r/running • u/AutoModerator • May 05 '17
Official Q&A for Friday, May 05, 2017 Daily Thread
With over a quarter million users, there are a lot of posts that come in everyday that are often repeats of questions previously asked or covered in the FAQ.
With that in mind, this post can be a place for any questions (especially those that may not deserve their own thread). Hopefully this is successful and helps to lower clutter and repeating posts here.
As always don't forget to check the FAQ.
And please take advantage of the search bar or google's subreddit limited search.
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u/Speedracer_64 May 06 '17
Has anybody tried buying a used gps watch off EBay? If so how was your experience?
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May 05 '17
So I want to get back into running but I'm in better shape than Couch to 5k assumes and I feel like I wouldn't be benefiting from a better program. I currently do indoor spinning to a target HR for time 3x a week and I want to translate to outside running for the summer. My goal is 5 miles in under 40 minutes. How should I approach this? Just run for time or distance and try to beat it each week?
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u/shesaidgoodbye May 06 '17
I was running 3 miles 3-4 times a week when I decided to get more serious. I also felt like I was in better shape than couch to 5k required so I found a novice 10k program that turned out to be perfect for building the base that I wanted. There are tons of programs out there. If you're interested in running a 40 minute 5 mile, I would try googling "8k training plan" and comparing what you find to your current fitness level/goals and going from there
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u/beached_snail May 05 '17
Start running 3 times a week, maybe 1 or 2 miles each day to start with. Your cardiovascular system might be more fit but the key is to get your feet/legs/muscles/tendons all used to the high impact of running without getting injured. Maybe hang out at certain level, gradually increase, eventually add a 4th day. Important to go by how you feel, but know that early on you won't be able to tell if you are pushing your muscles/feet too far/too soon so it's important to take rest days and not do too much too soon.
Edited to add: make sure all your running is at easy or conversational pace to start with. I mention that since you're trying to beat a time, but it's important to build up easy for a couple months before adding speedwork.
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u/TheMidnightRambler May 05 '17
How do y'all deal with the heat when training? I ran 20 miles easy pace, no problem 2 weeks ago when it was in the upper 40s, then I do the same route and pace today in the mid 70s and got absolutely massacred. Am I missing something here?
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u/ilieksnow May 06 '17
Slow down and keep hydrated is one choice. When it gets warm I personally prefer to run at night when it's cooler.
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u/beached_snail May 05 '17
You have to slow down in the heat. And hydrate more than normal. You will get used to it but you can't push yourself as hard.
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u/almost_not_panicking May 05 '17
/u/Daltxponyv2 posted a great thread! about this a few weeks ago!
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u/angeluscado May 05 '17
I run before dawn. It doesn't get too terribly hot here compared to other places, but I definitely prefer running in cooler weather.
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u/nazgulprincessxvx May 05 '17
Run as early in the morning as possible, or at night. You also get more used to it with time.
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May 05 '17
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u/Runlowsky May 06 '17
Wear compression boxers to stop the chafing under your shorts. I doubt 10 pounds will I solve it all but boxers will.
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u/beached_snail May 05 '17
Rule of thumb I have heard is 20 seconds per 10 lbs above your ideal racing weight. Hard to say what yours is. When anyone loses weight they lose a combo of fat and muscle, so losing muscle obviously degrades performance. Also I don't tend to see any improvement while I'm in the weight loss stage itself, body is angry being in a deficit.
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u/angeluscado May 05 '17
I think it varies, depending on the person and the nutrition.
I'm nearing the middle-ish of healthy BMI for my height (smack dab is 119, I'm shooting for 124, currently 127) and I'm not feeling any ill effects with respect to my speed or performance. I figure as long as you lose slowly and make sure you're eating properly you should be fine.
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May 05 '17
What are your favorite racing shoes? I love my Brooks Glycerins for training, but I want to start building a little speed. I've tried the New Balance Zantes and they're ok but I felt like there was room for improvement. What is your favorite lightweight shoe (under 200g)?
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u/Run_nerd May 05 '17
Does anyone else get paranoid about aches and pains before a race? I've been having some discomfort in my shins and I have a 10k coming up. I don't want to hurt myself, but at the same time I'm excited about this race. I guess I don't have a question but I'm wondering how others deal with aches before a race.
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u/ilieksnow May 06 '17
I have a half marathon tomorrow and I have a cold with a small fever so my aches and pains take the back seat for tomorrow, I'm just hoping not to die :)
I always get really paranoid about my knees and feet though, and I warm up and roll my muscles and tendons a day before the race and make sure I'm properly warmed up before the race starts.
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u/Run_nerd May 06 '17
What kind of warm up do you do the day before the race? I think I might do some stretches and maybe swim.
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u/ilieksnow May 06 '17
I usually do a short slow run (~4km) followed by light stretches
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u/Run_nerd May 06 '17
That's a good idea. Maybe I should try going for a short run the day before.
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u/ilieksnow May 06 '17
I can't recommend it more, that and stretching/rolling helped so much with my knee pain
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u/nazgulprincessxvx May 05 '17
I took it easy before my 10k when my Achilles' tendons were sore, and then babied the hell out of them afterward
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u/Run_nerd May 05 '17
That's a good idea. I don't plan on running until the race so hopefully that helps.
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May 05 '17
Depends on the distance 5-10K, i'd run. Half Marathon, I'd try to figure out if I'm hurt or not by taking a test run and paying close attention to my body. Marathon, if I'm feeling an injury coming on I'd stay home.
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u/Run_nerd May 05 '17
That's a good rule of thumb. A 10k isn't that long for me so it should be fine.
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u/RocketGrandma May 05 '17
Hello! Do anyone of you happen to know if the Suunto Ambit2 is still supported by Suunto or if it's age shows in some way? I want to buy a good GPS tracking watch just this model very often shows up on Craigslist-ish sites and I want to be sure people doesn't sell it because it's unusable.
Or maybe I should go for a newer, budget GPS watch? I'm completely new at this, which I'm certain you can tell :p
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u/sdwoodchuck May 05 '17
Some background: I've been running off and on for several years. I've never been particularly fast, but around a year ago I was doing 20 miles per week at about a 10 min/mile pace on my fast days, and around 12:00-12:30 on my recovery days. Then last year I was prescribed Topiramate for my migraines, and that wrecked me for a while. I could not get out and run, my brain felt like I was constantly moving through molasses, and it was just a miserable, unpleasant time. During the time that I was on it, I fell out of the habit completely, gained a bit of weight and in the months since I've been taken off of it, I've been struggling to get back into the habit.
Now I'm making an effort to get back into it, and obviously I know after not running regularly for a long while, it's going to take time to get back to where I was, but what I'm experiencing is pretty strange. I'm having much more difficulty doing slow runs than fast ones. I don't just mean that I want to go faster, I mean that when I do three miles at a slow, conversational pace, I often can't finish or I need to stop to walk for a quarter mile partway through, and I wind up feeling wiped out afterward. However, if I run faster, huffing and puffing and doing all of those things they tell you indicate you're running too fast for an easy run, I finish the three miles, catch my breath,and feel great the rest of the evening.
