The Running Thread -- 2022

[The Expert]

I still hate the treadmill, but I'm like you: I know that at these temperatures, it's the only way I'll get out at all.

I've found that the combination of tedium and tons of visual stimulation is what kills me. Lots of bright lights, motion, and muted TV screens. Thankfully, I'm super super near-sighted; if I take my glasses off I basically can't see anything farther away than the display. I'm able to focus on an audiobook or podcast.

My ProForm has iFit, so I usually do one of their workouts through some foreign country. I've run or walked through Scotland, Portugal, Vietnam, Jordan and Romania. I mounted a small tv right at eye level above my treadmill and turn off all the screen metrics, so it's like getting a private tour or history lesson while I work out!

 

[avondale]

human reaction times were less than 0.100 seconds. Anything faster is not reacting to the start but anticipating the start.

Being anal here... more than 0.100 seconds.

My husband was talking about that story. Is the starting time for each runner determined by senors in each runner's starting blocks? I have no idea how wired the track is for these high-level competitions.

 

[DopeyBadger]

My husband was talking about that story. Is the starting time for each runner determined by senors in each runner's starting blocks? I have no idea how wired the track is for these high-level competitions.

Yes, there are pressure sensors in each individual set of blocks. I remember reading they are capable of 1/4000th of a second (from memory) or they can tell the difference between 0.09975 and 0.10000. But they can't tell the difference between 0.09975 and 0.09990.

 

[PrincessV]

About the Devon Allen DQ thing... Noah Lyles was explaining somewhere that the blocks being used are new to the World Championship and they have to adjust how they place their feet. They're VERY sensitive and not what some collegiate runners are used to. It's an interesting take:

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I still hate the treadmill, but I'm like you: I know that at these temperatures, it's the only way I'll get out at all.

I've found that the combination of tedium and tons of visual stimulation is what kills me. Lots of bright lights, motion, and muted TV screens. Thankfully, I'm super super near-sighted; if I take my glasses off I basically can't see anything farther away than the display. I'm able to focus on an audiobook or podcast.

Yes! Before I bought my treadmill I would try to get one in front of Sportscenter at the gym. Otherwise it was the Kardashians and I’d rather watch absolutely nothing than watch that rubbish.

 

[GreatLakes]

It's becoming a battle of what sucks less - running outside with high T&D or treadmill. Vegas is putting even odds on this fight but the treadmill is definately gaining ground...

It takes a lot for me to move to the treadmill. Today I waited until the evening to get in my run because it was a hard effort workout and it was still 90° but still better than a workout. So far this summer I've only done 1 treadmill run due to a full day of scattered thuderstorms.

I know we recently talked about/around this topic:
I just got a new pair of shoes (the new model is out) and this morning, looking through amazon while I drink my coffee, I see another pair for even less (almost 50% off retail of the newest model.) How long is too long to keep a pair of shoes in storage? I know that the sizing for the newest model is different, and I'm not sure how that will translate to how the shoe itself will feel (and I really don't have time to go try a pair on locally.)


If you feel the need to help enable me here is additional information:
-It takes me at least 4mo to "go through" a pair of shoes if I'm really sticking to a training cycle, and in the winter most/all of my miles are treadmill which should make them last longer.
-My current shoe rotation is a pair of v10s with 250mi on them that I started using last Halloween. I'm planning on retiring them to work/eveyday shoes at 300mi. (So they'll be done probably in early August.)
-My "backup" shoes are v11s with 100mi on them that I started using last Christmas.
-My new shoes are also v11s. (So in early August I'll be working with 2 pairs of shoes.)
-The shoes I'm considering stockpiling are v11s as well.
-I took pretty much the whole winter and spring off from running because life happened.
-I'm running Dopey in January, and I know that it's suggested to give your running shoes a "day off" between races, although I feel like that's pretty unnecessary for the 5/10k.

I bought two pairs of racing flats that I only use for 10Ks and shorter and never for training. It took almost 5 years to get enough mileage on the first pair to need to retire them and move to the second pair. I notice no degradation. I kept them in my cool, dry basement which helps. Had I left them in the back window of my car in FL it might be different but I wouldn't worry about a few years in normal storage.

