Official Strava/Runkeeper Thread

[Dodgerchick]

Awww, that's great you guys finished together, what a sweet thing for her to do. And kudos on running after the flu.

[MartinD]

Seems like it was the weekend for running a 5k... It is a bit easier for me, as there's a Parkrun fairly close by. (In the likely event that you haven't heard of Parkrun (it started in the UK a few years back - has spread to quite a few other countries, but hasn't really taken off in the US yet), it's a series of free 5k runs held every Saturday morning - more info here: 403 Please don't scrape. See http://www.parkrun.com/scraping for details. )

Today's run went pretty well: Run Profile | Parkrun 211 | Times and Records | Strava

[Izulde]

My first 5k is on the 7th, which is a couple weeks from now.

[FrogMan]

well done on the races Alan and ABC!

Alan, same thing for me about time, I run mostly to challenge myself with mytimes and all but it'll be something special if I ever get an age group award of any kind...

FM

[AnalBumCover]

Official race results:

Time: 44:54 (Gun timed, I crossed the starting line 45 seconds in)

312th of 370 total runners
172nd of 191 male runners
20th of 20 in Age Group Male 40-44

Did I mention this was a "just enjoy the moment" kind of race I was going to run?

[Umbrella]

I know a few of you on here have done the C25K, so I have a question. I finally finished week 3, which is two sets of 1.5 minute run, 1.5 walk, 3 run, 3 walk. The second 3 minute run kills me every time. I have finally completed it (it took me four tries to do three days), and I am looking at week 4.

This week alternates 3 and 5 minute runs, with very little walk time in between. Because of how much trouble I have had with the second 3 minute run in week 3, this week is kind of psyching me out. It seems like the largest jump of the whole program. Am I getting psyched out for no reason, or is this a tough jump?

[AnalBumCover]

Originally Posted by Umbrella

I know a few of you on here have done the C25K, so I have a question. I finally finished week 3, which is two sets of 1.5 minute run, 1.5 walk, 3 run, 3 walk. The second 3 minute run kills me every time. I have finally completed it (it took me four tries to do three days), and I am looking at week 4.

This week alternates 3 and 5 minute runs, with very little walk time in between. Because of how much trouble I have had with the second 3 minute run in week 3, this week is kind of psyching me out. It seems like the largest jump of the whole program. Am I getting psyched out for no reason, or is this a tough jump?

Try this. Run a bit slower. Focus on completing the allotted time, but at a slower pace. You'll be surprised how much longer you can maintain a running motion when you slow down.

[edit] Hint: notice how I repeated the word slow.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by AnalBumCover

Try this. Run a bit slower. Focus on completing the allotted time, but at a slower pace. You'll be surprised how much longer you can maintain a running motion when you slow down.

[edit] Hint: notice how I repeated the word slow.

The answer when starting out and running out of breath is the question is almost always to just run slower. The goal is to complete it, not complete it at a certain speed.

The other thing that I will add is that the C25K program should be totally comfortable. You shouldn't start dreading it, or it will start giving you reasons to skip days which is far worse. So my recommendation is if the previous week is not totally comfortable for you, there is no harm in continuing it again on repeat until you are ready for the jump.

[Umbrella]

Sounds like good advice. I have been watching my times, and the last couple of runs I have gone out way too fast for my ability. I think my problem is that I feel good at the beginning, so I push it too much. And also, it has been pretty cold (at least for Arizona) in the mornings, so I am going too fast because I am trying to warm up. Time to invest in some warmer jogging gear.

I need to quit comparing myself to everyone else and focus on my own times, no matter how slow they are.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by AnalBumCover

Try this. Run a bit slower. Focus on completing the allotted time, but at a slower pace. You'll be surprised how much longer you can maintain a running motion when you slow down.

[edit] Hint: notice how I repeated the word slow.

+1. When I did Couch to 5K I constantly surprised myself at the jumps I was able to make along the way. It took me like 4 weeks before I could actually do week 1, my fitness level was unfathomably bad, but some of those milestones where you run for 3 minutes or 5 minutes you might find doable, just go into it saying "lets see what I can do today".

The key past that of course, is to do what you're able but not to consider it a failure if you have to repeat a day or a week. You're improving every day, and that's what matters. Couch to 5k is a generic program, its not tailored to your body/fitness level, so its not going to fit exactly and its no big deal if you go at a different pace.

