Running in November
 

Welcome runners! Let's talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of running as we challenge and support each other through our running endeavors!

Mk - Thanks for the great advice! I think I'm gonna look into some of those smaller carb enhancements so I can just pop a few bites into my mouth if I need them. Also, I think the hand strap is a great idea because I was mainly just thirsty and in need of water most of the time. My pace was actually relatively slow, about 10min/mile because I finished in 1:08, but I guess I could try to slow down a little bit next week. It's really hard for me to run slowly, but I know it's good so I don't tire out. I also might try to find a route that's not an uphill for the first 3 miles! Haha. Have a fantastic run today! Great way to start November!

Eve - I'm really interested in the camel back idea. I'm trying not to spend too much money on my running stuff now because with races, clothes, all theses tools, it really adds up! I might go for a hand strap for now and then look into the camelback after I run the half or something like that. Definitely let us know how it is! Good luck with your running today! I'm so glad you've caught the running bug!!!

Anyone else do any running to burn off that evil Halloween candy?

November already yikes! So I decided to sign up for my second 5K in December. This one is on pavement, not cross country. I have been on vacation for the last two weeks, scale is up, so really need to get back to running!

:dizzy: Silly me! I post bright and early this morning and didn't even realize it was november 1st! WOW!

Mk, my run went great! Afterwards, I did some strength training on my bi's tri's and back muscles. I think on my run resting days I will work my legs and abs. I'm also going to get a swim pass and start swimming laps on rest days so I still get a good cardio workout. I'm glad I did a good job on picking the right breakfast for running! I put some thought into it, lol. And the p.b. protein shake was YUMMY! Just like having a milkshake without all the crap and high calories!
Hope you can fit in the last few miles of your run in somewhere today! You can do it! Running barefoot, is that some kind of secret weapon of yours? ;)

jayjay, Good luck with your 5k! You can do it! :carrot:

taking charge, yeah the camelbacks do get pricey! I'm going to dig mine out and try it out on Tuesday. I will let you all know how that works (or doesn't lol)

I'm signing up for a "christmas run" on December 19th. It's only 2.5 miles so I will totally be ready for it when the time comes. Any advice for running in the cold?

Howdy ladies.... can you believe it's November already?? I took the entire week of Thanksgiving off from work...hubby and I are planning on doing absolutely nothing but staying home (actually I have a 5k to start off the vacation, but other than that!) I'm REALLY looking forward to it... feeling so burned out lately, including running. 3 more weeks!!

I got out and ran a wonderful 3 miles around twilight tonight... it was warm (50 or so) and the hills I usually struggle on were so easy, it surprised me. I think weight lifting/strength training that I finally built into my exercise program is working wonders on my legs. Since it has been blizzarding the past week, I've been on the treadmill at the gym. It was great to get back outside.

My 10k is in two weeks. I'm SO not ready for it, but it's ok. I'm really trying to go in with no expectations and just run an easy, relaxing race. I'm thinking I need these races to keep my sanity during the upcoming holiday season!! :D

Eve ~ The only advice I have for running in the cold is dress lighter than you think you'll need to. you will heat up and the last thing you want is to over heat a mile into it. I highly suggest running tights - yeah they look silly but they keep you really warm. If you're looking for new running gear, try to find moisture wicking clothes. I personally use Nike Dri-Fit gear and love how it keeps me dry and not too warm.

Re: Camelbaks - I used to run with them when I first started out but it weighed me down and honestly for a 5k I didn't need water. We have a bunch for hiking so I didn't spend any extra money on them, but it's worth a shot to run with one and see how you feel.

jayjay - good luck with your 5k in December!!

