Ran a 10k - Official Thread (3 Viewers)

MAC_32 said:

Toledo - schedule didn't fit Cleveland this year.

And you could say I had quite the confidence boosting training run this past Sunday - https://www.strava.com/activities/1459769176.  And all things considered there was more juice in the tank too.  Trying not to get ahead of myself though.  The final push begins tomorrow and if all goes to plan I have about 115-120 miles to navigate over 11 days - including two goal pace runs, a 17, and a lengthy speed workout before getting to the final 20.

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Man.....really looking forward to good things out of this group over the next few weeks!

I’ve been taking this week off mostly.  Heading to Cocoa Beach (SPRING BREAK!!) for the weekend, but back to it next week.  It has been nice just taking a break.  I needed it.  

Hang 10 said:

Well, it feels like I'm trending in the right direction so I may get back on there next week or so. Yesterday I ran 2 miles on the treadmill and then hopped on the trainer for 40 min and then last night a ran 2 1/2 miles with my daughters run club. All in all my foot feels like it's at about 70%, which doesn't sound great...because it's not but I'd say it was at about 30% before... so big improvement overall. I'm thinking 2 more weeks and it will be pretty close to 100%. 

But dude, that sucks you're still having problems. Your issue is from a back injury or something? Are you seeing anyone regularly about it? 

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It's good to see you back on here and that you're seeing improvement with the foot.  I'm happy to see that you're being patient with the injury, looking forward your return.

@Hang 10 very glad you’re progressing and that it was a freakish incident rather than other sources/causes. 

Echo the others that your presence and training are missed but hopefully not for long. 

Hang 10 said:

Well, it feels like I'm trending in the right direction so I may get back on there next week or so. Yesterday I ran 2 miles on the treadmill and then hopped on the trainer for 40 min and then last night a ran 2 1/2 miles with my daughters run club. All in all my foot feels like it's at about 70%, which doesn't sound great...because it's not but I'd say it was at about 30% before... so big improvement overall. I'm thinking 2 more weeks and it will be pretty close to 100%. 

But dude, that sucks you're still having problems. Your issue is from a back injury or something? Are you seeing anyone regularly about it? 

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Yea, hearniated disk is pinching on my nerve causing Sciatica down my right leg all the way to my toes. I stopped for 6 weeks, nothing. I got an injection, nothing. Acupuncture, nothing. Massage, nothing. Decompression, nothing. Yoga, nothing. Core and leg strengthening, nothing. I still go and see my chiropractor weekly for PT and Decompression. Seriously glad to hear about your progress. Unlock your Strava and quit being a stranger around these parts.

JShare87 said:

Yea, hearniated disk is pinching on my nerve causing Sciatica down my right leg all the way to my toes. I stopped for 6 weeks, nothing. I got an injection, nothing. Acupuncture, nothing. Massage, nothing. Decompression, nothing. Yoga, nothing. Core and leg strengthening, nothing. I still go and see my chiropractor weekly for PT and Decompression. Seriously glad to hear about your progress. Unlock your Strava and quit being a stranger around these parts.

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So is there anything they can do to correct this disk? I hope something other than surgery. 

Hang 10 said:

So is there anything they can do to correct this disk? I hope something other than surgery. 

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More injections or surgery. I’m not having someone cut into my back at 31 years old. I also do not want to keep getting pumped full of stuff that may relieve some pain but actually harm me. I know I shouldn’t run, but I am so much happier running and staying active. I chose to change my diet and really strengthening everything else in order to minimize the pain. 

JShare87 said:

More injections or surgery. I’m not having someone cut into my back at 31 years old. I also do not want to keep getting pumped full of stuff that may relieve some pain but actually harm me. I know I shouldn’t run, but I am so much happier running and staying active. I chose to change my diet and really strengthening everything else in order to minimize the pain. 

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I know you may be hesitant for surgery, but have you actually met with a surgeon to discuss the procedure, benefits, and risks? Back surgery has changed significantly and I would suggest at least getting educated on it if you haven't already.

Just my $.02.

