Virtual Running Buddies: Week of 4/25 - May 1

[Laura]

Hey Amanda, I hope you don't me getting us started this week!

Well the snow is gone and I am hoping for two more runs before my week ends. I am planning on going 3 today, and then tomorrow I need to run 45 minutes. I am planning on being at a swim meet all weekend so I will likely run between the morning and afternoon sessions.

And... I just signed up for my first race. It is not until July 6 (I hope to find other shorter runs sooner), but it is a 12k trail run. My schedule has my "long" run that weekend to be 75 mintutes so this should fit in perfectly with my pace. I also got new shoes on Tuesday and I love them. They are Asics, which I have never run in before, but they are so comfortable and pretty light for a well cushioned shoe. Plus I had a $15 off coupon so they were only $80 all total. Not bad.

Have a great week everyone!

[scout1222]

I got in a run this morning, thankfully!

Tomorrow's run is another long one. It's the "train run". We take the train from Solana Beach north to Oceanside, then run back. Shortest distance between those two points is about 16 miles. But I think we're supposed to cover 18-20. Regardless, it will be well over a 2 hour run. I love doing the train run because I think trains are cool, and very rarely ever get to ride one! :)

Safe running this weekend, folks!

[mandarin2j]

Thanks for getting the ball rolling, Laura!

I'm feeling like a bit of an imposter, because I still haven't run since the 5k on April 13. Well, other than to the bus, and that hurts. :rolleyes: I'm really looking forward to my appointment on Tuesday so that I can get back out there. Still doing the stairs & yoga, but my heart's not in it. Whoda thunk it? I wanna run!

Good to see the new faces earlier this week. I peeked at the May issue yesterday at the store & can't wait 'till mine arrives. It'll be great to have more folks to "run" with!

-Amanda

[SusanMac]

Laura - I definitely recommend the Garden of the Gods run, which is in early June. I think it's either a 10K or a 7-miler. Very fun if you're up for traveling a bit for a race.

Scout - the train idea is totally cool! Wish we had something like that around here.

We've had perfect weather for running here lately! DH and I just did a long run today at went almost 10 miles. Felt really strong, which is good. Our 1/2 marathon is 4 weeks away, and I'm really not getting in enough base mileage. Work travel has put a big crimp in my schedule. I'm hoping to get in 3 days next week while on the road.

It's very strange, but DH and I can run the same pace and I'm at 75% max heart rate and he's at 85%. I know everyone's different, but it's still surreal. Does anyone else experience that with running buddies?

Happy running everyone!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by SusanMac
We've had perfect weather for running here lately! DH and I just did a long run today at went almost 10 miles. Felt really strong, which is good. Our 1/2 marathon is 4 weeks away, and I'm really not getting in enough base mileage. Work travel has put a big crimp in my schedule. I'm hoping to get in 3 days next week while on the road.

It's very strange, but DH and I can run the same pace and I'm at 75% max heart rate and he's at 85%. I know everyone's different, but it's still surreal. Does anyone else experience that with running buddies?

Happy running everyone!

Good for you both - your first 1/2 marathon! Just remember to listen to your body when you run the 1/2. You also want to make sure that you don't get caught up in the event and go out too fast. When I ran my last marathon I made certain that I actually ran my first mile about 20 seconds slower than my overall race pace. I was worried about going out that slow but I made up the 20 seconds in less than 3 miles (and only missed my goal by 69 seconds in 26 miles).

I've experienced that heart rate condition before - and you're right, every body is different so I wouldn't sweat it. Plus in your case being at 75% is good - that means you still have more in your system.

Which 1/2 marathon are you running in? What is the date - I'll make sure to pull for you.

Peace to all,
Les

[TLee4]

I have to tell my "running buddies" about this...

