May Running

[Susan Otcenas]

11 miles this morning. 2hrs 6 minutes at 11:30/mile. Still doing the slow-pace-low-heartrate thing, but at this level of effort my pace does not degrade. All my miles were +/- 20 seconds, varying mostly by the terrain.

It lightly rained for much of the run, but it was really warm (60 degrees at 6:30 am which is WAY warmer than it's been most days here lately) so even though I was wet, I managed not to be chilled.

I ended up with a weird chafe mark in a spot I don't normally chafe - high on my shoulder near my neck, from the bra strap. Just on one side, oddly. I really like this bra (it plays nice with my HR strap), so maybe I'll try a little BodyGlide next time I run in it.

[katluvr]

Today I consider my self a "real" runner. I know I run and do many events. But at times I don't feel really like a runner for various reasons including, not looking like a runner, not fast, I won't ever win a race or age group and there are days that I just don't feel like running. BUt today I ran 13 miles in the rain, pouring rain at times. I think only us "real runners" do something like that! I got up and watched the radar and there were bands and bands of rain coming. I considered all my options of postponing my 13 mile run, but I have biking and paddle boarding planned this weekend. Plus I need to run 15 miles on Tuesday as I am going out of town for work and will not have a chance for a long run for over a week. So I put on my clothes and out I went.

So it rained or poured about 75% of the run. Good news was it made my run comfortable temperature wise....kept the heat under control. I felt pretty good through most of the run.

Wanted to thank Susan for the information about compression calf sleeves. I did run in them last week for my 12 miler. They did make my legs HOT. But I think overall I felt better after the run. So I pulled those suckers on again today for this long run.

Now if I can just get my "during the week" training more consistent!

K

[Susan Otcenas]

Wanted to thank Susan for the information about compression calf sleeves. I did run in them last week for my 12 miler. They did make my legs HOT. But I think overall I felt better after the run. So I pulled those suckers on again today for this long run.

For my long run yesterday I wore my CWX compression knickers, but skipped the socks because it was so humid out. Really regretting that choice today as my calves are sore and I was bordering on a charlie horse last night just walking around the house. Last weekend I ran a half marathon in my compression knickers and CEP socks and had virtually no soreness afterwards.

I have a half ironman in two weeks and have to make some clothing decisions here soon. Biggest decision has been whether or not to wear the compression socks. I know I *should* but usually I wear them with knickers when I run, so it sort of just looks like tights. But I really hate the shorts-with-tall-sock look on me. My legs are "stout" and I feel really goofy wearing an outfit that basically just exposes my knees. The pros can look cool doing it, but as a short, stout, back-of-the-pack, middle-aged female, I feel a bit silly. Which is ridiculous, because they really ARE helping me run much better and recover way faster. Which begs the whole "why do I give a rip what other people think" question.... Good question.

[Blueberry]

I have a half ironman in two weeks and have to make some clothing decisions here soon. Biggest decision has been whether or not to wear the compression socks. I know I *should* but usually I wear them with knickers when I run, so it sort of just looks like tights. But I really hate the shorts-with-tall-sock look on me. My legs are "stout" and I feel really goofy wearing an outfit that basically just exposes my knees. The pros can look cool doing it, but as a short, stout, back-of-the-pack, middle-aged female, I feel a bit silly. Which is ridiculous, because they really ARE helping me run much better and recover way faster. Which begs the whole "why do I give a rip what other people think" question.... Good question.

I bet most of them are thinking "D@mn I wanna be her." Seriously - you rock. Don't ever let anyone tell you you don't.

[Veronica]

Wear the socks; you'll feel better.

Can you get them on quickly in transition? I swear it takes me five minutes to get them on.

Veronica

[Susan Otcenas]

Can you get them on quickly in transition? I swear it takes me five minutes to get them on.