JShare87 said:

More injections or surgery. I’m not having someone cut into my back at 31 years old. I also do not want to keep getting pumped full of stuff that may relieve some pain but actually harm me. I know I shouldn’t run, but I am so much happier running and staying active. I chose to change my diet and really strengthening everything else in order to minimize the pain. 

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Yeah, I was gonna say. Surgery would definitely be the last resort. Most folks I know that have opted for surgery on their back have not gotten the results they hoped for...sometime they were worse. 

Maybe focus on core (if you haven't already). Get that trunk as strong as you can and maybe you'll straighten that disk out. 

###, thighs, back, core. In that order. On strength training days do those first and only when done consider working other muscles. 

LMOA @ the subtitle.  Can't wait to hop on the treddy!

JShare87 said:

More injections or surgery. I’m not having someone cut into my back at 31 years old. I also do not want to keep getting pumped full of stuff that may relieve some pain but actually harm me. I know I shouldn’t run, but I am so much happier running and staying active. I chose to change my diet and really strengthening everything else in order to minimize the pain. 

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I want to be 31 again 

Much less running during Hawaii than I would have liked. Combined with adjusting/work this last couple days and I've only gotten to run twice this week and twice last week. Race in 2 days.

I know I can't really change fitness level much at this point anyway but would have still liked to get in a bit more. At least the legs will be rested.

Weather should be nice on Sunday morning.  l will get another couple miles in tomorrow with some strides and let er rip. Race start is 730am CST but I'm the 3rd leg so won't get going until about an hour after that. Should be fun.

Hang 10 said:

Yeah, I was gonna say. Surgery would definitely be the last resort. Most folks I know that have opted for surgery on their back have not gotten the results they hoped for...sometime they were worse. 

Maybe focus on core (if you haven't already). Get that trunk as strong as you can and maybe you'll straighten that disk out. 

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That has been and will continue to be my focus going forward. I also do a lot of stretching. I trained my ### off to run that marathon. Not just running, but diet, strength training, and stretching. I don’t think completing a marathon with this condition would’ve been possible if I didn’t start strengthening my core and legs. Have you been doing some ankle strengthening? I tore my ATFL playing football a few years ago and learned a lot of good strengthening excercises because of it.

JShare87 said:

I also do a lot of stretching.

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Nerves are a totally different animal, but careful here - "a lot of stretching" can actually make it more difficult to overcome an injury.  Because the injury never gets a chance to rest.

gianmarco said:

Much less running during Hawaii than I would have liked. Combined with adjusting/work this last couple days and I've only gotten to run twice this week and twice last week. Race in 2 days.

I know I can't really change fitness level much at this point anyway but would have still liked to get in a bit more. At least the legs will be rested.

Weather should be nice on Sunday morning.  l will get another couple miles in tomorrow with some strides and let er rip. Race start is 730am CST but I'm the 3rd leg so won't get going until about an hour after that. Should be fun.

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I’ve always wanted to do a relay.  Have fun.

MAC_32 said:

Nerves are a totally different animal, but careful here - "a lot of stretching" can actually make it more difficult to overcome an injury.  Because the injury never gets a chance to rest.

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Thanks. I know what you mean, OT explained it to me very well. I meant more of decompression stretches for my back (cobra pose). 

JShare87 said:

That has been and will continue to be my focus going forward. I also do a lot of stretching. I trained my ### off to run that marathon. Not just running, but diet, strength training, and stretching. I don’t think completing a marathon with this condition would’ve been possible if I didn’t start strengthening my core and legs. Have you been doing some ankle strengthening? I tore my ATFL playing football a few years ago and learned a lot of good strengthening excercises because of it.

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I need to be brief, but hear me out @JShare87

Cut yourself a little slack.  You have pushed your body hard in the last year or so.  Its probably a bit into shock from all this endurance training.  You aren't in your 20's anymore and your body will start to push back from time to time.  I think the smartest runners are the ones who know their body really well.  Know the difference from good discomfort and bad discomfort (injury).  (I'm 9 marathons completed and I still don't know from time to time.) 

