C'mon, somebody must be running!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by solobiker

Zoom-Zoom, I hope your ankle heals fast. I was sorry to have read this.

---

It's healing fast, but it was still in no shape for the race on Sat. Pretty sure I need to stop running trails altogether. I'm even wondering if snowshoe running is such a good idea (you know, <1 year after investing in running snowshoes, ha!) this Winter.

Awesome to see so many Fall races. Had I not just sprained my ankle I'd likely do a 5k in a couple of weeks. It's part of the same race event that holds my favorite half marathon of all I've run. It ends with live music on a deck with BBQ at a nearby brewpub.

Aw, Zoom, keep healing ... and all the time you would've been racing, spend it on rehabbing the ankle y'know?

I found out yesterday that the 5K I did on Saturday was sponsored by a LRS and it was so small that I finished third overall and won a $15 gift card! Hahahaha ... last time I finished a race in the money was a looooooong time ago. I know perfectly well that it's all in who shows up, but I'm pretty glad now I ran it hard even though I had no real competition among the women, and the two men who beat me were far enough ahead that I wasn't racing them, either. I would've been embarrassed to collect a gift card if I'd just cruised. :o But the whole idea of entering was that it's my speedwork, so I gave it what I had.

So yesterday I reprised the crazy hills I did last Friday. They haven't gotten any less steep, I lost count of the >20% grades on that route, but it was 20 degrees cooler and what a difference that made. I was still flagging pretty good toward the end, until the thought went through my head that it's SUPPOSED to hurt, and so I thought, "Oh right, okay then" and picked up the pace again. :D

There's a little local half marathon on Saturday that I can't decide if I want to do or not. I probably should, but it's too hilly for me to really want to. It's a benefit for renovating the local high school/middle school track which desperately needs it, and which I'd probably use occasionally if it were in better shape. Of course I could just send them a donation and not run. :p

So, I ran that little half this morning. It got to last night and I didn't really want to run, but I knew if I didn't, I'd wish I had. It wasn't as hilly as I'd been afraid of, they changed the course from prior years, so there were only a couple of short climbs over 15%, one steep gravel descent that I just picked my way down, and on the average right around 50 feet per mile elevation gain. I ran a 2:01 something, which I'm plenty happy with considering the terrain, my (lack of) training and my intention for the day. It was a chance to try out my new Altras on a tempo run, too, and they're still great, I'm sure now I'll be wearing the other pair for the marathon. Plus, it's a beautiful day. I probably wouldn't have run if it had rained!

I may have to try Altras at some point. A friend swears by them and they look like they'd fit a wider foot pretty well.

Managed my first CX race yesterday. Ankle was fine, but I was very careful going into dismounts (remounts still suck and I have to come to a complete stop to get back on the bike, ha). Didn't push the pace hard, either. But a couple of noob racers who should have been racing Bs lapped me 3/4 of the way through my 3rd lap. Had I known I'd only get 3 laps I would have pushed harder. After lap 2 I was told I had 2 more, so paced myself appropriately.

Today the ankle is a little stiff, but not really any worse for wear. Next CX race isn't for another 2 weeks, so by then I expect I'll be fully healed.

Oak, way to go with your 1/2. That is great! I used to do those several years ago...I guess close to 13 years ago. Gosh where has time gone?

ZoomZoom, I am happy to hear your ankle is doing better and you were able to participate in CX race.

As I said above I used to run a fair amount several years ago. I had to stop due to frequent injuries and very tight hamstrings. I went for a short 3 miler today and of course my hamstrings tightened right up. blah. I may have to look into Altras as well because I do need a shoe with a wide toe box due to neuroma issues.

Happy running and racing everyone.

Nice Zoom, glad your ankle stayed good, keep being careful with it.

Solo, if you haven't been running much, three miles isn't "short" at all. I can't even remember how many times I learned that the hard way when I first started running - really it's HOW I started running, learning that three miles wasn't just something I could do once every few weeks!

Now though ... first 20-miler of this cycle yesterday. It was just sooooo beautiful! It was an amazing fall day, the roads were just incredibly beautiful, and everything was so perfect that even the not-so-perfect parts of the run were still nice. Accidentally routing myself behind the landfill ... I was upwind and there was enough of a breeze that I smelled nothing at all (not like the last time I did that :rolleyes: ) - the machinery was mostly working elsewhere so it wasn't super loud - and I even got a look at their methane to electricity generating facility. :D The covered bridge that was covered with graffiti ... still a cute little covered bridge. And then there was the little pond with a bunch of turtles sunning themselves on a log, the tiny windy roads through the woods, the herd of goats with their herding dog, a few little creeks still running though it hasn't rained recently, and through it all the dry fall air, the leaves just beginning to turn, the quality of the light ... so beautiful.

