The Running Thread - 2026

[Erika10021]

For me, lots of vasoline or Vick's vaporub helps prevent blisters. The bodyglide and such do not provide near as much friction protection. If I have a blister already, then I will apply vasoline or vaporub under the bandaid and then all over it too. During the last Dopey, I got a blister during the 10k and did the above for the half and marathon. Made it through both of those okay (had to add more vasoline during the marathon).

 

[marty3d]

QOTD: How careful are you about potential exposure to illness leading up to an A race?

I'm in the same situation as you - I am aiming for a big jump in my PR for Chicago. If I had a similar event 2 weeks ahead of the race, I'd absolutely go- but I'd be careful. I also think the timing may be good - you really aren't into the peak of flu season yet. Honestly for me, I'm more concerned about catching something at Chicago and being down for the count 2 weeks later at W&D. (And because the US has Flu/ COVID vaccines available about a month before we do in Canada, I might just drive across the border pre-Chicago and load up)

 

[The Expert]

Thanks for the responses to QOTD -- it's given me some good perspective. I'm not particularly susceptible to illness, so yes I'm being a little paranoid. And I appreciate those who pointed out that a lot can change between now and then, so why take away the option so soon? So I'm going to RSVP yes and hope that I'm in a position to proceed with caution and enjoy the events when the time comes.

 

[Naomeri]

ATTQOTD: no more careful than I normally am. If I know someone is actively sick, I’ll avoid them and do extra handwashing, but I don’t do anything about the potential germ carriers in the general public.

 

[sunshine girl]

I’m not sure where to post this but I felt like I need to share this somewhere, for any of my fellow RunDisney and Peloton fans — Cody recorded a 20 min Pop Ride on Friday 1/30 that is just all the songs from the Guardians of the Galaxy ride! He goes on at length about his fondness for Disney (and his fondness for the alcoholic beverages at Epcot, fair warning). A fun ride!!

It’s not labeled as a “Disney” ride so it’s a little under the radar.

 

[KCO5988]

QOTD: How careful are you about potential exposure to illness leading up to an A race?

I'd love to hear some advice here on which direction to go. Have you been in a similar situation, and if so, what did you do?

ATTQOTD: I have my A goal marathon next weekend. I was sooo paranoid about getting sick at MW because I had just been sick at Christmas and missed a peak training week. I was scared to miss either of my final 2 peak weeks post MW. I wore a mask EVERYWHERE. I also used a ton of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

 

[princesspirateandrunner]

@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.

Oh, no! That is disappointing, but I’m glad you were able to negotiate an event to keep things going this year. We’ll plan to come, and look forward to seeing y’all! I’m glad the refurbishments aren’t scheduled to interfere with the 50th anniversary race. Tell them we said to get busy and get finished!

 

[GuinnessRunner]

Ok bit of an odd one here, but has anyone done any running in India (Mumbai and Bangaluru in particular)? Heading over for work in first part of March for the first time and while I assume I will be relegated to the hotel dreadmill (given congestion, security, etc.) I thought I would check with the collective in case I am (hopefully) wrong.