Be careful pushing through whatever you have. You just started this marathon training thing.  The degradation of your physical abilities to run a marathon fast is very small from 31 to 50.  VERY small.  I understand the frustration of not healing quickly (I had a badly sprained ankle that put me on the shelf for May, June, July a couple years back.)  Your short term pushing through things and "knowing you are doing damage" could have longer term repercussions.  I'm 47.   My body doesn't respond like it did when it was 40....and certainly no where near like what it did when I was 31.  I worry you will do more permanent damage that may not prevent you from running, but be problematic for endurance events (Marathon, ultra, etc.) as you get older. 

Be smart.  I've never met you but can tell you are a good dude.  Good dudes deserve good things in their life.  Be well.

SteelCurtain said:

I need to be brief, but hear me out @JShare87

Cut yourself a little slack.  You have pushed your body hard in the last year or so.  Its probably a bit into shock from all this endurance training.  You aren't in your 20's anymore and your body will start to push back from time to time.  I think the smartest runners are the ones who know their body really well.  Know the difference from good discomfort and bad discomfort (injury).  (I'm 9 marathons completed and I still don't know from time to time.) 

Be careful pushing through whatever you have. You just started this marathon training thing.  The degradation of your physical abilities to run a marathon fast is very small from 31 to 50.  VERY small.  I understand the frustration of not healing quickly (I had a badly sprained ankle that put me on the shelf for May, June, July a couple years back.)  Your short term pushing through things and "knowing you are doing damage" could have longer term repercussions.  I'm 47.   My body doesn't respond like it did when it was 40....and certainly no where near like what it did when I was 31.  I worry you will do more permanent damage that may not prevent you from running, but be problematic for endurance events (Marathon, ultra, etc.) as you get older. 

Be smart.  I've never met you but can tell you are a good dude.  Good dudes deserve good things in their life.  Be well.

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Thanks. I appreciate your advice. I know I’m not being the smartest right now. I need to take a step back.

Activate Shoe Talk:

Went to a running store to pick up race stuff. While there, I figured I'd have my feet looked at and fitted for shoes since I've never done that and I'm going to need some soon. The Pearl Izumi's I have are getting near the end and they don't make them anymore. Despite doing road running, I preferred the Pearl Izumi trail shoes with the give they had.  So, that was the main info I passed along.

Store did a 3D scanning of my feet. Close to a 13 in size so she recommended one size up just like we discussed here recently. Problem is that finding 14s isn't easy. Back to that in a bit.  On the scan, I have very high arches but otherwise nothing terribly out of the ordinary. She also watched my gait and it's pretty neutral without any problems with pronation. She did highly recommend that I get inserts for my arch for support. Back to that in a moment as well

Tried a couple of pairs of Brooks. Hated them. So light in the front of the shoe and just couldn't feel comfortable with them.  She then had me try a pair of Hoka's.  Also really disliked those.  Next up was a pair of Nike Zoom Pegasus 34.  These were much better and felt pretty good.  I'd say 8/10.  Because of my current shoes, she then gave me a pair of Saucony Peregrine trail shoes.  I really liked how these fit.  However, the bottoms have some serious tread and she warned that these are going to wear really quickly if I use them for non-trail running.  I was a bit disappointed because I liked how they fit.  Finally, she had me try a new shoe they are carrying called Karhu.

Man, that shoe fit like a glove.  Loved the way it feels.  It's not the prettiest shoe, but it felt like it wasn't even there yet still provided great support.  So, I think I'm going to roll with this as my next shoe.  Funny thing is she only had it in a 13 but after she put it on, she said the size was perfect.  The same went for a couple other shoes as well as all of the 13s seemed to have plenty of room for my toes. 

So, here's my questions:

1)  With the Karhu, she then put the insert in and I hated it.  I felt the same trying it in every other shoe as well.  She did say it's something I should strongly consider but also said that it may not work with every shoe.  Do any of you have high arches and if you do, do you use inserts?  I feel like so far I've run pain-free and injury-free and don't want to rock the boat but I also understand that I may be looking for trouble without it. 

