The Running Thread --2025

[FFigawi]

My last marathon I did was a while back was at WDW. I was undertrained by a lot and it was hot! By the time I got to AK I was over the day and stopped at the bar next to EE and got a Elephant Foot IPA. Spent the rest of AK portion sipping on 16oz's of deliciousness! A Day or so later someone on here tagged me and said is this LSUlakes. Apparently I made the local news walking in AK drinking a beer lol. That was the highlight of that race, oh and I guess finishing lol. Long story short, beer can help the race day experience!

Beer definitely helps with the experience. I never made the news, but I was the first customer at Thirsty River several years in a row. The 430am start makes it harder to get one, but if you time it right and manage your pace well, it can still be done.

ATTQOTD: After my stomach refused gel a few km into the run of the marathon during my first Ironman and I lived on flat coke & potato chips for the next four hours, I’ve learned to bring a little bit of everything with me. Tailwind, Clif gels, and Skratch chews are my base, and I’ll often throw in Sport Beans too for a different kind of sweet.

 

[KCO5988]

Debating my speed as some would say I run somewhat fast, but I think I am not that fast. Comparison is a thief of joy. Ignoring speed I am fairly certain I am a heel strike person, while I am working on it not being the case the wear on my shoes is mid foot and heal. So this may not be the best option for me at this time. Thanks for the input!

I would describe myself the same way about being fast lol. So I’ll add my input here (with some paces for reference). I just purchased a pair of Nike Vaporflys. I wore them for a portion my 13.1 mile training run last weekend. Did 7 miles easy and then had 5.5 miles at 7:40 pace so I changed my shoes at 6.5 miles in because I didn’t want to wear them for the entire run. I’m unsure how I feel on the specific pair I got. But I will say hitting my tempo paces definitely felt easier than it did the last time I did them during a long run.

My feet did feel a bit achy in them but I think that could also be attributed to the overall length of the run and also switching shoes mid run. My Achilles also was a bit sore after, but again that could be unrelated. I’m planning to wear them for the 10k Saturday (gonna try them on with fresh feet one more time prior to double check the feel) and am aiming for a 7min/mile pace. And can report back on how much I felt aided by them.

 

[PrincessV]

And of course, if its a rD marathon I do need to hydrate with a hoppy beverage to get me to the end

A bunch of marathons later, it still surprises me just how much good a beer near the need does me. And by “beer” I mean a Mich Ultra, which is admittedly more water than alcohol. But it’s wild how well it settles my stomach, boosts my carbs, hydrates, AND provides a very welcome mild anesthetic property! Champagne in the final mile of some W&D and SW races got the job done, too.

 

[Disney at Heart]

My favorite go-to after a long training run is NesQuik Low-fat Chocolate milk. It replenishes proteins, carbs, rehydrates, and tastes delicious to this milk lover! One time at DL they had it after the half around 2015-16 at either DDD or Avengers. I’ve never tasted anything more delicious after a race! (I’m not a beer drinker, so can’t compare.)

And in the milk category: The BEST milkshake at WDW is the Madagascar Vanilla shake at Connections Cafe. And that recommendation comes from a chocolate lover.

 

[Naomeri]

My favorite go-to after a long training run is NesQuik Low-fat Chocolate milk. It replenishes proteins, carbs, rehydrates, and tastes delicious to this milk lover! One time at DL they had it after the half around 2015-16 at either DDD or Avengers. I’ve never tasted anything more delicious after a race! (I’m not a beer drinker, so can’t compare.)

And in the milk category: The BEST milkshake at WDW is the Madagascar Vanilla shake at Connections Cafe. And that recommendation comes from a chocolate lover.

I had a chocolate milk after one of my local races last year, and it definitely did hit the spot.

 

[jmasgat]

And in the milk category: The BEST milkshake at WDW is the Madagascar Vanilla shake at Connections Cafe. And that recommendation comes from a chocolate lover

Challenge accepted! I love a chocolate shake--a proper one, not the drecky fake one they give you at Beaches and Cream. And chocolate milk is one of my favorite post-race beverages. When I did Boston in 2011, my daughter met me at the end with my chocolate milk and a peanut butter and banana sandwich on toasted whole wheat bread. Heaven!

