Virtual Running Buddies 9/5 - 9/11

[SusanMac]

What? No one has started yet this week? I'll start although I don't have much to report this week. I've had 2 awesome runs this week and a good, long row. Weather is good and I've just been in the "groove." Need to find a race to get focused a bit. My legs are still feeling the effects of a big bike ride last Sun, as they've been a bit tired all week.

Natasha - we haven't heard from you lately? Have you been adventure racing?

Where is our new endurance runner from SoCal? Probably out on the trails.

Michelle - I'll probably be running at the UW Arboretum this weekend and will think of you! ha! (locals here call it the Arb...do you also?)

Les - sorry your race time last weekend was slow, but in that weather it sounds like you were smart not to push it.

Laura - take care of yourself and don't let that cold take over. Rule of thumb is that it's ok to do an easy run without a fever. However, even without a fever if I'm getting a bug I definitely don't feel like getting my heart rate up.

Running News - did you see that Khalid K had to pull out of the Chicago Marathon due to an injury? That should make the men's race pretty interesting. And, Suzy Hamilton Favor had to pull out of the World Track Championships a few weeks ago due to an injury.

Running Question of the Day - what brand of running shorts are your favorite?? I just got a new top made by Sugoi and it has become my absolute favorite, best-fitting, best-wicking top. So, now I'm thinking of checking out their shorts, too. I currently run in Brooks shorts and really like them as well (no bunch up)

[Leslie Ferguson]

I'll be second - Thanks for starting us Susan. Today was a rest day - and I'll need it for 17 in the morning (and after 5 in a row). I think my race time really was pretty good all things considered.

My "favorite" running shorts? Good question. I've been running in Asics shorts for a while and they've done me well but now the inner liner is starting to wear out and if you can imagine... the chafing is starting (don't think I need to say anything more). I've recently been running in Road Runner Sports shorts and they are really pretty good - wick well and are comfortable. But as for a "favorite" my criteria is pretty low - as long as they keep things where they are supposed to be and they prevent chafing - they are good in my book.

I'll check back after the run tomorrow (today actually).

Have a good weekend,
Les

[Laura]

Hi all, did 13 again this morning and felt good, although not as good as last week. We were going to do 14, but as we got a late start, my running partner wanted to make sure we finished by 10 so she could get her McDonalds breakfast value meal, by 10:30. :D Overall the pace was a little slower this week, but I am fine with it. I still feel pretty confident about the 1/2.

I run in Brooks, and I figure since, I don't chafe, and I never notice them during the runs, they must work for me.

Sorry to be so short, lots of things to do today. I will hook up with you all later.

Laura

[MaryH]

Did a 10K race this morning and came in just under an hour so I am VERY happy. Tomorrow my running partner wants to do 10 (she is training for a half that's 2-3 weeks ahead of mine). We'll see what happens. I just figure its gonna be a slow run tomorrow. (She also did this morning's race.)

As for running shorts, I pretty much just run in whatever's clean, can be cotton, can by more like bike shorts (not that long though), or running shorts. I was actually a little surprised when one pair of running shorts started chafing as I figured of all the ones I have, you would think they would be the best designed for running. Ah well, live and learn. I'm pretty much in agreement that so long as there's no chafing I'm happy. :cool:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Laura and Mary H - Great job on your run/race.

Laura - it sounds like everything is falling together for you. How was breakfast at McD?

Mary H - Good job on the 10 k. Hopefully your running partner takes it easy tomorrow - you really don't need to back up a race with a pushed long run.

This morning's run was great. What a difference 10 degrees makes - it was in the 60s today as opposed to the 80s last Sunday for the race. Felt like I could run forever. Really pretty smooth run but I had a "nasty" with my left arch this morning... developed a cramp that I hope really was a cramp as opposed to Plantar Fasciatis. Resting my foot tonight and trying to keep it stretched. I also hope it is just getting used to my new shoes (again).

