Taking the Long Way Home wants to know all the rules I've broken while running:
Never Have I Ever:
Banditted a race: Definitely. The most memorable one I straight up did not pay for was one of those night color/light runs that costs like $60/person, has no chips, and is super crowded. It was so crazy busy I just lined up with my friends and had my jacket on so no one noticed that I didn't have a bib. I did not feel bad.
Performed a snot rocket/farmer blow: How is this even a question?
Tripped when running and was seen: The most memorable time was when I fell head over heels and some guy stopped and was looking at me. I was like "yeah, come back, I need your help". It's better to fall when only one person can see you because they stop. If it's a crowd everyone ignores you.
Gone #1 outside when running: Yes.
Gone #2 outside when running: Yes. The first time I had to do this it really freaked me out. I've gotten much calmer since then.
Stopped to use a construction port o pot: For sure.
Had a black toenail from running: I definitely did after running Amsterdam, but generally I've been pretty lucky.
Painted nail polish on a toe where a nail used to be: I've had black nails but haven't yet lost any.
Worn bandaids on my nipples: No. I feel like this is a guy thing.
Owned more than 5 pairs of running shoes at once: Yes.
Literally run errands: Yes. I have. But it really depends on the errands. Like, I've never just run over to the grocery store.
Stopped running and; walked home: Yes.
Stopped running and; called for a ride: Not yet.
Worn more than one running watch at a time: No. But I have definitely run a watch and multiple apps on my phone.
Run after 10pm or before 5am: Yes. Both? Have we talked about all the times I've run Ragnar?
Run with a dog: Yes. This is a rare thing, but it has happened.
Puked from running: Yes. After one of the Flying Pig Halfs.
Slept in my running clothes: Again. Have we talked about Ragnar?
Run in a costume: Yes. Many times.
Run a beer mile: I mean, no. But, Ragnar? Also, Brew to Brew?
Planned a vacation around a race: Of course! Amsterdam and a few trips to Cincinnati.
Showing posts with label Tuesdays on the run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tuesdays on the run. Show all posts
17.9.19
27.8.19
Favorite Running Shoes: 2019
The number of times I've talked about shoes on this blog is really impressive. How to tie shoes comes up more often than you'd think. Early on I realized whatever shoes I like, they will stop making. Then I started experimenting with new brands of shoes. Last year, Tuesdays on the Run also asked about the shoe situation.
Today is the 2019 Shoe Situation. Thanks again to Tuesdays on the Run.
I have four pairs of shoes in the current (read: summer) rotation. I don't know why my NB Minimus aren't in the rotation right now. Perhaps I should find them in my closet? My big "trail shoes" I wear a lot in the winter in the snow, but they go dark in the summer.
Xero Prio are my ''easy day' shoes and also my main weightlifting shoes. I wear their cousins, the lena to work most days.
Merrell Trail Crusher (another in the long list of shoes they don't make anymore) are another 'easy day' run as well as any run with a varied surface. I've run some races in different versions of this shoe.
Brooks Launch are my "fast day" shoes for tempo runs, hard treadmill runs, and 'speed' workouts. To me, they feel like "a lot of shoe" but to most people they are more like flats.
Skora Phase are my racing shoes, rainy day running shoes, and sometimes weight lifting shoes. These are the best shoes I have for running in the rain. The sole is beyond 'sticky'.
Today is the 2019 Shoe Situation. Thanks again to Tuesdays on the Run.
I have four pairs of shoes in the current (read: summer) rotation. I don't know why my NB Minimus aren't in the rotation right now. Perhaps I should find them in my closet? My big "trail shoes" I wear a lot in the winter in the snow, but they go dark in the summer.
31.10.18
Perfect Races
The Tuesdays on the Run this week asks "If you could make the perfect race, what would you like to see included? Do you have any deal breakers that would make you avoid signing up for a race? Have you run a race that you would consider "perfect"?"
Must Haves/Deal Breakers:
Closed to traffic. I've run a few races that have been on roads open or partially open to traffic and as a rule I hate them. I'm looking at you Lola's Half Marathon.
The exception is Feet in the Street because you just cannot believe how well done that race is, including traffic management.
Chip timed: When I was picking my last 5K, that was something that I really looked for. This seems to be an issue particularly in the 5K distance. Longer distances are almost always chip timed.