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Umbrella

I need to quit comparing myself to everyone else and focus on my own times, no matter how slow they are.

focus on your times and more especially on your body and how you feel when you run. Compare how you feel from one run to another, at similar pace. Is today's pace the same as you last run's pace but it feels easier? GOOD, that's what you should aim for. Then someday, the pace will get quicker for the same effort... It takes times, but all runners are not created equal. The good thing is, it doesn't matter to you how fast I run. It's all about you making a better you than the one you were yesterday.

edit to add: I compare my runs to my own runs too. Say I do intervals, they are getting to be fast but they're not always easy, not even for me. Then again, I want to compare how the intervals I do this week were compared to the ones I did last week or the month before. If they feel easier for the same times, I'm going in the right direction. If not, it could be for many reasons, one bad run doesn't mean you are not doing the right things...

FM

[OldGiants]

Every time I see this thread, I think it says STAVKA and is about WWII in the east.

Every time I am disappointed.

[Alan T]

Is anyone else doing a Thanksgiving day race?

Around here it is a pretty big tradition to freeze your butt off right after sunrise in a race, and then go eat turkey and watch football the rest of the day.

Looks like the wife and I are going to do a local 5 mile race early Thursday morning. Not really planning for it any, just going to slide it in a normal training day slot so don't expect any PRs on it, but I am going to aim for sub-40 minute time weather permitting.

[FrogMan]

I would so do a race on Thanksgiving if it actually was our Thanksgiving

FM

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Is anyone else doing a Thanksgiving day race?

Around here it is a pretty big tradition to freeze your butt off right after sunrise in a race, and then go eat turkey and watch football the rest of the day.

Looks like the wife and I are going to do a local 5 mile race early Thursday morning. Not really planning for it any, just going to slide it in a normal training day slot so don't expect any PRs on it, but I am going to aim for sub-40 minute time weather permitting.

I was going to do a local 5K in Madison until I noticed it was actually a 5 mile run. Figured that was too much for my current level of training.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Is anyone else doing a Thanksgiving day race?

Around here it is a pretty big tradition to freeze your butt off right after sunrise in a race, and then go eat turkey and watch football the rest of the day.

Looks like the wife and I are going to do a local 5 mile race early Thursday morning. Not really planning for it any, just going to slide it in a normal training day slot so don't expect any PRs on it, but I am going to aim for sub-40 minute time weather permitting.

So I need 18.3 miles by Saturday to hit 200km for the month. I figure with the 5 mile race tomorrow, plus I'll run about 2 miles warmup, that will leave me needing roughly 11 miles on Saturday (Friday is an off day for me).

I'm only scheduled for 10 miles on Saturday, I think I may go an extra mile though

[Subby]

I have now run 8 miles in 4 days. LOOK OUT SERIOUS RUNNERS.

Ok, you don't really need to look out.

[Alan T]

Well.. holy cow, the wind was something special today for the race. 7MPH constant wind with 15-25mph wind gusts. I turned on to the final street around mile 4 and ran into a wall of wind that nearly knocked me over. That was quite different to run through. I tried finding someone to run behind to try to let them take the brunt of the wind, but unfortunately there weren't too many tall people around me.

I ended up with a 41:37 time for my 5 mile race, average pace of 8:15min/mile. about 100 seconds slower than where I was hoping for, but honestly with the wind, I feel I did fine and on a normal day would have been right at my target.

Finished 223/751 overall and 28/64 in my Age Group.

Time to now eat! Happy thanksgiving all!

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I was going to do a local 5K in Madison until I noticed it was actually a 5 mile run. Figured that was too much for my current level of training.

Did an unofficial 2013 Kodos Turkey Trot at the local track. Ran my best estimated 5K (27:02) in the wind and cold (32 degrees or so). Good enough. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Did an unofficial 2013 Kodos Turkey Trot at the local track. Ran my best estimated 5K (27:02) in the wind and cold (32 degrees or so). Good enough. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Nice job!

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Did an unofficial 2013 Kodos Turkey Trot at the local track. Ran my best estimated 5K (27:02) in the wind and cold (32 degrees or so). Good enough. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

that's awesome, well done! And Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

FM

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Well.. holy cow, the wind was something special today for the race. 7MPH constant wind with 15-25mph wind gusts. I turned on to the final street around mile 4 and ran into a wall of wind that nearly knocked me over. That was quite different to run through. I tried finding someone to run behind to try to let them take the brunt of the wind, but unfortunately there weren't too many tall people around me.

