The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: dblaace on January 01, 2020, 06:07:09 AM
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Starting the year off with a trail run with my tribe.
Continuing on from the 2019 thread
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/on-your-mark-get-set-2019-runners-thread/
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Two fairly gentle paced parkruns to start the year off. Both in lovely parks, one I haven't done before. Some huge attendances in the UK today, must be a lot of new years resolutions getting started.
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Broke my 2 mile PR according to strava this morning. Picked up running in the fall in an attempt to keep my physical level somewhere close to my peak after finishing a 2000+ mile hike.
Goal is to jog two miles every day this year. Started on Monday, so today was the third day in a row. I’m interested to see if I get faster and by how much. I’ve been shaving seconds off every few weeks it seems.
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Maybe link to the 2019 thread in your original post that people can use as reference?
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Maybe link to the 2019 thread in your original post that people can use as reference?
Good idea. I added it.
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30minute run for me on new years day. I used to run a fair amount but haven't barely run at all since late 2014. Which is bad. Plenty of walking though (and I walk fast. Most days I walk commute about 5km in total up and down some hills). I did do a couple of light short runs in December.
Yesterdays run went surprisingly well. I won't run more than 30minutes for a fair while though, want to build up slowly and with a slow pace.
Goal for 2020 is to do a 10km run in under 60minutes. I'll be chuffed with 59'59".
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I'm in the middle of training for a half marathon, but today was a cardio day so I biked instead. And did a 1.29 mile walk so I could join one of the other challenges on here.
I'm a hobby runner and have never done an official race. I would like to do several this year. I do have some minor issues that I go to physical therapy for, so that I can continue to run as much as possible.
I saw this run the year challenge: https://runtheyear.com/, but I'm not going to pay to join something like that when I can post here and track my mileage myself.
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Training continues for the half marathon in March. I'm up to 4.5 mile long runs, which was unthinkable to any past version of myself. I'm still pretty slow, averaging 11.5 minute miles using the run/walk method. But at least I'm doing it!
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Used to run a lot, but only off and on for the last 2-3 years.
Started to pickup my fitness about 2 months ago...so now running 2-3 times a week and weights at the gym 2-3 times a week.
Going for my first run of the year today after work....sadly will have to be on the treadmill at the gym (which I hate) as it's raining way to much to run outside. I'm much prefer running outdoors even if it's freezing out...but in the rain, not so much.
I'm a pretty slow runner as well but I do it for myself, my health, and my meditation/thinking time. Last run was monday. 3.2 miles 10:21" pace.
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Started the year with a good resolution 5k. Ran with a friend and her friend, she said "this is chill, we can all stay together!" Buuuut...I knew that wasn't gonna happen, even BEFORE she said "I'm hoping to do sub-30".
(For the record, I am well trained and fast enough to do sub-30. Barely. And not repeatably. But it would have been abso-fucking-lutely miserable.)
I finished in 31:29, and I am totally thrilled about that time, because I've not been able to "feel" a 10:00-ish mile in a long time.
My 2020 running resolution: Have fun, and give myself the permission to fucking PHONE IT IN. I spent all of 2019 trying to get "back" to where I was in 2018 before the hamstring injury. I was determined, and miserable. It wasn't fun. I had a GOAL (in this case, a sub-1 hour 10k), and I didn't hit it, and I felt bad. And I got these two different nagging injuries both times I tried to ramp mileage in order to hit that goal.
So THIS year, my 50th year on the planet, I want to rediscover the JOY. I want to EXPLORE. And if I'm in the middle of a 6.5 mile run, enjoying new scenery, and the run starts to suck, I am giving myself the permission to fucking WALK back to the car.
No race goals. No pace goals. If I feel like racing, I will. If I don't, I won't.
But please, talk me out of this:
https://vacationraces.com/half-marathons/yosemite/
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Definitely not talking you out of that @mm1970!
Having just hiked the Inca Trail I’ve discovered they run a marathon over it in July each year. Over 2km of vertical elevation gain, low point is 2,400m, highest point is 4,200m!
Race record is 3:45, which is truly out of this world. Peruvians should definitely be sending more runners to the Olympics, but unfortunately poverty prevents them from being able to train and go.
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I'm in. I too a huge break from running when I got pregnant with Puglet, who is now 8 months! I am registering for a Half Marathon in June so I am just starting out this week and I plan to run 3 times a week. This week I ran Monday, Wednesday, and will run again tomorrow. Future weeks will be Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday. Starting out really slow just one mile so far. Tomorrow I will increase a bit to 1.5 mi. I'm going to look for a 5k for either this month or next.
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I'm in...still very slow but planning on two 7K trail races this winter and a half-marathon in October. I have lax ligaments in one knee, so I'm experimenting with a brace. Motivation gets pretty low when I'm always the slowest by a long, long shot in my run groups.
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Getting back into it now that our baby is bigger. Hubby and I have a running challenge against one another so that should be fun. 2 runs in 2 days so far, 7 miles total and feeling good. Bring it, 2020!
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7 miles today, well yesterday. I'm at work right now/night shift. It was a speed run so 1 mile wu, then 5 miles at race pace, 1 mile cd.
The 5 miles were done at 8:19 which was kind of a struggle. I've lived in Colorado almost 5 yrs now and still find it hard to run at times bc of the elevation and it's about impossible to find a flatter route around my house. The hills still get me.
I think 8:45 pace is more realistic it i do this half marathon next month.
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Multiple minor injuries and laziness limited my running last year. I plan to fix that. 2 days into the year already, 2 runs already in the books. Planning a slow jog for about 4 miles later this afternoon.
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New Year post and running history/summary:
I started running in Late June of 2018. After spending 6 months straight alternating 70/80 hr work weeks, I started a new job and felt like I had all the time in the world and needed a way to make good use of the free time. Prior to that, I don’t think I had ever ran more than 2 miles in my life. I had been an avid weightlifter from age 14-today(31).
Lots of research and trial and error when I started running. Have had a few injuries. Oddly, since starting running, I have had two of the worst weightlifting injuries of my life. Major injury to my back (on my 5th rep squatting 355) then about a month later, to my shoulder while bench pressing. Anyways - some major milestones for me were hitting 1000 miles total ran last fall.
I’ve run 3 total races so far: 5k in 22:43, 10k in 45:49, and half marathon in 1:41:09. After my last half marathon in early December, it’s taken me considerably longer to recover than I expected. Granted, I ran it way harder than I planned. I was aiming for 1:45 to have it be a “trial” for my half marathon in a couple weeks. Instead I had that edge built up and went all out. Unfortunately, do to the long recovery I don’t have a major desire to do my half in a couple weeks and will be out a pretty decent little chunk of money. I know in the long run it’s the best choice, and getting more miles and training under my belt will be best. I enjoy races but I hate the taper weeks and also recovery. I really “just love to run” and don’t need to train for a race to do it. All of my races I only signed up a few weeks before cause I only want to do them when I know I’m 100%.
In 2020, my goal is to break 1000 miles, although realistically I should easily hit 1500. During my best training weeks I’ve been in the low 30 miles per week. I’d love to maintain around 30-40 miles/wk.
I should easily beat a 22 min 5k, 45 min 10k, and 1:40 half this year, but I’m usually pretty modest in my goals vs how I perform. Ultimately, I just want to cross each finish line knowing I gave it 100%, that’s much better for me than hitting a time, though they usually go hand in hand.
Since starting running, I’ve also really started listening to tons of running audiobooks. I very, very firmly believe that most runners have far more in the tank than they realize each race, as being on point mentally makes a HUGE difference in addition to training. Usually the evening before and while my wife drives me to each race, I watch a lot of YouTube videos that really put me in the zone.
Running books I’ve read(well, audible) the last year and a half:
Ultramarathon Man: Dean Karnazes
Finding Ultra: Rich Roll
Born to Run: Christopher McDougall
Can’t Hurt Me: David Goggins (moreso life motivation and fitness, also, lots and lots of profanity)
What I Talk about When I Talk About Running: Haruki Murakami
Once a Runner: John L. Parker
Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance - Alex Hutchinson (by far the best book about the performance benefits of the right mindset)
The Rise of the Ultra Runners: Adharanand Finn
Eat and Run: Scott Jurek
Next on the list are “80/20 Running” and “Running with the Kenyans.”
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Ran 3 times this week and today I increased my distance from 1 mile to 1.5 miles today. I can already tell I'm going to need to keep ahead of my IT band. It was irritating me this evening. I'll be doing lots of stretching and foam rolling before bed.
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My running plan had this week be a lighter week, so my long run was closer to a 5k than it has been since the beginning of December. Well, I shaved 2 minutes off that 5k time without really trying to. Glad to know that even though each run individually feels hard and slow, the cumulative miles are making a difference!
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And I’m already dealing with some sort of hamstring issue.
Had a lingering upper hamstring issue from last year that hasn’t been super bothersome, but started having pain behind my knee/lower hamstring area.
Just going to try to keep working through it and see what happens. If it keeps getting worse, I will have to give it some rest
Plan is to run this evening and that will be day 7 in a row
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PTF. Excited for 2020! So far I've signed up for a half in March, a fun 5k inflatable race with SIL and MIL in June, and a full marathon in November.
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Did my first “harder” run since November and recovering from my half in early December. Just a mile warm up, two all out 1 mile repeats, then a mile cool down. I did my hard miles at 6:53 and 6:36. I would have been happy hitting 7 for each of them, based on how I’ve been feeling on my runs the last 5-6 weeks. I normally do three, 1 mile repeats, but still easing myself back into the mileage/intensity.
I also just bought some new insoles so we’ll see how they help. I pronate a little bit and my arches are a bit flat. They aren’t terrible and even watching a video of me running on a treadmill from behind, it’s pretty minor. My feet do just get a bit sore/cramps sometimes, and I think the slight misalignment may also impact my knees/hips/lower back. I ordered a cheaper pair for $20 off amazon. I’m not opposed to spending a lot on a good custom pair, but I figured I can try spending $20 before spending $400. We’ll see how many miles the insoles last though, as the custom ones have a lifetime warranty. I don’t run on the treadmill very much anymore, but probably will plan to for Fridays’ run so I can have my wife take a video of my feet and see if the insoles noticeably help the alignment.
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Nice to see so many running Mustachians!
My 2020 goal is to reach 2'600km with a few races thrown in there. I am FIRE and spending the first few months of 2020 in Cape Town. Running is great here!
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My first Parkrun for the year today. After a four week holiday with no running I knew I'd be a bit rusty but it was still a bit of a shock to die after 3km and then lose 2 minutes in the last 2km.
25:24 was my time. The course was hilly enough that it will strip about 75 seconds from your best. Still, lots of improvement to be had now over the coming weeks which will be good.
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Following! 2019 was a 'maintenance' year for me. I did lots of running, but I didn't enter any races. I had an unexpected bout with plantar fascitis in the fall, but that is finally on the mend. Very modest 2020 goals -- increase current distances and pace, and enter at least one local race.
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Goal in 2020 is to run 15-20 miles week, which is 3-4 runs (very low mileage compared to ten-fifteen years ago when I was running marathons but as I near 60 it works for me combined with yoga and 1-2 hikes/week)
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Welp, did my 2nd race of the year. I was kinda sorta training for it - an 8.2mi race from San Simeon to Cambria (a "fun run", as it were), except:
1. Each time last fall that I increased mileage and/or pace, I started getting these nagging injuries (hip, achilles)
2. I decided that 2020 would be the year of FUN.
So...after a week of sucking down Emergen-C and sleeping on the couch, I came down with my husband's cold anyway, on Friday, the day I drove to the hotel with a friend.
I slept very little the night before because every time I swallowed, it felt like I was swallowing broken glass.
I ran/ walked the race, and decided to make it fun - it was a gorgeous route. I had my watch set to 2:00 run/ 0:30 walk, figuring I could manage that better. But by 4 miles I could NOT keep my heart rate under 180 because of the damned cold. (My heart rate runs high anyway - it is not uncommon for my average HR for a run to be 170, when at my age it should be max 170).
So, the last half was a lot more walking, like I'd run 2/walk 30s/walk 2/walk 30 s/run, repeat...and I finished in just under 1:50, so a 13:12 ish pace.
(When I am in peak and uninjured condition, I could pull 10:45 miles, and I was hoping for 11:30 when I signed up for the race, but it was clear quickly that it wouldn't happen. 12:00 would have be doable without the cold.)
So I spent the rest of the weekend miserably sick with sinus pressure and I'm home sick, about to turn on the tube and take nap #1 for the day.
