SOSH Running Dogs
- Thread starter Catch Me Bruno
- Start date
Sooooo, I went through with Marathon Bahamas. Even though I missed somewhere around 8 weeks of training in the middle. I re-started with elliptical/spinning mid-Dec and running right after Christmas. Did a 14 miler the weekend before...if that was too much, I knew the full was not happening.
A nice 6 am start helps to avoid the heat. The bridges to/from Paradise Island are an unwelcome challenge during miles 2 & 3. Otherwise the course is pretty flat. Approaching the half turnaround, I was feeling uncomfortable enough to consider just going back. Nonetheless, I decided to give it a whirl. Somewhere after mile 21 or so is where my running became more akin to shuffling. Luckly, there were Bahamians at every mile marker and their enthusiasm made it easier to hang in for "one more". I used the wise advice of this forum, walking the stops to take GU and/or liquid (the seconds weren't worth the ability to actually drink!). In the end, I didn't make the BQ which was to be expected. But I finished without sustained walking! Too bad it took so much out of me that I left immediately. I missed the chance for a conch shell awarded to top 3 in age.
Unlike my half, fueling was not an issue. One half bagel and PB plus some water about 2 hours from the start. I used GU every 45 minutes with water. Little sips of water something like every 2M after the first 5M. Hell, I hydrated enough to need the porta potty by 16M! Toward the end it was hot enough to water every mile, sometimes more than one cup plus Gatorade. Other than my quads misfiring/cramping after the race, no discomfort like the half.
The next two days made for tough walking. However, my ankle held up without much issue and the quads/glutes mostly don't hurt today. Now that I know this is possible, it's time to find another and train fully this time.
How should I plan two marathons (anticipating Boston plus whichever I run to qualify)? Obviously, the point would be to build the fitness for the one and carry over to the other. I'm curious about how to time the two.
A nice 6 am start helps to avoid the heat. The bridges to/from Paradise Island are an unwelcome challenge during miles 2 & 3. Otherwise the course is pretty flat. Approaching the half turnaround, I was feeling uncomfortable enough to consider just going back. Nonetheless, I decided to give it a whirl. Somewhere after mile 21 or so is where my running became more akin to shuffling. Luckly, there were Bahamians at every mile marker and their enthusiasm made it easier to hang in for "one more". I used the wise advice of this forum, walking the stops to take GU and/or liquid (the seconds weren't worth the ability to actually drink!). In the end, I didn't make the BQ which was to be expected. But I finished without sustained walking! Too bad it took so much out of me that I left immediately. I missed the chance for a conch shell awarded to top 3 in age.
Unlike my half, fueling was not an issue. One half bagel and PB plus some water about 2 hours from the start. I used GU every 45 minutes with water. Little sips of water something like every 2M after the first 5M. Hell, I hydrated enough to need the porta potty by 16M! Toward the end it was hot enough to water every mile, sometimes more than one cup plus Gatorade. Other than my quads misfiring/cramping after the race, no discomfort like the half.
The next two days made for tough walking. However, my ankle held up without much issue and the quads/glutes mostly don't hurt today. Now that I know this is possible, it's time to find another and train fully this time.
How should I plan two marathons (anticipating Boston plus whichever I run to qualify)? Obviously, the point would be to build the fitness for the one and carry over to the other. I'm curious about how to time the two.
HomeBrew1901 said:So a couple of years ago I angrily posted in this thread because I didn't believe anyone could be a runner. I was over weight, had crappy knees, and tired easily and believed it wasn't meant for me.
Then I got a good pair of running shoes, lost the weight, but still couldn't go more than a 5K without a ton of effort and decided to focus on lifting instead of running.
Over the summer something clicked... I started walking daily and running a half mile each practice with my soccer team. Still could only do a 5k but it was easier and I could do it without stopping. Then I committed to a Thanksgiving Day race thinking it was a 5k, then found out it was a 5 miler decided to do it anyway with one goal finish without stopping and I was able to do that.
Since then I have run 3 10ks on my own an increased my distance to 7 miles and now Im training for a 12 mile Tough Mudder and half marathon. So turns out Traut was right.
No marathon but committed to running the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksburg VA in May.THE Stolen Base said:
If you can run a half and not feel terrible afterwards, you can run a marathon in the fall, easy.
