Virtual Running Buddies - Week of June 30

[Natasha]

Hi everyone!

I know, I know, maybe I shouldn't be starting a thread since I haven't posted much lately. But I have been training and running, FWIW! The weather has been a bit unsettled here lately, but nice and cool, so I'm a happy camper.

I hope everyone's doing well and is looking forward to the long weekend. I've been enjoying some vacation days and have been relaxing and trying to spend as much time outdoors or out and about, as opposed to being on the computer, as possible ;) I've also been cooking and such - very nice. :) I have been online here and there, though, including to check the results of Primal Quest, the biggest adventure race in the world. Very addictive, especially since I know a couple of people doing it - including one of my husband's former teammates - and they are doing well!!

Oh, and I got my first issue of Marathon & Beyond the other week. Pretty interesting. It has lots of anecdotal articles that are interesting, but not as much about training, nutrition, etc. as I might have liked. Maybe the next issue. Still, it's been a good read so far.

I stopped by the running store today and ended up having a good chat with the owner. He cracks me up. He makes me look sedentary!! I also bought another pair of Grid Stabils (pair number... 10 of these, maybe? I've long since lost count), and a running hat.

What's everyone up to for the weekend of the Fourth? Happy runs in your red, white and blue gear :D

Take care,
Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting Natasha. I've got a mixed weekend planned. I'll ride a little with the running group in the morning tomorrow (won't be running because I have a 9 am meeting I can't miss) and probably will run some distance after the meeting as long as it isn't too hot. I'm also planning on running in a 4th of July race on Tuesday morning although I'm not sure that I'll race it (it's a level of effort thing). Other than that - I might run easy or ride hard on Monday depending on weather etc.

Other than that... not much else except for lifting on Sunday.

Take care runfolk and I'll be looking for a spirited discussion this weekend.

Happy trails,
Les

[scout1222]

I still haven't finalized weekend workout plans. There's a 10K on the 4th I'm thinking about, but haven't registered for. Will I do it? STAY TUNED.

Definitely need to get a swim in, and I think that I might use Monday off as a way to check out some classes at the gym that I normally wouldn't be able to go to. Just to try something different.

Which reminds me I need to surf over and get the class schedule.

Happy holiday weekend, everyone!

[2HUNGRY!]

Okay, I promised myself I would post this week after lurking for too long!

I signed myself up for a sprint triathalon in September and am most worried about the running. I was a long distance runner in HS but have had lingering problems ever since due to running for too long with shin splints that turned into stress fractures (I was the team captain and felt I couldn't let my team down.) Anyway, its been something I've really missed so now ten years later I figured I could do the 2 mile run portion of the tri.

So far I've been mostly running on the teadmill and my plan is to run outside 1x per week but mostly stay inside to help my shins. There's been pain but not too bad. I also have been swimming and will start biking as soon as I buy a bike!

I'm looking forward to chatting with you all!

[seathyme]

Welcome 2Hungry! Have fun training for your tri and please do check in here often. I am by no means an expert, but I would think after so many years without running, your stress fractures would be completely healed. If you work up your running distance gradually, you should be fine. It's so tempting to do too much too soon...

Natasha, good idea to spend your vacation days "off-line." Sounds like you've had a great week. Is this the weekend Bethany is visiting? Hello to you both. :)

Instead of running yesterday I hiked up Mt. Monadnock (southern NH). It was a gorgeous day, as the humidity dropped and it finally didn't rain! My hiking legs had to be woken up, but we took it slow and steady and had a great time.

Happy holiday weekend to everyone south of the border! Take a page from Natasha's book and don't spend too much time on-line. :D

[SusanMac]

Tour mania begins today !!! That's what has me excited about the weekend. I won't bore everyone w/details, but I will say that Levi Leipheimer is going to win (which I also said b4 the 2 top favorites were busted yesterday)

Had 2 good runs Wed & Thurs. Fri was a rest day. I'm about to head out for a long bike ride in a bit, and I"m watching the trees in my yard blow around w/gusts of wind. Yikes! Sun is a swim & picnic w/friends at our favorite local lake. Tonight is fireworks & more picnicing. Have to work on Mon.

2Hungry - welcome to the VRB! And good luck training for your tri. Hope your running is injury-free.

Nat - thx for starting us off. You're silly -- yes, you can start the thread any time. I've heard of that race you mentioned...will have to go check it out online.

Howdy to the rest of the gang -- Scout, Badunnin, KathyB, MNGirl, Les, Seathyme and everyone else. Hope you all have a great weekend

[MNGirlTX]

Happy long weekend (if you're lucky enough to have Monday off)! Welcome 2Hungry!!!

We had a 4 mile run in class this morning. It wasn't great - I did walk maybe 1/2 mile of it - but I did it.

I hope everyone else is having a good weekend, too. I'm off to find a movie for the afternoon.

Hey! to everyone!!!!

Lori

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey gang - had a great day today. Double workout - ok the ride was weak but the run was good. I rode about 5 or 6 miles this morning at the park before my 9 am meeting. After my meeting I decided it wasn't getting any cooler today (DUH!! :rolleyes: ) so I took off for a jaunt. I even took my trusty new "Classic" Camelback for it's inaugural run. 1:36 later and I'm beat (it was warm to say the least ~85 when I started) but having enough water (and I carried 40 oz in the bag and a 1/2 liter bottle) makes a lot of difference in the heat. :rolleyes: (DUH!! again)

Time to feed but thought I'd drop a quick line to let folks know I had a good workout today.