From the broadcast last night (the night after the 110m hurdles) the announcers said it is based on a study 60 years ago that showed human reaction times were more than 0.100 seconds. Anything faster is not reacting to the start but anticipating the start. So if Allen reacts in 0.099 seconds, then the claim is he is reacting too fast. Interestingly, I believe they said he started in 0.1005 seconds during the semi-finals (don't quote me on the exact number but it was ridiculously close to 0.100 seconds). My contention would be whether we had the scientific capability to measure with precision the difference between 0.099 and 0.100 sixty years ago to conclude that you can't react faster. As they said on the broadcast, I'd like to see them repeat this study that they're basing this cutoff on with today's technology and today's athletes. Is it possible we're only now catching someone reacting in 0.099 seconds because before with older tech we could only catch the difference between 0.09 and 0.1 when all along someone was capable of reacting in slightly less than 0.1 seconds? And like the broadcasters, I didn't search out whether this has already been tested in today's athletes with today's tech.

ETA - to change verbage of "less" vs "more"

The IAAF appears to have done a study that indicates 80ms might be reasonable. (source: https://www.worldathletics.org/news/news/iaaf-sprint-start-research-project-is-the-100) though I'd like to see the actual study. I'd question whether or not the precision of the blocks is sensitive enough to pick up that .001 difference. At the very least I would hope in a champtionship final such a narrow false start would get one warning. I understand why they started the one false start rule, sprints were painful to watch before they did, but some nuance should be included for a blatant false start, a reaction time so far below the threshold it had to be anticipation, and .001 seconds. Boilerplate rules with no room for interpretation are lazy with very few exceptions (doping and safety).

I also saw this study posted which brings up the question why men and women would have the same threshold since it would appear males have a naturally faster reaction time.

 

[The Expert]

Thoughts on the best place (online) to sell a Garmin watch? I just picked up the FR255s for workouts and sleep tracking and a Lily for day-to-day wear, so I'm looking to send my fenix 5s off to a new owner. Is Ebay still the best option? FB marketplace? Anybody have recent experience to report?

 

[striker1064]

Thoughts on the best place (online) to sell a Garmin watch? I just picked up the FR255s for workouts and sleep tracking and a Lily for day-to-day wear, so I'm looking to send my fenix 5s off to a new owner. Is Ebay still the best option? FB marketplace? Anybody have recent experience to report?

I sold my FR945 on Swappa. It sat for a while, but did eventually sell. I sell our old smartphones on Swappa (about once or twice a year) and it's always been pretty smooth.

 

[Bree]

Thoughts on the best place (online) to sell a Garmin watch? I just picked up the FR255s for workouts and sleep tracking and a Lily for day-to-day wear, so I'm looking to send my fenix 5s off to a new owner. Is Ebay still the best option? FB marketplace? Anybody have recent experience to report?

One of the RunDisney Marketplace groups on Facebook might be good. Regular FB is so full of scammers as well as eBay. Do you belong to any local running groups on FB? We have a chit chat page and selling page.

No matter what you do, I’d spend the extra money to insure it and have them sign for delivery if you ship it.

 

[The Expert]

One of the RunDisney Marketplace groups on Facebook might be good. Regular FB is so full of scammers as well as eBay. Do you belong to any local running groups on FB? We have a chit chat page and selling page.

No matter what you do, I’d spend the extra money to insure it and have them sign for delivery if you ship it.

Oh for sure. Been selling on ebay since year one, so I know that drill!

 

[lookingforsunshine]

My Peloton treadmill arrived today!! I named her Pegasus. I realized my bike doesn’t have a name… maybe Raja?

I did a 30 minute Disney run as my inaugural run. It was really hard, and I don’t know why. I have several suspicions:
1. The delivery people didn’t do a good job and didn’t tighten the screen properly. It was shaking a lot so I paused the run and inspected it. The bolts were very loose. I found my multi tool and fixed it.
2. I’m used to predictability with running but with this class I didn’t know what to expect— how long would a run interval be, when would there be an increase or decrease, would I get a walk break, etc. I kind of psyched myself out and didn’t push too hard because of this. Even when I went to OrangeTheory, I would know what to expect bc I would look up the day’s workout on Reddit before class. I do think that getting used to this unpredictability would be good for my running though. Of course, I can always use the Just Run feature on the tread or just follow my own cues during a class.
3. I have just felt very bad mentally the past couple of weeks, and I am having a lot of related physical side effects. I’m not doing a good job at taking care of my body which makes it worse but also my anxiety causes stomach pain, etc.

