The Running Thread - 2018

[gjramsey]

ATTQOTD: My running talk is pretty much here. My running club has a FB group, but I don't communicate there much. Our weekend group runs are scheduled there. A couple of other FB groups with running friends, but those mainly focus on snarkiness and not running....

 

[FFigawi]

QOTD: Other than this thread, where do you talk about (post) about running with others?

Here, Slowtwitch, and Twitter. RunChat on Twitter on Sunday nights is a lot of fun.

 

[LSUlakes]

A year ago today was a big day for our little family!



Today the little guy turns 1!

 

[HomeiswhereMickeyis]

ATTQOTD: Here, Instagram, and I talk my poor DH's ear off while he kindly smiles and nods.

 

[StacyStrong]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

I had a really bad "run" yesterday. My heart rate is always through the roof - even jogging REALLY slowly. When I set a treadmill to 3.7-3.8, my heart rate can get all the way up to 181. That's definitely not good. Any slower though and I'd be basically walking. I don't know what to do. Only walk for a couple weeks? Jog slower? It's very frustrating and embarrassing that my heart rate will bounce up that high. Even setting the treadmill and walking at 3.0 will get my heart rate to 140. Shouldn't that be my jogging rate?

I'm only 30 so realizing I'm THIS out of shape is frustrating and I don't see how I can get anywhere with moving that slowly. How am I supposed to train for a race when I feel like I can't even start jogging? I don't want to start all over, but my hear rate getting that high just isn't sustainable or healthy (I don't think).

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD: Let's see... I'm a member of a small running group, and we have a group text and obviously talk about running when we run together.

We also have a FB chat for the subset of people in our smaller running group who also go to OTF to warn each other what kind of running workout to expect for that day's class. Whoever takes an early class, usually me, lets the evening people know what type of workout it was so they know if the running portion will be endurance (longer blocks at lower pace), strength (hills), power (lots of sprint intervals), or ESP (a little of everything). It's nice to know ahead of time what kind of workout it is running-wise, because sometimes you might want to wear different shoes.

I'm an occasional participant in some other FB groups for other much larger running groups that I'm a part of: the NH SRTT group and SIX03, which is a statewide NH running group. I'm also in some running communities on FB that I occasionally read, but don't participate in (runDisneyRun, Team RunDisney, Half Fanatics, 100 Half Marathons Club).

 

[Jules76126]

ATTQODT: I mainly just participate here. I always follow some people on Insta. And I discuss a lot with my DH since we both run.

 

[ZellyB]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

I had a really bad "run" yesterday. My heart rate is always through the roof - even jogging REALLY slowly. When I set a treadmill to 3.7-3.8, my heart rate can get all the way up to 181. That's definitely not good. Any slower though and I'd be basically walking. I don't know what to do. Only walk for a couple weeks? Jog slower? It's very frustrating and embarrassing that my heart rate will bounce up that high. Even setting the treadmill and walking at 3.0 will get my heart rate to 140. Shouldn't that be my jogging rate?

I'm only 30 so realizing I'm THIS out of shape is frustrating and I don't see how I can get anywhere with moving that slowly. How am I supposed to train for a race when I feel like I can't even start jogging? I don't want to start all over, but my hear rate getting that high just isn't sustainable or healthy (I don't think).

Have you been checked out by a physician recently and approved to start a running regimen? You might want to do that just to be sure you aren't putting yourself at risk. If you are good to go, then why not just cut back to walking for now. I think if you are consistent with that and just work to gradually increase your speed, you might be surprised at how quickly your fitness will improve. And, really the speed you go is inconsequential at this time even though we all get caught up in pace. 1 mile at 16 minute/mile pace is still 1 mile just like it's 1 mile if you run a 7:00 minute pace and your fitness gains are still there. It's okay to start slow. It's okay to set attainable goals and then be proud of yourself when you hit them (and you will!). The gains you see over time will amaze you. But sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward.

