The Running Thread--2024

[kps7795]

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 used to use Honey Stinger gels, but couldn't stand how sticky my fingers would get. After a lot of researching (more than I even want to admit to myself), I really like Precision Hydration gels. They have 30 grams of carbohydrates and have a rather neutral flavor. From the research that I have read, you want to take in 60-90 grams of carbs per hour. That is one of the factors that led me to Precision Hydration because of their gels having 30 grams of carbs. I'd rather take two per hour than three or more.

As far as electrolytes, I use either a handheld water bottle or a hydration belt and use a packet of Liquid IV per hour. Mind you, I am a heavy sweater in South Florida. But, I believe that this will prevent cramping due to any electrolyte imbalance. I tried using salt tablets, but could not swallow them while running.

Additionally, keep in mind that your body went through dramatic changes when you gave birth. Hence, you cannot look to your past when determining what you should be doing in your current state. I believe that you are going to crush your next marathon once you figure out what works best for you.

 

[jrsharp21]

Feetures makes socks with varying levels of cushion.

Feeture are my fav. But the ones I have are closer to the thinner side of things than to the thicker side. If they have a thicker sock, I will definitely order.

 

[jrsharp21]

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.

I bought one for myself also. My first order from Amazon, they sent me the Forerunner 55 instead of the 165. Had to send it back and put in a new order for the 165. Got the 165 yesterday. Now just need to work on getting the watch set up like I had the 55.

 

[sandam1]

I've always been to grossed out by the thought of gels to try them and use stinger chews.

In case anyone is interested - a trick that I've found with the stinger chews is to take a scissors and cut them into quarters beforehand. It makes them soooo much easier to chew and swallow. I also have pill like bottle with a pop-top to put them in which is much easier than getting them out of the packet.

I found Untapped this past year, which is basically maple syrup, and it works GREAT.

I'm in love with Endurance Tap, which is similar. It is maple syrup, sea salt, ginger (to prevent upset tummies) and caffeine (if you want that - they also have uncaffeinated). It is quite a treat for later in races when I don't feel like eating anything, but know that I need to.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

Feeture are my fav. But the ones I have are closer to the thinner side of things than to the thicker side. If they have a thicker sock, I will definitely order.

They have merino wool ones that are thicker as well as max cushioned versions of their Elite socks.

 

[KCO5988]

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!

I'll have to look into this for sure, thank you!

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.

I take 6 every 4 miles (so about 32 minutes) but I couldn't stomach them anymore during the race after mile 16. But that's what I did on my training runs too. I actually do carry water so that I have flexibility to miss a water stop or drink between them. I use a belt with 4 bottles on it and fill one with prime. I want to look into a vest though because there is limited room to store fuel on the belt.

I used to use Honey Stinger gels, but couldn't stand how sticky my fingers would get. After a lot of researching (more than I even want to admit to myself), I really like Precision Hydration gels. They have 30 grams of carbohydrates and have a rather neutral flavor. From the research that I have read, you want to take in 60-90 grams of carbs per hour. That is one of the factors that led me to Precision Hydration because of their gels having 30 grams of carbs. I'd rather take two per hour than three or more.

As far as electrolytes, I use either a handheld water bottle or a hydration belt and use a packet of Liquid IV per hour. Mind you, I am a heavy sweater in South Florida. But, I believe that this will prevent cramping due to any electrolyte imbalance. I tried using salt tablets, but could not swallow them while running.

Additionally, keep in mind that your body went through dramatic changes when you gave birth. Hence, you cannot look to your past when determining what you should be doing in your current state. I believe that you are going to crush your next marathon once you figure out what works best for you.

I've heard of precision, I'll look into them for sure. And yes I think I'm still trying to figure out my new normal post babies!

 

[The Expert]

I'm in love with Endurance Tap, which is similar. It is maple syrup, sea salt, ginger (to prevent upset tummies) and caffeine (if you want that - they also have uncaffeinated). It is quite a treat for later in races when I don't feel like eating anything, but know that I need to.

I'll look that up! Untapped makes a hydration mix called Mapleaid that has the same ingredients, and I use it in water during my runs. They have a few flavors, but the ginger is my jam.

I'm totally partial to Untapped since they are based in a really small town about 5 minutes from me. Half the time when I order online, one of the owners delivers it personally to my house! Hard to beat that service!

 

[The Expert]

PSA: Feetures just launched 20% off sitewide!

 

[GollyGadget]

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.

Thanks for sharing. Sorry it didn't go your way.