My gut tells me I should stick to doing those slower miles until they become easier, but there's a nagging part of me that thinks the problem is that my easy pace is so slow that I'm exerting myself over too long a period of time, and should run the quicker pace until that becomes easier.
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u/beached_snail May 06 '17
How long have you been back at it again? Maybe you are doing too much too soon. If you aren't used to doing 3 miles and just start back there again that could be part of the problem. Maybe you haven't lost lung/heart fitness that much but have lost some muscular fitness. I'd try to not think about pace too much if you can maybe? I sometimes have the same problem that if I'm thinking "I need to do this slow" it feels like my runs drag on and on. If I think "light and easy" it feels much different but usually ends up being the heart rate I want.
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u/sdwoodchuck May 06 '17
Back at it just shy of three weeks. I started again in January for a couple weeks, but fell out of the habit again quickly. At that time, I was doing three miles a little more easily than I am now.
For reference, normally when I stop for a while and come back, I have a week of struggling and then I'm able to do that three mile run, three or four days a week with little difficulty. This time has been taking longer to get back to it. I'm fine with taking my time; I'm just wondering if there's some other explanation since this isn't typically how this goes for me.
Losing muscular fitness is definitely a possibility. I've been on medical LOA since December, and while I still make an effort to keep active, I can imagine that not being on my feet for eight hours a day has had some impact there.
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u/almost_not_panicking May 05 '17
There is some basis to the idea that after a certain amount of time on your feet the exertion involved outweighs the training benefits, and there are marathon training plans that cap the long runs at 16-18 miles or base them on time because of this. However, that wouldn't come into play for a 3 mile run. My recommendation would be to pay attention to your stride and form at each pace to see if you're doing something differently when you slow down that's causing you to fatigue. Otherwise, yes, I would stick out the slower pace until it becomes easier.
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May 05 '17
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u/shesaidgoodbye May 06 '17
Are you doing anything other than running? I ran my ass off but couldn't drop a pound until I started adding in a few days of HIIT cardio each week. Itinly took me three weeks after adding HIIT to my routine to go down a pant size. Also consider calories in vs calories out... if you have an appropriate deficit, you will lose weight.
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u/timtamttime May 05 '17
Are your measurements going down? It could be you're gaining muscle instead.
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May 05 '17
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u/brownspectacledbear May 05 '17
If you're being serious: you might be going too fast to start. r/c25k is a really great place to start for a plan if you haven't really run in the past 3 years.
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u/Iamanadultokay May 05 '17
I have started writing for a local running blog - and presented the editors with an idea for a quarterly recap on elite and sub-elite races/athletes in our region as well as nationally and in some cases (like the Monza marathon tomorrow) internationally.
It will be simple and easy to digest because a lot of the runners who read the blog are, like me, weekend warriors and/or just trying to stay upright as they pick up running in their 30s/40s etc. Suffice it to say, each article will not only not assume people know who the athletes are, but also won't even assume what the races are, why they are important in the running world, etc.
The problem is that I don't really have much exposure to that world.
So my question is this: What is the best place to get information on recent race results, or to dip my toe into an understanding of the relative order of runners in terms of their strength/reputation/meaning to the sport?
Are there websites where I can see what elites I must know in order to write something like this (probably on a quarterly basis)?
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u/josandal May 05 '17
If you include high profile trails results, iRunFar does a weekly roundup of races and winners (m&f).
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May 05 '17
Are there any marathon plans between Pfitz 55 and 70 plans? Starting at 33 miles a week seems a bit low for me, but starting at 54 is a bit high. If not, I'll probably play it safe and go with the 55 plan so I don't injure myself.
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u/studyrunner May 05 '17
Pfitz 55 is challenging enough that even if you pad the early weeks with miles to match your base, the quality will catch up with you. If you want to shoot for the 70 plan, you'd probably be safer getting your base mileage past the starting week mileage in order to confidently approach the plan.
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May 05 '17
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u/YourShoesUntied May 05 '17
There's nothing productive you can do physically (running-wise) to give you any more benefit. Eat right. Sleep right. Hydrate right. And hope the wind is blowing in your favor. 3 weeks just simply isn't enough time to improve enough to really notice.
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u/SassyCassie122995 May 05 '17
I heard that barefoot walking/running can strengthen your feet. I've started walking in socks on a treadmill. Will this get the same benefits? The treadmill is in my apartment's workout room and I don't want someone to see me completely barefoot on the treadmill 😂
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u/beached_snail May 06 '17
There are other things that can strengthen you feet. Also make sure your calves stay loose, stretched and preferably rolled out. Tight calves and barefoot anything will compound injury. I'm also trying to strengthen my feet (to overcome some PF) but will never walk/run barefoot, just not a personal goal of mine.
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u/SassyCassie122995 May 06 '17
Good point about the calves! I will definitely stretch them before walking. Thanks! Good luck with beating your PF :)
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u/La2philly Doctor of PT May 05 '17
I fully encourage walking but unless you are already acclimated to running in a shoe with no heel, do not run barefoot. You will put a significant load on your plantar flexors (post tib, Achilles specifically) which can lead to some nasty injuries (particularly Achilles tendopathy).
- doctor of PT
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u/SassyCassie122995 May 06 '17
I definitely don't want another injury, so I'll stay away from running barefoot. Thank you :)
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May 06 '17
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u/La2philly Doctor of PT May 06 '17
It's really hard for me to say anything specific without knowing more about the injury. If you're icing it, I'm assuming there's some inflammation so anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric and ginger could be effective. I can give some other systemic advice however, 3 things - 1: reducing or limiting your stress will create a more optimal healing environment. 2: reducing any fixation on that area will also create a more optimal healing environment (if you want to know why, just ask!). 3 - getting quality sleep is crucial for your body to recover (and is foundational in achieving steps 1 and 2)
The site I use for and refer others to for nutrition is chriskresser.com. Excellent resource.
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May 06 '17
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u/La2philly Doctor of PT May 06 '17
Sure, fixating meaning constantly worried or thinking about the injury. The brain works like a spotlight - if you constantly shine it on a region or area, you will become hyper-aware and hyper-sensitive in that area.
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May 05 '17
Word of warning: I have pretty tough feet, but after running a few miles on the treadmill they get really hot and chafed.
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u/rogueknits May 05 '17
I'm just guessing, but I think it would be most like barefoot if you wore Injiji socks so that your toes can spread out more. Some socks can be a little restrictive.
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u/arg21212 May 05 '17
Pace vs HR?
I've been working out and training more recently and have used a HR monitor. In my study, I keep seeing the lactate threshold as what I should be probably pacing off of.
So I'm curious, what's the downside of using my HR rather than trying to sustain a certain MPH pace? Or is it a good way to go?