Excellent Race Organization: There's one race organization that's kind of notorious locally as one to be avoided. They famously cancelled a full marathon in a way that just screamed "let me take your money and hang on to it for a while, because we know we don't have permits for this race".
For me to fork over money, the race organizers have to be legit. Locally, I've enjoyed any Mary Anderson Races or Final Stretch Races. On a larger scale, both TCM and Flying Pig are incredibly well organized.
The "perfect" race:
The closest to perfect I've ever seen was actually the Avondale 5K. It's a very small race, partially open to traffic. It was so crazy well organized, and the police did such a great job of traffic management, I'll run it every year I can. (This race has a special place in my heart because it's where I'm from.)
Honorable mention: When I'm asked to compare TCM and Flying Pig, I put Flying Pig first. TCM seems to have race routes in more affluent areas of town only. Flying Pig routes covers some low income and African American neighborhoods. Everyone gets involved, including schools and neighborhood groups. It's a big city race but all the different groups and course entertainment make it feel like a small town race that belongs to every little neighborhood on the course.
Must Haves/Deal Breakers:
Closed to traffic. I've run a few races that have been on roads open or partially open to traffic and as a rule I hate them. I'm looking at you Lola's Half Marathon.
The exception is Feet in the Street because you just cannot believe how well done that race is, including traffic management.
Chip timed: When I was picking my last 5K, that was something that I really looked for. This seems to be an issue particularly in the 5K distance. Longer distances are almost always chip timed.
Excellent Race Organization: There's one race organization that's kind of notorious locally as one to be avoided. They famously cancelled a full marathon in a way that just screamed "let me take your money and hang on to it for a while, because we know we don't have permits for this race".
For me to fork over money, the race organizers have to be legit. Locally, I've enjoyed any Mary Anderson Races or Final Stretch Races. On a larger scale, both TCM and Flying Pig are incredibly well organized.
The "perfect" race:
The closest to perfect I've ever seen was actually the Avondale 5K. It's a very small race, partially open to traffic. It was so crazy well organized, and the police did such a great job of traffic management, I'll run it every year I can. (This race has a special place in my heart because it's where I'm from.)
Honorable mention: When I'm asked to compare TCM and Flying Pig, I put Flying Pig first. TCM seems to have race routes in more affluent areas of town only. Flying Pig routes covers some low income and African American neighborhoods. Everyone gets involved, including schools and neighborhood groups. It's a big city race but all the different groups and course entertainment make it feel like a small town race that belongs to every little neighborhood on the course.
20.2.18
Tuesdays on the Run - Dark Side of Running
Tuesdays on the Run asks What are your least favorite parts of running?
At first I blew by this one. I was all 'Running is ultimately a gift and a great thing. And then I was all...
The laundry is out of control. I always think 'if I was a professional athlete I'd pay for help doing my laundry' I look at how Kara Goucher trains and all these other stellar athletes who work out multiple times per day. They must have a maid to help with the laundry right? It's basically a second outfit every single day. The laundry literally doubles.
As a close second: Running in dirty clothes. Mostly on 1 mile days, I'm all "I can't get a whole outfit gross for 15 minutes of work, I'll wear something again' And while it makes sense and I keep doing it, totally not my favorite thing. The other time this happens is traveling when I've packing limits the number of running outfits available.
I agree with the original post on the lotteries issue as well. There's definitely been some races I'd love to do but am discouraged from registering because the lotteries seem like a racket.
At first I blew by this one. I was all 'Running is ultimately a gift and a great thing. And then I was all...
The laundry is out of control. I always think 'if I was a professional athlete I'd pay for help doing my laundry' I look at how Kara Goucher trains and all these other stellar athletes who work out multiple times per day. They must have a maid to help with the laundry right? It's basically a second outfit every single day. The laundry literally doubles.
As a close second: Running in dirty clothes. Mostly on 1 mile days, I'm all "I can't get a whole outfit gross for 15 minutes of work, I'll wear something again' And while it makes sense and I keep doing it, totally not my favorite thing. The other time this happens is traveling when I've packing limits the number of running outfits available.
I agree with the original post on the lotteries issue as well. There's definitely been some races I'd love to do but am discouraged from registering because the lotteries seem like a racket.
