Lake Johnson, in the rain today ... just wow

6/10/2013 6:03:51 PM

After a several weeks of laziness, back on the wagon last night! I restarted week 7 because I was worried that I lost some endurance but finished it without too much effort.

6/12/2013 8:46:21 AM

Don't give up! You are close, and you were close to forming the habit


My running career started as obligation - got suckered into signing up for a 5k, did the 9 week plan. I did every workout but did walk bits of some when I was super tired.

Then it turned into habit. I didn't really like it and sometimes felt bad at the start of runs, but always felt better after (and felt worse missing a run).

Then it was commitment. I ran to get better. Had some degrees of passion. The occasional runner's high was intense.. like 6 hours of being stupid happy. I haven't gotten it in a couple years though . Some runs just went super well or I really just wanted to run. Still had miserable runs and some where it took me 2 hours in running shoes to finally get outside.

In the past 3 months, it became my passion. I love running, even when I hate it. I've done it for so long it's become something I will never voluntarily part with. I still procrastinate, some runs really suck, but it doesn't matter. I love the damn thing.

Also been learning form is super important to having good runs. Not for efficiency but something to think about on the runs. Huge chunks of most of my runs are self reflection, or spending bits of time exaggerating a piece of my form to get better. Usually, especially on longer runs, we use music and random thoughts to escape running, but now I'm very 50:50 on trying to escape and trying to focus on everything in my body.

/rant

TLDR don't quit it until you're done If you find something else that draws you in all the better. But for me its the damn runs. It just took me a couple years to find out I should've been doing this shit in school.

6/12/2013 11:06:46 AM

^well put. couldnt have said it better.

6/13/2013 8:09:48 AM

I have been running since I was a freshman in highschool. Its a way a life for me now. No getting around it. Within the past few years, I would join 5K races every now and then. I now have a goal to do one race once a month which started in January with the Jan 1 Commitment race. Very fitting for a goal. I figured this was my way to help people and raise money for societies that need it. So far, I have run a race for every month. I have signed up for different races like a doggie race where I can run with my pooch, night races with glow things etc. I was so close to signing up for a mud run in June and then I found out in May I was preggo so I decided it was probably a good idea NOT to run those. BUT I am running the Color Vibe next weekend. :-) I am so excited. If my doctor okays it, I am running in the New Hill Aquathon too in July.

6/13/2013 10:50:45 AM

^ Nice! I need to find another race this summer. Maybe a 10k.. I somehow have never done one.

Last summer I ran with two girls at Nog when it was ~90 degrees. One was five months pregnant. They were like 'well let's do a slow run' and I fell behind at mile 4 . I didn't know you could run that far in, that fast, and got my ass handed to me!

Also had to outrun a juggler during my last full. The fucker was juggling 4 red balls the whole way. I could not stop.

6/13/2013 12:46:48 PM

people do some weird stuff at some of the races i've done:

- full on gas masks (some military cause)
- full bulletproof armor (marine corp 2012, got some tv show interested in it.)
- dribbling a basketball the entire time
- running it backwards

man, just let me hit the pavement. as if 26 werent enough of a challenge.

6/13/2013 3:32:09 PM

^, ^^ Thats crazy... I guess its all fun though and part showing off? I was running a trail race and I was passed by a stroller carrying two on all-terrain tires. Man did I feel weak. LOL.
I probably need to run more. Its been so hot and swimming seems more inviting. Anyone have ideas on how to stay cool while running? (And I hate running indoors).

Has any one done a tri or aquathon and have any suggestions what I should wear for this upcoming aquathon? I might be bumpin and I don't know if I am comfortable with people looking at my bump or my bum.

6/14/2013 10:31:24 AM

^^ at my half last weekend there was a guy in a mankini. the hairest man you can imagine, in a thong, right next to me


and here's a gratuitous look at my medal pic:

6/14/2013 10:35:32 AM

Big congrats! Take care of your injury and I hope you learn your lesson about back-to-back races

6/14/2013 11:24:47 AM

thanks! it feel fine now after lots of stretching and yoga and running a couple of time to shake up my legs. I have 10 miles (or maybe just 8 I can't decide) tomorrow before the half on the 23rd lol


Also, I signed up for a couple of relays. I need to stop looking up races to run. One is a 18 mile (2 person) relay and the other is a 20K with 4 people, 3 of which are wolfwebbers I talked into running it with me

6/14/2013 12:02:33 PM

I'm definitely going to start joggling soon; been juggling for years.

