The Running Thread - 2016

[camaker]

Just a few comments I'd like to share:
- A lot of you have put in some serious work in the month of June, so I just wanted to say congrats!
- I also have enjoyed reading the supportive comments and solid advice that has been shared over the last few days. It has been helpful to our newer runners/posters as well as the experienced folks.
- When I first came up with the idea for this thread, I never thought it would get this much attention. I more or less thought it would end up turning into a type of journal with my comments making up 50% of the text. I can promise you no one wants to read that much stuff from me. lol
- Looks like everyone is really starting to gear up their training, and even though not everyone is running a race @ WDW this January, most of us still have a goal race near that time frame. The timing works out well as we all get to experience each others highs and lows that come with training.

A few questions I would like to ask:
- For those with the Garmin 235, have you tried out the "Finish Time" function? Does it track your race like a normal run? If the race is long or short what happens? Is it safe to assume it saves your run like a normal run?
- In a effort to continue to improve this thread and the topics discussed within, what suggestion would you make to change something? Maybe more of less of something... idk I'm just looking for suggestions/ideas for the thread.
- How do you feel about the sharing your race results for races listed in the OP? You are not obligates to share them, I am just curious as to why you may not want to.

I believe that is it for now. Thanks again for the feedback.

This has been one of the threads that keeps me coming back! It was a great idea and I hope we can continue it into the future. As for your specific questions:

- I have a FR235 but don't use the "Finish Time" function. Its estimated finish times are well ahead of what I can run and I don't need my own equipment telling me I'm too slow. I've got plenty of strangers running around me pointing that out! Or am I thinking of the wrong function?

- I'm happy with the thread as is. It might be good to make a new one annually, just to keep things manageable on the front page race list front.

- I enjoy sharing my race results and thoughts on those races. I also enjoy reading others' results and experiences, too. I think I need to take more pictures, looking at other posts, though.

 

[LSUlakes]

This has been one of the threads that keeps me coming back! It was a great idea and I hope we can continue it into the future. As for your specific questions:

- I have a FR235 but don't use the "Finish Time" function. Its estimated finish times are well ahead of what I can run and I don't need my own equipment telling me I'm too slow. I've got plenty of strangers running around me pointing that out! Or am I thinking of the wrong function?

- I'm happy with the thread as is. It might be good to make a new one annually, just to keep things manageable on the front page race list front.

- I enjoy sharing my race results and thoughts on those races. I also enjoy reading others' results and experiences, too. I think I need to take more pictures, looking at other posts, though.

Thanks. I think we are thinking of a different function. If you go to menu - Training - and the 4th item down is Finish time. You pick a race distance or make a custom one and it show distance remaining, expected finish time, and current pace. It appears you can also scroll through your normal layout as well while it is in use. So maybe I answered my own question...

I think you have a good point, and have thought about that as well. I do think I would copy the OP, and then maybe on the second page, post the last years results. Since this one didn't really get started to the end of January, that would probably be a good time to make that move.

Thanks for sharing your results. I enjoy seeing how people do compared to their goals. It's always very exciting to meet a goal, and also a humble experience when you don't. Both ways give you an opportunity to review why things did or did not go as expected to build off of for the next race.

 

[DopeyBadger]

- For those with the Garmin 235, have you tried out the "Finish Time" function? Does it track your race like a normal run? If the race is long or short what happens? Is it safe to assume it saves your run like a normal run?

Here is DCrainmaker's description:

"Where it starts to get interesting is new features like the ‘Finish Time’ estimator. This feature will automatically estimate how much time you have remaining until you hit a goal distance (such as 5K, 10K, etc…). You can enter a custom distance in as well as standard ones, using miles or kilometers. It’ll simply figure out what your estimated time of completion is based on how fast you’re running thus far."

Here is an interesting thread on this topic on the Garmin forums. It looks like an interesting feature. I would have assumed it was purely based on average pace to that point multiplied by the distance of the race. But the people in the linked thread seem to suggest it actually takes into account some version of your current pace as well. I would assume that it tracks your run as normal, although to test this feature I would just set it up for a 10K the next time I did a 6.5 mile run and see what happens when I hit 6.2 miles.

 

[roxymama]

That features sounds like when we take road trips and our car's gps has estimated arrival time and my hubby makes it a mission to keep getting the arrival time sooner and sooner. Nothing makes him happier than when he beats that gps original estimate.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

QOTD: With a lot of talk about various topics, I figured I would expand on one topic. What piece of advice would you give to a first timer one what to do from the time you get to the race and the start of the race?