I ended up with a 41:37 time for my 5 mile race, average pace of 8:15min/mile. about 100 seconds slower than where I was hoping for, but honestly with the wind, I feel I did fine and on a normal day would have been right at my target.

Finished 223/751 overall and 28/64 in my Age Group.

Time to now eat! Happy thanksgiving all!

harsh conditions, well done! And Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

[Ryan S]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Well.. holy cow, the wind was something special today for the race. 7MPH constant wind with 15-25mph wind gusts.

You need to try running in Scotland. In October I think that every run I made had at least a 15mph sustained wind. A few weeks back I played soccer in 35mph wind with stronger gusts. Not fun at all.

When I plan a route I am thinking about shelter from the wind rather than elevation changes!

[Dodgerchick]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Well.. holy cow, the wind was something special today for the race. 7MPH constant wind with 15-25mph wind gusts. I turned on to the final street around mile 4 and ran into a wall of wind that nearly knocked me over. That was quite different to run through. I tried finding someone to run behind to try to let them take the brunt of the wind, but unfortunately there weren't too many tall people around me.

I ended up with a 41:37 time for my 5 mile race, average pace of 8:15min/mile. about 100 seconds slower than where I was hoping for, but honestly with the wind, I feel I did fine and on a normal day would have been right at my target.

Finished 223/751 overall and 28/64 in my Age Group.

Time to now eat! Happy thanksgiving all!

Originally Posted by Kodos

Did an unofficial 2013 Kodos Turkey Trot at the local track. Ran my best estimated 5K (27:02) in the wind and cold (32 degrees or so). Good enough. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Nice going, guys!

Happy Thanksgiving, fellow runners

[MartinD]

Originally Posted by Ryan S

You need to try running in Scotland. In October I think that every run I made had at least a 15mph sustained wind. A few weeks back I played soccer in 35mph wind with stronger gusts. Not fun at all.

When I plan a route I am thinking about shelter from the wind rather than elevation changes!

On the windy days, you don't need a treadmill - just head outside, point yourself into the wind and start running...

[digamma]

I ran a Turkey Trot out here. The highlight for me was definitely seeing my 3 year old finish the 1-k kids' run.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Ryan S

You need to try running in Scotland. In October I think that every run I made had at least a 15mph sustained wind. A few weeks back I played soccer in 35mph wind with stronger gusts. Not fun at all.

When I plan a route I am thinking about shelter from the wind rather than elevation changes!

That sounds absolutely miserable!

[Kodos]

In just under the wire to get my 40k badge in for November.

[hoopsguy]

Anyone know if the Strava badges count treadmill runs? I'm guessing "no" as there is a significant gap between what I have run and what Strava is reporting on the "Find Your Way" measure.

Off to get my 10K badge. Hope treadmill mileage counts ...

[FrogMan]

TM counts toward your weekly mileage but not the challenge badges as far as I know.

FM

[Marc Vaughan]

You need to try running in Scotland. In October I think that every run I made had at least a 15mph sustained wind. A few weeks back I played soccer in 35mph wind with stronger gusts. Not fun at all.

I played in similar conditions in Florida recently - we had the wind against us and while we ultimately lost I loved it, nothing like playing in defense with the ball continually coming back towards you if you clear it high in the air

(was more like 'training' than a real game, just one attack after another ... the only rest was when one of the opposition tried a long through ball and we had to go and search for it 100 yards down the road )

[AlexB]

First proper run after a 5-6 week lay-off. Not too bad timewise: 7.49m miles instead of 7.23/4, but the outside of my knees still ache like hell - looks like rest, foam roller and physio hasn't done that much good

Hopefully better tomorrow.

[Subby]

I caved and shelled out $59 on lightning deal at Amazon for a Wahoo Blue HRM. Absolute breeze to set up. Looking forward to using it for training runs (not that I ever do those). Really interested to see my heart rate when I am doing hills.

[FrogMan]

have I just gone insane??? I'm getting ready to plop down 265$ of racing registration fees for the Summer of 2014. Never thought I'd even think about such a possibility just 6 months ago...

