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Ran a 10k - Official Thread (2 Viewers)

2018 Year-end Report

Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved?
from 12 months ago: "Not a goal per se; just want to run regularly without being ‘that one guy with the bum calf’  If I can do that, we’ll see what we can accomplish."
Didn't really make great progress on this, but it was beyond my control.  
2018 was the year I finished doing many months of physical therapy (dry needling, core strengthening, massage/release).  Diagnosis changed mid-year to TFJ arthritis with empirical therapy of steroid shot into the joint. Seems to have moved things in the right direction. 
 

New accomplishments or PRs in 2018:
Not much to speak of.  Happy to have gotten mileage up to over 25 miles per week for a lil while there.  I haven't got the base to attack anything over 5K just yet.  Here are the results from 5 races:
May 5K    20:15
June 5K    20:22
September 5K    20:40
October  5k    20:40
December 5K    20:13
 No PRs. 

Your proudest and/or best race (or segment within a race):
The 5K in May was probably highlight for the year in that I actually went out slow as I intended and then methodically improved pace, picking off other runners and was in a great groove for the last mile.  That was a good feeling.  
 

Total training volume during 2018:
828 miles in 2018 vs. 866 miles in 2017.  Seems about right.   The body allowed me to do more back-to-back days in 2017. 
 

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:
For many years (decades actually), getting back to running seemed a binary outcome: can run or can't run.  After 4+ years(!) on this rehab journey, I'm now seeing my running as either in a happy spot or going through a setback (rather than re-injury).   Subtle difference, but the mindset has shifted to knowing that I will be constantly running even if I encounter some setbacks.  
Also, if my working diagnosis of Tibiofibular joint arthritis is correct, then this gives me confidence in terms of what I can/can't do to push the leg.  It's still gonna be frustating at times, but it's the beast that I know. 
Aside from running, I'm currently going through exploration of what I want to be when I grow up. I'm also pondering other life goals and inclusion of exercise, stretching is and will always be   a key component of life and well-being.  Not sure if running will always be my thing, but lessons from running spill into discipline in other parts of life.  

Best memories of other guys’ training or races in 2018:
Many other reports have pointed out the specific accomplishments of this community and I don't want to leave anyone out.  I will say that 2018 was the first year where FFA was not one of my first internet destinations in the morning routine.  After checking out other forums/communities, it's pretty tough to beat the group here and still the first thread I pop into when on FBG now that yoga pants is dead.  
Doing race events with Juxt and Tri is always great and I hope we have the opportunity to do more in 2019. 

If we kept track of race times, this would be the place where I would congratulate my fellow runners on their achievements, but since we just run for fun and hugs, I will just offer everyone a virtual high five. 
 

Other experiences or comments (about your year or any of the other guys, including funny memories):
Thanks to anyone who mentioned my persistence in the face of pain/injury in their year-end report, but mine feels like nothing compared to @JShare87 .  That BMF knows a thing or two about running through pain. 
 

Goal(s) for 2019:

Would like to be involved in the St. Louis relay thing in some capacity that doesn't involve foot rubs or any other body part rubs.   Get KOM for one of the segments on the lake path by my house.  More tempo runs.  Get back to running back-to-back days. 
Still need a driver..... :drive: (even though @gruecd doesn't think so).

 
SteelCurtain said:
Guys -- just got an email from the pacer coordinator and he is looking for a couple speedy guys to help lead pace groups in Miami on January 27.  You have to get yourself there, but hotel, race, dinner night before is all paid for.  You also would get some gear to wear of some sort -- even if its just a pacer tank top.  They are looking for pacers for 3:15, 3:30, and 3:35 times.  Generally, you should pace 30 minutes slower than your fastest marathon time.

Thinking of @gruecd, @Juxtatarot, @pbm107, @JShare87, @SteveC702.  I'm sure there are others I have forgotten.

Honestly, its a ton of fun and really rewarding to help others.  If interested, PM me and I'll get you in touch with my boss.
I've paced multiple 3:30 marathons, but I'll be smack dab in the middle of marathon training. It would be an easy effort for me for sure, but it's still 26.2 miles, and the recovery time would #### up my schedule. 

 
For the record, I'm certainly not opposed to having a driver, and it would definitely be nice. I just don't think we need one.
I would agree with this.

But having both driven and run in this, not having one will suck, especially with how fast some of you are. You'll see....

 
For the record, I'm certainly not opposed to having a driver, and it would definitely be nice. I just don't think we need one.
Agreed.  The Michigan guys and I get through Dances With Dirt each October with a lot of back and forth driving between trail routes.  I'm not too worried about us getting through this course on our own.