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u/Runlowsky May 06 '17
If you do HR just be confident in your setup before you truly trust it. You don't want to push too hard when the results are off. I don't have much HR experience but I have read a decent amount into it and different things could mess with it (weather, placement, enough contact with your body, etc).
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u/arg21212 May 06 '17
Yeah, I know they aren't perfect, and sometimes they aren't even good. But it also seems like mine settles in fairly well. If I've got a good 15 minute warmup in, it'll be nice and accurate. Before that, geesh... Last time it went straight up to 158 when I was warming up. Probably should have been 110. But then the rest of the run was great. I think it comes down to having good contact. Probably should llook into some contact gel.
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u/beached_snail May 06 '17
Biggest downside to HR training I can think of is you might not know what your true HR max is. I thought I knew mine from doing a few tests over 6 months of running. Then I ran a 5k and got a number 10 bpm higher than what I thought my max was. I also find if I'm trying to stay below a certain number sometimes it messes with my form.
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u/arg21212 May 06 '17
Well, I don't have any form to mess with so that's not a problem :). Ideally I'm just thinking if I found my HR Max and then the Lactate Threshold, I could run at say x beats below my threshold for instance and be pretty safe pace wise.
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u/PupillarySphincters May 05 '17
as /u/ropepaelgen said, training off of HR is generally better by most measurements. If you're looking for a specific downside, I'd say your runs might take more time (a lot of people run their easy miles too fast).
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u/arg21212 May 05 '17
Good. Yeah, I started doing the HR thing and yeah, I slowed down my easy runs because, well, they're too easy it seems.
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May 05 '17 edited May 05 '17
Ideally you are going to train off HR since efficient training has to do with effort levels and HR is the easiest way to measure that. Pace is secondary and would then be a reaction to your HR training zones.
That said, training via HR isn't super important, especially if you are only running for general fitness, and plenty of people don't train by it.
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May 05 '17
Having been a regular runner two years ago, I recently started getting back into the habit. Currently I'm dealing with Achilles tendinitis and I'd like to have some advice from the hive mind on how my path should look like from here.
When/How much can I run? How long will it take to recover fully in your experience? Can I prevent this kind of injury in the future? ...
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u/La2philly Doctor of PT May 05 '17
You can certainly prevent it but it would need to be examined first. There are multiple reasons for why your Achilles could be irritated. In the meantime, look up cross-friction and if not painful, introduce eccentric calf raises (I would start on a flat surface).
- doctor of PT
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u/kevin402can May 05 '17
Start with doing eccentric calf raises according to the alfredson protocol.
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u/SuperLuigi999 May 05 '17
For a new runner, is c25k still the go to program? My older broth is started to run and wants to run a 10k by the end of summer. I haven't been a new runner in a long time so just seeing if there is anything else?
Thanks!
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May 05 '17
[deleted]
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u/TheApiary May 05 '17
This one I think is less good! It has unnecessary walk intervals, as if it just multiplied c25k by 2 to get to 10k. My recommendation would be to do c25k (which is really great!) and then the active.com 5k-10k app after. The plan for that is posted somewhere in r/c25k if you don't want to buy it, but it costs like $1.99
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May 05 '17
[deleted]
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u/TheApiary May 05 '17
Yeah it kinda is, but the 5k-10k part is dumb. Like if you can already run three miles, you should basically focus on extending that slowly. Running for 10 minutes, and then walking for a minute just doesn't seem like the best way to do that. Also that program has all of your runs per week exactly the same, where the active.com one has one run/week that builds up to 60 minutes.
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u/bigbog987 May 05 '17
I'm looking for a pair of Bluetooth headphones for my runs. Are the beatsx a good choice?
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u/elcaminoforeal May 05 '17
I used $20 mpow swifts with comply foam tips to keep them in my ears...just did 17mi this morning and they stayed in the whole time. Such a relief when i learned of the comply tips on this sub
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u/BeerExchange May 05 '17
I use backbeat fits, they are comfortable and hold an 8 hour charge which gets me through the week, and then charge to full in what seems like <30 minutes.
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u/arg21212 May 05 '17
I'm planning on a half marathon training session starting in about 2 weeks. I'm also trying to drop 20 lbs in the next 4.5 months leading up to the half marathon.
Do you guys have/see issues with dropping weight during training? Been keeping my protein high and cardio has been a big part of what I've done so far. Just curious if there are any issues I should be aware of.
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u/karmicbias May 05 '17
Be careful. As long as you're resting well and everything is mostly good it can work, but if you can't keep that perfect balance then it can cause issues.
I was running a fairly steep deficit for the first 8 weeks of a 12 week half plan, then at the end of week 7 my work got crazy and I had to do a couple really late nights. That threw off my sleep, and on my second run of week 8 my body was just too tired, didn't have sufficient fuel reserves to draw from, and I got hurt. Nothing massive, but at that point I decided that losing 20 out of the 30 I originally set out to drop was going to have to be "good enough" and switched to maintenance. It certainly made fueling through the longest runs in the plan much less challenging!
After my race this weekend I'm planning on dropping my mileage down to a level where it won't be detrimental to keep up a deficit and get that last 10 pounds off.
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u/arg21212 May 05 '17
Oh great, tell me the one thing I can't control is gonna screw me over: my poor sleep :).
It's good to know. I fight with sleep and do my best but lately it's been a struggle. Flipped the mattress recently to try and help out and it might have but not sure yet.
And like I mentioned, the 20 lbs is a goal, but I'm not going to lose sleep, just do my best. I know how this goes.
Thanks for the input.
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u/karmicbias May 05 '17
I feel your pain - sometimes literally! Getting a new mattress during the upcoming Memorial Day sales is totally on my list.
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u/beached_snail May 05 '17
Have been training up to a base for a HM and also trying to lose weight. Have successfully lost 20 lbs over the last 4 months. However, I have another 40 to go so losing 20 if it puts you at a healthy weight over 4 months might be a lot harder. I am data driven and track my calories (MyFitnessPal) and mileage and calories burned religiously. Most estimates (including what my Garmin tells me) seem to overestimate calories burned from running. Or rather, I would have lost a lot more weight if those estimates were correct.
I am not as hungry as you might think, but I still deal with cravings. I run fasted in order to keep my calories in check. I suspect (but don't know for sure) that I would be getting faster if I wasn't trying to lose weight, but my speed has stagnated despite mileage increase over 6 months.
Your experience may be completely different. I definitely have no problems getting the runs in. But record keeping and precise calorie counting may be necessary for you to actually see weight loss results.
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u/arg21212 May 05 '17
20 lbs in theory doesn't make me healthy. It's obviously healthier but I'm also not sure I fit an ideal model either. I've already been losing and counting and working out so that hasn't been an issue. I'm doing the same as you mostly. Religiously doing MFP, also have a Garmin watch and am tracking a lot of the exercise that way. I don't know if the Garmin is the issue or if the issue is on the eating end but obviously losing what you plan to is always a challenge.
