I ran the American Tobacco Trail 1/2 yesterday and finished in 1:31:44, perfect 7 minute miles. It was a new PR for me, but I was really hoping for a sub 1:30 so still a slight bummer. I held steady with the pace group running a few seconds per mile faster than the 1:30 through the first 9.5-10, then just hit a wall and died for the last ~3 miles.

I knew going in that it would be close because I didn't do enough distance during my tempo runs leading up to it. Oh well, something to push for next time I guess.

I've felt pretty good all day yesterday and today, just some slight soreness in my lower quads, but all of the sudden I'm having a lot of pain in the outside of the bottom of my right foot. There's no swelling and it'd not sore to the just, just when I walk on it so hopefully it isn't too bad. We'll see though...

3/21/2011 4:50:14 PM

Did the Rugged Maniac in Greensboro yesterday...that shit was INSANE! There's one in Richmond in a month, HIGHLY recommend it. I"m going to sign up for it, beat my record!

4/10/2011 4:47:06 PM

Ran my first half marathon today, 2:03:50 on the chip. I feel like I could have done it under 2 hours if I'd known my time at the 5k to go mark.

I'm fairly happy with my time given the fact that I didn't run for the two months leading up to it. Working 3rd shift makes it very difficult to train (plus they've been 12+ hour days for most of that period). New guy comes on board on May 9th which should make life much easier.

Now that I know I can do 13.1 miles without dieing I'm actually going to start training for my 1/2 iron man. I've done all the individual distances (or more) before so I know I'm capable of doing it, I've just got to put in the mileage.

4/10/2011 8:17:07 PM

^^ How was that? I had a friend run it but havnt heard from him today

^ I was out there with you this morn. Didnt run it, was supporting 2 friends, but I biked the whole course.

4/10/2011 9:02:18 PM

Now that i've started playing some parks and rec leagues again running still is as hard as it once was. The biggest thing that gets me is about halfway through the games i'll develop sharp pains around my inner-shin about 6-8" above my ankles. it hurts and also feels tender to the touch like bruising. I'm able to "run" through the pain when action picks up but once i slow back down to a jog it's really painful. thoughts?


i've asked some people and everyone is always quick to throw out that it's shin splints, and maybe it is, but i'm not so sure

4/19/2011 8:05:06 AM

Might be the shoes. What kind do you wear? Have you ever been fitted? You wouldn't wear running shoes while you are playing in a rec league, but maybe that will give you insight into what your foot does and what kind of support you need from cross-trainers, cleats, etc.

4/19/2011 9:51:47 AM

its softball season now so i'm just wearing a pair of low top ball cleats. I've never been fit because I don't run for fun but it would probably be a good idea to see how my foot really sits.

4/19/2011 10:16:55 AM

Just realized I signed up for the Tough Mudder Tri-State (NJ) that is 2 weeks after the Marine Corps Marathon, with the UNC game inbetween.

Does anyone have a suggestion (other than headband, hat, etc..) for keeping sweat out of their eyes when they run? I sweat profusely when I run and it burns the shit out of my eyes. I'm not opposed to wearing a cap but would rather not.

4/21/2011 12:40:30 PM

I usually wear this guy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M9OQEY

It's a skullcap/bandanna that has a little rubber strip inside the front of it that lays across your forehead when it's on. That basically blocks any sweat from dripping down your forehead, forcing it out to the side of your head. It's light and less tight than a cap or a traditional sweatband would be, so it's pretty unobtrusive for people who don't like wearing stuff on their head.

4/21/2011 12:55:24 PM

i've browsed through a few pages but don't see anything so i'll go ahead and pose this question. is there a fairly inexpensive watch that i can buy that will track my run...not looking for gps tracking but just distance...kind of like a pedometer.

4/21/2011 1:25:32 PM

^^ Thanks. I actually found this article too after posting here: http://coachlevi.com/cycling/keep-sweat-out-of-your-eyes/

Think I'm going to give Vaseline a try first...