To me, the biggest hurdle is going from running 5 miles to running 10. Once you get to 10, you reach a point where you body is just used to running, and the game becomes mental and more about sticking to a plan than overcoming physical limits.
To me, the biggest hurdle is going from running 5 miles to running 10. Once you get to 10, you reach a point where you body is just used to running, and the game becomes mental and more about sticking to a plan than overcoming physical limits.
That's what I'm finding now now that I'm running 4-6 miles a few days a week as part of my training plan. I know I can do the distance but it's the mental push to keep going when I (insert excuse).drleather2001 said:
So I'm coming to Boston for a bachelor party/sox game July 10-12. I'm hoping to be able to run at least the last 6-8 miles of the marathon course, cause why not? Is the course runnable at times other than the marathon or is it unsafe unless roads are closed?
From Wellesley on, you either have good sidewalks or the carriage road on Comm Ave (around mile 16-21), with the exception of the bridge over I-95 that you have to be a little careful on. If you're staying in town, you can do what lots of us do for medium runs: take the Green Line out to Woodlawn, and run the last nine miles or so of the course.SoxinPA said:
I just got an email saying the Half at the Hamptons in New Hampshire has been postponed.
I was supposed to run it on Feb 22 but they have so much snow they're holding it on March 15th instead.
I was supposed to run it on Feb 22 but they have so much snow they're holding it on March 15th instead.
I had a snowshoe race for tomorrow moved UP to valentine's day with less than 48 hours notice. It's a small race, but that's just fucking stupid. I can't make it and I hope everyone who shows up places.
I've always felt the biggest hurdle for me was going from 10 to 15-20+. Mainly because of having to learn how to fuel properly while running.drleather2001 said:
Me too! Have you run Hospital Hill yet? It's pretty brutal. I've run it 4 times. Happy to answer any questions about the course.HomeBrew1901 said:
They cancelled the Martha's Vineyard 20mi outright. Even before Juno I was thinking of registering for the Hyannis half at the last minute if the weather looked decent. Now I wonder if they'll have it.Jerrygarciaparra said:
Mine is getting over 20. I've gotten there three times; two of which were the final runs before a scheduled marathon but my body broke down. So i'm going to try to train for a marathon again this year. I've been running every day since the beginning of this year from 3 to 5 miles (treadmill) and once the ice and some of the snow starts to go away get into a training schedule and get outside for any runs above 4 miles. Last year i wanted it real bad and i also had 1500 miles of biking included in the training and both of my calves tore at different spots. I'd never have that happen before in my life and they didn't even tear during a long run. It ended with a slow paced half marathon in october. It's aggravating sometimes.
24JoshuaPoint said:
You are likely younger and lighter than me, but I have always found the bolded is a recipe for injury and painful wear. A day or two between runs seems to work best for me when trying to build up to distance. Also, I think sprint work outs and light weight lifting for your legs helps build the strength that turns into speed and durability.
OK ; so I can enter the Great Bay Half for free. It's April 12th. Problem is I'm signed up for another Half on April 11th.
I'd have to be crazy to do back-to-back Half Marathons.
Right? Crazy? I shouldn't do it?
Except I'm totally thinking about doing it.
I'd have to be crazy to do back-to-back Half Marathons.
Right? Crazy? I shouldn't do it?
Except I'm totally thinking about doing it.
Do it.
Does anyone have any experience with a ragnar race, specifically the DC ragnar race? I have some friends interested in the race, just curious to feedback from anyone who has done this race or something similar.
Does anyone have any experience with a ragnar race, specifically the DC ragnar race? I have some friends interested in the race, just curious to feedback from anyone who has done this race or something similar.
I've done Reach the Beach (which is now Ragnar, and was always a similar concept) once or twice a year for a while now.
They're super fun and interesting, but the biggest challenge tends to be the logistics rather than the milage. It's mainly about getting through 30 hours in a van with 6-8 people without getting lost, killed, starving, or going nuts. Sort of like a mini modern Oregon Trail.
Great bonding experience.
They're super fun and interesting, but the biggest challenge tends to be the logistics rather than the milage. It's mainly about getting through 30 hours in a van with 6-8 people without getting lost, killed, starving, or going nuts. Sort of like a mini modern Oregon Trail.
Great bonding experience.