TC - You betcha about running off the Halloween candy... we got rid of most if it with the trick or treaters but still had some left over. Normally I'm scheduled for weight lifting today but I got that run in as well to work off those tootsie rolls so *I* don't start getting any rolls! LOL

Well ladies Im offically going to join the chatter this month. It was just too late to jump in last month. SO hello again;) I am not a huge runner. I ran track in the past and ran a mini in 06 but running is the best exercise (for me to get me and keep me healthy). So I put up with it. We have a luv hate relationship:hug:. WHen I start a run its the hardest thing to ever do but when I finish a long run with a great time like today Im the happiest person ever. So if Im not consistent Im sorry but my goal is to run while Im doing the ChaLean videos for the next three months. Then decide in Jan if Im going to run the St. Louis Spirit Mini again. I just fear for my knees but thats my goal for now.
Back to today Nov 1st! If I have great running days like this I will be running a marathon soon...haha...j/k! No but I use my phone because it has a GPS system and an application that can track my runs. According to my phone I ran 6miles in 54:43 mins (pace 9:06) and burned 666 calories. My time is down from last wks 6miler which was 57:11 mins. I think it was due to some boy passing me and for about a half a mile I was trying to keep up with his stride...haha the competitive nature in me!!! I was so happy with my time :carrot::carrot::carrot:
Im really stoked about being here and excited to get to know you all!!! It seems like you all do a lot of races so I might look into doing some...I know it will def keep me motivated to continue to run

In the October thread, y'all were talking about hydration strategies and how to carry fluids. I have friends that simply carry a small water bottle in their hands and refill frequently during our long runs. There are ample drinking fountains where we run along the ocean, so that is feasible.

Personally, I absolutely HATE carrying anything in my hands, so that doesn't work for me. I prefer a fanny pack water bottle holder. I tried a Camelback fanny pack version, but didn't like it because it tended to leak and the tube and bite valve was kind of annoying. I found a simple hiking fanny pack with a zip pocket and one water bottle holder at the back. It cinches tight enough that it doesn't shift around when I run and pocket holds my car keys and stuff.

I don't take any fluids for races. I've always found ample water and gatorade stops at the races, so why carry the extra weight. I have a very small, neoprene waist pack that is just large enough for car keys, cliff blocks and chapstick. I usually gear check so I will have a change of clothes when I'm done and a jacket if it's chilly.

bablou, congrats on your improved time! I want to do the chalean videos as well along with my running. I've asked Santa to get them for me along with some select tech dumbells ;)

skinny jeans, I read somewhere else that you were thinking about getting the chalean videos. Have you decided to get them? How are they working for you? Thanks for the cold advice. I hate being too warm and only wear a coat outside when it's FREEZING so I will definitely take your advice and dress a bit lighter.

MBN, for my bigger race coming up in june I wasn't planning on taking any extra fluids either. They will be having water and gatorade every 2 miles and 'gu' at mile 6 so i think I should be fine.

Ladies, it is official! Last night I registered! I am officially racing in the "See Jane Run Half Marathon"!!!! I am sooo stoked! I've never had that gu stuff before and I'm wondering if I may need more that just the one at mile six since this will be my first major distance. Should I bring some of my own?

I did end up ordering the ChaLEAN program. Last week was my first week and I lost 1.6 lbs and 3.5 inches sooo I gues you could say I'm a believer. I really believe that in order for the program to help you lose weight, you must pepper in cardio days... the program tends to be light on cardio so on my rest days or "interval" days with the program, I use those for my run days. I have really been able to tell a difference with my leg strength just in the first week. Now if I could transfer this to my races, I'd be so happy! :D

Happy november everybody!

EveL - way to go on registering for the half marathon! You're committed to this now!

MK - congrats on the pull up! Rock on! That is one of my long term goals. At the gym they have a machine where you can do an assisted pull up by assuming of the body weight by pressing down on a lever with your feet, and I can do a pull up of about half my body weight, but it a long-term goal for me to do an unassisted one. Wow - you are a real inspiration! You have achieved a lot in a year and a half!

I am headed to the gym for an hour nia class followed by an hour of yoga, and then will hit the treadmill again tomorrow. Scale is not moving, but I've decided just not to focus on that number but rather on things I can control because it's just too disempowering to be so focused on the scale.

Alright, everybody, let's make it a great month!

Todays run-- interval/track w/o on treadmill. 6 X 800 meters 400 meters RI. Warm up/cool down Total mileage 5.75 mi
Pace 3:12 per 800 meter (or a 6:24 min/mile pace)
GODAWFULL!! It was SO HARD. i *should* be running my 800s at a 6:40ish pace, but becuz im trying to kick it into high gear for the next 6 weeks, im stepping up ALL my paces on ALL my runs...... It was HARD...... it was the first time in a LONG time when i thought my legs were going to die, and my lungs were going to explode, etc..wow...guess that means i have to push that hard all the time, i mean, thats how im going to get better/faster.

