The Running Thread

[vc10um]

PR! Yippee!!! Finished in 59:50. I'm kinda sad, because if it wasn't so cold, I probably could've knocked another minute or two off my time...but the cold air really hit my lungs hard during mile 2 and I ran a 13 minute split instead of the 12-minute splits I ran on miles 1, 3, and 4. There was a SUPER awesome downhill...like the last 1/3 of a mile...at the end that allowed me to finish the last 0.97 miles in under 11 minutes, so I managed to just squeak in under the hour mark, which was my goal! YAY!

But no pizza. I think they waited for the marathoners to bust that out. But they had a TON of food...and McD's sponsored the half marathon, so there was COFFEE at the end. I call that winning!

Now to try and keep up my fitness level over the winter...and even improve it...so that I can maybe run a late spring/early summer half marathon.

 

[BeachRunner]

blackpaw We've only been to Loveland, Winter Park, Copper, and ABasin. We have a pass for Breckenridge, Keystone, and ABasin. Overall, I like Loveland the best but I'm sure that will change this yr! Bummer we won't really go there, though. Awesome job on the daily 40-60min runs!

vc10um Grats on the PR! I've never raced an 8k...or a 10k for that matter. I totally know which race you ran just by who sponsored the coffee I saw some friends pictures and they have ear warmers and tights on. Musta been pretty chilly! I personally like running in the cooler temps.

AFM...really windy here today so I got some resistance training in along w/ my run I had major GI issues, which hasn't happened in awhile. I wanted to run 7-10m but stopped at 5.25m. Oh well; happens to all of us.

 

[Blackpaw]

VC, awesome work some days here the cold just takes your breath away, its so great that you still got a PR, congrats again

ive had 4 days off - 1 planned, 1 a result of over doing it at yoga, and the other two for lazyness...but i did a few hours of backcountry today and went for a skate so ill give myself a pass

Beac, id love to go back to CO, but i know with mountains all around me i just wont be able to justify it anytime soon! its a shame, i go to a conference which is in Denver every second year but its always in summer, such a waste

 

[vc10um]

Okay...attempt 3...here's hoping my post doesn't get eaten...again.

Thanks for the thanks, BP and BR!

BR, I was definitely sporting tights and gloves, plus a Goodwill sweatshirt that I ditched at the start, LOL. Sorry about you GI issues...hate when that happens!

BP...what kind of skate?

And just for fun...a picture. I cheezed it for the cameras this time around...

 

[Blackpaw]

Awesome pic VC ive never managed to get a good pic of me running, my half just gone i didnt even notice where the camera folk were until it was too late, and there's just my hat in the background!

i was ice skating on Sunday

 

[vc10um]

I just reread my post..."thanks for the thanks"...I should proofread.

Anyway...I've only been ice skating a few times, but I LOVED it! BP, do you actually figure skate, or just go round-n-round?

...now I want to go skating! At an outdoor rink before it gets too cold! Excellent cross-training activity, methinks!

 

[Blackpaw]

I just reread my post..."thanks for the thanks"...I should proofread.

Anyway...I've only been ice skating a few times, but I LOVED it! BP, do you actually figure skate, or just go round-n-round?

...now I want to go skating! At an outdoor rink before it gets too cold! Excellent cross-training activity, methinks!

I LOVE skating VC i started in australia when i was 19 (figure skating) and im terrible at it but really enjoy it anyhow! i prefer to skate indoors though (if im doing it for exercise) as its smoother and not so cold...

i would love to have lessons again but it seems that in Canada ice time is given over solely to kids figure skating and hockey

 

[slg47]

vc congrats!

I sadly injured my peroneal tendon after my 10k in August but it is 100% better now! so much better that I ran a 6 mile race over Thanksgiving (which was too much mileage increase too quickly and I have a minor hamstring strain but...it's minor and I am resting it now). Anyway it was a really fun race, I ran with FI's dad who dragged me along at an 8:30 pace...not sure how I kept that up in the heat (it was unseasonably warm in MA and I only brought long sleeves/long pants) but I did it! feels good to be running again

 

[Blackpaw]

SLG, glad you're up and running again! i know what you mean about too much mileage too quick - i did that on sunday. I just felt like a long run i guess but i havent done anything over ten since my half at the start of October. So the next day i could barely walk my hip flexors were so sore.

Anyhoo, the pavements here are diabolical with ice its terribly hard on the legs, even with short runs ive found my stride is so contracted and now im having knee pain and my hip flexors are bothering me more in general...though i dont know if that's related!

Does everyone here (that would be VC, SLG, Jainsley and Beach ) run through winter on snow (if you get it where you live!)? i did last winter though my runs tended to be on the shorter side...but this year with all the ice (ive honestly never seen it this bad since ive lived here) i dont know if ill be able to keep up any sort of mileage.

