Ran a 10k - Official Thread

[tri-man 47 9,083]

You kids and your music ...

[El Floppo 28,977]

The roads are a mess here after today's snow. More expected overnight. Tomorrow's run is going to be a thing.

[MAC_32 12,779]

7 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

The roads are a mess here after today's snow. More expected overnight. Tomorrow's run is going to be a thing.

I was happy to see I wasn't the only mental defect that attempted intervals in this stuff today.

[gruecd 7,433]

11 hours ago, El Floppo said:

The roads are a mess here after today's snow. More expected overnight. Tomorrow's run is going to be a thing.

I made the mistake of not scouting out my route for yesterday's run beforehand, so I was dismayed to fund the sidewalks all along my 12-mile out-and-back totally not runnable.  Ended up running the whole thing on the 3-lane road in the right-turn-only lane.  Ended up not being that bad, but people were definitely looking at me like WTF is this guy doing.

[El Floppo 28,977]

12 hours ago, El Floppo said:

The roads are a mess here after today's snow. More expected overnight. Tomorrow's run is going to be a thing.

Doesn't look like we got hit... Roads were covered, but not terrible. I would have run more recovery miles if I had woken up in time.

[El Floppo 28,977]

4 minutes ago, gruecd said:

I made the mistake of not scouting out my route for yesterday's run beforehand, so I was dismayed to fund the sidewalks all along my 12-mile out-and-back totally not runnable.  Ended up running the whole thing on the 3-lane road in the right-turn-only lane.  Ended up not being that bad, but people were definitely looking at me like WTF is this guy doing.

I know Wisconsin isn't new york, but running on roads scares the hell out of me here. Stay safe, GB

[gruecd 7,433]

8 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

I know Wisconsin isn't new york, but running on roads scares the hell out of me here. Stay safe, GB

I run on roads all the time, but they're normally lightly-traveled suburban roads.  This was a little different, but I had a narrow window to get it done, so I didn't have time to pivot and go somewhere else.

[ChiefD 19,649]

1 minute ago, gruecd said:

I run on roads all the time, but they're normally lightly-traveled suburban roads.  This was a little different, but I had a narrow window to get it done, so I didn't have time to pivot and go somewhere else.

Do you run with traffic or against traffic?

[gruecd 7,433]

1 minute ago, ChiefD said:

Do you run with traffic or against traffic?

The legal way....against traffic.

[MAC_32 12,779]

11 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

I know Wisconsin isn't new york, but running on roads scares the hell out of me here. Stay safe, GB

This is why I have just been bobbing and weaving around my neighborhood since December. Sidewalks are generally not an option here once winter hits. Our burb has 2 of these that clear off the sidewalks on the main roads after impactful snow, but it's only runnable for a day or two after they come through. Neighboring burbs and the metroparks use them more frequently, but experience has proven it's not wise to rely on them without scouting in advance.

[bushdocda 3,538]

Between the crunchy ice, black ice and sheets of ice I am just glad to didn’t eat it this morning. I was fooled by my neighborhood roads being just wet and puddly and should have either stayed in bed or in the neighborhood. 

Next couple days are going to be crap with temps as projected to do a dumb tiny melt/refreeze, will need to high point temps and scope some clear shoulders to get a decent weekend. 

[MAC_32 12,779]

5 minutes ago, bushdocda said:

Between the crunchy ice, black ice and sheets of ice I am just glad to didn’t eat it this morning. I was fooled by my neighborhood roads being just wet and puddly and should have either stayed in bed or in the neighborhood. 

Next couple days are going to be crap with temps as projected to do a dumb tiny melt/refreeze, will need to high point temps and scope some clear shoulders to get a decent weekend. 

The switch is getting flipped Sunday - keep grinding, we're almost there...

[SayWhat? 4,146]

19 hours ago, gruecd said:

The way I sweat, I'd have to come back from each run and put my phone straight into a bag of rice...

I put my phone in a ziplock for this very reason.  It would otherwise get destroyed.  

[gruecd 7,433]

5-10-18 the next three days will get me to my first 60-mile week in a while.  Just over 7 weeks until race day, so another month of grind, then taper.

All gas, no brakes...