Happy hot trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Hi, all! Glad to hear everyone is getting in some good workouts. (And even in the hot weather!) That's great!

Welcome to the VRB thread, 2Hungry! Good luck as you get back into running again. Hope to see you here often. :)

I ran yesterday and today, and am taking the next two off. Sunday is Visitor's Sunday at Scout camp, so we will be spending our 100 degree afternoon with DS in the great outdoors! :D Thank goodness there is an abundance of giant shade trees at the camp. It really does make a difference. The other thing that helps is the mandatory NeHi float from the ice cream stand in the little town outside of camp. :p You can't leave until you've been there and had one. Just the thing on a sweltering afternoon, although you do work up quite a sweat standing in the line (orders are taken at an outside window!) Should be a fun day, and it will be nice to see DS, the house is pretty quiet right now.....

Hope you all have a good weekend!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Welcome 2Hungry! Thanks for joining us and good luck with your sprint tri training. I'm also no expert nor am I a sports physiologist but I'd bet that getting back into running easily shouldn't exacerbate your old injuries and like seathyme said, I'd suspect that after 10 years the physical injuries are healed but there's the memory of them and the pain associated with the injury that has to be overcome. Taking it easy as you work back into running is the second most important thing. Good, well-fitting shoes would be the most important thing in my book. If you don't mind, which tri are you training for? With the varied athletic abilities on this thread we can probably give advice on just about every phase of the tri too.

Your hike sounds like fun seathyme. I'd call that cross training. :D

I hope you've battened down the hatches Susan considering the weather I saw that is blowing through your neck of the woods. :eek: It almost sounds like you've been transported to FL during hurricane season. ;)

What kind of NeHi float did you have Kathy B? Grape? Orange? Based on the temp you deserved a good float too.

Howdy to the rest of the gang - Lori (don't worry about the 1/2 mile today), Natasha (careful with Bethany ;) ), Laura, Scout, and ...

Doing well after the long run today and I'm sold (again) on the Camelback.

Fading fast into the darkness so I'll sign off until tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I am doing the Akron, Ohio women's only tri in September. I live near DC but my in-laws live in Ohio so I figured we'd make the weekend out of it and it will be the one time they will be allowed to feed me all that they want!

I had a good, slow run on Friday on the treadmill but skipped yesterday after pulling out all of my lawn furniture and sanding a painting it. I was just too beat! Today I think I'll do my once a week outside running since I'm up nice and early. Tomorrow my underwater strength training/cardio class is cancelled for the holiday, but I still have to work, so I might go and do a long swim.

seathyme, I grew up in Hanover, Mass and we used to hike Mt. Monadnock once a year. Last time we went it was packed though, so we haven't been for a while!

[seathyme]

2H, I used to avoid Monadnock for the same reason, but on Friday we took a beautiful little-used trail and saw only TWO people until the very last section up to the summit where we merged with a popular trail. I was amazed (and I'm sure it helped that it wasn't a weekend day). Have a good run this morning!

[Natasha]

Welcome 2Hungry!! Great to have you aboard :) How was your outdoor run this morning?

Seathyme, the hike sounds like fun, and yes, I get to see Bethany in a few days :D

Les, good job on the double workout and I'm glad you liked your new Camelbak!

Kathy, what is NeHi?

Hi to Susan, Lori, Mary, and the rest of the gang!

I finally went out and ran this morning with one of the other running groups in town. I wanted to do about 2 hours and we did just over that. It was a small group due to the long weekend, and they were all fast relative to me (marathon PBs of 3:30ish, 8k PB of under 36 minutes - stuff like that). There was also an older gentleman - like 65 years old! - with an Ironman PB of 14 hours, which I thought was darn impressive. Nice folks, too, which is of course the most important. I was the youngest one there, which was kind of weird! It was HOT, which made for an interesting run for everyone, but we managed to keep up a very good pace and I'll be back to run with them next week or soon, in any event :)

Hope everyone is gearing up for a fantastic 4th of July!

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Natasha - I'll steal a little of Kathy B's thunder (because she has the right story about NeHi I'm sure). But NeHi is a soft drink that was really made famous during the years of M*A*S*H because Radar O'Rielly drank Grape NeHi. I'm not sure the rest of their history but that's the simple answer. I'm glad that your run this morning was in the sane range and that you got 2 hours in.

Thanks for the info 2Hungry, a race in Ohio should be fun.

Off to the gym but thought I'd do a drive by. ;)

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Les, I had a Peach Nehi float of course! And for you, Natasha, and anyone else who is interested in such things, here is the rest of the story (http://www.scottsiconiumstore.com/peachfloat.htm) . :D

It was a very nice day, and the peach float was delicious as usual! :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

... I used to avoid Monadnock for the same reason, but on Friday we took a beautiful little-used trail and saw only TWO people until the very last section up to the summit where we merged with a popular trail. I was amazed (and I'm sure it helped that it wasn't a weekend day).
Isn't it grand when things change over the years and you get the opportunity to see some old/new places without tons of people. I hope you had a great weekend and a fantastic week.

Kathy B - Thanks for the link to the Peach Nehi float story. Now that much makes sense. Based on that article I had to google Nehi and got this piece (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehi) from wikipedia. A pretty interesting story about Nehi - they were the non-cola flavors of sodas early on.

