The Running Thread - 2020

[Waiting2goback]

I am here to post my April results. I am not sure how I feel about them. I had set goals of:

90+ miles of running
200+ miles of bike
At least 5 lbs lost
1:00 daily planks
1:00 daily planks

I came up with the running goal because I think I did about 75 last month so I assumed 15 more would be doable. I have no idea where I came up with 200 for the bike. I took my first ride on it when I got it and I did 20 miles and it felt easy so I figured I was good for 20 miles each ride. The planking and wall squats were just because I wanted to try.

Actual Results:

Running: 60
Bike: 135.42
Weight Lost: 5.5 lbs
Planks: about 1/2 the days
Wall Squats: 5 days

While I feel disappointed I didn't come close to most my goals I am feeling alright because I see I did activity on the majority of the days. I underestimated how much recovery I would need. I haven't exercised daily in a couple of years. I was previously running every other day. Now I added bike every other day for the most part. (it rained something like 20 days this month) I had to miss a few days because of some bad weather. But I was very consistent with some kind of exercise each day. On days I couldn't run or ride I did strength and the row machine.

I did lose the weight, which I was thrilled with. I wasn't expecting that at all. I have been struggling with losing for a while now. I have just hit a wall, despite having plenty to lose still.

I would like to get that running mileage up this month. Now that I am more used to daily exercise I am hoping I can. I think I have decided to focus on staying consistent rather than set numbers though. I have a new challenge that developed this week as my oldest step daughter had an issue babysitting the little girls this week so she can't be left alone. This means every other week when my 16 yr old isn't here to watch the kids I can't escape during the day to ride my bike. It might make that mileage a bit more difficult. I don't mind running in the dark but I am not keen on riding in the dark.

Overall I am just excited. I am starting my 10th month of injury/pain free exercise. I haven't gone this long since 2015!

I also found out the BAA 10K was rescheduled from June to November 22nd. That was my spring/summer goal race. Now I don't feel as much pressure to improve by next month. I am just hoping I can run at least one race this year. I am not feeling good about the fall races happening with the projected spike coming in the fall.

I think it is impressive we have all continued to keep up such good numbers given the current situation!

 

[Krandor]

When is the Publix 2021 Half? Still no email here, and as we are one of the "orphan counties," our tv news comes from Greenville/ Spartanburg, SC and Asheville, NC except for Fox 5, which never mentioned PTRR, but only put it on the ticker below! (I guess I could look it up, but you are knowledgeable! LOL)

Feb 28th, 2021

https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/2021-publix-atlanta-marathon-weekend

 

[Waiting2goback]

 

[PrincessV]

Following up on my blood pressure med/HR saga... ran/walked so slow last night it was basically a stroll: not remotely breathing heavily. HR still went up to 160. It wants to be at 160, for some reason. But I'm having a ton of other really unpleasant side effects, so the drug needs to go.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

Saw the postponement on the Fox 5 news ticker, but no email for me or DH yet. I even checked spam, but nothing!

... funny just read my email, saw the news and came here. Yeah thanksgiving, so what happens to the half normally on thanksgiving? the weather could be crap. i may just defer till next year.

I do have an email. Looks like they have given lots of options: run it, virtual, transfer number, defer to 2021, or refund/donation. Not thrilled about it, but if this is the worst that happens to me, I'm good. I'll be running it, either in person or virtual; I have a 34 year streak on the line.

I'm not going to complain. I understand this is a tough decision and no matter what they did, people are going to be unhappy.

Oddly enough, my 10K PR is at PTRR. I believe my 10K PR days are done. Except now I'm imaging a PTRR repeat PR since we'll have better weather. It will be weird: throwaway gear for the PT start.

 

[Smilelea]

April Totals:

110 miles
Average pace: 13:48

Other news:
- I’ve lost a total of 18 lbs

I started adding some speed workouts back in, hence the change in average pace from last month (14:02). I only lost 2lbs this month but I'm still happy that it is a loss and not a gain. There was a lot of up and down throughout the month so I'm happy with the end result for March. I had hoped to meet my first goal which I missed by 1/2 lb.
I am completely amazed by the total miles. I almost tripled what I did this time last year.
I've thrown in some circuit training and free weights this month. I haven't noticed much of a difference but I also haven't given it enough time.

 

[camaker]

Following up on my blood pressure med/HR saga... ran/walked so slow last night it was basically a stroll: not remotely breathing heavily. HR still went up to 160. It wants to be at 160, for some reason. But I'm having a ton of other really unpleasant side effects, so the drug needs to go.

Good luck with finding a BP med that works for you. A lot of it just seems to be trial and error. The first one they tried me on dropped my HR down to ~45 bpm. Not fun. The second one dropped my potassium levels outside the acceptable range. Third time was the charm.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

So while I was out on my run today, I spent some time considering whether I’d ever attempt a longer distance race (I’ve only done 10k to now). It seems like the next logical progression, but I’m not sure I want to...

Perhaps a QOTD? Likely one that’s been asked before, but: For those of you who have done a half or marathon, what was your inspiration or motivation? Or did you always just assume you’d do it? How did you decide to “go the distance”?