4/21/2011 2:03:20 PM

Oh word, in that article you can see the channel in the Halo headband that I was talking about. Using Vaseline is an interesting idea, let me know how it works out for you.

4/21/2011 3:38:53 PM

I have been using a headsweat visor recently and I like it.



[Edited on April 21, 2011 at 4:44 PM. Reason : d]

4/21/2011 4:43:00 PM

Quote :

"Now that i've started playing some parks and rec leagues again running still is as hard as it once was. The biggest thing that gets me is about halfway through the games i'll develop sharp pains around my inner-shin about 6-8" above my ankles. it hurts and also feels tender to the touch like bruising. I'm able to "run" through the pain when action picks up but once i slow back down to a jog it's really painful. thoughts? i've asked some people and everyone is always quick to throw out that it's shin splints, and maybe it is, but i'm not so sure "

halp!

4/27/2011 2:11:27 PM

Sounds just like shin splints to me...

4/27/2011 2:20:08 PM

yup. stretching out the calves helps, but they tend to go away with time.

4/27/2011 2:37:14 PM

would getting fit for a proper pair of shoes help? I know it won't help with softball, but for running at least. The pain tends to linger for a few days which makes it really hard to want to run routinely

4/27/2011 2:54:08 PM

shin splints

4/27/2011 3:13:02 PM

Anyone have a good method of toughening up your feet? I'm running in VFFs about 3 miles at a time, trying to do some barefoot walking on pavement too, but my feet don't seem to responding well. I just keep getting blisters and my calluses are short lived.

AND SOME PRETTY SEVERE TOE PAIN AS WELL

[Edited on April 27, 2011 at 3:46 PM. Reason : ASDF]

4/27/2011 3:43:55 PM

If your toe pain is severe, be careful that your VFF's aren't a half-size too small. When you walk in them, you should be able to feel the tips of the toes brushing against your toes, but they shouldn't feel tight or like they're pushing.

As to toughening up the feet, that just takes time and a long, gradual progression. Don't run exclusively in them if you already have a big weekly mileage target; basically, ramp up at the same pace as if you had just started running, period. Wearing sandals as opposed to socks and shoes at other times can help a bit, as well as going barefoot whenever you're comfortable doing so. In the meantime, tape areas that get blisters before you go running in them, and you might consider getting some Injinji toe socks to wear with them.

4/27/2011 8:10:35 PM

I am not trying to chit chat up this thread but

Quote :

"nyone have a good method of toughening up your feet? I'm running in VFFs about 3 miles at a time, trying to do some barefoot walking on pavement too, but my feet don't seem to responding well. I just keep getting blisters and my calluses are short lived. "

This is why I don't like vffs think that they are just a fad.

4/28/2011 2:10:39 PM

I don't think they are right for everyone, and I don't necessarily agree with all the evangelizing that some folks like The Barefoot Doctor do for them. There have been studies of many types of running shoes and many types of running form (POSE method, forefoot striking, etc), and not surprisingly, it seems like they work for some people and not for others.

There are definite biomechanical differences associated with using VFF's that shift some of the impact from the knee and hip joints to the feet ankle joints, and more of that impact is absorbed by the muscles in the lower leg. Personally, that's great for me, because I'm much more prone to knee injuries. So I've noticed definite [anecdotal] improvement in my running and fitness through using minimal footwear (not just VFF's, but also the New Balance Minimus), but for people who are more prone to calf pulls, Achilles tendonitis, or plantar fascitis than knee, IT band, or hip flexor issues, VFF's probably aren't going to help at all.

4/28/2011 3:49:38 PM

^^I've never ran this far or this often at all.... in any type of shoe. So I hardly see how you can place the blame on VFFs.

[Edited on April 28, 2011 at 4:37 PM. Reason : asfasdfasd]

4/28/2011 4:36:21 PM

3x^

I concur. The shoe is a fad. But the way it conditions your foot to run is not without merit. That being said, you can save yourself $50-$70 and go get a pair of Nike Waffles or cross country spikes that will function the same.

