The Running Thread - 2018

[Dis_Yoda]

View attachment 347494 Hello to all,

I hope that everyone out there on the thread are having a good end of summer. I dropped off the thread again. It has been really hard to read, talk, even think about running lately. I did have my surgery. After being bumped around a bit from my primary to several specialists I ended up setting a surgery date only to learn about another doctor who focused on runners/athletes, who was highly recommended. So I went to him and after just one conversation knew he was my guy! It postponed surgery by two more weeks but it will be worth it. So now I am post surgery by 4 days and stuck in a lazyboy chair. Foot up with no weight bearing at all for three weeks... The novelty of watching tv and “relaxing” has long evaporated and I am now slowly going mad! But the good news is the surgery was a success. Turns out the injury was a lot worse than the MRI showed. I had longitudinally shredded my paroneal tendon and also stretched out the structural ligaments in my ankle. My doctor said it was the worst case he had ever operated on. So it will be a long recovery after these first three weeks and I hope to be able to begin running again by winter.

So what have I learned? The MCU Movies are really good, a lazyboy chair is comfortable for a few hours and then is plain evil, if you feel a twinge in an ankle/knee/hip DO NOT run through it, seek second and third opinions and mostly enjoy running! I miss it. I will try to catch up on the thread, I have some downtime currently... good luck to all who might be racing this weekend!

I feel you! During my surgery recovery, I finally watched all of Futurama in order and lots of other Netflix shows.

 

[Wendy98]

Tendon was definitely my first thought. No real odd issues I'm aware of. My ankles crack like someone who cracks their knuckles. They've done that for a long long time. The MRI is going to be a tough sell because the last one in 2015 cost me $500-700. That's a steep price to pay for a hobby and a one time expenditure. And yes, I know health and all. Doesn't make it any easier to absorb that kind of cost for our family. Different then other things in terms of priority of cost.

Yep, totally hear you on the cost. I have "ok" insurance (not horrible, but could be better) and dread the words "Lets get an MRI" because I am sick of paying for it. I just had one on my back 10 days ago and it showed NOTHING. They told me I have disc deterioration and arthritis in it which I already knew. I think that was their way of not making it look like a waste of money. The only positive part was that my back fracture showed completely healed despite the twinges I still get--guess that is my new normal.

As others have said, go to a sports doctor or one that is used to running injuries. Non running medical professionals will say you need to not run and (my personal favorite), "You will ruin your knees."

Perhaps try something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Med-Spec-264...F8&qid=1535830753&sr=8-3&keywords=ankle+brace

That was what I was told to wear when my foot tendon is really bad (it happens in both my feet). Some of our student athletes also use it for ankle stabilization. I can run in it, but it slows me down. Also, it gets so hot and sweaty in the summer.

 

[FFigawi]

I’ll take a look at the Zwift plans when I get back to mainland tomorrow. @FFigawi is familiar with that, but - like me - he also has a coach that loads in training loads for him to do and Zwift is just a way to execute the training load for that workout.

The Zwift workouts are excellent. You can choose from dozens of them, from individual ones based on the time you have available to a full series of them intended to improve your FTP over 4-8 weeks.

Since my only desire is indoor biking, then would a smart trainer make more sense for me than a power meter? Maybe something like the Elite Direto. Or is a power meter/computer still needed even with a smart trainer like that one? Just a really pricey investment which isn't good timing right now.

A power meter will work fine with a dumb trainer, but if you're only going to ride inside, buy a smart trainer. The Direto, the new Snap, and the Hammer are probably the best choices for the money.

Do you have a recommendation for a power meter for road biking? I’ve been riding based only on GPS data and a cadence sensor and more data always seems like a good thing. Most of my riding is on crushed gravel “trail” and paved greenways as I’m not comfortable enough with my clipless pedals to spend significant time on the road yet.

I'd recommend Stages (crank based), PowerTap (pedal based), or Quarq (chainring based).