 

[vc10um]

Welcome back, slg! 8:30 pace?! Wow! I don't even know if I sprint that fast in the chutes! Congrats on kicking butt and taking names!

Blackpaw, I actually don't run outside in the winter. The cold air wreaks havoc on my lungs and I hate having cold feet! So I generally stick to the treadmill. Which sucks. But at least I'm not in pain.

 

[slg47]

Welcome back, slg! 8:30 pace?! Wow! I don't even know if I sprint that fast in the chutes! Congrats on kicking butt and taking names!

Blackpaw, I actually don't run outside in the winter. The cold air wreaks havoc on my lungs and I hate having cold feet! So I generally stick to the treadmill. Which sucks. But at least I'm not in pain.

well hamstring is back to normal! glad it was just a minor thing.

as far as running in snow...I went to college in upstate NY, did not run at all during the winter there. FI ran outside only if the temp was above zero (I chose to just get fat )
now we are in CA and no snow here...so no problems running outside!

 

[Blackpaw]

Hi peeps not sure if anyone's about or if we're still all in holiday mode, but thought id touch base...ive only been running about once or twice a week and alas, i think ive done my butt in no really, i have crazy pain under my right cheek and even more awesome, my general lunch time running partner has what seems to be a similar pain in the left cheek - at least between the two of us we have one good butt...

im guessing it was running on the terrible, icy pavements thats done it. The pavements have improved a little but now after every run it hurts - after the run i did last week which involved stairs and hills it hurt the whole night especially when sitting. And now a week of resting (and turkey!) later it hurts even after a flat run...meh!

VC, SLG, BR, Jains, I hope you're all having a lovely festive season and your running (or not!) is going swimmingly

 

[vc10um]

Not to laugh at someone in pain, but I'm seriously LOL-ing over here at your "one good butt" comment, blackpaw!

I've completely failed at running recently. Just can't get my training mojo going. Actually, can't really get any mojo going...oh the joys of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Oh, and an intense 6-month-long review program at work. I need to pick a spring race and get myself on a training plan ASAP. Otherwise, I'm just gonna be a lump all winter long.

 

[Blackpaw]

Not to laugh at someone in pain, but I'm seriously LOL-ing over here at your "one good butt" comment, blackpaw!

I've completely failed at running recently. Just can't get my training mojo going. Actually, can't really get any mojo going...oh the joys of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Oh, and an intense 6-month-long review program at work. I need to pick a spring race and get myself on a training plan ASAP. Otherwise, I'm just gonna be a lump all winter long.

I wouldnt feel bad, VC, its so so hard running in winter i think! unless you like the treadmill i guess which i dont....

did 35minutes today and the pavements are still rubbish (not good for my butt ). I think for the winter im just going to try to keep a little cardio fitness so i can jump into training when the snow clears. If i do end up signing up for a full ill have to 'pre-train' im sure before i start the program.

Oh and BTW i entered the lottery for the NYC marathon today! no chance of course but maybe in three years what races could you do in the spring, VC?

 

[vc10um]

Oh and BTW i entered the lottery for the NYC marathon today! no chance of course but maybe in three years what races could you do in the spring, VC?

Don't count yourself out, lady! My BFF got into the NYC on her first try! I went up to NYC to support her and the NYC Marathon Expo is where I caught the running bug. Damn electric atmosphere!

I'm looking at a few possible races...I have an automatic entry into the Cherry Blossom 10-miler the first weekend in April, but we might have family in town that weekend, so I'm not sure I'll be able to do it. Regardless of whether I run that or not, I'm looking into the Flying Pirate Half down at the Outer Banks, and maybe possibly the Marine Corps Historic Half in May that I chickened out of running in 2011 because I was terrified I'd injure myself and not be able to wear my wedding shoes!

 

[Blackpaw]

Wow thats a pretty good selection - love the names, flying pirate?! awesome! would you wear an eye patch?

there arent too many races where i live, there are a couple in spring but they're not too interesting, and then there are some nice ones in fall, but for fulls you really have to travel...

ill keep my fingers crossed for NYC, i figure if i did get in that would be a pretty good motivator!

 

[vc10um]

Wow thats a pretty good selection - love the names, flying pirate?! awesome! would you wear an eye patch?

Dude, I already suck in terms of depth perception when running...especially once I get past mile 9 or 10. I'm pretty sure I'd knock someone over with an eye patch on! Perhaps a skull and crossbones shirt? tattered running skirt? black and white striped tights? We'll see. Might have you guys dress me if we do that one!

I did 3 miles on the DREADmill today and then played volleyball...totally was getting a calf cramp during game 2 and just had to stretch it out between points b/c we didn't have any female subs. Oh well...made it through for the win!

Blackpaw, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and NYC! When do you find out?

 

[Blackpaw]

ok no patch, but if i get to help pick your outfit im voting for a fake parrot stuck to your shoulder now that would be a race to see!