[El Floppo 28,977]

Just now, gruecd said:

5-10-18 the next three days will get me to my first 60-mile week in a while.  Just over 7 weeks until race day, so another month of grind, then taper.

All gas, no brakes...

I forget...hm or full?

[gruecd 7,433]

Just now, El Floppo said:

I forget...hm or full?

Full in St. Louis.  According to @gianmarco, it's going to be a flat, fast course, although I've yet to see a course map...

Hoping to use this one as a tune-up race (ideally 3:05-3:10) then hit it hard and go for a PR in November.

[ChiefD 19,649]

1 minute ago, gruecd said:

Full in St. Louis.  According to @gianmarco, it's going to be a flat, fast course, although I've yet to see a course map...

Hoping to use this one as a tune-up race (ideally 3:05-3:10) then hit it hard and go for a PR in November.

He's a liar.

[gianmarco 28,962]

1 minute ago, gruecd said:

Full in St. Louis.  According to @gianmarco, it's going to be a flat, fast course, although I've yet to see a course map...

Hoping to use this one as a tune-up race (ideally 3:05-3:10) then hit it hard and go for a PR in November.

@ChiefD probably has thoughts here.

[gianmarco 28,962]

1 minute ago, ChiefD said:

He's a liar.

 

Just now, gianmarco said:

@ChiefD probably has thoughts here.

Right on cue.

[gruecd 7,433]

1 minute ago, ChiefD said:

He's a liar.

You really can't trust Cardinals fans.

[ChiefD 19,649]

1 minute ago, gruecd said:

You really can't trust Cardinals fans.

Something we can all agree on. 

[gianmarco 28,962]

6 minutes ago, gruecd said:

Full in St. Louis.  According to @gianmarco, it's going to be a flat, fast course, although I've yet to see a course map...

Hoping to use this one as a tune-up race (ideally 3:05-3:10) then hit it hard and go for a PR in November.

The 2021 Marathon will be run primarily on the Great Rivers Greenway: Mississippi Greenway, a paved pedestrian and bike trail that follows the Mississippi River.  The course will be measured and USATF certified, and a Boston Marathon qualifier.  The Mississippi Greenway is a mostly flat trail that starts at the Chain of Rocks Bridge north of downtown St. Louis, and heads directly south towards the city’s downtown area.  The race will end downtown at beautiful Kiener Plaza with a backdrop of the Gateway Arch! 

Final course map will be posted soon.

[ChiefD 19,649]

6 minutes ago, gianmarco said:

The 2021 Marathon will be run primarily on the Great Rivers Greenway: Mississippi Greenway, a paved pedestrian and bike trail that follows the Mississippi River.  The course will be measured and USATF certified, and a Boston Marathon qualifier.  The Mississippi Greenway is a mostly flat trail that starts at the Chain of Rocks Bridge north of downtown St. Louis, and heads directly south towards the city’s downtown area.  The race will end downtown at beautiful Kiener Plaza with a backdrop of the Gateway Arch! 

Final course map will be posted soon.

See. Liar.

[Zasada 3,547]

Haven't run since Sunday.  Longest break since my injury back last summer.

Did weights twice and the stairs once.  The latter destroyed my calves.  Apparently you don't use your calves like that when running or climbing regular mountains.

Sun is out here in DFW today, and hoping it will burn enough of the snow off to prevent another freeze cycle tonight.  If it looks good, I'm hoping to get a long run in tomorrow.

[gruecd 7,433]

1 hour ago, Zasada said:

Haven't run since Sunday.  Longest break since my injury back last summer.

Did weights twice and the stairs once.  The latter destroyed my calves.  Apparently you don't use your calves like that when running or climbing regular mountains.

Sun is out here in DFW today, and hoping it will burn enough of the snow off to prevent another freeze cycle tonight.  If it looks good, I'm hoping to get a long run in tomorrow.

Have you gone and run around White Rock Lake yet?  I know it's a bit of a hike for you, but I ran it once when I was in Dallas for work, and it was really nice.  If you're ever interested in running with a group and meeting some other running peeps, I could put you in touch with a few of my friends who run there regularly.