6.2.18
Weight Lifting?
Tuesday's on the Run asks:
Strength Training: Yay or Nay? I mean, obviously Yay. I started over a year ago with a 'just go do something at least 3 times/week' and 'experiment, find what works, most important thing is to get into the habit of doing it 3/week' attitude. From there I had help from a trainer, classes, and some programs from the internet.
Now I do a rip off of the 5x5 program two days/week (A and B days) and one day of single leg/single arms stuff with kettle bells. All days have a push, a press, and legs components. Workouts are 20-30 minutes.
What's Your Favorite Thing? I hate them all? No, that's not true. I kind of like them all. The most improvement I've seen is my confidence in the bench press. I used to use dumbbells. But I've started using the bar and generally am not afraid of strangling myself with a weight too heavy to lift. Progress, right?
Have You Seen the Benefits in Your Runs? Yes? I made a bunch of changes around the same time last year including weights, changes to my diet, and some speed workouts last spring. So it's hard to attribute cause to one change or another. What I remember was a total lack of soreness after last year's Flying Pig Half Marathon. Usually after that I'm so sore I can't walk for a day or two. By the time I got to the 10 miler I was in some of the best shape of my life and the race reflected that.
Strength Training: Yay or Nay? I mean, obviously Yay. I started over a year ago with a 'just go do something at least 3 times/week' and 'experiment, find what works, most important thing is to get into the habit of doing it 3/week' attitude. From there I had help from a trainer, classes, and some programs from the internet.
Now I do a rip off of the 5x5 program two days/week (A and B days) and one day of single leg/single arms stuff with kettle bells. All days have a push, a press, and legs components. Workouts are 20-30 minutes.
What's Your Favorite Thing? I hate them all? No, that's not true. I kind of like them all. The most improvement I've seen is my confidence in the bench press. I used to use dumbbells. But I've started using the bar and generally am not afraid of strangling myself with a weight too heavy to lift. Progress, right?
Have You Seen the Benefits in Your Runs? Yes? I made a bunch of changes around the same time last year including weights, changes to my diet, and some speed workouts last spring. So it's hard to attribute cause to one change or another. What I remember was a total lack of soreness after last year's Flying Pig Half Marathon. Usually after that I'm so sore I can't walk for a day or two. By the time I got to the 10 miler I was in some of the best shape of my life and the race reflected that.
24.1.18
More Shoes Than A Princess
Tuesday's on the Run asks What’s your running shoe situation? Are you loyal to one shoe? A polyshoeist? This one sounded fun to me because my shoes are completely not normal. It's also impressive how many photos I have of my shoes. In general, my shoes are zero drop, pretty minimal. I run and lift weights, sometimes in the same workout without wanting to change shoes. I use my Garmin app to track mileage for all but the 'everyday' shoes.
Winter Running and Trail Running: Altra Lone Peaks. These are the shoes I ran VDay 5K and Hot Dash in during those snowy episodes. I originally got these when I was training for the William O'Brien 10 Miler. These get heavy use on grass trails and in snow. They kind of sit around all summer when I'm out on the roads.
Winter Running, Trail Running, and Weight Lifting: NB Minimus Trail. How happy am I that they re-released this shoe? This is one of the few shoes I've paid full price for. I use this shoe when I'm going to run and then lift in the same workout. It fits more snugly and works better for weight lifting than the Altras, but it lacks the extra cushion and warmth of those shoes. Bonus note: My original NB Minimus lives at Mom and Dad's and are my running shoes while I'm home.
Non-winter Road Running and/or Weight Lifting: Skora Phase-X I have this shoe in two colors. Both pairs are an older model with extra reflective panels. This is an extremely minimal shoe and I double down on the concept by taking out the insoles as well. These soles are extra sticky and I love them in the rain. These are the shoes I wore in that very wet 10 Miler last year.
Road/Trail Hybrid: Merrell Trail Crusher. Sometimes I have runs on crushed limestone trails, or alternating between non-technical trail and roads. In those conditions I don't want a super lugged out trail shoe, but a road shoe isn't my first choice either. These are a happy medium and I love them. I wore these for the TC 10K and 5K this year because they had a little more cushion for my first day of a 2 day race series.
