The CAG Runners Thread (all experience levels welcome)

good job bhk.


After 2 successive decent runs, I think I am finally over this cold that plagued me for a week. Ready to get after it again.
 
Got selected in the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th. Guess most people do since it's like 60,000 people (think it's the biggest 10k in the US), but I had a friend not get in last year.

Hope it's not too hot, was in the 90s last year.
 
Cool man. Yeah it's the biggest. Bolder Boulder is #2 with around 50k.

**just checked and like the Bolder Boulder, Peachtree has some qualifying times. Looks like I could've made it in the Top Seeded Masters wave.
 
[quote name='dmaul1114']Got selected in the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th. Guess most people do since it's like 60,000 people (think it's the biggest 10k in the US), but I had a friend not get in last year.

Hope it's not too hot, was in the 90s last year.[/QUOTE]

Good luck, I've been told it's madness the morning of the race. And that early start time, ugh. I guess it beats the additional 15-20 degrees it would be just a couple of hours later though.
 
[quote name='usickenme']good job bhk.


After 2 successive decent runs, I think I am finally over this cold that plagued me for a week. Ready to get after it again.[/QUOTE]

Did you train much while sick? I've got some nasty chest congestion going on, and am curious if I should just rest, run the same distance at a slower pace, or back off total distance. I've got a half marathon coming up in a month, so I don't want to get set back too much.
 
[quote name='tgk2044']Did you train much while sick? I've got some nasty chest congestion going on, and am curious if I should just rest, run the same distance at a slower pace, or back off total distance. I've got a half marathon coming up in a month, so I don't want to get set back too much.[/QUOTE]

I totally backed off. I ran about 1/2 my regular weekly mileage and at the slower end of my pace (No fast paced workouts). I also took 2 extra days off.

I probably would've taken more time off If I didn't have some races coming up too.
 
[quote name='usickenme']I totally backed off. I ran about 1/2 my regular weekly mileage and at the slower end of my pace (No fast paced workouts). I also took 2 extra days off.

I probably would've taken more time off If I didn't have some races coming up too.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the advice. I'm shooting for under 1:40 for the half, so hopefully I don't get set too far back or anything. I figured I'd ask you, since it seems we have a slightly similar training idea.
 
yeah! nailed my workout today..

4.5 miles in 27:18 (6:04 pace).

1 mile warm up/ cool down on either side of the run
 
Question, I would like to start running, is Couch to 5k a worthy program to start with? Any one here have an alternative? What are your views on the Nike Frees shoes for running?
 
[quote name='frostybroc']Question, I would like to start running, is Couch to 5k a worthy program to start with? Any one here have an alternative? What are your views on the Nike Frees shoes for running?[/QUOTE]

Running shoe brands seem to be brand specific per runner. If you can find a brand that fits your feet well, then it's hard to go wrong. Nike seems to fit my feet (I'm tall and skinny, with long and narrow feet). I hear Mizuno and I believe either Aasics or Saucon fit the typical shorter build persons' feet. I've never worn a Nike running shoe that I didn't find to fit my style though.
 
[quote name='frostybroc']Question, I would like to start running, is Couch to 5k a worthy program to start with? Any one here have an alternative? What are your views on the Nike Frees shoes for running?[/QUOTE]

I'm currently in week 6 of couch to 5K. I've found it to be a good program. My main piece of advice to work on your endurance first. The point of the program, to me, is to get your endurance high enough so that you can run for 30 straight minutes. You can always get faster later.
 
Managed to finally get outside and run twice this week. Started off with only two miles each day. I've been doing the elliptical all winter so it definitely was a bit of an adjustment. Still, it's nice to be back to running outside.
 
