The Running Thread - 2026

[SheHulk]

Well, sometimes life just gets in the way. I'm registered for the Coast Guard Marathon this Sunday, but I don't think it's going to happen.

Training for the race went very well, but the wheels came off during the taper. About two weeks ago, we had to go to the urgent care with DW having extreme abdominal pain. They sent us to the ER at the local hospital next door and it culminated in a 1am ambulance ride to the main hospital campus for two days of observation.

We were back at the hospital last Friday for abdominal surgery, followed by several days of her not being able to get in and out of bed or chairs without assistance. Not much sleep to be had. And somewhere along the way I picked up a respiratory bug in my chest.

At this point, I don't think a marathon 3 hours from home coughing up a lung is a wise course of action. Looks like this weekend will be about getting some rest and looking for a May marathon. The good news is that DW is doing much better and went back to work yesterday. I'm at peace with the marathon decision, but am still disappointed.

Thank goodness DW is ok! Good call for you to punt on this race.

 

[GuinnessRunner]

@camaker sending your wife positive vibes on a continued good recovery.

 

[avondale]

The battery is exactly why I made the change. I have a full IronMan next weekend and was kind of scared that the Forerunner 165 battery wouldn't hold up for the entire 13-14 hours. Also, the Fenix has the triathlon activity where the Forerunner doesn't. It is definitely a learning curve.

I have the Epix gen2, which I think is like the Fenix except with the AMOLED screen. Previously I had a Venu and before that some kind of Forerunner. There are definitely a lot of tools on the watch, so take some time to dig into what you can do for it. It's worth it once you do. I love the dual-band GPS - so much more precise than the regular GPS. I suppose I don't really need that, but it makes me happy.

Someone had mentioned seeing the screen/getting old: I got a watch "face" that is called something like "over-40 watch face" and has bigger font for things. LOL

 

[FFigawi]

Anyone gone from a Garmin Forerunner to a Fenix? Just picked up a Fenix 7x Pro. One, holy cow this is hefty watch. Way heavier and larger than the Forerunner 165. Second, I feel like I went from a user friendly watch to some super computer. Trying to get everything set up like I had my Forerunner and finding all the settings is definitely taking some time.

It's surprising how heavy the Fenix models feel compared to the Forerunners. I thought about a Fenix 8 when I replaced my 955, but all that metal was too much compared to the 970.

 

[Disney at Heart]

@camaker So glad your DW is doing better. Races come and go but family and health are certainly priorities. May you both heal completely soon and get back to feeling healthy quickly!

 

[Herding_Cats]

I know this has been discussed in the past, but I feel like there may be some opinions on them at this point.

Thoughts on weighted vests *FOR WALKING* (and maybe weight training stuff as a supplement to dumbbells)? Fixed weight? Adjustable weight? Shape/design that you love or hate?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I know this has been discussed in the past, but I feel like there may be some opinions on them at this point.

Thoughts on weighted vests *FOR WALKING* (and maybe weight training stuff as a supplement to dumbbells)? Fixed weight? Adjustable weight? Shape/design that you love or hate?

I tried tried the Go Ruck backpacks for weighted walking and found it to pull to much on my neck, giving me headaches. I think that the key is to start light and gradually add weight as your entire body adjusts, not just your legs.

 

[GreatLakes]

I know this has been discussed in the past, but I feel like there may be some opinions on them at this point.

Thoughts on weighted vests *FOR WALKING* (and maybe weight training stuff as a supplement to dumbbells)? Fixed weight? Adjustable weight? Shape/design that you love or hate?

I have a Go Ruck vest but whatever you get I highly recommend getting curved plates. I have Rogue plates which come in a pair. Flat plates are not comfortable.

 

[avondale]

I have a weighted vest for strength training. It allows me to add weight that I don't have to hold in my hands. I use it for things like squats (then I can hold more weight in my hands) and planks/push-ups.

The one I got is adjustable because the metal plates are small, rectangular bars, so you can take them individually in and out. But this is a bit cumbersome, so I wouldn't want to be doing it frequently. Mine goes up to 20 pounds, and I have just always used 20 pounds.

I'm not in love with the one I got...it's fine. Got it off of Amazon. I agree with someone else that they can be hard on the shoulders. They can also be really hot, because it's not like a bunch of metal plates can be "breathable".

 

[Psymonds]

Chat,

Traveling for work next week, a few days in a Big city on the other coast: What's your strategy to find a good run route in a new (like haven't run there before) city?

Right now I'm at "go on Strava and check heat map"

 

[Psymonds]

I know this has been discussed in the past, but I feel like there may be some opinions on them at this point.

Thoughts on weighted vests *FOR WALKING* (and maybe weight training stuff as a supplement to dumbbells)? Fixed weight? Adjustable weight? Shape/design that you love or hate?

I used one for hiking training, when I was training for backpacking. I only use it for walking but I do throw it on whenever walking with the 9yo, so that I get more out of the walk.

 

[marty3d]

Chat,

Traveling for work next week, a few days in a Big city on the other coast: What's your strategy to find a good run route in a new (like haven't run there before) city?

Right now I'm at "go on Strava and check heat map"

I’ll be honest, a lot of times I default to treadmill. If I know another runner who lives / knows the city I will often ask them. Apps like Strava are good as well.

I find that if you’re at a hotel with a concierge - or pretty much any Westin- you can get good recommendations from the concierge/ front desk.

My completely unscientific approach is to head out the door and run.

 

[Novatrix]

Chat,

Traveling for work next week, a few days in a Big city on the other coast: What's your strategy to find a good run route in a new (like haven't run there before) city?

Right now I'm at "go on Strava and check heat map"

Treadmills, googling "good running routes in xyz city", and just getting out the door and running (after checking with the front desk if the area is safe/places I should avoid) tend to be my go tos. I normally google large nearby parks too, since I prefer avoiding road traffic in unfamiliar places.

 

[Stitch&Co.]

I know this has been discussed in the past, but I feel like there may be some opinions on them at this point.

Thoughts on weighted vests *FOR WALKING* (and maybe weight training stuff as a supplement to dumbbells)? Fixed weight? Adjustable weight? Shape/design that you love or hate?

When I was looking at weighed vests last year I thought I wanted an adjustable one since it would give me more options. I ended up getting a 12lb vest with shoulder pads and a detachable water bottle holder (which I haven’t used), but the shoulder pads do make it more comfortable. It does take some getting used to and it does shift towards my back more than I prefer but it’s not too bad.

I started with easy and very easy paces as I built up the muscles and did shorter mileage, like 1.5 miles at a time. Give yourself time to get used to it. I did incorporate it into my marathon training last year, twice a week for 2 miles at easy pace increasing to 3 miles later in the season. It really does help, not only the legs but you will feel it in your abs too. It has helped me with staying straighter and taller which has carried over into my everyday life. I might consider going up to a 15lb vest but I’m not really sure it will be necessary.

Fun fact: The day after the marathon I noticed my abs were sore too. I thought “How did that happen?” then I realized I had been holding my core tighter during the marathon without even thinking about it. It’s become more natural to do than before and while I can’t really quantify its effect, I know it has helped and I will continue to use it.