Regardless of these challenges, I liked the Tread. Its small footprint is the perfect size for me! Being so close to the screen will take some getting used to. It’s also a lot louder than I anticipated. I might need to put a mat under it? I think I was spoiled with how quiet the bike is.


My new setup. I have spent many hours reorganizing this space the past few weeks. My bookshelves used to be on that back wall and the desk was where the bike is now. I’ll take better pictures once it’s finalized. I’m excited to decorate the back wall— I want to put a TV above the tread so I can watch YouTube or something while walking/long runs, and I want to get a neon sign that says I Can Go the Distance. Those are more expensive than I anticipated though so it might be a minute on that one.

Right now I have the bike facing out so I can turn the screen if I want to do a yoga, strength, stretch workout etc. You can’t see it in the picture but there’s about 5x7 feet of space where I can do those workouts. But if I get a TV I could cast them on there… idk. What do you think? Does it look weird that they face different ways? I don’t anticipate ever watching TV while riding, if that helps. I’d rather walk. But maybe.

 

[Disney316]

Anybody need a laugh at my expense? It’s really hot out so I set out to do 4 treadmill miles. Shortly after starting, it started thunder storming so I was glad I stayed in.

Then the storm made the power flicker and I smashed right into the console of the treadmill. But it was only a flicker so I kept running- and then it happened again…. And then I called it quits at a bit over a mile.

 

[Naomeri]

Anybody need a laugh at my expense? It’s really hot out so I set out to do 4 treadmill miles. Shortly after starting, it started thunder storming so I was glad I stayed in.

Then the storm made the power flicker and I smashed right into the console of the treadmill. But it was only a flicker so I kept running- and then it happened again…. And then I called it quits at a bit over a mile.

Thanks for a new reason to want to avoid the treadmill

 

[lookingforsunshine]

lolll I did not need that story after getting a new tread!!! Avoid during potential power outages: noted.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

@lookingforsunshine Love the wall color!

 

[The Expert]

Right now I have the bike facing out so I can turn the screen if I want to do a yoga, strength, stretch workout etc. You can’t see it in the picture but there’s about 5x7 feet of space where I can do those workouts. But if I get a TV I could cast them on there… idk. What do you think? Does it look weird that they face different ways? I don’t anticipate ever watching TV while riding, if that helps. I’d rather walk. But maybe.

Congrats on the tread! I have a ProForm with iFit, so similar considerations. I ended up mounting a small tv on the wall just above where my treadmill monitor is. I can physically plug in my monitor and watch the course on a larger screen that is more at eye level, but I sometimes also use it as a second screen to watch football, or binge Netflix on long runs. I can also use the iFit smart tv app to do off-tread classes without even having to unfold my equipment. I've found it really useful.

 

[accm]

My Peloton treadmill arrived today!! I named her Pegasus. I realized my bike doesn’t have a name… maybe Raja?

I did a 30 minute Disney run as my inaugural run. It was really hard, and I don’t know why. I have several suspicions:
1. The delivery people didn’t do a good job and didn’t tighten the screen properly. It was shaking a lot so I paused the run and inspected it. The bolts were very loose. I found my multi tool and fixed it.

Our tread was super wobbly when it was delivered. My husband looked under while I was running and the feet weren't levelled properly. Try looking at that as well.

2. I’m used to predictability with running but with this class I didn’t know what to expect— how long would a run interval be, when would there be an increase or decrease, would I get a walk break, etc. I kind of psyched myself out and didn’t push too hard because of this. Even when I went to OrangeTheory, I would know what to expect bc I would look up the day’s workout on Reddit before class. I do think that getting used to this unpredictability would be good for my running though. Of course, I can always use the Just Run feature on the tread or just follow my own cues during a class.

