The Running Thread - 2021

[Sleepless Knight]

I'll do worse (time-wise) in January but have more fun!

Runners are so dumb. And by runners, I mean me.

After cursing the marathon up and down on Sunday, today I'm trying to figure out if I can do three marathons next year (disney, spring, and fall) to make Dopey 2023 my tenth marathon on the tenth anniversary of my first marathon (disney 2013).

I think I could keep doing marathons if I don't go into them with any expectations to do well.

I think I have much more enjoyable race experiences when I don't care how I do so long as I finish. I believe this works because I have enough areas in my life where I need to excel so running is an area where I can do something for the sake of doing it.

Quick question: would you guys go to a playoff game the night before a for fun marathon?

For BYU, absolutely. For the Giants in the World Series or 49ers in the Super Bowl, probably. Otherwise, no.

 

[steph0808]

Forgot all about September totals until now.

September Running
Total Miles - 140.94
Total Time - 23:35:16
Average HR - 147
Average Pace - 10:12

It was another good month, and I think my second or third highest ever.

Looking at the stats, it reminded me that my HR was high right from the start of the marathon and would never get under control - could have had something to do with why I felt bad so early as well.

Feeling good and ready to get back at it - too many meetings today probably, but hopefully tomorrow!

 

[Bree]

Just wanted to send good running vibes to all the Chicago and Boston runners!!! I’m usually out cold by this time every night, but I’m too excited to sleep!!! I leave bright and early tomorrow morning. Planning on deep dish pizza for lunch and hitting up the Chicago expo right after!

 

[dis_or_dat]

Good luck @Bree and everyone racing this weekend!

 

[flav]

Quick question: would you guys go to a playoff game the night before a for fun marathon?

That is a cost/benefit/risk analysis… For me, the benefits of playing football or practicing a sport where I can hurt myself usually do not exceed the cost of training and paying for a fun marathon.

ETA: I would totally go for spectating… That is the same level as watching fireworks before runDisey races.

ETA: For you, a fun marathon might be equivalent to a fun 10k or half for me… In which case, yes, I have done other sports the night before: Skating, biking or hiking.

 

[inkedupmomma]

Newer runner (not sure id even call myself that either.) But, not new to the boards. I was able to snag a spot for the marathon weekend 10K, and very excited! Hoping to connect with some other runners that will also be running that. I'll be running solo on this one, but would love to have some "friends" to chat with before Thanks for having me!

Open to ANY and all tips to new runners like me who love it, but dont have a clue what we are doing lol

 

[cburnett11]

Just wanted to send good running vibes to all the Chicago and Boston runners!!! I’m usually out cold by this time every night, but I’m too excited to sleep!!! I leave bright and early tomorrow morning. Planning on deep dish pizza for lunch and hitting up the Chicago expo right after!

Have a great time in Chicago. It is a great marathon!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Newer runner (not sure id even call myself that either.) But, not new to the boards. I was able to snag a spot for the marathon weekend 10K, and very excited! Hoping to connect with some other runners that will also be running that. I'll be running solo on this one, but would love to have some "friends" to chat with before Thanks for having me!

Marathon Weekend 2022

Over in the Marathon Weekend 2022 thread you'll find others running that particular weekend. Once waivers are released and people find out what corral they've been assigned to (which btw for the 5k/10k we don't find out assignment until the Expo), then usually I put together a spreadsheet like the attached. For the 5k/10k, we usually just do a guess of corral assignment based on your inputted estimated pace range. The file helps DIS members find others with similar corrals and pace goals. Gives you some people to potentially chat with pre-race and in the corrals themselves.

Open to ANY and all tips to new runners like me who love it, but dont have a clue what we are doing lol

I did a quick search and few a good ones with lots of tips for new runners.

Advice for Newbies #1
Advice for Newbies #2
Advice for Newbies #3
Advice for Newbies #4
Advice for Newbies #5

There was a QOTD (Question of the Day) some years ago that was, "If you could go back in time and give your past runner self advice, what would it be?" And the responses were by and large quite similar:

1) Slow DOWN in training. Train slow to race fast.
2) Slow DOWN in training. Train slow to race fast. LOL, so important it needs to be listed twice!
3) Find a training plan that you can commit to nearly 100% from the start with little modifications to the plan as written.
4) Be consistent in training.
5) But playing off #2 and #3, be flexible when you need to be. We're doing this for fun. So keep that in mind in the decision making process.

 

[Cabius]

There was a QOTD (Question of the Day) some years ago that was, "If you could go back in time and give your past runner self advice, what would it be?" And the responses were by and large quite similar:

1) Slow DOWN in training. Train slow to race fast.
2) Slow DOWN in training. Train slow to race fast. LOL, so important it needs to be listed twice!
3) Find a training plan that you can commit to nearly 100% from the start with little modifications to the plan as written.
4) Be consistent in training.
5) But playing off #2 and #3, be flexible when you need to be. We're doing this for fun. So keep that in mind in the decision making process.

I'm all of like 3 weeks into following this advice, but it's going well for me so far!

I've found that by slowing down, it's a lot easier to be consistent. Instead of being wiped out the entire week because pushed too hard on Saturday, I have the energy to go out (almost) every morning.