My friends and I are talking about making it a regular thing. Such a gorgeous course, and a fun girls' weekend away. Next time: better hotel.
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Well done, mm1970, for getting through the race with A COLD!! A heartrate of 180 is no joke.
Hopefully there will be more truly fun races this year for you!
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@mm1970 way to finish the race at least! Kudos to you for still going out and finishing it.
I’ve paid a non-refundable large amount for a race this weekend (I think over $140 or so, can’t remember as it’s been 5-6 months ago) and I’m not going to run it. I may go and watch. I’m feeling better than I was two weeks ago but knowing that it’s just going to set me back for my winter training all over again, doesn’t seem worth it. I’d like to run a 5k or 10k in late February or March, then a half around April, then take it easy during the summer when it’s 230948203948230948 degrees out.
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@mm1970 way to finish the race at least! Kudos to you for still going out and finishing it.
I’ve paid a non-refundable large amount for a race this weekend (I think over $140 or so, can’t remember as it’s been 5-6 months ago) and I’m not going to run it. I may go and watch. I’m feeling better than I was two weeks ago but knowing that it’s just going to set me back for my winter training all over again, doesn’t seem worth it. I’d like to run a 5k or 10k in late February or March, then a half around April, then take it easy during the summer when it’s 230948203948230948 degrees out.
Very smart to know when to call it. There were four of us doing this race (finish times of 1:20, 1:40, 1:50 and 2:00), and two other friends who bailed due to injury and just crazy schedules at home.
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Wednesday I increased to 3 miles! Only because my co-workers and I finally got the running club up started. I also ran Monday and will run again either Sat or Sun depending on the storm we're supposed to get. I am going to look for a 5k to run either Feb or March. I'm ready to get out there and start racing.
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Well done mm1970. Lack of sleep before a race really hurts me towards the back end. It's definitely noticeable.
I had a good running week last week. Completed 32km all up, with a long run of 14km yesterday, and a 5k in 23:59 on the Saturday.
Gradually getting my distance up, this week should do somewhere between 35-40km, and run 5 days instead of 4.
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I was looking at my post from a few weeks ago and it's so crazy how different every run can feel. I felt like I was really struggling doing 5 miles at an 8:19 pace then and tonight I did 6 miles at an 8:01 pace in the freezing cold/around 19 degrees, with more elevation and in the dark. I think it actually helps me to run in the dark bc I can't see my watch so I run more on effort and probably faster than I normally would bc I feel like I'm going too slow.
I still haven't signed up for the half marathon on 2 Feb. I ran a lot last year and signed up for a Sep marathon, but then had a dental bone graft surgery in Aug, ended up really sick for a couple of months and missed the marathon. I was in the emergency room the Sat before the marathon. So, that was really disappointing bc I trained for a couple of months and it was going to be my first race.
I have the dental implant surgery on 24 Jan and things should go better this time.
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I was looking at my post from a few weeks ago and it's so crazy how different every run can feel. I felt like I was really struggling doing 5 miles at an 8:19 pace then and tonight I did 6 miles at an 8:01 pace in the freezing cold/around 19 degrees, with more elevation and in the dark. I think it actually helps me to run in the dark bc I can't see my watch so I run more on effort and probably faster than I normally would bc I feel like I'm going too slow.
I still haven't signed up for the half marathon on 2 Feb. I ran a lot last year and signed up for a Sep marathon, but then had a dental bone graft surgery in Aug, ended up really sick for a couple of months and missed the marathon. I was in the emergency room the Sat before the marathon. So, that was really disappointing bc I trained for a couple of months and it was going to be my first race.
I have the dental implant surgery on 24 Jan and things should go better this time.
I read an article recently that suggested running by feel is better for you, because you run faster. I don't know that it's true for me, but I've been making an effort to not look at my watch, or to have it set on "clock".
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I’ve been dealing with a little left shin/calf pain so just doing easy runs late last week and likely most of this week. Trying to still keep my mileage, just keeping them slow. I hit 24 miles last week, and probably around 24-26 this week. Next week I’ll be out of state Tues evening-Sat night with probably no running, so if I get a few good runs in early next week I should still be able to hit 100 miles for the month.
I’m thinking if things go smooth the next 6-8 weeks I may be able to hit 1:38 for my next half. Fingers crossed.
I finished my 80/20 running book I mentioned above and almost done with Running with the Kenyans. Of all those listed above, Endure was probably the biggest impact and I’ll likely give it another listen. Running is sooooooo much mental as it is physical. The day/night before, and morning of my races, I spend a huge amount of time getting myself mentally in the zone.
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Well, I finally got out yesterday and did a short run. Ok, really short, only 1.5km. Going to try to get out 3-4 times a week and slowly increase distance.
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Well, I finally got out yesterday and did a short run. Ok, really short, only 1.5km. Going to try to get out 3-4 times a week and slowly increase distance.
That’s absolutely fine! It’s key to start in small increments and to keep it enjoyable.
Over time, you’ll automatically increase the distance. And above all, you won’t get injured!
Happy short runs!
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My first race of 2020. An eleven mile trail race in east Texas Saturday.
Not ready but just running for fun so as the sloth says, "I'll get there when I get there."
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Been a confusing week of running for me. Just for some background, I have never been much of a runner and have never had great cardio. Last year I did a 2000+ mile hike and my cardio was insane. I started running when I got back from the hike and decided for 2020 to try and run 2 miles everyday.
Anyway, I have been running right over 2 miles and have consistently been in the 7:45 to 8:15 pace. Usually sub-8:00. Then earlier this week I finished my run and noticed I had averaged 7:15 miles. I was sort of stunned and the next day I pushed a little and ran 7:15 again. I decided to really focus on pushing and ran a 6:55 pace this morning.
I have noticed since the beginning I can’t really predict my pace until I look at strava at the end. Some days I feel fast and the time is average or slow. Some days I feel slow and the time is faster than average. But now, I feel like I just wasn’t pushing at all.
Should I keep trying to run faster speeds? Should I just run longer distances? Any advice from the long-time runners here.
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Been a confusing week of running for me. Just for some background, I have never been much of a runner and have never had great cardio. Last year I did a 2000+ mile hike and my cardio was insane. I started running when I got back from the hike and decided for 2020 to try and run 2 miles everyday.
Anyway, I have been running right over 2 miles and have consistently been in the 7:45 to 8:15 pace. Usually sub-8:00. Then earlier this week I finished my run and noticed I had averaged 7:15 miles. I was sort of stunned and the next day I pushed a little and ran 7:15 again. I decided to really focus on pushing and ran a 6:55 pace this morning.
I have noticed since the beginning I can’t really predict my pace until I look at strava at the end. Some days I feel fast and the time is average or slow. Some days I feel slow and the time is faster than average. But now, I feel like I just wasn’t pushing at all.
Should I keep trying to run faster speeds? Should I just run longer distances? Any advice from the long-time runners here.
What you are doing now, is honestly probably one of the bigger mistakes that I made as a newer runner. I was constantly trying to run faster and faster, every week, in frequent runs.
If your goal is to run 2 miles every day, that’s up to you, but I really think rest days are very important.
I’ve been a very firm believer in the 80/20 rule. 80% of your runs should be at around 70-75% of your max heart rate, or, at a pace that you could have a steady conversation without being too winded.. I find this to be about 2 mins/mile slower than my half marathon pace.
Each week, you shouldn’t increase your mileage by more than 10%, and for many newer runners, I’d say even 10% every other week. You could consider increasing mileage one week, then doing the same mileage the following week, but increasing pace a little.
One week may look like:
Sunday: 10 miles, easy, 9.5-10 min/mile pace
Tuesday: 5 miles, medium, 8.5 min/mile pace
Thursday: 5 miles, easy, 9.5 min/mile pace
Friday: 1 mile easy warmup then: 1 mile at 6:50, walk a few minutes, repeat for about 3 miles, then 1 mile easy warm down
That’s how many of my weeks are structured, depending where I’m at in mileage. After a race my mileage will drop as I recover and then increase back up. This week I was at 26 miles at a similar format to the above. Next week will be an easy 22 miles as I wind back, then ramp back up again and pretty soon will increase to 5 days/wk as the mileage increases, capping at around 35-40 miles before my next half later this spring.
For comparison, peaking before my last half marathon, one of my “hardest” runs was at about a 7:50 pace for 7 miles.. When I tapered down for my half a couple weeks later and was 100% rested, my 13.1 mile race pace ended up at 7:43.. I never ran that pace for half that distance during my training.
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Should I keep trying to run faster speeds? Should I just run longer distances? Any advice from the long-time runners here.
What is your actual goal, or aim here? The answer would for example be different if you're looking to run a marathon than if you wanted to add a little bit of running to a training plan for another sport.
As use2betrix says, rest days are important. It's not exercise that makes you fitter, it's recovery from exercise. That said, if you did a 2000+ mile hike last year, 2 miles per day will probably not feel like much to you. For many people just starting to run, it would be a path to an injury. Generally, people's cardio system improves faster than their muscles, tendons, bones etc. and they get overuse injuries. May be much less of an issue for you.
If your goal is to get faster, then a program like the one use2betrix suggested is the way to go. 80%+ of your runs should be at an easy pace, some of your runs should be longer, only a small percentage of total volume is run hard. That's the same for elite athletes and beginners.
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I started running when I got back from the hike and decided for 2020 to try and run 2 miles everyday.
It's great to set goals, but I'm going to echo some of the other posters and recommend rest days from running. I ran every day for a few years. At several points during my streak, I developed overuse injuries, that I was able to run through, until I wasn't. My last overuse injury was my achilles tendon, which by the time I finally stopped my streak had grown to the size of a blueberry and caused me to hobble everywhere. Some five years later, it still hasn't healed completely, and it has seriously curtailed my running (I run maybe once a week now, but hike and bike significantly, since the stresses on that tendon are much lower with those activities).
So in my experience, setting goals that don't allow you to listen to your body and back off can be somewhat counterproductive.
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Been a confusing week of running for me. Just for some background, I have never been much of a runner and have never had great cardio. Last year I did a 2000+ mile hike and my cardio was insane. I started running when I got back from the hike and decided for 2020 to try and run 2 miles everyday.
Anyway, I have been running right over 2 miles and have consistently been in the 7:45 to 8:15 pace. Usually sub-8:00. Then earlier this week I finished my run and noticed I had averaged 7:15 miles. I was sort of stunned and the next day I pushed a little and ran 7:15 again. I decided to really focus on pushing and ran a 6:55 pace this morning.
I have noticed since the beginning I can’t really predict my pace until I look at strava at the end. Some days I feel fast and the time is average or slow. Some days I feel slow and the time is faster than average. But now, I feel like I just wasn’t pushing at all.
Should I keep trying to run faster speeds? Should I just run longer distances? Any advice from the long-time runners here.
What you are doing now, is honestly probably one of the bigger mistakes that I made as a newer runner. I was constantly trying to run faster and faster, every week, in frequent runs.
If your goal is to run 2 miles every day, that’s up to you, but I really think rest days are very important.
I’ve been a very firm believer in the 80/20 rule. 80% of your runs should be at around 70-75% of your max heart rate, or, at a pace that you could have a steady conversation without being too winded.. I find this to be about 2 mins/mile slower than my half marathon pace.
Each week, you shouldn’t increase your mileage by more than 10%, and for many newer runners, I’d say even 10% every other week. You could consider increasing mileage one week, then doing the same mileage the following week, but increasing pace a little.
One week may look like:
Sunday: 10 miles, easy, 9.5-10 min/mile pace
Tuesday: 5 miles, medium, 8.5 min/mile pace
Thursday: 5 miles, easy, 9.5 min/mile pace
Friday: 1 mile easy warmup then: 1 mile at 6:50, walk a few minutes, repeat for about 3 miles, then 1 mile easy warm down
That’s how many of my weeks are structured, depending where I’m at in mileage. After a race my mileage will drop as I recover and then increase back up. This week I was at 26 miles at a similar format to the above. Next week will be an easy 22 miles as I wind back, then ramp back up again and pretty soon will increase to 5 days/wk as the mileage increases, capping at around 35-40 miles before my next half later this spring.
For comparison, peaking before my last half marathon, one of my “hardest” runs was at about a 7:50 pace for 7 miles.. When I tapered down for my half a couple weeks later and was 100% rested, my 13.1 mile race pace ended up at 7:43.. I never ran that pace for half that distance during my training.
