O/T runners, how's it going? - YouLookFab Forum

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O/T runners, how's it going?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I know several of you are training for races. Janet and Una mentioned half marathons. How's it going ladies?
It's really ironic, I was thinking of this thread before I headed out for a brisk walk to beat the hottest part of the day. I figured I'd get in my walk and then come here to post. I totally surprised myself by being able to run today. Well, walk/run, but still! First time in 4 months. Now I have a glimmer of possibility for that tri in 7 weeks after all.
Back to you - how is the training going? Is summer heat starting to really put a cramp in your schedule? When are those races?!?

General

32 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

christy

Veteran

Wow - that's great that you were able to run a bit! Feels great getting back in it after being sidelined, doesn't it? I've been toying with the idea of signing up for a half in September but have been hesitant to do it...I really need to decide if I'm going to take the plunge or not. I've never done a half, but finished my first 12k in April, so I guess I'm technically over halfway there, right? I can't imagine doing a tri!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Christy - you should do it! FWIW, I only had done one 5K before I did a tri. And then a whole 3 years later, I did that same 5K again and then my half marathon 2 months later. And that's it. That's every race I've ever done lol. If you can do a 12K I'll bet a half marathon is within your range. And I never ran more than 3 times a week during training (worried about injury ironically ha ha ha). So, sign up!!!

elpgal

Veteran

I am currently summoning up the enthusiasm to take up running. Outfit's all ready and plan to go running this weekend. Wish me luck!

christy

Veteran

Good luck! It's a great workout and stress reliever.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I was on track to run one in June but got really bad plantar fasciitis and runners knee in my left leg. Probably because I pronate, train on the sidewalk for the most part (living in the city there aren't really any other options), and increased my mileage pretty quickly. And I wasn't really cross-training, either. I got up to 9 miles and then decided to take it slower. The good news is that my best friend has decided to start running with me! We went 5 miles today and I have a little pain but not nearly as bad as it was. We are hoping to do the Rock n Roll half in Las Vegas in early December.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Jenava, good idea to slow down and give your body a break! (I was surprised that basically no running for 2 whole weeks before my half had me still in fine shape to race) How neat that your best friend is joining you! I've always only run alone but I'm sure a buddy would be fun.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I like to run by myself most of the time (just my my music, the lady that tells me my distance, and me!) but my friend is a good partner. We have similar paces. (-: I feel a bit of a weeny for backing down, but I was starting to burn out and figured it was better to take it slower then ultimately quit altogether and ruin the sport for me. I want to lose about 15 pounds, and that will also probably help with the joint issues...I also have custom orthodics but they are too wide for my shoes. I'm going to try them anyway tomorrow on a short run and see how it goes!

wilson

I wasn't able to run all with last semester's schedule (almost 4 months) and have been trying to make up for lost time during my break before summer session starts. I am amazed at how quickly I've been able to regain my distance. In October I am doing four half marathons in four weeks; it is a fundraiser for a charity that is super close to my heart. I have never done a half before so I am nervous but I have a training program to follow and the cause is a great motivation. One thing I really miss is having running partners; after moving last summer I haven't had a schedule that can accomodate having a partner.

Another thing that never ceases to amaze me after a spell of not running is how quickly my muscles pop back out!

anne

Veteran

I'm seconding Mo as to the acheivability of a half. Last year I did a 5km in Feb and then worked up to a half marathon by mid May. Like her I only trained 3 times a week because my body likes a rest. Now admittedly I was in the last 10 to finish (2:27) but still, I did finish!

You do need to allow time for a few 2 hour runs in the preceding weeks which tired me out for the rest of the day - as a Mother of 3 I found that a bit too much to contemplate this year and was planning to do shorter races but that hasn't eventuated -my running is not going well this year owing to having so much time off sick (I have been off with colds at least 7 weeks of this year). I think I did 5km a few weeks ago. But I am going to step and pump classes at the gym when I don't have a cold

Heather

Veteran

Cool thread, Malina.

I have run six organized 5K races and a 5 Miler so far this year, and will be running a 10K on 04 July, 15K and a 10 miler in September. Those are all for sure. I am positive I will add some other 5Ks in there, too.

