2014 Running Thread

goldlining

I hit the road for Donnabelle and Piper today. Did about 5.5km around the downtown, with the last part of it uphill, so I walked a smidgen more in the back half than the other day when I was downhill in the last leg. My trusty Garmin rated the training effect as 4.9 so as unimpressive as the time was, I really had nothing left. Felt good, particularly since I'd worked late this week catching up.

Good luck everyone on your Sunday outings!

sandpiper1

Gold.....probably the nicest thing I have had sent my way in such a long time TY

And to all.........

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Donnabelle

I agree Gold, thanks for dedicating the run.

11 days post reconstructive surgery, it was not very fun. Lipo from love handles and flanks. Sore, sore, sore. Went out for a 4 mile walk today and my foob hurt so bad. Lipo sites are recovering nicely! Guess I had better give this healing process a little more time.

sandpiper1

Hugs DBelle

goldlining

Nice article on why women outnumber men at half marathons. A lot about motivation and empowerment and camaraderie.

Thinking of you all. I had a super run last night , perhaps 5.5K- pushed myself out the door and did the first 5K without walk break. The watch gives me VO2max metrics which have me practically in a walker in a nursing home, but it feels relatively good to me. Everything is relative

lovestorun

Hi all.  Welcome Joan and any other newcomers who I may have missed!  While not running, I just got back from a spectacular trip to Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.  At the Grand Canyon, we hiked all the way down the South Rim to the bottom (Phantom Ranch) and then back up the next day.  I will confess that while most of the hike down and up was filled with pure awe and wonder at the scenery, a small part of me said a firm but polite  f**** you to DCIS and breast cancer at some point along the way. I could not count the number of times I was reminded of how grateful I was to be healthy and strong enough to do the trip....And I carried those of you on this board with me along the way....Happy healing to all of you....

RunFree16

Lovestorun, that is indescribably beautiful!  Thank you so much!  I'm glad the trip and the hike helped you to set yourself free from BC. 

sandpiper1

TY Gold and Love...

goldlining

Wow lovestorun, that's beautiful! I am not much of a hill runner at the best of times, but it looks like a breathtaking hike!

Rdrunner

Great to see all the fab race results and beautiful scenery .. wow.. not training for anything right now just running for hte sake of running and enjoying it. Got caught in a big thunder storm today, it poured down.. it felt amazing.. i felt so alive and was very grateful . Hope everyone stays injury free this summer lol

Tammy_M43

Wow, lovestorun, that is amazingly beautiful!

I've had a set back in my training for my 7K run in August.  I got shingles in my leg and had trouble even walking!  I haven't run for almost 4 weeks and although I'm now almost recovered I'm a little scared about pushing myself too far.  I still feel tired and run down.  Any advice?

RunFree16

Hi Tammy--Shingles, yuck!  I've always heard that is very painful.  My thinking is that you should start SLOW, like do about half of the run you think you ought to be able to do, for the first run or two or more.  And keep them separated by a day, not two days in a row.  Slowly work your way back up, and keep the pace really slow too for at least a couple of weeks.  Consistency of runs per week is more important than ambition on any single run, in my experience.  Give it two or three weeks and I bet you'll be back on a decent training plan.  Also I vote you scrap any pace goals you might have had for the race, at least until you see how you're feeling around mid-July.

lovestorun

Thanks all - yes it was spectacular. And cathartic. I didn't know how much I was still holding onto until I let it go.

Tammy - I'm sorry about the shingles.  Like RunFree, I hear they can be really painful. Take your time and yes, build in rest & recovery days.  You can do it!

goldlining

So sorry about the shingles! Darned viruses! Stress definitely escalates my susceptibility to viruses. I even got a Bell's Palsy the night after my first half when I was totally wiped. I second (or third) the suggestions to pace yourself both in rest days and walk breaks. Make sure you get all your vitamins and good sleep, and focus on enjoying being out in your running shoes again, never mind how fast. It'll be great after all these weeks of symptoms to get out there.

Tammy_M43

Thanks for the advice....I'll try a short run tomorrow!

NatsFan

New sign up for me for the list - July 4 Firecracker 5K, Waynesboro, PA.  I've slacked off on running for the past few weeks - signing up for a race always gives me renewed focus.

Anyone ever worked with a running coach?  My dh has physical therapy on his hand/wrist 2x a week (long story - he ended up with chronic pain syndrome in his arm and hand after wrist tendon repair surgery and it's a slow process restoring function).  His new hand therapist is a running coach for a local road running club.  She's been encouraging him to sign up for the next session of coaching, starting in August, with a goal 10K in October.  We're thinking of doing it - I've never had formal coaching, and I run so darn slowly - maybe 12 weeks with a coach might do me some good.  I'd love to hear anyone else's experience with a running coach. 

goldlining

I haven't, and am curious what others answer to you. I think I more need a physiologist than a coach. I don't take to being assigned routines and I think I'd just resist the authority of a coach, especially in a group, but if a physiologist gave me experiments to do, I'd fall for that! Maybe individually. I'd love to hear how coaching works for others. 