I had a good lifting session tonight and we did a new lift that my coach learned during a continuing ed class at Northern Arizona University a couple weeks ago. The exercise trains your body along the long (up and down) axis supporting the new philosophy about weight training for runners. It seems that the physiolgists have decided that runners need to train their bodies like they run - opposite sides for upper and lower. The exercise we did today used the cable near the top. Standing at a 45 degree angle with your back to the cable you push your arm from over your shoulder to across your upper body (like throwing a pitch in baseball). It seems to work both sides of the shoulder and the hip/gleut. I'll have to see how I feel in the morning but it could be a fun exercise.

Anyone else besides me off on Monday? Not too many benefits to the Navy but getting a 4 day weekend because the 4th is on Tuesday is one of them. I'll do something and try to figure out just how hard I plan on running on Tuesday in the 8k.

Happy Monday all and have a great week. Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Hi Gang! Had a great weekend. Am definitely working today...along w/my fellow Toronto colleagues. We're all pretty blasphemous, eh?

Sat was a long bike ride - 56 miles - followed by a 25-min run. Started solo, then connected w/ a few friends. Also met a nice woman along the way & we rode & chatted for several miles. What a great sport! Sun was an open water swim & run at a local lake. Nice to have a change of scenery & to test my new swim technique w/out my coach around (or the little blue line at the bottom of the pool). There were about 8 in our group, and we sat around for several hours chatting afterwards. Really relaxing. Big fireworks show in the evening. DH & I decided that we're kind of picnicked out for the week. I need to run today, but am feeling kind of zonked.

2Hungry - Traveling for races is always fun. Hopefully your in-laws are good cooks & will pamper you on race weekend. I assume this will be a sprint tri? I've never done a women's-only, but I'd bet they're fun

KathyB - I love hearing stories of you & your kids. I think you're the only parent on the VRB (not counting dogs, of course), so you can virtually take us all back to our summer camp days! I didn't know NeHi had other flavors beyond grape. I guess grape is so last century now!

Nat - Way to hang with the fast group! 2 hours is pretty tough at a pace you're not used to. Sounds like they will be very good for you.

Les - Amazingly, the storms keep avoiding us specifically. Seem to be drenching everyone around us. Very good for training -- very bad for our brown lawn! Your new weight exercises sound cool.

Hi to Seathyme, Scout, Elizabeth & the rest of the gang.

Good luck to everyone racing tomorrow !!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Feeling zonked Susan? :confused: I wonder why... a 56 mile bike ride and a 25 minute run backed by an open water swim and run the next day. I wouldn't be tired. ;) Isn't it odd how the weather can be like that? It's like the rain that hit Northern Virginia and PA and points north yet we really didn't get that much in toto in Norfolk. I hope that you get out today, even if only for a recovery run. Sorry you're working today but I guess someone has to do it right.

Well, it looks like I've solved one of my biking issues (Natasha -- thanks to DH for his recommendation) and I'll have to see if I can get my next one solved. This time it's my hands going numb when I ride. I got a new stem last week (25 degree stem) that helped my position overall and I wore gloves today (not something I normally do) but still had issues. But I can't hope that the first time out with a change will make all the difference immediately. Oh yeah, I guess I should log my ride: about 84 minutes and 12.7 miles all over town. Boy it really sucks to have all those cars out there and it can be frustrating when one gets on your back tire and won't pass you even though there's room. :mad:

Looking forward to the race tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a good and productive day the day before the 4th. Howdy to Kathy B, seathyme, Elizabeth, Natasha and the rest of the gang. Check you all later and happy trails...
Les

[SusanMac]

Woo hoo - just got back from a 1-hour run. Had planned on 2 hours, but my brain talked me out of it. After about a mile, though, I really got into a groove & felt good. Kind of stressful day, so I was happy to shake out my legs and pound the pavement for a bit. Now I'm off to have an ice cold beer :-)

[Natasha]

Hi all!

Les, glad that one of your biking issues seems to be resolved! :cool: Good luck with the numb hands. Is this happening when you're on your road bike (you do have a road bike and a mountain bike, IIRC, but I could be wrong)? I changed my bike stem last year and it's a much better fit now - it took a couple of times to get used to but made a fair difference. I think the gloves should really help you too. Oh, and have a good race tomorrow!

Susan, good job on the run, and you have a right to be tired after all that other training recently! :)

Lori, are your feet 100% after your marathon? Sounds like you're enjoying your 1/2 marathon training!

Thanks, guys, for the Nehi info!

Today I went swimming and for a few walks, and had a very lovely day in general :) Now to do some weights & abs. Contemplated riding, too, but am opting against it in favour of a margarita to enjoy my last day of vacation :cool:

Hi to all the runners!! *waving*

Natasha

[oceanjasper]

Hi everyone,

First of all, I would just like to say that you guys amaze me. Secondly, I was hoping you might be able to help me with a little something. I would really like to load up my ipod with some upbeat music, so that I can start running (you all know I can't start until I do that!). If anyone has the time and inclination, could you either post or PM me with some of your favourites? I will accept any and all suggestions, since my current music collection is so very sad. Thanks so much!

[badunnin]

Hi everyone,

First of all, I would just like to say that you guys amaze me. Secondly, I was hoping you might be able to help me with a little something. I would really like to load up my ipod with some upbeat music, so that I can start running (you all know I can't start until I do that!). If anyone has the time and inclination, could you either post or PM me with some of your favourites? I will accept any and all suggestions, since my current music collection is so very sad. Thanks so much!

