The Running Thread--2024

[mmm_texas]

I moved from Balega (very good but kind of thick for warm days) to injinji.. love them

I also use vaseline or bodyglide where blisters appeared in the past.. not anymore..

I've been using Injinji for about 5 years now, and love them as well. As I recall they felt strange for about 5 minutes, then no problems, and no blisters.

 

[nancipants]

Thank you, @jmasgat!

 

[jmasgat]

Thank you, @jmasgat!

I bought myself a Garmin 165 today from Dell. Sale price + daughter-in-law discount+ Chase rebate means I got about $80 off the $250 retail price.

 

[flav]

I moved from Balega (very good but kind of thick for warm days) to injinji.. love them

I also use vaseline or bodyglide where blisters appeared in the past.. not anymore..

I've been using Injinji for about 5 years now, and love them as well. As I recall they felt strange for about 5 minutes, then no problems, and no blisters.

Do the Injunji also help with black toes? I admit, I am reluctant to even consider marathon distance in the future because of that problem.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Do the Injunji also help with black toes? I admit, I am reluctant to even consider marathon distance in the future because of that problem.

I had 1 black toenail, and went to a wide in my shoe and haven't had an issue since (I lace with a "heel lock" to prevent slipping since my heels are definitely *not* wide.) My shoes for marathoning are also just over a thumb-width longer than my longest toe.

 

[marty3d]

I had 1 black toenail, and went to a wide in my shoe and haven't had an issue since (I lace with a "heel lock" to prevent slipping since my heels are definitely *not* wide.) My shoes for marathoning are also just over a thumb-width longer than my longest toe.

Shoes have helped me too - I've realized that for any distance longer than half marathon distance, I need to go up a half size compared to my usual shoe size. Just had a reminder of that yesterday when I ran 25k in my normal shoe size - I could feel it for the last couple of miles.

 

[DianaMB333]

Shoes have helped me too - I've realized that for any distance longer than half marathon distance, I need to go up a half size compared to my usual shoe size. Just had a reminder of that yesterday when I ran 25k in my normal shoe size - I could feel it for the last couple of miles.

My experience as well after black toe nail.. size up and wider for longer trainings/distances.. which led me to having to rotate shoes accordingly…

Ps. Waiting on Brooks-Disney ..

 

[Naomeri]

Shoes have helped me too - I've realized that for any distance longer than half marathon distance, I need to go up a half size compared to my usual shoe size. Just had a reminder of that yesterday when I ran 25k in my normal shoe size - I could feel it for the last couple of miles.

Yep, half a size up in shoes saved my toes too

 

[WillRunForPizza]

Counterexample: Sizing up did not help my toenails and just made my shoes too loose

 

[avondale]

Balega Hidden Comfort

I also like Balegas. They last forever.

 

[avondale]

I had 1 black toenail, and went to a wide in my shoe and haven't had an issue since (I lace with a "heel lock" to prevent slipping since my heels are definitely *not* wide.) My shoes for marathoning are also just over a thumb-width longer than my longest toe.

This, especially the heel lock lacing if you feel like your shoes are "sloshing" around too much.

This visual of different lacing techniques and what they are for is magic: https://runrepeat.com/top-10-running-shoe-lacing-techniques

Prior to someone pointing me at that, it never occurred to me that different lacing techniques might make my shoes fit and feel different.

 

[DianaMB333]

This, especially the heel lock lacing if you feel like your shoes are "sloshing" around too much.

This visual of different lacing techniques and what they are for is magic: https://runrepeat.com/top-10-running-shoe-lacing-techniques

Prior to someone pointing me at that, it never occurred to me that different lacing techniques might make my shoes fit and feel different.

Oh.. wow.. I didn't know this.. thanks for sharing

 

[Dopey 2020]

To add to lacing discussion, you can go nuts and combo it a bit. I am usually basic now but had a pair of shoes a several years ago when I started training for my first marathon that were perfect in every way except the top of my foot. Found that when I used a ladder lace and skipped one in the middle they were better but my heel came up. Added the heel lock loop and voila, to this day I remember them as the most comfortable shoe I’ve run in. Went through 4 pairs and nearly 2000 miles before I couldn’t buy them anymore.

 

[mmm_texas]

Do the Injunji also help with black toes? I admit, I am reluctant to even consider marathon distance in the future because of that problem.

As others have said, the Injinji don't do anything for black toes. There is a link, however, since Injinji do really work well with shoes with a big toe box (allowing the toes to really splay), and the big toe box does help with black toes.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Well I have a first- the deck of my treadmill (underneath the belt) is cracked all the way down the middle. It's a nordic track and about 2.5 years old. I'm well under the 300lb limit (and well under 200 lbs for the matter) and am shocked this happened- hopefully it's fixable or refundable as the majority of my miles are done on it while my kiddies are sleeping. UGH.