I am an introvert, so my advice would be to find someplace quiet to sit down and relax until it is time to head to the starting line. Bring a throw-away sweatshirt in case it is cold.

My wife is an extrovert, so she would say that you should find a group of people having fun and join in. She likes to get "revved up" for a race.

When we race together she eases up on the "make new friends" mode somewhat, but she isn't capable of turning it off.

 

[Keels]

That sounds about right to me. But to be sure, we should have @Keels check the math for us!

I think you forgot to carry the 2 or something, but whatever. Works for me!!

 

[Keels]

QOTD: With a lot of talk about various topics, I figured I would expand on one topic. What piece of advice would you give to a first timer one what to do from the time you get to the race and the start of the race?

Breathe. Remember your training. Run your own race at your own pace, because in the end - you're the one crossing the finish line.

For bigger races - especially rD races - remembering your training is VERY important. If you trained with intervals, follow those same intervals - even if it's your turn for a walk break and people around you are still running. Nothing can send a race down the wrong path quicker than going out too fast and trying to keep up with a pace that you haven't been training at and aren't prepared for.

Also, watch for rocks and curbs and things you can trip over. I learned that one the hard way last year.

 

[ZellyB]

ATTQOTD: Glide is your friend

I'll also chime in to the chorus of not getting caught up in the excitement and starting out too fast. Somewhere I once read a quote that said, "If you start out a race and don't think 'I'm going too slow', then you are going too fast".

Also in regards to the etiquette question, I'd just mention that sometimes as a run/walker it's not always practical to stay on the right. Very crowded courses, like Disney, sometimes make this nearly impossible because you may get pushed to the center or outside yourself because you are going around other slower run/walkers. So, for me, the bigger key is stay to the right if you can, but more importantly, STAY AWARE OF YOUR SURRONDINGS, you can still be more in the center and adhere to walking breaks as long as you ensure there is nobody directly behind you and that there is ample room for them to get around you. Also, be willing to modify your walk breaks on a crowded course. There are many times I run through a walk break if there is no safe/reasonable/courteous way for me to take it.

 

[croach]

That features sounds like when we take road trips and our car's gps has estimated arrival time and my hubby makes it a mission to keep getting the arrival time sooner and sooner. Nothing makes him happier than when he beats that gps original estimate.

I do the same thing. It keeps me entertained.

ATTQOTD: Relax, think through your race plan, and remember the training that got to the start line. Also and I can't stress this enough, don't forget that the stuff on those Popsicle sticks people are handing out is Vaseline, not something to eat!

 

[Barca33Runner]

That features sounds like when we take road trips and our car's gps has estimated arrival time and my hubby makes it a mission to keep getting the arrival time sooner and sooner. Nothing makes him happier than when he beats that gps original estimate.

I wish I was as good at beating my estimates running as I am at beating them driving. I think the accelerator in my legs is broken or something.

 

[Baloo in MI]

ATTQOTD:
Two lessons I have learned recently. One, even if you love the sun and enjoy taking in the warm rays of the sun. It does not help to be in the sun before a race that will feature challengingly warm temps! Two, at the start slow down. I have a friend who is helping me get ready for my first ultra in the fall. We were talking pace and he said something to the effect of "at the start SLOW down and then slow down some more, you are going faster than you think!"

And third, as a suggestion, don't forget to take in the moment - the views, the feelings, the energy, and the fact that you made it to the race for which you have been training.

 

[gjramsey]

ATTQOTD:

And third, as a suggestion, don't forget to take in the moment - the views, the feelings, the energy, and the fact that you made it to the race for which you have been training.

I think this is a huge one for someone just starting out, and even for some veterans. Soak up the atmosphere. My Disney marathon became a much more enjoyable experience when I tossed my goals because of the weather at around mile 5, and decided to get as many character pics as I could, and embrace the energy of the crowds that were on the course. My finish line picture is by far the best finish picture I have had.

 

[Chasing Dopey]

June Totals (This is really ugly):

Running Miles - 18.02
Running Time - 2:55
Average Running Pace - 9:42/m
(And about 4 hours on the bike trainer at home.)

So... ITBS stinks! It hit my right leg last year (this time, the left) at almost the exact same time, and took about the same amount of time to clear up. (5-6 weeks) About half of those miles were tests sprinkled here and there. The good news is, while I had to quit Tuesday's run early, Thursday's run was significantly better, and Dopey training has officially started.

