The Running Thread - 2026

[nancipants]

You're SO READY!

I just hope the wind cooperates. Tailwind each direction, please?

 

[The Expert]

I ordered a big bunch of fueling supplies from Untapped today, and as many of you know, that means I got a visit from my favorite neighborhood Olympian, Marilyn a few hours later! We visited for a few minutes, and she told me her birthday is next week (Feb 7) and that her nephew, Ryan, will be skiing in one of his Olympic events that day. I wished her a happy early birthday and told her I'd be watching his event, and that I'd spread the word.
Have I mentioned how much I love it here?? I really do need the presence of mind to ask her for a selfie one day.

p.s. Ryan also works for the company, but has a few weeks off for obvious reasons.

 

[Guidman]

January Running
184.3 miles

I'm sure like most here, took any miles as they came this past week. I did contemplate if it's too late to take up bowling as a hobby.

I found out I'll be pacing the Pittsburgh Half Marathon in May. I'll be doing the 1:40 group. It should probably be a record for registrations. You wouldn't think switching the on-course nutrition provider would make a difference, but they switched to BPN and the training kickoff run earlier this month was absolutely packed with people.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

January 2026

Running: 18h 1m, 100.1* miles
Indoor bike: 10h 46m
Elliptical: 1h 30m
Strength/mobility: 9h
Total: 39h 19m

Another month of most of my running being on the grass or uphill treadmill thanks to The Ankle Issue That Won't Go Away. (So it's actually less than 100 miles because I still haven't figured out how to add incline to my treadmill runs on Strava.)

But plenty of cross-training, and I did actually run a 5K today without any ankle pain during the race itself. I've run faster, but I did manage to come in second (16th overall), which was cool with >500 participants.

 

[RuntheMouse]

January running

81.5 miles

First month under 100 miles since March of last year . Highest January ever ! So not bad, I started back running only 4 days after the marathon so a huge win there. Coming back to the tundra was rough and while waiting for the temps to get above zero, I took 8 days off. Things are looking up weather wise so hoping for a great February!

 

[Dopey 2020]

A good start to 2026. Managed to get outside for most runs post Dopey, just moved to the treadmill this week. Hopefully February weather will ease up a bit and I can get back onto asphalt. It’s usually the toughest month for me to keep up good habits but with races in April I’ll do my best.

 

[The Expert]

January totals

Running: 52 miles (took a week off after MW)
Walking with my dog: 24 miles
Pilates/Strength: 3 hours
Snow removal cross-training: 1:30 hours

And I got this unicorn status on my Garmin a few days ago (living in fear of it disappearing any minute):

 

[marty3d]

January

126km/ 76 miles
I took 2 weeks off after Goofy and am now slowly building up my mileage. Due to the extreme cold I’ve been relegated to the treadmill since Marathon Weekend. I’m looking back fondly at the weather for the races .

February will challenge my ability to train consistently. Starting Monday I have travel every week through mid-March. The bright side is that I should be able to get some outdoor runs in since a lot of the travel is in Texas and Florida.

 

[Erika10021]

January totals:

Running miles: 93
Total miles: 107

I ended up with more miles post Dopey than expected. And thank goodness for the indoor track! It has been insanely cold here (feels like -3 to 9 mostly). We did try to walk outside one day and only made it 1.5 miles.

 

[SheHulk]

January totals

Running: 52 miles (took a week off after MW)
Walking with my dog: 24 miles
Pilates/Strength: 3 hours
Snow removal cross-training: 1:30 hours

And I got this unicorn status on my Garmin a few days ago (living in fear of it disappearing any minute):

View attachment 1043766

I feel like I'm in an abusive relationship with my Garmin watch: It so rarely gives me approval of a "Productive" status that I cherish it when I get it. Relish this moment!

 

[RuntheMouse]

I feel like I'm in an abusive relationship with my Garmin watch: It so rarely gives me approval of a "Productive" status that I cherish it when I get it. Relish this moment!

My Garmin is so messed up. This week, I’ve had Detraining, Peaking and Recovery. I told DH I am peaking in laziness

 

[KCO5988]

January running miles: 225.4
I think this is my highest running mileage month of my life! I didn’t used to track miles per month but I also don’t think I ever did 50+ mile weeks before.