 

[Herding_Cats]

Re: carbon plated shoes

When I went down this rabbit hole last year (and some one who is *gasp* slow) that what I got out of it was the it's mostly the foam that does the magic. But in most shoes, you need the plate to stabilize the foam. And most plated shoes (or supershoes) have a high stack. There were some discussions about how supershoes have had a high impact in women's times than men's, and one supposition for this was that the increased stack makes your legs "longer" and therefore changes some stride things to a greater degree in women because women tend to be shorter and therefore the percentage of change is greater.

I do have one pair of plated trainers, even though I am a 13:00 marathon-pace person who heel-strikes, and they are significantly more bouncy, propulsive, and easier/smoother to run in than my everyday shoes.

 

[jmasgat]

On the shoe front.....for those of us wearing the Ghost 16, I found some info on the upcoming Ghost 17. They are indeed changing the stack height. It is going from 34.5 mm in the heel to 36 or 37 mm (I've seen different spces) Also, it goes from a 12mm drop to a 10mm drop.

I think I can live with this, but only a trial will tell.

 

[Zutroy]

Re: carbon plated shoes

When I went down this rabbit hole last year (and some one who is *gasp* slow) that what I got out of it was the it's mostly the foam that does the magic. But in most shoes, you need the plate to stabilize the foam. And most plated shoes (or supershoes) have a high stack. There were some discussions about how supershoes have had a high impact in women's times than men's, and one supposition for this was that the increased stack makes your legs "longer" and therefore changes some stride things to a greater degree in women because women tend to be shorter and therefore the percentage of change is greater.

I do have one pair of plated trainers, even though I am a 13:00 marathon-pace person who heel-strikes, and they are significantly more bouncy, propulsive, and easier/smoother to run in than my everyday shoes.

This is where I feel super trainers have a place. You get the same foam as the carbon plated shoes, but generally more durability and lower cost. The Superblast has the same FF blast foam as the Metaspeed, the Adidas Evo SL has the same Lightstrike Pro superfoam as the Adios Pro 3.

 

[Dopey 2020]

QOTD: For those who take in calories during a race or training run, what product do you use and which ones would you not try again?

I’ve been using Honey Stinger fruit smoothie gels for a few years now I think. I can take them with or without a water stop (assuming one will be coming along in a mile or so) and not have stomach issues. On a ten mile training run I typically have one at the five mile turnaround point. Longer than that is usually every four miles. Race day is every 3 miles, up from 3-1/2 at this past MW. Definitely worked better toward the end just getting in one extra gel sooner in the race. I drink very little water, would like to increase that, we’ll see. One thing I’ll never have mid race is a banana. Fantastic post race but before or during a marathon leads to a different discussion - TMI

Recently running shoes were discussed and I wanted to know, any of yall run in the carbon plated shoes? Pros and cons?

For some shorter training runs I use nylon plated (speed 3) for a lighter shoe with a bit more pop over my usual trainers or long run shoes. For races it’s carbon plated Saucony Pro 4 at the moment. I’ve noticed a huge difference in effort required to run faster. I started as a heel striker with low cadence and tried very hard to change to mid foot striking and a good push off and quicker turnover. Still not the best form, especially when I get tired, yet I still notice a difference. I am a run/walk/run usual with 4:00/:30 and have never found them to be unstable at any pace walking or running, though I will agree the faster you go the better the performance. The only con I can see to them is the price. I would try a pair out at somewhere like a Fleet Feet that will let you run in them without buying and see if you notice a difference.

 

[FlyingDonut]

QOTD: For those who take in calories during a race or training run, what product do you use and which ones would you not try again?

I've been using Honey Stinger Stroopwafels on any run greater than 90 minutes, consumed at around 50-60 minutes, with water. I'm able to get them for an OK price, and they fit nicely in my pocket.