I'm sore today, but even though I knew ahead of time that I would be, at this point I've done enough 20 milers that it isn't so much of a mental hurdle. It sure helped that I chose a route that wasn't quite as hilly my last two long runs, too. I'd mapped out a 20 that was at least as hilly, but decided I'd be nuts to try it yesterday. :p There's no flat around here, and there were still a few very steep hills, but in comparison it felt easy.

Hey All!

I've still been remiss about getting in my weekday runs but I did manage 11.5 yesterday in prep for a half marathon next Sunday. I needed the longer run for confidence as my running has been/felt lousy lately. The first half of the run was wonderful...actually, the first 2/3rds were pretty good. The last third was rough. I've got blisters on top of blisters and a toenail that is about to give up the ghost. My knees are a little achy today, too. I'm know the problem is that I don't run frequently enough, but it's days like today that make me question this whole endeavor.

And yet I'm minutes away from signing up for a December half. What is the definition of insanity? Jeeze.

Took a little study break today and did Week 1, Day 1 of C25k. Went reasonably well, although it seems that grad school has turned me into a fat sack of crap. (I could probably still bike 15-20 miles with little problem, but still.) I packed it in a little early--all the rain we've had recently has meant that all the sand and dust that used to be on the side of the road is now in my apartment complex's parking lot (where I went to run, since it's convenient), and I think I sizeable percentage ended up in my throat, and the fact that it's so dry doesn't help. I am really bad about breathing through my mouth. :/

Whee! I did my "long run" to work today, for the first time in ages. It's not really long, but it's almost twice as long as my regular run-commute, and the best part is that apart from slightly sore feet I feel great. I still have to take the metro the final stretch, but I was still uppity enough to run the final few hundred yards from the station to where I work.

I'm pretty certain I could run my entire commute now without any trouble. The only thing stopping me is that I would have to take the most direct route, which means pavement and traffic instead of winding leafy paths along the river. But it would be pretty awesome, to get in to work and have somebody ask me (for the umpteenth time) "wow, did you run to work" and be able to answer "why, yes!".

That is really cool, lph.
Quite a few of you could run my commute to work... 5.2 miles.
But, I am pretty sure that if I ran there, I would not be running home! Sometimes, I even feel that way about commuting home on my bike, but of course, I don't have a choice.
On Monday, I was in my bike clothes and then decided not to commute. I had already been to the gym, and I was tired. Sometimes, these decisions are really smart. When I came out of work at 7 PM, it was 58 degrees and rainy/misty, with darkness making it feel colder. I wouldn't have minded riding in this, but I would not have been been prepared, as I would not have had a rain jacket or head cover. Rain was not predicted to start until much later.

Another day of C25k week one yesterday. I might repeat week 1 next week too.

Yesterday I had another 20 miler on the calendar and it was supposed to be clear and cool. I woke up to rain mixed with snow, in the middle of which the NWS helpfully changed the forecast from 20% chance of precipitation to 60%. :cool:

The radar looked like I might get a window later, but I knew myself well enough to know that if I went to the farmers' market and then came home, I was not going to run. I thought maybe the MUP would be safer and more pleasant in that kind of weather. So, I packed up a cooler full of ice packs for the food, a jar of water for the flowers I planned to buy, and threw my running clothes and gear into a sack, and hoped that my motivation was already in the car somewhere, because I was not finding it.

I did my shopping, drove to the next town for another store and where I planned to run, changed in a cold restroom and headed out. I gave myself permission to turn around early if I just couldn't motivate or if it started raining hard enough that I couldn't stay warm. Didn't see another soul for about four miles. As the weather cleared slightly and I passed through the next town, there were a few people out, but at least half of them seemed to be getting ready for their fall marathons too, most likely Columbus in two weeks. But there were even a couple of women on Brompton folding bikes, enjoying the wet leaves and dodging walnuts.

I got it done, hardly got hailed on at all, and here's the kicker: running at the same effort level I usually do my long runs in the hills, I ran it 1:15/mile faster than even the not-so-hilly loop I did last week. So now I know how much free strength and endurance training I get just by running in my own "backyard." :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Owlie

Another day of C25k week one yesterday. I might repeat week 1 next week too.

