The Running Thread -- 2022

[camaker]

April Summary
Running Miles: 129.54
Running Time: 22:50:47
Average Pace: 10:32/mi
Average HR: 142/min

Extras:
Walking Miles: 64.70
Rolling 12mo Running Miles: 1,992.89

April was a pretty uneventful month focused on slow recovery from my late March race and a return to base running levels. I was pleased to be able to get back to a level that allowed me to continue my streak of months with >125 miles run.

I'm in a little bit of a quandary right now. I've got my training schedule set up through the end of March, 2023, with the exception of the next two months. Training for my tentatively chosen fall marathon, the Emerald Isle Marathon, isn't scheduled to start until the end of June. I'm sorely tempted to sign up for a 50k on Labor Day Weekend just to pull my training forward and fill the gap.

I'm torn on the 50k, though, because I ran it last year and didn't enjoy it for a number of reasons. It was a trail, a mismarking incident caused on-the-fly course adjustments, I forgot my Garmin and my Apple Watch died at 25 miles, and I went out way too fast, not expecting the hilly trails of the course. In short, just about everything that could go wrong did. Part of me just wants to be done with that race as a bad one, and part of me wants to see what it would be like under less adverse circumstances. I just need to make a decision relatively soon so I can retool my training.

 

[kps7795]

April Summary
Running Miles: 129.54
Running Time: 22:50:47
Average Pace: 10:32/mi
Average HR: 142/min

Extras:
Walking Miles: 64.70
Rolling 12mo Running Miles: 1,992.89

April was a pretty uneventful month focused on slow recovery from my late March race and a return to base running levels. I was pleased to be able to get back to a level that allowed me to continue my streak of months with >125 miles run.

I'm in a little bit of a quandary right now. I've got my training schedule set up through the end of March, 2023, with the exception of the next two months. Training for my tentatively chosen fall marathon, the Emerald Isle Marathon, isn't scheduled to start until the end of June. I'm sorely tempted to sign up for a 50k on Labor Day Weekend just to pull my training forward and fill the gap.

I'm torn on the 50k, though, because I ran it last year and didn't enjoy it for a number of reasons. It was a trail, a mismarking incident caused on-the-fly course adjustments, I forgot my Garmin and my Apple Watch died at 25 miles, and I went out way too fast, not expecting the hilly trails of the course. In short, just about everything that could go wrong did. Part of me just wants to be done with that race as a bad one, and part of me wants to see what it would be like under less adverse circumstances. I just need to make a decision relatively soon so I can retool my training.

I'm curious about your experience with your Apple Watch dying at 25 miles. During the marathon, my AW died between miles 24 and 25. Were you using a chest strap heart rate monitor and/or were you using your watch on power reserve mode? I'm trying to figure out how to maximize the battery life of my watch to last for an entire marathon so I don't have to suck it up and buy another running watch. FWIW, I bought the AW before I started running. Otherwise, I would have likely purchased a Garmin.

 

[striker1064]

April Totals
Miles: 80.6 miles
Avg Pace: 8:51/mile
My marathon that I was training for at the end of May was postponed by a week, and since a) the new date would take place after several days of hiking in Yosemite and 1st visit to Disneyland and b) I had lost training time in January and February due to injury, I figured there was no way I could PR the event so I withdrew from the race. Severely took my foot off the training accelerator once the date change was announced, as my next marathon isn't until October.

Now on to the beginning of May totals...
Race Recap: Broad Street Run

Broad Street Run, back to its normal date and time for the first time since 2019. This was the 42nd annual run, with two runners in the field having completed the event every year since inception! 20,276 runners finished this year, over twice the number who finished during last year's postponed October date.

Since it's such a large race, everyone was sorted into different color corrals based on predicted on finish time (honor system). The corral starts are spaced 3 to 5 minutes apart (depending on how large the previous corral size.) Every corral is released to the sound of the Rocky theme and then the runners are off running south on Broad Street.

It's a net downhill course (132ft ascent, 266 ft descent) going through the center of Philadelphia. Similar to last October, it didn't end in its traditional location of the Naval Shipping Yard due to construction, instead looping us off Broad street. I still prefer this revised course to the traditional one, as it's a shorter walk back to Citizen's Bank parking.

Weather was my version of perfect for the run today, with a 50F start rising to 55F by the time I finished, no wind and sunny. I paid more attention to the landmarks this year than I had in any previous year (I've run it 3 times before in person), as while I was pushing myself I wasn't pushing myself to the point of exhaustion. Also, this was my first time running the race that my final mile was significantly faster than the previous 7 miles (still went out fast on the 1st two), so a win there. It was just a nice day to be out for a run, a nice course, a ton of crowd support (although less than pre-covid, at the race organizer's request) and a really great finish area. (Free Kodiak pancakes, Dunkin Donuts iced coffee and Ketel One vodka samples make for a heck of a combination.)