Last week I posted that while I have never run more than 6 miles, I "believed" that I could run 10, and was going to do so. Well, it got delayed by a few days (whole different story...) but I did it yesterday! It was on a treadmill, and I did little intervals most of the time (probably to keep myself motivated). I did put a 1.0 incline for the 1st 5 miles, then took it off. My time for 9 miles was 81 minutes, then I started cooling down in the last mile, so my total time was 92 minutes.

I am a bit sore today! In unexpected places, like my back/neck. Also my feet!

And one more thing, in the spirit of last week's thread...no emergency trips to the bathroom!! :D

Terri

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by TLee4
Last week I posted that while I have never run more than 6 miles, I "believed" that I could run 10, and was going to do so. Well, it got delayed by a few days (whole different story...) but I did it yesterday! It was on a treadmill, and I did little intervals most of the time (probably to keep myself motivated). I did put a 1.0 incline for the 1st 5 miles, then took it off. My time for 9 miles was 81 minutes, then I started cooling down in the last mile, so my total time was 92 minutes.

Uh-oh, you're hooked now! Way to go on the run too. I'm impressed and happy that you pulled it off.


I am a bit sore today! In unexpected places, like my back/neck. Also my feet!

Those places aren't unexpectd to me. :cool: I'd just consider that part of the price for the first 10 miler. Believe me if you keep doing 10'ers (my name) this won't be the first. I mean after going out in new shoes toady my feet are throbbing but my knees are HAPPY! (That's what happens when your running shoes are old.)


And one more thing, in the spirit of last week's thread...no emergency trips to the bathroom!! :D

Terri

Glad to hear it. Here's to a great run on all fronts.

I too had a great run today - but all of mine was outside. I'm not really sure how far I went but I ran for just over 90 minutes (for no real reason except it was Saturday).

Hope ya'lls Saturday isn't as wet as it will be here in Norfolk.

Ciao,
Les

[TLee4]

Thanks Les. Glad you had a good run too. I need to follow your lead and get OUTSIDE now. I just ordered the Timex Ironman time/distance watch, and I think that will help. One thing I like about the treadmill is the immediate feedback of how far/fast you've gone. Hopefully the watch will serve a similar function.

Happy Saturday!
Terri

[Laura]

Yay for all of us! I too got my "long" run in today. It was a hassle with the swim meet (don't even get me started on how unorganized this one was), but I ran for 45 mintutes and went about 4.2 miles. I was back on my favorite trail, and enjoyed the setting sun and the afternoon breezes. I am still at my snail's pace but was pleased with my time. This is the longest I have run yet.

Susan Mac, I have a friend who runs Garden of the Gods every year. I thought it was 10 miles though. If it is a 10k or 7 I will definitely look into it. I would be pushing myself as I think it is in early June, but it is worth looking into.

[Laura B]

Hi, everyone! I've been MIA from the BB lately, but I have been running. I'm not sure if I posted this or not, but a month ago I checked my mile time, and I was at a 12:42 mile (that was with about 30 seconds of walking). Well, a week and half ago, I tried again and did it in 11:22 with no walking!!! :D

Today I switched to the Cool Running plan (yes, I keep switching between this one and the Runner's World one), and did day one of week 5. I need to focus more on getting ready for my race. I need to be able to run four miles by July 19th. That seems impossible right now. :eek:

[AvrilH]

I have been doing the Runner's World plan to get myself up to 10K, but have never heard of this other schedul

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Laura B
Hi, everyone! I've been MIA from the BB lately, but I have been running. I'm not sure if I posted this or not, but a month ago I checked my mile time, and I was at a 12:42 mile (that was with about 30 seconds of walking). Well, a week and half ago, I tried again and did it in 11:22 with no walking!!! :D

Today I switched to the Cool Running plan (yes, I keep switching between this one and the Runner's World one), and did day one of week 5. I need to focus more on getting ready for my race. I need to be able to run four miles by July 19th. That seems impossible right now. :eek:

Laura B - I bet you'll find that most people don't stick absolutely to a training plan (I know that I don't do all the runs on the exact day I'm supposed to.) Way to go on cutting 1:20 from your mile in the past couple weeks. All that and no walking the last time :D - WOO HOO!!!