Thanks. My friends that are interested aren't the 'planning type' so I will probably need to pick up the ball and see if I can get this thing rolling.Spelunker said:
Definitely seems like the logistics would be the most difficult aspect of this, assuming I can get 12 people to commit.
Ran the Great Plains 10k on the 8th in Kansas City. I ran a 51:50 for an 8:22 pace. Also a post 50 PR. The course was nice and flat the weather was perfect. I was using the race as a fitness check. My Idea is to carry the 8:22 into my half marathons. I am running a 39.3 challenge with races on April 11, 18th and May 9th. I'll be shooting for a pair of 1:50's and a 1:45. My Marathon is on the 17th of October. My BQ is 3:40 and with the right training I look to be on track for that. Bring on Spring
Six weeks out from Boston. Assuming no significant training injuries, I am feeling pretty good about my chance for another BQ, hopefully a PR, and an outside chance at a sub 3:00 time. I have been on an 18 week Hal Higdon training program since December and it's pretty impressive to feel the difference at this stage from my previous efforts. This will be my first big city marathon and I would appreciate any insight or tips from veterans of Boston or other big races. Thanks!
Joe Sixpack said:
Though I run a lot, generally doing 14km (my run home from work) two or three times a week, with some hills on the weekend if I have a spare 40 min from family, I have never done a timed race thing. However my wife signed me up for a half marathon and I'm committed to doing it. On May 17. I generally spring the 14 and end up at home completely gassed - mostly because running for me was all just about getting a workout and not planning anything. I know I have to slow down to go further.
On the weekend I did what was supposed to be a 13k trail run (basically 6 and a bit km track twice plus there and back) but after running all summer in afternoon heat of 25c to 30c it was a cool day and around 15c. I was able to slow down and with that I just had a huge level of energy so I just did another lap and got through 19. Which I think it ok for a half. I could probably have done another 2. I probably won't do that again heading into the actual Half but it's given me confidence in knowing I can do that much.
I only say all this because I'm focused on the half now because I think it's doable. What I wonder is about the above - fuelling. I've never really done an structured things so not sure how to do it. Joe, do you have a good plan?
The other thing is, I always run in the afternoon. I eat/drink during the day and then stop 3 hours before. I was having side-stitch issues a while back and someone recommended not eating for 3 hours before; I did that, I don't get stitches. Could be because I run better could be the food thing, either way it's worked for me. But I always like to be properlly fueled up.
What should I eat for a 6.45am start? When? During?
I don't usually eat before a race. If I wake up starving on race day I'll eat a banana or half a peanut butter sandwich about 1 ½ hours before the start. For a half you probably won't need to eat during the race but everyone is a little different. I would see how you do on your comparable runs…for me I need to eat at about 30k or I bonk. I would definitely hydrate during the race, especially if it's a hot day.
Make sure you are well rested and well hydrated the night before. These are often overlooked and can kill you on race day. Good luck and enjoy the race!
Make sure you are well rested and well hydrated the night before. These are often overlooked and can kill you on race day. Good luck and enjoy the race!
Thanks. I don't think I need to eat either. I didn't the other day. But I also usually run after eating well all day and this, in the morning, is different.
If possible I suggest trying to run at least a few times in the early morning between now and the race to see how your body deals with it. I used to hate running in the early morning, but this winter I have been forced into it out of necessity and now it does not bother me very much. I usually have an energy gel or a couple of shot blocks (gummie energy cubes) before an early morning long run because I still do not do well eating at that time of day. Eat some extra rice/pasta a couple of days before the race and you should be fine for a half as long as you hydrate on the run.
SydneySox said:
Ultimately everyone is different and what works for me may not work for you. Really what it takes is a bit of trial and error during your training to see how your body responds and handles different things.
I used to run in the afternoons, and after having kids I had to alter my schedule to run early in the morning before anyone wakes up. In the end, my body sort of adjusted and I'm able to go out and run some pretty good distances (usually around 8-10k) without eating anything in the morning prior to the run. For a longer distance, like a half marathon, I might try to have something light about 60-90 minutes prior, like a banana. A cup of coffee sometimes helps me too.
But really you just have to try and see what works for you. The real key is don't do anything on race day that's really different from what you've done in training. If you can, I would try to get out there early in the morning on a few different weekends between now and then and run 18-20k. This will give you the opportunity to try and see what works best for you.