 

[LilyJC]

Oh man, trying to catch up on the threads I enjoy!

Have you (or anyone else) seen or tried the new Glycerine 16s? They redid the toe box and the shoe just looks......my technical term would be....COOLER.

I'm hanging on to my Glycerine 13s a little longer but curious to see if the 16s are an improvement from the last two models.

The 12s were my absolute favorites, 13s decent, 14s just ok, and the 15s were horrific for me. I’m currently just over 200 miles in my first pair of 16s. They are definitely an improvement over the 15s. I like them, but I don’t love them as much as I loved the 13s. I had also been in my first pair of Levitates before using the 16s, and the 16s initially felt very heavy. I think I’ll try a couple other shoes before purchasing another 16s pair though.

I did not care for the 15s. Tested out the 16s and have been running in them for two months. I think they are a significant improvement.

I can't make up my mind about the 14s. I have one set that I love and one set that isn't so great. One is much softer and the other seems more rigid. They are different color schemes but I can't imagine that makes any difference. Perhaps I have a dud? Unfortunately, I just retired the set that I love.

I had the exact same experience with the 14s. Only one color worked for me. The others I tried were awful, so I don’t think your situation is dud-related.

I’m super curious about these...

​

I just ordered a pair of Ghosts on clearance that I still need to try, but I’m really tempted to purchase these as well. Green’s my favorite! I’m also wanting to try the Levitate 2s. I have a serious Brooks shoe addiction.

 

[KevM]

Aug running:

Total miles - 130
Avg pace - 11:48

 

[Baloo in MI]

Thanks man. The guy I saw earlier this year is only available to me on a referral. So I've got to see my primary first, and then I can meet with him to see. But an MRI is going to be a tough sell to the family with the cost. We'll see.

Yeah, it is hard to walk through all the paces insurance requires to finally get to someone who can offer real help. I guess I am really lucky in that the MRI was covered. But I did have to see the primary (twice) before I could get to a specialist and then it took the third specialist’s case for need of the MRI. At first I was only approved for an X-ray. Maybe there is a means to show need? It really is not ok how hard it is to get accurate and timely medical care. Outside slowly form sitting into this lazyboy, working with my insurance coverage has been the most frustrating part!

Oh man that looks painful! Are you out of work for three weeks as well? Maybe get some books or magazines? Watching tv & movies when I had to be immobile got old for me too. I remember napping a lot just to make the hours go by!

I have a week off. On Wedensday I go back to the doctor for the post op appointment and may have to take additional days if the healing is not moving well. My job will be supportive of either gong back and working more from my office or simply staying home longer if the docotor recommends it. Either way it will be foot elevated no weight baring activities.

I feel you! During my surgery recovery, I finally watched all of Futurama in order and lots of other Netflix shows.

Yeah, for me it has been the MCU Movies, which I never saw. I have really liked them and am somewhat obsessed right now. Getting ready for Thor: Ragnorock next. But once this is done, I am in real trouble!

 

[Slogger]

August total:

65 miles

Side note: I was sharing with my husband the number of miles others ran this month (in my amazement) and he asks how many I ran. I meekly answered and he gives me a look. Then he says " That's a lot!" And he's right. When I started this journey a few years ago, my goal was to run 1 mile without stopping. Then my goal was to run a 5k without stopping. My plan was to stick to 3 miles being my longest run. Now here I am training for a half marathon! I should be proud of me and I am proud of me. DH is also proud of me . All is well!

If it makes you feel any better, I ran the most miles I've ever run in a month in August and saw that one of our Strava members ran MORE than I did in the course of a week.

You have a very wise DH and you should be proud as well. 65 miles is A LOT and probably more than most people can run. You will be ready for that HALF and even prouder when you cross that finish line. Look at how far you've come already, you got this!!!

 

[Slogger]

@DopeyBadger …..sorry your ankle is giving you issues. Hope that it resolves itself quickly and you can get back to running without discomfort soon.

