The Running Thread -- 2022

[jmasgat]

Thinking about my race schedule for the rest of the year and the potential of my Goofy or Dopey redemption. My primary race right now this year is the Chicago Olympic Triathlon the last weekend of August. This will involve a .9 mile swim, a 24.8 mile bike, and a 10k run. The Detroit International Half Marathon is October 16, so 7 weeks after the triathlon. This race has a challenge that caught my eye— you do the 1 mile and 5k races on Saturday and then the half on Sunday. This would give me some early marathon weekend practice with racing two days in a row (my best half time ever also came with a similar challenge in Little Rock— I think the short Saturday run helps me work out some nerves). So, my question is— is the 7 weeks enough time? I imagine I’ll get up to 8 miles in running distance during triathlon training because we tend to go over the distance since you are combining sports. & should I just go for the challenge?

Another vote for yes. I set my 10k PR 6 weeks after doing a 70.3. I think that year was the fittest I have ever been in my life (at the ripe old age then of 55). Not the same as what you are aiming for, but there was a gap after that race that I could use to do some 10k-specific training. Point is, I think you should be able to get to half distance endurance with the base you built, even with some recovery time for the tri built in.

I have done the Detroit Marathon (I live in the area) and dearly hope this year the International race comes back. Not cause I intend to do it, but because it is unique as races go.

 

[camaker]

Hmm. Gotta think about that. It's mostly a general feeling of dreading every run, but I guess there are a few factors that I can identify:
1 - Consistently getting out of bed early (running later in the day is not an option for a few reasons), particularly this time of year when I'm awake before the sun
2 - The repetition. I can vary my routes a bit, I can vary my speed a bit (although I usually don't), I can even vary my music, but as a general concept, running is a fairly repetitive act. And varying the types of runs I do doesn't seem to help much, mostly because its before coffee and I'm not great at remembering what I was planning to do.
3 - It feels so time consuming. Even when its not. Sometimes I come home, look at the clock, and realize I had time for another mile or two. But while I'm out there, I always feel like I'm rushed. Which is probably in part because I'm slow, but also probably a reflection of the fact that running isn't important enough to me for me to want to spend that much time on it.

Interestingly, looking at this list, a lot of it can apply to races too, but I think the race being a special event makes it more enjoyable.

Also, I did go out and run this morning. 3 miles, which is about average for me (minus when I'm on vacation or visiting family, I've been doing one or two 2-4 mile runs every week), so I am running, its just the being forced to be consistent about it because its training and not just movement time that's rougher on me.

Out of curiosity, have you considered trying audiobooks or even podcasts rather than music? Switching to audiobooks from music really helped with the feeling of repetition from listening to the "same" thing over and over. Also, since running is the only place I listen to them, having an engaging story that I want to get back to and hear what happens next adds a little extra incentive to get out there for the run.

 

[SarahDisney]

Out of curiosity, have you considered trying audiobooks or even podcasts rather than music? Switching to audiobooks from music really helped with the feeling of repetition from listening to the "same" thing over and over. Also, since running is the only place I listen to them, having an engaging story that I want to get back to and hear what happens next adds a little extra incentive to get out there for the run.

I've done podcasts and it doesn't usually feel that different. Although its been a bit so maybe I'll try again.
I don't like audiobooks because I find that unless I'm really paying attention, I miss a lot and nothing makes sense. And if I have to pay that much attention, I'd rather read the written book. I'm very snobbish about my book consumption.

 

[HangWithMerida]

Thinking about my race schedule for the rest of the year and the potential of my Goofy or Dopey redemption. My primary race right now this year is the Chicago Olympic Triathlon the last weekend of August. This will involve a .9 mile swim, a 24.8 mile bike, and a 10k run. The Detroit International Half Marathon is October 16, so 7 weeks after the triathlon. This race has a challenge that caught my eye— you do the 1 mile and 5k races on Saturday and then the half on Sunday. This would give me some early marathon weekend practice with racing two days in a row (my best half time ever also came with a similar challenge in Little Rock— I think the short Saturday run helps me work out some nerves). So, my question is— is the 7 weeks enough time? I imagine I’ll get up to 8 miles in running distance during triathlon training because we tend to go over the distance since you are combining sports. & should I just go for the challenge?