On a side note...i am currently enjoying a SALAD...for BREAKFAST......weird, yet satisfying....... put dried fruits, nuts and dry oatmeal on it to make it more "breakfasty". Also made a dressing out of cottage cheese, plain yogurt, and this berry flavored whey protein mix......

Re: dressing for cold weather runs. One of my friends went to Goodwill before her half marathon and bought things to layer with. Then when she pulled things off at the water stations as she got warm, she told them that the things came from Goodwill and could be donated. I'm going to do that this year. Last year I had on a jacket I liked and consequently burned up! No fun and I'm sure my time reflected that.

mk - your breakfast salad description was pretty funny!

fatpants - do you throw your tights in the dryer or line dry them? The directions say no dryer but was curious if you had broken the rules at all.

Sounds like everyone's doing well and running like crazy! I'm going to have to get one of those fannypack/water bottle gizmos when it gets warm again here but I think I'm okay through the winter as I pretty much don't get thirsty on cold runs. Just got a nike drifit l/s shirt for layering for cold days - only $12 at ROSS.

Do any of you guys wear those reflective vests when you run? With it so dark morning and evening now, I'm thinking I may have to break one out.

Dancer--this is going to sound counterintuitive--but, when i run in the early am, always the early am, always pitch dark, i NEVER wear a reflective vest. Couple of reasons.... If i have to run in the street i always run AGAINST traffic, so i can ALWAYS see a car coming LONG before it gets close to me...it being so dark i see the headlights first, ya know? and SECOND, when i am out running alone, that early in the morning, as a female, if no one even notices i am out there, i consider that a good thing!! A reflective vest just screams at 4 am "Here i am!! Look at me!! All Alone!!"..... If i were riding a bike it would be different..... thats my 2 cents

BTW, breakfast salad= very filling....

mk - thanks for the interesting thought - that gives me a different perspective. Do you run with earphones? I'm guessing you're faster than any of the bad guys out there so maybe you feel safe even in the dark.

i do run with earphones......an d i AM Scared sometimes.....and i DO realize im faster than any drunk creep!!! :)

what part of denver do you live in?? That might make a difference too!! Im in the North/Northwestern burbs

Good afternoon everyone! Only have a few minutes then I gotta SPLIT! I got me a spinning class!

MK, your salad sounds interesting and yummy!

Blue, I am *SO* committed to this half marathon now! I've been telling everyone. Excitement!

Skinny Jeans, That is awesome! Congrats on your success so far with CLX! I am really excited to get it now!

Nada, your friend had a good idea!

Dancer, I absolutely LOVE Ross! I've found 6 nike dri/fit sports bras there and an AWESOME bright green Nike long sleeve pullover. I am thinking of making a trip out there soon. And as far as reflective vests, If I do run outside when it is dark I am required to wear a reflective belt (I live on a military base) but right now since it is cold I've been running on the indoor track so I haven't had to wear one.

Well, I gotta go work out! Have a nice afternoon everyone!

eve - now you've got me inspired - I will be hitting the discount stores regularly looking for steals! Love the sound of your pullover.

mk - Your neighborhood sounds pretty safe - glad to hear it! I live in central Denver and do most of my running near cheeseman park. Definitely the odd sketchy character around at times but mostly okay and lots of nice-seeming people out walking their dogs or pushing kids in strollers. Let's hope the drunks are home sleeping it off by the time you get out there! I'm lucky to have a flexible work schedule a few days a week so I can get most of my runs in at lunch or late afternoon and don't have to worry about the dark.

Happy running....

Ok, I am back and in need of some serious butt-kicking. I just looked at my calendar and realized that I AM RUNNING A 10K IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS! O crap!! I have been making every excuse under the sun to not work out - too tired, feeling a little sick, too busy. Sheesh! This race just crept up on me. I am going to a conference this week BUT I just checked and the hotel does have a pretty decent-looking fitness room (thank goodness, cos it's in Minnesota and I have NO cold weather running gear since I live in Arizona!).

Iris! Get your butt running missy! :drill:

You can totally do this 10k!:D

MBN - Thanks for the advice about carrying water during longer runs. At what distance did you start using gels/beans/etc?