Marathon training paid off in a big way at my 10k today with a PR!!

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

January miles: about 75, which includes MW.
While working in the backyard a couple of weeks ago, I squatted down and I think pulled my hamstring a bit, so I've been mostly walking to keep the pace down and the stride short in order to let things heal a bit. And now we have this polar vortex and snow and having to stand down for a few days while the weather passes. The inactivity is maddening.

 

[FFigawi]

January totals:
Swim - 0 miles
Bike - 98 miles
Run - 103 miles

Been a long time since I had a month with more running than cycling. Thanks Dopey!

 

[dobball23]

January Totals:
9.4 miles

I did only the 5K and 10K as part of Dopey and then had to skip the half and full due likely to shin splints. I haven't run since (or for three weeks before). I haven't had any pain for about a week. Increasing my walking this week and I might do a test run next weekend. Hopefully I end February with considerably more miles!

 

[The Expert]

And I got this unicorn status on my Garmin a few days ago (living in fear of it disappearing any minute):

You guys, this morning I woke up and my morning report says I'm Maintaining. All I did was sleep! I JINXED IT!

I feel like I'm in an abusive relationship with my Garmin watch: It so rarely gives me approval of a "Productive" status that I cherish it when I get it. Relish this moment!

Seriously, I am (WAS). Garmin's IG posted a hilarious video recently with a product manager explaining what the status means and why it's so hard to get, and in the comments the social media manager was hilariously teasing and trolling everyone. SO GOOD!

Edit to add... found it!

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[Naomeri]

January Total

9.19 miles running

It seems pathetic, but considering December's total was 0 running miles, I'm not going to complain (though my legs and feet probably will at Princess)

 

[JediKnightXan]

January was 72.4 miles all but 5 if those were the marathon and before. I was pretty beat up after the marathon. So it's been a lot of elliptical and walking on the treadmill.

10K scheduled for first weekend in March so need to get back on it here soon.

 

[Disney at Heart]

@garneska @Fischstick @camaker @princesspirateandrunner @akrosie @marty3d and whoever else was interested in the Lake Hartwell Dam Runs in May:

The Dam Race is going to be altered this year. That refurbishment project, that was supposed to be put off for three years after funds were cut, was put back on the Corps of Engineers calendar. They will start replacing the flood gates and refurbishing turbines in March and hope to be finished before the race in 2027.

After lots of negotiations, we will have a short version of the race. Instead of a 5k and a 10K, they can only guarantee us a single 4k race that will start at Big Oaks as usual, but will only go across the earthen part until we get to the staged equipment/ materials area, turn around, and go back. DH and I are very disappointed, since I had hoped to see many of you here. I’m not sure an uncertified, 4k race is what any of you will be interested in, but we hope to have some participation from folks around here, and we will keep up the streak by still having the “48th Annual Lake Hartwell Dam Run” even if is abbreviated. If you are still interested, it should be on Run Signup soon.

 

[camaker]

@garneska @Fischstick @camaker @princesspirateandrunner @akrosie @marty3d and whoever else was interested in the Lake Hartwell Dam Runs in May:

The Dam Race is going to be altered this year. That refurbishment project, that was supposed to be put off for three years after funds were cut, was put back on the Corps of Engineers calendar. They will start replacing the flood gates and refurbishing turbines in March and hope to be finished before the race in 2027.

After lots of negotiations, we will have a short version of the race. Instead of a 5k and a 10K, they can only guarantee us a single 4k race that will start at Big Oaks as usual, but will only go across the earthen part until we get to the staged equipment/ materials area, turn around, and go back. DH and I are very disappointed, since I had hoped to see many of you here. I’m not sure an uncertified, 4k race is what any of you will be interested in, but we hope to have some participation from folks around here, and we will keep up the streak by still having the “48th Annual Lake Hartwell Dam Run” even if is abbreviated. If you are still interested, it should be on Run Signup soon.

I'm sorry to hear this! I'd already started to make arrangements to visit my mother and stay a night in Charlotte to break the drive up. Hopefully they'll finish the refurb on schedule and I can put those plans into effect for next year's race. I know you and DH put a lot of work into the race and hope the shortened course isn't too disappointing for you.