Another vote for yes. 7 weeks is plenty of time with the fitness level you will have following the triathlon training. As for the challenge, I say go for it. I did a similar thing earlier this month with the Houston HM on Sunday and the 5k on Saturday. I kept the 5k easy, treated it like a shake out. My HM went great! I probably would have run 2-3 miles anyway on Saturday so a 5k wasn’t a big deal and it does got some of the race day nerves out.

Hmm. Gotta think about that. It's mostly a general feeling of dreading every run, but I guess there are a few factors that I can identify:
1 - Consistently getting out of bed early (running later in the day is not an option for a few reasons), particularly this time of year when I'm awake before the sun
2 - The repetition. I can vary my routes a bit, I can vary my speed a bit (although I usually don't), I can even vary my music, but as a general concept, running is a fairly repetitive act. And varying the types of runs I do doesn't seem to help much, mostly because its before coffee and I'm not great at remembering what I was planning to do.
3 - It feels so time consuming. Even when its not. Sometimes I come home, look at the clock, and realize I had time for another mile or two. But while I'm out there, I always feel like I'm rushed. Which is probably in part because I'm slow, but also probably a reflection of the fact that running isn't important enough to me for me to want to spend that much time on it.

Dude, if I felt this way about running, I wouldn’t be doing it! The way you describe your experience sounds like torture. The things you list here are the exact reasons I love running. I get up early and usually at least start my runs in the dark basically year round. I love being out as the world is still waking up and I see the sunrise. I find the repetition meditative. I understand getting tired of listening to the same music all the time and podcasts just don’t grab me like they do some people. I don’t listen to music anymore and find the sound of my breath, footfalls, and the sounds around me very relaxing. I will say, I don’t do anything before at least a little caffeine! An espresso doesn’t take long to settle in your stomach and does me a world of good as far as how I feel. On the rare occasion I run truly fasted and decaffeinated those runs are very short and feel like more of an effort.

 

[SarahDisney]

Dude, if I felt this way about running, I wouldn’t be doing it!

Ah yes, why I run is a good question that I have no good answer for.

I will say, I don’t do anything before at least a little caffeine!

My problem is that the amount of effort involved in making coffee before the run and again after the run (because I don't have time for enough coffee before the run to make it through the day) isn't worth it (although I do have a timer on my coffee maker, so I can set it up the night before, but I will still need to clean it up to make my second cup).
During the summer its a little easier because I generally have cold brew in the fridge so its just a matter of taking it out and putting it in a cup.

 

[jmasgat]

To @jrsharp21, @garneska, @Bree, @sandam1 and the rest currently or recently on the "struggle bus", I feel your pain--literally--and hope that the universe gives us all the patience we need--but never use--to get over what's ailing us!

Here we are 2+ weeks post-Marathon and while most of my race pain dissipated within the first week, my left Achilles tendon is taking its sweet time to recover. I had told myself I would not run in January, and have stuck with my plan for yoga (restorative), bike trainer (cardio) and strength training. It's the strength training that fails me though. Here I am doing the exercises that are good for runners, and yet, each of these sessions leaves me with something else feeling sore/strained.

I am not looking for advice, just looking to "let it go". Next week, body permitting, I will swap the trainer for max 3 easy run/week. I am glad to have no goals for 2022--well, at least not til November. But I do hope that a consistent focus on strength training will soon tip over to the positive side of the scale.