2)  These Karhu's are $160.  I've never spent anything like that on a pair of shoes.  I can get the others for closer to $100.  My current shoes were only $60.  Nuts for getting those if the others feel fine?  Any experience with them?

3)  I will probably get a 2nd pair to alternate and I'd like to get the Saucony trail shoes but no idea how those will work on the road.  Is it true they'll wear much faster or it shouldn't be a big deal?  You can see in the pictures from the link above how massive those treads are.  And no, I'm not going to run more trails @SFBayDuck.  Otherwise will just get the Nike's.

4)  Any other shoes any of you might recommend taking a look at?

gianmarco said:

Activate Shoe Talk:

Went to a running store to pick up race stuff. While there, I figured I'd have my feet looked at and fitted for shoes since I've never done that and I'm going to need some soon. The Pearl Izumi's I have are getting near the end and they don't make them anymore. Despite doing road running, I preferred the Pearl Izumi trail shoes with the give they had.  So, that was the main info I passed along.

Store did a 3D scanning of my feet. Close to a 13 in size so she recommended one size up just like we discussed here recently. Problem is that finding 14s isn't easy. Back to that in a bit.  On the scan, I have very high arches but otherwise nothing terribly out of the ordinary. She also watched my gait and it's pretty neutral without any problems with pronation. She did highly recommend that I get inserts for my arch for support. Back to that in a moment as well

Tried a couple of pairs of Brooks. Hated them. So light in the front of the shoe and just couldn't feel comfortable with them.  She then had me try a pair of Hoka's.  Also really disliked those.  Next up was a pair of Nike Zoom Pegasus 34.  These were much better and felt pretty good.  I'd say 8/10.  Because of my current shoes, she then gave me a pair of Saucony Peregrine trail shoes.  I really liked how these fit.  However, the bottoms have some serious tread and she warned that these are going to wear really quickly if I use them for non-trail running.  I was a bit disappointed because I liked how they fit.  Finally, she had me try a new shoe they are carrying called Karhu.

Man, that shoe fit like a glove.  Loved the way it feels.  It's not the prettiest shoe, but it felt like it wasn't even there yet still provided great support.  So, I think I'm going to roll with this as my next shoe.  Funny thing is she only had it in a 13 but after she put it on, she said the size was perfect.  The same went for a couple other shoes as well as all of the 13s seemed to have plenty of room for my toes. 

So, here's my questions:

1)  With the Karhu, she then put the insert in and I hated it.  I felt the same trying it in every other shoe as well.  She did say it's something I should strongly consider but also said that it may not work with every shoe.  Do any of you have high arches and if you do, do you use inserts?  I feel like so far I've run pain-free and injury-free and don't want to rock the boat but I also understand that I may be looking for trouble without it. 

2)  These Karhu's are $160.  I've never spent anything like that on a pair of shoes.  I can get the others for closer to $100.  My current shoes were only $60.  Nuts for getting those if the others feel fine?  Any experience with them?

3)  I will probably get a 2nd pair to alternate and I'd like to get the Saucony trail shoes but no idea how those will work on the road.  Is it true they'll wear much faster or it shouldn't be a big deal?  You can see in the pictures from the link above how massive those treads are.  And no, I'm not going to run more trails @SFBayDuck.  Otherwise will just get the Nike's.

4)  Any other shoes any of you might recommend taking a look at?

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Look at me, I need a size 14.

gianmarco said:

4)  Any other shoes any of you might recommend taking a look at?

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New Balance Fresh Foam Zante. It's all I wear. And they come in size 14.

ETA: Running Warehouse has the v3 (last year's version) in a size 14 on clearance for $47 right now. Free 2-day shipping, free returns. Order a pair and try 'em on.

@gianmarco I think those shoes are pretty.   

@gianmarco I suggest a second opinion on inserts as she was probably pushing of the inserts  but agree with the trail shoe tread wearing out on roads.  The fit you liked in the Sauconys may/should exist in one of their many road designs.

