Beginning to Run Thread

[Catrin]

Due to being ill, and the weather last weekend, I've not been able to do any trail running for three weeks! I changed that today. Since it's been so long since I've been able to hit the trails, and I am still conditioning my body to this new activity, I decided to limit it to 2 miles. That was my goal, but I didn't quite make it I shouldn't have been surprised since I've not run outdoors for so long and we've not done any running recently in my group training sessions. I did 1.57 miles in 24 minutes...but that included walking time, a bathroom break and a water stop. I didn't walk much at all - and I stopped when my Achilles started hurting a bit. I had micro-tears in that tendon 4 years ago so I do pay attention to it.

Since that terrible bladder infection, I still have to take more...breaks than before so that wasn't a surprise. I ran far more than I walked, so I will take it. If I could figure out how to get my running app to stop when I stop that would help get a better idea of my overall time.

[Catrin]

Temps breaking 50 this afternoon WITH lots of sunshine - time to break out my trail shoes

I am wondering about what to wear. It will be 48-50 when I hit the trails. I don't want to overdress but I do get cold easily. I am thinking about my MidZero tights (lightest weight tights I own), knee high socks, smartwool base layer and my convertible light-weight jacket. I can always remove the sleeves from that if I need to do so.

Does that sound like too much? Dressing for outdoor temps is very individual as some of us tolerate colder temps better than others. I will be walking/running, and as I've not done any trail running since the end of Oct/first of November I wont be pushing it hard so I suspect a little warmer isn't a bad idea.

BTW, I bought new Brooks Ghosts version 6 yesterday for gym work so I can devote my trail shoes (Brooks Cascadias) to, well, trails. Hopefully having the two pair will make both of them last longer.

[Blueberry]

I FINALLY GET TO RUN!!!!!

Did a 1 mile 1/2 walk, 1/2 run under the watchful eye of my PT on Thursday. I get to go out today on my own! Have new running shoes I love (Pearl Izumi EM Road N2 - a compromise as I really prefer minimalist, but my PT has limited that). I also have new walking shoes (Mizuno Ferus) - more minimal, so I'm happy, but enough support to keep my PT happy!

[skhill]

Catrin, I'd be in shorts with a lightweight long sleeved shirt, and wool socks and mittens. You're right, it's very individual! We're headed to 50 too, and I'm thinking of a bike ride, if I can decide what to wear...

[Catrin]

Catrin, I'd be in shorts with a lightweight long sleeved shirt, and wool socks and mittens. You're right, it's very individual! We're headed to 50 too, and I'm thinking of a bike ride, if I can decide what to wear...

I didn't think about mittens, thanks! Since I might be walking more than running (we will see), I will go with the tights. Even on the bike I wear tights in temps <60 and sometimes up to 62 depending on how overcast/windy it might be. I am really looking forward to it! Drinking my second cup of coffee for the day, allow the temps to warm another 30 minutes, then headed out. Recording "McHales Navy" on my DVR and will finish watching it when I get home.

[VeganBikeChick]

I love my Brooks Ghosts! Only shoe I'll run in. The Brooks rep encouraged me to try Ravennas & I returned them within the week. You don't even know you have them on

[Catrin]

I love my Brooks Ghosts! Only shoe I'll run in. The Brooks rep encouraged me to try Ravennas & I returned them within the week. You don't even know you have them on

I am looking forward to wearing my Ghosts to my usual crazy group conditioning workout tomorrow as it will be the first time I've worn them. There is normally some running involved I LOVE my Cascadias for trail running. The store rep said I could use the Ghosts for light trail running, but that isn't what I bought them for. I feel the Cascadias more aggressive soles provide more traction on the trail and it feels like they also provide a bit more ankle support. With my foot surgery that is a good thing.

I just got in, ran/walked 1.67 miles. Not bad for not doing any trail work since the end of October - it just isn't the same as running on the track at the gym. My knee never complained once (yayyyyy), and my tight heel cord that sometimes complained loosened up. The only reason I stopped when I did was my left hamstring started complaining, and it is still complaining a bit. I wasn't fatigued at all. Unsure why the hammie complained...unless it has something to do with the cooler temps, I've not been exercising outside at all. I do not believe that trail running is near as hard on my body/legs as what I do at the gym - at least not the easy trails I was on today. Pretty flat terrain, only about ~750 feet of climbing and descent. Only a few sections with roots and those were muddy enough that I walked them.

Considering I was up to 2 miles before my body started complaining before winter weather hit, I am not going to complain. I had a very slow pace but did spend a bit more time running than walking. I split it up depending on how my body feels as I think that is more important than choosing some arbitrary amount of time to run/walk (and then trying to keep track of the split). 16.2 minute pace, but that was with walking, it will be interesting to see how much I can shave off that as I can walk less and run more

My clothing choices were spot on for the temps! Even with the tights I was pretty cool starting out, but warmed up. I never felt the urge to unzip my convertible shell or to remove the sleeves. Very glad I had gloves!

[Catrin]

Yayyyy Blueberry - that is awesome! Congrats on the new shoes as well I LOVE my Brooks, they are the best things that have EVER been on my feet. Apparently I've a "very" neutral stride and my high arches really appreciate the support. I've tried running in more minimal shoes but those hurt...