Went in mentally thinking I'd be around 1:18, was pleasantly surprised at finishing with 1:16:37. All in all, a good day.

Congrats on your race! I want to do Broad Street one year, maybe next year! It seems like such a great event.

And good Lord, vodka at the end of the race? I like to imbibe with the best of them but that might be a bridge too far for me. But no judgment here!

 

[camaker]

I'm curious about your experience with your Apple Watch dying at 25 miles. During the marathon, my AW died between miles 24 and 25. Were you using a chest strap heart rate monitor and/or were you using your watch on power reserve mode? I'm trying to figure out how to maximize the battery life of my watch to last for an entire marathon so I don't have to suck it up and buy another running watch. FWIW, I bought the AW before I started running. Otherwise, I would have likely purchased a Garmin.

I turned off the "Always On" feature, but didn't turn anything else off because I needed gps to be able to track the activity. I just looked back and it captured 26.75 miles of the race, dying after 5h24m of activity recording.

I know it's a lot of additional expense, but I love tracking my training and races with a Garmin while wearing the Apple Watch on the other wrist for safety connectivity and audiobook purposes. It's so freeing not to have to worry about carrying a bulky phone with me! Running without connectivity really isn't an option for me after getting bitten by a dog on a training run without my phone a few years ago and having to walk a mile and a half home with a bleeding arm before heading to the ER.

 

[Novatrix]

And good Lord, vodka at the end of the race? I like to imbibe with the best of them but that might be a bridge too far for me. But no judgment here!

Normally, I wouldn't either, but they had samples of the botanical varieties that I'd seen in the liquor stores and had been curious about.

 

[michigandergirl]

April Summary

Run: 60 Miles
Swim: 4 - 30 minute swims
Lunchtime walks: 14.3 miles

Training took a hit this month. We took the kids to Mexico for a week for spring break and I only managed two runs while there, for a total of 5 miles.. It was just too dang hot & humid!! I opted for the pools & margs. Then upon returning from Mexico my entire family came down with a bad stomach flu. Montezuma's Revenge? Norovirus? I don't know what it was but it was AWFUL!!!

My race is in two weeks (River Bank Run 25K) and due to those setbacks, I don't think this will be a PR effort, but we'll see how I feel that day.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

edit to add ugh 2 hours to get there and on call. Going to think about it.

everyone in for PTRR?

@garneska, that violates the rule that your one-way travel time should be no longer than your approximate race time. 30 minutes for a 5K, 1 hour for a 10K, etc. Plus the on-call makes it worse.

I'm in for PTRR. I'm excited to do it 'live', after 2 years of virtual. I used last years Dam run as my qualifier (24:38), so probably Start Wave C or D. Sadly, my 'A days' are behind me (in more ways than one!)

 

[garneska]

@garneska, that violates the rule that your one-way travel time should be no longer than your approximate race time. 30 minutes for a 5K, 1 hour for a 10K, etc. Plus the on-call makes it worse.

I'm in for PTRR. I'm excited to do it 'live', after 2 years of virtual. I used last years Dam run as my qualifier (24:38), so probably Start Wave C or D. Sadly, my 'A days' are behind me (in more ways than one!)

I am hoping my A days are not behind me but i have had a few set backs and not enough races so for this year i am probably in D.

Yeah i am trying in my head to make the Dam Race work but sleep sounds so much better. I prefer only Disney races require me getting up at 3 am .

 

[Disney at Heart]

I am hoping my A days are not behind me but i have had a few set backs and not enough races so for this year i am probably in D.

Yeah i am trying in my head to make the Dam Race work but sleep sounds so much better. I prefer only Disney races require me getting up at 3 am .

Race starts at 8:30 with bib pickup 7-8. PM me if interested in coming in Friday night. If you can’t make it I understand. It’s awfully early to travel so far so early.

 

[Jules76126]

Quick Boston question for those of you that have run it. In a few days my window will open up for booking through Marriott. I've heard you should book early with a refundable rate to try and lock in something less that terrible. What do you Boston veterans think? It will be our first time to Boston the city and while the race will be the focus we want to do a little sight seeing. Would you recommend heading there Thursday or Friday? I'll probably fly home Tuesday since my son's break will be the week before so it is easier to go a day or two early than to stay a day or two late.