Word.

 
@JShare87, any luck with this?
I honestly forgot all about you saying this. What is that stuff called again? It’s been a pretty crappy few weeks for me as far as running goes. Have another appointment with a foot and ankle specialist on Tuesday, I’ll try and hit him up for this. Really trying to push through some miles in order to run the TC Marathon again, but this pain is different than the Sciatica pain. On the Sciatica front, the pain is now in my left butt cheek as well as my right. I have been strength training my core and legs like an animal in the gym to mask the pain and it seems to be helping. I will be so fortunate and thankful if I can run pain free in the near future. Thanks for checking. I’ll let you know how it goes.

 
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Guys -- just got an email from the pacer coordinator and he is looking for a couple speedy guys to help lead pace groups in Miami on January 27.  You have to get yourself there, but hotel, race, dinner night before is all paid for.  You also would get some gear to wear of some sort -- even if its just a pacer tank top.  They are looking for pacers for 3:15, 3:30, and 3:35 times.  Generally, you should pace 30 minutes slower than your fastest marathon time.

Thinking of @gruecd, @Juxtatarot, @pbm107, @JShare87, @SteveC702.  I'm sure there are others I have forgotten.

Honestly, its a ton of fun and really rewarding to help others.  If interested, PM me and I'll get you in touch with my boss.
Let me know if they need a 6 hour pacer. I know a slow guy...

 
Brony said:
For any frugal runners, it's hard to beat these fleece tops for combo of comfort and cost: Champion quarter-zip.  I have 3 of these and now running at 12-14 dollars each. They are my go to in 20 to 40 degree weather. 
Speaking of which, they aren't frugally priced but right after I did my 1/2 in November and right before I ran a 5k that was going to be pretty cold, I splurged on a pair of under armor tights and a hooded shirt. I absolutely love them! In the past in the cold, I've always just worn some kind of "sweat pants"/"running pants" (i.e. cotton stuff way back when or the ever-stylish nylon running suits from like the 90s) or just sucked it up and let my legs be cold while wearing some kind of sweatshirt or layers up top.

The UA running tights are phenomenal - very comfortable, have been more than warm enough in runs in the 15-20 range and still plenty comfortable when it has been a little warmer. Kind of like wearing a hug around my legs! I almost wish I could pull it off to wear the tights for daily wear - it would totally mortify my daughters. My younger one just rolls her eyes every time I put them on to go run - which is completely a bonus/extra motivation to get out there! ;)  

The hooded shirt can almost be "too toasty". On longer runs when it's only about 30, I have have found myself shedding the hood and my gloves to help cool me off a bit. While I don't mind it cool, I've never really enjoyed running in the cold. Like if it was 30 or less, it wouldn't take much for me to make excuses. I've loved my Saturday runs with this the pair of them. 

However, combined they were probably $80-100 but they should last for a really long time. I'll invest in another set at some point, I'm sure. Kind of hope I can catch them on an end of season sale later this year and get another set for next year.

 
2018 Year-end Report

Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved? 

 Not sure yet. I need to sign up for a race and get on a regular training plan. I am just not motivated enough to grind out a lot of miles just for the heck of it. I need an end-game in terms of a race to keep on track.

So I know for sure I will run a 5K with my son. That will be in April, and my goal will be to bring him in under 30:00. I am still eyeing the Carmel, IN half marathon. I know @gruecd will be there. I think I just need to sign up and commit to it and quit being a damn poosaaaayyyyy about it. 

Those were my goals I typed up last year, so I have a mixed bag. Mostly good:

5K with son: didn't happen. He didn't really take to running like I thought. He finished his cross country season, but it's not for him. 

Sign up for a race: Yes - did a couple. The trail race back in February, which led to the half marathon in April. Obviously didn't do the Carmel half, but that's ok. I got a couple races under my belt to springboard me to a better year.

New accomplishments or PRs in 2018: 

Feeling more like myself. Probably the best accomplishment was being able to get rid of my cholesterol meds. My change in diet combined with the exercise has made me feel better and stronger than I have in years. 

Your proudest and/or best race (or segment within a race):

 I would say the trail race I had in February. I was doing that race for fun - just to try something different. But when I finished that race, I felt good. Mainly - that I didn't feel drained or bonked or tired. I felt energized. And then to complete that training cycle and post a good run at the half marathon - and AGAIN coming out of that race feeling strong and energized. That's when I knew I was onto something.