Walking and Everyday: Altra Intuition have been my go-to for an 'every day' shoe that I can also take really long walks in. This is what I wore for walking half marathon training and the race itself. Apparently we're doing this again in 2018 so my 3.0 model should be well worn down by September.
Summer running and indoor running: Xero Cloud. I bought these on a total impulse/black Friday sale. So far I've only worn them inside on the track because frostbite is not my thing. Did I tell you about our blizzard? I'm excited to wear them outside in the summer for running. I'm also picturing them as the shoes I wear if I'm walking around the lake and want to swim, or kayaking, etc.
Bonus everyday shoe: I bought a pair of these in that same Black Friday sale as I got the huraches. They were small and easy to pack so I threw them in my bag at Christmas and wore them around Cincinnati. They immediately became my favorite casual shoe in life. Right now they're strapped to my work bag as my 'indoor shoes' when I go into people's houses and take off my boots at the door.
Bonus everyday shoe: I bought a pair of these in that same Black Friday sale as I got the huraches. They were small and easy to pack so I threw them in my bag at Christmas and wore them around Cincinnati. They immediately became my favorite casual shoe in life. Right now they're strapped to my work bag as my 'indoor shoes' when I go into people's houses and take off my boots at the door.
10.1.18
Favorite blogs
Tuesdays on the Run asked:
What are some of your favorite blogs?
Hungry Runner Girl because she's always positive about herself and those around her. I love it when her mom guest posts. It is everything!
Steve in a Speedo because he talks a lot about local events. And he trains on the same indoor track I do. I try not to stare.
The Right Fits also because she's local and talks about the trails and lakes I love. One time I saw her out on a trail and I really did stare. Sorry. You just looked so familiar.
DC Rainmaker because I love all of the gadgets. All of them.
Ask a Manager is my favorite blog of all time. Is it still a blog if it's that good? People write in and ask this lady all sort of questions that could come up in real life at a job. It's the best way to start or end your day ever. You're welcome.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
Hungry Runner Girl because she's always positive about herself and those around her. I love it when her mom guest posts. It is everything!
Steve in a Speedo because he talks a lot about local events. And he trains on the same indoor track I do. I try not to stare.
The Right Fits also because she's local and talks about the trails and lakes I love. One time I saw her out on a trail and I really did stare. Sorry. You just looked so familiar.
DC Rainmaker because I love all of the gadgets. All of them.
Ask a Manager is my favorite blog of all time. Is it still a blog if it's that good? People write in and ask this lady all sort of questions that could come up in real life at a job. It's the best way to start or end your day ever. You're welcome.
24.10.17
Running Goals - LOL
Thanks for this question, What are your running goals for the rest of the year?
A - Keep the streak alive. This is always the main goal. I run to take care of my body. I run to enjoy my body. Those seem like things worth celebrating every day.
B - Keep going with the MAF situation. Maybe rest up a bit. I'm noticing that when I decrease my mileage, my MAF pace actually gets faster. So maybe this winter I'll run fewer miles per week and hope I get a lot faster. While not running I'm sure I'll focus on weight lifting, with a dose of swimming or zumba or both thrown in.
C - Don't get hurt and don't mess anything up. I mention this because last Monday I had an odd weakness/pain in my quad. Like, my quad didn't hurt except when I tried to use it and it wouldn't fire, it'd just get weak. I'm told this pain is called 'being over 35'. It really freaked me out and I only ran my mile for the rest of the week.
A - Keep the streak alive. This is always the main goal. I run to take care of my body. I run to enjoy my body. Those seem like things worth celebrating every day.
B - Keep going with the MAF situation. Maybe rest up a bit. I'm noticing that when I decrease my mileage, my MAF pace actually gets faster. So maybe this winter I'll run fewer miles per week and hope I get a lot faster. While not running I'm sure I'll focus on weight lifting, with a dose of swimming or zumba or both thrown in.
C - Don't get hurt and don't mess anything up. I mention this because last Monday I had an odd weakness/pain in my quad. Like, my quad didn't hurt except when I tried to use it and it wouldn't fire, it'd just get weak. I'm told this pain is called 'being over 35'. It really freaked me out and I only ran my mile for the rest of the week.