Mk - Sorry you had a crappy run! But like you say, it happens to everyone and I'm sure your next run will be great and you'll forget all about it!

FatPants - Glad to hear you got rid of that halloween candy! It's still haunting me...haha. Sounds like that workout video has done wonders for you. That's awesome!

Bablou - Your 6 miles times are awesome! How often do you run and how long are you distances usually? Sounds like you're doing great!

Eve - That's fantastic!!! When is the race? I'm registered for my first half in February and can't wait! What's your training plan? I'm starting to get into longer runs these days (over 6 miles) and am gonna experiment with water/food so I have it all down for race day. You should hopefully know by then if you should bring anything with you or if the fuel station at mile 6 will be enough to get you through. Practice makes perfect!

Iris - RUN!!! :)

I got in a really short run today (2 miles) because I was planning on going to boot camp tonight, but now that it gets dark at a freakishly early hour, I couldn't drag my butt there. Oh well, I'll make it up tomorrow. But I think I'll make up the low mileage with the other runs this week, maybe go for 2 4 milers and then attempt 8 miles on Sat or Sun. Yikes! Everytime I think about running farther than I have before, it scares the s**t out of me! But what's the worst that can happen? I'll walk!

I don't bother with gels and such unless I'm doing more than 10 miles. It depends on your overall fueling and timing though. I run first thing in the morning, and I really don't like to eat RIGHT before I run. It just doesn't sit well. So, for runs of less than 10 miles, I just get up and go. More than 10 and I start to poop out with no fuel, so I've started popping one cliff block (30 calories) before I start, and another about 3/4 of the way through. I'll add another block for every additional 3-4 miles. And that seems to work fine. I like the shot blocks because I can portion it out better, a full gel at 100 calories of sugar is way too much for me at once. My stomach doesn't like it. And trying to shoot half a gel and carry the rest for later gets messy. If I ran with gatorade, I wouldn't need shots at all, but I prefer water.

Everyone is different though -- you have to experiment and see what works. That's the beauty of training, you have time to try different things and work it out before the race. You don't want to do anything new/different on race day!! (maybe it will work, but if not .... can make for a rather miserable time)

I'm so glad I don't have to run in the cold .... :D

its 3 30am!!! Wahoos!!
Headin' out the door for my 7 mile LA Threshold RUn (aka, tempo). Will do one mile warm up, 2 miles @ 7 :12 1 mi easy @ 8:45 2 mi hard @ 7:12 1 mi cooldown.

I wonder why MBN is online at 3 am also?

I had a pretty good run this morning. I started off really cold, but after about 10 minutes I started to warm up a bit. The last kilometre and a half were a little rough but that's likely because I haven't done the full 5k circuit since I caught a cold about 10 days ago. But I did it again and I'm rather proud of myself.

MBN - Thanks for the info! I'll definitely do some experimenting.

Mk - Hope you had a good early morning run!

Sylvied - Good job getting back out there!

I went to boot camp this morning so no run for me. The time change totally sucks in the evenings, but it makes for beautiful work out weather in the am! On a more unfortunate note, I'm having some hip pain after my 7 mile run on Saturday. It actually doesn't hurt when I run, but even after running about a mile at boot camp, I was having trouble walking back to my car without a sharp, stabbing pain every time I took a step. I might try to go to yoga today and stretch it out and just hope for the best I guess! Have a good day everyone!

Hi Everyone. Just had my first run in years last night. I ran for about 20 minutes at a fairly decent pace (not super fast/not super slow), I'm pretty proud of me :) Anyways, I'm just hopping into this thread and I hope that's ok! Thanks everyone~!

Welcome Sporty!!! Of COURSE its ok!! Glad you decided to start running again!! What made you decide to pick it up again? How much running did you do in your past?

TC- Take care of that hip!! Just watch it, alright? Sometimes i get weird hip/bursitis pains and they go away after a day or 2 on their own..... Its possible it might be temp. inflamed from the increase in mileage or from something you did in bootcamp!

Sylvied--- i love my cold early morning runs....sometimes its hard to get my butt out the door, but i always warmup so fast, and i find the cold air is so refreshing to run in!! Glad you had a good run!!