I rotate between a couple pair of Brooks, a couple pair of TopoAthletics and some New Balance. Haven’t exactly nailed my shoe yet but I know the drop and toe characteristics I like. Gonna wear these out and rotate in some Saucony Kinveras next I think.  

bushdocda said:

@gianmarco I suggest a second opinion on inserts as she was probably pushing of the inserts  but agree with the trail shoe tread wearing out on roads.  The fit you liked in the Sauconys may/should exist in one of their many road designs.

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Second this. Stay away from inserts if you can, especially if your feet aren’t bothering you. I’ve only ever used them for acute issues, and the goal is to get rid of them as quickly as possible. 

Busted out a 40 minute mile today. Suck it, fast dudes. 

Of course it was up and back down about 800’ and looked like this.  More scrambling than anything, sliding down on my butt at times, hoping a big rock didn’t break loose and roll down on me. It was rad.

gruecd said:

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante. It's all I wear. And they come in size 14.

ETA: Running Warehouse has the v3 (last year's version) in a size 14 on clearance for $47 right now. Free 2-day shipping, free returns. Order a pair and try 'em on.

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Wow, just checked it out and that's tough to beat.  Sold.

Just ordered those, a pair of the Pegasus 34 ($30 cheaper) and a pair of Saucony Kinvara 8.  There's also a 15% off clearance code (FB15D) and got all 3 shoes for $175.  I'll report back when they come in a couple of days.  Thanks so much for this. The fact that you have a similar body type bodes well for those New Balance so let's see....

On vacation in Naples, FL this weekend. Not sure what @JShare87 is #####ing about. Ripped off 6 glorious miles this morning. Temp was a beautiful 60 degrees. 

Florida weather kicks ###. 

I was an ASICS guy before I realized how awful they were for me.  My Brooks Glycerins are pricey at ~$125 (Roadrunner Sports), but $160 is a hella lot to pay.  Maybe they will serve you a very long time like my Brooks do.  I swear I was buying ASICS Gel Nimbus like every 3-4 months.  They stretched out so bad they were unwearable.  My Brooks (rotated) last 8-12 months.

ChiefD said:

On vacation in Naples, FL this weekend. Not sure what @JShare87 is #####ing about. Ripped off 6 glorious miles this morning. Temp was a beautiful 60 degrees. 

Florida weather kicks ###. 

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Gonna be a great day on the water today.  Heading to Daytona and then Cocoa Beach here in a bit.

ChiefD said:

On vacation in Naples, FL this weekend. Not sure what @JShare87 is #####ing about. Ripped off 6 glorious miles this morning. Temp was a beautiful 60 degrees. 

Florida weather kicks ###. 

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Not sure I deserved this, but I can’t disagree. About to head out for a long one. No clue how far or fast, just going to run and enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts. Have fun out there, fellas!

Well I hit my path-to-obesity-and-inactivity tipping point last night...I burned my lip badly when some cream cheese squirted out of an overheated cream cheese wonton as I bit into it (pro tip: 10 seconds is too long for a singular wonton, and yes, I then heated up the remaining 5 and housed those as well  ).  So, work should slow and I'm hopeful to get back in the groove now.  

Actually going to be in Montana in a couple weeks.  Anyone do any running in the Bozeman, Billings, or other areas?  Even better if it was on trails.  TIA!!

Race this morning went ok, squeaked out an unofficial 18 second improvement over last year.  Will get a write up tonight/tomorrow - I gotta get out of this hotel room that I cheaped out on and it’s a true POS.

Have a great weekend y’all. 

bushdocda said:

Race this morning went ok, squeaked out an unofficial 18 second improvement over last year.  Will get a write up tonight/tomorrow - I gotta get out of this hotel room that I cheaped out on and it’s a true POS.

Have a great weekend y’all. 

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Some tough elevation and your pacing looked great. Congrats!! Look forward to hearing more.

SFBayDuck said:

Busted out a 40 minute mile today. Suck it, fast dudes. 

Of course it was up and back down about 800’ and looked like this.  More scrambling than anything, sliding down on my butt at times, hoping a big rock didn’t break loose and roll down on me. It was rad.