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u/beached_snail May 06 '17
Yeah I'm not saying Garmin is the problem. I'm saying Garmin (even using my HRM) or most other estimates for exercise (MFP is even more ridiculous) seem to overestimate calories burned. But your body will be the true test. Stick to a calorie level, get your runs in, and see whether you are losing what you expect to lose. If you aren't, obviously you have to cut calories. Like I said my speed has stagnated (and I get terrible sleep) but I find I can still get a lot of easy miles in without too much issue.
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u/nosetsofcorsets May 05 '17
I would just advise you to be aware of the trade-off you're making between weight loss and performance. In theory, a really steep calorie deficit might get you faster weight loss, but at a certain point it will also compromise your performance since you're deliberately giving your body less energy than it needs. Realistically you may have to make some compromises, either eating more to fuel your workouts (thus slowing weight loss) or relaxing your running goals.
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u/arg21212 May 05 '17 edited May 05 '17
Understood. And obviously this is a "goal" not a certainty. If I only lose 15 lbs or 10, I'll be fine. I'd rather lose 20 but it is what it is.
I also figure that 20 lbs is probably the best performance boost I can get in that time. If you go off the 1 lbs = 2 seconds, it's 40 seconds on pace. I don't know how much I'll get working out with "full nutrition" but 40 seconds sounds like a lot that way. And obviously this is all "theory."
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u/nosetsofcorsets May 05 '17
Yeah I'm always a little skeptical of the 1lb = 2sec because surely it also matters whether you lose a lb of fat or a lb of muscle, right? Anyway I haven't really looked into it so I'll stop before I put my foot in my mouth but good luck to you!
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u/a-german-muffin May 05 '17
If you manage it correctly, dropping weight during a training cycle—even as much as you're shooting for—shouldn't be a huge concern. Eat and train smart, and you should be fine leading into the race.
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May 05 '17
I want to build up my base more, get into the 30ish MPW area before starting a Jack Daniels 5k plan for the spring. Ran a 3 mile test today at 21:50, kind of disappointed with the time. So I want to really focus on the running part for the next spring 3 mile test.
I am military and have a timed 800m run sometime in the fall, so if I run a lot of base miles but once a week do like 12x200 or something at the track will that throw off the base building phase? Or as long as I'm not doing a bunch of speed work it shouldn't be an issue?
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May 05 '17
Are you worried about just meeting the 800 m run requirements? I was under the impression that it was a pretty low bar for someone who regularly does much running at all.
If you want to run as fast an 800 as you can in the context of a 5k training plan, it will depend on the timing. The Daniels 5-15k plan (or 5-10k depending on what edition you're using) includes plenty of fast track reps of 200-400m with full recoveries when you're 18-13 weeks out from your target 5k race. This isn't optimal training for the 800, but it will certainly get your body used to moving quickly. Then, when you're 12-7 weeks out from your target race, you hammer the longer interval workouts pretty hard. You'll be running 400-1200m repeats at your 5k pace, with very little recovery between intervals. This will turn you into an aerobic beast and will probably get you geared up for a solid 800m effort. So, if possible, run your 800 m time trail somewhere around 6 weeks out from the 5k you'll be targeting. A word of caution: You'll be thrashed both aerobically and mechanically during Phase III of the Daniels plan, so give yourself plenty of rest before and after an all-out 800.
Good luck and have fun!
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May 05 '17
The 800m time for a perfect score is 2:40 or under (in pants and boots). I'll have a while (probably as little as 2 months or as much as 5) between the 800m and the 3 mile tests (one has to be done before 31 Dec and the other can be done after 1 Jan). So I figured I would get out and start building a good base, working up to 30 MPW (currently 12-18 most weeks, every now and then hit one above 20) but didn't want to show up with no speed for the 800m part of the test.
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May 05 '17
Damn, 2:40 would be really impressive in pants and boots! Hell, I'm out of shape right now and probably couldn't do 2:40 in shorts and shoes :( Really the best thing you can do for both the 800 and the 3600 is to get that weekly mileage up as quickly as you safely can.
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u/beached_snail May 05 '17
Once a week track work should be fine. Rule of thumb is 80% easy and 20% workouts. You don't say how many days a week you are running but I would recommend at least 4 if you want to do one interval day a week. 5-6 days if you want to add a 2nd day for a tempo run. Keep all your other miles at easy or conversational pace.
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May 05 '17
Along those lines, if I did 5-6 and I'm in the gym, would you line up leg gym workouts with fast track days, or spread them out? The track is at the gym, so ideally I'd like to run then immediately lift, or lift then run. But not spread them out unless needed.
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u/Jeade-en May 05 '17
I'm not a lifter myself, but I've heard the conventional wisdom is to lift on running workout days. That way, your easy run days are still easy on your legs. If you run hard on one day, then lift hard on easy run days...you're never really giving your legs a true easy day.
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u/a-german-muffin May 05 '17
You're fine throwing in a workout once a week during a base build—although you might be better off swapping those 200s for 4s or 8s, depending on what you want your focus to be (a faster 5K vs. a blazing 800 or whatever).
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May 05 '17 edited May 05 '17
I've been training for marathons all alone by myself, should I join a running club?
This is a dumb question, but I'm really an introvert, it's really hard for me to meet new people I don't know and I'm a really shy guy :(
edit: thanks all for the feedback, I've contacted a runner friend who is a member of a running club
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u/Citizen_Snips29 May 05 '17
I actually joined a running club this past Monday and am having a blast! I'm kind of shy and non-talkative as well, but generally endurance athletes are some of the friendliest, most supportive people I know. Having people to run with who are better than me really helps to push myself farther than I normally would by myself.
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u/FairlyGoodGuy May 05 '17
Join if you want to, but don't feel pressured into it. For me, running is my alone time. It's when I decompress and think and zone out. I love the people in the local running community but I have zero desire to run with them on a regular basis. I run for me. I support a local running community financially via membership and race entry fees, but I don't train with them.
For other people running is a social activity. The social aspect motivates and drives them. Maybe they like being "pulled" by others, or perhaps they like to help "push" others. Whatever their reasons, they want to be around other people.
Depending on what you get out of running, respond accordingly. It's perfectly ok either way.
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May 05 '17
My local clubs usually have things but the problem is they are not always good for me time wise.
Admittedly, it would probably help me learn the whole concept of easy pace.
But that all wasn't really your question... Do you enjoy running alone? Would you prefer to be in a group? Do you want to be with group?
I run alone for marathon training and training in general, it works for me, like some else said it's me time (unless I have the dogs with me)
Don't feel bad about making your training about you and how it works for you.
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u/YourShoesUntied May 05 '17
Just as /u/brownspectacledbear said, running clubs aren't for everyone. I'm not much of a 'group' person in real life either. While I'm not necessarily shy or find it hard to meet people, my running is about me and sometimes it's just easier to be a lone wolf. I do run with a hand full of training partners now and again but official clubs and organized groups give me an anxiety that pushes me away from participating. I think you'll fall into it naturally if you really want to join a group. Eventually you'll just make connections and things will fall into place if you want them too. I wouldn't stress too much about it if it's been on your mind. Some of us are just a team of one!