I'm assuming the closest to the finish line as possible is ideal and that will be partially dictated by hotel rates though compared to Disney rates even within a mile might not be bad. Other than staying as close to the finish as possible any other areas of Boston that would make it easy to get to the race weekend stuff, to the start, and back from the finish that might not be obvious? I know nothing about Boston and haven't started doing any research yet. I wanted to mine the hive from people that have been there.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mass native here. Honestly, Boston is pretty small and if you are comfortable with the subway, that will open up your options. I would say anywhere from Government Center to Copley is your best bet. However, you will get what you pay for - i.e. closer to the finish will cost more. Marathon Monday there is always a red sox game and it's school vacation week for much of New England so the city can be busy. Weather is also very iffy that week. This year the weather was amazing, but if it is like 2018, you will appreciate being close to the finish line. For the start, busses always leave from the Common so again getting there from Copley to Government center is pretty easy.

As mentioned previously, for sightseeing, it depends on interests. Science museum is pretty cool, the MFA is great if you are really into art, but I prefer Isabella Stewart Gardner museum for its quirkiness. We have duck boat tours, can walk the freedom trail, and have the aquarium. I always recommend the North End. Boston has a many great breweries and restaurants. It is a very walkable city as long as the weather cooperates. We have had a terrible Spring this year.

 

[NYC_MW]

April Running
Miles: 63.2 (barely made my 100k goal)
Time: 11:21:18

 

[Bree]

April Running
Miles: 55.37
Average Pace:10:17

April was a hard month. Between helping take care of my MIL 24/7, getting Covid during all of that and now dealing with everything after someone dies has been hard. I just have extreme guilt going off to the gym and going running with so much that needs to be done. Thankfully covid was extremely mild. I was just tired and for three days I felt like I was on a nonstop ride on the magic kingdom teacups.

 

[steph0808]

I'm going to be in Chicago in a few weeks for a business trip, so I'm looking for advice on where to run while there!

Looking at my hotel location, I'll be pretty close to the start of the Riverwalk, and then I believe it hooks into the Lakefront Trail. Is that right?

I can jump on there and do an out-and-back for a few miles if I assumed correctly.

But the real question, and I'll be sure to ask it of the hotel concierge when I check in as well, is it it safe to run early in the morning (sunrise) as a solo female? I'd love to see the sights on a run before I'm stuck in meetings all day / dinners at night.

 

[lookingforsunshine]

and I'll be sure to ask it of the hotel concierge when I check in as well, is it it safe to run early in the morning (sunrise) as a solo female?

I don’t know about this but the trail along the lake is really nice.

 

[GollyGadget]

I'm going to be in Chicago in a few weeks for a business trip, so I'm looking for advice on where to run while there!

Looking at my hotel location, I'll be pretty close to the start of the Riverwalk, and then I believe it hooks into the Lakefront Trail. Is that right?

I can jump on there and do an out-and-back for a few miles if I assumed correctly.

But the real question, and I'll be sure to ask it of the hotel concierge when I check in as well, is it it safe to run early in the morning (sunrise) as a solo female? I'd love to see the sights on a run before I'm stuck in meetings all day / dinners at night.

I’ve run the lakefront as a solo female many times. There will be a lot of runners out, you won’t be alone.

I prefer running north by the beaches and Lincoln Park but you can also go south and go past the museums.

 

[Kerry1957]

The lakefront trail is as safe as any in an urban environment. Given that, from the Loop, the North route is probably a bit safer than the South route. The biggest danger may be from bicycles that share the path.

 

[GreatLakes]

Thank you all for your answers.

I stay at the "Family" hotel, so no experience with MW specifically. I have stayed at the Marriott Copley Place before (within the last few years). It's fine, and obviously very convenient, as is the Courtyard Copley Square. Anything in the Copley Square area would be convenient. Prices will be semi, if not downright, outrageous. That area is also well placed for tourism--Boston is a smaller city and you can get to where you need to go pretty easily. If the rates are really nuts, you could look at hotels in Cambridge just across the river. Marriott has places in Kendall Square. It's on the Red Line.

As for timing, depends on how much of a tourist you want to be and how you want to save your legs. The Freedom Trail is always good for first timers/history buffs. MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for Art, Harvard Sq (Cambridge) for......Harvard & its Museums, tour of Fenway--(Sox always play a home game at 11 am on Patriot's Day).

I stay at Marriotts so I pulled up those and you are right about the costs. I was expecting high but near the finish line might be a bit much.

April
Total miles: 110.59
Avg pace: 7:42



Closer the better but prices get steep!