Saturday, I did 8km from home to the Y, and I had buckets of endorphins afterwards. Whooo! Even had me planning ahead to when I could run again. Today, I sent myself out to do hills, just 2km up and down, about 20m elevation change. My Garmin was not impressed, rating it merely a "maintenance" training effect, rather than an "improving" one. My HR wasn't even as bad as it felt. But the air quality is poor here - ozone ahead of a storm - and strictly speaking, I shouldn't have exerted myself at all, but I used my inhaler before going out and I carried my health card! 

Tammy_M43

NatsFan, I'm just a novice runner but I have had a few sessions with a running coach.  She worked me hard, gave me technique advice and I had fun and got fitter!  I say, go for it!

Oncearunneralwaysarunner

I've trained with three levels of coaching through the years. I need structure so even if I don't have a training plan from a coach, I've made a training plan with a goal race. Otherwise my motivation is just not there. Here's an overview of each, keep in mind that this is just my opinion of these based on my experience.

1. Running Room Clinics: I would say these have good value for the price, they are about 70$ for a 10 or 16 week clinic. I'm guessing that other running stores would have similar programs too. You get a training program for a goal race and group runs up to three days a weeks. The nice thing is that you don't have to plan routes, the clinic leader does. That being said, you get a clinic leader and not necessarily someone who is a coach and the training program is pretty much the same for everyone. The higher distance clinics will have various pace groups but it's more you fitting into the structure of the clinic as opposed to the training plan being customized for you. If the leader can get great speakers you can learn great things but sometimes finding those great speakers can be hard. Overall I find it's a good place to start if you are just starting to run or taking on a new distance such as a half marathon and you are not too concerned with increasing your pace, but you want a sound training program.

2. A clinic with a running coach: The clinic I took sounds very much like the one NatsFan is considering. The clinic I took was targeting a half marathon and was 16 weeks. Although we were a small group, the coaches (there were 2) asked us what our goals for the race was and then provided us with personalized run paces and slightly modified training schedules. So we had a base schedule but it was adaptable. Although we didn't have guest speakers, the knowledge the coaches shared with us was just as good. The nice thing is that on Wednesdays we would work on hills or speed and the workouts were guided and targeted and changed from week to week, some thing I didn't have with the Running Room clinics. I ran a PB at the goal race. This clinic was more expensive though, it was about 200$. I really liked having the experience of a running coach as part of this clinic and the somewhat personalized program. And heck, I saw improvement in my speed!

3. VO2 Max based training program: Get ready to take out your credit card for this one, but in exchange you get a personalized training program designed by a coach. I was lucky and participated in the intern program the facility had so that she could get practice designing programs. I only paid for the VO2 Max assessment and got up to 5 months of free training programs. I think their normal fee is about 125$ a month but that includes the periodic assessments. The training plan was completely personalized based on my assessment results and my goals. I would get training schedules once a month and could contact the coach during the month if I have questions or things I wanted to talk about. The down side is that I had to run all the runs by myself, there were no group runs or runs guided by a coach. That being said, I saw improvements in my running in less than a month by running specific runs at specific paces to ensure that I worked in specific heart rate zones. I will seriously consider going back when I'm ready to train for a sub 2 hr half, finances permitting at the time. It was a completely different approach than what I had done in the past and loved it.

I find that the personality of the coach has to mesh with yours. Just like you want a doctor that you are comfortable with and don't have a personality conflict with, you want the same thing in a coach. I could never deal with someone who acts as a drill sergeant, I would resist. Some people do great with drill sergeants though. 

I enjoy working with a coach because it motivates me, maybe it's because I've paid money and I don't want to waste it the type of coaching I'm going to go for really depends on my goals at the time but I find that if I want to improve, a coach helps. 

lovestorun

I've done group programs somewhere between oncearunner's option 1 and option 2 (nice summaries BTW).  One was through a community track club, one was through a gym.  I can confidently say that I would not be running today without them.  The weekly mileage programs and recommended workouts supplied to us helped, no doubt.  But the camaraderie and support of a group was and is invaluable.  On days when I run with the group, I work harder than I otherwise would and am less willing to give up. 

Much depends on how you are wired and what motivates you.  Don't be afraid to talk to the coach before you sign up - what's the structure of the program? how often do you meet? is the coach available for questions at times other than when you meet to run? Do people in the XXX pace range sign up? how far should I be able to run or run/walk or walk at the beginning of the program? Etc. etc.    Good luck!