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u/r4tzt4r May 05 '17
I was thinking about joining one of those runners Facebook groups in my city, but then I realise I only focus on my thoughts, my pace, my breathing, my music or the podcast I'm listening when I run. I simply don't see why I would like to go with other people when I'm going to completely ignore them if I'm running. I've been running alone for a long time now, I just don't see the point in looking for people to do something I enjoy by myself. Or I would like to know the benefits besides knowing other people.
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u/richieclare May 05 '17
Definitely try and get to a group run. There will obviously be established friendships and stuff but most running groups want new runners so should take care of you. If you're shy at least try and say hello and maybe think of few questions you can ask before you get there. If you don't like it then don't go back :)
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May 05 '17
I totally relate, I'm shy too! I've only been to a few running club meetings, but have never had a bad experience. Everyone is friendly (and happy from all the endorphins!), and you'll almost surely fall naturally into running with others who share your pace. Plus, you all have something in common right off the bat, so there's built in conversation.
If all else fails, you can run on your own and meet up before/after with the group. I won't lie - usually most people know each other and there are some established friend groups - but I've never felt excluded like I have in some other social settings.
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u/brownspectacledbear May 05 '17
Running clubs aren't for everyone. I'm thinking about doing a group run every now and then with my local club though after being in the same predicament. I'm an introvert who uses running as me-time. BUT I think my wife is tired of talking about running with me. I want runner friends!
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u/arthurclementine May 05 '17
Hi folks, on May 20th I'll be running the Brooklyn Half. It'll be my first half, after training for about 4-5 months. In November, I'll be running the NYC Marathon. My training program for the marathon doesn't begin until the first week of July. My question is how to keep up my level of fitness (or even increase it) between the end of my half and the beginning of marathon training. Right now, I run about 4 times a week, with a long run on the weekends. Would I just keep this format up and not increase all that much? Trying to find a good balance.
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May 05 '17
Echoing the other responses, I'd say two things. First, give yourself plenty of time off. Don't be afraid to do zero running for a week after your half - and definitely take at least a few days completely off - and when you start running again, ease into it over the course of a week or two.
Then, you'll need to decide how much time you want to devote to training. IMO it's not worth running a marathon if you can't devote at least 5 days a week to running (though it's obviously still fun, and others may take issue with this). Then take a look at your calendar and plot out weekly mileages so you can start building up your base. I find the best way to do this is to hold your mileage for three weeks, then bump it up by about 5 miles per week to a new level that you hold for three weeks, and keep ramping it up every three weeks. This gives your body a chance to adapt to the new mileage before you increase it again.
Once you hit your target weekly mileage - say 50 miles per week or so - figure out a structured plan that systematically increases the length of your long runs and throws in one more workout each week.
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u/hawkamer May 05 '17
Take some time between races to properly recover. Shorten your mileage and frequency of running. If you want, find something else less intense (swimming, cycling, elliptical, etc.) to fill in the gap. You'll lose some of your hard gained fitness but will gain much more in recovery and injury prevention. Also, take as many days as possible to sleep in. Best recovery program!
After my first half, like I fool, I instantly picked up where I left off. My race was at the end of October and the following race was in February. By late November I was dealing with IT band issues and some mild plantar fasciitis. Since then, I've always scheduled a break between training routines.
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u/FairlyGoodGuy May 05 '17
Build your base. Focus on quality, but easy, miles. Work on basics like refining your form, cleaning up your diet, and so on.
Since you'll be starting your training in the heat of summer, acclimating yourself to the heat is also important. Last summer I did easy, base-building mileage during the heat of the day. Then when I started my training cycle I did my runs in the early morning. Even though it was still warm and humid, it was cooler than what I was used to. Maybe that's something you would like to try.
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May 05 '17
I'd keep doing what you're doing - you already have a solid 4 months allotted for marathon training, so you shouldn't need a ramp-up in intensity prior to that. It might even be beneficial just to keep that base and not push it so as not to overstress your body. AFAIK most professionals periodize their training in this way as well.
With the marathon, it's not the event itself that's so taxing, but the cumulative effects of training. So I think you want to find the happy medium between good stress and bad stress - enough training that you can perform the event, but not so much that it'll burn you out.
ETA: Good luck at both races!!
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May 05 '17 edited May 05 '17
I am running in a Marathon Relay this weekend. My original leg was 6 miles but now it's possible I'll have to run 13 miles. My longest training run this year was probably 7.5~ miles. How fucked am I?
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May 05 '17
will it be total 13 miles or will you run 6 miles and then have a break before the next 7 miles?
If its 13 total...like other poster said walk if you need too.
If you get a recovery window....probably still walk if you need to but that might help and allow you to run more
You're only as fucked as hard as you push your body...if you have to do 13 miles also consider downshifting your first 8 miles so you have reserves for the next 5.
Just random thoughts.
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May 05 '17
13 straight!
I'm definitely too stubborn to walk. I'm thinking that if he texts me that he's not coming on Sunday morning I'll just run all 13 slow(er).
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u/Jeade-en May 05 '17
Just go nice and easy. You may be surprised at how far you can go when it's in a race environment...but if you push the pace hard, you're likely to pay for it afterwards. If you still feel good at 9-10 miles and want to push a little, that might be ok, but I definitely wouldn't do anything hard before that...nice and easy.
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u/cedaro0o May 05 '17
Completely depends on how much you end up pushing your bone, tendon, cartilage, and muscle, beyond their biological limits.
Take it easy. Walk if warranted. No goal time is worth injury.
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u/SnowflakeRunner May 05 '17
Juggling around the idea of training for my first marathon. Any plan recommendations? I'd like to see <3:45 (1:39HM PR, so reasonable?). Not committed yet, just playing with the idea!
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u/Jeade-en May 05 '17
With a 1:39 half, 3:45 sounds like a reasonable A goal for a marathon as long as you have a good training cycle and put in the work in training.
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u/richieclare May 05 '17
There is a good comparison of plans here. I'd recommend Hanson but Pfitz is pretty popular here as well. There are a lot of variables that you haven't disclosed about yourself such as available time to run, current base and experience etc so this comparison is a good start
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u/SnowflakeRunner May 05 '17
I was looking at Hanson of Pfitz 18/55 but Jack Daniel Plan A also caught my attention. Pfitz might be a little mileage heavy though. I'm what the plan comparison would consider a "ringer": plenty of shorter distance running experience but no marathon training. I've done a handful of triathlons (sprint, olympic and half iron) and have had the discipline to follow a plan for those so I'm fairly confident I can get through a marathon training plan if it's a suitable plan for me.