We flew in on Friday. How old is your son? Since I wasn’t concerned with racing it, we did a lot of family friendly activities.

He will be 6 when we get to race day. I'm not going to race it either, just do it to enjoy it so I don't mind doing a little sightseeing the days in advance.

Mass native here. Honestly, Boston is pretty small and if you are comfortable with the subway, that will open up your options. I would say anywhere from Government Center to Copley is your best bet. However, you will get what you pay for - i.e. closer to the finish will cost more. Marathon Monday there is always a red sox game and it's school vacation week for much of New England so the city can be busy. Weather is also very iffy that week. This year the weather was amazing, but if it is like 2018, you will appreciate being close to the finish line. For the start, busses always leave from the Common so again getting there from Copley to Government center is pretty easy.

As mentioned previously, for sightseeing, it depends on interests. Science museum is pretty cool, the MFA is great if you are really into art, but I prefer Isabella Stewart Gardner museum for its quirkiness. We have duck boat tours, can walk the freedom trail, and have the aquarium. I always recommend the North End. Boston has a many great breweries and restaurants. It is a very walkable city as long as the weather cooperates. We have had a terrible Spring this year.

The freedom trail is something we would be interested in and I heard a trip to Salem is worth it if you have time. Would you agree?

My understanding is you basically need to get yourself to Boston Common early Monday morning and they take you to the start. It is looking like I won't be staying anywhere close enough to walk. Are my options going to be having my wife drop me off, Uber/Tax, or subway? I've done some DC races that are too early for the metro, does that happen in Boston or does the subway run early enough to take that to Boston Common race morning?

If you (or anyone that knows the area) had to choose from the list below which would you recommend if they were the list you were choosing from:

Residence Inn Boston Downtown/South End: 2001 Washington Street Roxbury, Massachusetts 02119
Residence Inn Boston Cambridge: 120 Broadway Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station: 107 Beverly Street Boston, Massachusetts 02114 (This one actually looks walkable)
Aloft Boston Seaport District: 403 D Street Boston, Massachusetts 02210 (This one might also be walkable)
TownePlace Suites Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea: 30 Eastern Avenue Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150

 

[jmasgat]

....... I heard a trip to Salem is worth it if you have time. Would you agree?

My understanding is you basically need to get yourself to Boston Common early Monday morning and they take you to the start. It is looking like I won't be staying anywhere close enough to walk. Are my options going to be having my wife drop me off, Uber/Tax, or subway? I've done some DC races that are too early for the metro, does that happen in Boston or does the subway run early enough to take that to Boston Common race morning?

If you (or anyone that knows the area) had to choose from the list below which would you recommend if they were the list you were choosing from:

Residence Inn Boston Downtown/South End: 2001 Washington Street Roxbury, Massachusetts 02119
Residence Inn Boston Cambridge: 120 Broadway Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station: 107 Beverly Street Boston, Massachusetts 02114 (This one actually looks walkable)
Aloft Boston Seaport District: 403 D Street Boston, Massachusetts 02210 (This one might also be walkable)
TownePlace Suites Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea: 30 Eastern Avenue Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150

Patriot's Day they ran a normal weekday T schedule (and the Arlington stop was free--which is close to one of the exits) So they started running before/around 5 am, depending on the line.

As for hotels....North station would be fine--it's on several T lines, and is the location for commuter rail if you want to go to Salem (which I would--Peabody Essex Museum is great, as are the real historical sites (as opposed to the generated Halloween-y witch tourist trap stuff--I grew up next door to Salem).

Residence Inn Cambridge would be good--it's one of the ones in Kendall Square. Close to the Red Line (which would get you to Park St and you could walk across the Common and let's you also T up To Harvard Square), and just as importantly Area Four Pizza.

I personally would skip the RI in Roxbury. The area is not as tourist-friendly. Also, Towneplace suites is not near any public transport and being stuck out at Chelsea/Logan would be a drag The Aloft also would be less convenient from a public transport standpoint.

 

[jmasgat]

For those who use Athleta gear.....Amazon is having a Lightning sale (I think til 9pm EDT) $40 for a $50 Athleta gift card.

 

[Jillfo]

But the real question, and I'll be sure to ask it of the hotel concierge when I check in as well, is it it safe to run early in the morning (sunrise) as a solo female? I'd love to see the sights on a run before I'm stuck in meetings all day / dinners at night.

I've run from hotels in the River North area to the lakefront several times at dawn and don't remember ever feeling unsafe. I've also run along the river to the lakefront but I think that was after sunrise.