The Running Thread - 2021

[camaker]

Question for Today
What is your ideal weather to run?

My ideal temp has dropped some over the years. Right now I’d have to say 45-50deg with low humidity. My May marathon was pretty close to ideal at 46deg to start, but the humidity was a bit too high for “ideal” conditions. I also like to accessorize my temperature choice with a light breeze to keep the air moving and/or a light mist to help keep things cool. Either way, cloudy is better than sunny.

It pains me to give these ideal conditions as I get ready to head out for 6 miles at a T+D of 166 (91 deg w/ a 75 deg dew point.

 

[kevin75]

I'm only just getting into this whole running thing, so living in Texas, right now, nothing is ideal, I just suffer through it. However, in my short time running, it seems that about 60-ish with a slight breeze is most comfortable.

 

[The Expert]

The colder the better for me! I'll happily run in snow every day (here in Utah we don't get ice, thankfully).

 

[PrincessV]

Question for Today
What is your ideal weather to run?

(entering my Floridian caveat here...)
65*, 75% humidity, sunset, a few fluffy clouds, light breeze. This happens maybe 5 times a year.


So.............................

It's late July - am I allowed to start complaining about the heat now?! This is the thick of it, the worst of the worst before it starts getting better in late Sept. You know, just in time for building the long runs for WDW MW training.

 

[michigandergirl]

I like anything between 30 and 55.

 

[Baloo in MI]

My ideal weather will be low humidity and temps in the 40’s to low 50’s. I love it when the air feels brisk!

 

[shellott-hill]

The temperatures up here in Canada in January 2021 felt pretty good for the 4 virtual Dopey races I did. I did not record the actual temperature when I ran, but I know I ran each one at the warmest part of the day. The humidity in January is basically non-existent.

5k temp was approximately: -2C or 28.4F
10 k temp was approximately: -6C or 21.2F
Half temp was approximately: -5C or 23F
Full Temp was approximately: 6C or 42.8F

So I think my ideal temperature is around 20F - 40F with 0 humidity. Depending on the temperature, that would change how many layers of clothing I would need.

 

[Bree]

Low to mid 50’s and low humidity is perfect running weather for me. However I live in FL so I would need to travel out of state for that. It is still awfully humid here even when it’s in the 30‘s. So instead of hot soup it’s like running in cold soup

 

[avondale]

My ideal weather will be low humidity and temps in the 40’s to low 50’s. I love it when the air feels brisk!

I agree with this completely!

 

[dmross]

For a goal race in January, I wanted to pick a no-travel option. I picked a strange race organized by a local ultra group, and wanted to know if any of you had tried something similar. It's part of an Ultra day, and the 50K runners start in the AM. It's a 2.6 mile trail/bike trail, and each lap is allotted 45 minutes. If you finish quick, you don't start the next until the top of the next 45 minute cycle. I'm doing the half option, starting at 1 pm that day and running 5 laps. I've got all kinds of questions! It'll be January in SC, so anywhere from 30 to 50 degrees at that time of year. Have any of you done a race like this? Any strategies? Here's the link for reference: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Seneca/SnowBirdChallenge

 

[DopeyBadger]

For a goal race in January, I wanted to pick a no-travel option. I picked a strange race organized by a local ultra group, and wanted to know if any of you had tried something similar. It's part of an Ultra day, and the 50K runners start in the AM. It's a 2.6 mile trail/bike trail, and each lap is allotted 45 minutes. If you finish quick, you don't start the next until the top of the next 45 minute cycle. I'm doing the half option, starting at 1 pm that day and running 5 laps. I've got all kinds of questions! It'll be January in SC, so anywhere from 30 to 50 degrees at that time of year. Have any of you done a race like this? Any strategies? Here's the link for reference: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Seneca/SnowBirdChallenge

I believe @Kerry1957 and @avondale have done something like that.

 

[FFigawi]

Question for Today
What is your ideal weather to run?

45-50, some clouds, slight breeze.

 

[HangWithMerida]

45-50, some clouds, slight breeze.

Yep, this is my sweet spot too. So rare, but it makes me appreciate it even more.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

My ideal weather will be low humidity and temps in the 40’s to low 50’s. I love it when the air feels brisk!

Yep, this is ideal for peak performance.

 

[Kerry1957]

For a goal race in January, I wanted to pick a no-travel option. I picked a strange race organized by a local ultra group, and wanted to know if any of you had tried something similar. It's part of an Ultra day, and the 50K runners start in the AM. It's a 2.6 mile trail/bike trail, and each lap is allotted 45 minutes. If you finish quick, you don't start the next until the top of the next 45 minute cycle. I'm doing the half option, starting at 1 pm that day and running 5 laps. I've got all kinds of questions! It'll be January in SC, so anywhere from 30 to 50 degrees at that time of year. Have any of you done a race like this? Any strategies? Here's the link for reference: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Seneca/SnowBirdChallenge

I believe @Kerry1957 and @avondale have done something like that.