[Zasada 3,547]

8 minutes ago, gruecd said:

Have you gone and run around White Rock Lake yet?  I know it's a bit of a hike for you, but I ran it once when I was in Dallas for work, and it was really nice.  If you're ever interested in running with a group and meeting some other running peeps, I could put you in touch with a few of my friends who run there regularly.

I haven't.  Now that I'm in DFW for the next few months, I should have a weekend I can give it a try.  It is a 45-minute drive from my house, so maybe just once to see what it's like.  

The upside of my neighbourhood is that I have a lake/river running paths I can run to without having to get in my car.  The downside is that as such I have little incentive to try something new.

But definitely worth a go. You're not the only person who has suggested this to me.

[tri-man 47 9,083]

My fun yesterday afternoon and again this morning (with more this afternoon) is being at the top of my heavy wooden ladder, clearing snow and hammering away at the bad ice buildup along the gutters of the roof of my tall, two story house.  At least if I fall, I've got a lot of snow to land in.

[gruecd 7,433]

12 minutes ago, Zasada said:

...so maybe just once to see what it's like. 

Story of my pre-marriage life...

I'll talk to my buddy and see when they do their group runs.  They're good people.

[El Floppo 28,977]

And it's snowing again.

Want to get 15+/- in tomorrow, but it's going to be a slog.

[gruecd 7,433]

Just now, El Floppo said:

Want to get 15+/- in tomorrow

TWSS

[El Floppo 28,977]

1 minute ago, gruecd said:

TWSS

You want her to downsize?

[Dr_Zaius 951]

56 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

And it's snowing again.

Want to get 15+/- in tomorrow, but it's going to be a slog.

Yep.  I'd like to get in about 10 tomorrow, but I just got back from running over lunch and it was pretty crappy.  I had three options:

1. Run in the middle of the road where there is the most traction, but piles of slush that instantly soak your feet
2. Run along the road shoulder where there is a small coating, and have your foot slip with each pushoff due to the liquid underneath
3. Run on the sidewalks, which have ~1" if they were cleared this morning, but a sizable minority of homeowners didn't clear them at all, and it's surprisingly hard to tell in advance if the next property has 1" or 6" of snow on it.

Hoping it clears up tomorrow.

Also, thought of you - did the NJIT campus tour this week with child #2 and one of the other kids on the tour wanted to do architecture.  I know Newark is nothing like the LES to true city people, but they're all semi-related to outlanders like me.

[Brony 7,655]

8 minutes ago, Dr_Zaius said:

Yep. 

1. Run on the sidewalks, which have ~1" if they were cleared this morning, but a sizable minority of homeowners didn't clear them at all, and it's surprisingly hard to tell in advance if the next property has 1" or 6" of snow on it.

 

I learned the hard way that people who haven't cleared the recent snow are the same ones that probably didn't clear the last snowfall which has now turned to ice. 

[Dr_Zaius 951]

10 minutes ago, Brony said:

I learned the hard way that people who haven't cleared the recent snow are the same ones that probably didn't clear the last snowfall which has now turned to ice. 

Definitely a correlation.  There are a couple of properties that I know to avoid as if they are cleared at all they will be cleared in lazy slipshod fashion.  There's been a bit of a wrinkle the last year or two as township code enforcement started going around and trying to fine the violators a few times, so overall behavior's been better since then.  Not sure what's up with this latest snowfall, as  a decent amount of houses that are normally on the ball have uncleared sidewalks.

[ChiefD 19,649]

17 minutes ago, Dr_Zaius said:

  a decent amount of houses that are normally on the ball have uncleared sidewalks.

Probably have the improper shovel for the specific type of snowfall.

It's a common misconception the basic snow shovel can indeed shovel all types of snow. But that's just not the case. For example:

1. Powder. Any commoners snow shovel will work for this. My preferred shovel is the 24" push shovel I got last year. Perfection.

2. Heavy wet snow. You need a metal bladed shovel with a stout handle. And by metal, I mean metal. Heavy. Strong. @Zasada probably couldn't lift this shovel. Or the snow.

3. Ice, then snow. You need the double here - a scraper and a shovel. Most folks don't consider the scraper as part of the arsenal. But that's what separates the men from the boys. This is the worst scenario. You go from scraper to shovel and back again - over and over and over. 