And a half marathon is on my list for next February, too. I loathe training in cold weather. Warm weather training is my favorite.

Good luck to everyone.

julijuli

I agree with the accessibility of a /12 Marathon. I'm currently training to do the Seattle Rock & Roll later this month. I had never run before and started in December. Yesterday I ran 10 miles! For me, the critical thing is having a good running partner. There's no way I would have gotten out at 6 AM in the cold, dark, rainy Seattle winter without knowing that my buddy was waiting for me.

Good luck to everyone on your runs!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Wow, Malina, how timely!

I just ran my first half marathon (Annapolis Zooma) today! I met my goal, which was finishing in under 3 hours (2:48), and with a pace of under 13 min per mile. It may not sound very impressive to accomplished runners, but I've never been any kind of athlete, and I never ran in my life until less than 4 months ago. I'm still a little dazed that I've done it!

I am so excited and pleased. I can't wait to do it again and improve on my time! I think I'm now addicted. But this is a happy addiction -- I feel better, and have lost close to 15 lbs since I started training. (Yes, some clothes shopping is in my near future!)

I'm looking forward to celebratory Mexican dinner and margaritas tonight!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

WAY TO GO Janet!!! Isn't it a great feeling? Who knew?!

Kari

Veteran

I have not been training well because I've been very busy and working late; however, today I successfully finished a very fun 5k run with my sister. I was pretty proud of myself for getting through the whole thing because not only have I not been running lately, but I also had an enormous burst/healing blister on the back of my heel. (Since most of the race was flat and I had the blister surrounded with a thick moleskin doughnut, for the most part my foot was fine - there were just a couple of iffy uphill bits where there was too much friction on my ankle and I had to walk for a block.)

Running the 5k has made me realize how much I miss working out regularly. It's time to get back into the routine of running or visiting the gym on a daily basis.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Way to go Janet! Even though it's hard and painful at times nothing beats that awesome cruising feeling when everything comes together! It's definitely addictive.

Good for you, Kari, for getting back to it.

Julie, I'm jealous of your 10 miles. I stopped training at 9 miles and 10 miles just seems like that impossible hurdle. (-:

Sara L.

Veteran

Anne - I know how you feel - I spent most of the spring not running due to catching one cold after another. It really screwed up my training schedule as well. I ran a 5k earlier this year and did okay, but was a couple minutes slower than I ran the same race last year. I did another 5k race yesterday and was much better prepared. However, I convinced my 5-year old to run it with me so I stayed with him the whole race. It was a lot of fun and we finished in 42 minutes, which I think is pretty good for a little kid.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm so happy to hear of all your running stories - even the trials and tribulations. Seeing as how I went from a half marathon one day to a wheelchair at the airport the next, I can say I miss the running ever since. And I'm not a zealot. I just like how it feels. And I'm happy to read about others' accomplishments, and the hurdles to get back up on the horse as well. Thanks for sharing! And happy trails!!!!

Steph

Veteran

Can I join in? I picked up running again recently. I just run on the treadmill at the gym--I run a 5K at least once a week, and I try to get in an hour-long run in once every week or two, although I have not been as consistent about that. I really want to sign up for a half marathon, but I find that I am absolutely incapable of running outdoors. I have bad knees (long-lasting reminders of my high school track career many years ago) and find running outside exacerbates that. But more than that, I have a lot of trouble pacing myself when I'm outside--I find I must go too quickly, and am winded after only a short time. Any advice from anyone about how to do a better job of pacing myself outside? If I don't learn how, I fear I'll never be able to participate in any real races (although I can always run the distances on a treadmill).

anne

Veteran

Congratulations Janet!!!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Steph, we are truly opposites in this problem so I'll have to let someone else chime in to help you out. I *can't* run on a treadmill. My balance is off and I feel . . . stifled, I guess is the right word. It's like the ground is moving away and I have to catch up - but outside I am in control of my pace and push off and I feel like whatever I wish to do that day is up to me at that moment. I hope some dedicated treadmillers might have a good trick to transition to road running and racing . . .