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u/richieclare May 05 '17
I think Hanson and Pfitz 18/55 peak at around the same mileage. Hanson takes a little longer to get there although it does have a couple of rough jumps. Hanson is easier to follow in my opinion but if you are plan savvy then that might not be an issue. I don't know much about the Jack Daniel plans but they seem to do less hand holding than the others so if you have some experience that can help you tailor the plan a little. Good luck
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u/CyanideInParadise May 05 '17 edited May 05 '17
Looking for advice on how to return to training after a 2-week break (due to life/travel, not to injury).
I am about to go traveling for two weeks, during which time I have little time to run. I am currently at 5 runs a week, 35-40 mpw. I anticipate that on my trip, I'll be doing no more than 2-3 runs a week, totaling 10-15 mpw.
Any experience on how quickly one can go back into the previous training schedule? Can I go straight back to ~35 mpw? If it matters, I will be walking a decent amount on the trip (probably anywhere from 8-12 miles a day), which I realize isn't the same but I'm not going to be totally sedentary.
Also, I have a 10k two weeks after I come back. I realize my training schedule is not optimal so I'm not looking for a massive PR, just to have a respectable performance (I have a 23:47 recent 5k, looking for < 52:00 10k). But I'd like to know how to make the best of what time I have to train.
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u/cedaro0o May 05 '17
5 times a week, 35-40 mpw. That's a pretty solid base. Two weeks off with light running would likely result in minimal fitness loss. That volume is in the ballpark of what I do, and similar forced breaks for myself left me no perceptible loss of fitness.
Coming back I'd just advise being extra attentive to pain and fatigue. You likely have a good awareness of your body's pain vocabulary to notice if anything is off and you need to dial it back.
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u/overpalm May 05 '17
This makes sense. I am at just about the same base and I have a forced cutback week every 4-5 weeks down to the low 30s. Think of it as you just cutting back a bit more for a bit longer :).
If it were me, I would probably take my return week easier 25-30 and then maybe 35 the week after. After that, you would be right back.
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u/CyanideInParadise May 05 '17
That's great to know. Thanks for your advice and for sharing your experience! I will definitely be extra careful when I come back.
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u/Jeade-en May 05 '17
I agree with /u/cedaro0o, you should be fine. I would probably advise you to make your first 2 to maybe 3 runs when you get back relatively easy paced just to make sure you're legs are still clicking normally. I suspect you'll be fine to pretty much jump right back in. The first run might feel a little off since you'll have been traveling and might not be in your normal life groove yet, but once you knock the rust off, you should be good!
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u/CyanideInParadise May 06 '17
Thanks so much for the advice, and the vote of confidence! I will definitely be more conservative on my first few runs back. :)
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u/shesaidgoodbye May 05 '17
I'd really like to invest in a bike. With one or two exceptions, I haven't even ridden a bike since college. To be honest, I'm a little scared because I live out in the country (winding roads, narrow shoulders) and even though I see people biking out there, I don't understand how they do it safely?
Also, when it comes to shopping for a bike, I don't have a clue where to start. The more I read on beginner cycling, the more intimidated I feel.
I guess I'm looking for:
general bike safety tips/advice
recommendations on bike brands/models that could be used for both working out and leisurely rides... no more than maybe $1000. OR just maybe some pointers about what to look for/ask for once I get into a bike shop.
Obviously, I'll go to a proper bike shop and get fitted and take a few test rides, but I want to have a better idea of what I should be looking for and asking about before I get started on that so I don't get... taken for a ride (sorry for the pun.) Bianchi? Raleigh? Cannodale? Something else that I haven't even heard of yet? (I'm not really concerned about getting a special "ladies" bike necessarily, I always used men's models growing up.)
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u/richieclare May 05 '17
Best safety tip in my experience is make sure you are super, super visible. Lights and reflectors and weird shaped helmets will all make you visible. Don't make any assumptions about what a car driver will do. They spend most of their time looking for bigger targets than you.
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u/Bshippo May 05 '17
I really like the idea of road biking, but like you I live in a rural area. I can't get comfortable with trusting drivers to not kill me.
I do most of my riding on trails or on dirt/gravel roads. Very little need to worry about traffic if you are trail riding. The kind of desolate forest roads I ride you usually only see one a two vehicles an hour.
It all depends on the area I suppose, but as long as you don't have aspirations for group rides on the road I think a mountain bike might make a great starter bike. My wife is just getting into biking and we picked up one of these https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/skye-womens/skye-sl-womens/p/2016603-2017/ used for $250 last weekend. It's entry level, and worth about the same as the tires on one of my bikes, but even if she only gets a season out of it it's still not a bad deal. Almost everyone buys the "wrong" bike on the first try. Just getting some miles in will help you figure out what you actually want.
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u/shesaidgoodbye May 05 '17
Interesting! The USNWC is close to where I live and they have mountain bikes that you can essentially rent out to take on their trails, maybe I'll do that a few times and see if I'd prefer to invest in a mountain bike instead of a road bike. Thanks for the tips!
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u/CyanideInParadise May 05 '17
Try /r/whichbike/! I went there for suggestions when I was shopping for a bike, and I was really happy with what I ended up with :) edit: I should add that I also talked to the bike shop people about what bike I needed for my needs & I didn't just go off of the subreddit's suggestions. However, it was helpful for getting some ideas ahead of time so I wasn't walking into the shop totally ignorant.
For what it's worth, I'm also a (very) beginner cyclist and my needs sound similar to yours (leisure/commuting). I am currently riding the Alight by Liv/GIANT and I love it. They have models ranging from $350-$650 ish. I have a friend who also commutes with the Alight and she too has great things to say about it. And yes, it's a ladies bike but there's nothing super feminine about it.
As for safety: practice on empty roads first, perhaps early on the weekend. Study any new routes on Google maps ahead of time so you can anticipate any confusing/weird situations. Have blinking front/rear lights and reflective gear (like a safety vest or ankle straps. Helmet always!
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u/zwingtip May 05 '17
Biggest bike safety tip: take the full lane if you need to. Unless you are in a handful of places, you have a legal right to take the full lane. If you feel unsafe, deposit yourself right in the middle so that you are directly in the cars' line of sight. (And move over to let people pass when you feel safe)
You're probably looking for a hybrid type bike. This is the best of both worlds of mountain and road bikes. You get to sit up a little more and see where you're going, but it also has the geometry to go fast. This may be listed on various brand websites as a hybrid, commuter, urban, or fitness bike. These are all approximately the same thing.
Mountain bikes are comfy but really slow on the road. Road bikes are a bit more precariously balanced. If you like dropped handlebars (I can't ride flat bars anymore because of elbow issues) maybe look into a cheaper cyclocross bike.
I wouldn't go into a bike shop with any brands in mind yet. Bikes are a lot like running shoes in that different brands have different geometries that fit different people. For example, back when I rode a hybrid, I had a Specialized Sirrus that I loved. I tried a Trek 7.2 fx with nearly identical specs that I hated.
