Cool Runners - July
 

Hello everyone, how are you all?

I had a really nice run this morning. I ended up doing nearly 14.5 miles. It ended up being pretty slow because the ground was still quite muddy in places from all the rain we've had, and I decided to do a lot of the run off road. I got to the end and I definitely felt that I could have carried on a bit further, which is the first time I've really felt that on a long run since Edinburgh, so things seem to be coming back together again.

Morning!

Today is not a running day, but I did do my first day of week four of C25K yesterday morning - I was surprised I was able to do it - I think it's the new shoes!! :yes: :D

Back at it tomorrow - it still ain't pretty, but I don't care! :lol:

Heather :D

I'm off to run for an hour in a few minutes ... Later gators :wave:

Helen -- when you do those 14 or more mile runs, what do you do for water? Do you carry it with you or just wait until you get back? I'm thinking about this now that my long runs are getting longer. On my 10-mile run the other day, my husband happened to drive out to where I was in my 8th mile and give me a few sips of water (I know, cute, right?), but that won't always happen!

Today I didn't want to run because it's hot, but it's not nearly as hot as it has been lately. I didn't get up early enough to beat the heat, so I just sweated it out in the hot sun for 4 miles. It was great, though -- a beautiful day -- and I did it in 42:36, even with those long hills I always have to deal with. That's a pretty good time for me. Just as I was getting started, a neighbor stopped the car and asked me if I live around here -- she didn't recognize me! I hadn't seen her in a while, so she didn't expect to see me 100 pounds lighter and wearing running clothes! That gave me the motivation to go a bit faster, I think!

Lisa, that's really cool about your neighbor not knowing who you were. I love it when stuff like that happens. And how sweet of your DH to bring you water.

Today I had to stop running at about 2.5 miles because I had to go to the bathroom. (Does that sound familiar to someone here who also lives in Oregon? :D ) Luckily, we were running on a bike path that goes through town and there was a bathroom that we walked to. I couldn't believe that happened because I'd already gone at home--I'm very regular so it was unexpected (sorry, TMI, I know!) and unwelcome. Doing a race on Wednesday and now I'm all worried about the bathroom issue, but I did eat a bit more heavily last night than I usually do so that could account for the extra, um, buildup.

Lisa - it depends on the weather. Yesterday I didn't carry anything with me, although I had money so I could stop at a shop if I needed something. If it's warmer/sunnier I do sometimes carry water, but never much more than a 500ml bottle and some money to buy more if I need it. I have a camelbak, but I don't really like wearing it so prefer to carry something in a bottle in my hand. I almost always just have water rather than sports drinks, for long runs I use energy tablets plus water (although I'm wondering whether something with a bit more salt might be a better idea if I'm sweating a lot).

Thanks, Helen. I've been considering carrying a bottle of water in my hand on long runs. I live in the boonies so there's nowhere to stop to buy anything! What kind of energy tablets are you talking about? My husband used those Gu thingies in his half marathon last year, but they seem kind of disgusting to me. I'm grossed out by certain textures, and I'm afraid it might make me throw up during a run! :lol:

Today I ran 3 miles, and I came home, pulled off my shoe, and found a rather bloody sock. My toenail was sort of digging into the side of my middle toe and made a little hole in it. Pretty gross. I felt it on the run, but it just felt like it was scraping a little, so I didn't think it was a big deal. I'm surprised I could lose that much blood from a little toe!! I try to keep my toenails clipped but they grow really fast!

Lisa Marie -- I've been told that if you carry a water bottle in one hand it makes you lopsided and not good for your running alignment... My g/f has one of these fuel belts...
http://www.shop.runningroom.com/thum...w=300&border=1

I have a different one, I can't find the picture of it though, but I did get it at the Running Room... It's a belt with an insulated holder at the back that you can just slip in one of your own bottles... It also has a small pouch beside the holder, room enough for keys, cellphone and a bit of change...

Yesterday I ran a little over 6k...

Thank you, Ilene! That actually looks like just what I need. I carry my cell phone in my hand and it gets a bit sweaty when it's hot. I'm always thinking I'm going to drop it.

I hate carrying water in my hand. I like the fuel belt because of the variety, but I already have my camelbak.

I use gu...quite regularly. Not like I did a couple years ago though, so I am feeling less need, but I run better if I get it in every 45 min-hour on long runs. I used 1 on my 10 miler, and 2 on 14 and 16 milers and during my 1/2. probably will use 3 for 18 and 20 and start carrying pretzels or something salty.