So, im following this specific training program for that 10k i want to compete at, and the tempo runs im supposed to do should be "comfortably hard"(to quote the book).well, since im really stepping up the speeds and trying to maximize my improvement in just 6 weeks, "comfortably hard" has begun to mean UNCOMFORTABLY Hard!! Both Yesterdays 800's interval workout, and then todays 7 mi Lactic acid threshold were REALLY HARD. UNCOMFORTABLY hard. I struggled trying to maintain the 7:12 pace, and sometimes was NOT able to maintain it. But this is good. This is GOOD for me! I was getting very complacent and content with my running ability. Its time to remember how to handle being "uncomfortable" again. This is where i/we/runners find improvement!!
So, when im complaining about how hard my runs feel in the next few weeks, its a good thing, not a running funk, bad run kinda thing!

What up runners
 

Not me lately that's for sure. sick kids, sick dad,sick mom : relapse repeat. Over TWO LAME #@!%&**@@$ weeks of nonsense. On the plus side today is beautiful out my kids are finally back in school, and I can almost fully breath thru my nose. Go me.

A short but utterly blissful mile and a half on the TM after spin class today. Wish I would have had more gas, but didn't. It felt great while it lasted though. Is it weird that I still feel better running after I bike? I trained that transition really hard for my tri, but now I still feel the most free when I run after the bike. I feel discombobulated, and stiff when I run alone.

I have that 10 k trail run in less that two weeks and I'm WORRIED. I feel really weak......

MK: You rock on the training . I greatly admire your determination. If you ever want to do tris swimming wont stand in your way. I have a really hard time pushing myself into uncomfortably hard ground. REALLY hard. I worry A LOT. I know it's the fastest way for me to improve and the best for pushing my weight loss along but....... It's really hard. I'm afraid to crash and I don't know why .

Also in an unrelated note I thought of you yesterday when I gave a new family a tour of my kids elementary. They were from Boulder so I kept an eye on them for extra shenanigans.....

HA!! Now the Boulderites are YOUR problem! :) too funny......are they weirdos? JK

Thank you Geranium for the Compliment!! Pushing oneself into being comfortable with being uncomfortable def takes work. But let me tell you something:

It was only just this last July (like, a few months ago) That i learned to push thru my own fear. ANd it WAS fear. But fear of what? I still dont know. Fear of being fast, fear of being good, fear of being uncomfortable, fear of failing--- it all created such a block, a MENTAL block, as it does i think, for so many of us. I threw caution to the wind at a local race one day, and went out HARD. I went out FAST. I Pushed myself right at the beginning---to the point where i KNEW my pace was way over my head, and completely unsustainable.......and then i pushed right thru that mental block, and right thru that fear. I survived. I ran 6 or 7 miles at that "impossible" pace, and then i DID burn out...HARD....but you know what? i lived. ANd i finished the race ( i think it was 15 miles?)
The single greatest thing that ever happend to my running....... Since then ive gone on to PR my 10K by OVER 12 MINUTES, ive won one 10K, placed 2nd in a 20 miler, and completed, very successfully, my first marathon. Im not afraid to be uncomfortable, or too hurt, or to push myself anymore.....

MK, you are incredible! Congrats on overcoming your fear and doing amazing in past races! I am finished with week one of c25k and I'm a bit afraid of moving on. But I'm certainly not going to let fear stop me! It's so inspirational to know that even totally awesome runners like you get that fear every now and then. You rock!

taking charge, Thanks! The race is on June 19th 2010 so I have 7 months roughly to train. Right now I am starting off with c25k, when I finish that I will be moving on to a training plan i found on marathonrookie.com that goes from 3 miles up to 13. After that I will be joining the races' local running group/seminar that runs from april 3rd to race day. It has running coaches, nutrition lectures etc. along with actually training for the race so I'm really excited about that. Good luck on your half! You can totally nail it! Post us lots of pics! And you will conquer those 8 miles girl! Just push past the fear and you will rock it! Hope your hip feels better as well! will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Sporty, WELCOME! Congrats on your latest run! Keep it up.

ETA: weighed in this morning and I am 5 pounds away from ONEDERLAND! YEAH!

:high: you do rock MK!!

EveLHaelf - Onderland will be wonderfull :bravo: Congrats!!