 

[KCO5988]

Every Woman's Marathon Recap:

My goal for the race was sub 3:30 to qualify for Boston. The temps were perfect for it: 50 at the start and was only going to get up to 62 by 10:30 - my goal finish time. My gps was all over the place so couldn't really track my pace except for at the mile markers. I was solidly running in the 7:50s range with some slightly under. I found the 3:30 pacer a little after the 1st mile. She came up from behind me (when I was already doing sub 8) and that should have been my first clue to stay with her. She kept pushing the pace and we had to reel her back in. I believe one or two of the miles was close to a 7:40 which is way too fast. Come to find out it was only her second marathon so there was definitely some inexperience there. I don't know how the 3:30 pack finished because I chose to pull back at mile 10 when it became apparent she was not going to stop pushing the pace. I slowed to closer to an 8 min/mile because I didn't want to blow up and kept a pretty solid 7:55-8:05 for the next 10 miles. They kept pulling further away so my assumption is the pacer never pulled back to an 8min pace. Unfortunately my fueling did me in. I was definitely having issues with nausea on my longer training runs which ultimately led to under fueling. I was just kind of hoping it wouldn't happen during the race. But mile 21 the cramps started to set in and at mile 22 I crashed into a giant wall with probably the worse calf cramping I've ever had. I had to stop and walk. I was able to force myself to walk/run the rest. Not on any set interval, just when I thought I could start jogging again, I would. Those last 4 miles took all my mental strength to keep going. Managed to pull out a 3:41:58 in the end. So, no BQ but I'm pretty sure my implosion was due to fueling and not physical capability. It was also my first marathon in 7 years after taking a hiatus for having my 2 kids (who are now 5 and 21 months). So, while I'm frustrated that fueling did me in, I'm very happy overall.

Now decision time. Do I try a 13-week turnaround to the Hilton Head Marathon really focusing on fuel. Do more of a "maintenance" marathon training since I think fueling aside, I was capable of the pace.

 

[kps7795]

Every Woman's Marathon Recap:

My goal for the race was sub 3:30 to qualify for Boston. The temps were perfect for it: 50 at the start and was only going to get up to 62 by 10:30 - my goal finish time. My gps was all over the place so couldn't really track my pace except for at the mile markers. I was solidly running in the 7:50s range with some slightly under. I found the 3:30 pacer a little after the 1st mile. She came up from behind me (when I was already doing sub 8) and that should have been my first clue to stay with her. She kept pushing the pace and we had to reel her back in. I believe one or two of the miles was close to a 7:40 which is way too fast. Come to find out it was only her second marathon so there was definitely some inexperience there. I don't know how the 3:30 pack finished because I chose to pull back at mile 10 when it became apparent she was not going to stop pushing the pace. I slowed to closer to an 8 min/mile because I didn't want to blow up and kept a pretty solid 7:55-8:05 for the next 10 miles. They kept pulling further away so my assumption is the pacer never pulled back to an 8min pace. Unfortunately my fueling did me in. I was definitely having issues with nausea on my longer training runs which ultimately led to under fueling. I was just kind of hoping it wouldn't happen during the race. But mile 21 the cramps started to set in and at mile 22 I crashed into a giant wall with probably the worse calf cramping I've ever had. I had to stop and walk. I was able to force myself to walk/run the rest. Not on any set interval, just when I thought I could start jogging again, I would. Those last 4 miles took all my mental strength to keep going. Managed to pull out a 3:41:58 in the end. So, no BQ but I'm pretty sure my implosion was due to fueling and not physical capability. It was also my first marathon in 7 years after taking a hiatus for having my 2 kids (who are now 5 and 21 months). So, while I'm frustrated that fueling did me in, I'm very happy overall.

Now decision time. Do I try a 13-week turnaround to the Hilton Head Marathon really focusing on fuel. Do more of a "maintenance" marathon training since I think fueling aside, I was capable of the pace.

I'm sorry that you didn't meet your goal for the race, but that is still a damn good time especially considering the cramping problems that you had to deal with. You're definitely going to BQ once you sort through your fueling issues. What were you using for gels and/or electrolytes?

 

[KCO5988]

I'm sorry that you didn't meet your goal for the race, but that is still a damn good time especially considering the cramping problems that you had to deal with. You're definitely going to BQ once you sort through your fueling issues. What were you using for gels and/or electrolytes?

I've always been to grossed out by the thought of gels to try them and use stinger chews. I think I need to just suck it up and try the gels to see if they work for me. Electrolytes is definitely my issue. I never used to be a salty sweater and didn't need much. Just drinking some on course offerings was always enough for me. I need to figure out a way to get more. Open to suggestions!

 

[The Expert]

I've always been to grossed out by the thought of gels to try them and use stinger chews. I think I need to just suck it up and try the gels to see if they work for me. Electrolytes is definitely my issue. I never used to be a salty sweater and didn't need much. Just drinking some on course offerings was always enough for me. I need to figure out a way to get more. Open to suggestions!

I can't do gels due to the texture. I found Untapped this past year, which is basically maple syrup, and it works GREAT. No additives, nothing artificial, and I've had no GI issues with them at all. They have a salted citrus flavor I mix in during long runs that has just enough salt for my needs. Might be worth trying!

 

[MissLiss279]

I've always been to grossed out by the thought of gels to try them and use stinger chews. I think I need to just suck it up and try the gels to see if they work for me. Electrolytes is definitely my issue. I never used to be a salty sweater and didn't need much. Just drinking some on course offerings was always enough for me. I need to figure out a way to get more. Open to suggestions!

How many chews are you taking? I use HoneyStinger chews also, and take 3 at a time every half hour. This keeps the quantity I need to take smaller and then I just take them more often. I also take 1 Salt Stick Electrolyte Cap once an hour (maybe not always, but especially if it is a race I will be sweating more). I carry my own water, so I don’t have to worry about where the next aid station is to take my nutrition. I sometimes take Powerade/gatorade on the course if it is really hot, but normally stick to water since I take the Salt Cap.
I can do gels, but it is usually too much for me at one time.
I’m a slower runner than you (4-5 hour marathon range), and I get why people don’t carry water. I am probably an over-consumer of water, so I want water when I want it and don’t want to wait for an aid station. I have been able to talk myself into not carrying water for 5k’s and 10k’s, but it is kind of a mental struggle for me. Lol.