My long run is increasing though, so I'm watching if they continue to work for me.

 

[AaronB]

Recently running shoes were discussed and I wanted to know, any of yall run in the carbon plated shoes? Pros and cons?

It has been basically all Pros for me. I'm not a super fast runner, for reference my marathon PB is 3:50, but carbon plated shoes are the most comfortable I have worn in marathons. I am a New Balance person, so use their Fuel Cell line. The last few years have used the various versions of the SuperComp Elite for race day, and the SuperComp Trainers for training long runs. I don't know that I can fully credit the shoes alone for my PBs over the last couple years, as I made pretty big changes to my training around the same time, but they probably went hand-in-hand in some ways.

The only Con is really the cost. Even the SuperComp Trainers are a little pricey, but since I only use the Elite and Trainers for races/long runs, they last a pretty good amount of time. I have started using the Propel which has a TPU plate for all the other midweek/shorter type runs during training, which are far more reasonable price wise. I also usually look for the older shoe versions to get some good pricing as places clear out the stock when they introduce new versions each year.

I try not to get too hung up on the actual metrics/science debates when it comes to shoes, usually try going by feel/comfort. That can be a little hard since "test driving" shoes is pretty tough. I get pretty brand loyal though, so have basically just stuck with New Balance over the years. I would probably be pretty lost if I ever had to start trying other shoe brands

 

[LSUlakes]

A bunch of marathons later, it still surprises me just how much good a beer near the need does me. And by “beer” I mean a Mich Ultra, which is admittedly more water than alcohol. But it’s wild how well it settles my stomach, boosts my carbs, hydrates, AND provides a very welcome mild anesthetic property! Champagne in the final mile of some W&D and SW races got the job done, too.

True story but my marathon PR was aided by a beer at mile 23 ish. I was so tired of water a sports drink, and saw a guy handing out cups of beer. I figured why the heck not! To my surprise it was some sort of craft beer full of calories! It was so refreshing lol and motivated me to pick up the pace for the last 5k or so lol.

My favorite go-to after a long training run is NesQuik Low-fat Chocolate milk. It replenishes proteins, carbs, rehydrates, and tastes delicious to this milk lover! One time at DL they had it after the half around 2015-16 at either DDD or Avengers. I’ve never tasted anything more delicious after a race! (I’m not a beer drinker, so can’t compare.)

Post run, whole chocolate milk is amazing! I have a pint after every run lol! You know what makes it even better?? Before your run, put it in the freezer or ice chest. Out of the freezer it gets a little frozen like a milk shake and its the absolute best thing ever!! Maybe thats a little extreme, but its really good! We have a local milk guy that I get milk from the farmers market on the weekends. Its called Feliciana's Best Creamery. It's like drinking a chocolate shake lol. Highly recommend it if you ever find yourself in the Baton Rouge area lol.

 

[bpr2002]

Its called Feliciana's Best Creamery. It's like drinking a chocolate shake lol. Highly recommend it if you ever find yourself in the Baton Rouge area lol.

I just had to second this recommendation.

 

[marty3d]

Re: carbon plated shoes

When I went down this rabbit hole last year (and some one who is *gasp* slow) that what I got out of it was the it's mostly the foam that does the magic. But in most shoes, you need the plate to stabilize the foam. And most plated shoes (or supershoes) have a high stack. There were some discussions about how supershoes have had a high impact in women's times than men's, and one supposition for this was that the increased stack makes your legs "longer" and therefore changes some stride things to a greater degree in women because women tend to be shorter and therefore the percentage of change is greater.

I do have one pair of plated trainers, even though I am a 13:00 marathon-pace person who heel-strikes, and they are significantly more bouncy, propulsive, and easier/smoother to run in than my everyday shoes.

My experience with plated shoes is similar to your. I’m not fast by any measure and in the marathon I’m similar to you in pace. 6’1” and 200 lbs (should be 190) and the combination of foam with carbon plate for stability in the Nike Vaporfly has completely changed my half and full marathons. The biggest difference for me is I’m able to maintain or exceed my previous pace but feeling much better at the end of the race - both in terms of joints and overall effort. Is it the shoe or is it just psychological? I don’t care because I feel better. This year was the best I’ve ever felt doing Dopey. Many factors contributed to that - better training, slower pace but also I ran both the half and full in the Vaporfly.