Have a good Sunday and I'll check back later,
Les

[Kristilyn1]

Well, dh and I have just decided to do another marathon. Well, first for him, second for me. Mine was in 2000 and I remember saying almost immediately after crossing the finish line "I will NEVER do THAT again!" But, like childbirth--we forget. It's in Burlington, VT in May of 2004. I've decided to run through a training program now to see what I can do for time (I've never in my life TRIED to run fast or within any timeframe at all). My normal pace right now is about a nine minute mile and the distance I usually do is six miles. I've done a few half marathons but never even tried to run at that pace---should I shoot for 9 min. miles in the marathon? Or faster since I have a lot of time left?

Also, I'm familiar with Hal Higdon's programs--anyone else out there? What have any of you tried and liked? I'd love some advice! I'm leaning towards the one that Runners World posts on their website but I want to do it in good time without killing myself.

Thanks guys!

Kristi

[MaryH]

Les, well we did 8 (because there was no way I could make 10) and did it pretty slow - I think it took about 2 hours including rest stops.) Tomorrow is DEFINITELY a rest day. I can now say that I know what "dead legs" are.

Kristi, can't really give tou any advice because I have yet to pirture myself running that far. But www.coolrunning.com has some pretty good training plans and they break them down by whether your a "beginner", "intermediate", or "advanced" runner.

[Laura]

Hi Kristi, since I am just now doing my 1st half, I can't offer much advice. I looked at Hal Higdon's program, and the only thing that worried me (if I remember correctly) is that my longest run before the 1/2 was still doing to be about 20 minutes short of what I expected my time to be. I didn't want to try to run that far in a race w/o having run that much before the race. It was a pure mental thing for me. I think it would be different for you as you have already run a marathon. I am generally following Galloway's program, although my walk breaks are not as regimented as he recommends. I usually stop about every 3-4 miles on my long runs to have some gu/water, whatever. I have no idea whether I will actually do that in my 1/2.

Les, although I have succumbed to McD's breakfast value meals in the past, I went home, and just my running partner went there. I was definitely more tired yesterday then last week after 13 miles. I think it was that I am still fighting a bug. My hips are a little sore today, but not too bad. I am going to run an easy 2-3 tomorrow.

Mary, sounds like you are in great shape for your 1/2, and your 10k time is awesome. I haven't run a 10k in about 3 years, so I don't know what my time would be. I would be thrilled if I could come in under an hour.

[Natasha3]

Hi all!

I'm glad everyone's training is going well. Mine is going fine, too -- just got back from a great workout, in fact (today was the elliptical though Sundays are usually my long run). We've just been really busy with house stuff (painting, choosing window coverings, and all those good things), work, training, and social things, so I've limited my discretionary computer time as much as possible in order to get everything else done.

Continued good wishes for your training and I'll catch you all later! :) It's hard for me to stay off these boards for too long. :p

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kristi - I used a "modified" basic Higdon program for my first marathon. Modified a little because I was a fairly experienced runner. Since then I've used a different type of program that has been developed by my coach so it's a little different than anything else I've seen. Since you are familiar with the Runner's world page there is a good race time predictor on there. All you need is the time that you've run recently and the distance the race was. Based on those two entries you can get a projected time for just about any "standard" distance. I also work with the Galloway program and they have a good predictor and program for a first time marathoner. Either case should adequately prepare you for your marathon. Good luck on the Burlington Marathon - I hear that is a great race.

Mary H - Sorry about the dead legs. Alas, that syndrome happens often - especially when you start getting up in miles.

Laura - It sounds like you are peaking at just the right time. I have no worries that you'll be ready to race in just a couple weeks. Go get 'em.

Kind of a busy week for me - last week ended up being 42+ miles... and the longest are still ahead. This is kind of a rest week - the long run on Saturday is a step-back to 12.