Yes, I did the Hill on Earth elimination run in Waukesha, Wisconsin last year. It was a four mile trail loop with a monster hill that you had to finish in an hour, and you could sign up for 1, 2, 4, or 6 laps. I did the 4 laps (or 16 miles). Just like your race, if you finished early then you waited/rested until the top of the hour when everyone started again. There were only 100 racers, but folks had very different strategies and speed. I ran at my @DopeyBadger long run / easy run pace of 13 minute miles since it was during a marathon training plan; so I had about 8 minutes of rest every four miles. That rest duration was fine for me, but was almost too long as I got a bit too comfortable in my chair drinking G2 and eating a GU packet every loop. I stiffened up a bit going into the last loop and had trouble maintaining pace. I'm glad I did it because it was so different from "usual" races.

The SnowBird Challenge you reference allows over 17 minutes a mile, so depending on your pace, you may have a bit more time per 2.6 mile loop than I had for a 4 mile loop. Ask questions on the Board or message me and I'll be happy to try to answer them.

 

[avondale]

I believe @Kerry1957 and @avondale have done something like that.

I did the Yeti 24-hr 50k Challenge. In that one, I did 5.2 miles every 4 hours for 24 hours (that makes 50k). So, it was a similar idea, but each segment was spread out a lot more in time than what your race will be.

My goal was simply to finish the challenge - I was not looking to hit a specific cumulative time goal. My strategy, which worked very well for me, was to run at my easy pace for all "laps". I didn't try to run fast on the first lap(s) to try to bank rest time or anything like that.

Once you're done with the lap, get off your feet until you have to go again. Since you'll be outside, get into the shade. You won't have as much down time between your laps as I did, but you will have to think about eating and rehydrating. Eat small amounts between each lap and make sure you're getting enough liquids AND electrolytes.

If you're feeling good on the last lap, then that's the time to go for it because you don't have to save anything for the next lap.

 

[Guidman]

Liberty Mile Recap (?:??/5:26)

Had what was being dubbed as the first official race back here in Pittsburgh. It's a pretty cool event that's always on a Friday night, probably the most you actually run thru downtown of any of the local races. They have multiple heats: General, Kids/Pets, Masters, <6:00, and Pro Women and Men. I did two races in the pandemic world but this actually had a normal race feel to it. Had about 1,300 participants, which was the most they've had in the 10 years of the event.

My goal every year is to not get last in my heat and finish under 6:00. This is basically the only mile I run all out every year so there's zero strategy or pacing to it. It's basically go out too fast and try to hold on as long as I can.

Eked out a new PR at 5:26, 101/136 for my heat. The pro heats are always real enjoyable to watch. Both winners set new course records at 4:16 and 3:59.

 

[Baloo in MI]

I did the Yeti 24-hr 50k Challenge. In that one, I did 5.2 miles every 4 hours for 24 hours (that makes 50k). So, it was a similar idea, but each segment was spread out a lot more in time than what your race will be.

My goal was simply to finish the challenge - I was not looking to hit a specific cumulative time goal. My strategy, which worked very well for me, was to run at my easy pace for all "laps". I didn't try to run fast on the first lap(s) to try to bank rest time or anything like that.

Once you're done with the lap, get off your feet until you have to go again. Since you'll be outside, get into the shade. You won't have as much down time between your laps as I did, but you will have to think about eating and rehydrating. Eat small amounts between each lap and make sure you're getting enough liquids AND electrolytes.

If you're feeling good on the last lap, then that's the time to go for it because you don't have to save anything for the next lap.

I learned about the Yeti race from your post race report and decided to sign up for the virtual. The date I marked for the race got chucked when I got Covid. But I am in fact running the race, finally, right now! I just completed lap three and am up again at 6am for lap four. Going well so far. My goal is to stay hydrated, sleep when I can and keep each 5.2 under an hour, so far so good.!

 

[garneska]

I am incredibly crushed right now. We finally put Mallory to sleep on Friday. She used to run with me until she got sick. She was in the cart for 6 years and the last 1.5 years in the wagon. She loved running with me and back then could only take her on the weekends. I miss her so much. She was my heart dog..

 

[flav]

I am incredibly crushed right now. We finally put Mallory to sleep on Friday. She used to run with me until she got sick. She was in the cart for 6 years and the last 1.5 years in the wagon. She loved running with me and back then could only take her on the weekends. I miss her so much. She was my heart dog..

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Big hugs. What a journey, a partnership you had, and always have in your heart.