[quote name='frostybroc']Question, I would like to start running, is Couch to 5k a worthy program to start with? Any one here have an alternative? What are your views on the Nike Frees shoes for running?[/QUOTE]

here is an alternative plan.... http://www.runnersworld.com/beginners/8-week-beginners-program?page=single

Not everyone wants or needs to do a 5k. Couch to 5k programs are good but I know a few people to stop once they run their 5k. I like goals in the more "I want to run X times a week for X minutes"


If you are just starting out, you have to remember the Free is designed to mimic barefoot running. What this means, it is designed to allow greater movement and try to get you to land not on your heels. If you find yourself heel striking in Frees, you will be in for a world of hurt. If you can adapt, they will promote good running technique. My biggest issues with the Frees is they are somewhat pricey and won't last as long as other shoes.
 
Been crazy busy with work etc. so didn't run at all last week.

Got an easy 3 miler in this afternoon to take a break and get eased back into things.

Distance: 3.00 mi
Time: 26:49
Avg Pace: 8:56 min/mi
Elevation Gain: 56 ft
Calories: 371 C


I wouldn't go with any kind of minimalist shoes when starting out running. You have to have good form and some strength in key muscles/connective tissue before using them is the recommendations I've seen--and even then you need to ease into them with short runs and build up as there are more muscles/tendons in the feet etc. that need to get used to it. Personally, I stay away from them as I have some structural issues in my feet and need decent support to run pain free.

I'm a big fan of Brooks shoes personally. They've felf the comfiest to me of the brands I've tried in running stores. I had the Ghost IV's and the wear patterns showed I pronated some so I went with the Ravenna 3's the last go around and I've loved those so far.
 
[quote name='dmaul1114']
I wouldn't go with any kind of minimalist shoes when starting out running. You have to have good form and some strength in key muscles/connective tissue before using them is the recommendations I've seen--and even then you need to ease into them with short runs and build up as there are more muscles/tendons in the feet etc. that need to get used to it. Personally, I stay away from them as I have some structural issues in my feet and need decent support to run pain free.

.[/QUOTE]

that was my initial thought but if someone doesn't have any preconceived notions about form, then a shoe like the Free should help develop proper technique.

There is an adjustment period for running in minimal shoes but 95% of that is because people have been running in regular shoes for years. IF you don't have that, you could, in a sense, kill two birds with one stone and adjust to running AND less shoe. Plus it's not like you are going to be doing a ton of miles in them.

The danger is if you continue to have bad form (heel striking) even with a minimal shoe; that is a ticket to injury.
 
Seems like the research is pretty mixed on whether heel striking is bad though. With some finding it is, and others that it doesn't seem to matter and it's other problems with form, posture, weak muscles in hips or core causing instability in the legs leading to knee injuries etc. So it seems to me to be a pretty open debate with a lot of rhetoric as some are very passionate about minimalist shoes and mid foot striking after that Born to Run book came out, while others focus more on other elements of form and having people just do whatever foot strike feels natural for their normal gait etc.

I'm pretty good about mid-foot striking myself as I was trying to do all I could form wise after having some sore knees when I first started running. That did help, but I think it was more just building strength from running and doing some yoga stretching and foam rolling after runs that helped the most on that front.

But again, minimalist shoes will always be out of the question for me since I have those foot issues (structural problem that podiatrist said will likely lead to arch tendon snapping at some point--but nothing to be done about it really) and thus need a decently supportive shoe and would probably need orthotics if I wanted to log serious miles.
 
I agree the debate. I guess what I what I was getting at is that while heel striking may not be bad...heel striking in minimal shoes is.

and the research is pretty clear that it is a less efficient way to run.
 
Ran 8 miles on Saturday. It took forever (1 hour 19 minutes), my feet hurt like hell after, and my legs are still sore, but I see it as a huge accomplishment. That's the longest I've ever run in my life, and certainly the longest I've run since starting back up last summer. Given all the stupid crap that's happened since the beginning of this year that has disrupted running, I'm pretty happy with having completed that. Recovering pretty well also, as I think I can go back on the trail tomorrow and force a quick, shorter run.

I wanted to run a marathon by the end of this year, but I don't know how feasible that is right now. At the worst, I'm thinking I can go for a half marathon. Not giving up on the original goal though.