I'm going to be significantly slower this month as I am taking it easy, taking more walk breaks, and focusing on my technique. I downloaded Brian Martin's book Tuesday afternoon, and by Thursday I was able to finish 4.35 miles with hardly any knee stiffness or pain at all. His book gave me a slightly different way to think about running technique (vs running 'form'), so time will tell if it will have a positive impact, or just a one-off. It was definitely awkward yesterday (DW said I didn't look silly, so not that bad I guess), but my knee felt better and my ankles felt fresh this morning. After another month, I'll let y'all know if it sticks.

 

[Miranda]

Regarding not stopping in the water stops... if you are a back of the pack-er, we all tend to walk through the later water stops back there so you don't need to worry about keeping moving at a run clip. At least in every race I have ever done. I always try to grab 1-2 cups, thank whoever is handing it to me, then pull off the side and stop near the trash bucket to drink them so I can throw them away. Also because I suck at drinking while I'm moving out of paper cups, even if I bend them. I know there are a million and one cups all over the ground usually that I'm standing amongst, but I can't bring myself to chuck the cups on the ground unless there is no garbage bin in sight.

 

[LSUlakes]

Looking at the weather forecast for Mondays 5k in Houston and its going to be HOT! Mondays low is 80. I enjoy a challenge as much as the next person, but if its 80 at sunrise plus another hour or two until the race starts it could be near 85 + heat index. A PR attempt my be out of reach for such a warm run. We shall see, maybe it will rain Sunday night.

 

[opusone]

Looking at the weather forecast for Mondays 5k in Houston and its going to be HOT! Mondays low is 80. I enjoy a challenge as much as the next person, but if its 80 at sunrise plus another hour or two until the race starts it could be near 85 + heat index. A PR attempt my be out of reach for such a warm run. We shall see, maybe it will rain Sunday night.

For a 5k, I have found that heat/humidity is less worrisome. It usually takes about 2-3 miles before the heat and humidity start getting to you, and by then, you are almost done with a 5k. In fact, I just had a 5k PR a few weeks ago, and it was 90° at the start. The first two miles were really fine, but the last half mile was a struggle. I think even four miles would have been too much in that heat at race pace, but I was able to pull it out for 3.1 miles. I will say that I think my heart rate was higher than normal for a race.

Now, for a 10k (or longer), heat and humidity is a whole different story and seems to affect me quickly once it hits.

 

[LSUlakes]

For a 5k, I have found that heat/humidity is less worrisome. It usually takes about 2-3 miles before the heat and humidity start getting to you, and by then, you are almost done with a 5k. In fact, I just had a 5k PR a few weeks ago, and it was 90° at the start. The first two miles were really fine, but the last half mile was a struggle. I think even four miles would have been too much in that heat at race pace, but I was able to pull it out for 3.1 miles. I will say that I think my heart rate was higher than normal for a race.

Now, for a 10k (or longer), heat and humidity is a whole different story and seems to affect me quickly once it hits.

You have a good point, and I should probably stop making excuses. lol My big goal for the end of summer is much faster than Mondays goal time, so hopefully I can make it happen.

 

[roxymama]

You have a good point, and I should probably stop making excuses. lol My big goal for the end of summer is much faster than Mondays goal time, so hopefully I can make it happen.

You can treat this race the way baseball stats guys treat everything. Make it your best time for a 5k in July in 80 degree weather. A PR for that very specific set of circumstances.

 

[keahgirl8]

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There were so many quotes that I could use today but I will stop at 2. It just felt like a 2 quote day.

This are very good and very true. Thanks for posting!

Just noticed that I wasn't alone doing the BAA 10k on Sunday!! I wish I had known so I could've said hello!!

That one's on my bucket list. How was it?

As a new runner and new race runner....

Would anyone be willing to share some race etiquette with me? I'm guessing it's just general common sense stuff, how I feel like with every sport I've played there's a few "unspoken" rules that everyone needs to know or will eventually learn

I try my best to do the right thing, but I don't wanna be "that person" you're walking about after the race! Hahaha

Everyone pretty much already covered it. Basically, just use common courtesy and you won't be "that person."

