Running Aug 3 thru Aug 9

[limewave]

Crankin--have you tried using trekking poles when you hike? You won't feel the urge to run as much and it will provide some stability which may help your hip and back. You also burn more calories using trekking poles.

I'm hoping to do a 4-5 mile trail run today--mom's babysitting for me

[Crankin]

I have thought about getting trekking poles for the light hiking we do in the other local trails. I am not the most sure-footed person, so I thought it might help with stream crossings, etc. I have used my snow shoe poles on occasion.
Well, we shall see how the hip progresses.

[Jolt]

I have thought about getting trekking poles for the light hiking we do in the other local trails. I am not the most sure-footed person, so I thought it might help with stream crossings, etc. I have used my snow shoe poles on occasion.
Well, we shall see how the hip progresses.

A lot of people use them and find them helpful, and they can be nice to have on stream crossings. However, you're also then stuck with something in both hands all the time (unless you collapse them and tie them to your pack, in which case you're stuck with extra weight) and personally I'd rather have my hands free. I picked up a pair of poles for cheap to try, and now the only time I use them is for winter hiking/snowshoeing b/c in the other seasons the disadvantages outweigh the advantages for me (especially having switched to hiking in VFFs etc.--this has resulted in being MUCH more surefooted). You'll have to give them a try and see what you prefer--lots of people swear by them so I know I'm an oddball .

[Crankin]

Yea, the having things in both hands was annoying when I tried using the poles. If I was hiking in difficult terrain for the majority of the time, it would be less of an issue, but around here, not so much. I did end up collapsing them and sticking them in my pack, although a lot of times, for local hikes, snow shoeing, and x country skiing, I use a waist pack with bottles. And yesterday, I was using my Nathan waist pack, which is really for running and doesn't have any way to attach the poles.
If I go somewhere else that has more difficult terrain, I will try the poles again. The main trail at Estabrook is the closest thing to flat around here; a steady 2% grade out and slight downhill back. The rest of the area has more real hills, but I get lost in there and wait until I can go with someone else!

[Jolt]

Short trail run/walk this evening (would have been longer but it was getting a bit dark in the woods, making it harder to see hazards like rocks/roots sticking up!) Kind of tough b/c I have a lot of sore muscles from a conditioning class I tried Wednesday night at the Y (great class, but it kicked my butt!!!).

[OakLeaf]

5.5 miles @ 10 min., just to get out and run. I said I wasn't going to taper, and I'm not, but you didn't notice me doing ladder intervals today.

[Deborajen]

Well, I just did 5 miles this morning. Ended up walking the last 3/4 mile because I wore myself out in the heat trying to avoid some small dogs that were chasing me and nipping at my feet. I was about to squirt them with my water bottle when they gave up. I've never seen these dogs before and I run in this area quite a bit. It was 86 degrees when I got home and it's humid. I nearly ran out of water so the last thing I wanted to do was hose some dogs - and the plan was to do 6 miles today. *Sigh*

Susan, sounds like you'll be in great shape for your half mary. My longest run before my first HM was 10 miles. With good base miles, it'll go great.

Deb