Got out there at 5:45 this morning. I guess I was the first one out since my face was forging the path through all of the spiderwebs. It was nice, cool, lots of woodland creatures scurrying about, but I felt like I ran out of gas earlier than usual. Maybe I should eat like half a banana and trick my brain into thinking I've got fuel. I did drink a whole glass right when I got up and took 20oz with me so I don't think I was dehydrated. <shrug>

6/18/2013 9:34:47 AM

Good luck!

I feel so stupid. I'm working on getting my knee drive up (from nearly non-existant) and was bouncing a lot up and down. Figured out a couple days ago my knee drive needs to be forward and not straight up

Been slowly trying to get close to this foot strike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82ghOr78FcU

6/21/2013 11:25:44 AM

i started my cardio program on wednesday. thoughts and input welcome.

Day 1: 10-200m sprints. max 60s each.
- i did 10 or 11 (lost count) all around 50s, last one under 40s and ended the day with some arms and core training

Day 2: relaxed non-run (bike, swim, hike/walk)
- i did the bike for about 35 minutes

Day 3: at least 2.5mi run comfortable pace

Day 4/5: one day off. the other minimum of 4mi running/walking; just move for 4mi

Day 6: same as Day 2

Day 7: same as Day 3

then start it over again. i'm looking for solid noticeable results by 4 weeks.

[Edited on June 21, 2013 at 3:50 PM. Reason : --]

6/21/2013 3:49:26 PM

I took a fall Monday running suicides that resulted in a grade 2 ankle sprain. This has occurred approximately 1/2 way through my 5k training just when I was starting to see some good improvement. It's killing me to miss out on my training with the rest of my group. How long should I baby this ankle? I want to rehab this ankle and get back to training ASAP. What should I be doing to this ankle to get it ready to get back to running? Am I crazy for planning to get back to it Monday?

6/22/2013 12:05:27 AM

I'd go with whatever your doctor said.

I sprained an ankle in high school soccer and went back out 6 weeks later and resprained it on the first kick.

6/22/2013 12:22:15 AM

Ice and elevate and just rest it. Be patient and don't push it or you could be out longer.

Test it out in few days on the stairs, holding onto the railing with your toes on the step and you heel off and try going up and down on the balls of your feet. This is what I do now to strengthen my ankles.

I hope it feels better soon! Bruises and sprains suck!

6/22/2013 7:58:28 AM

1.4 miles. First miles in over a year and a half. yaaaaaaaay

6/23/2013 10:07:46 PM

joint juice

6/23/2013 10:09:52 PM

actually, my joints feel fine. I expected it to be much worse. My shins are hurting, which I totally expected. I'll be icing those bitches down every day for the next couple weeks as I ease back into this. I had stopped running partly due to my knee being fucked up from lifting too much weight (dumbass), so I'm definitely not gonna go crazy with the mileage. I probably could have gone an extra half mile without a problem, but I'm glad I called it quits when I did. I only thought I had run a mile, lol

6/23/2013 11:58:53 PM

I just ran my first sub 10 minute mile and a half in probably 12 years. If someone had told me that I could do this just a few months ago, I would have laughed in their face. (disclaimer: I realize that a [barely] sub 10 minute 1.5 mile is nothing for many of you but when you are sporting the 'body by budweiser' that I am, its a big deal)

6/25/2013 12:35:15 PM

Hey guys, Im moving right next to Umstead so Im gonna start trail running there.

I was just wondering about the bike trails vs hiking trails.

Is it ok for people to run on the bike trails? Do people do it frequently? Do bikers get annoyed? Is it dangerous?

Thanks

6/28/2013 10:52:07 AM

I can't speak for umstead as I have never ridden there, but as a mountain biker (and runner), I do get mildly annoyed when runners are on mountain biking trails. Yes it is unsafe, for the biker especially, particularly when the runner is going the wrong direction.

I actually crashed just last week because a runner had stopped at the bottom of a tricky descent and gotten out of the way. He wasn't on the trail but him standing there around a blind corner as I was trying to navigate this narrow bridge section at full speed (something i have done hundreds of times on this trail) caught me by surprise and caused me to lose focus so I fell off the bridge and wrecked. I don't blame him for the wreck because he did get out of the way, but had he not been there I probably wouldn't have had any issues.

[Edited on June 28, 2013 at 11:50 AM. Reason : de]

6/28/2013 11:49:52 AM

Ankle rehab is going great. I've trained on it 5 out of 7 days in the last week. I still need support, but haven't found a comfortable brace that'll fit in my shoe. I'm considering KT tape. Any one tried it?

[Edited on June 30, 2013 at 12:52 AM. Reason : .]

6/30/2013 12:52:15 AM

Not sure how it happened, but I was halted right in the halfway point of my run this morning by an intense need to take a dump. Guess I should try harder to do both before I go, especially first thing in the morning.