I'll give it a shot with a few of the "rules of the road" that I have picked up and seen violated the most:

1. If you run/walk (or just walk), do your walk intervals on the right side of path to allow faster folks past.
2. If you run/walk, put your hand up before you slow to your walking interval so runners behind you don't run over you or have to dodge on short notice.
3. If you are with a group (or even just similarly paced folks), don't spread out in a line across the path. This keeps faster runners from passing and is very aggravating.
4. Keep your elbows in when you run. Nobody wants to get popped by a flailing elbow.
5. When coming up on a slower runner in a congested area, give an "on your left" heads up as you get ready to pass. Note: I'm bad about not following this one.
6. Not sure if it's a rule or not (but it should be): When coming to a water station, get ready before the station. I don't know how many times I've been cut off (and actually run into) by someone veering over for a cup at the last second. After the station, make sure of where you're tossing your cup. I've gotten half a cup of water poured down my leg by someone who didn't look before they tossed.

A lot of it really just comes down to being courteous to the other runners around you and not running like you're on the sidewalk alone at home! Everyone is trying to have a fun time out there and most of the issues that I have seen come from people worried exclusively about "their" fun and experience without regard to the thousands of people around them.

Exactly! Common courtesy. It's rare sometimes.

I like everything everyone else has posted. I would add that if you run/walk...start your race with a run interval. Seems intuitive but I've seen people do the opposite and it gets clogged up.
Also, if you want to pose for a photographer on course while running or walking...make sure you don't whip your hand or legs out into another runner. Never happened to me but I hear about it all the time

I have a few things to add to this. About the start of the race...try not to get frustrated if you literally cannot start with a run interval. Sometimes it does get clogged and you have to walk until in thins out. Just go with the flow until there's more space. Trying to hurry and zig zagging between people will also do no one any good.

Pictures...here's where I have some pet peeves, because I have had things happen to me or people I know.

1. We all want to take pictures, especially in Disney races. If you are approaching a photographer (a course photographer, not one at a photo op), be courteous of the fact that other people are around you trying to run, and/or wanting pictures as well. Please do not stop or jump in the air, or try to do some crazy pose. You could hurt yourself or someone else, or keep someone else from getting a photo. These photographers are there to capture ACTION, not for you to stop and pose. This might not be a popular opinion, but that's how I feel about it.
2. If you need to cross the road for a photo op, PLEASE be courteous of others. I was running at full speed at a pretty wide area of the course a couple of years ago. Two girls wanted to take photo on the right hand side (where I was running). They made a hard right turn, cutting directly in front of me to get over there. It almost hurt all of us, and they didn't care at all. Basically just pay attention to where you are going. I have a friend who got hurt really badly when someone whipped out a selfie stick (don't get me started about those) to take a photo, with no regard for who was around her.
3. When you are approaching the finish line...please do not stop. People are coming behind you trying to finish. If you stop to pose, or clasp hands with all of your 5 friends to cross together, people can get hurt.

I guess I did have some to add after all. Then again, they are pretty much all common courtesy. If you exercise that, you'll be fine.

I agree with @camaker but would like to add: please don't crowd a fellow runner during a race when the field is wide open - it's not track!

Although I've made plenty of etiquette mistakes: I still use headphones (I still need my music!!!), sometimes pass on the right (usually because the left is too crowded), and because of my poor coordination tried to toss my cup into the trashcan but ended up missing and spraying other runners with water - thankfully it was water and I profusely apologized

I use headphones in non-Disney races, but only have one in. I have passed on the right before, but I am VERY careful. Oh! That reminds me. If 2 people are running close to each other (whether they are together, or it's just a tight space), don't run in between them unless you have to. If you do have to, let them know you're coming.

- For races without corrals, try to line up with people with similar goals. For most of us this is behind the sub 6 min/mi folks and before the folks with strollers, non typical running clothes, beer in hand groups. Be friendly while waiting and talk to those around you about their goal to judge if you need to move up or back.
- If you push a stroller, line up in the back no matter what. If your pushing a stroller, it isn't a PR type of day anyway, so just enjoy the run.
- If you see someone struggling offer words of encouragement and if they look like they are having a very difficult time check with them to see if they need assistance. ( I've had races that just weren't my day or part of a training run. I come up on a person who is running a goal race and having a hard time for the last mile or two and I have slowed to talk them into getting back on pace and help them finish below their goal. After the race that person came and found me to thank me for pushing them through the hard time. It's a win win for both parties)

I cannot tell you how many races I have done where people do not do this. People are sashaying like they're at the mall (which is fine if that's what you want/need to do), and I am passing them like they're standing still. I am not fast by any means, if that tells you how slowly they are walking. I have no problem with this if they are not lined up with 6 minute milers and walking 5 across.