All of of this. Generally, I've read that people tend to do their fast runs too slow, and slow runs too fast. Definitely for me, my long runs are too fast. After the first couple of miles, it's SUPER hard to keep my heart rate under the max, much less 80% (my HR runs fast anyway). Today I only ran 4 miles, but I tried to keep my HR under 170 (supposed max for my age), and... I was basically walking a LOT.
I've also read a bit about running without a watch, and running by feel. It certainly makes me happier right now. Rather than be obsessed by the numbers, when it feels good, run faster. When it doesn't, run slower. It's supposed to make you faster in the long run. I'm not sure if it will for me but I don't really care.
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Ran the 11 mile race Saturday in 3:23 20 min longer than 2 years ago. A tough course, 200 ft. elevation change and 1300 ft elevation gain so lots of up and downs.
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Up to 5.7 miles in my half marathon training, 7 weeks to go. I was using the Nike Run Club app to tell me what to do each week and it felt like I was doing a nice, reasonable progression.
But then one of my long runs didn't sync right and it adapted my plan in really weird ways. It wanted today's long run to be 4.5 miles (shorter than the last three weeks of long runs), no long run next week, and then a 6.75 mile "recovery" run followed by a 7.5 mile long run in two weeks. Wacky. I keep hoping it will fix itself now that everything has been synced correctly, but alas. So I've just been running 10% longer each week regardless of what it tells me do it. I'm a beginner - I didn't want to think about this. That's why I let NRC do the plan for me! Edit: Just tonight, it seems to have fixed itself after two weeks of nonsense? I'm glad, but I wish it weren't so buggy. The concept of the app is so good, and it's frustrating the execution falls short. Google tells me others have similar issues all the time.
The good news is that sticking to the regular running schedule really makes a difference. I used to be someone who could barely run a mile without my heart rate going into the 160s and 170s (max should be 190 at my age) and getting dizzy. And today I ran the 5.7 miles at under 11 minute/mile pace by doing 4:30/0:30 walk/run cycles with an average heart rate of 145 (occasionally hitting 160 at the highest). The progress is real! I honestly never thought I could be in shape enough to do this, and yet.
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Thanks for all the advice and suggestions - @use2betrix , @mm1970 , @Boofinator , and @cerat0n1a .
I have had to take some days off before this and took both days off this weekend. I think your right that every day would probably lead to injuries.
My initials goals were to try and keep some of my cardio and leg muscles from my hike. I also like exercise before work because it helps me collect my thoughts.
I am really goal motivated though, so I should probably work towards something. Maybe this should be a marathon or a half. Guess I need to do some thinking.
In the meantime, I won’t keep trying to run faster and faster. I might add an extra mile in some days.
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So far my goal is 1000 miles this year, with a stretch goal of running a marathon in the fall. So far, decent start- on track for 75 miles this month with a gradual ramp up in miles each week. For reference, I ran 192 miles last year (then again, I had a baby in February, which really messed up my averages!)
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Conversation with a CW today. He didn't understand my struggle, but I'm sure y'all will.
CW: whats your shift again?
Me: 7am to 3:30 pm.
CW: Oh yeah. Thats pretty good. Not too early like 5 am.
Me: Yeah, the only problem is right now it gets dark to soon for me to get my miles in. I typically can only get about 3.
CW: ONLY three miles?! Sheesh. I could never do that.
Me: You totally can!
Me: (to myself) I guess I shouldn't mention the seven I did the other day... on the treadmill (because of the darkness issue).
I also don't understand the people who look at me like I'm some supreme being by running a half/full marathon. Like, 90% of the people who are like OMG you ran how far?! could totally do it as well if they put together a training plan, stuck to it, and believed they could do it.
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Yeah, I never thought I could do more than a mile or two either, but here I am with my long runs up to 10k just by sticking to a plan.
Sadly, I've come down with some kind of chest cold virus thing and I had to skip my run today. I really hope I'm improved enough to do my next long run on Sunday so I don't throw things off too much. I've had to miss a run here or there due to my schedule, but I haven't done less than three runs a week since the plan started. Breaking that streak now.
Half marathon is mid-March so I still have time to get back into the swing of things, but I already felt a little crunched since my baseline was zero miles a week when I started....
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It’s a shame that people seem to forget that they can run when they become adults.
We’re born to run and kids do it all the time.
I participated in my first road race in Cape Town today. It was a 10k and great fun. However, it was so crowded that I couldn’t really race it. It took 8 minutes for the first kilometer! I basically had to walk the first few minutes. Things got better after 4k and I could finally put in a little sprint.
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I'm trying to get back into it after a year of sporadic running. I put together a training plan for a September race that will start in mid April. Hopefully that will get me motivated to get out the door in the mornings! Between now and then I'm trying to build a base back up to 25-30 a week.
11 miles today and 19 for the week.
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Still feeling like garbage with difficulty breathing. I'm starting to worry about the rest of this training plan. The race is in five weeks, and I'm going to be out of town this weekend with minimal time to do a good long run.
Have any of you gotten sick at this point before a race? How did you modify your training? I want to balance getting back into the swing of the plan without overdoing it.
I'm thinking something like this:
This week: 2-3 mile runs as I feel better/have time this weekend to get back into it
Week of 2/17: shorter runs during the week, ~6 mile long run on the weekend
Week of 2/24: shorter runs during the week, ~8-9 mile long run on the weekend
Week of 3/2: shorter runs during the week, ~5 mile long run on the weekend
Week of 3/9: shorter runs during the week, half marathon on the weekend
I was originally planning to work up to a 10 mile long run the week of 2/24, but I don't want to push too quickly and burn out or injure myself. I don't have a time goal, I really just want to finish the race uninjured and feel strong enough to handle the whole distance.
I'm really bummed to have this interruption. Since I've never done a race like this before, I haven't tested things like hydration and energy gels during long runs and wanted more of a chance to do so before race day. For a lot of reasons, I think this is going to be my one and only race like this so I want to make it count.
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This weekend I tried something new! I joined the local trail runners group (I basically stalk their FB page). I knew that at least 2 of the people on this particular day would be people that I know, and at least one I could keep up with (he's 70).
Anyway, they are fast hikers/ slow trail runners. My speed. Hike on the rocky parts, jog on the flat, wide, easy parts. THEY did a point to point 14.5 mile insane hike over 6 hours.
I went the first 3.5 miles with them (to a view point), then turned around. Managed 7 miles at a 20 min mile, with 1600 ft of elevation gain. I think. It's very steep and rocky, so maybe 3/4 hiking and 1/4 jogging.
I like the trail folk, because unless you are top-5 material, nobody gives a shit how fast you are.
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This weekend I tried something new! I joined the local trail runners group (I basically stalk their FB page). I knew that at least 2 of the people on this particular day would be people that I know, and at least one I could keep up with (he's 70).
Anyway, they are fast hikers/ slow trail runners. My speed. Hike on the rocky parts, jog on the flat, wide, easy parts. THEY did a point to point 14.5 mile insane hike over 6 hours.
I went the first 3.5 miles with them (to a view point), then turned around. Managed 7 miles at a 20 min mile, with 1600 ft of elevation gain. I think. It's very steep and rocky, so maybe 3/4 hiking and 1/4 jogging.
I like the trail folk, because unless you are top-5 material, nobody gives a shit how fast you are.
I switched to trails about 2 1/2 years ago and love it. The people are great and laid back. I still train on the streets a lot but hit the trails when ever possible. You may find your self doing stupid stuff like like signing up for ultras!
The goal is to finish, not die and have a great time doing it.
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This weekend I tried something new! I joined the local trail runners group (I basically stalk their FB page). I knew that at least 2 of the people on this particular day would be people that I know, and at least one I could keep up with (he's 70).
Anyway, they are fast hikers/ slow trail runners. My speed. Hike on the rocky parts, jog on the flat, wide, easy parts. THEY did a point to point 14.5 mile insane hike over 6 hours.
I went the first 3.5 miles with them (to a view point), then turned around. Managed 7 miles at a 20 min mile, with 1600 ft of elevation gain. I think. It's very steep and rocky, so maybe 3/4 hiking and 1/4 jogging.
I like the trail folk, because unless you are top-5 material, nobody gives a shit how fast you are.
I switched to trails about 2 1/2 years ago and love it. The people are great and laid back. I still train on the streets a lot but hit the trails when ever possible. You may find your self doing stupid stuff like like signing up for ultras!
The goal is to finish, not die and have a great time doing it.
Funny you say that, but the 70 year old is trying to get me to sign up for an ultra in May. It's pretty chill for an ultra. I mean, they've got the 4 day, 100 mile, 60 mile, and 30 mile options. But they have the 10 mile options for babies like me.
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I did an 8 mile trail run today. It was covered in snow and I missed a turn, even though I've run on this trail before. So, I ended up on a different trail and did about 2800 feet elevation gain. My goal pace was 15 min/ mile and actual was 15:13 so close enough. I stopped to take one of my shirts off, adjust my spikes, stuff like that and didn't stop my watch.
I love running on the trails. Going up is so hard, but then running down makes it worth the struggle up.
I don't do as much trails though bc I have to drive there and I can go right out my door and run on paved trails for miles and miles.
I never signed up for the half marathon on 2 Feb and I'm glad I didn't bc it was 70 degrees that day. I've been running in freezing or below freezing all winter. I went and ran basically the course that afternoon, after race was over, and completely bombed it bc of the heat. First 8 miles were good and then lost it physically and probably more mentally. My worst half time ever at 2:01:20 bc I just gave up and walked a lot. Last time I ran that same route at 1:54:45. I feel like I could have done it in about 1:50 if it had been 35 to 40 degrees cooler.
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Funny you say that, but the 70 year old is trying to get me to sign up for an ultra in May. It's pretty chill for an ultra. I mean, they've got the 4 day, 100 mile, 60 mile, and 30 mile options. But they have the 10 mile options for babies like me.
That would be a great start and volunteer at some races if you get the chance.
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Training has been progressing well. The last 4 weeks I've averaged 40km/week which I have never achieved before. And this is without any particular long runs above 15km which is great but also makes me a little nervous, as there's only 7 weeks left until my next marathon.
I participated in a 10km fun run yesterday and finished in 48:31. I'd passed 5k in 23:30ish, but had a rough second half with my right hamstring getting a bit tight at about 9km. Slowed to a walk for 100m and took it very easy into the finish. Still beat last year's time at this event (48:54) so that made me happy too. I think it's a reasonable indication of my current level of fitness. Not quite in PB form, but working my way towards it. Just need some cooler weather and I'll be back there and better.
It’s a shame that people seem to forget that they can run when they become adults.
We’re born to run and kids do it all the time.
I participated in my first road race in Cape Town today. It was a 10k and great fun. However, it was so crowded that I couldn’t really race it. It took 8 minutes for the first kilometer! I basically had to walk the first few minutes. Things got better after 4k and I could finally put in a little sprint.
I've seen some of the videos of south african races and Parkruns. You can get thousands of people turn up to small 5k runs.... Some people will finish before you even cross the start line :D
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Funny you say that, but the 70 year old is trying to get me to sign up for an ultra in May. It's pretty chill for an ultra. I mean, they've got the 4 day, 100 mile, 60 mile, and 30 mile options. But they have the 10 mile options for babies like me.
That would be a great start and volunteer at some races if you get the chance.
Well, what the hell, I registered for the 10 mile. It's hilarious though, you literally have to check 10-15 boxes during registration that "yes, I know, no transfers, no refunds". Plus there's a day-use fee to get on the property, for anyone who wants to get on the property. Should be fun, except for the getting up at 3:30 am to get there for a 6 am start. It's that or car camp overnight...eh, not sure which is worse.
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3:30am isn't so bad.... I seem to be getting used to it, except for the part when I start feeling hungry for lunch at 9am haha.
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For our “anniversary gift” for each other my wife and I got a Theragun G3Pro massager. It was really expensive, like $600, but it works like a champ and I’ve been using it daily and very very happy with it. Since I lift weights heavily along with the running, my muscles, particularly glutes and hamstrings get INSANELY tight and knotted.
Also - I found a deep tissue masseuse that I love and they have a monthly membership for a 1 hour deep tissue massage for $60 plus tip.
I know, super not mustachian but I sacrifice a LOT of quality of life to live where I do, due to my work. I do it because my income is so high it propels me towards FIRE. Fitness and running is one of the very few things that helps keep me sane, and I’ve mostly decided that I am fine not being mustachian when it comes to fitness and how much it benefits my physical, but mostly mental health.