Hope all have a great week and I'll see you tomorrow.
Les

[Natasha3]

Hi all! I'm home sick but am not feeling that bad at the moment, so thought I'd stop by to say HI! I've missed you guys. :)

I went for a great run the other night - 8 km in 38 minutes - and it felt wonderful. Today I'm going to take it easy, obviously, because of not feeling well, but it'll be the first day off in a few days, so that's okay. How about you all?

Susan, my favourite running shorts right now are my New Balance ones and some from Pro Spirit. I also have a few different kinds from the Running Room that I really like, and then there's my Speedo boy shorts that I sometimes use to run (love those!!). What I do need are some new shirts, though. I have Sugoi biking shorts and love them (did you know Sugoi is a Canadian company, BTW? It's based in Vancouver) but don't have any of their shirts. For biking, I have a Hind and a Mountain Equipment Co-op shirt but have heard nothing but good things about Sugoi gear generally.

Les, sorry to hear that your race a while back wasn't what you'd hoped for but all things considered, I think you done good. :cool:

Kristi, that's fantastic that you're going for another marathon!

Hi Mary! Ah yes - the dead legs syndrome. It ain't no fun but, as Les said, it's all too common when increasing mileage. Hang in there!

Where's everyone else? Jen, Amanda, Scout, our newer members, and so on? :)

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one out here... Natasha I'm sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well. Hope you get back on your feet soon.

I've been having a good week with my workouts. Amazing (not really) what a difference the temperature makes. It has been in the 60s and 70s around here during the day. But I'm still doing my quality miles on the treadmill - I'm finding it hard to gauge my pace if I don't do that. Of course, I messed up my plan and did my tempo run yesterday instead of today. Misread the schedule knowing that I was doing a long race pace run tomorrow.

Hope everyone else is doing well, feeling kind of left out on the running thread!

Ciao,
Les

[Natasha3]

Hi Les!

I'm glad that you've been having a good week of workouts and enjoying the perfect weather. How did that tempo run go yesterday, anyhow? Good luck on the long race pace run tomorrow!! When's your next race again?

Hi to everyone else who is in hiding! ;)

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Natasha3
Hi Les!

I'm glad that you've been having a good week of workouts and enjoying the perfect weather. How did that tempo run go yesterday, anyhow? Good luck on the long race pace run tomorrow!! When's your next race again?

Hi to everyone else who is in hiding! ;)

Natasha

Thanks Natasha... I felt pretty good after the run, a little sluggish starting out but worked my way into the groove before I started ramping up the speed - topped out at .3 miles at 8.6 mph pace (6:58 min/mile). I think I'm pretty mush on track for the Richmond (VA) Marathon on Nov 15th. This will be the second time that I've run that race and the conditions should be great (if they are like normal). I'm hoping that the weather is like it was in 2000 - about 38-40 degrees at race start (5-6 C) with little or no wind. My goal is to cut just a little time off my last Marathon (about 10 seconds at least) to finish in the 3:20s. If I can do that then I'll be qualified to run in the Boston Marathon.

Peace,
Les

P.S. {appologies to Pink Floyd...} Is there anybody out there?

Just in... in the "for what it's worth column" you can see pix of me at the Rock 'n Roll Half in Virginia Beach at:
Rock 'n Roll Half pictures (http://www.asiorders.com/me.asp?2743762)

[Sashasmom]

Hello all! I have been hanging in here in hot Phoenix and running on my treadmill(Boring) Anyway my goal is to run four days a week right now and increase my endurance first then move on to tempos and speed runs. I will do some hill work on my treadmill. I actually have some awesome hills to run by my house but unless you trail run our city is pretty flat. It seems I keep hurting myself at the gym. I have been trying to ease back into weight training from after I had my baby but I keep doing too much and then my legs are way to sore to run. I plan on running today and then weight training tomorrow.

I like any running shorts I'm not fussy I usually buy what is on sale.

Happy running everyone! :D

Melissa

[Laura]

&**^%@!!!!!!

