The Running Thread --2025

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Speaking of the World Majors, I'm doing Chicago 2026 with a charity, so I'm keeping an eye on conversations online leading up to this year's race. All the merch is starting to pop up and I REALLLLLY love this hoodie, which does not have the year on it anywhere. Is it a jinx or just a bad idea to buy it now and set it aside for training or after I've run the race next year? (Yes, totally looking all you pro enablers for a push here to buy it!)

https://www.runinrabbit.com/product...5&_sid=7b4240dcc&_ss=r&variant=55700151927153

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Rule #1: Nothing gets worn until after the race; can't wear it until it has been earned.
Keep it hanging in sight as motivation? Sure, but not worn until after.

FWIW, my DW is all sorts of superstitious about what to do or not to do while watching sporting events, while I just roll my eyes. But she heard me opining on this subject and I get "So you are superstitious". Hmmm. I don't see it that way. IMHO, it isn't earned until you've done the race, even if (heaven forbid) you wind up with a DNF. Just my 2-cents.
YMMV

 

[The Expert]

Rule #1: Nothing gets worn until after the race; can't wear it until it has been earned.
Keep it hanging in sight as motivation? Sure, but not worn until after.

FWIW, my DW is all sorts of superstitious about what to do or not to do while watching sporting events, while I just roll my eyes. But she heard me opining on this subject and I get "So you are superstitious". Hmmm. I don't see it that way. IMHO, it isn't earned until you've done the race, even if (heaven forbid) you wind up with a DNF. Just my 2-cents.
YMMV

I am a bit superstitious, so yes, I agree wholeheartedly with this. I solemnly swear not to wear it until it has been earned!

 

[JediKnightXan]

Rule #1: Nothing gets worn until after the race; can't wear it until it has been earned.

That is my general rule with shirts fortunately I usually only have to wait a day or two. Several years ago though I had one DNS for a half (injured). Went and picked up the packet/shirt anyways and my wife used it as a sleep shirt. She clamed it wasn't to taunt me, just that we paid for it so it might as well be used, I'm not so sure.

 

[JediKnightXan]

Does anyone have experience with the Hanson "Just Finish" marathon plan? Right now my plan is to do the beginner plan, but I'm worried the Tuesday speed work maybe a bit more than I can handle.

I have found reviews/experiences on the beginner plan but nothing really on the just finish plan. Clearly the beginner will leave me more prepared if I can get through it, but just trying to figure out what a plan B may look like.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[The Expert]

I'm worried the Tuesday speed work maybe a bit more than I can handle.

I don't have experience with this plan, but if this is your concern, why not try it for a bit and see how it goes? There have been plenty of times in training when I read a workout and thought "no way", and then darn if I didn't just do it! You might surprise yourself. Instead of thinking "what if I can't?" think "what if I DID?" -- the right mindset can go a long way. If it truly is too much, you can always make adjustments.

 

[5xdisneyfans]

I am looking for a great/fun half marathon for next fall. This will be my first half so nothing to crazy with elevation since I live close to sea level and won’t have a ton of time to acclimate before the race. Hoping to make a road trip out of it from Southern Ontario. Any suggestions to checkout is greatly appreciated.

 

[jmasgat]

I am looking for a great/fun half marathon for next fall. This will be my first half so nothing to crazy with elevation since I live close to sea level and won’t have a ton of time to acclimate before the race. Hoping to make a road trip out of it from Southern Ontario. Any suggestions to checkout is greatly appreciated.

The Detroit Free Press International half is one to consider. You run in 2 countries—over the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor and back to Detroit through the tunnel. That is also about the extent of the elevation. It’s otherwise flat and fast (my marathon PR was here).

 

[5xdisneyfans]

The Detroit Free Press International half is one to consider. You run in 2 countries—over the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor and back to Detroit through the tunnel. That is also about the extent of the elevation. It’s otherwise flat and fast (my marathon PR was here).

Sounds interesting. I will definitely look into it. Thanks