 

[dis_or_dat]

July
Miles: 129.26
Avg Pace: 7:54

Right now my long run is 6. I used to consider 8 sort of my medium run and 10+ my long runs.

I'm on Strava and Garmin but have both set on private by default. I had my strava runs public on the disboards back when I was training with the privacy circle thing on.

I'm a solitary runner and I love it! It's my only "me" time! My DH hates any run talk although he'll tell people my times and placements if he finds out they run. So I guess he's a little proud of my achievements.

I pop by here occasionally but once I start training I'm usually on here daily. My friend just ran the SF half and seems to have got a bit of the run bug now, but she's more of an IG fitness follower. I'm not on any social media platforms (not counting strava, here, etc) so don't understand how that works, but she's lost over 20 lbs and is super fit now! My in laws are Barry's bootcamps disciples and my brother is getting swole (that's what the kids call it nowadays, right?) with a private trainer. I actually just messaged someone on yelp(!) after I read her review of a marathon that made me want to sign up for a possible BQ. She runs a lot in my area and I don't know any good run routes now that I moved out here. We have similar PRs and she ran a 3:34 BQ so there's hope for me yet! She heads a weekly running group, but I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of commitment (and group interaction)!

 

[PrincessV]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

I had a really bad "run" yesterday. My heart rate is always through the roof - even jogging REALLY slowly. When I set a treadmill to 3.7-3.8, my heart rate can get all the way up to 181. That's definitely not good. Any slower though and I'd be basically walking. I don't know what to do. Only walk for a couple weeks? Jog slower? It's very frustrating and embarrassing that my heart rate will bounce up that high. Even setting the treadmill and walking at 3.0 will get my heart rate to 140. Shouldn't that be my jogging rate?

I'm only 30 so realizing I'm THIS out of shape is frustrating and I don't see how I can get anywhere with moving that slowly. How am I supposed to train for a race when I feel like I can't even start jogging? I don't want to start all over, but my hear rate getting that high just isn't sustainable or healthy (I don't think).

I'm with @ZellyB : step one is seeing a doc to make rule out any issues. I'm not a medical professional, and I don't use HR monitoring, so I can't make any specific suggestions, but I know that aerobic fitness isn't something that always improves rapidly, and it can be impacted by a variety of outside things like weather, medications, underlying issues like asthma, etc. A quick Google search turned this up, which I think is informative: https://www.polar.com/blog/running-heart-rate-too-high/

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

You are where you are, and that's where you have to start.
And training is the only way you can get to a better place.
Don't let embarrassment be an obstacle. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You're trying to improve your self. If someone in better shape embarrasses you, rather than supports you, then they're a jerk. Don't let them get in your way.
Just keep at it, and try to be a little better each day and you'll get to where you want to be. Just don't quit!

 

[LSUlakes]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

I had a really bad "run" yesterday. My heart rate is always through the roof - even jogging REALLY slowly. When I set a treadmill to 3.7-3.8, my heart rate can get all the way up to 181. That's definitely not good. Any slower though and I'd be basically walking. I don't know what to do. Only walk for a couple weeks? Jog slower? It's very frustrating and embarrassing that my heart rate will bounce up that high. Even setting the treadmill and walking at 3.0 will get my heart rate to 140. Shouldn't that be my jogging rate?

I'm only 30 so realizing I'm THIS out of shape is frustrating and I don't see how I can get anywhere with moving that slowly. How am I supposed to train for a race when I feel like I can't even start jogging? I don't want to start all over, but my hear rate getting that high just isn't sustainable or healthy (I don't think).

As others have mentioned, going to see your Dr as you hear in the commercials before starting a new exercise regiment might be the best advice here. You can never be to safe. Are you drinking caffeine before you workout? That could be a factor maybe of a higher HR... Do continue at least walking on the TM as close to your running pace as you can.

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: Other than this thread, where do you talk about (post) about running with others?

Mainly Facebook or twitter. Not much elsewhere.

 

[StacyStrong]

Thanks everyone. I have an appointment scheduled for August 13th so I guess I'll just do some walking in the meantime.

