The Running Thread - 2019

[rteetz]

Question regarding Disney vs non-Disney half: there is plenty of talk about how the half marathon course this month is terrible. I’m not quite clear are the complaints were that the course was more boring than other Disney races, or other half marathons are better courses? I am doubting a more local race would be more fun or have better race support, or so few potholes, but if you all have amazing local races I would like to know how you find them.

I don’t hate the WDW half but it could be better. There is little park time and it’s such long stretches of roadway. They do still have characters out and such but even this year they cut a good portion of Epcot time at the end. We ran right in and right out. I like the wine and dine/star wars course better as you get 3 parks to the 2 but you don’t get to run in MK.

I’ve never done a local half so I don’t have anything to compare it too.

 

[Smilelea]

ATTQOTD: I have some small free weights, a stretch band and some workout videos that I've used in the past. I tend to go through phases where for about 2-3 weeks I'll do a video on a non-running day. And then life happens and I'm just doing good to get my runs in.

I'd love to get more consistent with it for at least 2 - 3 days a week so I'm taking lots of notes from all of your posts.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[broadsheet]

For all you ladies who wear Lululemon, what do you recommend? I have my discount code from the Strava challenge and not sure what to get. Thinking long pant but might consider a crop too.

I love the “another mile” shirt for running. I also really like their crops but I can’t remember which style I have.

For casual pants, I wear the on the fly crops all the time. They are awesome.

Whatever you buy, be sure to hang dry and not put it in the dryer!

 

[amazingact21]

ATTQOTD: Long before I started training for a half marathon I did P90X3 for 1.5 years and loved it. Then when I switched to running, I always made sure to do the Yoga routine and one of the other workouts during the week. I can't stand the cold and complain relentlessly when I have to run outside in the winter, so I usually focus more on those strength training exercises in order to keep me indoors. Not great for my running stamina but that's one of the biggest reasons I don't think I could strive for the Disney marathon until I move somewhere warmer. I need the summer months to train.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Amazed by how common someone getting their info stolen in one form or another. It's really sad. Ours was a Chase Visa as well and they did not notify me. We use that card for everything so I check the account regularly to see our balance, which of course after Disney was higher than normal. But it seemed a little to high, so I started to look a but closer and found 4 transaction that happened in Texas. No way it was us. So, I talked the CC folks and they asked if we both had our cards, which we did. I asked why she asked and she said that each transaction was made by swiping the card. Apparently what happened is someone made a duplicate of our cards and was buying stuff at gas stations to test it out before probably going big. It was around $400 total and the CC company has already reversed our charges. Just waiting on new cards now.

QOTD: Todays question is from a fellow poster. I hope I am wording it well enough to get you question asked correctly. What do you do for strength training when you do not have a gym membership or a at home gym?

ATTQOTD: In the past, and need to add soon, would do things like squats, push ups, burpees, leg raises, bear crawls which seemed to work well. I also purchased a really good jump rope which helped a lot as well. I think runners world on youtube will also have some things to suggest. Hope this helps!

I have recently added in some P90X upper body workouts. I can't do Plyo because of my ankle. But I want to try Yoga again. It will help me with my flexibility, of which I have none, and I am thinking it will help strengthen my muscles and stuff in my ankles/feet with all the balance work. It feels good to be sore again in my upper body though.

I'm doing 80 Day Obsession (Beach Body) right now as a supplement to my cycling training. It only requires some dumbbells, resistance loops, and sliders. The loops and sliders were only $9 (link on amazon). I'll be honest, over the years I haven't done much strength training. I used to do 2 days per week of a Medicine Ball Routine (link) and then did the McMillan Core Rountine once in a while. But never kept either of them up for very long or did them much more than 2x per week (mostly because it was so repetitive). But I'm on Day 35 of 80DO right now. It's 6 days per week and about 45-60 min per session (or about 4.5-5 hours per week). The nice part is it's really 78 unique workouts in that they switch up the rep count, weights used, order of workouts within days, workouts in a week, etc. So the program stays really fresh for the entire 13 weeks. And I can say unequivocally that the program does work. I am significantly stronger and can tell my body is adapting to the training. Whether that translates into faster running times is an unknown, but it is certainly making me a fitter human being. I've already mapped out the next 13 week segment to include it. The bonus is my wife is doing it too and I'm really just there to be her motivator.