---

It's never a bad idea to repeat weeks as needed. The ones who get themselves into trouble are the those who doggedly stick to any plan when their body isn't quite ready to progress. Week 2 will always be there when you're ready for it.

Oakleaf, that sounds great, fantastic even!

Owlie, you are doing well to listen to your body! My knee is only now recovering from an ill-advised trail 5K I did in early June. Week 2 isn't going anywhere until you are ready for it!

Great job getting it done, Oak...and fast, to boot! Nice!

I ran the Portland Half Marathon on Sunday. I had another friend running the half and two more doing the full, so it was a fun day. I ran the first 11 miles side by side with a friend from high school who was doing the full and we both agreed that those 11 miles were by far, the best of the day. We both faded fast after the split but luckily, I only had to survive two more. She had 15 more! Everyone agreed that it was a tough day and I think it was partly the heat. We are just not used to 85F and some humidity in October!

Anyway, despite a plethora of blisters on my toes, the heat, and those two tough miles, I was only 10 minutes off my PR for a half. Considering how undisciplined my training has been, I am not complaining. It was an EXTREMELY well done race though and I'm thinking I'll do it again next year to redeem myself.

My next will likely be a half in December. I'll sign up for it once I nail down my travel schedule for that month to make sure I'll be in town. :-)

Yay GLC! Heat is brutal. Bet you'd have had a PR in better temperatures.

I'm a big fan of Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister colloidal pads. I can usually run and walk pain free if I cover blisters with them. For blister prevention I'll pre-wrap my most blister prone toes, especially in hot or wet weather. I also slather my feet with Band-Aid Friction Block, which I think is better than Body Glide on feet. With that protocol (and with finally finding shoes that more or less fit!, and keeping problem calluses shaved) I haven't actually had a blister in a few years. I still use Body Glide anywhere else I need it, but the blue stick stays on feet longer IMO. Anyway hope they heal up fast.

Thanks for all the hints, Oak! I've never done any blister prevention for running before (mostly because I don't usually have blister issues), so this is very helpful. I was ready to dump my shoes and try new ones, but maybe my shoes are fine and I just need to think about some other prevention measures. Cool.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Yay GLC! Heat is brutal. Bet you'd have had a PR in better temperatures.

I'm a big fan of Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister colloidal pads. I can usually run and walk pain free if I cover blisters with them. For blister prevention I'll pre-wrap my most blister prone toes, especially in hot or wet weather. I also slather my feet with Band-Aid Friction Block, which I think is better than Body Glide on feet. With that protocol (and with finally finding shoes that more or less fit!, and keeping problem calluses shaved) I haven't actually had a blister in a few years. I still use Body Glide anywhere else I need it, but the blue stick stays on feet longer IMO. Anyway hope they heal up fast.

---

Nice work, GLC!!

Also, I think Body Glide is absolute garbage. I don't know how it's so popular, because it's crap and it's $$. I gave up when I had several sticks totally crumble with 1/3 of the product remaining. A couple of ultra friends told me about Two Toms Sport Shield roll-on (I use it for "chub rub" and if I get raw spots around my bra band or anywhere else) and I've been hooked on that since. No need to reapply, unlike Body Glide. And they have a Blister Shield sock powder that is phenomenal. I don't get ANY blisters during races, ever. Hardly even any hot spots.

Is that the stuff with teflon? Ew. No thanks. I lived in the Ohio Valley for a while, and even if I hadn't I wouldn't put the stuff on my body.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Is that the stuff with teflon? Ew. No thanks. I lived in the Ohio Valley for a while, and even if I hadn't I wouldn't put the stuff on my body.

---

Sport Shield: Dimethicone, Aloe Vera Extract, Vitamin E
Blister Shield sock powder contains PTFE, but it's not heated and since I only use it for longer races I'm using it maybe 5-6x/year, at most. I looked around and couldn't find any reliable risks associated with the stuff. I think I have a greater risk from the potential of a MRSA infection with a popped blister.

Maybe I'm hyper-aware because I used to know people who worked at the Parkersburg plant and others who got their water from the contaminated well fields. But, I didn't realize that not all 2Toms products have PTFE.

Was really looking forward to a decent run today, but with 90% chance of rain & thunderstorms predicted all day, guess it's not in the cards.