4. Basic snow. Just wet enough for a snow ball fight but light enough that you can do snow angels in it without soaking your pants. Your standard issue snow shovel works well here.

 

 

 

Edited February 19 by ChiefD

[MAC_32 12,779]

31 minutes ago, Dr_Zaius said:

Definitely a correlation.  There are a couple of properties that I know to avoid as if they are cleared at all they will be cleared in lazy slipshod fashion.  There's been a bit of a wrinkle the last year or two as township code enforcement started going around and trying to fine the violators a few times, so overall behavior's been better since then.  Not sure what's up with this latest snowfall, as  a decent amount of houses that are normally on the ball have uncleared sidewalks.

My parents visited last weekend and were surprised to learn there is no ordinance here about keeping the sidewalks cleared. My wife and I burst into laughter. If the city required us to keep our walks cleared then we'd spend all winter outside with a shovel in one hand and a beer in the other.

Hey...that doesn't sound so bad...

[gianmarco 28,962]

24 minutes ago, ChiefD said:

Heavy wet snow. You need a metal bladed shovel with a stout handle. And by metal, I mean metal. Heavy. Strong. @Zasada probably couldn't lift this shovel. Or the snow.

[ChiefD 19,649]

11 minutes ago, MAC_32 said:

 a shovel in one hand and a beer in the other.

Hey...that doesn't sound so bad...

My mantra.

Live it, brother. 

[JShare87 4,274]

30 minutes ago, ChiefD said:

Probably have the improper shovel for the specific type of snowfall.

It's a common misconception the basic snow shovel can indeed shovel all types of snow. But that's just not the case. For example:

1. Powder. Any commoners snow shovel will work for this. My preferred shovel is the 24" push shovel I got last year. Perfection.

2. Heavy wet snow. You need a metal bladed shovel with a stout handle. And by metal, I mean metal. Heavy. Strong. @Zasada probably couldn't lift this shovel. Or the snow.

3. Ice, then snow. You need the double here - a scraper and a shovel. Most folks don't consider the scraper as part of the arsenal. But that's what separates the men from the boys. This is the worst scenario. You go from scraper to shovel and back again - over and over and over. 

4. Basic snow. Just wet enough for a snow ball fight but light enough that you can do snow angels in it without soaking your pants. Your standard issue snow shovel works well here.

 

 

 

I own zero shovels and zero snow.

[Dr_Zaius 951]

36 minutes ago, ChiefD said:

Probably have the improper shovel for the specific type of snowfall.

It's a common misconception the basic snow shovel can indeed shovel all types of snow. But that's just not the case. For example:

1. Powder. Any commoners snow shovel will work for this. My preferred shovel is the 24" push shovel I got last year. Perfection.

2. Heavy wet snow. You need a metal bladed shovel with a stout handle. And by metal, I mean metal. Heavy. Strong. @Zasada probably couldn't lift this shovel. Or the snow.

3. Ice, then snow. You need the double here - a scraper and a shovel. Most folks don't consider the scraper as part of the arsenal. But that's what separates the men from the boys. This is the worst scenario. You go from scraper to shovel and back again - over and over and over. 

4. Basic snow. Just wet enough for a snow ball fight but light enough that you can do snow angels in it without soaking your pants. Your standard issue snow shovel works well here.

While I do have a scraper that was handed down by my wife's grandfather, I must admit that I own only two, fairly basic snow shovels that we bought when we moved into our house decades ago.  I've been meaning to add because sometimes the kids will help and also the one shovel is a wussy girlie man shovel that just doesn't hold much snow.  Good for not throwing out your back, but takes too many scoops to clear an area for my liking.  My favorite technique with the larger shovel is to just barrel across my driveway like a human snowplow, then when I get to the side scoop the giant pile onto the grass.  It does wear you out fast, though.

While on the topic of snow shovels, given that my shovels have lasted 20+ years, I've never understood why the hardware stores run out of shovels in front of a snowstorm around here.  What are people doing with their shovels???  Do they throw them away when spring comes??