Oooh, running questions I can't help with very often, but music I can! What do you usually listen to? I don't want to recommend Eminem if you're a Rod Stewart fan. ;)

[oceanjasper]

Oooh, running questions I can't help with very often, but music I can! What do you usually listen to? I don't want to recommend Eminem if you're a Rod Stewart fan. ;)

Yay! I am not really a fan of any particular person (the last concerts I went to include David Gray, Jann Arden, and Chantal Kreviazuk). A few of the songs that I have in itunes right now are by Teddy Geiger, James Blunt, Nickelback, Stabilo, Daniel Powter, Lifehouse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Pussycat Dolls, Jack Johnson... I totally have an open mind and could very easily like both Eminem and Rod Stewart. Sorry, if that doesn't help you very much! If you want, you could throw some songs out there and I will tell you which ones I like better. :D

[Natasha]

Oceanjasper, cool to see you on this thread!

I have many music suggestions I could pass along. I like to use all kinds of music to run - whatever inspires me for any old reason - and would be delighted to share some song titles (or just music titles, as the case may be, as a bit of what I run to is classical and not a "song" as such) with you in the next few days. I'll post 'em here or PM you.

Natasha

[oceanjasper]

Oceanjasper, cool to see you on this thread!

I have many music suggestions I could pass along. I like to use all kinds of music to run - whatever inspires me for any old reason - and would be delighted to share some song titles (or just music titles, as the case may be, as a bit of what I run to is classical and not a "song" as such) with you in the next few days. I'll post 'em here or PM you.

Natasha

I also like classical music (my favourite is baroque with strings), although I admit that running to that kind of music never actually crossed my mind! I am intrigued! Thank you for the offer. Maybe once I get my act together I could post my meagre attempts to run. :o

[Leslie Ferguson]

Welcome oceanjasper! It's great to see you here. Being somewhat of a non-techno guy on when I'm running (I can't wear headphones/earbuds when I run on base [I'm in the military] and my hearing is bad enough that it's not "safe" for me to listen to music with headphones) so I'm of little help. But I'll PM a few of my favorites that run through my head when I'm running. (the not too weird ones that is :rolleyes: :eek: ) I noticed your location - oh how I love Vancouver Island (spent time in Esauimalt and Victoria) and sometime if I'm ever back that way with my wife we'll have to go together (we've been separately).
Natasha - My hand issues are on the road bike. I don't seem to have any problems with the position on the mountain bike any more. I think I'll "ride this one out" (no pun intended) to see if the new stem makes a difference since the numbness started to get worse when I changed my saddle (go figure). Sounds like you have a good swim today - what kind of (flavor) margarita did you settle for?

Wild night here, I'm glad I got my run in earlier too. About 4:30 it was ~90 then everything broke loose. Then temp dropped from 90 to 72 in about 40 minutes and the rain fell and the winds blew like the Dickens. Would have been an ugly time to be running. It's supposed to be warm and humid in the morning - middle 70s and high 80 or 90 % humidity. Oy Vey! I feel a brisk but not extreme run in the morning. It's finally official, I posted the Cincinnati Pictures to Shutterfly if anyone would like the link to the pix let me know.

Time to turn in - race starts at 8 but registration closes at 7:30 (and I'm not preregistered). So I'll have to get my carcass out of bed and drive the half-hour to get to the race start by about 7 (YUK! for a holiday).

Happy trails and I'll see you on the 'morrow.

Les

[Kathy B]

Good Luck on your July 4th race, Les! (I know you said you are running, but not racing, but good luck anyway!) Hope it's a great run! :)

Oceanjasper, welcome to the thread. I have never tried running to music, although I am sure it would be very motivating. Somehow the idea of earphones plus something hanging on my waistband seems like it would be very distracting to me. I can't even quite bring myself to carry one of those waistband waterbottle things. Luckily, I don't run so far that I can't wait until I get home for a drink (although it often crosses my mind that one would be nice as I get further into the run!). I don't know if you have a game plan for getting back into running, but the Couch Potato to 5K (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) worked great for me. I just started running last November after 30 years :eek: .

Susan, I am glad to know we are not the only ones with a brown lawn. :o We are supposed to get some rain the next few days, so that should help, but of course, then it may foil our plans for the 4th! Nice to hit a groove, isn't it? I actually had a moment during a run last week that I suddenly realized I was just running....not thinking about it, not focusing on my breathing or my stride or how far I had left to go, but just running. It was brief, but it was great!

Natasha, hope your vacation was rejuvenating! Have a good day starting back to work Tuesday!

I actually did a short run this AM, because I ended up on-call and didn't have to go in. Tomorrow will be a longer run unless I get rained out in which case it will be a yoga day. Happy 4th everyone!

[oceanjasper]

Welcome oceanjasper! It's great to see you here. Being somewhat of a non-techno guy on when I'm running (I can't wear headphones/earbuds when I run on base [I'm in the military] and my hearing is bad enough that it's not "safe" for me to listen to music with headphones) so I'm of little help. But I'll PM a few of my favorites that run through my head when I'm running. (the not too weird ones that is :rolleyes: :eek: ) I noticed your location - oh how I love Vancouver Island (spent time in Esauimalt and Victoria) and sometime if I'm ever back that way with my wife we'll have to go together (we've been separately).


Thank you for the nice welcome. That would be great if you could PM me your favourites. I live a little bit further north on the island (about a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive from Victoria), but I agree that it is beautiful here on the island and you should definitely make a trip together with your wife! :)

All the best with your race tomorrow!