I like seeing this question repeated because reading the experiences of others helps me become a better runner and work through new things I encounter. My answer to this question will unfold below as I respond to others.

ATTQOTD:
When I decided to do my first race - 2015 Goofy - I wanted to be challenged. I have always enjoyed trying things that are really hard. I love Disney and I love running. It seemed like a very difficult but rewarding experience. I firmly beleive that when you set your mind to something you can do it.

If you want to run a half or full, train for it and you can do it! I also fall for the theory that if you run, you can complete a 5k. If you can run a 5k and train you can complete a 10K; and if you complete a 10K and train some more then you can run a half. If you are stubborn enough to run 13.1 miles then train some more and 26.2 is yours to complete! This is the logic that leads to toeing the line for an ultra!

The mentality of if I can do A, then I can also accomplish B with proper preparation helped me realize that I could run a mutli race challenge if I really wanted to even though before the 2015 Star Wars Rebel Challenge at Disneyland I actually feared that back to back races would ruin the longer distance. Oh, I wrong I was.

I think mine was a way to motivate and push myself internally.

After 9 half marathons that included 5 multi race runDisney challenge weekends, I wanted something new to challenge myself. That's when I seriously began considering the marathon. And Dopey. As part of my first marathon. Which works in my brain because my first 10K came during the 2015 Rebel Challenge. My first race of any kind was the 2011 Disneyland Half. My first 5K did not come until the 2018 Dark Side race weekend.

For halfs, it was runDisney. I wanted to be able to run through Magic Kingdom, which is my favorite park. Early in my journey I was convinced I would hate half marathons and would be a one-and-one, but I actually kinda like them.
Marathon, on the other hand ... that was peer pressure. I don't necessarily regret the marathons I did (Disney and NYC, which is my hometown marathon), but I do think I would have a better relationship with running right now had I not pushed myself to a distance that wasn't right for me.

There is a lot of truth in this. While I said I wanted to run a half when the time came to sign up for my first one, I dragged my feet. I couldn't do it. My little sister persistently reminded me that I said I would run it with her and eventually would not let me be until I registered. I signed up, but allowed part of myself to blame her because I did not yet know for myself that I wanted to do it. That led me to make training mistakes that contributed to feeling unprepared mentally and physically before my first half. While I was in actuality fine, I had a difficult first half because I allowed fear to govern me early on and thus I went way too fast. I finished, but it was not enjoyable. And if not for the allure of the coast to coast medal, likely would have stopped running altogether.

I knew that if I was to sign up for the marathon, I had to want it for my reasons, and my reasons alone. I could not allow anyone else to pressure me into that leap.

ATTQOTD: Shiny Disney medals is what lured me to run longer distances

After two consecutive Disneyland Half Marathon weekends and seeing all the runners with their sweet Disneyland Castle medals, I finally talked to some runners wearing their medals around the park and they helped me understand just how doable, yet difficult the race would be. But the medal intrigued me first.

For me, all it took was for somebody to say "you can't do a marathon"!

In a sense, that kind of mentality played a part in my jump to the marathon. I have a family member who is very opinionated, very stubborn, and does not like running. After getting tired of the disapproval for running, I decided that me running a marathon would really tick this person off. Because if the human body was not designed to run a marathon, then I would do it anyways just to annoy this person. Honestly, that is not why I signed up for the marathon. I wanted to test myself and I knew that time was right to do so. But that family member who hated running did play a small part in that idea.

 

[Novatrix]

April Totals
Miles: 102 miles
Avg Pace: 9'44

The last of my spring races was officially canceled on Monday. As a result, in an effort to give myself fun motivation to go long distance, I downloaded Pokemon Go. So far, I've gotten pretty good at flicking the Pokeball without breaking stride.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

April Totals:

Running: 134 miles
Average Pace: 9:37

Most monthly miles YTD. Pace has improved a little.

 

[ANIM8R]

I decided that me running a marathon would really tick this person off

Hahahaha!!!! I ran my first because my wife said I couldn't....but this is even better!
Awesome!!!

 

[Waiting2goback]

 

[olevine1313]

After a long road of putting obstacles in front of myself I am going for it in the 2021 Marathon Weekend (if it happens!). I did one Disney Half but I had to walk the latter miles of the race Now I am ready after a healthy lifestyle overhaul to put the time and training in to make the distance.

April Total Miles: 60.96
Average Pace: 10:51

Long road ahead but that just brings so much to discover

 

[nursejackie]

I have just stepped up to 10km from 5km and have only run 10k twice ever (in last 3 weeks). I am worried about not getting a spot on the Princess 10k next year as its so popular. This will be my first ever run Disney event, and have gone back and forth about going for half marathon if the10k sold out and doing a mix of walking and running. What do you think? It is a daft idea?

I have run both 10kms in just over 58 minutes, so maybe i could slow the pace right down then walk in the middle for a while until i am ready to run again.

 

[flav]

I have just stepped up to 10km from 5km and have only run 10k twice ever (in last 3 weeks). I am worried about not getting a spot on the Princess 10k next year as its so popular. This will be my first ever run Disney event, and have gone back and forth about going for half marathon if the10k sold out and doing a mix of walking and running. What do you think? It is a daft idea?