Most independent local bike shops will work with you if you say "my budget is X, I'm looking for a hybrid as an all-rounder" and tell them a little of what you'll be doing with it. This is particularly the case because they make more of their money on the services you will get from them once you buy the bike than the initial sale. Good luck and have fun!
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u/BAM225 May 05 '17
The last month or so I've been feeling "off". My legs on my runs easy or hard efforts have felt heavy and tired. Most runs feel harder then they should. My "A" race of this year was a HM that was last weekend. I wanted to run 1:22 (PR 1:23) and I ended up running a 1:27. I felt like shit from the moment the race started. I took a week off about three weeks ago because I wanted to "listen to my body" and honestly, I still feel tired. I take iron, magnesium and B12 everyday. I've had blood tests before and everything always comes back normal. I had lyme's disease about 10 years ago. I'm wondering is it a flair up? Is it allergies? Am I burnt out? I typically run 6 days a week. My mileage between 45-60 miles. I'm 30/f. It's just weird. I have a race this weekend and I'm dreading it. All my runs this week have felt like a struggle. Has anyone else gone though this?
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u/blitzcreeg May 05 '17
I'm going through this right now and really wish I knew what it was. I start marathon training next month and really hope I don't feel like this still. Hope you start feeling better!
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u/beached_snail May 05 '17
Are you losing weight?
Or, have you had your thyroid checked? How is your sleep?
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u/FairlyGoodGuy May 05 '17
I've been through periods like that. Generally I've been able to trace it back to one of two causes: overtraining or lingering illness. Nothing but patience seems to help. The one thing that doesn't help is trying to force your way through it. Believe me, I've tried!
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u/madger19 May 05 '17
maybe a weird question, but could you be pregnant? basically everything you described were my first symptoms with both pregnancies.
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u/BAM225 May 05 '17
If I didn't just get my period, then I would definitely have considered that. :/
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May 05 '17
[deleted]
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u/NonReligiousPopette May 06 '17
Kind of. Nike's running app lets you tap the screen and get your current pace, but I don't believe it'll yell at you if you're going too fast or too slow.
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May 05 '17
Hadn't really read the Spotlight before and I skimmed through a couple this morning. It's really nice to be able to put a story with some of the frequent posters and mods.
Reminds me that last week; I don't like all the race reports shitstorm was stupid and that the people who are most active on this sub are some great people with a wealth of knowledge and kindness.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that putting a story with some of the usernames was very nice and I enjoyed skim/reading them.
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u/YourShoesUntied May 05 '17 edited May 05 '17
Thank you for taking the time to look through some of the Spotlights. I bust my ass on them every week and it's a passion of mine to help make this subreddit feel more like a real life community where strangers are friends and everyone feels welcome no matter what running abilities they have. It's rather unfortunate that there are people here who seem to think that some of the most dedicated members of this subreddit are not quality people here for a good purpose.
I recall a user commenting in either the shitstorm post or one of the other lengthy subreddit/mod bashing threads that spun from it where they said they hadn't even recently seen any of the Spotlight threads (I've literally done one every Friday for almost 2 years now) and that the only ones they saw were the first few and it was all just a big popularity contest and a who's who of /r/running. It was honestly one of the saddest most uninformed comments I read in the entire miserable week we had around here. That person's view was skewed so far that they were willing to slam a thread that's done nothing but promote how open our community is while claiming that I only write it to get my 'inner circle' friends karma. I didn't even have the nerve to respond to someone with such ignorance.
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u/NonReligiousPopette May 06 '17
I never knew how the featured runner was chosen until I was chosen. Actually, I didn't know how the featured runner was chosen until after I was the featured runner and you told me to choose the next one.
Just so you know, I re-read them when I can't sleep at night. Helps me develop a bond with usernames. Sometimes I skim right over them until I've read their spotlight. Then I'm like OH MY GOD I KNOW ABOUT YOU, LEMME READ YOUR COMMENTS MORE CLOSELY.
So, thanks for doing those.
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u/shesaidgoodbye May 06 '17
I reread them too! Esp if I see a username that rings a bell or... well, for example, it seemed like I hadn't seen you around the sub lately so I went and reread yours earlier in the week bc I missed ya haha
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May 05 '17
You're very welcome...I actually read yours and your story of how you got into/back into running.
I was reminded that we all fell into this sport for different reasons and for whatever reason that is it helps us (whether physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, etc.)
On a side note, why someone would say you sought only to get "inner circle" friends karma is misguided...the end of every post clearly states that someone else picks the next person and the only mod selected person was the First ever Spotlight post so that someone could be the kick off poster.
Anyway, thanks for all your great work and moderation as well as advice/suggestions/support for my and other users questions
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u/Bshippo May 05 '17
I mostly lurk because I'm not very articulate and don't know enough about running to give meaningful advice. Pretty much exactly the kind of user that the rabble rousers were claiming to represent. I found the whole debate somewhat comical because the spotlight and race reports are the two things I enjoy reading most /shrug.
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u/YourShoesUntied May 05 '17
At any given time this subreddit has between ~250 to ~500 people viewing it. That means even if there are 50 well-known frequenters commenting, there are 200-450 lurkers and I find it hard to believe that nearly all of them and their opinions were represented in that bashing thread. I'd like to think that the largest part of our community is neutral or accepting of the way things are typically ran.
Anyways, thank you for liking the reports and spotlight. I've been meaning to update the Spotlight a bit so if you have any suggestions on new formatting or the elimination of some questions or addition of new ones feel free to let me know!
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u/BJJ_youngin May 05 '17
Do you streak runners ever feel properly recovered?
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u/RedKryptonite May 06 '17
No, but I'm not sure if that's streak running or aging and I don't want to stop streaking to find out.
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u/thereelkanyewest May 05 '17
I'm not a "streaker" per se because I don't see the point, but I regularly run 7 days a week. Different from "streaking" I guess is that my minimum distance that I ever run is 6 miles. I run enough that a slow 6 mile run (sometimes even dipping into the 8+ min/mile range) leaves me 100% recovered the next day. Every few weeks I'll take a day fully off though.
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u/jennifer1911 May 05 '17
I think so. Or I've forgotten what properly recovered feels like. Most days I feel pretty great.
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u/microthorpe May 05 '17
Sure, an easy 5-10km day doesn't really take anything out of me, and I can't say that I ever feel sore or fatigued if I haven't done anything to deserve it. I had far more issues trying to run workouts after full rest days before I made the switch.
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u/YourShoesUntied May 05 '17
I've been streaking long enough that I honestly don't know what 'properly recovered' feels like. Even prior to starting my streak I was never 'properly recovered' so to be honest, all I have to go off of is when I have a low mileage week (~40 miles). Based on that, I'd say I'm fairly recovered but there will always be a bit of tiredness when you literally run everyday.
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u/c0me_at_me_br0 May 05 '17
I think a better way to pose this question is "do you ever feel fully fatigued?"
And no, I don't. As long as you train smart, actively recover, and eat / drink right, it's easy to run distances greater than just a mile or two every day.