 

[YawningDodo]

Yeah, it is hard to walk through all the paces insurance requires to finally get to someone who can offer real help. I guess I am really lucky in that the MRI was covered. But I did have to see the primary (twice) before I could get to a specialist and then it took the third specialist’s case for need of the MRI. At first I was only approved for an X-ray. Maybe there is a means to show need? It really is not ok how hard it is to get accurate and timely medical care. Outside slowly form sitting into this lazyboy, working with my insurance coverage has been the most frustrating part!



I have a week off. On Wedensday I go back to the doctor for the post op appointment and may have to take additional days if the healing is not moving well. My job will be supportive of either gong back and working more from my office or simply staying home longer if the docotor recommends it. Either way it will be foot elevated no weight baring activities.



Yeah, for me it has been the MCU Movies, which I never saw. I have really liked them and am somewhat obsessed right now. Getting ready for Thor: Ragnorock next. But once this is done, I am in real trouble!

Zeroing in on the MCU portion of this discussion because I'm pretty much addicted to them. Thor: Ragnarok is such a party! One of my favorites in the MCU. At least you've still got Infinity War after that since it did come out recently on home video recently (if you enjoy pain...). Do you have a favorite character?

And on the general recovery front...I do feel you. I've only had to do that once so far as an adult and I remember how quickly I went stir-crazy. Any projects you can take up? I don't suppose you know how to knit? Could be a good time to learn (I know that sounds facetious but I'm not actually joking). At least when you have something to work on that has a definite finishing point you can come away with a little sense of accomplishment to offset the rest of it.

Glad you went in for the surgery, though, and got the treatment you needed. I know we haven't talked much but I saw your comments about it earlier in the thread.

 

[Baloo in MI]

Zeroing in on the MCU portion of this discussion because I'm pretty much addicted to them. Thor: Ragnarok is such a party! One of my favorites in the MCU. At least you've still got Infinity War after that since it did come out recently on home video recently (if you enjoy pain...). Do you have a favorite character?

And on the general recovery front...I do feel you. I've only had to do that once so far as an adult and I remember how quickly I went stir-crazy. Any projects you can take up? I don't suppose you know how to knit? Could be a good time to learn (I know that sounds facetious but I'm not actually joking). At least when you have something to work on that has a definite finishing point you can come away with a little sense of accomplishment to offset the rest of it.

Glad you went in for the surgery, though, and got the treatment you needed. I know we haven't talked much but I saw your comments about it earlier in the thread.

Thanks. Maybe knitting would be a good idea. I did finish Thor: Ragnorock, loved it! I don’t think I have a favorite character. Maybe that is good, everyone is telling me I am not going to like Infinity War and that there is a very high death toll. That sounds horrible! I suppose I lean more towards the Guardians of the Galaxy characters I did see both of those movies at the theatre when they came out. Sadly, I did not connect them to the other MCU movies at all and somehow missed all these other movies until now. Been fun catching up though. I spent about a month searching for all the movies on tv and recording them to watch this week. So between that and Netflix I was able to see a majority of them with out having to rent on directv. I am a dork, but that was very satisfying for me... I did not realize Antman and the Wasp was not yet available though so I will be cold turkey by tomorrow.

 

[camaker]

Thanks. Maybe knitting would be a good idea. I did finish Thor: Ragnorock, loved it! I don’t think I have a favorite character. Maybe that is good, everyone is telling me I am not going to like Infinity War and that there is a very high death toll. That sounds horrible! I suppose I lean more towards the Guardians of the Galaxy characters I did see both of those movies at the theatre when they came out. Sadly, I did not connect them to the other MCU movies at all and somehow missed all these other movies until now. Been fun catching up though. I spent about a month searching for all the movies on tv and recording them to watch this week. So between that and Netflix I was able to see a majority of them with out having to rent on directv. I am a dork, but that was very satisfying for me... I did not realize Antman and the Wasp was not yet available though so I will be cold turkey by tomorrow.