I'm quite curious to see if this helps you get over the hump and qualify. You have been so close to your goal and maybe this strength work was the missing piece you needed.

I will say, all the people I follow on Instagram that are regular Boston qualifiers all do strength training. That's why I am planning to add it in. Not that I a, as close to you but it cN help me get back to where I want to be it will be worth it.

 

[Waiting2goback]

 

[DopeyBadger]

I'm quite curious to see if this helps you get over the hump and qualify. You have been so close to your goal and maybe this strength work was the missing piece you needed.

I will say, all the people I follow on Instagram that are regular Boston qualifiers all do strength training. That's why I am planning to add it in. Not that I a, as close to you but it cN help me get back to where I want to be it will be worth it.

I'll be curious as well. I do know that I was in the best shape of my life heading into Dopey 2018. If it was a marathon as a solo event and not Dopey, I'm about 95% certain I would have broken 3 hours. The thought had crossed my mind at the time to skip out on the other races, and do the marathon alone as a BQ attempt. But, the counterbalance of the allure of achieving the 5th straight perfect Dopey made me decide to go for it (and to aim for the Sextuple PR Dopey Challenge too). I think even knowing what I know now (2018 mired in injury), I would have still gone with doing all 4 races. Now let's see if I can get back to that level and possibly surpass it.

 

[Dis5150]

ATYQOTD: Currently all my strength training is lifting sheets of plywood, 2x4's, insulation, tearing down walls and lugging everything outside, etc. All the fun stuff involved in a DIY home remodel. Otherwise I am super bad at sticking with any routine. I always start out gangbusters then find a reason to skip, then another, then I just stop entirely. Plus our whole house would shake when I would do anything strenuous in a dvd. Figured out that it is the fact of the hardwood sitting directly on the floor joists so once we get it all fixed I should hopefully not have that as an excuse anymore.

 

[PrincessV]

Question regarding Disney vs non-Disney half: there is plenty of talk about how the half marathon course this month is terrible. I’m not quite clear are the complaints were that the course was more boring than other Disney races, or other half marathons are better courses? I am doubting a more local race would be more fun or have better race support, or so few potholes, but if you all have amazing local races I would like to know how you find them.

Admittedly, I am not a hater of the WDW Half/PHM course, but I would take it over any local race, any day. I think the hate probably stems from folks who want more park time, and the WDW half/PHM course doesn't have much; it's a lot of highway. Personally, I like long stretches of highway because it spreads out the field and I have the opportunity to get into a good flow. I view the parks parts of WDW races as a fun little diversion and I'm glad they're there, since that what really makes it a Disney race, but I don't mind the highway parts at all, and I love the behind-the-scenes peeks into Backstage. My local races are often very scenic, but it's the same scenery I run with regularly: making it a race doesn't make it special to me the way races at WDW do.

 

[KSellers88]

Now let's see ̶i̶f̶ WHEN I can get back to that level and ̶p̶o̶s̶s̶i̶b̶l̶y̶ surpass it.

Fixed it for you.

 

[Dis5150]

Question regarding Disney vs non-Disney half: there is plenty of talk about how the half marathon course this month is terrible. I’m not quite clear are the complaints were that the course was more boring than other Disney races, or other half marathons are better courses? I am doubting a more local race would be more fun or have better race support, or so few potholes, but if you all have amazing local races I would like to know how you find them.

That half course isn't my favorite either but I would take it any day over a local half. Characters, crowd support, running thru parks (even though limited) and just the general attitude of fun and the energy of Disney races > local half on boring streets with limited crowd support, etc. The only exception in my area is the Little Rock Marathon. They have races of all lengths (5k, 10k, half, full and challenges of 2 of those combined). They know how to host a race! And great crowd support, people handing out food, beer stops, post race party!

ETA: LRM also always has awesome, huge medals!

 

[cburnett11]

QOTD: Todays question is from a fellow poster. I hope I am wording it well enough to get you question asked correctly. What do you do for strength training when you do not have a gym membership or a at home gym?