7/3/2013 12:24:51 PM

LoL. It happened because running is a natural laxative. If I don't go before my runs, I always have a bad time during.

I used to run with someone who would take TP with them on runs because the urge hit so often and they had to make a dash to the woods.

[Edited on July 3, 2013 at 1:50 PM. Reason : d]

7/3/2013 1:49:56 PM

annnndd training begins this week for Marine Corp Marathon...

doing the Hal Higdon training plan. starting a bit late, but i'm not a complete novice, so i'll jump straight into week 2...

7/9/2013 9:57:29 AM

I'm 999% positive this has been discussed before, but it's an ever-present debate I have with myself:

Running in the morning vs. Running in the evening.

and if in the morning, what's the verdict on running before breakfast? IE - get up and go (with minimal stretching).

and on top of that, if you're working out during the day, should you run first or workout first?


Tl;dr - Is there a time of day to run that is significantly better than any other time?

7/15/2013 11:13:39 AM

My runs are now early in the morning around 6:00 after being up for 15 minutes or so. Go to the bathroom, chug some water, eat half a banana and then out the door. The summer heat and my family schedule has pretty much forced my hand into it.

While going to be earlier and waking up earlier suck, I enjoy the actual running part better than when I was running in the evening or at lunch. It's cooler, there are lots of creatures running around to look at and it gets my day going and seems to give me better energy/mood throughout the day. The evening is either still a bit hot or too dark. I'm less comfortable running with music at night, too. The first few times running in the morning I felt like I ran out of gas early but I seem to be adjusting.

Happy to report that I kept up my running and strength training at the beach last week. Running on the actual beach itself was not as exciting as I expected. I stuck with the road/treadmill for the remainder of the vacation. I'm also adding stretching after my runs now after reading the complete idiot's guide to running.

I'm interested in maybe picking up cycling to crosstrain running. It seems like a natural fit but I know absolutely nothing about it and I'm not really interested in doing much road cycling (more greenways and trails if possible). Also I'm not rich so I'll probably need to pick up a used mountain bike or something.

[Edited on July 15, 2013 at 12:34 PM. Reason : .]

7/15/2013 12:30:55 PM

I run in the evenings because of my family schedule. It's not my preference because working out really pumps me up and puts a spring in my step. I'd much rather get that extra kick in the pants in the mornings to start my day, but I can't go in the mornings while my son is out of school. The one good thing about the evening is that I can get in some food and hydration about an hour or so before going out to run. It's harder to do that in the mornings without really planning for it.

Uhm. . .I don't know if strength training is better before or after a run because I've seen it go both ways. My running group always strength trains first and then goes for a run, but I've seen some of the fitness bootcamps at the gym get in a short run (1-2 miles) then work out.

7/15/2013 10:17:38 PM

the oatmeal, on running http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

7/16/2013 12:33:22 PM

Ok, sooooo here goes.

I'm looking for a running partner or group to run with during the week that's close by. Anyone live near Southpoint mall area?

I used to be a very competitive runner in highschool/early college....but then got lazy (and discovered beer) and gained about 40 pounds

I'd like to get back close to where I was with my old PR's....

16:15 5k
4:30 mile
00:51 400m
1:53 800m

I realize this is going to take massive dedication. I've been "gearing up" for this on and off over the last few years....just now got the nuts to make this happen though. I'm one of those people who are way too competitive. And now that I know i'm not "competitive" physically, it's been a struggle to make myself want to do ANYTHING really active. I just need to get outta this damn slump. I know that once I drop some weight and start to see some results (running time-wise), I'll have no problem kicking it into overdrive to be a competitor once again.

Over the last few months I've lost about 15 lbs, and am down to 179lbs. I'd like to get back somewhere around a solid 150. Obviously I dont plan on breaking new PR's, but I'd like to get back within a respectable range.

After I quit running years ago I picked up cycling and was a bit addicted to that for a few years, but havent done much in the last 3-4 years. I picked up a new roadbike a few weeks ago and have been doing group rides again. Rode 20 miles last night with the A-group and averaged a little over 18mph...so I'm not terribly out of shape..just need to get dedicated again.

I suppose I'm just needing to type out my thoughts somewhere to give myself something to hold onto and hold myself accountable. I may have even typed something similar to this in years past in this thread. But this is me telling you, TWW, that I WILL do this shit. It's on.

</blog>


[Edited on July 16, 2013 at 1:14 PM. Reason : .]

7/16/2013 1:06:25 PM

Quote :

"It happened because running is a natural laxative."

One of the reasons I run is so that I can be regular. Even more so since I am preggo and my digestive track is a few days behind anyways .