But jeez, I'm slow. "Pushed too hard on Saturday" meant like a 12:30 pace across 6-8 miles. Now my long runs are 15:30, and my weekday runs are 14:30 (can I even call those runs still?). But I know it lays the foundation for staying healthy and getting better.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

1) Slow DOWN in training. Train slow to race fast.
2) Slow DOWN in training. Train slow to race fast. LOL, so important it needs to be listed twice!
3) Find a training plan that you can commit to nearly 100% from the start with little modifications to the plan as written.
4) Be consistent in training.
5) But playing off #2 and #3, be flexible when you need to be. We're doing this for fun. So keep that in mind in the decision making process.

Here's what I have learned from not following these points and what happens when I do follow them.

1. Training fast to usually leads to more soreness during training and oftentimes more recovery time from the long runs. I used to spend long run Saturdays and recovery Sundays in a perpetual state of soreness and shuffling due to training fast.

This can make training miserable and a perpetual slog to get through. Before long, training is the thing that you must endure to get to the run. Once I embraced training slow, I found training to be a far more enjoyable experience and helped me love running more. I also found that the dramatic increase in mile volume for the marathon had me far less sore than half marathon volume because I was slowing down. I believe that undoubtedly kept my legs and mind fresher heading into the race.

2. A training plan that you can commit to just feels "easier." And that helps reduce or even remove some of the mental blocks we impose on ourselves. There will always be times when training also requires sacrificing something, but a plan you know you can commit to makes it feel more doable even when such times come.

3. Consistency helps make it possible to better absorb missed runs caused by short term illness and/or general life craziness. I find this especially true when training for January races during the holidays and/or cold season. I've had nasty colds that really messed with my long run schedule in the last month before the taper. But consistency helped me get back to good enough for when it really mattered.

4. Speaking solely for myself, I find that I enjoy races so much more when my only objective and goal is to finish. There are many areas in my life where I need to excel. Allowing running to be something that is just fun means that I can save the serious introspection for more important matters.

 

[opusone]

Have a great time in Chicago. It is a great marathon!

Are you running Chicago again tomorrow?

 

[flav]

Good luck this weekend runners!

 

[Dopey 2020]

Virtual Boston is done, A very relaxed continuous 11’50” pace.
I’m thrilled that I was able to do it after an “A” race marathon PR only 6 days ago.

Good luck and congratulations to everyone else racing this weekend!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Also completed my virtual Boston Marathon this morning. Slow and easy on a warm, humid morning. Finishing time - 5:09:15. Very slow for me, but I'll take it.

 

[xjillianpaige]

Congrats to the Boston Virtual runners!

I set up shop around mile 20 for a few hours to support the runners from my club (and any one else running the marathon course today). Had a blast cheering on runners & providing water (and the occasional smear of vaseline on chafing arms).

 

[JulieODC]

Congrats to all the virtual Boston, Chicago, and in-person Boston runners!

We’re SO excited to be back cheering everyone on at the mile 13 water stop in Wellesley tomorrow. It’s one of my favorite days of the year!!!

 

[xjillianpaige]

Congrats to all the virtual Boston, Chicago, and in-person Boston runners!

We’re SO excited to be back cheering everyone on at the mile 13 water stop in Wellesley tomorrow. It’s one of my favorite days of the year!!!

Have fun at mile 13! I’ll be cheering and volunteering at the fuel station at mile 22!

 

[dis_or_dat]

I was wondering why there was so much cheering on Boylston yesterday, thought it was for everyone’s shake out runs! LOL I thought virtual was today! Congrats all!

Looking forward to Wellesley scream tunnel! I hope it’s not too diminished this year @JulieODC and @xjillianpaige hope to see you guys!

also no play off game for me - gonna rest these weary legs!

good luck to everyone in Chicago today!!!!

 

[Novatrix]

Race Recap: Broad Street Run

Congrats to @SheHulk who also completed the race today!

Today welcomed back Philadelphia runners (10,570 who finished) to the quintessential local race, the Broad Street 10 mile run for the first time in person since May 2019. If we couldn't have it during the traditional weekend, at least we got to have a 10 miler on 10/10!

It's a fast, mostly downhill race (132ft ascent, 266 ft descent) going through the center of Philadelphia. This year, it didn't end in its traditional location of the Naval Shipping Yard due to construction, so they looped us off Broad street. Personally, I preferred this years course because it meant a shorter walk back to Citizen's Bank parking and you didn't have the disheartening moment when you pass through the Navy Yard gates and realize you're NOT DONE YET, but opinions may vary.

Leading up to the race, the weather had threatened rain. Looking at the forecast the morning of, we were supposed to have a break in the rain from 6 am to 10am (race starts at 8am). I had a good laugh when it started drizzling right when the air horn went off to release the elites and the first coral. The rain wasn't that bad, enough to cool you down without soaking your shoes and it only lasted for a short period of time.

Most of the miles were a blur as I was trying to give this race my all. I went in with a goal of beating my previous PR of 1:20:48. I wasn't sure what time to target since I've been focusing on training for the Space Coast marathon next month, so just went by feel.

I ended up with a time of 1:15:05, a PR of over 5 minutes! I'm ecstatic!

Also, paging @DopeyBadger, I take it this would be a better Marathon weekend POT than my 1:48:23 half marathon from this spring?

 

[DopeyBadger]

Also, paging @DopeyBadger, I take it this would be a better Marathon weekend POT than my 1:48:23 half marathon from this spring?

Congrats on the race. The 10 miler is easily a better time. Unfortunately, it'll be too late for MW 2022.

10 miler converts to a 3:32 M per runDisney's calc
HM converts to a 3:49 per runDisney's calc.

For M Corrals: T2 = T1 X (D2/D1)^1.079