If you look on the app, the runs have a class plan that breaks it down. That should give you a good indication of what you'll be doing and when you'll get recoveries. I also like the predictability of the endurance runs. Also, there's nothing stopping you from doing what you need to. I've done runs before where I've just set the speed to my easy pace, and ran at that the whole time.

3. I have just felt very bad mentally the past couple of weeks, and I am having a lot of related physical side effects. I’m not doing a good job at taking care of my body which makes it worse but also my anxiety causes stomach pain, etc.

I'm sorry you've been having a hard time. I'm not sure what'd going on, but regardless of what it is, remember to give yourself grace.

Regardless of these challenges, I liked the Tread. Its small footprint is the perfect size for me! Being so close to the screen will take some getting used to. It’s also a lot louder than I anticipated. I might need to put a mat under it? I think I was spoiled with how quiet the bike is.

It is very loud compared to the bike. I don't think you're supposed to put a mat under it though?

View attachment 686824
My new setup. I have spent many hours reorganizing this space the past few weeks. My bookshelves used to be on that back wall and the desk was where the bike is now. I’ll take better pictures once it’s finalized. I’m excited to decorate the back wall— I want to put a TV above the tread so I can watch YouTube or something while walking/long runs, and I want to get a neon sign that says I Can Go the Distance. Those are more expensive than I anticipated though so it might be a minute on that one.

Right now I have the bike facing out so I can turn the screen if I want to do a yoga, strength, stretch workout etc. You can’t see it in the picture but there’s about 5x7 feet of space where I can do those workouts. But if I get a TV I could cast them on there… idk. What do you think? Does it look weird that they face different ways? I don’t anticipate ever watching TV while riding, if that helps. I’d rather walk. But maybe.

I don't think it looks weird with them facing different directions. I think I'd leave it as is, since I'd rather face "out" into a room vs at a wall.

 

[Naomeri]

QOTD: how do you overcome a crisis of confidence in your running ability?

I’ve been having a series of bad/shortened/skipped runs this summer, and I’m starting to worry I can’t do this anymore. I have 70 days until my next race and I need to get out of this funk.

 

[FFigawi]

ATTQOTD: Here are two ideas for you to consider...
- change your routine. Run at a different time, different location, different route, etc. Sometimes doing the same old thing - be it pace or distance or whatever - keeps us in a rut, and a change can shake things up/loose.
- try to view running as something you get to do and not something you have to do. Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to nail every workout no matter what, and that can cause our workouts to become a chore instead of a joy.

 

[DopeyBadger]

QOTD: how do you overcome a crisis of confidence in your running ability?

We're in the midst of summer and it's common to have these feelings. Come to the realization that you WILL NOT be as fast or things as easy when running in the heat. You will be slower. But I guarantee if you flew to a cooler climate for a day and tried to run there, suddenly things would feel easier/faster again. Many of us just don't cut ourselves enough slack during summer heat running.

But let's say we're not in the midst of summer and you're still having a crisis in your running confidence. Why? Is it because you can't do something you've done before? Is it because you're trying to reach for a new goal and haven't obtained the benchmarks you're looking for? As @FFigawi said, are you putting too much pressure on yourself to perform to some arbitrary goal? I like to remind myself that I get to run, I don't have to run. Why are your runs bad/shortened/skipped? Are you trying to maintain 40F paces during 90F runs? Do you have other life stressors that you didn't have prior? Life stress can compound the difficulty of running. Like going from working 8 hrs per day to a period of 12 hrs per day. Or going from a period where kids have less activities to a ramp up in responsibilities. While these aren't directly running related, these outside life stressors will wear on you capabilities.

Once you start to narrow why you're having this crisis, then start to look at potential solutions. Do you need a break or a quick reset? Have you been training consistently at the same volume/intensity with no rhyme or reason? Is the training stagnating and thus your body gets in this lethargic phase? The body prefers either recovery periods or building periods. When the training becomes too similar week to week, then we stagnate and don't feel as good. Maybe switch up the routine, take a break, re-evaluate goals or desires or training design during this period. Re-remind yourself why you're running in the first place. Maybe mix in other cross activities and find something that brings you joy to reinvigorate the fire to come back to running, or to continue enjoying the new cross activities.