That being said - I’ve had a super annoying cold for 2.5 weeks. I just finished my 7th day of antibiotics and I’m still only like 80%. Fortunately I’m still able to run pretty well (will be at 30 miles this week) but it’s an annoying damper that needs to go away.
Thinking a 10k in mid March and a half in mid April before it gets into the sweltering gulf coast heat/humidity.
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Funny you say that, but the 70 year old is trying to get me to sign up for an ultra in May. It's pretty chill for an ultra. I mean, they've got the 4 day, 100 mile, 60 mile, and 30 mile options. But they have the 10 mile options for babies like me.
That would be a great start and volunteer at some races if you get the chance.
Well, what the hell, I registered for the 10 mile. It's hilarious though, you literally have to check 10-15 boxes during registration that "yes, I know, no transfers, no refunds". Plus there's a day-use fee to get on the property, for anyone who wants to get on the property. Should be fun, except for the getting up at 3:30 am to get there for a 6 am start. It's that or car camp overnight...eh, not sure which is worse.
Good luck, and enjoy the trail.
I’m volunteering this week at Jackalope Jam it’s a timed, 72, 48, 24, 12 and 6 hr race on a 1.5 mile loop. I’ve got friends running in most times. F’n cold last night and colder tonight. Low 30s.
It also has a day use fee but I don’t have to pay since I’m volunteering. Working 4-midnights got shifts Thursday and Friday. The 2 shifts will pay for my 100k in September.
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Good luck at that trail run @mm1970 -- sounds super fun.
I just found a nice trail race for myself in April. Trying to choose between the 8k and 15k distances. Judging by last year's results this trail looks to be seriously steep. Booyah mountain running! I've been running steadily the last few years but the last race I did (20k trail) was 5 years ago. It's time to get back into it. Let's do this people!
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I feel like I've been trying to get back into running ever since I injured my ankle getting bucked of a horse 3.5 years ago. It really took almost 3 years for the ankle injury to fully resolve. In the meantime, I've intermittently tried to get my running mojo back with limited success.
Well tonight, I went out for a 5K and felt like I'm back! I finally ran a <10 minute mile (on a gentle uphill), and had that great feeling of actually running, not just struggling along. Still taking walk breaks every .5-1 mile, but I think I should be able to cut those out within a few weeks. General goal is a <28 minute 5K, or getting my 5.25 mile route done in under an hour without killing myself.
I'm only running 2x a week due to 2 other workouts a week plus going to the barn 6-7 days a week. And that work thingy.
So anyway, my goals are pretty modest, but I felt like it was time to join this thread and keep the momentum going.
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It's been a pretty good weekend. I'm a little more than halfway through my marathon training program (5 weeks to go now), and have run 152km in the past three weeks, with a 25km run this morning which went really well.
Without doing much in the way of speedwork at all as part of the training, I managed to run my fastest ever 5k time yesterday too - first time under 22 minutes @ 21:55.
Next weekend I need to get a 30k done and then a couple of 32-35's in before tapering off. It'll still leave me wondering about whether I can go 42, but it's simply too ridiculous to try and train for over 4 hours - chance of injury / non-recovery just goes way way up.
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Next weekend I need to get a 30k done and then a couple of 32-35's in before tapering off. It'll still leave me wondering about whether I can go 42
If you can do a 30 and a 32k in training and then taper, you'll be fine. It's healthy to have a bit of nerves and doubt when you're at the start of a marathon anyway.
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Next weekend I need to get a 30k done and then a couple of 32-35's in before tapering off. It'll still leave me wondering about whether I can go 42
If you can do a 30 and a 32k in training and then taper, you'll be fine. It's healthy to have a bit of nerves and doubt when you're at the start of a marathon anyway.
No that's precisely the problem - I did a 30 and 32 before my last marathons. I then hit "the wall" hard at 30k both times.
Granted my weekly milage wasn't that great (30-40k) back then, it's now a consistent 50-55 and I feel like that is a huge difference.
The legs have recovered well after the 25. Last year, from a Sunday long run, It would take me until Wednesday to feel like I could take my next run. I reckon I could go today (Monday), but I'll take the rest day as per the training schedule.
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Granted my weekly milage wasn't that great (30-40k) back then, it's now a consistent 50-55 and I feel like that is a huge difference.
Yes, 30-40k weekly isn't really enough to run a marathon.
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Tried joining this running thread in 2019 but never really got it going, so here we go again!
I've chosen my Half Marathon - May 30 ...just about 90 days so I gotta get moving!
I've had a goal for years of breaking 2 hours and this year I'm determined to FINALLY do it; hopefully by my 40th B-day in Early October.
Question for the group - Anyone have experience with the thick/tall shoes like the Hoka one ones? Curious if they may help my knee pain being a heavier runner (around 230 pounds now, like to get down around 215 by Race day)
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Good luck with the half-marathon training!
Achieving a sub-2 hour goal within 90 days should be do-able if you're already in generally good shape.
I have a pair of HOKA One Ones - they're a bit too bulky for me. But I have heard of many who love them, including someone with knee issues.
Losing a bit of weight is always a good idea for runners, it really helps.
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I do most of my running currently in Hoka trail shoes. They do provide a lot of padding and I've not had any injury problems while wearing them, but I find them too heavy and clunky and will switch back to something lighter when I next buy trail shoes.
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Good luck with the half-marathon training!
Achieving a sub-2 hour goal within 90 days should be do-able if you're already in generally good shape.
Thanks! I'm in ok shape - Biking, construction work, some weight training and Misc. stuff but been a while since I've really ran. We'll see how quick I can ramp up!
Losing a bit of weight is always a good idea for runners, it really helps.
Yeah I def think it would help, and I feel better at a lower weight. Running has helped me some to lose weight in the past...but also leaves me craving sugar/carbs so have to strike a balance.
I have a pair of HOKA One Ones - they're a bit too bulky for me. But I have heard of many who love them, including someone with knee issues.
I do most of my running currently in Hoka trail shoes. They do provide a lot of padding and I've not had any injury problems while wearing them, but I find them too heavy and clunky and will switch back to something lighter when I next buy trail shoes.
Cool, thanks for the feedback!
I spend most of my time in heavy/bulky construction boots so maybe the clunkiness won't bother me as much? Of course I'm not running in them :D
But even a little clunkiness I'd take over the knee pain I got on my last few attempts to get running again. I need to really work up slowly with my mileage too.
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My goals are very modest. I am a little overweight and it seems that I am on the verge of diabetes. With the nice weather, I have started to walk my kids to and from school, and then I have been jogging on the way back. It feels good!
My goals for March are:
1. keep running 3x a week (which means planning better the night before so we are ready for school 15 minutes earlier )
2. Add an extra block to my run back home after dropping off kids
You folks are inspirational!
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Poundwise, that sounds like an excellent plan! I started slowly too, and gradually built up my mileage.
I like that you have integrated running in your daily routine, that is the best strategy.
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Two running milestones for me this week.
On Sunday I ran 12k, my first time running more than 11k in a year.
And today I ran my fastest 5k of the year and second-best parkrun time ever.
@marty998 is a sassy but supportive running buddy and coach. :D
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I'm not that great. My wisdom extends to "can't you just run faster?" or the more obvious "move your legs faster" hehehe.
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I've been experimenting with Galloway run/walk method in an attempt to control my heart rate better.
Eh...it's helping. I am not able to keep my heart rate low enough on long runs to be "low", but it's mostly below my max.
I have been using the 30/30 (30 s run/ 30 s walk), with occasional 15/15. There's a direct correlation between pace and HR, for sure.
I ran 6.6 miles this weekend. I love the 30/30 - I feel much better during the long runs, heart rate wise, but my hips were still tiring quite a bit at 5.5 miles.
Upcoming races:
3/28: 10k
5/16: 10 mile trail run
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I've been experimenting with Galloway run/walk method in an attempt to control my heart rate better.
Eh...it's helping. I am not able to keep my heart rate low enough on long runs to be "low", but it's mostly below my max.
I have been using the 30/30 (30 s run/ 30 s walk), with occasional 15/15. There's a direct correlation between pace and HR, for sure.
I ran 6.6 miles this weekend. I love the 30/30 - I feel much better during the long runs, heart rate wise, but my hips were still tiring quite a bit at 5.5 miles.
Upcoming races:
3/28: 10k
5/16: 10 mile trail run
Way to go on the heart rate training! I’ve been researching the 80/20 training method for a long time (which 80% of the runs are at around 70% max heart rate). In the research and articles I had read, they mentioned that a lot of people may end up walking a lot to keep their heart rate within range. My Sunday long runs (around 10 miles) are a very focused heart rate type of run. I’m usually about 9.5-10 mins per mile to keep my heart rate around 145-ish.
Temperature makes a huge impact as well!
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I have technically been participating since last year. I cut back my running for about 6 months to let my Achilles tendons heal.
In February I started doing 1X per week of my 1.75mile each way trip to work. As of this week I am doing it 2X per week. I ran both Friday and today and as of now everything feels fine. In April I will take it up to 3X per week, then 4X per week in May, and from there the sky is the limit (well, given the limits of my commute). Finally.
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My achilles has been my achilles as well. I've been running once a week (averaging about five miles), and am jumping into my first race in five years on Sunday. Hoping to beat 50 minutes in my 10k (the glory days are long past).
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I've been experimenting with Galloway run/walk method in an attempt to control my heart rate better.
Eh...it's helping. I am not able to keep my heart rate low enough on long runs to be "low", but it's mostly below my max.
I have been using the 30/30 (30 s run/ 30 s walk), with occasional 15/15. There's a direct correlation between pace and HR, for sure.
I ran 6.6 miles this weekend. I love the 30/30 - I feel much better during the long runs, heart rate wise, but my hips were still tiring quite a bit at 5.5 miles.
Upcoming races:
3/28: 10k
5/16: 10 mile trail run
Way to go on the heart rate training! I’ve been researching the 80/20 training method for a long time (which 80% of the runs are at around 70% max heart rate). In the research and articles I had read, they mentioned that a lot of people may end up walking a lot to keep their heart rate within range. My Sunday long runs (around 10 miles) are a very focused heart rate type of run. I’m usually about 9.5-10 mins per mile to keep my heart rate around 145-ish.
Temperature makes a huge impact as well!
It is really frustrating to try and hit it. My max HR should be 170 based on age, but is usually far higher.
If I walk, my HR averages 115 (straight up walking with my bestie).
With 30/30, my averages were 151 & 159 (average pace 15 sec/mile faster on the higher one).
To try and hit 135-140 is going to be hard. I'll have to try either slowing down my run pace or shortening the run sections. It's going to have to be > 13:00 I think. Ugh.
I ran the mile today at track and it was disappointing. I was about 20 sec slower than what I was hoping for, but it was super windy. I should have known it wasn't going to happen because I'm NOT in the same shape I was last time I ran that mile pace. I can always hope.
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Poundwise, that sounds like an excellent plan! I started slowly too, and gradually built up my mileage.
I like that you have integrated running in your daily routine, that is the best strategy.
Thank you! I have been ill for the past week but will hopefully pick up again next week, as the weather has been gorgeous.
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I'm supposed to run the NYC Half this weekend. There has been radio silence from the organizers despite increasing coronavirus cases in NYC and NY State, a state of emergency, and messaging not to gather in large crowds. I suspect it will end up getting canceled at the last minute, but who knows. From a public health standpoint, they should probably cancel, but I'm sure they don't want to lose all the money.
I also have a cold (99.9% sure it's not the coronavirus based on the symptoms and lack of known exposure). I'm hoping that if the race is on, I'm better by Sunday. I signed up for this race on a whim, and really don't want to defer until next year. I did the training and now I just want to do it and be done with it.
I almost hope the race gets canceled so I don't have to make a decision. But in general I hate all this uncertainty, especially for my first (and planning it to be my only) big race.
If the race goes on and I don't feel better by then, any tips for running with a cold? It's basically all nasal congestion/runny nose, with minor coughing from post nasal drip. I usually take advil before long runs anyway to prevent a post-run headache, and I will of course plan to be well hydrated in the days leading up to the run. Anything else I should do?
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I'm supposed to run the NYC Half this weekend. There has been radio silence from the organizers despite increasing coronavirus cases in NYC and NY State, a state of emergency, and messaging not to gather in large crowds. I suspect it will end up getting canceled at the last minute, but who knows. From a public health standpoint, they should probably cancel, but I'm sure they don't want to lose all the money.
I also have a cold (99.9% sure it's not the coronavirus based on the symptoms and lack of known exposure). I'm hoping that if the race is on, I'm better by Sunday. I signed up for this race on a whim, and really don't want to defer until next year. I did the training and now I just want to do it and be done with it.