The texture is kind of nasty, I think the lemon and raspberry are thinner and clean off your palate easier, the vanilla and chocolate are a better flavor, but are kind of sticky. I cant do chocolate DURING a run as it gives me heartburn, but like it before races.

7 this morning...kind of sluggish

yeeehah...the forecast for my 1/2 has dropped from 91 to 88 - bright sun, no cloud cover and no shade on the course. But hey, only 90% humidity.

HI all! :wave:

I always feel a little like I shouldn't be here when I read about how far or long you can all run, but then I just tell myself - well, they must have started somewhere, too! :lol: And who knows? In a year's time, maybe some newbie will think *I* run far/long!! :D

I did day 2 of week 4 today (C25K) - ToM arrived yesterday with a vengeance, so I am really proud of myself for just getting out and 'doing it' - just call me NIKE! :lol3:

The weather's been nicer here - sunny, but cooler than it has been, so it's great for running - or 'loping', which is what I do!! ;)

Lisa - I LOVE the story about your neighbour - how inspiring and fabulous!!

Chat to ya'll soon -
Heather :D

I did 3 yesterday, though I had to take quite a few walking/water breaks for my dog. My off-brand “kamelbak” was a great purchase by the way. It carries 2 L of water plus plenty of room for the dog bowl, clean-up bags, keys, phone, etc. It wasn’t all that hot (maybe low to mid 70s) and not too humid but it was rather sunny. He tends to keep up better when I get up at the crack of dawn before the sun is out but I just can’t bear to do that on a Sunday.

Planning on getting back into my groove and adding a little distance by next weekend. I think I can inch up to at least 3.5 miles by then. I have the 4th off so that will be a nice extra day for working out mid-week.

Happy running all!

Don't worry about distances, I remember when I was building up to 5k and couldn't imagine even being able to run that far.

today I did 11 miles. 3 up to running club and then 8 on my club run. I completely ran out of energy a couple of miles from the end, possibly because I did 14.4 yesterday. I made it back, but felt completely drained at the end of it. Tomorrow is definitely a rest day from running.

Was talking with the part-time office person at my physical therapist's office, and it turns out she's training for the Portland (OR) marathon in October. She's never run in any kind of race before, and started an 18-week training program. This weekend, she ran 10 miles. I turned green with envy!

I asked if she was going to run any kind of race before the marathon, and she said probably not. Oh, to be in my early 20s again! Well, I don't really want the emotional angst that went along with being 20-something, but I'm more physically fit now. What I'd really like are some 20-something joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, lungs, etc., etc.

I did tell her about Helen's story, and she was very impressed as well she should be. :)

Week #3 of c25k starts tomorrow...I'm running on the nice canal trail with my dad.

I'm actually excited about running....wow.

Heather - I also feel the same way but I love everyone here and continue to find inspiration when I'm wondering if I have the energy to get out there and run!

I'm still hanging out with my 5k...got it down to just about 31 minutes today so that was pretty exciting. I'm waiting for the day when I break the 30 minute mark.

I did end up running to work last week and hope to do it again this week. I had posted a thread asking for advice on how/what to carry. Here's what I ended up buying, although I purchased it after my first run to work.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1183423965484

I think the fuel belts are great (and very popular around these parts) but I don't run far enough to really need that. I just needed something to carry the essentials. I found that MEC had a surprisingly better selection than Running Room, but I'm sure not many people have heard of them.

This belt seems perfect for me but I'm wondering about the "sloshing" of the water in the bottle as I run. I'll give it a try and see. Either way, the belt is perfect to hold what I need to get to work.

I'm not sure that the work run (approximatley 7k) is going to be a regular thing but it's a great way to squeeze in an early morning workout.

Good luck to all the newer runners and thanks for all the tips/advice from everyone!

:D

I ran 7 miles this morning and had some pain that feels like a shin splint. Eek! My husband has been telling me I should drop from 5 running days a week to 4 while I'm training for the 1/2 marathon, so I don't get injured. I think I'm going to listen to him. I've rearranged my training schedule so I can take days off between runs. Of course, I'll do some form of crosstraining once or twice a week as well.

I'm still looking into the water belt thingies -- I may take a look at the running store today. Thanks for all the tips! Elisa, I wondered about the sloshing water too.