I'm lazy these days... I didn't go out today :shrug: I have no idea/reason/excuse why :frypan: I just didn't wanna :tantrum:

Helloooo ladies! Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather like we are here... oh, what were wwe saying last week? That it was blizzarding? Yeah, welcome to Fall/Spring in Colorado. 68 one day, snow the next!

I took advantage of the nice weather and got out for a 5.2 mile run this afternoon. I did it in 60 min FLAT which is exactly what I was aiming for (actually a bit faster). This was my last "long run" before my 10k next Saturday!!! I REALLY needed this run to go well and it went perfectly. I know I keep saying it, but I can't believe the difference that weight training has done for my running. My legs are solid now and rarely get tired. In fact I felt like I could have gone for the entire 6 miles, but I had to get home and start dinner. :p

About the mental thing...oh yes. Our minds can convince us of anything. Hence why I tend to suck at racing, and then go out and have a perfect 3 miles the next day. LOL

Sporty - Welcome! Glad you had a great first run back!

Mk - Thanks for the hip advice! It only really gets bad after I've sat for a while and then left up my leg and it's really stiff in the hip flexor area with a slight sharp twinge. Do you think I can try running tomorrow or should I stick with boot camp (which is only a bit of running but mostly strength training)? Your ability to push yourself to that uncomfortable point is really impressive! I definitely have a lot of trouble with that, but I'm slowly working my way there.

SGeranium - Sounds like things have been crazy for you! Don't worry too much about your race. Just give it your best and have fun!

Eve - Thanks for the encouragement! It sounds like you have a really well-thought out training plan. You'll have to give me some tips! :)

Ilene - I think daylight savings makes everyone a little lazy! I got into bed at 9pm last night!

FatPants - Wow, what a great run!! You're SO ready for your 10k. I can't wait to hear about it!

Howdy all!

I wore my new nike drifit top for a gorgeous twilight run today and felt great. Totally agree, fatpants - these are some crazy weather changes but I'm just glad the snow is off my path!

eve - woohoo on being so close to onederland!!

sporty - welcome! That's quite an avatar you're rockin'!

mk - you continue to blow me away with your dedication! how's the foot? Have you been running barefoot for all of your runs?

tc - ouch! is it your IT band? Or something else entirely?

geranium - it was so interesting to read your post about feeling more comfortable running after biking. It must just be whatever you get used to. I definitely walk 5-10 minutes to warm up a little before I run - I imagine you've tried that but no dice, right?

TC - sorry if you answered this previously, but do you have the foam roller? My hip flexor can get sore/stiff if my IT Band is inflammed, and it's worse if I'm sitting for a bit. If you haven't tried the foam roller yet, I would give it a shot!

Denver - glad you got to enjoy the weather as well! It's supposed to be a fabulous weekend! So you liked the dri-ft? To answer your tights question I just let them air dry. Since there is plastic around the ankles I didn't want to risk melting it haha. They dry pretty quickly.

Ilene - I've been feeling like that as well... just tired/burned out/not wanting to! It helped to add some variety in my routine...and knowing the holidays are coming up makes me want to get ahead as much as possible! :lol:

Eve - You're so close to onederland!!! You'll be here before you know it!

Geranium & Sporty - welcome!!! Glad you joined us!

Okay I have a question for the more experienced runners. My 15k was this past weekend and it went really well! It was my first running "only" race I normally do Tris. I'm really happy with my pace and everything. During the last mile though my knees began to ache. Then maybe the last half mile they really hurt a lot.

What I don't understand is why has they not happened on training runs? The only thing I can figure is that maybe I took the slight declines too fast (thinking hey free speed!) but it was a fairly flat course. I have been running mostly on the treadmill so the cement didn't help I guess, but it's not like I haven't run on cement at all. Any ideas?

They stopped hurting after the run ended and feel fine now... but I'm taking a few days off just in case. I know I haven't been running this far that long, but still makes me wonder why in the race and not training runs?

hey all-- Will come back later and post/respond to everything going on!

Plan this am : "rest" day.... (hahahahahahaa)

Getting ready to drive to the gym right now. Will do 3.5 miles barefoot outside, around the gym neighborhood then do a cycle class that starts at 5 am.... Have great morning runs, ya'll !!! :)