Kari

Veteran

Steph, I have the exact opposite problem - I can't run well indoors on a treadmill at all, and wimp out after a mile, whereas I can run much further and for much longer outdoors. I don't know if it's the fresh air or the pavement or just that I find running on a treadmill to be very demotivating, and like you described during your outdoor runs, I find that I just get wiped out much more quickly when I am running inside.

I wish I *could* figure out how to successfully take my ability to run outdoors and translate it to a treadmill, because I'd be much more successful training while running on a treadmill during the fall/winter months where it is too dark and often too rainy to run outside.

I hope that you find something to help you! The only suggestion I can think of is picking up a very slow running partner who forces you to pace yourself. Maybe you can come to Seattle and start running with me. *grin*

Steph

Veteran

Thanks Mo and Kari. Kari, I don't think I could find a running partner slower than I am. I am a VERY slow runner. What's weird is that I did track all through high school, and ran the mile and two mile, so you would think I wouldn't have problems with outdoor running, but I do. I would like to be able to run outside, just to enjoy the fresh air (for the short time the weather would be warm enough, but not sweltering) and scenery. Of course, there is a TV attached to the treadmill, so that does help!

Janet, congrats!

elpgal

Veteran

Congratulations, Janet!

Happy to report that I did a run/walk for 2.5 miles today. Had I not posted here 'promising' to run, I would have totally chickened out. So, thanks Mo for starting this thread!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Steph, I think your issue may be the concrete? Can you find a track (rubber or dirt), or can you run on a dirt path in a park or something? That might be better on your knees.

Also, for pace, try a heart rate monitor.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Way to go, Mo! Way to go, Janet!

Mo, I'm sorry to hijack your thread for a sec here, but I've got to pass on a quick thanks to Janet for making a suggestion that got my butt in gear to start running again. I've been having troublesome fibroid symptoms, and Janet said she'd heard exercise could help with that, so for the past two months I've been running regularly. (I used to run all the time, but after baby number two I've been really bad about not going). The first time out, I was sucking wind after about 2K, but now I'm up to 8K three (or occasionally four) times per week, and feeling great -- and best of all, it seems to be seriously alleviating my symptoms! I can't believe I didn't try this sooner.

sophiespal

I started running with my husband last September (he is a major runner). I am up to about 6-7 km (I only run with him for the motivation). Hoping to do a 10K in Oct.

Love how running shapes my legs and makes me feel so good.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the congratulations, everybody! I actually feel pretty darn good today, considering. Not as achy as I expected. I'm already thinking about the next race!

Elisabeth, I'm so glad you're enjoying running and you're feeling better! Kudos to you!

Steph, I loathe the "dreadmill" and much prefer running outside where I get to experience sights and smells and sounds, but I totally understand the pacing issue. My legs want to do a 10-minute mile, but so far I can only sustain that for a couple of miles -- my cardiovascular system is still catching up. I pace myself by using a Nike running app on my iPhone. It tracks how far and how fast I run, and I can also set it to tell me each minute (or 5 minutes) how fast I'm going. So I can time consistent walk breaks or adjust my pace if I'm either lagging or burning up the asphalt!

Queen Mum

Veteran

I injured my hip flexor (I think) in my last race and have not been able to run in 5 weeks. Even walking hurt. I was seriously beginning to wonder if I"d ever get over it! I think I"m finally there and look forward to getting back into the swing of things in about a week.

Janet-- congrats! that is quite an accomplishment! You are right to be proud of yourself.

For those who don't enjoy the treadmill, try using it for speed training rather than just plugging along for a few miles. A minute at a faster speed than you normally run, then a minute at a comfortable pace (or even a walk) Do 10 rounds or so of that type of thing. I find that much more enjoyable than just setting the treadmill at 6mph and trudging it out for 5 miles. Plus, it will increase your normal running speed without really thinking about it.

happy trails!

Di

(website)

Veteran

Yay-- Mo, I love that you started this thread! I've been benched for a while (non-running-related knee surgery this winter), but I've been "logging miles" on the elliptical for about a month, and it feels like I'm getting a lot closer to running. I'm going to give my first run/walk a try in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime: cross-training.

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