No. I'm an uncoordinated klutz. At my Half Iron 2 years ago, I made the big mistake of trying to put them on in T1. Seriously bad idea. Longest T1 EVER. After a long and brutally cold swim, my hands were non functional.

If I wear them I will put them on before the swim. I swim with neoprene swim booties (I'm a human popsicle), so they won't get dirty on the run from the water to my bike. I'll simply strip off my wetsuit and booties, put on my shoes, and be good to go. I'd expect them to dry out over 58 miles.

Alternatively, I could wear compression calf sleeves under my wetsuit, and put on regular (dry) short socks in T1 to wear on the bike and run. This would be preferable f I had concerns about the wet socks drying out. I don't want to run in wet socks. I've NEVER chafed or blistered in my compression socks, but I've also never run in them after they've been wet for 58 miles either.

[Crankin]

Wear the socks, Susan.
So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

[Susan Otcenas]

Wear the socks, Susan.
So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

I would choose a light knicker, a thin long sleeve performance tee and a cap with a brim to keep the rain off my glasses. I'd rather risk being a little too warm (at which point I can push up the sleeves) than be too cold. But, I chill very very easily and my Raynaud's kicks in at the drop of a dime. When I look around, I'm usually the most warmly dressed person visible. So, perhaps my advice just sucks.

Good luck on your race!! Looking forward to a race report.

[OakLeaf]

Good luck Crankin, and have fun!

I'm always cold too, but you'll warm up fast in a race. If you do go with long sleeves, make sure the sleeves can be pushed up as Susan suggested, and also a long zipper at the neck will help. But I'd also give yourself an option in case it doesn't wind up raining. Wool socks for sure.

[Catrin]

I ran this week. Monday an entire mile, and did the same thing Tuesday. This was at the gym during a class and it wasn't all at once. This is nothing compared to what you ladies are able to do - and frankly that is what my bike is for. However, I DID IT My knees were only moderately unhappy with me later - but my hamstrings were most unhappy and are finally about over it 3 days later. No riding since Monday morning because of it. Who would have figured that running would get hammies cranky

I am not about to take up running at 52, though if my knees were better I would love to take up trail running. I am starting a 6 week free summer cross-training class at my gym that will revolve around a physical challenge that the class starts/ends with and in-between we work with a trainer twice a week on various ways to get better and the running is a small portion of it.

It was kind of fun to just start running though - and my heart rate didn't get any higher than it does on the bike. I think I can see the attraction.

[Crankin]

Your clothing suggestions are very much what I thought. I do get very warm when I run, but rain at that temperature could mean slight hypothermia for me. I was actually thinking of a very light wool LS base layer, where I could push the sleeves up. I do have a LS PI running jersey with a 1/4 zip, but it might be heavier than I want. I was thinking the wool would keep me warm in the rain.
I hate wearing hats, but I have a long visor running cap.
I haven't run in a week, but somehow I am looking forward to this. The last time I did this race, my time was 34:00 exactly and I think I am way ahead of this, but who knows. MY goal is 30:00.

[Veronica]

So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

I have a wool bike jersey that I wear when it's cold and rainy. It's got a pretty long zipper so I can ventilate if I need to and knickers.

Have a great time!

Veronica

[Catrin]

Have fun Crankin, have a great time and I am sure you will meet your goal!

[emily_in_nc]

Good luck, Crankin! Maybe the rain will hold off, and it will just be overcast and coolish -- much better than too hot, no? I'm sure you'll do great!

[7rider]

Wear the socks, Susan.
So, my 5K is tomorrow. Weather forecast at the start: 55, showers, chance of heavy downpours/thunderstorms.
Lovely. What should I wear?

When I did a 10k in similar conditions (light mist - didn't actually have a big chance of rain for the event), I wore shorts, compression calf sleeves, a light LS base layer under a tri top and my Pearl Izumi vest. And a brimmed hat. I ended up carrying the vest, but probably for a 5k, you wouldn't need to.

Good luck with it!