3 months to be able to run 4 miles - that will be a snap now that you're making such good progress. What race is coming up in July? I'll be pulling for you.

Take care and let us know how your training is going.

Peace,
Les

[Jodi]

Hi, everybody!

Just checking in quickly. I've been traveling again, first for work and then for a friend's wedding, but I've been doing a pretty good job of fitting runs and other workouts in. You guys are so motivating!!

Great job, Terri!

Amanda -- Let us know how you make out at the doctor.

Have a great week, everyone.
Jodi

[Leslie Ferguson]

I guess some of it is fit to print. I can't believe I missed all those great posts - and all the comments I could have tossed in so...
Laura - Glad you got a great new pair of shoes. Which model of Asics? I wear a pair of Cumulus III (last year's model but I don't like the IVs) and have been in Asics most of the past two years. A 12k? That's an odd distance - 7 1/2 miles. I've run all sorts of weird distance races (4 miles, 8k, 15k, 10 mi, 20k, etc.) but never 12k. But it sounds like fun.

Amanda - I pray your appointment goes well Tuesday. What we need is another running buddy that gets an up-check from the medical folks.

Scout - The train run sounds fun. How did you all come up with that idea? I'd like to see if I can figure out how to do that here - but Norfolk doesn't work well for running back to the city from any of the palces the train would take us - too many bridges that don't allow pedestrians.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. This week will (hopefully) have 4 runs mid-week and a long one on Saturday. See you all in the funnies.
Les

[scout1222]

Les - the train run predates my running days. I'm not sure who came up with it originally, but it's definitely popular now. I can think of 3-4 different training groups that use it when they start getting into longer runs for the marathon.

By the way, the run was great. I sagged a bit at mile 15-16, but then caught a few friends, and finished strong with them. Just having someone right next to me that I knew well made my spirits perk up a bit, and I was able to finish nicely.

[JHolcomb]

Hi guys. Hope you don't mind a novice jumping in. I'm still at the run a little walk a little training phase. Like LauraB. DH and I are doing the Cool Running plan and are finding it challenging but not impossible.

I wanna jump in because I'm really finding that I enjoy the running. This is a huge surprise to me. I figured I'd really hate it, since I usually hate anything that I'm not automatically great at. I used to run with my dad when I was little (from the time I was 5 until I was about 10), and I really enjoyed it, but I was sidelined by illness and non-running related injuries (Pneumonia and a couple of broken bones). So I know it's something I can do, I just have to train my body to be able to do it again. No matter how hard I struggle on the hills (we run outside, lots of hills) or how exhausted I am when I finish, I find that an hour or two later, I wanna go right out and do it again! This seems like a good sign.

I'm going to get a new pair of shoes tomorrow. I always thought I had totally flat feet (my dad used to yell at me for being fat and how fat people always had flat feet, so I just assumed...), but I did the wet feet test, and I actually have high-normal arches. I have a pair of shoes that work alright, though I feel some ankle pain and a little knee pain (on the outside of both the ankle and knee) when I wear them (not like my trail runners though, which kill me!). Also, they're almost worn out, so it's time to suck it up.

Now, a silly shoe buying question. You can't really see the wear on the soles of my running shoes so much (I've worn these shoes to the gym for a couple of years for aerobics and stuff, but little else). However, I have street shoes that have a lot of (very uneven) wear on them. Will they think I'm nuts if I bring in a pair of dress shoes along with my current running shoes to show the wear pattern (very worn on the outside edge, esp at the heel)? I just want to make sure I get the right pair, especially if I'm going to be paying around $100 for them.

Oh, and I read last week's thread about having to go. I have this happen all of the time. I have IBS, and running just makes it worse (just while I'm in the act of running, though).

Wow. I have a ton to say for a newbie!