Taking stock overall, when I started getting back into things last July, it took 43 minutes on my first run to complete the 3 mile course with a lot of bouts of walking. Now I can run 5 miles in 42 minutes, and the 3 mile in 25-26 minutes. So there's definitely been some progress.

I've started back into weight lifting too. Nothing major right now, but enough to build some muscle and get upper body stuff going.
 
Did a weight workout on Tuesday night - mostly upper body, but some leg stuff to try and work out some of the remaining soreness and stay loose.

Went out last night and ran a 24:50 5K. Finally broke the 25 minute mark. Really happy with that.

Soreness continues today, but my legs feel pretty good over all. I doubt I'll do anything else before Saturday; maybe some extremely light elliptical stuff. Unsure of how far I'll go on Saturday - I know I need to reserve that day for longer runs, but given that I'm just now venturing beyond the 5 mile mark, I don't want to over extend and potentially hurt myself. ,

Otherwise, feeling really good about everything right now.
 
I signed up for a 5k this weekend. It starts about 1/2 mile from my house. I love neighborhood races. Would love to dip under 18
 
My running has taken a hit. My left hip just hurts like hell, makes it hard to even walk. Maybe I'm running too much? I skipped on Wednesday to give it time to heal but it didn't seem to heal much. I can't tell if it's my running shoes, my running method or if I just have something medically wrong with my hip.

I'll still run my mile today even though it's completely awful, but I'm debating whether or not I'll do my six miles on Saturday. I really hate to skip it, but maybe not as much as almost an hour's worth of pain.

The whole thing is kinda bumming me out.
 
DAMMIT! So close to getting my goal 18:01 (5:48.7/ mi).

I was running down the homestretch watching the numbers click up. I thought I might have it but couldn't get to the finish. I really slowed down too much in the last mile.
 
[quote name='Temporaryscars']My running has taken a hit. My left hip just hurts like hell, makes it hard to even walk. Maybe I'm running too much? I skipped on Wednesday to give it time to heal but it didn't seem to heal much. I can't tell if it's my running shoes, my running method or if I just have something medically wrong with my hip.

I'll still run my mile today even though it's completely awful, but I'm debating whether or not I'll do my six miles on Saturday. I really hate to skip it, but maybe not as much as almost an hour's worth of pain.

The whole thing is kinda bumming me out.[/QUOTE]

If it's hurting so bad that you're in pain walking, I'd honestly take at least a week off, and just make sure to stretch it out a few times a day. Look up exercises to stretch out your hip flexors. If that doesn't help, then your hips might be displaced, and you would probably need to seek help with that.
 
[quote name='Temporaryscars'] I skipped on Wednesday to give it time to heal but it didn't seem to heal much.[/QUOTE]


if you hip hurts that much you shouldn't really be skipping
 
[quote name='usickenme']DAMMIT! So close to getting my goal 18:01 (5:48.7/ mi).

I was running down the homestretch watching the numbers click up. I thought I might have it but couldn't get to the finish. I really slowed down too much in the last mile.[/QUOTE]

I know you fell just short, but that's still a great time. nice job.
 
[quote name='usickenme']if you hip hurts that much you shouldn't really be skipping[/QUOTE]

:lol:

tumblr_m4vkxmrP8h1rtw7tro1_400.gif
 
Work and other shit has been crazy still, finally got another run in this morning.

Distance: 3.00 mi
Time: 26:30
Avg Pace: 8:49 min/mi
Calories: 362 C
 
Tried a five miler today. First 3.3 miles or so were pretty solid, but the heat (near 80 at the time) and hills got to me and had to walk a good bit on some hills the last of it so the overall time sucked. But still a good workout and not awful with the heat, hillier course and haven't ran much the past month or so.

Distance: 5.00 mi
Time: 50:28
Avg Pace: 10:05 min/mi
Calories: 586 C
 
After the 9 mile a little over a week ago, ran a 5K in 24:20 the Wednesday after (i.e., a week ago today), a good thirty seconds faster than my to-date best time. Was really, really happy about that. Unfortunately, this hurt me more than I expected, so when I went out for my Saturday long run, I had serious pan in the lower part of my shins/just above the ankle. It felt like shinsplints - just a persistent dull bruise-like pain. I managed 5 miles in 44:18, but couldn't keep going. I felt great otherwise - not an endurance or muscle fatigue issue. Was really disappointed with that though.