Good ideas. Though Joe, I question how you could possibly be getting up early with kids. What time does yours wake up!? I'd have to get up at 4 to get a run in earlier than my guy woke.
I'll get out this weekend in the morning and see how I go. I'll remind me of the Army. That will suck.
I'll get out this weekend in the morning and see how I go. I'll remind me of the Army. That will suck.
On weekdays I get up between 4:30-5, and on the weekends I try to get up by 5:30-6, though if the weather is decent on weekends I can sleep in a bit and just take my son in the stroller.
My kid usually wakes up around 6:30-7. It sounds crazy but you get used to it.
My kid usually wakes up around 6:30-7. It sounds crazy but you get used to it.
I never eat breakfast, but before my half marathons I always try to do two things:
1) eat something small that has carbs, like a muffin or a croissant or something, about an hour before the race. Oatmeal or toast with peanut butter works, too (or vegemite or whatever the fuck you people eat).
2) Drink a good amount (half liter or so) of sports drink between about 45 and 30 minutes before the race starts, and take a good piss right before lining up.
If the race supplies sports drink stops, don't bother with any fueling during the race; just drink a small cup of the colored stuff every couple of miles. Otherwise, if it makes you feel better, take a Goo or something similar and eat it around mile 7 or 8 so it "kicks in" around mile 10.
That being said, you don't "need" to worry about fuel for a half. If you do decide to use goos or whatever (and I sometimes do, if only for the psychological reward of "1 more mile and I can eat my power pellet!; it can give you something to focus on other than the race), just make sure to try them out before the actual race in case they give you the shits or something.
1) eat something small that has carbs, like a muffin or a croissant or something, about an hour before the race. Oatmeal or toast with peanut butter works, too (or vegemite or whatever the fuck you people eat).
2) Drink a good amount (half liter or so) of sports drink between about 45 and 30 minutes before the race starts, and take a good piss right before lining up.
If the race supplies sports drink stops, don't bother with any fueling during the race; just drink a small cup of the colored stuff every couple of miles. Otherwise, if it makes you feel better, take a Goo or something similar and eat it around mile 7 or 8 so it "kicks in" around mile 10.
That being said, you don't "need" to worry about fuel for a half. If you do decide to use goos or whatever (and I sometimes do, if only for the psychological reward of "1 more mile and I can eat my power pellet!; it can give you something to focus on other than the race), just make sure to try them out before the actual race in case they give you the shits or something.
Recently I have changed up my eating and running routines. Eating more often and smaller throughout the day. If I am running in the AM I usually have a bagel and cream cheese about 90 minutes prior. If it's a lunch time run I usually have a banana and a big handful of plain mini shredded wheat about an hour prior. So far so good. I used to not eat at all and I am feeling more energetic. I do my long runs on Sundays with a group that sets up aid stations every two miles and for half marathon distance I've been drinking half strength Gatorade in a small Dixie cup at each stop.
Not a bad idea to put some toilet paper in a baggie and drag it around when changing your eating routine. I only have used it once but it's a really good thing to have it when you need it.
Not a bad idea to put some toilet paper in a baggie and drag it around when changing your eating routine. I only have used it once but it's a really good thing to have it when you need it.
drleather2001 said:
Yeah, personally if I'm running a half marathon I only drink water during the race, I don't do any sports drinks or anything else unless I'm doing a full marathon. But again everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
It depends somewhat on pace, too, since if you're running more than 2 hours you're probably at the point where you would need some sort of caloric intake during the run. I'm usually running a half marathon in the 1:40-1:50 range and I don't think it's needed (at least for me) for that duration of running.
QFT. I've missed at least 5 years in a row. I am screwed. TTP, have you got a ride down figured out yet? If you or anyone else does, I'll bring the beer.TallerThanPedroia said:
I am terribly impatient when it comes to race shuttles and such. I'm thinking I might just hike down to Pinkham notch afterwards and hitch to my car.
3 weeks out from a half and i did a quick paced 5m run on Friday and my right plantar fascia started hurting yesterday. going to skip my long run today and try to bike instead, but that's harder to do during the week. any other advice to manage this through the end of training?
So I took a wrong turn on the way to my 10 K this morning and ended up getting there after the race had already started.