Here's how it would fall down for the Summer schedule:
May 4, Lévis Half Marathon
May 19, Duchesnay trail run (8 or 18 km)
June 1, Royal Descent (5 or 10k going downhill about 90% of the distance)
June 15, Quebec Stairs challenge (13.5 or 19 km)
August 22, Under the stars fun run (2k loop you do 1, 2 or 3 times)
August 24, Quebec City Marathon

These events are all part of the Run Quebec City circuit and you can read more about them on their website
Run Quebec City | Run Quebec City Series

Some very varied events as you can see. I've never done a trail race so I'll probably go with the 8k but I'm tempted by the 10k downhill and the 19k stairs challenge, as much as I'm frightened by that last one... The fun run is part of the whole marathon weekend experience. They give everybody hats with lights and it's run in the dark on the Friday evening preceding the Marathon that's held on Sunday...

I will probably add another 5 or 10k on July 4th which is very close to home but I'd shift all my attention after that to getting ready for the marathon.

I live about 5 minutes away from the start of both the Lévis Half Marathon and the Quebec City Marathon. Both start from the same place and share the first half except the Full Marathon in August keeps going and goes over the St-Lawrence river and ends in Old Quebec City...

FM

[Kodos]

That's a lot of races!

I'm just trying to build a bit of a base before I dip my toes in the 5K racing.

[Alan T]

Looks like a good summer of running for you FM!

If you've never done trail runs, they are a good bit tougher for me than road running. My last 5k trail race was about 4 minutes slower than my 5k road time. Plus they cause more aerobic wear on me. Doing an 18k trail run two weeks after a half marathon might be a bit rough if it is your first half marathon. My wife felt a bit worn out for a bit after her half. I was ok myself later the next week. Probably each person is different.

I'm not sure what a 19km stairs challenge is, but that sounds insanely scary fun


For myself, planned to run 9miles today, but my stomach is super nauseous. Not sure what is going on with it, but I'm hoping it goes away soon or I may try to run through it as much of a disaster that might cause.

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Looks like a good summer of running for you FM!

If you've never done trail runs, they are a good bit tougher for me than road running. My last 5k trail race was about 4 minutes slower than my 5k road time. Plus they cause more aerobic wear on me. Doing an 18k trail run two weeks after a half marathon might be a bit rough if it is your first half marathon. My wife felt a bit worn out for a bit after her half. I was ok myself later the next week. Probably each person is different.

I'm not sure what a 19km stairs challenge is, but that sounds insanely scary fun

Yeah, everywhere I've read about trail runs, it's what I've seen. I don't relly plan on training for it though and it kinda comes as part of the deal. See, the season ticket I was planning on paying for is 265$cdn but the fees for the four events I really wanted to sign up for comes to 255$ is I pay them separately. The four events are the Half Marathon, the Descent one, the Staircase challenge (how they actually call it) and the Marathon.

The 265$ assures me a bib for all events including the trail race and the Fun run under the stars as well as a 20$ gift card at Running Room so it's kind of a no brainer. I could even enter the trail run just for the fun of it but it will quite certainly be the 8 km.

I'm not too worried about the half marathon killing my legs. Maybe I should but I have run an 18k that was on a VERY hilly course back in October and was about all right one week after the race.

That Staircase challenge is indeed scaring me. The Old Quebec City is built on two levels, going up from the St Lawrence river, with, from what they say, about 3000 steps on the 19k course.

From: Course information | Staircase Challenge

The Super Challenge is a 19K course in which participants will run up and down close to 30 staircases for a total of more of 3000 steps…

The Oasis Challenge is a 13.5K course. It covers the first 11K and the last 2K of the Super Challenge.

Again, I wanna think big yet 19k of that thing is kinda scary

It's a lot of races but it will be my second summer of running and I'm up for the challenge. What I like it that it's kinda front loaded and leaves a good two months between the last big race and the marathon.

Also, one that's not showing here but that I plan on doing again next year is the 18k around the lake that I did this year. It's usually happening around the middle of October...

FM

[HerRealName]

Well, we had a little change in plans over the last week or so.

Old plan: Begin training for the Illinois marathon in Champaign on Jan. 6th.

New plan: Oh shit, oh shit, we're moving to the Dallas area. My wife earned a promotion that*includes*a move to Dallas. The next couple of months are going to be filled with move preparation. I never really saw myself as a suburbanite but I'm sure it will be fine. I will target the Dallas marathon around this time next year, hitting a couple halfs along the way.

[AnalBumCover]

Originally Posted by HerRealName

Well, we had a little change in plans over the last week or so.

Old plan: Begin training for the Illinois marathon in Champaign on Jan. 6th.

New plan: Oh shit, oh shit, we're moving to the Dallas area. My wife earned a promotion that*includes*a move to Dallas. The next couple of months are going to be filled with move preparation. I never really saw myself as a suburbanite but I'm sure it will be fine. I will target the Dallas marathon around this time next year, hitting a couple halfs along the way.