I am pretty excited about the trials around Harris Lake!! I finished an aquathon there. I had been going there with my dad to take his boat out, and I recently moved right down the road from Avent Ferry Road. Sure beats making the hike out to Lake Johnson or Umstead. AND if I get too hot, I can hop in a take a swim.

So does anyone have preggo lady running tips? My doctor says its fine as long as I dont over exert myself and stay hydrated. Are there any like sports bra support things for supporting the belly?

7/17/2013 9:12:07 AM

Anyone running the Bull City half in October?

7/17/2013 9:53:47 PM

wow who knew people could talk about running for 33 pages

7/17/2013 10:22:22 PM

Had a pretty intense thunderstorm here in Columbia this afternoon. I was in a training class today and thought we were gonna get out early, but the instructor decided to cram in some additional things so we could possibly get out earlier tomorrow. I wanted to get out ASAP since I knew storms would fire up his afternoon and I wanted to get in a few miles on actual pavement (no mood for treadmill).

Anyway, our class gets dismissed right as the sky opens up. I wait it out for almost an hour and drive to the riverwalk where I typically go run. It was basically closed all last week with all the rainfall we have had recently. I thought I would be out of luck this afternoon right after the storm was over, but the gates were open! There were mostly branches and leaves down for about a mile, then I came across several areas where trees had fallen across the path. But I was just fed up with waiting for so long to run I just kept going. Ended up putting in about 4+ consistent miles (other than stopping to adjust for mud/puddles/trees)!

7/17/2013 10:55:28 PM

Quote :

" Are there any like sports bra support things for supporting the belly?"

There are belly supports, but I don't know if there are any specific to athletics. All of the ones I've seen/worn were hot and didn't seem like they'd be comfortable for running, especially in the summer.

[Edited on July 18, 2013 at 9:02 AM. Reason : .]

7/18/2013 9:00:57 AM

I'd google stuff to look for reviews for you^^^^^ but I dont want google thinking I'm pregnant and then start giving me ads for diapers and stuff




I'm still not sure what I was thinking back in April when I thought it would be fine to sign up for a relay in July that starts at 10am. My part of the relay probably won't start until noon. Yay for running 8+ miles in the heat and humidity.

What are you guys hydrating with for your long runs in the heat?

I started adding Skratch Labs hydration mix to my water after getting a few stick packs of it in my StrideBox a month ago. Works great. I also love Nuun tabs.

I hate gatorade straight. Nothing gives me problems (like the one mentioned above) like gatorade without lots of water mixed in.

7/18/2013 11:16:07 AM

Thanks I'll check on that. :-) And post anything that looks useful for preggo lady runners :-)

7/18/2013 12:02:13 PM

What places around here do physiological testing? I want to know what my max HR / vo2 max is. I never know what to do on runs that put me in the 80-85% zone.

All my lower intensity long runs this month have been a disaster, but all my higher intensity shorter runs have been relatively fine. Ugh.

7/24/2013 10:41:27 AM

Last 2 weeks have been joggling practice. It was really killing my speed at first but now I'm dropping less and am probably at about 90% of my old pace. Signed up to joggle this in September:

http://www.ovarianawareness.org/

7/25/2013 9:58:45 AM

not sure if serious...Good for you that you've found something that you like to do, and I like to think I have an open-mind for weird sporting activities...but cotdam...joggling? REALLY?



[Edited on July 25, 2013 at 12:03 PM. Reason : bwahaha]

7/25/2013 12:03:03 PM

awesome disco_stu! Also, great choice for a race! On behalf of my mom and me thank you for supporting ovarian cancer awareness

7/25/2013 12:35:46 PM

^^lol, I'm only throwing 3 bags so I hope I don't have such a strained look on my face. At this point I'm barely even focusing on the throws and more focused on looking ahead and running. I've been juggling for years and recently started running so this kind of just made sense. Had tons of positive comments from other runners/walkers and horn honks.

7/25/2013 1:34:52 PM

nothing quite livens up the pace of that last quarter mile quite like RUNNING STRAIGHT THROUGH A GIANT SPIDERWEB

ugh

7/29/2013 9:23:28 PM

Pay attention instead of fumbling with your ipod looking for Erasure.

7/29/2013 9:25:00 PM

I know you're just being a troll, but spiderwebs are designed to be difficult to see by moving animals.

7/30/2013 8:44:35 AM

Running through them is a cross country rite of passage.

7/30/2013 1:20:32 PM

LOL, yeah I kinda agree with that. If it's at the end of my run I'm so sweaty and exhausted I just don't care.

8/1/2013 10:02:23 AM

Work started back today. So much for summer vacation!

Lets see if I can keep the fat off better this time.

8/1/2013 10:09:14 AM