[Laura]

Hi Jen, I am thinking it would not be a bad idea to take your regular shoes in, my only thought is that the way your foot strikes the ground running is different than it is in walking, but I may be way off on that. The place where I buy my shoes has me run on a treadmill that has a camcorder aimed at your stride. They go through slow motion and analyze where your foot strikes and whether you supinate or pronate. At my store, I can easily spend 30-45 minutes finding the right shoe. It is so worth it though. That is awesome that you are finding that you love running!

Les I don't run enough races to know if that is an odd mileage or not, but I am thankful it fits in with my training schedule. It is about 2 miles hills and 5 miles flats. I am somewhat familiar with the terrain as my daughter ran x-country there on the hilly part in 7th grade. It is part of what they call the triple crown of races here in the Springs. The first is the Garden of the Gods race that Susan mentioned, then this race, and it culminates in the Pikes Peak Marathon. I am still toying with the idea of doing the Ascent the 1/2 marathon up Pikes Peak (it is really more of power hike for someone like me) but am not sure.

My Asics are the GT-2080 model. I am a neutral runner (I supinate ever so slightly on my left foot, but not enough to put me in a stability shoe), and I really like them. They also give me a fair amount of arch support as I too have a higher than average arch.

Have a great week everyone, I am off to run a hilly 3.5 miles in about an hour. Laura

[Natasha]

Jumping quickly in to say, Good for you and your husband, Jen!!!

And to answer this:


Originally posted by JHolcomb

Now, a silly shoe buying question. You can't really see the wear on the soles of my running shoes so much (I've worn these shoes to the gym for a couple of years for aerobics and stuff, but little else). However, I have street shoes that have a lot of (very uneven) wear on them. Will they think I'm nuts if I bring in a pair of dress shoes along with my current running shoes to show the wear pattern (very worn on the outside edge, esp at the heel)? I just want to make sure I get the right pair, especially if I'm going to be paying around $100 for them.

They really shouldn't think you're at all nuts if you bring in your dress shoes and especially your running shoes to show the wear pattern. In fact, in good running stores, they ask you specifically to bring them in so that they can help you choose shoes that are just right for you. Don't be shy about taking them for a test run, either (some stores allow you to run around the block; others ask that you stay in the store). Good luck!

Natasha :cool:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hi Jen!! Welcome to this running thread. All runners (and walker too) are welcome. Everyone started somewhere - and the newbies probably need as much support as the oldies (like me :D ).


Originally posted by JHolcomb
Hi guys. Hope you don't mind a novice jumping in. I'm still at the run a little walk a little training phase. Like LauraB. DH and I are doing the Cool Running plan and are finding it challenging but not impossible.

I wanna jump in because I'm really finding that I enjoy the running. This is a huge surprise to me. I figured I'd really hate it, since I usually hate anything that I'm not automatically great at. I used to run with my dad when I was little (from the time I was 5 until I was about 10), and I really enjoyed it, but I was sidelined by illness and non-running related injuries (Pneumonia and a couple of broken bones). So I know it's something I can do, I just have to train my body to be able to do it again. No matter how hard I struggle on the hills (we run outside, lots of hills) or how exhausted I am when I finish, I find that an hour or two later, I wanna go right out and do it again! This seems like a good sign.

I'm going to get a new pair of shoes tomorrow. I always thought I had totally flat feet (my dad used to yell at me for being fat and how fat people always had flat feet, so I just assumed...), but I did the wet feet test, and I actually have high-normal arches. I have a pair of shoes that work alright, though I feel some ankle pain and a little knee pain (on the outside of both the ankle and knee) when I wear them (not like my trail runners though, which kill me!). Also, they're almost worn out, so it's time to suck it up.

Now, a silly shoe buying question. You can't really see the wear on the soles of my running shoes so much (I've worn these shoes to the gym for a couple of years for aerobics and stuff, but little else). However, I have street shoes that have a lot of (very uneven) wear on them. Will they think I'm nuts if I bring in a pair of dress shoes along with my current running shoes to show the wear pattern (very worn on the outside edge, esp at the heel)? I just want to make sure I get the right pair, especially if I'm going to be paying around $100 for them.