Are you a Star Wars fan? If so, the Clone Wars and Rebels animated series’ are surprisingly good, fill in a lot of the history between movies and will suck down a lot of time. Otherwise, my suggestion is to find interesting shows on Netflix/Amazon/Hulu and binge, binge, binge!

 

[Princess_Nikki]

Well I got nothing to say about running today, other than my puppy is out to sabotage me. Woke up to a mess, and didn’t have time to make it to the Beignet Run.

But, I am a runner, and I love this thread, so here’s a funny meme instead. This is so my pet peeve at Food & Wine!! Lol

 

[Bree]

View attachment 347749
Well I got nothing to say about running today, other than my puppy is out to sabotage me. Woke up to a mess, and didn’t have time to make it to the Beignet Run.

But, I am a runner, and I love this thread, so here’s a funny meme instead. This is so my pet peeve at Food & Wine!! Lol

Mine too! I broke down and bought one of those plastic trays with the drink holder. It was only $6.99 (plus 20% AP discount), but can you imagine how much WDW is making off those due to a lack of tables???

 

[TheHamm]

August Total
59.88 miles @12:19m/m
I can convince myself that the lack of accuracy and precision make it possible I ran a full 60 miles, but it is just likely I ran less.

The last week was rough as the previously questioned summer cold took do n myself and kids and I ended up putting in a mere 5 miles the last week. This puts me in an odd spot as before that I had planned to take it slow next week and PR next weekend- I believe I was completely on target for it. So now I am not sure if I still take this week slow and try for it? Push and try at the race on the other side of town the following week (giving me a week to make up for last week and then a half hearted taper?) or just give up on the PR, it is not like I am winning anything and I’m not likely to make DB’s predicted corral cut off - daily runs still put me 4 minutes too slow.
Also irritating for a week of no running- I smacked my wrist on the car arm rest passing my kid a tissue (because cold) and cracked my watch face. I didn’t even do it in glorious pavement eating fashion! I’m pretty irritated by that.
September goal; 60+ miles. And I might have to track it with my phone.

 

[Chasing Dopey]

August totals:
228.44 miles @ 9:38m/m w/ 133 HR
This is a big deal for me, as it's the first 200+ mile month in just over a year, the second fastest average pace, and the lowest average heart rate. I'm also incorporating a lot more strength work, which I feel is taking the edge off the increased mileage. I've also had a much better diet this summer, which affects my overall energy. It's been a great training Summer, if a hot one! I've survived August... so I'm ready for Fall now. Please!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Thanks for the tip. I can't view any of the TrainerRoad workouts/plans at the moment. Do you find them to be a better choice then the Zwift ones (which you can view here - link)? I'll defer to your experience. It looks like my speed/cadence sensor and cheap trainer would be supported by the Virtual capability. But if I'm going to be doing this more often, then it might be time to invest in something. Although my wife wants to get a Peloton bike when the house is finished (and me possibly the Peloton Tread). Thanks for the help.



Uneducated guess would be an ankle stress fracture. But I'm struggling to find any pain to touch and I've only failed the jump test once. So I'm not entirely sure. It started just above the ball of my ankle. It has since moved about 1-2 inch above that area. But the shin splint pain on Tues/Wed was about 2-3 inch below the knee (on the same inner side of the leg).

I am assuming you have been icing?