I almost hope the race gets canceled so I don't have to make a decision. But in general I hate all this uncertainty, especially for my first (and planning it to be my only) big race.
If the race goes on and I don't feel better by then, any tips for running with a cold? It's basically all nasal congestion/runny nose, with minor coughing from post nasal drip. I usually take advil before long runs anyway to prevent a post-run headache, and I will of course plan to be well hydrated in the days leading up to the run. Anything else I should do?
Take breaks, keep an eye on your heart rate. I ran my 8.2 mile race with a raging cold, and I had to walk a LOT. My overall pace was about 1.5 - 2 min/ mile off what it would have been had I been healthy.
YMMV, but when I'm sick I have more difficultly controlling my HR.
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Thanks for the tips @mm1970 !
Turns out after my post this morning, the powers that be did indeed cancel the race. Definitely the correct decision.
When I heard the news, I impulsively signed up for another smaller half marathon in mid-April so my training won't go to waste. Definitely non-Mustachian to pay for another race, but oh well. (If I want to run the NYC half next year, which I do, I have to forfeit this year's fee and pay again next year. Highway robbery! They have insurance for this.)
Silver lining: hopefully I will be fully healthy for that race, and now I'll have a practice one under the belt before next year's NYC half.
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As expected, my 10k in 2 weeks has been canceled, no refunds. I was probably not going to go anyway (it's just outside Los Angeles).
I can run a 10k in my 'hood.
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I usually take advil before long runs anyway to prevent a post-run headache
Why would you get headaches post run? This is not normal... have you seen a doctor about it?
Ibuprofen I can understand for pain (cramps, muscle soreness etc), but headaches after exercising are worth getting checked out.
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I usually take advil before long runs anyway to prevent a post-run headache
Why would you get headaches post run? This is not normal... have you seen a doctor about it?
Ibuprofen I can understand for pain (cramps, muscle soreness etc), but headaches after exercising are worth getting checked out.
Post run headaches are very common:
https://www.healthline.com/health/headache-after-running#poor-form
I get them frequently:
- long runs
- hard runs
- hot runs
I hydrate and electrolyte like crazy too.
Make it a long hot run and I'm toast.
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I am not a regular runner - I built up to this half marathon from nothing. I think the headaches are just because I'm not in great shape and I'm actually exerting myself, since hydration doesn't seem to make a difference. It only happens on my long runs. And for all I know, I've trained enough that it's okay now. I haven't tried not taking the advil because I don't want to risk the headache.
Picked up my medal for the canceled race today. I figure I somewhat earned it from all the miles I ran in training. I never fathomed I could run the quantity I did before I started. Soon I'll run the 13.1 all at once and earn the chance to wear it.
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Well my upcoming Sat race is canceled, (10k), but I signed up for a virtual training plan with my (local) running coach. For a race that is probably also going to be canceled. Anyway, on the docket for this week:
Tues: track Tuesday. The track is closed. I discovered that one full block loop is half mile. So I did my 400's there, by doing 5 loops. 10x400 with 90 s rest in between. They were 8:08 to 8:57. I was going to do 12, but my legs were toast. One half of the loop is a slight uphill, other half slight downhill with speed bumps. So there was variation.
Thurs: virtual 5k
Saturday: 6 miles. I'll probably turn it into my 10k that was canceled.
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So over the last 20 months or so since I’ve started running, I deal with occasional foot, shin, and hip pain. Usually nothing insanely bad, but unfortunately bad enough that I’d typically take some ibuprofen to ensure a pain free run. I have been unable to get above 30 miles a week without running into issues that would make me need to cut back.
I finally buckled down last week and went to a specialist run lab for a full consultation/analysis by a chiropractor that focuses on running, in addition to a full evaluation of my running on a treadmill. They took countless slow motion videos, evaluated, and then emailed me a detailed 15 minute analysis and a 14 page pdf. It was honestly the best $170 I have spent on fitness.
What I thought were shin splints, she immediately diagnosed through a series of evaluations, were actually major muscle tightness issues between my calf and tibia. She recommended very hard, regular massage of those areas. I have since been doing exactly that, 1-2x a day, and within a few days the shin pain was 90% gone! I haven’t taken any ibuprofen/Tylenol on my last two runs and had zero shin issues and minimal foot issues!
During the run evaluation, they pointed out a lot of very interesting things I never would have noticed. Such as, sometimes my left leg slightly crosses over my body instead of going straight. This puts excess strain on my foot, knee, hip, etc. It was also identified from the rear that I have a hip drop on just the right side, and need to work on my gluteus medius to help support this (this will also help my left leg crossover). As a whole, about 90% of the running evaluations he said I’m doing perfectly in, but there’s just a few small tweaks that will (and already have) gone a long ways! Excited to continue implementing these things and hopefully can continue progressing in my miles.
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sometimes my left leg slightly crosses over my body instead of going straight
I had that several years ago. Learned it when I got major sciatica and had to go to physical therapy. The therapist watched me run. 'Piriformis!'
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5k time trial: 31:05! That's a HAIR under a 10:00 mile. Hair. My last 5k (I don't do them very often) was 31:29 in January, so yay!
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The bad news is that my trail race at the end of April has been canceled. The good news is that I'm still running as usual, having a great time. I'll re-aim for something later in the year.
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The bad news is that my trail race at the end of April has been canceled. The good news is that I'm still running as usual, having a great time. I'll re-aim for something later in the year.
I expect to find my last remaining race to also be canceled. My 10k was to be tomorrow, so I'll just run 10k for fun. Not for time.
There's a FB live tonight about my last race, a trail race. If also canceled or postponed, I've already adjusted my training plan (that caps out at 11.5 miles) to something less aggressive, because: why.
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Yesterday on my run I came across a raccoon I think was rabid. :( It was staggering, making rasping noises, and had huge amounts of foamy drool coming out of its mouth.
I've spent a lot of time in the woods and I've seen some sick animals before, but nothing quite like this. Poor thing. According to the CDC website, rabies has actually been decreasing a lot in raccoons since the 1990s, but it's still around.
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sometimes my left leg slightly crosses over my body instead of going straight
I had that several years ago. Learned it when I got major sciatica and had to go to physical therapy. The therapist watched me run. 'Piriformis!'
Yep! I’d been researching for close to a year and came to many different conclusions. The most recent conclusion was the piriformis, which is the same conclusion she came to without me ever mentioning.
Looking at my running calendar today, this month will have me at 100+ miles/month for 5 of the last 6 months! Only reason I missed December was major rest needed due to some half marathon injuries.
The weather is heating up in the gulf coast south. I was planning a half on April 19th but we’ll see. If it’s going to be 75-80 I won’t hit a PR so for me, likely not worth the work of tapering, waking up/traveling, etc. we’ll see.
Today I hit a 1 mile PR (watch indicated) at 6:14. My previous PR was about 6:28. Since I follow an 80/20 running schedule, most my runs are so easy, it’s hard to ever feel like I’m progressing.
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That's a great PR and what a way to improve! I sometimes will look through my old "Track Tuesday" times to see what my splits are, so I can see that I'm improving.
I did my virtual 10k today (not racing, just running), through the neighborhood. I hit some big hills, because that's where I live. It was fun.
Indeed, my 10 mile trail race in May has been postponed until October. At least.
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That's an excellent mile time @use2betrix! Great job!
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The weather is heating up in the gulf coast south. I was planning a half on April 19th but we’ll see. If it’s going to be 75-80 I won’t hit a PR so for me, likely not worth the work of tapering, waking up/traveling, etc. we’ll see.
Do you still have a race that has not been cancelled / postponed? April 19 doesn’t sound likely to happen, to be honest. 😬😬
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The weather is heating up in the gulf coast south. I was planning a half on April 19th but we’ll see. If it’s going to be 75-80 I won’t hit a PR so for me, likely not worth the work of tapering, waking up/traveling, etc. we’ll see.
Do you still have a race that has not been cancelled / postponed? April 19 doesn’t sound likely to happen, to be honest. 😬😬
When I checked yesterday, the race was still on. I’m pretty indifferent either way. I know it’s the running and training that is going to progress me in the long run, which I’m continuing regardless. It seems a lot of people need the thought of a race to have motivation to run, but it doesn’t change much for me.
I typically don’t sign up for races until like a week or two before, because if it doesn’t seem like I’ll be 100%, I’m fine not doing them as well.
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You’re right, it’s the regular running that will make you progress. If you don’t need a race to motivate you, that’s great. In fact, that’s a sign of true running love!
Let’s see what happens - keep us posted!
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Been a while since I posted here.
@use2betrix wow that's a great improvement on your mile time! I'm struggling to work out what the metric equivalent of that is though :)
That's a great PR and what a way to improve! I sometimes will look through my old "Track Tuesday" times to see what my splits are, so I can see that I'm improving.
I did my virtual 10k today (not racing, just running), through the neighborhood. I hit some big hills, because that's where I live. It was fun.
Indeed, my 10 mile trail race in May has been postponed until October. At least.
Most of my events have been postponed to at least August, but there's been no word from any of them as to whether they will go ahead or not.
Seems like that is not putting you off @mm1970, well done on the 31min 5k!
I've been mostly just doing easy miles lately. Ran a 25k yesterday for my long run, and just trying to maintain about 50k of running a week now. It's hard to get motivated when there are no events locked in, and even harder when you don't notice the improvements (even if they are being made), because of not going all out on a training run.
I had a goal at the start of the year to do 2020km, and am still on track for that. Currently at 582km - Jan 117, Feb 181, March 200 and April 83. Hopefully I can get to 200 again this month and keep that momentum going.
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It seems to be hard for people to be motivated. Even my running coach bought new shoes to motivate herself to run more.
Another friend says she's been taking it easy because she has no races, but it's helping her speed.
I'm getting kudos for still going! But I really need it to stay sane.
I'm still struggling a bit.
This week:
- I did my speed workout on Tues (800s). I went a little faster than "goal race pace" because no race till October. So, a little sub-10:00. Hard 800s for me would be more like 8:30-9:00. So, coming in somewhere in the middle.
- Thursday it was raining and I was supposed to do 50 minutes with neg split and I wasn't feeling it. Did 3+ miles, but didn't stretch enough, hamstrings tight, back ache, yeah, ended up walking the last half mile.
- Sat was pretty good - 6.4 miles, at an easy-ish pace. 12:43, but a really hilly course. So, I went harder than I prob should have for "easy", and paid for it with the headache the last half of the day.
My struggle is to find places to run where I can social distance. My neighborhood works, usually, but near the end of my run there are a lot of walkers and dog walkers - far more than usual because nobody is working. This week I ran west and into a very nice, rich area. That was much better (fewer runners and walkers, more cyclists), but there's a 0.5 to 1 mile section that is narrow and windy and the traffic was not any less than normal (lots of gardeners trucks).
It's important for me to stay away from people, because I cannot run well with a mask (my glasses fog up).
Still, I'm doing ok. My coach was checking in on me (it's obvious I'm not following her "plan" anymore).
This week plan:
Tuesday: 1200 m repeats with 200m jog recovery (prob aim for 9:45-10:15 pace - hard but not blistering).
Thursday: hill repeats. I live on a hill, this is easy
Sat: long run. Either a repeat of last week, or maybe I'll drive over to a rural-ish place to run. Aim for 6-7.
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Been a while since I posted here.
@use2betrix wow that's a great improvement on your mile time! I'm struggling to work out what the metric equivalent of that is though :)
That's a great PR and what a way to improve! I sometimes will look through my old "Track Tuesday" times to see what my splits are, so I can see that I'm improving.
I did my virtual 10k today (not racing, just running), through the neighborhood. I hit some big hills, because that's where I live. It was fun.
Indeed, my 10 mile trail race in May has been postponed until October. At least.
Most of my events have been postponed to at least August, but there's been no word from any of them as to whether they will go ahead or not.
Seems like that is not putting you off @mm1970, well done on the 31min 5k!
I've been mostly just doing easy miles lately. Ran a 25k yesterday for my long run, and just trying to maintain about 50k of running a week now. It's hard to get motivated when there are no events locked in, and even harder when you don't notice the improvements (even if they are being made), because of not going all out on a training run.
I had a goal at the start of the year to do 2020km, and am still on track for that. Currently at 582km - Jan 117, Feb 181, March 200 and April 83. Hopefully I can get to 200 again this month and keep that momentum going.