Oh, and I read last week's thread about having to go. I have this happen all of the time. I have IBS, and running just makes it worse (just while I'm in the act of running, though).

Wow. I have a ton to say for a newbie!

I'll echo the other comments. There is nothing silly about brigning any pair of old shoes (dress or running) that you are currently wearing. That will help the person fitting you figure out what your feet are actually doing. As Laura said - expect that it will take 30-45 minutes to be properly fitted for shoes. Even at this stage in my running career, it still takes between 1/2 to 1 hour to be fitted for shoes. I hope that you can find a pair of shoes that won't set you back $100 either - there are lots of good shoes, especially for new and low mileage runners that cost less than that (but I'd shy away from shoes under ~$50 - just something about a quality issue).

Good on you and your DH for getting started and for sticking with the program. Outstanding!

Peace,
Les

[mandarin2j]

The doctor's office called this morning to reschedule-the doc is sick! Hopefully, he'll be better by Friday, which is when they moved the appointment to. Inconsiderate doctors getting sick! I swear! ;) (kidding, of course!) Thanks for all the good wishes (on the other thread...but I thought I'd bump this one up). I hope that magic orthodics or something else easy will make it all better soon. Oh, and hi newbies! I'll share any new stretches I learn at the sports med clinic soon. :D

-Amanda

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by mandarin2j
The doctor's office called this morning to reschedule-the doc is sick! Hopefully, he'll be better by Friday, which is when they moved the appointment to... Oh, and hi newbies! I'll share any new stretches I learn at the sports med clinic soon. :D

-Amanda

Yep! I hate it when doctors get sick. ;) I hope that you appointment happens on Friday - it must be tough waiting to see the doc (don't I know it).

Hey - I'll take a new stretch too. I need them for my bag of tricks.

Ciao,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Is there anybody home? How have your weeks been going? I got a couple glorious runs in - the weather has been sunny clear and about 70 the past three days.

(Hope to) talk to you all soon,
Les

[JHolcomb]

Well, good things and bad things this week. I had a feeling that I could run a longer distance at greater speed with less effort on the treadmill than I could on our current course (which I really hate, actually), and wanted to test my theory on an "off" day. So I did. And I was able to run a full 1/2 a mile before stopping. And I only stopped because I didn't want to do too much at once. This from a girl who, 2 1/2 weeks ago used to almost pass out from running 30 secs on the treadmill. I got new shoes, and I think I like them, but they need some breaking in still. Ah, new shoes. It always takes a few days to get used to them. For me, anyway (btw, they're Asics---can't remember the model---and I paid $89.99). The bad is that we went out for our run this morning and I tanked. Hard. It was really humid and I was having a really hard time getting enough air---not like having a hard time catching my breath exactly, but like I was trying to breathe underwater--I could get air to a certain point in my lungs, but it just wouldn't go deep enough (if that makes any sense). I just couldn't get a full breath in. It really hurt my performance--totally slowed me down to a crawl. I actually had to stop and walk when I wasn't "supposed" to. I've not had this problem before, but this was the first humid super pollenated day we've had so far. I did make it up the time at the end of the training period, but it was tough. DH, naturally, is doing great. I feel like I'm holding him back (he runs ahead of me, but...). Ugh. Maybe I'll get in a treadmill run later this week, especially if it stays this humid, and if pollen is this high. I'm super congested in my ears. Now that I think about it, I wonder if the breathing thing this morning could be a little asthma. Not to sound like a hypochondriac, but I often have breathing problems this time of year (I have severe allergies, so yes, congestion, but I mean problems with getting a good, deep, full breath) and often have trouble climbing stairs and even walking from my apartment to my car without feeling tight in my chest and tired. And I don't smoke or anything. Eh, I'm probably just out of shape. Any tips on how to breathe better?