Rainy and chilly here too. After a bunch of emotional drama in the morning I managed to drag myself out yesterday for a broken tempo run, actually the same workout I was doing the day I got hurt two and a half years ago. I was dressed well enough to stay warm and it never rained hard (today's recovery run might be a different story though). One more local 5K tomorrow, one more long run Monday or Tuesday, then taper. I've never been so blasé about a marathon before. Another new experience. :D

Last long run before taper. I did the crazy hilly route I'd mapped out a few weeks ago, and it was crazy hilly, but I started confident and finished strong. It didn't hurt one bit that it started like this, and only got more beautiful as I got onto the more remote roads:

Attachment 17428

I'm dumb. I went for a run on Sunday because it was chilly and dreary out (my favorite run weather) and my husband didn't want to ride until the afternoon. I was enjoying the cooler temps and since I knew I was only going to do 5 miles, I thought I'd pick up the pace. I was kicking it and having a blast when for no particular reason except my own inattentiveness, the sidewalk rose up to meet me...hard. I was about a mile into the run and almost pulled out my phone for my husband to come get me. I'd bashed both my knees and scraped my palms, but my left knee was the worst. It didn't hurt to run, so I did another 1.5 miles before I couldn't take it anymore and called for a ride.

It's now two days later and I'm not only limping from hitting it so hard, but I am not sleeping because of the painful road rash. My knees were covered by my tights but they got scraped up anyway. The left one is really angry and gross but oddly enough, the tights were not damaged!

OW!! BTDT (once in my own house where I forgot about the step out of the kitchen that had always been there).

Ow GLC!! Heal quick! Shallow road rash is the most painful of all because it exposes all the nerve endings without damaging them enough to shut them up. DAMHIK ....

Doing the MDI Half Marathon in Bar Harbor this Sunday...heading up tomorrow and making a mini-vacation out of it (going to do some biking, hiking etc. while there). Last long run (12 miles this past Monday) was absolutely horrendous so I hope that isn't any indication of how I will do...I am trying to blame the yucky run on being post awful night shift with basically no sleep but it still doesn't do good things for one's confidence. Weather for the race is looking good as of right now and it will be a very scenic course so I am looking forward to it. If I can beat my time from the Maine Half two years ago (2:40 and change--yes, I am wicked slow) I will be pleased.

Jolt, hope your race went well!

We had beautiful weather today for the Columbus marathon, hope yours was similar. I went up and volunteered at packet pick-up on Friday since I wasn't going to be running this year. I had fun, checked in a few people I knew, enjoyed chatting with the other volunteers. I also wanted to hit the expo so I won't be tempted to shop in New York because I know it's going to be a zoo! The expo in Columbus was pretty sparse, but I accomplished my main goal, which was to grab a couple of throwaway sweatshirts from the Goodwill booth. :)

I had a little shoe trouble that's got me slightly worried ... I'd set aside a new pair of shoes for the marathon. Wore them for the first time last week, and somehow the far end of the tongue, that sits inside the toe box, folded over and chewed a big hole in the top of my middle toe. :( I've been able to bandage it enough to run without aggravating it, but it doesn't really want to heal, either, and I'm afraid to wear those shoes now. My other pair of the same model have few enough miles that I can race in them in a pinch, so I'm not totally stuck. I'm going to have to take the newer pair out for a few really short runs to see what happens ... probably call Altra tomorrow, they're a small company and might have suggestions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Jolt, hope your race went well!

We had beautiful weather today for the Columbus marathon, hope yours was similar. I went up and volunteered at packet pick-up on Friday since I wasn't going to be running this year. I had fun, checked in a few people I knew, enjoyed chatting with the other volunteers. I also wanted to hit the expo so I won't be tempted to shop in New York because I know it's going to be a zoo! The expo in Columbus was pretty sparse, but I accomplished my main goal, which was to grab a couple of throwaway sweatshirts from the Goodwill booth. :)

I had a little shoe trouble that's got me slightly worried ... I'd set aside a new pair of shoes for the marathon. Wore them for the first time last week, and somehow the far end of the tongue, that sits inside the toe box, folded over and chewed a big hole in the top of my middle toe. :( I've been able to bandage it enough to run without aggravating it, but it doesn't really want to heal, either, and I'm afraid to wear those shoes now. My other pair of the same model have few enough miles that I can race in them in a pinch, so I'm not totally stuck. I'm going to have to take the newer pair out for a few really short runs to see what happens ... probably call Altra tomorrow, they're a small company and might have suggestions.