I have done something to my ankle! Last Saturday, when I ran, we did this hilly loop 4 times. I noticed right at the beginning my ankle was kind of bothering me, but I re-laced my shoes and it seemed to be okay. Today, I just ran 4 on the treadmill, and I don't really recall it bothering me on the run, but now it is really tender. It is my right ankle on the front right side. It is sore to the touch and hurts if I point or flex my foot (it doesn't really hurt if my foot is a normal right angle, but I notice it).

I am supposed to run 14 on Saturday or Sunday. Do I just wait it out, ice it? NSAID's. I can't believe this is happening two weeks before my 1/2!!!!!

Okay, editing to say that I have mellowed since I first posted this, iced the ankle, taken aleve, and it has helped. I am going to see if we can put our run off until Sunday, and see if general rest helps. We are going on a trail on Sunday, with a lot less hills, and that should be in better shape (last Saturday's run involved some trails that were fairly banked due to recent rains, which I am sure was part of the problem).

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Laura
I have done something to my ankle! Last Saturday, when I ran, we did this hilly loop 4 times. I noticed right at the beginning my ankle was kind of bothering me, but I re-laced my shoes and it seemed to be okay. Today, I just ran 4 on the treadmill, and I don't really recall it bothering me on the run, but now it is really tender. It is my right ankle on the front right side. It is sore to the touch and hurts if I point or flex my foot (it doesn't really hurt if my foot is a normal right angle, but I notice it).

YUKK! From the king of ankle sprains - a double yukk! It's hard to say what may have happened to your ankle - the miles may have finally gotten to you or something totally unrelated.


I am supposed to run 14 on Saturday or Sunday. Do I just wait it out, ice it? NSAID's. I can't believe this is happening two weeks before my 1/2!!!!!

Okay, editing to say that I have mellowed since I first posted this, iced the ankle, taken aleve, and it has helped. I am going to see if we can put our run off until Sunday, and see if general rest helps. We are going on a trail on Sunday, with a lot less hills, and that should be in better shape (last Saturday's run involved some trails that were fairly banked due to recent rains, which I am sure was part of the problem).

First off - smart to ice and NSAID it. If the pain and soreness didn't go away then I'd have some different thoughts for you. But because you said it is better after ice I'd say that you should wrap it in an Ace bandage (or something like that) when you aren't running. I'd even look at keeping it on in bed - strange things happen to ankles in bed. As for your runs - it certainly isn't the time to push your luck. You probably are in as good a condition as you are going to be in. Try to take it easy on the runs for the remainder of the week - walk if you want to or swim if you can. Running on Sunday may not be a bad idea but easy is the key. Start out very slow and if your ankle starts to bother you, stop and stretch and try to run a little more. If things don't get better then stop and walk as much as you'd like. Take it easy and rest your ankle - that's the only way that it will heal.

Prayers for healing as you approach your race.

Peace,
Les

[SusanMac]

Howdy everyone. I was traveling in LA all week, so it's fun to be back home & read through everyone's messages. I only made it out for 1 run, about 25 minutes, but that's ok. It's fun to run in a new place. Went right by Fox studios and saw some interesting sets (don't know which shows or movies they're from though)

I guess it's time for a new week's thread, but thought I'd respond to Kristi's question.....yes! I'm going to be running a marathon next Spring/early Summer, too so we can have virtual training. I've done 2 so far and recommend two books: "The Competitive Runner's Handbook" by Bob Glover (don't worry about the title, you don't have to be an elite competitor to read it) and "How to train for and run your best marathon" by Gordon Boukalousis (sp?) I've found it's good to read several coach's opinions and pick and choose what works for you. I just started really working on my speed/time last year. It makes a huge difference in making running more enjoyable and rewarding. Look forward to hearing more about your training!

Laura - so sorry about your ankle!! I'm sure you'll be fine and work through this one!