4/28/2011 6:46:22 PM

The past week it seems when I run (I run outside for a hr) within a hour or so I have to shit (like the food I ate 5 hrs ago, went right through my system). Is this due to the hot weather? I usually run late at night but it has been hot and humid even then....just seems like the past week it has been really bad for me. I am usually soaked when I finish my hour run.

7/24/2011 9:39:50 PM

Soaked in shit?

7/24/2011 10:12:44 PM

Anyone try increasing cadence? I was told I need to build my cadence to something like 180/minute. (I was wearing vibrams, and heel striking, which is I guess horrible) I can get around 162/164, but its almost wearing me out more to run slower then it is to go faster. I need my stupid feet to hit the ground faster

7/25/2011 10:16:16 AM

I would try and condition yourself to land closer to the mid/forefoot. That should help with everything, not just your cadence. Out of curiosity, why are you worried about your cadence?

7/25/2011 12:02:42 PM

want to get back to running at least semi-regularly, but i'd have to run at night

any suggestions on well-lit places to go running other than on-campus (i like to alternate my pace so treadmills aren't a good option)

7/25/2011 12:13:31 PM

My coach said to focus on that, and I'd naturally start hitting my mid/forefoot. Before that I was either slightly landing on my heel first, or the whole of my foot, and my strides were bigger. How long does it usually take to recondition?

I've been trying to time it to a metronome.. there are times where I cannot get my feet down unless I run at an 8 minute pace, which is fine except I need to slow it a lot to handle distance.

7/25/2011 1:06:42 PM

^I was a real heavy heel striker. I bought a pair of Nike XC shoes for thirty bucks and started training in them. Every time I landed on my heel, I would definitely feel it. It was quite jarring. It took me 1.5 months running 4-5 times a week to get reconditioned. I'm sure it's different for everyone.

If timing your cadence works for you I say go for it. But I think it's more important for you to consciously think about landing and taking off on your forefoot even if you have to slow down a bit. I've noticed that, as I started running properly, I was using muscles in my legs that I wasn't using in my old form. So it will take time, and soreness

You run in the fiver fingers, correct? Slip them on and walk up and down a length of track or sidewalk and simulate how you want to land walking slowly. Keep your heel off of the pavement. Hope this helps.

[Edited on July 25, 2011 at 6:40 PM. Reason : lengthy]

7/25/2011 6:40:11 PM

My new indicator of how hot it is outside = how close my sweat gets to the bottom of my shirt after an hour run.

7/25/2011 7:23:13 PM

Problem with me is my legs don't seem to mind even in VFFs when I hit with the heel. Actually iirc I stopped having shin/knee problems when I switched over, which was kind of weird. Things only got bad when I was building up to 9/10 miles. I paid for my negligence with a month of limping

I'll try thinking more on the forefoot this week. Tried it once, but ended up only running with the forefoot. I can get it right in the cadences, but I lose it and can't really figure it out. The soreness thing is definitely there!

7/26/2011 11:05:46 AM

question

so my second toe is longer than my big toe and now that i'm running longer distances, my second toe is really REALLY starting to hurt after a run.

i currently wear a half size bigger shoe size to run in, but i'm thinking i might have to bump up to a full size bigger.

anyone have any experience with dealing with this? any solutions (different socks maybe)?

8/1/2011 10:45:58 AM

Someone I spoke to did the half size thing, but they said they just 'dealt with' the black toe. (Which sounds really gross)

Are there any shoes designed to deal with that? Would VFFs or some weird ass shoe work?

8/1/2011 10:58:03 AM

my VFFs are falling apart. the adhesive connecting the outer section to the sole is done. I'm hoping some shoe goo will repair it. If not, I'm ordering some bikilas.

