. Each. Their. Own.

I wish people would stop writing about things like this -- for any topic. How I spend my money is my business. For example, I was on vacation with my parents and we were walking around a little town checking out the shops. I walked into a shop and saw a t-shirt I thought was cute but it was like $30. I was like, nahhhh. And my mom replied, "It's funny that you will spend $30 on a bottle of wine and not bat an eye but not on a shirt." YEAH, SO? That's what makes me happy, okay mom. And on that note, check out our beer/wine cellar if you wanna see how I like to spend my money.

 

[Dis5150]

I like Fit Flops- I get the ones with the little sparkles. Well I did until our Superintendent said no more flip flops. They aren't terribly cheap, but they are comfy. I often wear my older running shoes honestly. It looks weird, but I am comfy.

We can't wear flip flops either. And our resident "shoe monitor" thinks all slip on's are flip flops! (I am currently breaking the rules and wearing my croc sandal slip on's!) And I loved wearing my old running shoes! I still will on Friday's! I wore these croc's to the botanical gardens on Saturday then my Kohls tall boots on Sunday and Monday and all I want to do right now is put on my running shoes and be comfortable!

 

[Keels]

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.

I LOVE my Tieks ... and you definitely get quality for what you pay for them. I’d have more pairs, but it’s cost-prohibitive when you have to buy to pairs. Stupid uneven feet.

Back to @Dis5150 and her original question - Personally, I find wedges are much easier on my legs than flats most times. I’ve got three pairs of cork wedges from Sam Edelman that I love - and they pretty much go with everything. I also have a pair of Crocs wedges (yes, they’re Crocs but you can’t tell!) that as a little more dressy.

Most of the shoes I buy are backless so I can avoid buying two pairs, so maybe I’m not that helpful for this.

 

[TheHamm]

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 would echo the above suggestion for finding a good shoe store and trying on a lot- similar to running shoes! We have a small shoe company that carries a lot of european brands that are well constructed and more supportive than average, similar to the walking company. I rotate 3 pairs of shoes- a pair of casual flat boots from Reiker, a pair of shoes from Born, and a pair of mary janes from Naot. None of them are as comfy as running shoes, but they are appropriate for a solid chunk of walking from my desk to a lab, and standing for a few hours. Good Luck!

 

[Jules76126]

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

I wear a 9 and they fit great. I do think they stretched a little. I know they do free shipping on returns so you may want to try a size up as you know you can just ship them back. I bought mine in the summer of 2015 as a birthday gift to myself. I rationalized it out as I was going to WDW and needed good walking shoes. I even worn them to my wedding reception as my something blue since the soles are. Mine are still hanging in there, but are starting to look a little beat up since I wore them constantly. Trying to convince DH i need a new pair.

 

[Capang]

@Dis5150 I wear Dansko clogs with pretty much everything at work and home. I'm on my feet pretty much all day and they have great arch support and are more of a wedge/lift than flats. They are not for everyone though, if they don't fit your feet perfectly they feel too heavy and clunky and can hurt your ankles. If they fit right, they're heaven.

 

[Bree]

@Dis5150 I’m not a fan of ballet type flats. I wear them only when I don’t have to wear them very long. I really really really like my crocs canvas loafers. I wear them all the time. I also wear loafer type shoes by Sperry, Cole Haan & Michael Kors that I find at Nordstrom Rack. I like higher end shoes, but at a discount

ETA: I like wedges too. Easier than heels to walk in!

 

[Wendy98]

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.

You know I am right there with you. No question. This is actually me true life plan as long as I am physically able to hobble to the start.

Flying Pig would be my second choice for sentimental reasons. The first marathon is always special.

 

[apdebord]

I’ve got three pairs of cork wedges from Sam Edelman that I love - and they pretty much go with everything.

@Dis5150 I was just about to post about Sam Edelman wedges too! So comfortable; I've worn the wedges on trips while I'm out sight-seeing all day with no problems. I actually love Sam Edelman in general- they make my go to sandal (the Gigi) and ankle boots (the Petty). Can go all day in those as well. I've seen them at Nordstrom Rack/TJ Maxx/Ross, but they do go on sale on their site and department stores often.

 

[Wendy98]

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.

I have 3 World Major marathons this year, each requiring travel (2 involving a plane). It is expensive, but this is what I like to do and spend money on. I am lucky to have a husband who loves to come with me and spectate almost as much as I love to race (funny, he rarely sees me do a local race). And you are right, prices just keep going up and up...I really want to do Berlin, but $$$ is holding me back along with logistics of child care. I keep saying I will do it when I don't need a baby sitter anymore.

 

[Keels]

@Dis5150 I was just about to post about Sam Edelman wedges too! So comfortable; I've worn the wedges on trips while I'm out sight-seeing all day with no problems. I actually love Sam Edelman in general- they make my go to sandal (the Gigi) and ankle boots (the Petty). Can go all day in those as well. I've seen them at Nordstrom Rack/TJ Maxx/Ross, but they do go on sale on their site and department stores often.

It's funny you mention sightseeing - I bought my first pair in New Orleans a few years ago as an impulse purchase (it rained REALLY hard while I was at lunch and I wanted a shoe with a little height for the rest of the day because - gross), and I just fell in love with them.

I have the Romy in tan, black and cream and I just LOVE them. I'll check out the Gigi!

 

[FFigawi]

To. Each. Their. Own.

I wish people would stop writing about things like this -- for any topic. How I spend my money is my business. For example, I was on vacation with my parents and we were walking around a little town checking out the shops. I walked into a shop and saw a t-shirt I thought was cute but it was like $30. I was like, nahhhh. And my mom replied, "It's funny that you will spend $30 on a bottle of wine and not bat an eye but not on a shirt." YEAH, SO? That's what makes me happy, okay mom. And on that note, check out our beer/wine cellar if you wanna see how I like to spend my money.

View attachment 313634

You need to move up to a wine cabinet and get those bottles off the shelf and cool.

 

[SarahDisney]

To. Each. Their. Own.

+100000

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Everyone has some vice on how they spend their money. Do what makes you happy! I don't judge unless you are a horrible human.

 

[Keels]

Everyone has some vice on how they spend their money. Do what makes you happy! I don't judge unless you are a horrible human.

Exactly! I had friends who just couldn't understand why I spend so much time/$$ at Disney. My answer was always because I want to and I can - why does it matter what I do and how much I spend? The only person I really have to answer to is the man that lives in my house, but he's not the boss of me and I'm an adult and can do what I want.

 

[FFigawi]

Exactly! I had friends who just couldn't understand why I spend so much time/$$ at Disney. My answer was always because I want to and I can - why does it matter what I do and how much I spend? The only person I really have to answer to is the man that lives in my house, but he's not the boss of me and I'm an adult and can do what I want.

Did you buy a new phone yet?

 

[LdyStormy76]

We can't wear flip flops either. And our resident "shoe monitor" thinks all slip on's are flip flops!

Hmmm.....guess that means that most of the dress shoes that women have access to are flip flops since most heels, flats, wedges and clogs could fall into that category. Which would also make men's loafers flip flops by that definition. Try pointing that out and watch his/her/its head explode. Dress code police are obnoxious.

 

[FFigawi]

In random running news, Tailwind posted on their Instagram page that one of their clients ran a 100-miler on a cruise ship over the weekend. 1600 laps in 27 hours. I can't even imagine how tedious that must have been.