3 miles then volleyball? noice! i did 40 minutes today which was an improvement on my current form to be honest and now in some kind of crazy voodoo way its raining here at the mo, which means the pavements will freeze again and be rubbish...sob!

Only find out about NYC at the end of April - fingers crossed. You should apply too

 

[vc10um]

ok no patch, but if i get to help pick your outfit im voting for a fake parrot stuck to your shoulder now that would be a race to see!

Only find out about NYC at the end of April - fingers crossed. You should apply too

BAHAHAHA. I can only imagine how annoying that parrot would get after 13 miles! GAH!

I told myself when I get close to an 11-minute mile pace in a half marathon I can register for a marathon. Otherwise I won't put in the training time because the long runs will take too much time! So no NYC for me yet. I'm thinking I'd like to do Cincinnati's Flying Pig, the Akron Marathon, or the Portland Marathon for my first 26.2 someday. I have friends in all these locations, some of whom have run these races before, and I've heard nothing but good things about them.

I WILL do a marathon...SOMEDAY.

In the meantime, I did 3 miles on Thursday (Dreadmill again) and 4 pretty dang hilly miles today (it's 64 degrees out! In DC!). So I'm on track for the Cherry Blossom 10-miler in April. Woot.

 

[vc10um]

Blackpaw...I just saw THESE on Pinterest and thought of you and your bum!

 

[Blackpaw]

wow those are some serious looking spikes i have a set of cleats but have never had to use them til now, i might give them a try on wednesday.

i had a great run friday - 6 and a half minutes woop woop!! we had rain of all things here and the pavements are a mess again. i dont have much motivation to be honest, but im visiting aust in a couple of weeks and im hoping to run a little there - im saving my new shoes i bought for then, havent wanted to get them all dirty and snowy...

Good on you for running so much, VC you'll be awesome in the cherry blossom race!

 

[Skippy123]

VC that is awesome!!!! great pic!!!

My BIL and I are going to do our annual 5k race this summer! It is my favorite race so I decided I would do it with him.

 

[Blackpaw]

Skippy, thats awesome! is it your first race? are you a runner already or will you be starting up?

 

[packrat]

Thought I would bump this back up. I started running..or well, my version of running. I start out walking fast and then jogging and then alternate throughout the trail (3.something miles long). JD has to run a lot to train for when he leaves for the Police Academy after the first of the year, so we first started just walking the trail fast, and the kids ride their bikes. A couple weeks ago we changed it so we start at opposite ends (he runs and I do my walk-jog) and when we meet, he turns around and walk-jogs back w/me. I've never thought of myself as being able to run or jog b/c of knee/ankle pain, stitches in my side etc. My Nike's were working fine but I decided to order some new shoes, and they hurt my knees, so they're going back and I'll stick to what I have and do more research for the next pair. I think I've figured out I overpronate so am looking for shoes for that, to see if it makes a difference compared to my Nikes.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Packrat, good fo ryou for getting back on the trail! Thanks to a couple of knee injuries, I think my running days are pretty much over (which is too bad because I LOVE to run!), but I wanted to comment on your shoes. Have you considered the five finger shoes, or even some other "barefoot" running shoe that doesn't necessarily have the separate toes? After my second knee surgery I started working out again (not running, just elliptical, gauntlet, and other non-impact things) and one of my knees was still hurting. My surgeon suggested I try the Vibram five finger shoes and they really helped me with a variety of issues. I also used to wear some mega custom orthodics, and now I'm just in shoes with no inserts what so ever. I can't say these types of footwear work for every person or every problem, but I wanted to throw it out there since you said you were looking into new shoes.

Happy trails!

 

[packrat]

Hey DeeJay! Ohh that sucks, I'm sorry you aren't able to run anymore! I was talking about it on FB (or, well, whining..) and a couple PSers suggested the more barefoot-ish shoes. One of the PSers uses Merrells, and she over pronates. They suggested getting them and just walking for a while in them to get used to them. I thought I'd find a pair of running shoes specifically for over pronators and use them for running and alternate days walking in the barefoot shoes, see how it goes. I can *still* feel it in my knees, not bad or anything, but it's there.

JD tried on the Vibram's at Scheels and he was just head over heels about them, tho he never got them. He insisted I try a pair on..the problem is my toes are midget kid toes, so I would need like, little nubbin toe barefoot shoes. I'm assuming the other barefoot shoes aren't all toe-kinds?

I am desperate to find good shoes so I can get back out there-I enjoyed it so much, and I never in a million years thought I would, or even could. My competitive nature comes out (only against JD tho haha) and I push to beat him to a certain spot..and last time, even tho my knees hurt really bad and I had to walk most of it, we still beat our time from the last time we'd gone out 4 days before that, by 8 minutes.