 

[KaitlynJ]

ATTQOTD: I check the RunDisney subreddit pretty regularly but rarely post. I'm in a few running groups that I love on Facebook. My favorite is one I just recently joined, the Joyful Miles Running Club. I came across the blog when researching Princess and started listening to the podcast. They're a great community.

I also have tons of runner friends IRL. I'm on a Ragnar team (but am benched this year with an injury), have coworkers that I run with, and also one friend (who does Disney with me) who I have dragged into running.

So yesterday's question prompted me to finally get an app to transfer my Nike Run Club runs to Strava. They somehow have gotten TOTALLY glitched. My time and pace are completely wrong on most of them. For example, the last activity I tracked on my Nike Run Club app was a 5K that I walked in my boot a few weeks ago. Nike Run Club logged the run as 3.25 miles in 49:15 with an average pace of 15:08/mi. My official race time is 48:31 with an average pace of 15:37/mi. On Strava, it shows as 3.2 miles in 30:33 with a 9:23 average pace. They're pretty much all off by this much (at least 2-3 mins per mile if not more). So I think I'm going to ditch Strava, it seems pointless if it's that inaccurate.

 

[TheHamm]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

I had a really bad "run" yesterday. My heart rate is always through the roof - even jogging REALLY slowly. When I set a treadmill to 3.7-3.8, my heart rate can get all the way up to 181. That's definitely not good. Any slower though and I'd be basically walking. I don't know what to do. Only walk for a couple weeks? Jog slower? It's very frustrating and embarrassing that my heart rate will bounce up that high. Even setting the treadmill and walking at 3.0 will get my heart rate to 140. Shouldn't that be my jogging rate?

I'm only 30 so realizing I'm THIS out of shape is frustrating and I don't see how I can get anywhere with moving that slowly. How am I supposed to train for a race when I feel like I can't even start jogging? I don't want to start all over, but my hear rate getting that high just isn't sustainable or healthy (I don't think).

'basically walking' still allows for gains in fitness and cardiovascular health. It is well worth slowing down to a walk or even a walk with breaks if you are concerned.
FWIW, I remember coming back from health problems and not being able to make it up and down the stairs without having an elevated heart rate and it was very frustrating. I started with walking, and it did allow me to go up and downstairs with much more ease. There is no way I could have hoped to be where I was fitness wise 6 months earlier. I then walked farther, then I did it while pushing a stroller, then I decided to go farther with the stroller, then I decided to ditch the stroller and run for 1 minute of a walk, etc. I have come a long way from where I was, and I am still not where I think I could be. Maybe it is fine to walk for a bit, or switch to a bike if it is easier to modulate your effort to control your heart rate?

 

[StacyStrong]

'basically walking' still allows for gains in fitness and cardiovascular health. It is well worth slowing down to a walk or even a walk with breaks if you are concerned.
FWIW, I remember coming back from health problems and not being able to make it up and down the stairs without having an elevated heart rate and it was very frustrating. I started with walking, and it did allow me to go up and downstairs with much more ease. There is no way I could have hoped to be where I was fitness wise 6 months earlier. I then walked farther, then I did it while pushing a stroller, then I decided to go farther with the stroller, then I decided to ditch the stroller and run for 1 minute of a walk, etc. I have come a long way from where I was, and I am still not where I think I could be. Maybe it is fine to walk for a bit, or switch to a bike if it is easier to modulate your effort to control your heart rate?

This is encouraging. Where are you at now if you don't mind my asking?

 

[Miranda]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

I had a really bad "run" yesterday. My heart rate is always through the roof - even jogging REALLY slowly. When I set a treadmill to 3.7-3.8, my heart rate can get all the way up to 181. That's definitely not good. Any slower though and I'd be basically walking. I don't know what to do. Only walk for a couple weeks? Jog slower? It's very frustrating and embarrassing that my heart rate will bounce up that high. Even setting the treadmill and walking at 3.0 will get my heart rate to 140. Shouldn't that be my jogging rate?