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I kinda matched you with two 36 minute miles today!  I ran on rocks too ...well, crushed rocks ...OK, concrete stairs of a parking garage that looked like this except it was enclosed.  It was not rad, but it was good training, if mind-numbing with about 60 reps.  I even had company for a bit - a younger (almost by definition) and bulkier guy brought in two 90 lb (!) dumbbells to climb up a flight, do some sprints in the garage, then climb another flight, though he only went through one sequence up.

gianmarco said:

Activate Shoe Talk:

Went to a running store to pick up race stuff. While there, I figured I'd have my feet looked at and fitted for shoes since I've never done that and I'm going to need some soon. The Pearl Izumi's I have are getting near the end and they don't make them anymore. Despite doing road running, I preferred the Pearl Izumi trail shoes with the give they had.  So, that was the main info I passed along.

Store did a 3D scanning of my feet. Close to a 13 in size so she recommended one size up just like we discussed here recently. Problem is that finding 14s isn't easy. Back to that in a bit.  On the scan, I have very high arches but otherwise nothing terribly out of the ordinary. She also watched my gait and it's pretty neutral without any problems with pronation. She did highly recommend that I get inserts for my arch for support. Back to that in a moment as well

Tried a couple of pairs of Brooks. Hated them. So light in the front of the shoe and just couldn't feel comfortable with them.  She then had me try a pair of Hoka's.  Also really disliked those.  Next up was a pair of Nike Zoom Pegasus 34.  These were much better and felt pretty good.  I'd say 8/10.  Because of my current shoes, she then gave me a pair of Saucony Peregrine trail shoes.  I really liked how these fit.  However, the bottoms have some serious tread and she warned that these are going to wear really quickly if I use them for non-trail running.  I was a bit disappointed because I liked how they fit.  Finally, she had me try a new shoe they are carrying called Karhu.

Man, that shoe fit like a glove.  Loved the way it feels.  It's not the prettiest shoe, but it felt like it wasn't even there yet still provided great support.  So, I think I'm going to roll with this as my next shoe.  Funny thing is she only had it in a 13 but after she put it on, she said the size was perfect.  The same went for a couple other shoes as well as all of the 13s seemed to have plenty of room for my toes. 

So, here's my questions:

1)  With the Karhu, she then put the insert in and I hated it.  I felt the same trying it in every other shoe as well.  She did say it's something I should strongly consider but also said that it may not work with every shoe.  Do any of you have high arches and if you do, do you use inserts?  I feel like so far I've run pain-free and injury-free and don't want to rock the boat but I also understand that I may be looking for trouble without it. 

2)  These Karhu's are $160.  I've never spent anything like that on a pair of shoes.  I can get the others for closer to $100.  My current shoes were only $60.  Nuts for getting those if the others feel fine?  Any experience with them?

3)  I will probably get a 2nd pair to alternate and I'd like to get the Saucony trail shoes but no idea how those will work on the road.  Is it true they'll wear much faster or it shouldn't be a big deal?  You can see in the pictures from the link above how massive those treads are.  And no, I'm not going to run more trails @SFBayDuck.  Otherwise will just get the Nike's.

4)  Any other shoes any of you might recommend taking a look at?

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Funny

i have extremely high arches and mid foot running with no pronation. 

I love the Brooks, ghost 9. I went In July to get a new pair. I tried on all the new Brooks released and hated everyone of them. I ended up buying another pair of the ghosts. 

Ive got over 500 on this pair and need to go again. I’ll now hang up and listen

Anyone else enjoy running on the painted lines in the road? During my runs I’ve realized, I really enjoy running on long straight aways. While on the long straight aways, I enjoy taking to the bike lane and staying on the painted line. Not sure why, but when I get on a nice straight away with a painted line, I get this laser focus and run so much better. I know this sounds really weird, just thought I’d share. Anyone else do this?