We’re on very similar paths for yearly mileage! I had originally planned for 1000 miles I think? But now I’m shooting for 100 miles/month average, or 1200 miles per year. For your metric reference, your 2020km looks to be 1254 miles!
Here in the states, our spring events are basically all cancelled. There’s no way I’m hitting a PR in the southern coast between Jun-August with the heat. My last race I did was December, so I may very well have around 10 months between that race and my next.
I’ve been struggling with motivation but still been getting out there. I’m moreso struggling to make myself do my weekly “hard/interval” run.. Mostly just easy runs. Regardless, since I’m still newer to running, just getting the miles in will help.
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My running club had a virtual race on Saturday. Three distances 15 K 25 K or 50 K.
Everyone started at 8:00 am and tuned in there log at then end. We ended up with over 50 people running all over the area.
I ran the 15 K 2:07 not great but considering everything I'll take it.
Most of the trails have been closed due to weather or covid-19, I've been lucky so far my local park has not gotten to crowded to run in. Missing the dirt though.
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Well, I WOULD have been boarding a plane headed to Boston tomorrow. I will probably refund my entry fee and skip the September version of the race. I couldn't get to the hotel booking until five hours after the link went live, and there was nothing left. :( The race might not even happen anyway. I am not physically or mentally ready to tackle a marathon anytime soon. I made it 13 out of the 18 weeks of training and lost all joy in running. I'm still doing it, but it feels terrible and isn't doing anything but stressing me out more. I'd probably feel worse if I gave up all exercise, though, so I'm doing what I can.
I'm a total buzzkill.
At least the weather has been pretty pleasant lately. It's nice to see you all still chugging along. :)
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Well, I WOULD have been boarding a plane headed to Boston tomorrow. I will probably refund my entry fee and skip the September version of the race. I couldn't get to the hotel booking until five hours after the link went live, and there was nothing left. :( The race might not even happen anyway. I am not physically or mentally ready to tackle a marathon anytime soon. I made it 13 out of the 18 weeks of training and lost all joy in running. I'm still doing it, but it feels terrible and isn't doing anything but stressing me out more. I'd probably feel worse if I gave up all exercise, though, so I'm doing what I can.
I'm a total buzzkill.
At least the weather has been pretty pleasant lately. It's nice to see you all still chugging along. :)
Don't beat yourself up too bad. I am having the same thing going on with the half marathon I was supposed to run two weeks ago. Probably going to skip the October reschedule, because my marathon is in November... assuming either of them happen.
Sorry about Boston, that has to be a heartbreaker.
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I'd probably feel worse if I gave up all exercise, though, so I'm doing what I can.
This is 100% true! I’d suggest tailoring a workout more to your enjoyment as opposed to just what’s “best.” No need to knock yourself out with a grueling program when you may have 6+ months until your next race. Just keep a strong base level of fitness so that you’re in a good place when it’s time to start getting serious for the next race.
I am keeping a weekly schedule of about 80% of what I would do prepping for a race. Mileage is about 80%, and I’ve mostly just cut back on my hard interval days. I still do them some, but only about 1/2 as much as I would otherwise. If I can just keep this base level strong through the summer, I should be very comfortable to pick things up several notches when I decide on the next race to do.
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Well, I WOULD have been boarding a plane headed to Boston tomorrow. I will probably refund my entry fee and skip the September version of the race. I couldn't get to the hotel booking until five hours after the link went live, and there was nothing left. :( The race might not even happen anyway. I am not physically or mentally ready to tackle a marathon anytime soon. I made it 13 out of the 18 weeks of training and lost all joy in running. I'm still doing it, but it feels terrible and isn't doing anything but stressing me out more. I'd probably feel worse if I gave up all exercise, though, so I'm doing what I can.
I'm a total buzzkill.
At least the weather has been pretty pleasant lately. It's nice to see you all still chugging along. :)
I think you are normal. A friend I met during a half marathon training program a couple of years ago qualified for Boston and was supposed to be there. So, I hear you. I have many many friends who are adrift right now, unmotivated, not feeling it because no races.
I am actually mostly following my coach's run plan for a race that isn't happening, but decreasing overall mileage (half marathons are just too much for my body). I am intentionally slowing down my long runs (coming in around a blistering 13-13:30 pace), and I am finding that I enjoy myself much more.
I know I'd feel worse if I did nothing. Several friends are giving me kudos for still going! You do NOT want to see peri-menopausal me working FT at home and helping kids with distance learning without running.
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I'm a 50yo former smoker who, in a momentary lapse of reason, signed up for a marathon in November. I have done two half's around 2012 but gave up running due to foot and back problems. These have abated somewhat. I'm also 5'11 and weigh 210.
So far I have been running 4 times a week...Three of those are 3-4 mile runs and one "long" run of 6-6.5 miles.
Am I on track for success? My goal is to finish within 5 hours but I'd take just 6 hours if I had to.
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Anyone interested in a Summer Virtual Challenge? Laz from VolState and the Barkleys has put together something. :)
The Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee 1000K
PLACE
Bottom Left Hand Corner of Tennessee
Memphis, TN US 37920
DESCRIPTION
The Great Virtual Road Race Across Tennessee... 1000 Kilometers
Laz and Durb (with technical expertise from Bad Mike) are putting together the virtual race of the summer:
1,000 kilometers across Tennessee from the very southwestern tip of the state to the very northeastern tip of the state.
We will have a map set up vol-state style showing your daily progress across the great state of Tennessee.
Runners will have a vol-state link where they can turn in their daily mileage to update the map and standings. This link will be given to you BEFORE MAY 1.
Can you beat your buddies from the Mississippi River levee near Anthonyville, Arkansas to the high trestle branch off of Buckeye Hollow road way up in the Appalachian Mountains?
And when we say the Race of the Summer, we mean the whole summer!
It will start on May 1 and continue through August 31. To complete the race will require only a hair over 5 miles per day... and those who want a little extra on their plate, you can do the out and back version... 2,000 kilometers.
Everyone can challenge themselves... and all comers!
We will have a fine looking commemorative shirt to all starters. For those who persevere til the very end we will have a medal that will be the envy of all... except for those determined suckers who get the double crossing medal for running all the way back.
So the question is; Who wants to play?
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Memphis/TheGreatVirtualRaceAcrossTennessee1000K?fbclid=IwAR31gtzSmu2RLOdgG6Zxwz8s1IbS8dAnMUti0QM4z_Phg4wwQHBuSFvR_Qs
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Anyone interested in a Summer Virtual Challenge? Laz from VolState and the Barkleys has put together something. :)
The Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee 1000K
PLACE
Bottom Left Hand Corner of Tennessee
Memphis, TN US 37920
DESCRIPTION
The Great Virtual Road Race Across Tennessee... 1000 Kilometers
Laz and Durb (with technical expertise from Bad Mike) are putting together the virtual race of the summer:
1,000 kilometers across Tennessee from the very southwestern tip of the state to the very northeastern tip of the state.
We will have a map set up vol-state style showing your daily progress across the great state of Tennessee.
Runners will have a vol-state link where they can turn in their daily mileage to update the map and standings. This link will be given to you BEFORE MAY 1.
Can you beat your buddies from the Mississippi River levee near Anthonyville, Arkansas to the high trestle branch off of Buckeye Hollow road way up in the Appalachian Mountains?
And when we say the Race of the Summer, we mean the whole summer!
It will start on May 1 and continue through August 31. To complete the race will require only a hair over 5 miles per day... and those who want a little extra on their plate, you can do the out and back version... 2,000 kilometers.
Everyone can challenge themselves... and all comers!
We will have a fine looking commemorative shirt to all starters. For those who persevere til the very end we will have a medal that will be the envy of all... except for those determined suckers who get the double crossing medal for running all the way back.
So the question is; Who wants to play?
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Memphis/TheGreatVirtualRaceAcrossTennessee1000K?fbclid=IwAR31gtzSmu2RLOdgG6Zxwz8s1IbS8dAnMUti0QM4z_Phg4wwQHBuSFvR_Qs
I'm in! I am already running Vol State this year (unless it gets cancelled as well), so I have half the distance covered in about 7-8 days. Planning on putting in 250-300 km months for May and June. Briefly toyed with the idea of doing the double crossing as I figure I'll finish the first crossing during Vol State, but I just can't make the math work to where I'm not burned out and possibly injured by the end of August. Plus we're hosting an exchange student from Australia thru November, so really hoping we can get out and do some stuff with her this summer. Still, should be a lot of fun, plus it will keep me focused on my training for Vol State!
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I'm in! I am already running Vol State this year (unless it gets cancelled as well), so I have half the distance covered in about 7-8 days. Planning on putting in 250-300 km months for May and June. Briefly toyed with the idea of doing the double crossing as I figure I'll finish the first crossing during Vol State, but I just can't make the math work to where I'm not burned out and possibly injured by the end of August. Plus we're hosting an exchange student from Australia thru November, so really hoping we can get out and do some stuff with her this summer. Still, should be a lot of fun, plus it will keep me focused on my training for Vol State!
Great!
I needed something to get me out the door and consistent again. I won't be finishing early, just to get there. 35-40 mile weeks hopefully. April will be my first 100 month since 1/19.
Vol State would be epic! Are you running crewed or screwed?
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March was my first 100 mile month in ages! Managed 125 for April and had a 60 mile week last week for the first time ever - I don't intend to keep that level up though, will probably stick to 45-50 mile weeks.
I am SO hoping Vol State isn't cancelled! I'm running screwed - in my mind, crewed is almost harder because you've got an easy out sitting right there when you hit a low spot. Screwed, if you feel like dropping out it might be half a day (or more) before the meat wagon can pick you up, so you may as well keep moving!
I had some friends do it last year, one the year before. I have one friend doing it with me this year, though we've already agreed that we'll only stay together if it makes sense to do so. He is a much higher caliber runner than I am, and I don't want to hold him back if he decides to push it. I'm shooting for 7-8 days for a finish - my wedding anniversary is the last day of the official race, but I figured I better be home by then!
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March was my first 100 mile month in ages! Managed 125 for April and had a 60 mile week last week for the first time ever - I don't intend to keep that level up though, will probably stick to 45-50 mile weeks.
I am SO hoping Vol State isn't cancelled! I'm running screwed - in my mind, crewed is almost harder because you've got an easy out sitting right there when you hit a low spot. Screwed, if you feel like dropping out it might be half a day (or more) before the meat wagon can pick you up, so you may as well keep moving!
I had some friends do it last year, one the year before. I have one friend doing it with me this year, though we've already agreed that we'll only stay together if it makes sense to do so. He is a much higher caliber runner than I am, and I don't want to hold him back if he decides to push it. I'm shooting for 7-8 days for a finish - my wedding anniversary is the last day of the official race, but I figured I better be home by then!
I know someone who has done it several times and did it last year. Not sure if he's doing it this year.
Good luck if it happens! Races seem to be getting canceled daily. I just got an email that TransRockies was cancelled.
I'm planning on one in August but have not registered yet.
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March was my first 100 mile month in ages! Managed 125 for April and had a 60 mile week last week for the first time ever - I don't intend to keep that level up though, will probably stick to 45-50 mile weeks.
I am SO hoping Vol State isn't cancelled! I'm running screwed - in my mind, crewed is almost harder because you've got an easy out sitting right there when you hit a low spot. Screwed, if you feel like dropping out it might be half a day (or more) before the meat wagon can pick you up, so you may as well keep moving!
I had some friends do it last year, one the year before. I have one friend doing it with me this year, though we've already agreed that we'll only stay together if it makes sense to do so. He is a much higher caliber runner than I am, and I don't want to hold him back if he decides to push it. I'm shooting for 7-8 days for a finish - my wedding anniversary is the last day of the official race, but I figured I better be home by then!
I know someone who has done it several times and did it last year. Not sure if he's doing it this year.
Good luck if it happens! Races seem to be getting canceled daily. I just got an email that TransRockies was cancelled.
I'm planning on one in August but have not registered yet.
Thanks! Ugh, that sucks your race was cancelled. If your August one falls through you should consider coming to IL Labor Day weekend - I'm one of the RDs for a 200k race. It's on a 25k course that's double track and run washing machine style, so you're able to keep your distance. You can get swag starting at 50k and every 50k after. PM me if you're interested - as long as the park is open we plan to have it! Hope your August race is still a go!
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For someone like me, that kind of race sounds brutal. My phone tells me I've run 566 miles in the last year...that's more than ever in a year for me. 2019 calendar year it was 520.