I have run both 10kms in just over 58 minutes, so maybe i could slow the pace right down then walk in the middle for a while until i am ready to run again.

You have plenty of time to go from a 10k to a half between now and Princess. Consistently in training is the key. Also, making sure you learn about recovery, proper gait, good running shoes, hydration, nutrition, etc. And by the time you go to Princess, you might even find 10k too short.

I was running 5k summer 2016. Resumed after winter in 2017. Ran my first 10k in June in just under an hour. Then registered for and ran the Wine n Dine Challenge (10k+half) that year. Feasible and enjoyable. Take it slow.

 

[nursejackie]

You have plenty of time to go from a 10k to a half between now and Princess. Consistently in training is the key. Also, making sure you learn about recovery, proper gait, good running shoes, hydration, nutrition, etc. And by the time you go to Princess, you might even find 10k too short.

I was running 5k summer 2016. Resumed after winter in 2017. Ran my first 10k in June in just under an hour. Then registered for and ran the Wine n Dine Challenge (10k+half) that year. Feasible and enjoyable. Take it slow.

I am not sure i have more in me. I am the wrong side of 50, work shifts as a nurse, and am (shamefully) a fair weather runner, which really affects training in winter (i live in the north of England). However I don't feel able to give up on my plans for next February so if the half is the only option for me then it's up to me to stop making excuses and put the work in. Scary!

 

[ckb_nc]

https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Anywh...gG1e7ioCRnclGpCfDRxS29KSBvD02NVDfV-DcHH0dhoK0
Well just for fun. All of my races are now in August for triathlons (two postponed until Augus, one was always August). 2 sprint triathlons on 1 weekend. Road races - one postponed not rescheduled, one rescheduled from end of May to December. I have one July 4th that I have yet to sign up for - doubting it happens. And then in December, is my 5k/half marathon double which would mean a 10k on Sunday, 5kFriday and half Saturday (like a Goofyish week)

 

[jmasgat]

I am not sure i have more in me. I am the wrong side of 50, work shifts as a nurse, and am (shamefully) a fair weather runner, which really affects training in winter (i live in the north of England). However I don't feel able to give up on my plans for next February so if the half is the only option for me then it's up to me to stop making excuses and put the work in. Scary!

A big part of "having it in you" honestly is mental/attitude. Speaking as someone who didn't take up running til I was turning 50, I know that I probably wouldn't have been successful before that because I just didn't believe I could do it or really wanted to do it. But once I started--slowly--it did eventually happen. So I think you shouldn't shortchange yourself. Having said that, I am also a big believer in being realistic about the commitment to train for a race.

Whatever you decide, good luck. (And be online, logged into your Disney account the second the races go on sale!)

 

[DopeyBadger]

I am not sure i have more in me. I am the wrong side of 50, work shifts as a nurse, and am (shamefully) a fair weather runner, which really affects training in winter (i live in the north of England). However I don't feel able to give up on my plans for next February so if the half is the only option for me then it's up to me to stop making excuses and put the work in. Scary!

I've worked with a few nurses over the last 4.5 years and learned that flexibility is key. The nurses work schedules that I've helped have been quite abnormal. So we typically write the plan out in the standard 16-18 weeks, but then write it in a floating manner where it isn't assigned to particular days. It's a floating schedule that along with it comes a set of rules as to when you should or shouldn't adjust based on what's written. But then every few weeks we're constantly tweaking the schedule because of changes in work schedule and the such. This has worked for the nurses I've worked with all the way up to the Dopey distance.

As for weather, that's certainly a determining factor when it specifically comes for Princess weekend and northerners. Because the timing of the event puts the peak of training in some of the worst winter weather. Compared to say Marathon Weekend in January which puts the peak in the somewhat more milder December winter conditions. However, as long as the goal isn't peak performance and you can maintain some resemblance of training through January and February, then the hard work you put in during November/December will still be there. That's to say you can back off the training under the worst of winter conditions and probably still be successful in completing the HM. Will it be a max type HM effort? Unlikely. But given your 10k pace, if you trained well during Nov/Dec you'd have little to worry about come February if you could simply maintain some type of training. You could still finish the HM, take pictures during the race if desired, and enjoy all the aspects of a runDisney race.

I'm confident that if you want it, then you can do it.

 

[sky13]

My April totals are just 23.2 km, or 14.5 miles. Much lower than the distances I used to run before this pandemic (around 100 km a month, which I actually kept up for a whole year until January this year). Also much slower now, though I'm grateful that I can at least still jog a 5k...

Part of this is because I've been spending way too much time at work. Another part of this is because I feel like I can no longer run at my regular running times (evening) as there are now so many people on my regular running route - so if I want to run, I actually wake up at 4am to go for a run while the nearby park is still fairly empty. Even at that hour there are now people wandering around the park - I guess they are also, like me, trying to avoid the crowds during other more sane times...

Hopefully I can keep running this month, though I still foresee spending a lot of time at work this month, and having to wake up at 4am if I want to get in a run...