LuvLuLu

Hi Everyone,  I haven't posted in awhile but I've been reading your posts.  Just want to run something by you.  I haven't run a full marathon in 18 years!  I did the Boston 100th anniversary, but now I've turned my son onto running and he's a crazy fool, so we are really bonding.  His times are just outrageous. I'm considering the Baystate Marathon in Lowell, MA in October and Jesse says he'll sign up too. 

What I'm scared of is my "advanced age" of 61. Do I have another one in me?  I was quite pleased with my 1/2 in May - I did 2:06 which was almost 3 minutes faster than the same race last year. And I felt pretty good at the end - still had enough gas in the tank for a little kick.

Any older runners out there who can encourage me?

BTW, nice to meet you all again.  Oncearunner, you seem full of knowledge.

Funny how this forum has turned into more and more about running and less and less about cancer! We're strong, we can kick butt!

goldlining

Hi LuvLuLu

Do you have another in you?

"It took Harriette Thompson more than seven hours to run a marathon Sunday in San Diego. But that was awfully good, considering she's 91 and recovering from cancer. ..."

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/02/318...

I hope maybe by the time I hit 61 (not so far off as it used to be) I will do one.

Interesting note on this being more about running than cancer -- I agree. I think this is why I like this corner of BCO. But it's still different than, say, the Garmin forums. There, they are talking about what I think are inconceivable paces - here, we aren't judging and it's winning just to do it. I always look forward to reading everyone's runs here. It's almost as good as running it myself (and on some days, better!)  

LuvLuLu

Thx, Goldlining, love that about Harriet Thompson. 

And I just remembered about Diana Nyad - a question she was asked after she swam from Cuba to Key West.  She was asked how she felt to finally meet her goal of doing that in her 60's and she said something to the effect of, "My goal was not to do it in my 60's.  I just HAPPENED to be in my 60's when I finally did it." Of course, she's not human like the rest of us, but it seems like it didn't occur to her that her age made any difference one way or another . . .a lesson to be learned for us mere mortals, I guess.

RunFree16

LuvLuLu, that is a darn good half marathon time, and if you had gas left in the tank then I think you can totally do a full marathon.  It'll be fun to pursue this goal together with your son.  

LuvLuLu

Thank you, runfree!  And I did it! Signed up myself and my son (he just did Boston).  His comment:  "$75 to torture yourself for 4 hours." (Note:  it'll be more like 5+ for me!)

The Harriette Thompson link from goldlining convinced me there's nothing to be afraid of!

Sooooo....lovestorun? Are you the keeper of the books?  Add me to the list:  Baystate Marathon, Lowell, MA October 19, 2014.

NatsFan

Thanks for all the input about the running coach, especially your detailed response, Oncearunner - I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.  I showed all of your responses to my dh and we've pretty much decided to go for it.  We're fairly new runners (just started 3 years ago) and have pretty much plateaued as far as speed and distance, so it might be a good idea to get some professional guidance to help us get to the next level.  I'm already pretty good about doing stuff like cross training, flexibility and weights, but I think this may give me the structure to keep me on track and force me to do the stuff I don't like to do, like running hills, doing intervals, and running in any temps over 60 degrees.  I'd much rather run when it's 20 degrees than when it's 70 degrees.

lovestorun

Way to go Luvlulu!  You are an inspiration!   Can't wait to get your updates on training with your son and a postrace report!

You too NatsFan. I hope you both enjoy it.  I was terrified of speedwork (I'm not so speedy and had it in my head that you had to be to do it - WRONG) until I tried it.   Now I have come to like it; okay most day!.  Hill workouts ....those I'm still wrapping my mind around : )  My friends zip up the hills like gazelles and I just try not to let gravity pull me backwards.  I think I need to work on my core and arms....

Have said it more than once and will say it again, love love love this corner of BCO! 

princessrn

Hello ladies,

Sorry I  have been MIA.  Chemo really did me in.  I am now 9 weeks PFC and on the mend.  I did a detox and and been working diligently and have lost 25 pounds since ending chemo.  I had huge swelling and so much of that was water but I am now at my marathon weight and am still losing and working for another 9 pounds.  I have begun to be able to tolerate daily training again.  this week 2 days biking and 3 days running.  I am only at about 3-4 miles but getting back to it.  Shooting for a nice 5 miles 3 days a week and an 8 on weekend.  I will need a few more weeks..LOL.  I start rads in late July and hope to be strong at the start and hopefully fair well.

LuLu..great work on committing again to a marathon.  That is what is it.  Time and dedication and you will cross the line and so great to share that with your son.

Best to all of you and Happy Running! 

LuvLuLu

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! One foot in front of the other  . . . 

RunFree16

Princessrn, in 9 weeks you've lost 25 pounds and built up to 5 workouts a week and running 3-4 miles???  That is fantastic!!!  It sounds as though you are doing really well.  I bet you will find rads takes much less out of you and doesn't cause nearly as much of a setback in your running.  Way to go!!!!