[oceanjasper]

Oceanjasper, welcome to the thread. I have never tried running to music, although I am sure it would be very motivating. Somehow the idea of earphones plus something hanging on my waistband seems like it would be very distracting to me. I can't even quite bring myself to carry one of those waistband waterbottle things. Luckily, I don't run so far that I can't wait until I get home for a drink (although it often crosses my mind that one would be nice as I get further into the run!). I don't know if you have a game plan for getting back into running, but the Couch Potato to 5K (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) worked great for me. I just started running last November after 30 years :eek: .

You guys are just so nice! Thank you for the suggestion (and congrats to you for starting running after such a long hiatus!). I will definitely check it out. I used to run more often, but I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease last Winter. Due to some serious muscle wasting and other issues, like oxygen and energy, I really have to start from scratch. It's not so much fun, but I am determined! I have an ipod nano and it is so small and light. I have the waist clip, but I also have an arm band and a hand strap (the ipod is actually in your hand, but you don't have to grip it). To be honest, I haven't used it yet (for running), so I don't even know what it feels like! I'll let you know. :)

[2HUNGRY!]

Hi everyone.

Les, good luck with the race today. I think we had the same storms the other night in NOVA. We just got our power back!

I'm liking all of the music talk. I used to listen to an oldies station when running but then they changed to classic rock and it seems like every time I'm on my treadmill I hear "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John. I just can't get into the zone with that playing, you know? So one of my chores today is to download some running music.

My running has taken a hit due to the storms. I've had trouble sleeping (keep waking up to see if lights are on), and it was too hot outside for me to run and I couldn't plug in my treadmill obviously. So, this sounds like a lot of excuses to me, and I'm going to try and step it up the rest of the week!

[SusanMac]

Oceanjasper - Welcome to VRB! I *love* your priorities! There have been several threads on both Healthy Living & Other that will provide tons of ideas for workout music. My fav's at the moment are Garbage & Puddle of Mud. Susan Tedeschi is another fav. I even run to country music at times (Terri Clark) -- yes, the truth comes out.

KathyB - Glad you found your running groove, too! You absolutely *must* learn to run w/water (or find a route w/a fountain). We'll all worry about you in the heat otherwise!

Got up way too early today for a holiday, but it's been nice to putz around the house w/out having to go to a workout class. Sipping coffee, sorting laundry, cleaning the kitchen. You know, good holiday stuff. The weather is beautiful here today. Planning a nice brick workout, followed by World Cup soccer mania (and Tour de France mania) :-)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Boy am I mad at my computer... I had a great post going and the stupid browser failed and closed and I lost the whole post. :mad:

2Hungry - Wasn't that some storm? We had big branches fall from some of the trees here. I'm glad I was at home and stayed at home when it blew through. Those don't sound like excuses, rather the reasons of a sane runner speaking.
oceanjasper - I've only heard about that part of the island (north of Victoria) but friends of mine go to Nanoose a couple times a year and I've seen pictures... lovely place.
Kathy B - I hope that you didn't have to work today - never any fun to be called in to work on th 4th of July. I'm with Susan too, you really should look into some kind of hydration system - even if it is only 1/2 litre bottles of water. The typical runner loses aobut 8 oz (Runners World has a table in this months mag that I'll try to find on line) that tells people how much they should expect to lose depending on temperature and body weight. In my experience and the sports physiologists tell you that your performance falls after you lose as little as 2% of your body weight in sweat without replacement and there can be dramatic effects if you lose 5% of your body weight. Having personally been a heat stress casualty in Boston 2005 I highly recommend not ever going there. There are lots of great things out there that make hydration easy - much easier than when I started trying to carry a sports bottle in a fanny pack (YUCK). <<Off my coach/preaching stand now.>>
Susan - I'm glad you're having good weather there - it's being Norfolk here. :rolleyes: That means high humidity and heat. Enjoy your brick workout.

Well, racing or not racing is all in your perspective right? :rolleyes: It was pretty gross when we started - something like 81-83 and probably 85% humidity. I told myself I wasn't going to speed out of the blocks because I wanted to get a feel of how good or bad the conditions would be - and I was successful (relatively) and plunked out the first mile in aobut 7:50 (relatively slow for me). After that, I felt pretty good and I ended up finishing in 37:10 - not my fastest 8k (~7:29 pace) but faster than I expected I'd go. I was 53 of 225 males, 7th in my age group, and 61st of ~475 overall. Our group did well and we had one guy get a PR, one lady finished first in her age group (50-54) and one finished 3rd in her age group (20-24).

For the rest of the day... I'll try to stay awake :rolleyes: ;) and figure out something for dinner. LW was talking about Turkey Burgers so I may go round up some ground turkey for dinner.

Hope everyone is having a great 4th of July and I'll check back later tonight.

Happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Susan and Kathy B I wish I could send some of our rain your way. Of course it comes with heat indexes in the low 100's.

Les, sounds like a good race to me. You were smart to ease into it.

I had the best run yesterday morning! I knew it was going well when I blew by the place where I usually have to stop. Its so much more fun running outside than on the treadmill. I love looking at everyone's gardens as I run by. I'm going to think about maybe doing two outdoor runs a week. Today is strength training and maybe yoga.

How do you guys drink water while you're running. Whenever I try it the water sloshes around in my stomach and I feel sick. I guess it will just be something I have to learn as I increase my distances?

[Kathy B]

Good morning all! I had a nice long run this AM of 6 miles (and I drank a whole bottle of water as soon as I got back and it was only 67 degrees out)! :D

I know you guys are right, Susan and Les and I should look into it now that I am occasionally running longer distances. But I don't really want to... It's just hard to imagine that something around my waist that my arms keep hitting or that is tight or that is sloshing would not be distracting. I think I will go check out that article in Runner's World at the library.