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I'm supposed to run the NYC Half this weekend. There has been radio silence from the organizers despite increasing coronavirus cases in NYC and NY State, a state of emergency, and messaging not to gather in large crowds. I suspect it will end up getting canceled at the last minute, but who knows. From a public health standpoint, they should probably cancel, but I'm sure they don't want to lose all the money.
I also have a cold (99.9% sure it's not the coronavirus based on the symptoms and lack of known exposure). I'm hoping that if the race is on, I'm better by Sunday. I signed up for this race on a whim, and really don't want to defer until next year. I did the training and now I just want to do it and be done with it.
I almost hope the race gets canceled so I don't have to make a decision. But in general I hate all this uncertainty, especially for my first (and planning it to be my only) big race.
If the race goes on and I don't feel better by then, any tips for running with a cold? It's basically all nasal congestion/runny nose, with minor coughing from post nasal drip. I usually take advil before long runs anyway to prevent a post-run headache, and I will of course plan to be well hydrated in the days leading up to the run. Anything else I should do?
Well, this post didn't age well. I found out today that I tested positive for covid antibodies, and that this cold was actually covid. The cough did get worse after this post, but I never had a fever. Covid symptoms seem to vary so much, and we didn't know that six weeks ago. I'm really glad they canceled the race, because if I had tried to run it, I would have exposed so many people. And I don't think I would have been able to finish anyway. I've had a really hard time running after this illness. I've been fully recovered for a long time, but my breathing and heart rate are just not the same when I exercise. I still can't keep up the pace or the mileage from before I got sick.
I still want to try to run a half marathon on my own to "earn" that medal I picked up, but it'll take longer than I thought.
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I'm supposed to run the NYC Half this weekend. There has been radio silence from the organizers despite increasing coronavirus cases in NYC and NY State, a state of emergency, and messaging not to gather in large crowds. I suspect it will end up getting canceled at the last minute, but who knows. From a public health standpoint, they should probably cancel, but I'm sure they don't want to lose all the money.
I also have a cold (99.9% sure it's not the coronavirus based on the symptoms and lack of known exposure). I'm hoping that if the race is on, I'm better by Sunday. I signed up for this race on a whim, and really don't want to defer until next year. I did the training and now I just want to do it and be done with it.
I almost hope the race gets canceled so I don't have to make a decision. But in general I hate all this uncertainty, especially for my first (and planning it to be my only) big race.
If the race goes on and I don't feel better by then, any tips for running with a cold? It's basically all nasal congestion/runny nose, with minor coughing from post nasal drip. I usually take advil before long runs anyway to prevent a post-run headache, and I will of course plan to be well hydrated in the days leading up to the run. Anything else I should do?
Well, this post didn't age well. I found out today that I tested positive for covid antibodies, and that this cold was actually covid. The cough did get worse after this post, but I never had a fever. Covid symptoms seem to vary so much, and we didn't know that six weeks ago. I'm really glad they canceled the race, because if I had tried to run it, I would have exposed so many people. And I don't think I would have been able to finish anyway. I've had a really hard time running after this illness. I've been fully recovered for a long time, but my breathing and heart rate are just not the same when I exercise. I still can't keep up the pace or the mileage from before I got sick.
I still want to try to run a half marathon on my own to "earn" that medal I picked up, but it'll take longer than I thought.
Wow! Glad you're recovering and hope you get back to running condition soon. Fever seemed to be the one key symptom.
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Today's run!
4 x 1 mile with 2 min rest. Supposed to be at "goal race pace", which ... I don't know what that is right now, ha! Because races postponed.
So, I figured, my 10miler or half marathon would be at 10:45-11:30-ish goal. Instead, I just ran medium-hard miles and figured that's good enough.
Negative splits! 10:43/10:19/10:19/10:04, whee!! My last 5k time trial came in at 10:07 so I'm pretty happy with that last mile. (Heart rate was way too high though, average at 169, which is high for my age, and I don't want to talk about the max...)
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Today's run!
4 x 1 mile with 2 min rest. Supposed to be at "goal race pace", which ... I don't know what that is right now, ha! Because races postponed.
So, I figured, my 10miler or half marathon would be at 10:45-11:30-ish goal. Instead, I just ran medium-hard miles and figured that's good enough.
Negative splits! 10:43/10:19/10:19/10:04, whee!! My last 5k time trial came in at 10:07 so I'm pretty happy with that last mile. (Heart rate was way too high though, average at 169, which is high for my age, and I don't want to talk about the max...)
Nice
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I'm a 50yo former smoker who, in a momentary lapse of reason, signed up for a marathon in November. I have done two half's around 2012 but gave up running due to foot and back problems. These have abated somewhat. I'm also 5'11 and weigh 210.
So far I have been running 4 times a week...Three of those are 3-4 mile runs and one "long" run of 6-6.5 miles.
Am I on track for success? My goal is to finish within 5 hours but I'd take just 6 hours if I had to.
Ok you have 6 months. Work backwards from there. It's hard to say if you're on track because you haven't given your times for these runs (or what sort of effort you are putting into them).
By the end of October, you should have done one run of 32km or longer (20 miles).
By the end of September, your weekly long runs should be at least a half marathon distance.
By the end of August you should get up to running 25 miles per week.
All of your training should basically be at an easy pace where you can hold a conversation. You should not be exhausted at the end of each run. If you want to do a hard effort run, limit it to no more than once a fortnight, and make sure you have a day off afterwards.
There's a few marathon training plans out there (Hal Higdon etc). It's hard to follow them if you have a busy life, but they do work if you stick to them.
Good luck and keep us updated.
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So my race last month was canceled and I haven't yet found another one, but the running's been going great! I did a glorious 2 hour run on some beautiful single track up and down the mountain the other day with my daughter. That's been my longest run in a good while. Plantar fascitis seems to have cleared up finally. Life is good.
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Hi Everyone,
I'm a former runner turned bike commuter, and while we are working from home and avoiding errands I have no where to bike to!
Also I weaned my youngest in December... so hopefully no more ligament relaxing hormones means I can maybe start running regularly again - it's been 13ish years since my last half marathon... and 8 since my last non recreational triathlon!
DH and I have been following the c25k program and are approaching the last 2 weeks, when we run we have a 7 year old on scooter, a 4 year old on a 2-wheeler bike, and a toddler in the running stroller... so we are the very definition of chaos. But this works better for exercise than a recreational bike ride - for one the kids get exercise too, for two we stay closer to home, and for three it takes less time.
As we approach the end of the program I'm starting to think about what I should plan for next. I don't really want to follow a 'race' program because I like staying a 2-3 miles 3x a week (with maybe increasing one to a 'long' run at maybe 4 miles). So the current plan is one shorter 'tempo' paced run, one funner interval/hill/fartlek type run and then a slow long run varying in length by how we all feel.
@mm1970 I love reading about your heart rate struggles! Mine also runs super high. (FWIW my 'zone 2' long runs had an average HR of 186 when I was training for my 1/2 marathons... and my mile intervals could easily run into the mid 190's, and sprints over 200 - but I was only 25 then). Now my fitbit tracked my last 20minute run with an average heart rate of 175-179... I would've called it hard, but not too hard given I held it consistent for the whole 20 minutes, and have only been running for about 6 weeks... so zone 3, maybe 4? I use RPE, talk tests etc. because they are generally more useful then my heart rate zones.
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So....I have COVID-19. Day eight. It seems to have gone right to my lungs. I haven't had anything higher than a low grade fever (99-99.6F). I tested negative right after symptoms started, but everything has been spot on for the virus, and I was exposed to a known case at work.
I'm 35. I'm healthy. This has hit me HARD. In the first few days, the shortness of breath was remarkable. We got a pulse ox just so I could monitor myself, and I've been doing okay. But wow. The chest pain and nerve pain nearly sent me to the hospital twice.
I refunded my Boston Marathon entry for the September race. I wasn't sure I'd be able to train properly. It's just not meant to be. When I start running again, I'm going to have a lot of slow, tedious work to do to get back. How are you doing, @zygote?
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So....I have COVID-19. Day eight. It seems to have gone right to my lungs. I haven't had anything higher than a low grade fever (99-99.6F). I tested negative right after symptoms started, but everything has been spot on for the virus, and I was exposed to a known case at work.
I'm 35. I'm healthy. This has hit me HARD. In the first few days, the shortness of breath was remarkable. We got a pulse ox just so I could monitor myself, and I've been doing okay. But wow. The chest pain and nerve pain nearly sent me to the hospital twice.
I refunded my Boston Marathon entry for the September race. I wasn't sure I'd be able to train properly. It's just not meant to be. When I start running again, I'm going to have a lot of slow, tedious work to do to get back. How are you doing, @zygote?
Oh man, that sucks. I hope you recover soon and manage to stay out of the hospital!
I'm finally starting to feel normal-ish on my runs, two and a half months after my symptoms started. By normal, I mean I'm able to push myself to go a little faster or a little farther and it feels like progress instead of a setback. But I completely lost all the fitness I gained training for the half marathon. The last run I did before I got sick was my 10 mile long run, and I'm just now feeling like I can do a slower 3.5-4 mile long run safely. And that's only because I backed off after my antibody test and stopped trying to do long runs for two weeks. It's like I'm back at the beginning of my training plan.
I definitely tried to push too much too soon when I was first recovering. Since I originally thought it was just bronchitis, I didn't understand why 1-2 miles at my old pace felt so hard and would just grit my way through it in the hopes of finishing the half on my own soon (lol no). I think that really slowed my comeback, because my lungs weren't fully recovered before I tried to work them out again. I really wish I had waited longer. I highly recommend waiting until your cough is completely gone and breathing feels 100% easy and normal in your daily life to run again, and being really gentle with yourself when you do.
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So....I have COVID-19. Day eight. It seems to have gone right to my lungs. I haven't had anything higher than a low grade fever (99-99.6F). I tested negative right after symptoms started, but everything has been spot on for the virus, and I was exposed to a known case at work.
I'm 35. I'm healthy. This has hit me HARD. In the first few days, the shortness of breath was remarkable. We got a pulse ox just so I could monitor myself, and I've been doing okay. But wow. The chest pain and nerve pain nearly sent me to the hospital twice.
I refunded my Boston Marathon entry for the September race. I wasn't sure I'd be able to train properly. It's just not meant to be. When I start running again, I'm going to have a lot of slow, tedious work to do to get back. How are you doing, @zygote?
Oh man, that sucks. I hope you recover soon and manage to stay out of the hospital!
I'm finally starting to feel normal-ish on my runs, two and a half months after my symptoms started. By normal, I mean I'm able to push myself to go a little faster or a little farther and it feels like progress instead of a setback. But I completely lost all the fitness I gained training for the half marathon. The last run I did before I got sick was my 10 mile long run, and I'm just now feeling like I can do a slower 3.5-4 mile long run safely. And that's only because I backed off after my antibody test and stopped trying to do long runs for two weeks. It's like I'm back at the beginning of my training plan.
I definitely tried to push too much too soon when I was first recovering. Since I originally thought it was just bronchitis, I didn't understand why 1-2 miles at my old pace felt so hard and would just grit my way through it in the hopes of finishing the half on my own soon (lol no). I think that really slowed my comeback, because my lungs weren't fully recovered before I tried to work them out again. I really wish I had waited longer. I highly recommend waiting until your cough is completely gone and breathing feels 100% easy and normal in your daily life to run again, and being really gentle with yourself when you do.
Yeah, I suppose I benefit from getting sick a few months after it hit the country (NYC) really hard. Others' experiences have been really helpful in my understanding just how bananas these symptoms are. And just about everyone says no physical exertion for a long while. It almost creates another wave of immune response. This isn't like the cold where sometimes a workout helps clear things out.
I'm glad to hear that you're making some progress. I have heard of cases 60-90 days in with some pretty awful lingering issues.
You'll get your redemption half. It might not be until later this fall, but you'll get it! (if you want it. if not, that's cool too)
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So....I have COVID-19. Day eight. It seems to have gone right to my lungs. I haven't had anything higher than a low grade fever (99-99.6F). I tested negative right after symptoms started, but everything has been spot on for the virus, and I was exposed to a known case at work.
I'm 35. I'm healthy. This has hit me HARD. In the first few days, the shortness of breath was remarkable. We got a pulse ox just so I could monitor myself, and I've been doing okay. But wow. The chest pain and nerve pain nearly sent me to the hospital twice.
I refunded my Boston Marathon entry for the September race. I wasn't sure I'd be able to train properly. It's just not meant to be. When I start running again, I'm going to have a lot of slow, tedious work to do to get back. How are you doing, @zygote?