 

[The Expert]

@SarahDisney have you thought about trying iFit or similar type of guided run programming? I have an iFit enabled treadmill but you can just use the app and run where you like - indoors or out. I believe they have a free trial option. They have programming at all levels from all over the world. I've done walks in Jordan, hikes in Germany and Scotland, runs in Vietnam, Romania and Portugal, all with trainers giving not just running guidance but telling stories, giving historic context to the locations, etc. Even if you can't see the visuals, there is an experience to be had. Might be worth a shot, as there is enough variety you are likely to find a trainer/location combo that clicks. And you could do them at your own pace, so if you want to run that hike through Scotland, you totally could.

 

[sandam1]

I had told myself I would not run in January,

That's a good way of thinking about it. I wish that I had made a similar commitment. I think it would have given me more peace than going week by week like I have been.

Here I am doing the exercises that are good for runners, and yet, each of these sessions leaves me with something else feeling sore/strained.

I try to think of this as my body telling me "yep, you do need to work on that particular part because it is kind of weak." For instance, I did my first full out PT/strength session yesterday since November. This is for various reasons, but primarily that I was deep in running mode and my PT time was spent trying to keep me on the road. However, yesterday in PT I got the kitchen sink of strength exercises. Today I am SORE. But I recognize that I haven't been doing these type of exercises consistently and that my body has regressed in those areas so right now the goal is to build it back up - and to be able to walk down the stairs without cursing. The good news is that my feet aren't hurting!

 

[lookingforsunshine]

An Olympic will take you somewhere between 2:15 to 3:15.

I love how you think I am this fast haha. If there’s one thing I’m slower at than running… it is swimming. But my goal is to really really work on that this year.

I have done the Detroit Marathon (I live in the area) and dearly hope this year the International race comes back. Not cause I intend to do it, but because it is unique as races go.

It says that the races are international again on the website for this year but if that changes I have less motivation to do this race weekend. I really want to do the bridge! I don’t live in the Detroit area anymore, but I grew up there.

As for the challenge, I say go for it.

Love it!

 

[Bree]

Runners are not the most patient people on the planet.

No. No we are not

To @jrsharp21, @garneska, @Bree, @sandam1 and the rest currently or recently on the "struggle bus", I feel your pain--literally--and hope that the universe gives us all the patience we need--but never use--to get over what's ailing us!

Here we are 2+ weeks post-Marathon and while most of my race pain dissipated within the first week, my left Achilles tendon is taking its sweet time to recover. I had told myself I would not run in January, and have stuck with my plan for yoga (restorative), bike trainer (cardio) and strength training. It's the strength training that fails me though. Here I am doing the exercises that are good for runners, and yet, each of these sessions leaves me with something else feeling sore/strained.

I am not looking for advice, just looking to "let it go". Next week, body permitting, I will swap the trainer for max 3 easy run/week. I am glad to have no goals for 2022--well, at least not til November. But I do hope that a consistent focus on strength training will soon tip over to the positive side of the scale.

I am taking a solid 4 weeks off from running. Two more weeks to go…..sigh……
Timing is just bad since running is a huge stress reliever. We put our farm on the market on Saturday. A series of events (Including the passing of FIL) really have us reevaluating life. We are staying in the same area. We need a 5th bedroom and financially it makes no sense to invest in an addition and a new septic tank.

 

[GreatLakes]

I love how you think I am this fast haha. If there’s one thing I’m slower at than running… it is swimming. But my goal is to really really work on that this year.

It says that the races are international again on the website for this year but if that changes I have less motivation to do this race weekend. I really want to do the bridge! I don’t live in the Detroit area anymore, but I grew up there.

Love it!

In addition to Detroit there is a marathon, the Niagara International Marathon, that starts in Buffalo and ends in Niagara Falls, ON so it is another chance to run both countries. I did it a while ago and it was a really good race.

 

[gosalyn_mallard]

In addition to Detroit there is a marathon, the Niagara International Marathon, that starts in Buffalo and ends in Niagara Falls, ON so it is another chance to run both countries. I did it a while ago and it was a really good race.