Regarding fueling, I'm trying a few new things at the moment to mix it up. However, one thing I have had good luck with is salted dates. The salt is mostly because I find dates too sweet on their own but I tell myself it helps with electrolytes too.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

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!

You may have been the poster before who suggested Untapped so I ordered a couple to start, and am a convert! I’ve never been able to handle gels, my gag reflex just refuses to cooperate with them. Untapped is the best and goes right down! Bonus for the all natural aspect of maple syrup.

 

[Jules76126]

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.

This actually happened to our Nordic track treadmill. Apparently, it is a common problem. It happened at about 2 years in. We had the extended warranty and they sent us the part and then sent someone out to install it. We haven’t had any issues since (been about a year).

 

[run.minnie.miles]

This actually happened to our Nordic track treadmill. Apparently, it is a common problem. It happened at about 2 years in. We had the extended warranty and they sent us the part and then sent someone out to install it. We haven’t had any issues since (been about a year).

Such a crazy problem- it was very startling (and loud) when it happened! Seems like a pretty critical design flaw, but they weren’t too interested it my option on that
I didn’t have the extended warranty, so it cost $213 shipped for the part and we’ll install it ourselves- wish us luck. I just hope the part comes quickly!

 

[jmasgat]

Such a crazy problem- it was very startling (and loud) when it happened! Seems like a pretty critical design flaw, but they weren’t too interested it my option on that
I didn’t have the extended warranty, so it cost $213 shipped for the part and we’ll install it ourselves- wish us luck. I just hope the part comes quickly!

Not sure what credit card you used to purchase, but check to see if it offers purchase protection/extended warranty. My Chase Freedom Unlimited and Sapphire Preferred do.

 

[SarahDisney]

I finally made use of the new treadmills in my building's new gym. The treadmill was fine but wow I definitely could feel the fact that I hadn't run in a month and a half. I can't get myself motivated to run regularly but every time I stop and start it feels like I'm starting from scratch. Ugh.

In other news ... Garmin removed the barometric altimeter from the Vivoactive 5? What? I was gonna upgrade by VA3 to a VA5 for black friday but I like having my stairs counted (not that I take the stairs very often...). I'm looking into other models but I liked the Vivoactive because it looks like a smartwatch, not a fitness watch.

 

[Herding_Cats]

In other news ... Garmin removed the barometric altimeter from the Vivoactive 5? What? I was gonna upgrade by VA3 to a VA5 for black friday but I like having my stairs counted (not that I take the stairs very often...). I'm looking into other models but I liked the Vivoactive because it looks like a smartwatch, not a fitness watch.

I have the VA3s, and it's not very accurate for the flights of stairs IMO. As an example, it said I gained 18ft while I ran up and down a basketball court last week.

 

[SarahDisney]

I have the VA3s, and it's not very accurate for the flights of stairs IMO. As an example, it said I gained 18ft while I ran up and down a basketball court last week.

Oh yeah it's definitely not 100% accurate. Most of my runs are apparently 20 flights of stairs. But I find it's more accurate for rest/recovery days and honestly those are the days that I care about more.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I’m closing on a new townhouse Thursday, and I have my new treadmill on order. I’m thinking of putting it in the garage because I may not have a lot of room elsewhere. For anyone who has that arrangement, are you happy with it? I live in CO and I know the garage isn’t ideal, but I could bring ina space heater on cold days and fans on warmer days.

 

[MissLiss279]

I’m closing on a new townhouse Thursday, and I have my new treadmill on order. I’m thinking of putting it in the garage because I may not have a lot of room elsewhere. For anyone who has that arrangement, are you happy with it? I live in CO and I know the garage isn’t ideal, but I could bring ina space heater on cold days and fans on warmer days.

I seem to remember reading that it would void the warranty (at least for NordicTrack) if it was used/stored in a garage. So, if that matters to you, you might check the warranty for your Treadmill.

 

[FFigawi]

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.

13 weeks is plenty of time to experiment with different fueling strategies to find one that works for you. In addition to what's been mentioned already, another good option to try is Tailwind. You can mix it into soft flasks and carry it with you in a belt like the one from Naked. You can also mix the Precision Hydration and Maurten gels into a flask too. It's a much more convenient way to carry your carbs and electrolytes than half a dozen individual packets.

Naked Running Band
Naked Flask

 

[Herding_Cats]

All this R/W/R talk, and what do I see on my social this morning?

Mrs. SpaceCadet is doing a magic mile?! Entertaining as always.