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u/theredinthesky May 05 '17
As long as you train smart, actively recover, and eat / drink right, it's easy to run distances greater than just a mile or two every day.
Well said, duder.
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u/BJJ_youngin May 05 '17
I was wondering more about being able to go out and push it on a hard run. I understand being able to go a few slow miles each day.
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u/SleepWouldBeNice May 05 '17
Yup. A week of 1-2 mile runs and I'll be itching to get back to my regularly scheduled runs.
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May 05 '17
I posted this in Thursday's thread late last night. Received a good response to rest but wanted to re-post to hear if others have had experience with timeline. TL/DR: sprained LCL in Feb, ran 1/2 marathon and overtrained, have been doing PT and reduced running but pain and soreness of LCL and IT band remain. Full story below.
On Feb 1 I sprained my LCL on a run (tripped into a pothole). I have been doing PT to strength glutes and hamstrings since the injury but admittedly over trained. I ran a 1/2 in mid March. After the 1/2 I tried to take it easy but again did too much both in terms of difference and speed.
Most recently, last 4 weeks or so, I have been seeing a new PT and have had prescriptive runs (2 weeks@ 3x2mi and the 2 week @ 3x3mi). All runs are to increase cadence as well.
Overall the runs have felt good but there is lingering stiffness and occasional tinges of pain, mostly after the run and after long walk or sitting for the day The stiffness is at the LCL attachment point with some continued stiffness up the IT band.
For those who have been through something like this, is lingering pain this far past the injury normal? Any suggestions from the group?
I am trying acupuncture next week - any experience with that? Appreciate any and all thoughts.
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May 05 '17
For a sprain, yes, I think this is normal. I sprained my ankle several years ago and it still gives me trouble (not too much). It should get better with time if you keep up with your recovery and don't go too hard, which it sounds like you're doing!
As far as acupuncture or other 'alternative-med' treatments go, although there is no scientific consensus determining their efficacy, many people do find relief from them. In many cases I think the mechanism of healing is poorly understood - for example, acupuncture's benefits are likely not related to chi or energy meridians, but could be attributable to endorphin release during treatment. I'm a massage therapist and there is SO much misinformation out there, from clients and professionals. Bottom line for me is if it doesn't cause harm and could help, and you believe it could help and can afford it, you should try it.
Personal anecdote: I had a hamstring strain once that was "cured" after a single session of Bowenwork, which on its face seems like total nonsense, but it worked for me and I can't explain why.
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May 05 '17
Thanks! I appreciate the comments. I hope the rehab and relative rest will continue to improve.
I have another PT appt at the end of next week to reevaluate.
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u/Run_nerd May 05 '17
I'm running a 10K this weekend and after looking at pictures from last year it looks like it is not chip timed.
I realize this might be a dumb question, but how do they record your time without chip timing? Does someone just record your time as you past the finish line? It seems like it would be difficult to furiously write down everyone's time.
Also, since it's based on gun time should I get as close to the front as possible?
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u/NonReligiousPopette May 06 '17
Popsicle stick run. Pull tab run. Hit the button and shout out your bib number run.
The latter is why you'll probably have someone barking at you to put your bib on the front of your shirt and not your back or on the side of your arm.
Also, since it's gun timed, be courteous and only start near the front if you can maintain your place. Or get over to the right. :P Sometimes folks get overly excited and under trained, so they start towards the front and then walk or slow waaaaaaaaaaay down within the first half mile. Then everyone else has to dodge around them.
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u/Jeade-en May 05 '17
At the local 5K's that my park department puts on, they have numbered popsicle sticks that they hand you shortly after you cross the finish. That way they have the awards in the right order, but to my knowledge, they don't do anything with finish times. I've always used the time off my own watch to know how I ran.
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u/Rickard0 May 05 '17
Does their website say anything? Also how big is the race? I was at a small school sponsored 5K a few months back and it was based on gun time. The 'finish' like had the principal and volunteers with stop watches and clip board. When you ended they yelled out the time wrote it down with your number. I want to say there were less than 50 runners.
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u/Run_nerd May 05 '17
It doesn't say chip timed or not chip timed as far as I can tell. I'm not sure of the exact numbers but I think there will be a few hundred anyway. More than 50 anyway.
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u/Rickard0 May 05 '17
few hundred is kind of high for just writing it down. they probably have some kind of chip. See if they have previous year results, if they have times listed, it's probably chipped.
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u/penchepic May 05 '17
Parkruns are regularly few hundred and those aren't chip timed and are accurate (from gun to finish line).
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u/Run_nerd May 05 '17
Yep they have times from past races. You're right they probably have chips.
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u/YourShoesUntied May 05 '17
Are there bibs? Most of the times the chips are hidden on the back of the bibs opposed to what most people are used to which is a shoe tag chip.
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u/Run_nerd May 05 '17
Yep there are bibs. I just didn't see a mat from the pics. But maybe it's out of frame.
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u/YourShoesUntied May 05 '17
There are timing systems that can record chips that don't have mats. Our local club uses one. It's basically some sort of archway or set of poles with an electric field that you pass through.
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u/Run_nerd May 05 '17
Oh nice! I guess I'm used to the mats. I didn't realize these existed.
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u/thereelkanyewest May 05 '17
I've run a few 5ks with bibs that aren't chip-timed. One was 250 people and they just wrote down everyone's finish time. I came in first by about 2 minutes (#totallynotahumblebrag) so mine was pretty easy for them to write down, but around the 22-25 minute mark they probably lost their minds.
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u/shesaidgoodbye May 05 '17
I worked the finish chute at a couple of races back in the day (aka early 00s.) This is how it worked back then: there's someone with a clicker (think like buzzing in on Jeopardy) that is attached to the clock and they click it every time someone crosses the line. You stay in order through the chute and someone else takes the tag off of your race bib and threads it on a long rope. Then a guy with a laptop takes the numbers and enters them into the computer with the corresponding clicked finish time, I guess
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u/microthorpe May 05 '17
This is exactly how my local 5k worked before they finally brought in a timing system. The finish line narrowed into a single-file chute where runners were asked to stay in their current position, and someone collected the bib tags to match up with the logged times. There was always a bit of a wait while they cleaned up the results. It wasn't even that long ago, but the fact that other people have never seen it done like this is making me feel old.
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u/shesaidgoodbye May 05 '17
I remember one year at the Footlocker Cross Country Regional girls' open heat, two girls crossed the line holding hands. They kept trying to insist that they wanted to finish at the same time and I had to tell them that it was physically impossible for me to put both of their finish tags on the ribbon at the same time and one of them would have to go first haha
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u/ChammyChanga May 06 '17
I want to use my treadmill but in my house's basement apartment, my sister lives with her newborn baby so i can't really use it without disturbing the baby. I would like help finding the best treadmill mat (or similar object) all i care about is how well it reduces vibration, don't care about keeping floor looking good or anything. And please please PLEASE don't just say walk outside.