The Running Thread - 2026

[Naomeri]

The treadmill screens in my office building have an alternate view of a track, so I can pretend I'm going somewhere. There is also a big tv that I could turn on (unless someone else gets there first) but then I fall into decision paralysis trying to find something to watch.

On the subject of other people using the gym, there's too many people that don't wipe down their stuff after their workouts There's one dude who comes in, spends about 60 seconds each doing 8 different things, and then just wanders out again.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

On the subject of other people using the gym, there's too many people that don't wipe down their stuff after their workouts There's one dude who comes in, spends about 60 seconds each doing 8 different things, and then just wanders out again.

Some people just suck. This morning this woman came into the gym and started playing something on her phone speakers, and when I asked her if she had headphones, she haughtily informed me that she had been coming there for two years and no one had ever complained, and was I new?

 

[nancipants]

That is cold -that's at the limits of what I'll run outside in when I'm training. Do you have cold weather running gear? You could always pick up some inexpensive gear and save it as MW throwaway layers. What's the predicted temperature at the start? And how long do you have to wait for the start?

My “cold” weather running gear consists of leggings and marathon weekend t-shirts. I’m gonna layer a few up top and wear shorts over my legging. I also have a throwaway hoodie that might stay on most of the race, along with a hat and gloves. Oh and double socks. Thankfully my hotel is 5 min from the start and I don’t need to wait long.

Maybe I’ll be like a dog in cold weather and get the zoomies.

 

[5xdisneyfans]

On the subject of other people using the gym, there's too many people that don't wipe down their stuff after their workouts There's one dude who comes in, spends about 60 seconds each doing 8 different things, and then just wanders out again.

People are at the gym near me are nasty. Nobody wipes down anything. I haven’t gone there in years. Gym’s use to get people to wipe things down after they use equipment. Not at this one. I am glad to have my own treadmill and barbells.

 

[FlyingDonut]

OK, I need to crowd source a question: DW gave me an OpenMove headset for Christmas 2021, which I then used for Dopey 2022 and I don't know how many runs since then. In the past few days, the left side of it has quit working. When I called Shokz a few minutes ago, the help person said it was out of warranty and they don't do repairs.
I get that they are way out of warranty, but I hate to just toss them, and I see that they sell refurbished, which may be why I thought that they did repairs.
Thoughts or comments? Did I have a not-so-trained help person, or is it simply time to upgrade?

Follow up on my Shokz.
They are just over 4 years old, so well past warranty.
I was thinking that since they had refurbed headsets on their website, that they may do repairs. Seems not.
After dealing with their chat bot and customer "help" help person that was only marginally helpful, they sent me a discount code for a new product. Fair enough. I'm going to try the OpenFits and see how they do, and will report accordingly.

I think this is a good outcome. I hate throwing out tech and have repaired several of my laptops (including ones Microsoft really didn't want me to repair) but looking at a few videos of Shokz teardowns it does not look fun in there. Here's one example:

The silicone outside looks to be an overmold on most models I saw, so there's not good way do get in. People cut it or at least peel it back and have to glue it back. Then, once you get into the electronic components, everything is directly soldered to tiny little boards, so even if something just came disconnected, you're talking some micro soldering setup (surrounded by plastic). I'm sure people could do it, but it's past my skillset.

I'm not sure how good the discount code is, but Shokz are at my local Costco. Not sure if the OpenFits are among them. I know you had a prior pair, but it could at least be an opportunity to try them on before buying. I wish I'd gotten mine in the smaller size.

 

[IamTrike]

See, I have a very old iPad and I don't think it supports any useful apps anymore. It's my building's gym so I don't have my own setup with tv etc. That would probably go a long way. I have podcasts on my phone but it only does so much. Any other mental tips & tricks would be appreciated.

I do about 90% or more of my runs on treadmills as it seems to be a little bit easier on my old knees. I agree the ideas already shared.

On thing I do to make long runs a little more interesting is to play with intervals. I think it's just a variation of the breaking things up into smaller increments. Even in the paces aren't that different the countdown to the next pace change keeps my mind off how long I've been running or how long I have to run.