I've never really done any strength training. I know... I suck. This is something I obviously need to focus on now because just running more is not getting me as fast as I'd like. I only have 1 goal this year and if I don't do some strength training AND lose some extra pounds, it won't happen.

 

[flav]

Question regarding Disney vs non-Disney half: there is plenty of talk about how the half marathon course this month is terrible. I’m not quite clear are the complaints were that the course was more boring than other Disney races, or other half marathons are better courses? I am doubting a more local race would be more fun or have better race support, or so few potholes, but if you all have amazing local races I would like to know how you find them.

I cannot comment on the Disney MW Half but I doubt I would like it less than local Half. I did enjoy the WnD Half.

For finding local races, I ask other runners (at the office, in a running store, on this board), Google « Running Race + City) or, for USA, I use
https://runningintheusa.com/

Then, I go to the website and read about them. Some local race series are known for being well organized but light on swag hence very affordable others have an all inclusive feeling about them (shirt, medal, pictures, meal). The number of runners also makes a difference. Transportation and parking can be another factor in my choice.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I'll be curious as well. I do know that I was in the best shape of my life heading into Dopey 2018. If it was a marathon as a solo event and not Dopey, I'm about 95% certain I would have broken 3 hours. The thought had crossed my mind at the time to skip out on the other races, and do the marathon alone as a BQ attempt. But, the counterbalance of the allure of achieving the 5th straight perfect Dopey made me decide to go for it (and to aim for the Sextuple PR Dopey Challenge too). I think even knowing what I know now (2018 mired in injury), I would have still gone with doing all 4 races. Now let's see if I can get back to that level and possibly surpass it.

I think as long as you still decide BQ is an important goal for you, you will achieve it. If your priorities chance and you don't think it's important anymore, that's a different story.

 

[Barca33Runner]

Question regarding Disney vs non-Disney half: there is plenty of talk about how the half marathon course this month is terrible. I’m not quite clear are the complaints were that the course was more boring than other Disney races, or other half marathons are better courses? I am doubting a more local race would be more fun or have better race support, or so few potholes, but if you all have amazing local races I would like to know how you find them.

My criticism of the WDW Half Marathon course is only in relation to the other races during Marathon Weekend. The ratio of park time to distance lags well behind each of the other courses and I think they could do much better.

That said, the 2012 WDW Half was my first race, it was on (basically) the same course, and it got me addicted to Marathon Weekend. The disappointment comes primarily from the desire for Disney to do a little more with the course.

As for local races, I’ve never had a particular issue with any of them; but there’s a reason I run for free at home and focus most of my race registration income toward running at Disney.

 

[huskies90]

Question regarding Disney vs non-Disney half: there is plenty of talk about how the half marathon course this month is terrible. I’m not quite clear are the complaints were that the course was more boring than other Disney races, or other half marathons are better courses? I am doubting a more local race would be more fun or have better race support, or so few potholes, but if you all have amazing local races I would like to know how you find them.

I don't know why the half marathon course gets so much hate. It is really just mile 8-11 that I think are boring/monotonous. The first miles as you leave EPCOT in the dark with Spaceship Earth off to the left and fireworks going off behind you as corrals get released, to the gates to the Magic Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom parking lot with a few character stops, through the TTC, under the water bridge and past the Contemporary with the Castle and Space Mountain in view, into the Magic Kingdom and out to the backstage area, past the Grand Floridian and golf course - All of that first 8 miles are magical in my opinion. Miles 8-11 with the sun coming up and your legs starting to get tired, I agree are "blah" but then as you go over the bridge and can see the entrance to EPCOT and as you head toward the park, you are back on track. Granted, I did not like this year's EPCOT portion as much as the previous years and I hope they change that back (I noted that in the survey). But all in all, the half marathon is a very magical run in my opinion.

 

[chuckille]

My family and I went to Park City earlier this week and had some amazing snow. DS sprained his ankle pretty bad the day before the trip, but it healed up pretty quick and he was able to ski the last 2 days, albeit slowly and cautiously. I had brought my running shoes to try and do a run, but skiing always makes my quads sore + the temp was very cold + the hot tub seemed like a better decision = no running.