Congrats on your July 4th race, Les! Sounds like you did quite well (in spite of the muggy and warm weather)for someone who wasn't racing! :)

2Hungry, Ever since I started running outside I have been ruined for treadmill running! It seems like such a chore anymore. Don't know what I'll do this winter when we have subzero wind chills! :eek: Glad you are finding yourself "blowing past" old targets. Good for you!

Off to the rest of my day, now. Hope you all have a good one! :)

[SusanMac]

Les - Nice job on the fun run. It takes a lot of discipline to hold back, so it was probably a good test for you. And you *still* got 7th, which is awesome.

2Hungry - I think it just takes a lot of testing to find the right amt of fluids that don't slosh. I'm definitely susceptible to that, and the right amt of fluids for me really varies depending on the weather/heat. Nice job on running past your old stopping point! What kind of yoga do you do? Seathyme is our resident yoga expert.

Kathy - My arms never hit my Fuel Belt, as the bottles are either in front or on my back. They might have hit, though, when I first got it -- it's been a while. I usually only take fluids w/me if running 60 min or more.

Elizabeth - How did your race go?? If I remember correctly, you were doing a fun run w/your family. Looking forward to the report!

Great bike/run workout yesterday. Right after I started my ride, I met a guy going about my pace, and we ended up chatting the entire time! This is the 2nd time this week I've met new people out on a ride. How fun! I'm sure he was going slow in order to have some company. But, when I got home I realized I'd ridden much faster than expected. Funny how company makes you step up the pace a little. 22 miles. Then a 4-mile run with some race-pace intervals.

This morning was swim practice. My coach taught me breaststroke & butterfly today. How fun! I definitely discovered a few new muscles in my upper body.

No more workouts today, and a rest day on Thurs - yea!

I'm trying something new based on some recent reading....rest day 2 days before a race, then light workout the day prior to race. It's called the 2nd/3rd Day Back Syndrome, indicating that your performance is better a few days after a rest, rather than the 1st day back after a rest. Anyone ever tried it ??

[Laura]

I will jump in on the hydration issue. For long runs I bring my fuel belt, if I notice it at all, it is only when I start. However for anything over 8 miles (which is just under an hour and a half for me :o), I drink a mixture of gatorade and water about two hours before my run (which is why I have never run more than 8 early in the morning). That way it has had the chance to work through my system and I have used the bathroom more than once. For long runs in the summer, I will also freeze half of my bottles on the fuel belt so drinks stay cool. I only drink sips at a time, but it is amazing what a difference being well hydrated makes. The one time I wasn't hydrated enough (and I had my fuel belt with me), my heart rate was much higher than normal.

I have had 3 3.5 miles run now and feel pretty good. I go for my 1st 4 mile run on Sunday.

Kathy to answer your question from last week; I mainly run on trails or treadmills, and never sidewalks. My shins can't handle them. I wouldn't mind running on asphalt except the roads are often banked which adds to my supination (rolling outward) problem.

Susan, I will be interested to hear about your light training before a race. I had to laugh at you saying Butterfly and Breaststroke are fun. My DS is a competitve swimmer but he is a long axis swimmer (free and back) which means that breast and fly are his nemesis!

[Leslie Ferguson]

2Hungry - Doesn't it feel great blowing past your old standard? I bet that was a great feeling and I hope you can keep making progress like that. I'm another one that has issues when I either drink too much liquid at once or often times when I drink from a squeeze bottle and ingest air with my water. One of the ways I overcome drinking too much is by forcing myself to drink smaller drinks more often. Another way to keep from drinking too much or ingesting too much air is to walk while you are drinking (I walk when I drink in most of my races - just not worth either wearing a cup of water or drinking too much and having an upset stomach). Regardless of method it takes practice to consume water/liquid while running.
Kathy B - When it comes to things on my back and around my waist it normally only takes a couple times and I'll forget they're there. For instance I wear a Fanny Pack almost all the time when I run - hated it initially but now that it's part of my rig I forget its there. Even my Camelback isn't an issue anymore except when it abrades my shoulder (like it did today) but having it on wasn't an issue. The biggest thing is finding something and giving it a chance to become part of your running gear.
Susan - Great ride and I'm with you about having someone to ride/run with. It makes the time pass quicker. 22 miles of biking and a 4 mile run - great job! I laugh about your impression of butterfly and breaststroke in the pool - but because I am a butterflyer from way back. Unlike Laura's DS the only stroke I loathed was breaststroke (and that had to do with kick issues). I hope you enjoy your rest day today.
Laura - Smart to freeze your gatorade bottles. However, I found out that if the bottles are just water they may take longer to thaw than you'd like (my issue during the duathlon this spring - my gatorade bottle thawed out about 20 minutes before my water bottle did). I hope you have a good run this coming weekend.

Well, I must remember to NOT RUN AT NOON in the summer in Norfolk. It will lead to sucky runs. I did complete an 8.6 mile run this noon but it took me longer than I wanted it to (and longer than it should on normal days). But letting discretion be the better part of valor I listened to my body and slowed down as my energy waned. In all it took ~74 minutes for my run - too long for the day after a race and too fast for the day after a race. Tomorrow WILL BE a ride day but had to hold off on riding today because we've got flash flood warnings for this afternoon and evening.

Happy trails all and keep hydrated out there.