No more...squares...?

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by AnalBumCover

No more...squares...?

Though it'll make me kinda sad to see the squares go away.

[HerRealName]

Originally Posted by AnalBumCover

No more...squares...?

You pulled off that awesome red cross route so maybe there's still a possibility for a square or two .

[AnalBumCover]

Originally Posted by HerRealName

You pulled off that awesome red cross route so maybe there's still a possibility for a square or two .

I'll make you proud.

[Alan T]

Congrats to the wife on the new job/location I suppose! I lived in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area for three years after college, way back when. It wasn't that bad in my opinion. I didn't run back then, but people who did always said it was great running during the winter, but during the summer get used to running at night or before sunrise!

Speaking of the Dallas Marathon for 2014.. ironically enough, the 2013 version was supposed to be this weekend and it just got cancelled due to the ice storm there.

[Izulde]

Picked up race packet for 5K tomorrow, and hoping I can figure out this D-tag thing in the morning without wrecking it or my shoelaces.

Gorgeous blonde behind me in the pickup, too, but I didn't realize that until I was halfway out the door due to the swiftness of the line.

Here's to hoping the snow doesn't hit until after the race is over. It shouldn't - not supposed to hit till evening and post time is 11 am.

[Kodos]

Thinking about getting the Garmin 210. Anyone have any positives/negatives with it? I know people don't like the charging cable.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Thinking about getting the Garmin 210. Anyone have any positives/negatives with it? I know people don't like the charging cable.

It is the one that I've had for almost a year now. I've had no problems with it at all and have loved it. DCRainmaker for a while said it was probably the best mid-priced watch for pure runners (non-triathletes/cyclists). The charging cable is annoying, but really the only issue as everything else with it has been great.

Now that the next generation of 220 is out, it replaces the 210, so you're probably finding some good deals on the 210. Even though the 220 does more than the 210, the 210 is still a really good watch in my opinion. I got my wife a 220 recently, but have stuck with my 210 myself. My next upgrade is likely to go from my 210 to a 620 myself, but that is quite a bit more expensive.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Izulde

Picked up race packet for 5K tomorrow, and hoping I can figure out this D-tag thing in the morning without wrecking it or my shoelaces.

Gorgeous blonde behind me in the pickup, too, but I didn't realize that until I was halfway out the door due to the swiftness of the line.

Here's to hoping the snow doesn't hit until after the race is over. It shouldn't - not supposed to hit till evening and post time is 11 am.

Good luck in your race! Racing in the snow is actually quite alot of fun. One of my best races last winter was when it was snowing

The D-tag just basically slides under the laces but on top of your tongue in your shoe. Generally with running shoes, you don't want the laces too tight anyways so it shouldn't be too difficult to get it in there. If you need more help, here is a quick youtube video on it: ChronoTrack D-Tag Instructions - YouTube

[hoopsguy]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Thinking about getting the Garmin 210. Anyone have any positives/negatives with it? I know people don't like the charging cable.

Love the watch, hate the charging cable.

The watch itself, in combination with the heart rate monitor and foot pod, has given me a ton of data to help better understand my runs. The watch is pretty intuitive, and for the times it isn't (like setting interval runs) the documentation is good. This is my first watch, so I don't have a point of comparison with other running watches.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Alan T

It is the one that I've had for almost a year now. I've had no problems with it at all and have loved it. DCRainmaker for a while said it was probably the best mid-priced watch for pure runners (non-triathletes/cyclists). The charging cable is annoying, but really the only issue as everything else with it has been great.

Now that the next generation of 220 is out, it replaces the 210, so you're probably finding some good deals on the 210. Even though the 220 does more than the 210, the 210 is still a really good watch in my opinion. I got my wife a 220 recently, but have stuck with my 210 myself. My next upgrade is likely to go from my 210 to a 620 myself, but that is quite a bit more expensive.

Yeah, I noticed it seemed lower in price from when I last looked.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by hoopsguy

Love the watch, hate the charging cable.

The watch itself, in combination with the heart rate monitor and foot pod, has given me a ton of data to help better understand my runs. The watch is pretty intuitive, and for the times it isn't (like setting interval runs) the documentation is good. This is my first watch, so I don't have a point of comparison with other running watches.

What are the main benefits with the foot pod? Is it for treadmill running? I was thinking of just getting the heart rate monitor.