JShare87 said:

Anyone else enjoy running on the painted lines in the road? During my runs I’ve realized, I really enjoy running on long straight aways. While on the long straight aways, I enjoy taking to the bike lane and staying on the painted line. Not sure why, but when I get on a nice straight away with a painted line, I get this laser focus and run so much better. I know this sounds really weird, just thought I’d share. Anyone else do this?

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  Yeah, I'll do this at times.  

Duck, "roads" are the paved segments that cars drive on.  "Lines" are painted on the "roads" to identify how cars (or bikes on the side) should proceed.  [Coincidentally, the new Runners World, in its article on Shalane, has a picture coming around the bend in a road and running with traffic.  That seems dangerous in a hilly, curvy environment, but I suppose she's fast enough that it's not an issue.]

JShare87 said:

Anyone else enjoy running on the painted lines in the road? During my runs I’ve realized, I really enjoy running on long straight aways. While on the long straight aways, I enjoy taking to the bike lane and staying on the painted line. Not sure why, but when I get on a nice straight away with a painted line, I get this laser focus and run so much better. I know this sounds really weird, just thought I’d share. Anyone else do this?

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I don't do the lines but I do enjoy long straightaways. 

I was briefly in Titusville grabbing a beer and there was a 5k getting ready to start.  Mrs. O looked at me and then flicked the back of my head and said “no”.  So tempting 

tri-man 47 said:

  Yeah, I'll do this at times.  

Duck, "roads" are the paved segments that cars drive on.  "Lines" are painted on the "roads" to identify how cars (or bikes on the side) should proceed.  [Coincidentally, the new Runners World, in its article on Shalane, has a picture coming around the bend in a road and running with traffic.  That seems dangerous in a hilly, curvy environment, but I suppose she's fast enough that it's not an issue.]

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Lol noticed that pic of her running with traffic when flipping through last night.  Maybe uberelites are just faster than traffic   

tri-man 47 said:

  Yeah, I'll do this at times.  

Duck, "roads" are the paved segments that cars drive on.  "Lines" are painted on the "roads" to identify how cars (or bikes on the side) should proceed.  [Coincidentally, the new Runners World, in its article on Shalane, has a picture coming around the bend in a road and running with traffic.  That seems dangerous in a hilly, curvy environment, but I suppose she's fast enough that it's not an issue.]

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I’ve heard of them. Badwater, 135 miles through Death Valley in July is on roads. And you have to run on the white line or the soles of your shoes will melt. 

Speaking of crazy, Barkley kicked off this morning. Sounds like 6 runners are now on the second loop, not sure If any more have a chance to beat the cutoff. And if you haven’t seen the Netflix doc, go watch it right now. Do it. 

Cliffs - didn’t #### myself or hurt my groin ?

Extended Race recap

Marine Corp 17.75k

This is my second go at this race that with a finish prequalifies you for entry into the Marine marathon without lottery.  This my two step plan for last year and when my race reminder sign up in my outlook calendar went off a few months back I couldn’t resist trying to get a slot in the race that fills in about 7 minutes. I wasn’t planning on running the Marine corp marathon in October again this year but that may have changed.  Been training pain free for about 6-8 weeks or so but last month has been pretty good. Expectations were going to be in line with last year time wise and to keep myself in some semblance of control to not blow my trail half in April by jacking up my groin again. My fitness has been getting better and I was optimistic I could push it a bit. Then strangely on Friday at 2am I woke up with a nauseous knot in my stomach and fought a stomach thing for the next 12 hours. Felt better and hit the road for packet pick and my dumpy $80 hotel and was stoked when my hunger came back on the 90 min ride. Drank a ton of seltzer and water and after packet pickup tried to sleep in my stinky motel room. Woke up before the hoops games were even over and then eventually fell asleep again and was up around 445.  Geared up in shorts and long sleeve with balaclava thing in it and a drop layer of sweats as it was 27* and race start at 0700.

Start - through mile 3 was smooth - I was up further in the crowd to start than last year (no corrals) and by 1.5 it was thinned out and I was warm. 