Les

[Elizabeth B]

Hello runners and Welcome 2Hungry and oceanjasper !!

2Hungry - Good luck with your hydration issues. I carry one of the little bottled water bottles in my shorts pocket for shorter runs and use a larger belt holder bottle for longer runs. It's hard to find shorts with deep pockets, but I have a couple of New Balance shorts that do the trick. They're so comfortable that I hardly notice the bottle in my pocket.

Susan and KathyB - We've had hot, dry weather here too, but we finally had a break today - lots of rain and cooler temps. Hopefully, our lawn will turn green again.

Les - It sounds like your 8K went well. I haven't done an 8K but I think I would like that distance.

And in case, they're lurking here,

Bethany - Congratulations on finishing your masters!
and
Eva - Welcome back from China and thanks for posting the great pictures!

Now, for my report. I usually keep them pretty short, but this one might be a little long-winded (especially for a 5K):

Saturday I ran for an hour and then enjoyed the pool at the Y and then Sunday I rode my bike for a couple of hours. Monday, I cleaned, cooked, and prepared for the arrival of my family.

Tuesday morning, DB, DSIL and I drove down to the 5K. I saw several people I knew and was so proud to have them meet my family. The race didn't get started until 7:20 am and it was already starting to feel hot!

The three of us stuck together for the first couple of miles, but separated at the second mile marker with DB in the lead, then me, then SIL. DB was waiting for me at the 3 mile marker and we kind of ran together to the end where he finished a few seconds ahead of me. SIL finished shortly thereafter.

Unfortunately, a runner collapsed a few feet from the finish line and they were performing CPR and administering oxygen when we passed. I learned today that he is in the hospital, but doing fine.

We came home to find that DH fed the kids breakfast and cleaned the kitchen, so we showered and all headed to the pool for several hours. We had a blast playing with the kids in the pool - they're like fish. Then we came home to a huge meal. We had such a great time that I was sad to see them head home.

It's so fun to be able to share the running experience with people that you love. I've really come to enjoy the excitement of races and to have my family there made it even better - it's like a giant party with gatorade instead of beer!

Take care, runners!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Elizabeth - Thanks for the great race report, it sounds like you had a great race too. So much the better that you shared it with your family. I know it would be great if I were ever to run a race with my brother or sister but probably not any time soon. Since we haven't seen Mary in a little while (though I bet she's lurking out there) I've got a "You know you're a runner when..."

You know you're a runner when you think it's a party when there's plenty of cold Gatorade instead of beer for everyone.

It sounds like you had a fun Fourth of July too. I think you'd like an 8k - it's one of those in between distances in my book - not a short, fast race like a 5k and not quite a half marathon. It's kind of weird in my book too because it's just enough shorter than a 10k that there's more speed involved so you can't really coast through the middle couple miles because you just get into the groove and you're looking at pushing to the finish.

Speaking of Fourth of July races they've already posted pictures from the We Build People 8k and 1 mile race (http://www.triduo.com/searchraceresults.php?race_id=1254&bib=406&s=e) . I really didn't pose the one of me before the race. I was looking for the rest of my team and as I was scanning the parking lot in front of the Y the photographer clicked the shot. You can tell it was before the race when you compare it to the rest - don't I look like a wet rat? :D I certainly felt like one.

That's about it except I will say that I lost the battle of the Camelback today - I've got this neat abrasion on my shoulder from the strap. Smarts when I'm in the shower and when I press down directly on it (like when I'm laying down :rolleyes: ). Happy hump day all and have a great end of the week.

Les

[MaryH]

Since we haven't seen Mary in a little while (though I bet she's lurking out there) I've got a "You know you're a runner when..."

You know you're a runner when you think it's a party when there's plenty of cold Gatorade instead of beer for everyone.


Ah, yes lurking. Spent the past five days in Burbank for my DD's basketball tournament (it's an Armenian thing :) ) Cannot believe I actually said I'd rather be in Fresno in the dry heat, but hey I must be acclimated. And, sorry Les, but the German in me would still rather run for beer. :rolleyes:
:) :cool:

[seathyme]

Hi all,

Sounds like some great running and racing going on, all over North America! It's good to hear from so many runners.

Les, sorry about the Camelbak chafing.
Natasha, great 2-hour run with your speedy group! Sounds like you've found some extremely fit locals there.
Susan, I'll say it again -- amazing quantity and quality of workouts you're doing!
Kathy, good job on the 6 miles. Anything over that distance and I'd be carrying water and/or gatorade too. I tried the 4-bottle Fuel Belt, and found that the 2 in front were effortless to carry. I had some trouble with bouncing from the bottles in back, so I only used them for the longest runs (carrying the bottles in my hands when they were full, then stashing them in the back loops when they were empty, which worked fine).
2Hungry, I also walk while drinking; it's a great excuse for a little break...
Elizabeth, what a fun 4th you had!
Mary, it's always good to hear from the "runner with a drinking prob." :D Let us know how your training is going.
Welcome OceanJasper! I can't help much with the music because like Les, I put songs in my head rather than wearing headphones while I run.
Hi to Bethany the Evening Runner. :)

And hi to Scout and anyone else out there trotting through the summer.

I spent the past few days immersed in yoga practice and study. Skipped a couple of runs :eek: due to awful weather and fear of cramps, but did take good walks or bike rides on those days. This morning I got out for a run again, and can happily report four miles with *no* abdominal issues. So I didn't have to stop, which was just the best thing. If I can figure out how to continue this, maybe I'll even stop avoiding my runs...