Yikes, not just a cold, eh?
I'm on day 9 of the run streak. My 14 yo is running the 1 mile days with me. My husband joined a few days ago.
The 1 mile is basically downhill and uphill. About 0.35 mi down, 0.3 mi flat, 0.35 back up.
Today, they beat me for the first time, by 12 sec. Sigh. I've been running for years, but I'm not a 14 yo boy or 6' tall so...usually I could pass them on the hill
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Run streak update (the missing days are when I do speedwork, long runs, etc.) My 1 mile is basically 1/2 mile downhill and then back up (100ft). I PR'd today!
Run streak 1 mile pace
5/17/2020 12:39
5/18/2020 11:27
5/20/2020 11:04
5/22/2020 11:07
5/24/2020 11:11
5/25/2020 11:11
5/27/2020 10:57
5/29/2020 13:09 (my 7 year old joined us, I ran with him)
5/30/2020 11:25
5/31/2020 12:33 (stayed with the teen, he was dogging it)
6/1/2020 10:36
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Run streak update (the missing days are when I do speedwork, long runs, etc.) My 1 mile is basically 1/2 mile downhill and then back up (100ft). I PR'd today!
That's awesome! Great job!
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I have run over 302 miles this year so far.
Half way through the run streak (going till July 4).
I'm not sure I'm gonna make it.
My achilles is killing me, and my sciatica/piriformis is flaring. I think I need a break from running. Or to at least cut back to 2x a week, and pick up walking/ hiking/ biking again. Not ready for the pool.
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I had to cut back at the end of May / early June. Same problem (achilles) it was sore and tender for about a week but I kept running on it. Then it got really sore and tender so I gave it five days off with ice and rest. Hated every single day I wasn't running but it seemed to work.
Started running on it again when it was still niggling a little, but the extra "weight" on it from pounding the pavement helped put some strength back into it.
I haven't tested it with a long run yet (21km+) but will be tomorrow morning in about 8 hours. Fingers crossed eh!
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I had to cut back at the end of May / early June. Same problem (achilles) it was sore and tender for about a week but I kept running on it. Then it got really sore and tender so I gave it five days off with ice and rest. Hated every single day I wasn't running but it seemed to work.
Started running on it again when it was still niggling a little, but the extra "weight" on it from pounding the pavement helped put some strength back into it.
I haven't tested it with a long run yet (21km+) but will be tomorrow morning in about 8 hours. Fingers crossed eh!
Eccentric heel drops have worked wonders on achilles' niggles for me in the past. Hakan Alfredson did a really nice sports science study showing that they're more effective than surgery and a whole bunch of other possible medical interventions.
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I had to cut back at the end of May / early June. Same problem (achilles) it was sore and tender for about a week but I kept running on it. Then it got really sore and tender so I gave it five days off with ice and rest. Hated every single day I wasn't running but it seemed to work.
Started running on it again when it was still niggling a little, but the extra "weight" on it from pounding the pavement helped put some strength back into it.
I haven't tested it with a long run yet (21km+) but will be tomorrow morning in about 8 hours. Fingers crossed eh!
I decided to take a break, and last Weds was my last run. I'm not sure how many days I'll take off. I think I'll start with 1.5 weeks and go from there.
Also, I ordered new shoes. I already have 2 pair of relatively new shoes, but they are Altras. I love altras for the toe box, but I think that maybe zero drop just aren't good for me for as many miles as I've been putting in. I looked at my last year's of running, and each time I hit 16 miles/ week, I started having issues with various body parts.
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We finished up the c25k program this week.
Current plan is to restart the program with jog/run intervals instead of walk/jog intervals. Maybe two interval sessions a week and one 30 min straight pace run. The time commitment for these workouts is about right for us... and since our kids are biking along - we probably can't got much further or longer at time. Even the toddler in the stroller is calling it quits after more than 40 minutes.
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Feet are back to feeling fine now! 🙂
Last Sunday ran a 25k, but was then immediately notified the marathon I’d signed up for has been postponed again from August to November.
I don’t really want to back off the training but I might have to a little bit.
Want to get some shorter distance PBs this year at least.
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So, I took a week and a half off from running and started up again, slow. I decided to go with 2x a week, right now Tues/Thurs. I am enjoying alternating family hikes (short, because: 8 yo) and longer dog walks with the husband on Saturdays. I have no races upcoming until MAYBE October, so why force myself to slog through long runs on Saturday?
Anyway, my favorite thing in the world for running, really, is speed work. Today I did "race recovery" week from one of my books, which is 2x(200m with 200 recover), 2x(400m with 200 recover), 2x(200m with 200 recover). I had my fastest 200m repeats all year, and my 2nd fastest 400m. So yay! I walked for my warm up, cool down, and all recovery sections.
Breaks are good!
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I’ve still been trucking along with my goal of 100 miles per month. Last month I hit 120 miles. I’m working 55-60 hrs/wk + weight lifting hard twice a week, so the running takes up a chunk of my free time.
Have been dealing with some ongoing injuries but usually can work around them with heat, ice, stretching, exercises, etc.
Goals this year are 1:38 in my first half, 1:35 before next summer hits.
I’d like to break 21 mins in a 5k and 44 mins in a 10k..
We’ll see how it goes.. I think they are all achievable if everything goes right (no sidelining injuries)
Also - today is exactly 2 years since I started running, I’ve ran 1802 miles in that time.
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That's some good mileage. I've flipped my running / lifting. Lifting 4x a week and running 2x.
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Just a quick check in. I too have decreased my mileage as it's gotten really hot and humid. I'm lifting weights three times a week, and that's going well. I don't have a good track record for weight lifting (I lose interest and then let it slide after a while), so this is the best I've done so far. Two solid months of lifting under my belt.
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Just a quick check in. I too have decreased my mileage as it's gotten really hot and humid. I'm lifting weights three times a week, and that's going well. I don't have a good track record for weight lifting (I lose interest and then let it slide after a while), so this is the best I've done so far. Two solid months of lifting under my belt.
I bought a treadmill so I can run in my basement during the hot months of June - August. I got the Horizon t101 for $599 (including tax and shipping). I've had it for 3 weeks and I am very happy with it.
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I have a race this Saturday! An actual non-cancelled Half Marathon race!
Very excited. Fingers crossed for an unlikely PB, it's a rolling hilly course. Not mountains, but not flat either.
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I have a race this Saturday! An actual non-cancelled Half Marathon race!
Very excited. Fingers crossed for an unlikely PB, it's a rolling hilly course. Not mountains, but not flat either.
Wow, a real race! Good luck,
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I forgot to update here!
Race run, no PB. Actually blew up after 18.5k and lost about 5 minutes but still finished in 1:54.
A little disappointed but I’m going to have another crack before the year is out.
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I forgot to update here!
Race run, no PB. Actually blew up after 18.5k and lost about 5 minutes but still finished in 1:54.
A little disappointed but I’m going to have another crack before the year is out.
My 10 mile trail race in March was postponed to October. As of now it's still on, but I'm not sure I will do it if it is.
I might just let them keep my money.
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Hello everybody!
I was reviewing my progress since last year. I started jogging in the spring 2019, with the goal of forming a habit. I am pleased to say that my running habit is formed! I jog most days, and usually miss only if raining.
I lost 15lbs since I started, without thinking too much about it and most recently I added some other exercise in the mix as well, a couple times a week.
I was going to run my first 5k this summer. It was cancelled. Oh well.
Last year in the winter months I took advantage of my Y membership and used their treadmills during my lunch breaks. The Y was conveniently located a couple minutes by foot from my office. The issue now is that I'm working from home, and will be for the next few months. The weather is starting to cool down, and this week my morning runs are already at 45-50F (4.5-7.5C). I live in a area were we will have a couple weeks under -30F (-34C). I'm not sure what to do for this winter. Maybe get an stationary bike or treadmill? Those things look gigantic, and my apartment is not big. I'm still trying to find a good solution for the months to come. Anybody here has a treadmill etc? Is it worth it?
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I had to cut back at the end of May / early June. Same problem (achilles) it was sore and tender for about a week but I kept running on it. Then it got really sore and tender so I gave it five days off with ice and rest. Hated every single day I wasn't running but it seemed to work.
Started running on it again when it was still niggling a little, but the extra "weight" on it from pounding the pavement helped put some strength back into it.
I haven't tested it with a long run yet (21km+) but will be tomorrow morning in about 8 hours. Fingers crossed eh!
I decided to take a break, and last Weds was my last run. I'm not sure how many days I'll take off. I think I'll start with 1.5 weeks and go from there.
Also, I ordered new shoes. I already have 2 pair of relatively new shoes, but they are Altras. I love altras for the toe box, but I think that maybe zero drop just aren't good for me for as many miles as I've been putting in. I looked at my last year's of running, and each time I hit 16 miles/ week, I started having issues with various body parts.
Yea, I only run in Altras on low mileage days.
For your achilles: try doing some of your runs on softer terrain. Any dirt roads or soccer pitches near you?
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I’ve still been trucking along with my goal of 100 miles per month. Last month I hit 120 miles. I’m working 55-60 hrs/wk + weight lifting hard twice a week, so the running takes up a chunk of my free time.
Have been dealing with some ongoing injuries but usually can work around them with heat, ice, stretching, exercises, etc.
Goals this year are 1:38 in my first half, 1:35 before next summer hits.
I’d like to break 21 mins in a 5k and 44 mins in a 10k..
We’ll see how it goes.. I think they are all achievable if everything goes right (no sidelining injuries)
Also - today is exactly 2 years since I started running, I’ve ran 1802 miles in that time.
You definitely should be able to break 21 min in 5k if you hit 1:38 in the half.
I ran a 1:40 half then a 20:40 5k a couple months after.
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You definitely should be able to break 21 min in 5k if you hit 1:38 in the half.
I ran a 1:40 half then a 20:40 5k a couple months after.
Sounds like either you're naturally a fast-twitch muscle person, or you weren't quite as well trained for the half as you were for the 5K?
Jack Daniels' calculator, which is pretty widely used, says a 1:40 half is equivalent to 21:47 5K. I've been (just) under 1:40 for a half, but never below 21:40 for 5K.
For a 1:38 half, the calculator gives 21:20 for 5K and 44:15 for 10K.
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You definitely should be able to break 21 min in 5k if you hit 1:38 in the half.
I ran a 1:40 half then a 20:40 5k a couple months after.
Sounds like either you're naturally a fast-twitch muscle person, or you weren't quite as well trained for the half as you were for the 5K?
Jack Daniels' calculator, which is pretty widely used, says a 1:40 half is equivalent to 21:47 5K. I've been (just) under 1:40 for a half, but never below 21:40 for 5K.
For a 1:38 half, the calculator gives 21:20 for 5K and 44:15 for 10K.
Might be the fast-twitch. My PR in the half is 1:37 but in the 5k it is 19:12.
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I'm not in the league of you roadrunners, but would you have advice for a sneaker for my son, who is in varsity cross country and track? I bought him some expensive running shoes from Nike, but he said the heels were too high for him, so he keeps going back to the cheapest, flattest sneakers from Payless or Costco. He ran one pair so hard that a hole wore in the sole. Will he injure himself this way? Should I replace the shoes as soon as the tread is worn? He's doing well and is the fastest runner in his grade.
Thank you.
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I'm not in the league of you roadrunners, but would you have advice for a sneaker for my son, who is in varsity cross country and track? I bought him some expensive running shoes from Nike, but he said the heels were too high for him, so he keeps going back to the cheapest, flattest sneakers from Payless or Costco. He ran one pair so hard that a hole wore in the sole. Will he injure himself this way? Should I replace the shoes as soon as the tread is worn? He's doing well and is the fastest runner in his grade.
Thank you.
Yes, I would get new shoes once the tread is worn. I've known a lot of people getting injured from worn out shoes.
It sounds like he dislikes the high "drop" of the shoe. Which is the difference of height between the heel and toe. A lot of Nike shoes do have a high drop.
Take a look at RunRepeat. They list all the sales for running shoes. This is how I get all of mine:
https://runrepeat.com/catalog/low-drop-running-shoes?order_by=popularity
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Thank you so much! I will check out RunRepeat. He wears the same shoes for everything, including cross country, which I guess he can get away with for now because he's young.
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I thought I'd close out the 2020 runners thread with...
Last year I ran 480.6 miles. (Running was any time I went out and ran, recognizing a lot of those were run/walks, esp near the end).
The year before was 520.6, so not bad.