[scout1222]

Your breathing problem sounds like maybe it could be asthma. I have it, and when it's flaring up, the ability to take a deep breath is how you described. I just can't breathe IN enough. Maybe you should check with an allergist to see if this is the case.

I actually got TWO runs in yesterday. That way I can take today off. So I ran 5 in the morning, and another 5 at night with a running group. So I'm resting today.

I've also got to get another pair of shoes. I'm currently rotating a pair of Nike Air Skylons and Reebok something or others (lightweight trainer, new model this year), but would like to have a third pair, just for giggles. I've had great luck with the New Balance 829 and 830, so will probably opt for the 831s.

Funny, I'm not much of a shoe monger when it comes to regular shoes, but with running shoes... :p

[Leslie Ferguson]

It could be asthma - or it could be seasonal allergies - or it could be a combination of a lot of things. I've had problems in the past on one of the first humid and pollen filled runs of the season. Although I don't hae asthma, I've known people who do and they complain about having breathing problems like you describe. But the only true diagnostic is having a doctor do a workup and test your breathing.

Scout - I know the feeling about shoes. I won't spend $40 on a pair of topsiders but I'll spend $65-70 on running shoes. Go figure. :D

Happy trails,
Les

[JHolcomb]

I called my PCP today and talked to her (very nice!) assistant. She said it sounds like I have asthma. OK, she didn't say that it sounds like I do, she says that I Do have asthma. I told her that I didn't want to have asthma. She told me too bad. So I'm going in on Monday for an official diagnosis, but it looks like I'm going to have to add to my arsenal of drugs to battle my allergies. She did say that I probably wouldn't have to be on something all the time, though, just on days when pollen count was really high or when I was going to exercise. I'm kinda glad that I (probably) have asthma in a way, though. DH is always telling me that there's nothing wrong with me, that my symptoms are in my head or aren't as bad as I make them out to be. Well pfbtttttttt! Now I can give him a "told ya so." :p

I have actually had an asthma attack before that was kinda scary, but I just thought it was part of my allergy attack. Over Christmas I was about to go to bed and had a terrible allergy attack and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest and I was making a sound like those baby dolls that you turn upside down and they cry (Dr.'s PA informed me that was indeed a wheeze). It scared me enough that I wanted to go to the emergency room, but DH convinced me that I was fine, and after I took a Benedryl I did feel better. I am so going to smack him upside the head. Then I'm going to smack myself upside the head for letting a software engineer give me medical advice.

The best part about this?!? My endurance is gonna kick butt after I can get air in my lungs!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by JHolcomb
So I'm going in on Monday for an official diagnosis, but it looks like I'm going to have to add to my arsenal of drugs to battle my allergies. She did say that I probably wouldn't have to be on something all the time, though, just on days when pollen count was really high or when I was going to exercise. I'm kinda glad that I (probably) have asthma in a way, though. DH is always telling me that there's nothing wrong with me, that my symptoms are in my head or aren't as bad as I make them out to be. Well pfbtttttttt! Now I can give him a "told ya so." :p

I have actually had an asthma attack before that was kinda scary, but I just thought it was part of my allergy attack. Over Christmas I was about to go to bed and had a terrible allergy attack and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest and I was making a sound like those baby dolls that you turn upside down and they cry (Dr.'s PA informed me that was indeed a wheeze). It scared me enough that I wanted to go to the emergency room, but DH convinced me that I was fine, and after I took a Benedryl I did feel better. I am so going to smack him upside the head. Then I'm going to smack myself upside the head for letting a software engineer give me medical advice.

The best part about this?!? My endurance is gonna kick butt after I can get air in my lungs!

Too bad that you have asthma but like I alluded to previously a couple of my marathoning friends have asthma too, they just have to be sure to take their inhaler at the appropriate times (like high pollen, high pollution, and high humidity) and they're just fine.

You'll be amazed what you can do once you can get good O2 into your system. You'll be just kicking.

Check you later,
Les