This was something I learned from a friend in high school. In a boring class, she would write down the times of the class period in 5-minute increments and then cross them out as they went by - definitely made a class go faster! Same principle....just breaking a longer time period into smaller ones. But it works!

+ you also get the little dopamine hit from checking something off a list.

The iFit content is why I bought my Proform, and I love it (same company as Nordictrac)! They have instructors who do series and races around the world. I've climbed Mount Everest, run through Vietnam, hiked Scotland, and run the Boston, London, Berlin, New York and Chicago marathons all from my treadmill!

I really love the Tommy Rivs workouts on Ifit. The combination or run training information, cool locations around the world, and anthropological context on the area that your virtually running in is just incredible. He's a really amazing dude, a world class ultra runner, anthropologist and physical therapist, that's gone through some massive health issues.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

>> "My “cold” weather running gear consists of leggings and marathon weekend t-shirts. I’m gonna layer a few up top and wear shorts over my legging.

And the latest shirts have a built in wind blocker....

>> I think this is a good outcome. I hate throwing out tech and have repaired several of my laptops (including ones Microsoft really didn't want me to repair) but looking at a few videos of Shokz teardowns it does not look fun in there.

Thanks. I meant to mention that a free half-working pair of Shokz is available to anyone who wants them.
I've seen on their website the OpenRun mini, which in theory would mean less hanging out behind my head, but not sure if my head is too big for it. I may have to go by the running store for a fit check. Apparently I have enough "rewards" points from my credit union to buy a pair if the OpenFits don't pan out. As an aside, I see the new OpenRun Pros that are supposed to have even better sound quality, but all I've had for four years is the base model and they have been just fine for my needs.

In other news, DS has said he wants to do a 10K with me this summer, and has started training. He doesn't have the endurance yet, but his pace is under 7 min/mile, way faster than my Team Middlin' Fast pace. At least I'll have someone at the finish line to be cheering for me....

 

[The Expert]

My “cold” weather running gear consists of leggings and marathon weekend t-shirts. I’m gonna layer a few up top and wear shorts over my legging. I also have a throwaway hoodie that might stay on most of the race, along with a hat and gloves. Oh and double socks. Thankfully my hotel is 5 min from the start and I don’t need to wait long.

Maybe I’ll be like a dog in cold weather and get the zoomies.

You probably already know this, but sharing just in case... Layering 101 from a cold climate: THIN, breathable wicking base layer, insulated second layer(s), wind/water resistant top layer. Make sure they aren't too tight! You want AIR between layers, as that air warms up and is what keeps the cold out. Cover your hands and head. Things with zippers or vents are good for letting out a little heat when you warm up if you don't want to ditch items.

My 10K PR is from an October race in Park City where I wore a sparkle skirt in 20 degree weather!

I really love the Tommy Rivs workouts on Ifit.

He is such an inspiration! He's the first trainer I "ran" with when I got my treadmill in early 2021, and I knew nothing of his story at the time. The Boston Marathon I ran on iFit was his, and it was that first marathon back after his illness. I was in tears hearing all the support he got on the course and his incredible positive attitude. He's taught me so much about mental fortitude in LIFE, not just running. My other fav is Ashley Paulson because she talks NON-STOP and her workouts go by SO fast! (Also got to see her finish a race or two IRL when I lived in SLC.) LOL

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

You probably already know this, but sharing just in case... Layering 101 from a cold climate: THIN, breathable wicking base layer, insulated second layer(s), wind/water resistant top layer. Make sure they aren't too tight! You want AIR between layers, as that air warms up and is what keeps the cold out. Cover your hands and head. Things with zippers or vents are good for letting out a little heat when you warm up if you don't want to ditch items.

My 10K PR is from an October race in Park City where I wore a sparkle skirt in 20 degree weather!


He is such an inspiration! He's the first trainer I "ran" with when I got my treadmill in early 2021, and I knew nothing of his story at the time. The Boston Marathon I ran on iFit was his, and it was that first marathon back after his illness. I was in tears hearing all the support he got on the course and his incredible positive attitude. He's taught me so much about mental fortitude in LIFE, not just running. My other fav is Ashley Paulson because she talks NON-STOP and her workouts go by SO fast! (Also got to see her finish a race or two IRL when I lived in SLC.) LOL

Put me on team Rivs! Love his runs/walks. I love his boston marathon runs... one of his segments on the boston is like my go to I dont know what I want to run lets just put on this... since it is interval running and it is the Boston Marathon.
Anyone else in doing his Run club? I use those on my easy days... since it is more walking then running but does a great job of keeping me in zone 2.