A race or race training disappointment during 2018:

My only disappointment is that I don't feel I did enough to prepare for this marathon cycle. I certainly have prepared BETTER than I have in the past, and I am in better shape leading into this cycle. But I think if I had added more mileage throughout the summer and fall I'd be in a really good place. But I can't really complain - I had a nice balanced summer and fall with my life and with my kids and wife. 

Total training volume during 2018:

 1207 miles. This is my best ever by 100 miles. And pretty much doubled what I did in 2017.

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:

Don't give up. Take the proper measures to enact change in yourself. Because sometimes the changes do work. And it was nice to see actual proof in myself, both in the cholesterol readings and also my body. I'm down to 150 pounds, which means I lost about 6 this year. And I'm a lot leaner and healthier - with my core work I'm doing I can probably lose another 3-4 pounds and still be good and strong. 

Best memories of other guys’ training or races in 2018:

So many. I think the previous race reports all sum up the best already. So I echo those. So many PR's this year. This kind of stuff just keeps this community moving.....literally. 

Other experiences or comments (about your year or any of the other guys, including funny memories):

The amount of new runners coming in here and getting going has been awesome to see. @The Iguana comes to mind, and also @gianmarco. Love seeing the enthusiasm and the quick progress achieved by all you guys. And it was cool meeting gianmarco - he's a good dude, a good family man, and has so much potential as a runner.

@SFBayDuck - watching his disappointment but then coming back strong to wipe that taste out of his mouth. That's what #BMF-ers do. Just incredible.

Goal(s) for 2019:

This one is a moving target. My original goal for the marathon was 3:59:59. Just break that magical 4 hour mark. But now I'm thinking more aggressive. I ran that 1:51 HM in the spring. Based on the Hanson book and his pace charts and the running program, that puts me somewhere in the 3:51 area. 

So I'm not sure yet. I'm thinking this:

A Goal: 3:50

B Goal: 3:55

C Goal: 3:59

I've been running my speed workouts a tad faster than even my A goal, so I may need to back those down some. But either way, I feel pretty damn good right now.

Final Thoughts:

During my hiatus, I worked on a little something for you guys. 

Enjoy.

 
 2018 Year-end Report

Best memories of other guys’ training or races in 2018:

Most everything has been covered here, by people with much better notebook skills than I.  As @Juxtatarot referenced, I often feel like what I do is a totally different sport than what most of the rest of you do.  But I'm constantly inspired by the newer runners in here, and their passion for learning.  And by the wily vets, lunging and run-streaking their way to ridiculously fast finishes.  And by you fast 5K/10K dudes, knocking out paces that I couldn't hit in 400M repeats on the track.  And by those of you finding time to not only run, but swim (really far, in @JAA's case!) and bike as well.  More than anything, it's the camaraderie and accountability in this place that makes it awesome.

I will specifically call out two that haven't been touched on much by others that really stood out to me (for obvious reasons):

@SteelCurtain chewing up his first 50 miler at JFK in under 10 hours.  Dude just puts in the work, and it showed on race day.

@SayWhat?'s 100 mile finish and Western States qualifier (and course PR) at Superior.  I know you've got a lot going on with a young family and work, but I'd sure love to see what you could do with a training block worthy of your natural talent.  Maybe when you get into States?
Appreciate the mention, @SFBayDuck.   That said, I should really be publicly shamed for not even finishing a damn race report (it's been 80% complete for 3 months)!  :lmao: :(   But you've  nailed it on the head for me.  Life just always gets the best of me at this stage of the year with kids in school coupled with work becoming increasingly busy and more stressful along with all the other responsibilities of life.  I have some running goals this year that I've shared with my wife, but generally speaking I'm looking to have my first consistent year, on a month-to-month basis, ever.  And a big part of that is to start building a base so that I can put my best foot forward to nail Western States if/when I ever get in. 

I've been battling through the lows of late and realizing that I just don't have enough time in the day for everything that I'd like to accomplish.  So on that front, posting in this thread seems a necessary casualty.  And that may just be for the better as I feel like if I'm not semi-regularly contributing, then there's less reason to chime in.  I still check in almost daily to follow along with what everyone is up to, and always derive motivation when I do.  So keep up the incredible work everyone.  This is a special place.  Hoping everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season and wishing you all a Happy New Year! 