Bottom line - YMMV but I don’t think it’s fair to say that the carbon plated shoes are only worthwhile if you’re “fast”.

 

[Zutroy]

Bottom line - YMMV but I don’t think it’s fair to say that the carbon plated shoes are only worthwhile if you’re “fast”.

It’s absolutely fair to say that because testing shows that the results from carbon plates decreases by magnitudes at slower speeds. If you’re running above a 10 min/mile, you are not seeing any appreciable benefits from the plate, and instead it’s the foam doing the work. Why pay a premium for a carbon racer when you can get the same foam in a cheaper shoe?

“This year, Joubert published a study in which he and his colleagues had runners test the shoes while moving at a pace of eight to 10 minutes per mile. The slower runners’ performances were still increased with carbon-plated shoes, but the improvement was smaller when compared to the elites from the first study. On average, those running in super shoes at about 7.5 mph saw an improvement of around 1.4 percent in running economy, while those doing 6 mph improved by just under 1 percent.”

https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/18/2/article-p164.xml

https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/141

 

[Sleepless Knight]

A bit of catching up for me:

What can I improve on?

Strength training for certain. I just need to accept that I should go to the gym for strength training and then drive home for my run instead of the treadmill. As much as I would like to run more during the busiest work months of the year, I need some decompression time at home, which is nonexistent when I go for a run after working long hours.

I know I can squeeze in training if necessary during those months, but it's hard finding the energy and motivation to train during the busiest time of the year for work when there's no race on the horizon to force my hand.

Shoes:

I usually get Nike and judge by feel on my feet. In essence, I know what the right shoes "feel like." As a tall guy, it's difficult to find shoes in my size, but Nike is an exception to that rule. I did try New Balance a few years ago and they were fine until I had to go for longer runs when they mysteriously produced a pain on the top of my feet.

Fuel: I used to consume gel chews during training and races, but when I started marathon training, they proved to be difficult to take enough to maintain the necessary energy. I tried Huma gels based on recommendations from this board and they worked great for me. In fact, my brother is looking into them for an upcoming 20 mile Grand Canyon hike he's doing for fuel.

I don't fuel much during training. I know what works for races so I stick with what works.

Race Expos: I've only done two non rD races big enough to merit an Expo. Even then it was a very different experience. I have learned a few things at Expos and one year, I managed to find my favorite compression socks 50% off at an rD expo so that worked wonderfully. At the same time, I want to spend less time at the Expo when I'm at Disney races, but I also enjoy the Expo experience. For WDW, I get the virtual queue and head over when it's my turn. For Disneyland, I drive down the day before the races start, so I can't get virtual queue and just head to the Expo around 5:00 or 6:00pm since the merchandise area is no longer requiring an entry code. I know stuff has sold out, but it's usually stuff I'm not interested in.

 

[jmasgat]

Can I just say that 35F never felt so good this morning. A run without a buff, my heavy winter running layers, with normal gloves and a head band and I still felt warm. Aaaahhhh.

 

[Dopey 2020]

Can I just say that 35F never felt so good this morning. A run without a buff, my heavy winter running layers, with normal gloves and a head band and I still felt warm. Aaaahhhh.

I had 40 with sun for 10 miles today. Shorts, long sleeve tech shirt, hat, and gloves. It was excellent!

 

[garneska]

i am in ohio this week doing my FIL's taxes. I will say my watch liked the cold weather, but i was dressed up. Two pairs of tights, a coat, beanie and gloves. i never got warm. it was 38 i think with wind and a little bit of sun. Did i mention the wind. My watch liked it and my pace was decent (ran sunday after an 11 hour car ride on Saturday). I have to get in two more runs in Ohio before we travel back home on Saturday. I also need to finish the taxes, they are almost done.