Thanks for the help DeeJay, I appreciate it! Gives me hope that I'll be able to get going again.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Packrat, I have little midget toes too! My toe-lettes definitely don't fill up the tows in the shoes, but I got used to it. Also, not sure if you have regular feet or if they're wide or narrow, but they do make the barefoot shoes to accommodate non-standard widths. I have the wide ones. So, between my toe-lettes and the uber width, I basically have feet like a duck! I have been trying a Nike barefoot shoe (not the kind with toes) lately. They did come with a cushioned insert (and what's up with that? these are barefoot shoes for god's sake!) that I basically just took out. Now they are more comfortable for me. I think I will look into some other barefoot (but not with toes) options, however I would have to try them on. Zappos is great, and I order tons of stuff from them, but I don't think I could go that route with shoes like this unless I tried a bunch on first.

Let me know what you end up going with!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

PR--do you have a place that just deals with people running, and offers lessons? I ask b/c we have places like that here and of course they sell products. I pronate--and lacing my running in a different way helps, and this advice I got from running specialists.
Going to box stores may not provide the help you need for the proper footwear--different shoes are for different feet, purposes.... FWIW, I've run a few products and Mizuno's are my equipment of choice.

BTW, I run up to three times a week--in water. I have Vibrams that I use to help prevent slipping, but they are not really that helpful, and they have ZERO support, so I could never use them outside of the water. I would be careful using them. Once these are finished, I will not be buying another pair.

cheers--Sharon

 

[packrat]

Oh wow, DeeJay, another midget toe person?? Yay for midget toes! I think my feet are a little wider..especially after having the kids, they seem wider to me. My brother has wide/flat/fat Bam Bam feet and I think I have just a smaller version, plus the toe weirdness.

The sucky part about living out in the boonies is that there isn't any place to try things on really. Most of the stores are an hour or more away, and they seem to just have like Joe Schmuckateli working there, not Foot Runningmasterson. I don't know of any clubs or specific running places around here..I can google tho, see if I can come up w/anything.

I found a pair of Merrell's on the website that said they were a great beginner/introductory barefoot shoe. And I've been googling shoes for overpronating. Some I found say they're good for large or overweight people..I have some pounds to lose, but I'm not like ginormous or anything, so I don't know if I qualify, b/c I'm not a big person in general. Some say moderate to severe overpronators..and I don't know which I am. I'm guessing mild to moderate or something. T'would be easier if there were a kiosk you could just go stand in and then they scanned your feet and said these are the shoes for you!

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-401108/pgid-570979

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-417590/pgid-694359

These two I found on the Nike website under stability running shoes. Some of them don't specify mild/moderate/severe pronation but these two did and they're not going to break the bank.

Canuk, running in the water? It actually sounds fun-but dangerous too!

 

[canuk-gal]

Oh wow, DeeJay, another midget toe person?? Yay for midget toes! I think my feet are a little wider..especially after having the kids, they seem wider to me. My brother has wide/flat/fat Bam Bam feet and I think I have just a smaller version, plus the toe weirdness.

The sucky part about living out in the boonies is that there isn't any place to try things on really. Most of the stores are an hour or more away, and they seem to just have like Joe Schmuckateli working there, not Foot Runningmasterson. I don't know of any clubs or specific running places around here..I can google tho, see if I can come up w/anything.

I found a pair of Merrell's on the website that said they were a great beginner/introductory barefoot shoe. And I've been googling shoes for overpronating. Some I found say they're good for large or overweight people..I have some pounds to lose, but I'm not like ginormous or anything, so I don't know if I qualify, b/c I'm not a big person in general. Some say moderate to severe overpronators..and I don't know which I am. I'm guessing mild to moderate or something. T'would be easier if there were a kiosk you could just go stand in and then they scanned your feet and said these are the shoes for you!

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-401108/pgid-570979

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-417590/pgid-694359

These two I found on the Nike website under stability running shoes. Some of them don't specify mild/moderate/severe pronation but these two did and they're not going to break the bank.

Canuk, running in the water? It actually sounds fun-but dangerous too!

HI:

So far not too dangerous.....I run in our lazy river....which isn't very lazy, the current is actually quite strong. Sometimes I run with it the current and sometimes against it. I suppose the latter is where the danger is, in slipping. That is where those aquasox or Vibrams come in--helps with traction.

But you don't need a river to run in the water--so much can be done in a good old pool. I keep my arms very active--so my bi's and tri's get a good work out also. iIf the water is about breast/pect line that is better as you get more resistence and a better aeorobic workout. I run, hop, lope, do the cancan--ha! Back and forth the length of the pool.

I the very deep water I have Speedo training fins and I make them useful cycling , fast running--with the air of a flutter board to keep me bouyant.

All in all it is a pretty good workout and I don't hurt myself pounding the ground running. Good luck on finding suitable footwear.

cheers--Sharon