It's been a dry fall/winter/spring around here, and I've had to deal with a lot of cracked skin on my hands. I think it's a combination of sun and wind damage, so I've picked these up. They are extremely lightweight, but should help stop those the sun and wind causing me trouble. I've also been using a sun lotion stick applied to my face to try and stop burns as well. I'm pretty good with sun overall, but the longer runs were definitely proving a bit painful for the rest of the day post-run.

Looking into a hip belt of sorts so I can keep water with me. I've never really thought about all that during long runs, but it's clear I need to take it into consideration.

Trying out Gatorade pre-workout chews and a Fierce Grape gel, just to see how they work. Tried one of their post-workout protein shake things, which has the same (in my opinion) awful chocolate pudding taste as so many other products do. I think I'll just stick to chocolate milk and/or Instant Breakfast.

Also looking into all the power bars and cookies and whatnot. Anyone have any suggestions on those? I know I've tried a Clif bar and liked it. I'm not really looking to bulk up so much as repair after a workout.

Also still looking for a headband. I think I'd prefer a thin, non-sweatband material one, since it gets hot enough for me to not try and aggravate that.

Also looking into legitimate running shorts rather than the leftover soccer shorts I've been using.

Also about to start reading Born to Run. Apparently there's a group of Native Americans in Mexico who can do "ultrarunning," which means distances far beyond marathons. Sounds incredible. They don't focus on speed so much as good form, and apparently enter some kind of zen state where they just perpetually keep going. Should be an interesting thing to check out.
 
Born to Run is a good read. It started a lot of the minimialist shoe/barefoot running movement.

In terms of head band, maybe look into a running hat? I have a white nike one that I like a lot. Soaks up a lot of sweat, isn't hot (don't get a dark color) and can just rinse it out in the sink afterwards and it's dry a few hours later. Gives the added benefit of having a bill and keeping the sun off your face some.

I don't do well with hot weather or lots of sun period. I get overheated and weak/nauseous pretty easily and I'm very fair skinned so I burn easily so I always have to remember the sun screen.

Water is a must for longer runs. I have a Nathan belt that holds two 10 ounce bottles I usually take on runs longer than 4 miles if it's warm and runs over an hour if it's cool.

I'll probably pick up a water bottle with hand strap too as another option and for something I can leave at my girlfriend's since I stay there a good bit and need to do a better job of running in mornings when over there to make sure to get my 3-4 runs a week in.
 
-Born to Run is okay but it's largely bullshit. It's running porn. A better read is the First 20 Minutes.

-I use both hats and headbands. I like hats outside though, additional sun protection.

-I like Nathan Belts. I have one like this... http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/racespeed-series/speed-2 two small bottles is easier than carrying a bigger one to me. In the summer, I'll often use the belt but have empty bottles and fill them along my route. I never drink in the winter.

- running shorts in running stores can get super expensive. I like Joe's New Balance Outlet for deals.. http://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com/cat_mens_apparel.htm

-there is a race here in Colorado ( I think it may be in the book) called the Leadville 100. 100 miles and with 15,600 of elevation changes 9,000 ft -12,500 ft.. I know a few people who've run it. I may do it myself one day. The course record is 15 hour 42 miles which is 9:25 miles

Rocky Raccon race in Texas has a course record of 12 hr. 44 min which is 7:38 per mile. Unreal for 100 miles
 
I've been looking to pick up some new running shoes this spring. Any suggestions? Would like to keep the price around $100 if possible.

I currently have a pair of Nike's (can't remember specifics, bought them about 2 years ago). I mostly just run outside on the pavement, not any sort of trail running.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks guys.
 