10 degrees and windy. I was quite tempted to get back in my car and find a place serving brunch.
But I ran it. And I did not come in last.
So. Successful. I guess?
10 degrees and windy. I was quite tempted to get back in my car and find a place serving brunch.
But I ran it. And I did not come in last.
So. Successful. I guess?
Joe Sixpack said:
Remember when you got up at 4am to go to the fish markets after we got home at 2.30?
I still can't believe you couldn't eat the sashimi.
I was going to get up early yesterday morning and simulate the start and not eat anything and do about 15k to see what would happen but I was too hungover. Did the run at 5pm instead. Fail. I'll try again next sunday. Results will likely be similar.
Hell yes. Was it chipped? If so, you should still get your accurate net time and placement even if your gun time is way off. Where was the race? I ran this morning and the wind chill was absurd. I finished an hour ago and my fingers are just now thawing out.Jerrygarciaparra said:
I kept mine in check for months by doing foot exercises. Eventually it went away and never got bad enough to interfere significantly with training. Every morning before getting out of bed I flex my feet up so my toes are pulled up toward my shins. I do that a few times and it prevents the damage that can happen if the fascia is tight and you load weight on it. I also got in the habit of flexing and stretching my feet if sitting for any length of time. Heel drops help a lot as well. Stand with your forefeet on a stair with your heels projecting off and drop your heels down and back up to a neutral position. 10-15X per day. When that is easy try it one foot at a time. Worked for me anyway. Good luck.nomarshaus said:
Not chipped but my GPS watch said 53 minutes. Official results had me at 1:03GreenMountain said:
It was the Westford Sap Run (I turned the wrong way at Essex Five Corners)
It was 10 degrees but very windy ; below zero wind chill. Happy Spring!
I am going to take the opportunity to voice, once again, how bad this winter was. I ran one of the first 1/2 marathons of the New England running season last weekend in New Bedford, and finished 1:44, which is nearly 15 minutes off my PR time. My father mentioned that I am getting old now, but I waved him off blaming the weather and the lack of road running since December. I am also 12 lbs over training weight. Just 8 weeks until Vermont City too...
Anyone else take this winter hard?
God, if it wasn't for the fact that May to Oct is just great weather and a great time to be in new England, I'd move my ass to someplace warm.
Anyone else take this winter hard?
God, if it wasn't for the fact that May to Oct is just great weather and a great time to be in new England, I'd move my ass to someplace warm.
I agree. I'm glad I decided not to run a spring marathon this year. There's no way i'd be ready
We didn't get as much snow as Boston did. But my kids got sick, and I got sick a couple of times. and bitter cold didn't help any either.
Come to think of it ; December and January weren't too bad ; it was February that really set me back.
We didn't get as much snow as Boston did. But my kids got sick, and I got sick a couple of times. and bitter cold didn't help any either.
Come to think of it ; December and January weren't too bad ; it was February that really set me back.
RICE, foam roller, and targeted stretches will help a lot (hip flexors, hammys too), but I didn't really cut back on the amount of running, just the intensity. I limited speed work and hard runs, but kept the miles up.
GregHarris said:
I ran a half-marathon in my Connecticut town on Feb. 28 -- the course is notorious for its hills and the unpaved portions. It's the second time I've done it; 2013 was in the 40s and the course was clear. This time it was teens/20s, and there was an ice-covered section for a good mile of the unpaved portion. I'm just happy I didn't fall on my butt. I also ran a stupid 5K on Saturday during what was a snowstorm at that point, but the sun was out and it was in the 40s as I drove home. So yes, enough of this winter.
As for injuries, has anyone ever had a problem with pain in the ball of the foot? This is a new one.
bosoxsue said:
Yes. If your pain is on the head of your first/second metatarsal you may have Morton's neuroma. I deal with that over my second metatarsal and it's pretty painful. There are a few foot pads that work well for this condition. RICE therapy is your best bet. I would try a slim foot pad to cushion the impact. For me that's enough but I always have mild pain, especially on longer runs. I use these pads (Dr. Jill's Gel Ball Foot Cushions - you can find them on Amazon), they are awesome and they really never wear out.
Worst case may require an orthotic…as with all injuries rest is a good place to start, sucks when you're training though.
I tried linking it but I am an idiot.