---

Just checked results...time was 2:15:04 which is WAY better than I did in my half two years ago (that one was 2:40 and change...largely to do with having run that one on very poor sleep because I had been on overnight call). Weather was good for running--50 degrees and overcast, though some wind at the beginning. Everyone had talked about how hard and hilly the course was, but it was not as hard as I had expected--yes there were hills, but mostly longer gradual inclines which are the kind of hills I tend to do well with (it's the short steep ones that are a real bugger). Plus, I had made sure to seek out some nasty hills in training which definitely paid off. During the first few miles I had a lot of people passing me, but after about mile 5 or 6 I started catching quite a few people who must have gone out too fast, or maybe I sped up a little once warmed up. I also saw someone get proposed to at the finish line just after I finished...I had ended up running the last couple miles with her, she had mentioned that her boyfriend had run as well but was way ahead, and when she crossed the finish line he was waiting and next thing I saw was him down on his knee! A race to remember for the happy couple for sure. Oak, hope your race goes well and that you sort out your shoe trouble!

Jolt, super job! Congratulations!

Wow, Jolt, that's great! And what a romantic thing to witness at the end. It's true love when being a sweaty mess does not stand in the way of the proposal!

Yes, it was quite romantic! Normally I am not a fan of the whole public proposal thing (some of them really put the person on the spot which is not cool) but this one was cute and not over the top.

I am about to sign up for a marathon that is 16 weeks away....
So about 14 years ago my mom had a mastectomy and chemo. She's had a few scares and reoccurrences along the way but controlled with oral meds. 2 years ago she had full chemo again with resulting neuropathy, she also had radiation that she finished a year ago. She had 1 good PET scan but now it's back. We are now at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville seeking our next options. Sure she is 78, but she is otherwise heathy and not ready to give in. So, I've done the 26.2 with Donna half marathon 2-3 times and the full marathon once (my 1 and only marathon). But as I drive onto the Mayo campus I see the parking lot and area that the race starts from and I feel it calling me. Sure I could just do the 1/2, the distance I a comfortable to do even with poor training. But I feel I should be challenged and I need some structure right now.
So the big issue for me is the consistency. As some of you may have read my posts before, I can usually get the long runs in, but running consistently mid-week is always a challenge.
Today's run was a 10 miler in prep for a trail 1/2 marathon I have in a little over 2 weeks. I am doing a 10 K trail run this weekend. So I am running. Now to get a plan and stick with it! So you might see me posting a bit more here as I should be running a little more consistently!
K

Beginning of running consistently: 3 miles today. Didn't feel too bad after yesterday's 10.
K

Yay Kat! Your weather should be cooling off, eh? You'll nail this. :)

Just in time for "nothing new on race day," the NYT decides to print this piece about a study where mid-pack marathoners who ate a gel every 20 minutes ran considerably faster than the control group. :eek:

But, it's not a goal race, and I'd planned to experiment with nutrition anyway, in a way I really can't on training runs. My plan was to take at least some Gatorade from the aid stations - not my habit, since I don't train with Gatorade, both because it wreaks havoc on my gut the next day and because I don't want to clean it out of my hydration pack. But I was just so nauseous at Boston that I couldn't even take the gels I'd planned, and I know that hurt me in the end, so I did want to try running on Gatorade. I may as well take some at a LOT of the aid stations and see how that works.

I'm getting excited. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

I'm getting excited. :)

---

Wishing you a great time!

Thanks! I had a great time! The crowd energy was incredible, and there were a LOT of international runners which made it very cool. I even nailed my clothing, which I was stressing about since I'd never run in that kind of wind before. It was totally worth getting up at 3:30 am. (but thank goodness for daylight savings time!) Plus, got my BQ for 2016. :)

AWESOME. I knew that wind was going to be there and hoped that you all were able to manage it. I've been in Central Park as runners came through and it was amazing-- warm and friendly and exciting. And wow on the BQ!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Thanks! I had a great time! The crowd energy was incredible, and there were a LOT of international runners which made it very cool. I even nailed my clothing, which I was stressing about since I'd never run in that kind of wind before. It was totally worth getting up at 3:30 am. (but thank goodness for daylight savings time!) Plus, got my BQ for 2016. :)

---

Congratulations Oakleaf, sounds great! I am glad you were able to do this AND get your BQ :)

Indianapolis had the Monumental Marathon on Saturday. It is a long tradition here for the first Sat in November and is a Boston qualifier. One expects unpredictable weather on Nov 1 in central Indiana, but NOT temps 20 degrees below normal and snow :eek: It was hard enough for me to get out from under the blankets and head for my usual Sat AM KB competition training session which is inside, can't imagine what that must have been like, especially the waiting around before things got started. Thinking of them while I was completing a full competition length set with my comp weight made what I was doing seem much easier!