 
Did my 32km run last Saturday and my 21km today (a day early) so that makes the last 7 days a mileage high for me:  114km (71mi).  Also I think this is the first time I have strung together 7 days of stuff in a row.  Granted, two of the days were pretty lazy hikes, but the Higdon plan I'm on called for them to be rest days anyway.  Figured a slow hike was better than sitting on my ###.

Legs are in pretty rough shape.  Trying to hold MP today on my run was hard.  Winds didn't help either, but I was sore right out of the gate.

Houston is two weeks from Sunday.  Yikes.

 
Did my 32km run last Saturday and my 21km today (a day early) so that makes the last 7 days a mileage high for me:  114km (71mi).  Also I think this is the first time I have strung together 7 days of stuff in a row.  Granted, two of the days were pretty lazy hikes, but the Higdon plan I'm on called for them to be rest days anyway.  Figured a slow hike was better than sitting on my ###.

Legs are in pretty rough shape.  Trying to hold MP today on my run was hard.  Winds didn't help either, but I was sore right out of the gate.

Houston is two weeks from Sunday.  Yikes.
Nice job!  Sounds like a taper is in your future.

I was hoping to get in a decent run today as we're supposed to get a series of storms over the next five days bringing in 5"-8" of rain that should leave the trails a bit of a mess, but my knee is feeling "wonky" just walking around.  Not painful, almost a little loose feeling.  Just decided to give it a day, and I'll re-evaluate tomorrow.

 
Ran a 5k XC race today. It was the third in a series of three I had signed up for with a friend and his son. Not my greatest time of late but one of the more fun runs I have done in awhile! This race is what I always pictured cross country races would look like before I ever actually ran one back in high school. I had some warning of what the course was like but had never run it nor did I get a real chance to scout it out. 

The first 1/2 mile started off narrow - like 2 or 3 wide was all that was possible - and was pretty much all downhill in a winding path with lots of tree roots to navigate. Second 1/2 mile was mostly paved and nice and wide and relatively flat. Finished this mile in 7:57 and was feeling pretty good. Then things got fun...

Just past the one mile mark we went back into the woods and for the next half mile, it was rolling territory with a single lane path, a log or two to leap, some mud/ruts to navigate and generally rolling trail terrain. Then it got ugly. At about the 1.5 mile mark there was a creek to cross, that I actually leaped and thought I avoided the water they warned about... Until I got around the corner and came to the real creek/water/mud they had mentioned. This actually went on for a couple of tenths of a mile - it was sloshing though water, mud and muck! By the time I got through that my legs were feeling it and my heart rate was up. Got back to solid turf and the running slung most of the muck off my shoes. 

After that the course met back up with the original path and we retraced our steps. This time with a bit of running on the flat road before getting getting back to the narrow, tree root infested path - going uphill this time.

Course measured a little short on the Garmin - 2.97 miles instead of 3.1 and my watch recorded a time of 26:02. Mile 2 with the muck and gunk was the killer. I went 7:57, 9:20, 8:45 (.97 miles). 

Not estactic about my time but it was a fun run. I was covered in mud up to my thighs by the time I finished and my feet were soaked and cold. A balmy January day was appreciated, for sure. Although had it been sub freezing the last few days it might have been easier or at least less muddy. Might not have been as much fun.

 
Ran a 5k XC race today. It was the third in a series of three I had signed up for with a friend and his son. Not my greatest time of late but one of the more fun runs I have done in awhile! This race is what I always pictured cross country races would look like before I ever actually ran one back in high school. I had some warning of what the course was like but had never run it nor did I get a real chance to scout it out. 

The first 1/2 mile started off narrow - like 2 or 3 wide was all that was possible - and was pretty much all downhill in a winding path with lots of tree roots to navigate. Second 1/2 mile was mostly paved and nice and wide and relatively flat. Finished this mile in 7:57 and was feeling pretty good. Then things got fun...

Just past the one mile mark we went back into the woods and for the next half mile, it was rolling territory with a single lane path, a log or two to leap, some mud/ruts to navigate and generally rolling trail terrain. Then it got ugly. At about the 1.5 mile mark there was a creek to cross, that I actually leaped and thought I avoided the water they warned about... Until I got around the corner and came to the real creek/water/mud they had mentioned. This actually went on for a couple of tenths of a mile - it was sloshing though water, mud and muck! By the time I got through that my legs were feeling it and my heart rate was up. Got back to solid turf and the running slung most of the muck off my shoes. 

After that the course met back up with the original path and we retraced our steps. This time with a bit of running on the flat road before getting getting back to the narrow, tree root infested path - going uphill this time.