I ran 1.5 miles this morning on Week 6 Day 1 of C25K. I feel great. I can't believe I've stuck with it this long. However, this morning was the first time I actually considered skipping it. Well, I didn't want to admit that was my intention. What I was really saying to myself was "I'm tired and don't want to get up, yet, so I can just run this afternoon or evening." However, I know myself well enough to know I wouldn't get out in the heat (supposed to be over 100 today) and I've got decorating to do for our 4th of July party tomorrow. So I wouldn't have run at all if I didn't do it this morning. So, at 5:30 I was out there pounding the pavement and now I'm very proud of myself. :)

Tricia – Way to get out there and do it! Some days it just feels too damn early.

I considered not getting up to run this morning, but since I wasn’t asleep 5 minutes after my alarm went off I figured I couldn’t be that tired so I got up. Had to cut it a bit short due to a thunder shower, turned and headed home after about a mile when I spotted some lightning. I might have tried to slog it out anyway, but I had my dog with me and the thunder makes the poor guy nervous. So 2 miles, the one home considerably faster just in time to beat the downpour, perfect timing. I got home before 6, it was nice to have the extra time to stretch before getting ready for work. Did a lower body strength workout yesterday that has me bum rather sore. :o Might get out for another short run after work to make up for the shorter run this am.

The sloshing of the water is barely felt...

Ran for an hour this morning but it was hot I waited for DD to get up and we didn't get out till 10ish, too hot for me...She roller bladed... Next time I'll just run before she gets up and roller blade too :p

Hi ladies - happy 4th of July to the Americans on the board (and a belated happy Canada day to the Canadians too). Me, I'm celebrating my independence from fat by running 10 miles and avoiding bad food at the barbecue I'm going to attend later today.

Ennay - I think you asked a while back whether I get days when I just can't run (I think it was you anyway). today was one of them. Running club is about 3 miles from work. When I'm marathon training I quite often run up there and then do the club run, making about 10 miles in total. Today a lot of people from the club were doing a relay (which I decided not to do) so instead of hanging around for the others (mainly from the slow group) I set off with the plan of just carrying on and doing it on my own. I got as far as the leisure centre and just couldn't carry on. On Monday I completely ran out of energy midway round, and even after 3 miles today I felt very similar. I decided not to risk it and just cut it short. Hopefully I'm not coming down with anything, but I didn't see the point in pushing it too hard.

Good morning!

Okay, I have learned that I am a wuss - and I don't run in the rain! I didn't get out at all yesterday... but I am sitting here at the computer, in my running clothes, getting ready (mentally) to just go - it's not raining, son there's no excuse (but the ground is wet!) - NO! There is NO excuse! :nono: :lol:

However - I DID do something exciting yesterday - I bought a treadmill! I'm VERY excited about it; then there can really be no excuse whatsoever!! I have ordered a Smooth 9.17 - anyone have one of these?

In fact - do many of you have treadmills??

Have a great day, everyone!
Heather :D

I'm fed up of not being able to tell people... so I'm doing to do it anyway.

I'm doing the New York Marathon in November!

:carrot: :carrot: :carrot: :carrot:

Helen - Wow....and :woohoo:!! That is so unbelievably exciting. First of all, I love NY and second...you're running in the New York Marathon. Does it get any better than that? :congrat:

Helen, that's amazing!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

I'm tempted to drive up there and cheer you on!

woo hoo Helen. So exciting.

Anyone else dying in the heat. Where I am it is 100+ and I did manage 4 miles yesterday in the AM (85-90ish) this morning alls I could do was a brisk walk. Part of it was one too many 4th of July beverages. But 100 degree temps do not help.

Originally Posted by YP1:
I'm fed up of not being able to tell people... so I'm doing to do it anyway.

I'm doing the New York Marathon in November!

:carrot: :carrot: :carrot: :carrot:

WOWSER!! :woohoo: for you!!!!

Originally Posted by hikerchick:
Anyone else dying in the heat. Where I am it is 100+ and I did manage 4 miles yesterday in the AM (85-90ish) this morning alls I could do was a brisk walk. Part of it was one too many 4th of July beverages. But 100 degree temps do not help.

ME!ME!ME! I am the biggest wuss when it comes to heat.... I have this fear/visual of fainting on the trail or in the street...

Helen - Yay!! That's AMAZING!!!!!

I'm so happy for you - and proud, oddly, even though I don't really 'know' you - I just think that's inspiring, and wonderful!