Have a good day, all.

[MNGirlTX]

Hey, all - time to come out from under my rock :D . This was the first morning since Saturday's 4-mile run that I've done anything...weather (rain - which is still badly needed) and laziness kept me in bed M-T-W. This morning we just did a 35-minute walk. Tomorrow is supposed to be a rest day, but since I've had 4 in a row, I'm going to go out and do the 25-minute run that was supposed to be today. Saturday is another 4-mile run.

It sounds like everyone had pretty good weekends/4th of July's!

Lori

[2HUNGRY!]

Thanks everyone for the tips on the water. Glad to know I'm not the only one with sloshing problems!

Les, ouch! I saw someone wearing a camel back on my way to work this worning and I'm not sure how you run with it on. It looked like something I might consider for loger bike rides though.

Susan Mac you amaze me! All of your workouts sound awesome! I flip around on my yoga. My cable company has 10-15 minute workouts that you can watch on demand for free so I've been trying out the different options for yoga and weight training. Yesterday I did Power Yoga with Rodney Yee which I really liked so I might buy the full length DVD.

Seathyme, I'm glad you had a pain free run.

Elizabeth that sounds like a fun race.

Hi everyone else! Thanks for the warm welcomes!

Today is a running day on the old dreaded treadmill. I think I'll do a long run today since I didn't feel like I got enough out of yesterday's strength training. The weather is supposed to be really nice starting tomorrow so I'm going to try to talk the husband into running with me at the park Friday and a few times next week.

[SusanMac]

Elizabeth - Thanks for the race & family report. I love reading RRs! Sounds like you all had a fantastic time. It's also great that your DH is so supportive in helping out while you run & race. Are you still having numb hand issues on your bike? (I think that was you)

Les - Try BodyGlide on your hot spot where the CamelBack rubs. I have to do that w/my HRM and a few elastic spots on certain tops when the temps get high. Works well.

MNGirl - Being flexible is a good thing for your training schedule. Good thing to listen to your body & sleep in a few times (I did that Mon, too :-)

2Hungry - So....will it be difficult to talk DH into running w/you? We don't know much about him yet (or my brain has frozen :-) The 15-minute yoga spots on cable sound cool!

Seathyme - Congrats on another no-issue run.

Rest day for me today! Woo hoo! I woke up this a.m. w/really, really tight hip flexors. I've done several stretches already. Will probably ice & get out the massager stick, too, just to be safe. Getting excited for our race Sat. Thx for the training support, guys! Several weeks ago, I was nervous that I wasn't biking enough. I feel much stronger & confident now, but have cut back on my runs. Next week I'll start slowly adding on some time there. Only 7 weeks until my half IM. Not much time really - eek!

[Leslie Ferguson]

...fading fast so...
Susan - Had forgotten about Body Glide/aquaphor on the hot spot. Thanks for reminding me.
2Hungry - Wearing a Camelback takes some practice and the one I have sits fairly snugly on my torso so it doesn't bounce around but isn't so tight that it stops me from moving freely. THey are haard to get used to running with initially but once you're there they aren't a big issue most of the time (really humid... not a great idea).
Lori - How are your feet/blisters now that you've had a couple days off?
Seathyme - Congrats on a pain free run - what are those? ;)

I decided to take a little break from running today after racing and a long, hot run yesterday. So I hopped on my bike and rode for about 45 minutes. There were a few puddles on the street and oddly I was riding below the surface of the river nearby - thank goodness for seawalls or else it would have been VERY DAMP during that part of the ride. Yes, Norfolk is that close to sea level that many parts are in/under water at high tide. :rolleyes:

Until later -- happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Susan - My DH doesn't mind running. Actually this is the first time since we got married that he will have a job that will get him home before 8 pm so we're thinking of doing the couch to 5k program together. Do you have to travel for your 1/2 IM? Its awesome that you're doing one. Hope your hips are okay today.

Les - So do the streets by the water flood at every high tide or are there plenty of sea walls? Biking by the ocean sounds nice, although I'm sure that in reality there were a lot more mosquitos and humidity than in my fantasy!

I thought yesterday was my day for a long run but it was actually sprinting day. I was doing great and loving life (sprints on the treadmill are actually fun because of the timer!) until I felt a sharp searing pain in my right shin. Oooops. Feels fine this morning, but just in case I'll stick to walking tonight.

[Leslie Ferguson]

2Hungry - I posted on this weeks thread but I'll answer a couple questions here too. It's not that bad running by the ocean if it weren't for the swamps and rivers. In fact, the ocean can actually keep it a little cooler here than other places without the sea. It's not really that bad in Norfolk/Virginia Beach. The mosquitos are only bad if we don't have a good freeze in the winter - like this last year (you supposedly have to have temps under freezing for about a week if I remember correctly to kill mosquito larvae). And it doesn't flood in Norfolk all that much but there are locations around town that flood often. Mostly they've gotten the flooding confined to streets because they have constructed sea walls (a misnomer - they actually keep the river out) along the Elizabeth River, Lafayette River, and Chesapeake Bay (in places) years ago. When the tides are at their highest the low lying areas in Norfolk flood. Not only are there rivers to add to the mix here but there's also the swamps (the Great Dismal Swamp is on the southern edge of Norfolk/Virginia Beach) as well as some other lesser known swamps.

Pretty much sums up the watery life in Norfolk/Hampton Roads (I guess that's why it is often called Tidewater too :rolleyes: ).

See you on the new thread.
Les