 

[The Expert]

Anyone else in doing his Run club? I use those on my easy days... since it is more walking then running but does a great job of keeping me in zone 2.

Yes!

 

[avondale]

You guys. The feels like temp for my half this weekend will be in the TENS. just… how????

If you will be carrying a water bottle, with a screw-off cap or pull cap, etc., carry it upside down. The sloshing of the water while you run will keep the water liquid and keep the cap from freezing closed. If you hold it right side up, the water will not slosh high enough to keep the cap unfrozen. The remnant water in the cap will freeze it so you can't open it.

If the WC is in the 10s but the actual temperature is in the 20s or higher, you probably don't have to worry about this.

 

[nancipants]

If you will be carrying a water bottle, with a screw-off cap or pull cap, etc., carry it upside down. The sloshing of the water while you run will keep the water liquid and keep the cap from freezing closed. If you hold it right side up, the water will not slosh high enough to keep the cap unfrozen. The remnant water in the cap will freeze it so you can't open it.

If the WC is in the 10s but the actual temperature is in the 20s or higher, you probably don't have to worry about this.

Thanks! This is the current forecast for the start.

 

[KCO5988]

I have a 10k Saturday that is showing 22 degrees and rain/snow. That'll be fun... Not as cold as other places have been, but I'm in southern GA! We're not built for this!

 

[Naomeri]

If you will be carrying a water bottle, with a screw-off cap or pull cap, etc., carry it upside down. The sloshing of the water while you run will keep the water liquid and keep the cap from freezing closed. If you hold it right side up, the water will not slosh high enough to keep the cap unfrozen. The remnant water in the cap will freeze it so you can't open it.

If the WC is in the 10s but the actual temperature is in the 20s or higher, you probably don't have to worry about this.

See, now this is the advice I needed before the training run from my SAFD answer!

 

[DianaMB333]

Thanks! This is the current forecast for the start.

Alternatively.. stay at home

 

[GollyGadget]

I ran a half marathon this past weekend and had a hard time setting a realistic goal time. Eventually, I decided a 1:53 would make me happy since it’s the time needed for Corral A @ MW. But I have no idea what I was capable with my current fitness. I’m curious if anyone knows of any great race predictors that take current fitness/training into account?

The typical calculators weren’t applicable because my training wasn’t ideal. I also felt like garmin was underestimating my abilities. This was confirmed when immediately after my race, garmin adjusted its prediction down


I’ve noticed this before with garmin. Below you can see my 10K & half predictions dramatically change after a 10K race



And another example from my marathon in Jan 2025.

 

[Kerry1957]

You guys. The feels like temp for my half this weekend will be in the TENS. just… how????

I ran a HM along the Chicago lakefront a few January's ago. Temps were a bit below zero at the start and a bit above zero at the finish with a modest wind off the lake. We were able to stay inside the Soldier Field (where the Bears play) concourse until a minute or two before the race. I actually dressed a bit too warm:

• Smartwool tights under sweat pants
• Smartwool base liner followed by Nike cold weather turtleneck followed by an insulated wind proof running jacket
• Smartwool balaclava under a Smartwool running beanie and then running sunglasses
• Smartwool runcold socks
• Smartwool gloves under leather mittens

OK, I'm not just a Smartwool fanboy; I do love the stuff even if it is expensive. At the time I was running outdoors pretty much all winter so I get good use for the investment. I've since gotten soft (or perhaps smart) and don't train outdoors if it's below freezing or if the trails are too snow packed or icy.

What got cold? My cheeks and neck even with the balaclava. The rest of my head got hot so I took off the second hat after a few miles. My hands got hot so I took off the mittens, but then they got cold so I put them back on.

I saw a lot of folks wearing their winter parkas and long scarves wrapped around their faces, as well as skiing goggles. When it's below freezing anything goes without judgement. Times will be slower as everyone shuffles along.

Embrace the cold and have a great run!