Whoot, girl - you go!!!

Heather :D

Oh Helen!!!!!! I wish I could fly east just for an FE!

Heather - I looooooooove running in the rain. LOVE IT. It sucks to start, but once you are in it is so nice to not get hot. Baseball cap to keep the rain out of the eyes. Heat on the otherhand ick I will take rain over sunshine every day of the week (when I am running)

Had my hot half yesterday, I did pretty well through 12 miles, was well on pace to get a new PR and then just died on the last mile. too freaking hot. And it wasnt even all that hot, just hot for me.

Originally Posted by hikerchick:
woo hoo Helen. So exciting.

Anyone else dying in the heat. Where I am it is 100+ and I did manage 4 miles yesterday in the AM (85-90ish) this morning alls I could do was a brisk walk. Part of it was one too many 4th of July beverages. But 100 degree temps do not help.

gah I wouldnt even try at 85. I start whining at around 65

Ennay, we Oregonians are real wimps about heat, aren't we? I did a 5K yesterday morning at 9:00 am, and was miserable. Don't know how hot it was, but like you, anything about 65 is hot to me. I usually do another race in July, but they changed it to a 6:30 pm race, and there's no way I'm running at that time of day in the middle of July.

Helen, AWESOME!! Wish we could all come and cheer you on!

Hi, ladies. I am jumping in.

I am losely following C25K. I needed more than a week in the beginning, but now things are going VERY smoothly. It is hard to believe that 6 weeks ago I thought that I full minute of running would kill me. (i track time, not miles). I got up to 12 minutes in a row yesterday. Tomorrow I am going to see if I can do 15. I really think that I can. I am slow as cold maple syrup, but I am really trying to push forward.

Anyway, you are all so inspiring. I have not found a running partner here at home, so I will take all of your expertise and enthusiasm with me in spirit when I run.

I also posted a quick question. If you get a chance to answer it, TIA.

I'm still excited about it!

In terms of running in the heat, I wouldn't know. It seems to have been raining here for the last two months after a nice April. I did 5.2 miles in the rain and wind this morning, I'm still wearing capris and a long sleeve top because I'm such a wimp in the cooler weather. My shorts are very underused at the moment.

Welcome, onthetee! I tracked time instead of miles at first too, but you'll probably find that you're more interested in mileage when you've reached the point where you can run for more than 30 minutes at a time, or when you follow a program to train for a race. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

I ran 10 miles today, and I did it faster than last week, but it was pretty difficult. My husband found us a new route, though, so I didn't have to do the same 3-mile loop over and over as I usually do. Yay for new scenery! It was 5 miles out and 5 miles back. I took a couple of walk breaks to drink some water from my lovely new fuel belt (size small, by the way, though they do run large -- I was just excited to buy a size small ANYthing).

As for running in the heat, I try to get up quite early to avoid it, but it's always humid lately no matter what time it is. So I'm covered in sweat pretty early in the run. I'm ok as long as it's overcast or the sun isn't too high (like today), but sunny days kill me. I pray for clouds in the mornings! This new route has pretty much NO shade, so I was quite thankful for the clouds today.

10 miles--yowsa! That new scenery sure helps, doesn't it? That and some new music, which I desperately need.

Ran 3.5 miles today, which I'm very proud of since it's the longest distance I've run. I noticed that my gym has a 500 mile club, and I think I may join it just as a motivating way of tracking my miles. I don't run much, but it all adds up over time, and it will be nice seeing my name on the list. One woman has run 46,000 miles.

Onthetee, don't worry about being slow. You will get faster. We all start out pretty slowly, and, hey, some of us (me!) stay pretty darn slow. But when you look where you've come from, it's an incredible feat, don't you think? I get a little shiver of excitement when I run across the street to catch up with someone just because, hey, I can actually run now.

Originally Posted by YP1:
I'm still excited about it!

In terms of running in the heat, I wouldn't know.

I lived for 8 years on the North Coast of California. Temps there are 50-60 pretty much year round. The seasons are wet and dry and I miss it like mad. I am a bit jealous of your weather.

Heat is one thing. I do fine in low-humidity climates. Here, it is like breathing water right now.

So glad I popped in tonight. I was just going to count my time in the pool today as my exercise, but I think I will go put some miles on my shoes.

Ran 2 miles this morning. That's a first for me...in a VERY long time!