QOTD: With a lot of talk about various topics, I figured I would expand on one topic. What piece of advice would you give to a first timer one what to do from the time you get to the race and the start of the race?

ATTQOTD: Depending on length I would suggest warming up for anything 10k or less with a easy run, for longer loosen up but a warm up mile or two may or may not be best for you. For a half or full, stay off your feet if you have a hour or more wait for as long as you can. The other most important thing I can suggest, bring your own TP! You cant count in it being their when you use the restroom. I put some in a ziplock just incase.

Keep your legs loose. You don't want to be standing the whole time if you have a long wait, but don't sit the whole time either. Dynamic stretching, not static stretching. I was listening to a running podcast a while back where the guest was saying he tore a hamstring right before a race by doing a deep hamstring stretch.

Use the bathroom as close to race start as possible! Keep an eye on the porta-potty lines so they don't get too long and jeopardize the start, though. There's not much worse for jarring you out of a nice race rhythm than having to start scanning for and then using a porta-potty once the race starts.

YES. Just because you don't think you need to go...go anyway.

Just a few comments I'd like to share:
- A lot of you have put in some serious work in the month of June, so I just wanted to say congrats!
- I also have enjoyed reading the supportive comments and solid advice that has been shared over the last few days. It has been helpful to our newer runners/posters as well as the experienced folks.
- When I first came up with the idea for this thread, I never thought it would get this much attention. I more or less thought it would end up turning into a type of journal with my comments making up 50% of the text. I can promise you no one wants to read that much stuff from me. lol
- Looks like everyone is really starting to gear up their training, and even though not everyone is running a race @ WDW this January, most of us still have a goal race near that time frame. The timing works out well as we all get to experience each others highs and lows that come with training.

A few questions I would like to ask:
- For those with the Garmin 235, have you tried out the "Finish Time" function? Does it track your race like a normal run? If the race is long or short what happens? Is it safe to assume it saves your run like a normal run?
- In a effort to continue to improve this thread and the topics discussed within, what suggestion would you make to change something? Maybe more of less of something... idk I'm just looking for suggestions/ideas for the thread.
- How do you feel about the sharing your race results for races listed in the OP? You are not obligates to share them, I am just curious as to why you may not want to.

I believe that is it for now. Thanks again for the feedback.

This thread is great! I can barely keep up with it, but I love seeing all of the questions, feedback, and encouragement. I don't think you need to change anything at all!

Not all in the time period specified, but...
- put your bib on your shirt the night before
- nothing new on race day (food, clothing, shoes, pre-run routine)
- do not drink anything in the last hour before a race - you are already hydrated, and this will only cause extra bathroom stops
- even if you do not feel that you need to use the bathroom, stand in the porta-potty line and try - there is nothing worse than realizing in the first mile that you should have tried
- don't go out too fast - most people do, and the starting pace often feels pretty good even if you go out too fast, so about 10-15 seconds after the start, try to take your pace down a notch, and you will likely be at about the correct pace then

All of these are good. Really good.

I am an introvert, so my advice would be to find someplace quiet to sit down and relax until it is time to head to the starting line. Bring a throw-away sweatshirt in case it is cold.

My wife is an extrovert, so she would say that you should find a group of people having fun and join in. She likes to get "revved up" for a race.

When we race together she eases up on the "make new friends" mode somewhat, but she isn't capable of turning it off.

You know what's funny? I am an introvert all the way...unless I'm at Disney. I will strike up a conversation with a total stranger anywhere there.

Breathe. Remember your training. Run your own race at your own pace, because in the end - you're the one crossing the finish line.

For bigger races - especially rD races - remembering your training is VERY important. If you trained with intervals, follow those same intervals - even if it's your turn for a walk break and people around you are still running. Nothing can send a race down the wrong path quicker than going out too fast and trying to keep up with a pace that you haven't been training at and aren't prepared for.

Also, watch for rocks and curbs and things you can trip over. I learned that one the hard way last year.

All of this is good too. Trust your training and don't get too nervous.

Ooh...here's another one! Listen to your body! If you don't feel right (for any reason), do what you need to do. Back off the run intervals, slow down, walk, or even stop completely if you have to. That's the one I learned the hard way.

 

[bellanotte10]

Very warm. Sdcond time I've done it and it's been hot both times I've done it. I do like running it but it's a fast race. I finished in an hour and a half and I only beat 100 or so racers