Mile 3 drops a good bit and mile 4 rises pretty significantly and this is where the real start is. I was burning more than I wanted to be here bc I stupidly stress-ran hills earlier in the week.  Grinded it out and hit some water at some point at the top. 

Miles 5-9 I’m really hearing the pain all around me and I’m staying smooth and resisting a pace that’s too fast bc some chunky rock trail up downs are still out there. I didn’t bring music and soaked in the cold air breathing and gasps. I wasn’t hurting as bad as them. I had part of a goo somewhere in here  just before a water spot to wash it down. 

Final push through mile 11 was where in my mind I thought I’d burn it up but it just wasn’t happening with the hills chopping my down. Was pleased to be passing folks and kept a fast cadence moving as my main thought (other than hating this one dude who I kept passing on uphills and he’d catch me on downhills, ####).  Pretty sure last year I said I need to get better at running downhill.  Other noteworthy runners- Phone guy who took a call around mile 5 to shoot the #### with someone waiting at the finish.  And another gent I named the ‘Yes breather’ as he said ‘yes’ with each exhale. WTF. I got the #### away from him. 

Finale and what’s next

I was officially 32 seconds faster than last year and was 8:33 per mile and pleased with my GAP on strava. I am pleased with the year over year time and pleased to be sitting here feeling good and not trashed like last year. Snuck in top 10% of ~2800 finishers. Heart rate monitor consistency has been really bad in the cold lately and has me frustrated but it did pick me up at 192 at one point today which is my highest I’ve seen.  Fun. 

So with the finish I have an entry to the Oct 28 MCM and I was going to defer this year as I wanted to target something new like Richmond or Philly this fall. But turns out my 10 yr anniversary is the weekend of Richmond and we’re going somewhere so I want to target sept/oct race so I’m not a freak show on our trip. So now I will sign up and book at hotel for DC in Oct and perhaps not defer or if I do something in Sept the driveable options include the Steamtown in Scranton or a trail marathon in Alexandria, VA (Chessie Trail??). Nearer term I’m excited for next race in just under a month.

Thanks for the support, advice and being cool.  It means a lot.

gianmarco said:

I know you may be hesitant for surgery, but have you actually met with a surgeon to discuss the procedure, benefits, and risks? Back surgery has changed significantly and I would suggest at least getting educated on it if you haven't already.

Just my $.02.

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one of my guys had his back operated on when he was late 20s. he's now a runner, more fit than since his days in the Army and pain free.

JShare87 said:

Anyone else enjoy running on the painted lines in the road? During my runs I’ve realized, I really enjoy running on long straight aways. While on the long straight aways, I enjoy taking to the bike lane and staying on the painted line. Not sure why, but when I get on a nice straight away with a painted line, I get this laser focus and run so much better. I know this sounds really weird, just thought I’d share. Anyone else do this?

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not me but it's mostly related to how slippery they are in winter....... and since it's winter here 9 months a year :(

Congrats @bushdocda!  Both on the result and not ####ting yourself.

JShare87 said:

Not sure I deserved this, but I can’t disagree. About to head out for a long one. No clue how far or fast, just going to run and enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts. Have fun out there, fellas!

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Just busting your sack a little bit.

Just nice to run in some warm air after a LONG cold winter in KC. Down here for a long weekend, and have gotten two great runs in the last two days.

Ms. Chief even joined me today for a 3 miler on the beach. It was wonderful to run with a warm sun on our faces.

ChiefD said:

Ms. Chief even joined me today for a 3 miler on the beach. It was wonderful to run with a warm sun on our faces.

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I actually caught some of that

SFBayDuck said:

I actually caught some of that

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JShare87 said:

Anyone else enjoy running on the painted lines in the road? During my runs I’ve realized, I really enjoy running on long straight aways. While on the long straight aways, I enjoy taking to the bike lane and staying on the painted line. Not sure why, but when I get on a nice straight away with a painted line, I get this laser focus and run so much better. I know this sounds really weird, just thought I’d share. Anyone else do this?

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Sounds like one of my nightmares.  

Roads are for  !  Hit the trails JShare, and stare at anything other than a straight long line.