[ChiefD 19,649]

1 minute ago, Dr_Zaius said:

While I do have a scraper that was handed down by my wife's grandfather, I must admit that I own only two, fairly basic snow shovels that we bought when we moved into our house decades ago.  I've been meaning to add because sometimes the kids will help and also the one shovel is a wussy girlie man shovel that just doesn't hold much snow.  Good for not throwing out your back, but takes too many scoops to clear an area for my liking.  My favorite technique with the larger shovel is to just barrel across my driveway like a human snowplow, then when I get to the side scoop the giant pile onto the grass.  It does wear you out fast, though.

While on the topic of snow shovels, given that my shovels have lasted 20+ years, I've never understood why the hardware stores run out of shovels in front of a snowstorm around here.  What are people doing with their shovels???  Do they throw them away when spring comes??

I bought each of my three kids their own snow shovel. Depending on your location now is a great time to buy as the hardware stores are making room for grills and lawnmowers.

No idea what people do with 'em - my guess it's all the new homeowners for that particular year that don't realize they need one until they need one.

[Harris 693]

53 minutes ago, JShare87 said:

I own zero shovels and zero snow.

Same. 60s and sunny this weekend. Maybe I'll even turn a slightly less shade of white. 

[Brony 7,655]

43 minutes ago, ChiefD said:

I bought each of my three kids their own snow shovel. Depending on your location now is a great time to buy as the hardware stores are making room for grills and lawnmowers.

No idea what people do with 'em - my guess it's all the new homeowners for that particular year that don't realize they need one until they need one.

Nothing says I Love You like a Valentine's Day shovel. 

[El Floppo 28,977]

22 minutes ago, Harris said:

1 hour ago, JShare87 said:

I own zero shovels and zero snow.

Same. 60s and sunny this weekend. Maybe I'll even turn a slightly less shade of white. 

To fit a snow shovel would mean removing floppinha.

[tri-man 47 9,083]

4 hours ago, ChiefD said:

2. Heavy wet snow. You need a metal bladed shovel with a stout handle. And by metal, I mean metal. Heavy. Strong. @Zasada probably couldn't lift this shovel. Or the snow.

 

You'd be proud of me, boss.  I've got a very old shovel, as described.  I've had to put repair the connection of said handle to the metal blade portion a couple of times with a new bolt and double nut (ha!  I said double nut).  The metal blade had gotten so worn that at the start of this season, I had to hacksaw off about a thin piece about 1 1/2" long on the left edge that had curled up through the years from tapping off snow stuck on the blade ..meaning that, yes, the full length of the rest of the blade had worn down by that much over the years/decades.  

What I tend to do is use this wide shovel to push snow toward the edges of the driveway and along our long sidewalk, and then use a lightweight ergonomic shovel to throw the snow ...performed, of course, with the preferred technique of bending the legs to assist in the lift and toss.

:waitsforaChiefDstampofapproval:

[ChiefD 19,649]

8 minutes ago, tri-man 47 said:

You'd be proud of me, boss.  I've got a very old shovel, as described.  I've had to put repair the connection of said handle to the metal blade portion a couple of times with a new bolt and double nut (ha!  I said double nut).  The metal blade had gotten so worn that at the start of this season, I had to hacksaw off about a thin piece about 1 1/2" long on the left edge that had curled up through the years from tapping off snow stuck on the blade ..meaning that, yes, the full length of the rest of the blade had worn down by that much over the years/decades.  

What I tend to do is use this wide shovel to push snow toward the edges of the driveway and along our long sidewalk, and then use a lightweight ergonomic shovel to throw the snow ...performed, of course, with the preferred technique of bending the legs to assist in the lift and toss.

:waitsforaChiefDstampofapproval:

This is how a man uses a shovel.

 

Take notes, gentlemen.  

 

[tri-man 47 9,083]

All the work today chipping away at the ice dams on my roof means this will end up being a step-back week before upping the mileage again next week.

Edited February 20 by tri-man 47

[El Floppo 28,977]

21 minutes ago, tri-man 47 said:

All the work today chipping away at the ice dams on my roof means this will end up being a step-back week before upping the mileage again next week.

Sounds like you need to look at getting better ventilation in your eaves.

[El Floppo 28,977]

So to speak.

[tri-man 47 9,083]

33 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

Sounds like you need to look at getting better ventilation in your eaves.

Seriously, is that so?  I look around, and everyone is having this issue.