Good to hear! Their half has been on my wish list for a while. It sounds like a really cool race.

 

[GreatLakes]

Good to hear! Their half has been on my wish list for a while. It sounds like a really cool race.

Just be aware the half starts in Canada, it is only the full that runs across the border.

 

[garneska]

@jmasgat thanks for the thoughtful wishes of patience. I was with you, I knew there would have to be a few weeks off after the marathon. However patience is just ugh. It is cold down here in the south so i am appreciating my morning gym time than outside time. I keep telling myself to not make any plans until after i see PT on monday.

 

[Baloo in MI]

This sounds crazy but I don't really get major running injuries so it's not a factor I would consider at all.

Take it with a grain of salt, but this was my perspective for many years as a runner, both competitively in H.S. and college and then as a pretty dedicated (obsessed) recreational runner. I ran for years with nothing more than a twisted ankle or blistered heel. And then one simple slip and that changed. I ended up with surgery to repair a ruptured tendon, way to much time in PT, lost out on a trip to WDW and marathon weekend as running with an aircast did not seem prudent.

Trying to be light hearted, but just keep in mind my PT’s favorite quote: “there are two types of runners those who have been injured and those that still will be.

I like the above already shared - maybe some time off will help to build up more desire to run again. Either way wishing you the best and a long continued streak of non-injury!

 

[SarahDisney]

@SarahDisney have you thought about trying iFit or similar type of guided run programming? I have an iFit enabled treadmill but you can just use the app and run where you like - indoors or out. I believe they have a free trial option. They have programming at all levels from all over the world. I've done walks in Jordan, hikes in Germany and Scotland, runs in Vietnam, Romania and Portugal, all with trainers giving not just running guidance but telling stories, giving historic context to the locations, etc. Even if you can't see the visuals, there is an experience to be had. Might be worth a shot, as there is enough variety you are likely to find a trainer/location combo that clicks. And you could do them at your own pace, so if you want to run that hike through Scotland, you totally could.

Thank you! I will check it out! I usually have my volume low enough that I don't know if I'll really get the full benefits of the location, but its worth a try. Running virtually through Scotland might make the Central Park hills less painful.
(I've done Nike guided runs and I like them but can only really tolerate it once in a while because I don't love having someone in my ear all the time. But maybe trying something that's actually a destination and not just a coach speaking to me will be better.)

 

[lookingforsunshine]

Is cake a good pre-workout? Asking for a friend.

(for real though I have had such a long day but the gym calls.)

 

[jrsharp21]

To @jrsharp21, @garneska, @Bree, @sandam1 and the rest currently or recently on the "struggle bus", I feel your pain--literally--and hope that the universe gives us all the patience we need--but never use--to get over what's ailing us!

Cheers! Hopefully with rest and recovery we will all be pounding the pavement again soon. I started the exercises to strengthen the gluteus medius and TFL yesterday. On top of that took out the massage gun and put that on those areas as well. Definitely found the spot where the gluteus relates to the IT band as it was sore when I got on it with the gun. Also started using the Marc Pro for active recovery for the IT band.

Not being able to go long distance right now and at my normal pace sucks because after MW, I am hooked on doing events. I have ran in some form for all my life. Wither it be high school sports, college sports, or running for exercise. The past three years I got a little more into running religiously at home or during lunch at work. i did some random events here and there. MW and completing the Dopey really have me a kick to do more events. To get more of that rush. I am hooked. I want to do another event coming up soon but know that I need to take care of the IT band issue first, especially if I want to make it back to MW 2023.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Is cake a good pre-workout? Asking for a friend.

(for real though I have had such a long day but the gym calls.)

I can’t comment on actual cake, but gu makes a birthday cake flavor that tastes exactly like canned rainbow chip frosting.

 

[pluto377]

Is cake a good pre-workout? Asking for a friend.

(for real though I have had such a long day but the gym calls.)

I think so. I had a donut for breakfast and had a great run today!