Tues ATTQOTD: I equate a comfortable run as one where I can breathe through my nose for good portions of the run. I read that doing nose breathing can help posture and train the diaphragm muscle for more efficient running. On the rare time I run with others, then a comfortable run is when I can talk with the other person without too much effort. I've been doing more comfortable running these days to try and minimize injury.

Weds ATTQOTD: I've had my cc number stolen a couple times and the cc company always reimburses the fraudulent amount with no questions asked. I always try to think where the number got stolen, but can never figure it out.

Thurs ATTQOTD: I've always had a gym membership so that's where I go for my 1-2x/week strength training. I find that paying the gym membership as extra motivation for going there, whereas if I try to workout at home, it generally doesn't happen. I don't do too many run specific strength training...more general biceps, pecs, back, shoulder, and leg workouts.

 

[michigandergirl]

Question regarding Disney vs non-Disney half: there is plenty of talk about how the half marathon course this month is terrible. I’m not quite clear are the complaints were that the course was more boring than other Disney races, or other half marathons are better courses? I am doubting a more local race would be more fun or have better race support, or so few potholes, but if you all have amazing local races I would like to know how you find them.

Those highway miles during the MW half don't bother me. There is still a lot to look at (characters, amazing running costumes, etc.) and it's still running at Disney.

That said though, there are local races that I enjoy just as much as Disney. There is usually something that draws me to them that gives me that happy feeling of running with others, like a nice course, amazing crowd support, or great post-race party. The half I am running next month is a really fun atmosphere because only crazy people run races in the freezing cold & snow in February in Michigan. It's one big party from start to finish. So IMO, sometimes running on your home turf can be just as fun as running at Disney.

The only exception in my area is the Little Rock Marathon

My friends & I are thinking about doing this one in 2020!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Question regarding Disney vs non-Disney half: there is plenty of talk about how the half marathon course this month is terrible. I’m not quite clear are the complaints were that the course was more boring than other Disney races, or other half marathons are better courses?

I think it stems from comparison to the Star Wars Half Marathon course and the Wine & Dine Half course. The Magic Kingdom is very cool to run through, but there's not much park time compared to the other courses.

I don’t hate the WDW half but it could be better. There is little park time and it’s such long stretches of roadway. They do still have characters out and such but even this year they cut a good portion of Epcot time at the end. We ran right in and right out. I like the wine and dine/star wars course better as you get 3 parks to the 2 but you don’t get to run in MK.

I’ve never done a local half so I don’t have anything to compare it too.

My only non Disney half was the Giant Race in San Francisco. The course was beautiful, but the crowd support was very different. Really only the volunteers and a handful of spectator groups.

I view the parks parts of WDW races as a fun little diversion and I'm glad they're there, since that what really makes it a Disney race, but I don't mind the highway parts at all, and I love the behind-the-scenes peeks into Backstage.

I think the Disneyland races had more backstage time than the WDW courses and I think they actually spent more time in the parks than at least some of the WDW races.

My criticism of the WDW Half Marathon course is only in relation to the other races during Marathon Weekend. The ratio of park time to distance lags well behind each of the other courses and I think they could do much better.

I think this is very fair. The 5K spends more time in Epcot than the Half Marathon.

Granted, I did not like this year's EPCOT portion as much as the previous years and I hope they change that back (I noted that in the survey). But all in all, the half marathon is a very magical run in my opinion.

Agreed. I've never done the old course, but we were barely in Epcot. I think we spent more time in the Studios for the Dark Side 10K than Epcot for the Half. And I suspect the Dark Side courses are changing to allow even more time in the Studios after Galaxy's Edge opens.

So IMO, sometimes running on your home turf can be just as fun as running at Disney.

That's not as crazy as it sounds. Finishing the Giant Race Half Marathon on the field where the San Francisco Giants play was an incredible experience. And got even better when they let us hang out on the field itself and take pictures in the dugout.

 

[PrincessMickey]

I love the “another mile” shirt for running. I also really like their crops but I can’t remember which style I have.

For casual pants, I wear the on the fly crops all the time. They are awesome.

Whatever you buy, be sure to hang dry and not put it in the dryer!

Thanks for the air dry tip, much appreciated!!!