I'm only 30 so realizing I'm THIS out of shape is frustrating and I don't see how I can get anywhere with moving that slowly. How am I supposed to train for a race when I feel like I can't even start jogging? I don't want to start all over, but my hear rate getting that high just isn't sustainable or healthy (I don't think).

Pretty much echoing everything that everyone else has said, but you may also want to look into doing run/walk intervals... they can really help you build up. Some people do intervals as short as 15 seconds of running and 15 seconds of walking.

 

[kleph]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

I had a really bad "run" yesterday. My heart rate is always through the roof - even jogging REALLY slowly. When I set a treadmill to 3.7-3.8, my heart rate can get all the way up to 181. That's definitely not good. Any slower though and I'd be basically walking. I don't know what to do. Only walk for a couple weeks? Jog slower? It's very frustrating and embarrassing that my heart rate will bounce up that high. Even setting the treadmill and walking at 3.0 will get my heart rate to 140. Shouldn't that be my jogging rate?

I'm only 30 so realizing I'm THIS out of shape is frustrating and I don't see how I can get anywhere with moving that slowly. How am I supposed to train for a race when I feel like I can't even start jogging? I don't want to start all over, but my hear rate getting that high just isn't sustainable or healthy (I don't think).

two things.

first. i also encourage you to seek medical advice. this is always a good idea if you are undertaking vigorous physical activity for the first time or after a long layoff. you might do a little research on what, exactly, heart rate is measuring and what is considered "normal" for someone who fits your profile. i have found a lot of folks confuse heart rate with blood pressure and the two have very different impacts in terms of your overall health.

second. it is always frustrating to get started running. there's a learning curve to it where the ideal picture in your head meets the reality of the enterprise. your body simply is going to need time to get used to the new demands you are placing on it. that's why it's very very important to not overdo it. keep it slow and give yourself plenty of time to recover. setbacks and issues are common.

the advice i give new runners is to try and remember that no single run or workout really matters when you get started. the single most important thing you need to do is build a routine. it's hard but you have to deliberately stop thinking out what shape you are in and, instead, focus on building patience and discipline. getting out the door for your next run matters more than how far or fast you are.

because if you keep at it and consistently put the workouts in, i promise you are going to see progress.

 

[TCB in FLA]

Well...here's hoping you all can offer some advice or encouragement. I'm just really frustrated with my progress.

I had a really bad "run" yesterday. My heart rate is always through the roof - even jogging REALLY slowly. When I set a treadmill to 3.7-3.8, my heart rate can get all the way up to 181. That's definitely not good. Any slower though and I'd be basically walking. I don't know what to do. Only walk for a couple weeks? Jog slower? It's very frustrating and embarrassing that my heart rate will bounce up that high. Even setting the treadmill and walking at 3.0 will get my heart rate to 140. Shouldn't that be my jogging rate?

I'm only 30 so realizing I'm THIS out of shape is frustrating and I don't see how I can get anywhere with moving that slowly. How am I supposed to train for a race when I feel like I can't even start jogging? I don't want to start all over, but my hear rate getting that high just isn't sustainable or healthy (I don't think).

You’ve gotten some great advice already, esp about seeing a doctor. How are you checking your HR — and how do you feel? Makes me wonder if your HR monitor is off.
Have you looked into the Jeff Galloway method? I had never heard much about him before getting into the Run Disney events and would have considered it a failure to have to walk during a “run.” I ran 2 fulls using the run-straight-through-until-you-have-to-resort-to-walking method, and honestly they were terrible. A few years later, I decided I wanted to try again, but I knew I had to try something different. Two falls using the run straight through until you have to resort to walking, and honestly they were terrible. A few years later, I decided I wanted to try again, but I knew I had to try something different. Gave the Galloway method a try, told myself I had to embrace the plan100%, adopted taking multiple scheduled walk breaks, and you know what, it worked! My times are faster now and my recovery is so much better.
And you have nothing to be embarrassed about when you are making positive changes in your life! Start where you are and even slow progress is progress!