Course measured a little short on the Garmin - 2.97 miles instead of 3.1 and my watch recorded a time of 26:02. Mile 2 with the muck and gunk was the killer. I went 7:57, 9:20, 8:45 (.97 miles). 

Not estactic about my time but it was a fun run. I was covered in mud up to my thighs by the time I finished and my feet were soaked and cold. A balmy January day was appreciated, for sure. Although had it been sub freezing the last few days it might have been easier or at least less muddy. Might not have been as much fun.
Sounds awesome!

 
Sounds awesome!
It's been a loooooooonnnnnggggg time since I've done a true trail run. Have done plenty of hiking but not really any runs.

Really forgot how fun it could be. Of course, also kind of forgot the extra challenge of the mud and muck, not to mention just making sure you stay upright while traversing tree roots and the like. 

 
In the last two days I've entered the lottery for the Wasatch 100M (September 6th) and signed up for the San Diego 100M (June 6th).  That's on top of being registered for Way Too Cool 50K (March 2nd) and Miwok 100K (May 4th).

I think I need to give my credit cards and ultrasignup.com passwords to someone else for safe keeping.  

 
In the last two days I've entered the lottery for the Wasatch 100M (September 6th) and signed up for the San Diego 100M (June 6th).  That's on top of being registered for Way Too Cool 50K (March 2nd) and Miwok 100K (May 4th).

I think I need to give my credit cards and ultrasignup.com passwords to someone else for safe keeping.  
I might write another song just for your obsession:

Duck is nuts

Duck is nuts

I’m not kidding

Duck is nuts

 
Wouldn't mind a little feedback.

Currently don't have any races or training planned for a while.  In fact, the only race I'm currently signed up for in the next 6 months is the relay race at the beginning of June.

I'm starting to get back out there.  I will say, though, that while running in the cold isn't bad once I'm out there, my motivation to get out and run in the cold sucks.  It's just different than throwing on clothes and getting out when it's warmer.

Anyway, there's a HM on March 9th that looks decent (and price is only $50 if I sign up in the next couple days).  My wife thinks I should sign up for it for some motivation even if it's not an attempt to PR or anything but just to use it as training.  I will say that while I enjoyed last year, having a race every 2-3 months started getting tiring by the end and having a bit of time to recharge was something I was looking forward to.  I also have the nagging discontentment of my first HM experience just a few months ago.

Would you sign up for it, even if I'm not going to do a formal training plan for it?  Or just take the break and ramp up miles when it starts to come? 

 
Goal(s) for 2019:

Have fun.

But seriously, I want to get a good 2-3 month base stretch of hitting 35-40 MPW and see where that takes me.  After that, I'm looking forward to our relay race in June and hope I can do well and better than last year.  Finally, that HM in October is circled on the calendar.  I'm going to make it my #####.
Your post about the half marathon confuses me.  When were you expecting to start this 2 to 3 months of 35-40 miles per week training?  I think you should start it now and use the half marathon in early March to measure your progress.  Run it the best you can and if you are disappointed in the result, use that as motivational fuel to get better.  After that, continue on with training for an "A" race is April or May.  This way you'll be in near top shape for our relay.

 
Wouldn't mind a little feedback.

Currently don't have any races or training planned for a while.  In fact, the only race I'm currently signed up for in the next 6 months is the relay race at the beginning of June.

I'm starting to get back out there.  I will say, though, that while running in the cold isn't bad once I'm out there, my motivation to get out and run in the cold sucks.  It's just different than throwing on clothes and getting out when it's warmer.

Anyway, there's a HM on March 9th that looks decent (and price is only $50 if I sign up in the next couple days).  My wife thinks I should sign up for it for some motivation even if it's not an attempt to PR or anything but just to use it as training.  I will say that while I enjoyed last year, having a race every 2-3 months started getting tiring by the end and having a bit of time to recharge was something I was looking forward to.  I also have the nagging discontentment of my first HM experience just a few months ago.

Would you sign up for it, even if I'm not going to do a formal training plan for it?  Or just take the break and ramp up miles when it starts to come? 
Personally, I need a race/goal to work towards in order to put full effort in. It sounds like you are similar. If I’m not training for a race, it’s tough to roll out of bed at 5 am in order to get some miles in. This is why I always sign up for a marathon in the summer. There is no way I would be getting out of bed to run at 150+ SI at 5 am if I wasn’t training for a race. I say you sign up for it because at the very least it will hold you accountable to put some quality miles in. Just my 2 cents, but you’re the one with the brains in this group. 

 

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