[quote name='GetWhatYaGive']I've been looking to pick up some new running shoes this spring. Any suggestions? Would like to keep the price around $100 if possible.

I currently have a pair of Nike's (can't remember specifics, bought them about 2 years ago). I mostly just run outside on the pavement, not any sort of trail running.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks guys.[/QUOTE]

Really need to get to a running store and have your feed and gait etc. analyzed to make sure you get the right type of shoes for your body and how you run.

Myself, I'm patial to Brooks. Had the Ghost IV's (and still use them--just over 300 miles on them) and then got the Ravenna 3's as the running store person could tell I overpronated a bit from my walk and the wear pattern on the Ghost IV tread (the ghost series is neutral--no support for over or under pronation--whether foot rolls inward or outward).

I like both, but I'm still not sure whether I like the Ravenna IV's better than the Ghost's as I had some foot pain for a bit in them that I never had in the Ghost's--not sure it's shoe related. But I'm still using both and keeping an eye on it so I can decide when type to go with next time.

Price wise the Ghost series was $110 and the Ravenna's $100 when I bought.
 
Still on the DL. I've still been doing weights, but for cardio it's been...blech...pedaling. Though, I did a mile on the elliptical today and didn't feel too bad after, so maybe I'm on the mend.

Still, it'll probably be another couple of weeks before I'll want to hit the treadmill again.
 
Managed to sneak in a 3 mile run this afternoon once I got home from work.

As silly as this sounds, but wow, is it easier to run when listening to music instead of podcasts. I'm not quite sure what it was, but was able to run longer.
 
There is a fair bit of research that shows running with music decreases perceived effort and increases efficiency. It may also block the negative voices. Podcast lack the rhythm and beat to have benefit
 
37269847_zps10ffc3ad.jpg


Went out last Saturday for my weekly long run with the intention of getting to at least 10 miles, as my last long run two weeks prior was at 9. My previous jump from 5 to 8 was a 60% increase in distance, so really, I wanted to go to 12 miles since that would be equivalent over the 9. But then I thought about how that was just one mile short of a half marathon.

The area I run at has 3/4/5 mile courses (there is a longer one but it requires leaving the trails to run through South Austin, which is heavily congested), so I had decided to run two 5s and see how that went. First was 43 minutes and the second was 47, and both felt pretty good. Pushed through the three mile course in 37, which is exceedingly slow (12:20 miles). I was dealing with a lot of foot pain by the end, particularly in my right foot toe joints (muscles/endurance weren't a problem).

Total was 2:07. Immediately felt terrible, with pain all over the place (shoulders, arms, was difficult to just walk around successfully). Left foot pain continued until yesterday, which was a new feeling, but seems to have cleared up.

All in all though, definitely a personal milestone. Unfortunately I got sick Sunday night with a bad cold, so I haven't done anything since (though I've needed the recovery time anyway). Unsure if I'll go out on Saturday. I want to, but doubt I will given the circumstances. If I don't feel really good by then, I'll take the time to recover further.
 
This evenings run:

Distance: 5.00 mi
Time: 47:46
Avg Pace: 9:33 min/mi
Elevation Gain: 179 ft
Calories: 606 C


Work is finally calming down some, so should be able to get back to running more often...if not next week, definitely the week after (have a lot of end of semester grading next week).
 
blah. Race fail.

Ran a 30:24 (6:05) miles. Legs felt tired the whole race. Started off okay and just slowly faced.

I realize that my time is good for many people but I am always trying to hit my high goals. I ran 29:33 last year and a 6:08 pace for my half marathon earlier this year. So I am disappointed.

But I learned a few good lessons too.
 
Trying to get in the habit of running on the weekends now too.

Saturday - 2 mile run
Monday - 3 mile run tonight.

It's just so nice to finally have Spring and be running outside. The elliptical was starting to drive me crazy.
 
Finished my half in 1:36:19. My first truly trained half, so I'm happy with that time. Might shoot for under 1:30 this fall for another.

Also, goodbye to one of my toenails... Didn't happen directly because of the half, but it sure finished it off.
 
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