View attachment 347494 Hello to all,

I hope that everyone out there on the thread are having a good end of summer. I dropped off the thread again. It has been really hard to read, talk, even think about running lately. I did have my surgery. After being bumped around a bit from my primary to several specialists I ended up setting a surgery date only to learn about another doctor who focused on runners/athletes, who was highly recommended. So I went to him and after just one conversation knew he was my guy! It postponed surgery by two more weeks but it will be worth it. So now I am post surgery by 4 days and stuck in a lazyboy chair. Foot up with no weight bearing at all for three weeks... The novelty of watching tv and “relaxing” has long evaporated and I am now slowly going mad! But the good news is the surgery was a success. Turns out the injury was a lot worse than the MRI showed. I had longitudinally shredded my paroneal tendon and also stretched out the structural ligaments in my ankle. My doctor said it was the worst case he had ever operated on. So it will be a long recovery after these first three weeks and I hope to be able to begin running again by winter.

So what have I learned? The MCU Movies are really good, a lazyboy chair is comfortable for a few hours and then is plain evil, if you feel a twinge in an ankle/knee/hip DO NOT run through it, seek second and third opinions and mostly enjoy running! I miss it. I will try to catch up on the thread, I have some downtime currently... good luck to all who might be racing this weekend!

Welcome to the club. It's always worse when they get inside. My MRI showed one torn tendon, when he got in he said they were both torn and in his words "They were pretty beat up". I had a cast for mine, instead of a walking boot. They boot came after the cast. I was on the boot for like 2 months after the cast. Unlike you though, I didn't have much time in front of the TV. My ex-wife was useless around the house. She actually went out the second day I was home. She asked me, "Do you mind if I go out tonight." I said, "Well, I am on Percocet and can't walk, but sure, go have fun".

@DopeyBadger- I know the MRI is pricey but it can't be more than your Disney race trips in January. I would say get the MRI if recommended and just take a year off from marathon weekend. It's better than giving up running IMO.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I am assuming you have been icing?

Most definitely. Nice to have a science job at work too (plenty of nice cold options around)!

@DopeyBadger- I know the MRI is pricey but it can't be more than your Disney race trips in January. I would say get the MRI if recommended and just take a year off from marathon weekend. It's better than giving up running IMO.

Not planning on Marathon Weekend at the moment. But I agree. Not giving up running anytime soon. So at the end of the day, I'll do what is necessary to continue this journey.

 

[PCFriar80]

My silly issue isn't someone passing while I'm running as much as getting passed or meeting up with runners on the trail going the other way while in in my walk interval. I know it shouldn't concern me in the least, but I almost want to shout, "hey, I'm only walking for 30 seconds and then I'll be back running at your speed!"

Speaking of being passed while running, I made the tactical error of running my morning route over by the local high school this morning. My impeccable timing had me trying to outrun the high school cross country team the last mile so they wouldn't catch me. Guess who caught me?
All ten of them blew by me. I tried to soften the blow with some math, figuring that they are all at least 1/3 my age so if you factor in the 10 runners and 1/3 of my age it was really the equivalent of 3.333 people passing me and not 10. Sorry for bringing math in to this but I had to do something to bring that 10 down to a more palatable number!

 

[CDKG]

August Miles: 106.1
2018 Miles: 743.6

In August I ran my last half marathon (#17) before training for my first full marathon begins. And...it was a new PR!!! While I did not crush my previous PR and earn a new POT (replacing my 10-mile PR), I did shave over a minute and a half off my last half marathon PR. I'll take it!!!

Looking ahead, marathon training begins next week. But, it does not enter unknown territory until November. So, September will just be more of the same, but with a bigger purpose. Inspired by @Bree I recently ordered a foot pod to pair with my Garmin. I am working on calibrating it now so I can track all of my treadmill runs during marathon training. I am enjoying getting the extra data without the manual calculations!

 

[Capang]

I didn’t pay attention to what I was doing this morning at all. I was in such a rush to get out the door before it got too hot. I couldn’t figure out why toes on the right foot hurt and the left knee and ankle hurt badly as well. I was going to walk the last part of my run but alas, I spotted the h.s. cross country teams heading towards me so I just kept running. When I got back to my car I realized I wore the wrong shoes. It made me realize just how important it is to have the right shoe. My left knee and ankle still hurt after the fact.