8/1/2011 10:59:07 AM

My old Bikilas lasted a year with only the sides slowing falling apart. I haven't tried the other models but some seem to wear out fast

8/1/2011 11:08:26 AM

VFFs aren't designed for longer second toes, so they would cause problems. Another minimal shoe that might fit the bill, though, is the New Balance Minimus. New Balance recommends going a half-size up in that shoe, and the design is such that there's a strap across the upper at the base of the toes that keeps your foot from sliding forward into the front of the shoe. That might give you enough room in the toe-box to accommodate a longer second toe.

I have two pairs of them, one for running and one for everyday wear, and I love them. I still also run with my VFFs, but the Minimus is great for a minimal shoe with a little less road feel and a little less constriction, so it's better than my VFFs for long distances or trail running on rough trails.

8/1/2011 12:15:30 PM

I'll try those out. I wear the Asics gel (i can't remember which ones exactly) but they're only 10 months old. Once I'm ready to buy new ones, I'll branch out

thanks!

8/1/2011 12:19:51 PM

Quote :

"question so my second toe is longer than my big toe and now that i'm running longer distances, my second toe is really REALLY starting to hurt after a run. i currently wear a half size bigger shoe size to run in, but i'm thinking i might have to bump up to a full size bigger. anyone have any experience with dealing with this? any solutions (different socks maybe)?"

if your shoes are not big enough, I would recommend buying larger shoes.

8/1/2011 12:47:50 PM

i worry that with just going up a larger size, my feet will still slide forward, and then still ram my second toe into the front of my shoe

but thanks for the sarcastic advice wad

8/1/2011 12:49:55 PM

8/1/2011 12:54:39 PM

Long thread, probably already answered somewhere, but.....

I have a large frame. Mostly muscle, around 10% body fat and 210 pounds, with a lot of muscle in legs. I ran a half marathon last year with no issues, but I was closer to 195 pounds then. I just went on a 7 mile run yesterday, and my legs are chafing really bad in between my thighs. I was just wearing boxer briefs/sweatshorts, which is what I have always worn with no issues. Is there anyone else with a similar build that has the same problem, or better yet, any advice? I figure there are some shorts or cream or something, I dunno.

8/3/2011 12:13:57 AM

i think its called glide? something like that

i had the same problem.

8/3/2011 12:41:43 AM

Can anyone recommend a good book on endurance for beginners?

8/7/2011 11:15:44 AM

^
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Navy-Fitness-Third/dp/1578262666/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312731314&sr=8-1

Essentially a holy grail of fitness, if you can keep up with it. It has the advanced workout schedule in it - which is hard... really hard.... hard as balls - but it also has beginner workout schedules to help you gradually build up your abilities.

You don't necessarily have to do the schedule as he describes, but he has some great run plans in there, as well as supplementary exercises to help you improve overall fitness. It covers diet, form, and essentially every other aspect of a healthy lifestyle as well.

Stew Smith also writes a lot of articles on military.com's fitness section which are pretty on=point.

8/7/2011 11:39:46 AM

Just registered for my second half-marathon in Parkersburg, West Virginia on August 20th. Thought there was a very slim chance there might be others racing from here.

8/7/2011 4:49:39 PM

Anyone ever heard of Maffetone?

8/11/2011 3:55:59 PM

After a year of wearing my xc waffles I broke down and bought a pair of these.



I like them so far. Having that extra cushioning in the heel makes it feel a bit awkward. I think I'll have to buy myself another pair of waffles.

8/11/2011 6:23:31 PM

so i'm wanting to get into some light running just to be a little more healthy. My goals will probably never be half or full marathons, but I would like to be able to do several miles around my neighborhood. But there are a couple issues.

First is breathing. My lungs seem to be what give out before my legs do at this very very early stage. are there any breathing excersizes to help this? I'm a non-smoker, but i start to weeze very early.


Second is my feet, i feel like each step I take is completely different as far as where I land and pressure spots. Is this just something that goes with new runners or should I look into having my feet paired with shoes by an expert? I was always told that I ran "flat footed" when I played baseball.

8/17/2011 10:03:48 AM