13.7.17
Running Gear - Tuesdays on the Run
The Tuesdays on the Run topic is one we should all talk about.
What running gear do you also use for non-running activities?
Compression Socks.
If I'm in a position to wear socks to work, it's almost always my compression socks. I don't know why I'd wear anything else. They are warm in the winter. They keep me from aching in the summer. Perfect!
I wear them on planes. I wear them on trains. But I do not wear them with my Mary Janes. (In the summer, I often wear Mary Janes to work. Otherwise, I am go for fun socks.)
What running gear do you also use for non-running activities?
Compression Socks.
If I'm in a position to wear socks to work, it's almost always my compression socks. I don't know why I'd wear anything else. They are warm in the winter. They keep me from aching in the summer. Perfect!
I wear them on planes. I wear them on trains. But I do not wear them with my Mary Janes. (In the summer, I often wear Mary Janes to work. Otherwise, I am go for fun socks.)
- I think 100% of my compression socks are from these guys.
- If you are in the market, I recommend friending ProCompression on Facebook because they give out insane coupon codes.
- True story, I only own one pair of the "dress socks" even though I wear these to work more than I even wear them to run in.
- I feel like Agent Booth every time I wear funny socks under serious work clothes.
20.2.17
3 Wishes
Thanks to Tuesdays on the Run for the topic:
What 3 Running Wishes would you make?
I agree that this sounded easy until I thought about it for a minute. My current wishes are:
1. I wish Elm Creek Park or Baker (or both really) were plowed in the winter. Because I miss them.
2. I'm so over the construction at the Sculpture Garden which I see every time I run from the downtown gym. I wish that was over and done.
3. Insert a general wish about running faster so I could train for a marathon again. Because that's honest. But also something I think I have in my power to change.
Also, the weather right now is so good that I ran outside in shorts and a shirt. It was raining, but I was legit in shorts. So I feel like several of my running wishes have been granted this season.
What 3 Running Wishes would you make?
I agree that this sounded easy until I thought about it for a minute. My current wishes are:
1. I wish Elm Creek Park or Baker (or both really) were plowed in the winter. Because I miss them.
2. I'm so over the construction at the Sculpture Garden which I see every time I run from the downtown gym. I wish that was over and done.
3. Insert a general wish about running faster so I could train for a marathon again. Because that's honest. But also something I think I have in my power to change.
Also, the weather right now is so good that I ran outside in shorts and a shirt. It was raining, but I was legit in shorts. So I feel like several of my running wishes have been granted this season.
6.10.16
Running Bucket List
Thanks to Tuesdays on the Run for this one.
What races or running experiences are on your bucket list?
Must Have:
Flying Pig full marathon. This is the one that always comes to my mind and the thing that is most likely to pull me back into marathon training. I'd thought about 2017, but now thinking maybe 2018. My heart rate training isn't quite where I want it yet. I am running 13:00/miles in Z2, I'd like to get that down to 12:00/mile or 11:30/mile.
Other marathons:
Big Sur is another one that always comes to mind because it's supposed to be amazing.
Run Crazy Horse Marathonin SD, looks like it has a little up and a lot of down. If I get back into marathon shape, that would be fun. No, I changed my mind, the marathon course has an out and back in the beginning. I hate those because I'm always so close to being last.
Marine Corps Marathon if I could ever get in, just because I want one of those medals.
Other things:
Go long: If I do get back into marathon shape, and really into shape, then I'd like to try for a 50K.
Go fast: I've been toying with the idea of breaking 30:00 in a 5K. (Yes, I'm so slow I've never done that.) That goal is probably within reach, but I'd have to train hard.
Go faster: After the 30:00 5K, the next goal would be a sub-60 10K. That goal is probably not within reach right now, but could be in the future.
What races or running experiences are on your bucket list?
Must Have:
Flying Pig full marathon. This is the one that always comes to my mind and the thing that is most likely to pull me back into marathon training. I'd thought about 2017, but now thinking maybe 2018. My heart rate training isn't quite where I want it yet. I am running 13:00/miles in Z2, I'd like to get that down to 12:00/mile or 11:30/mile.
Other marathons:
Big Sur is another one that always comes to mind because it's supposed to be amazing.
Run Crazy Horse Marathon
Marine Corps Marathon if I could ever get in, just because I want one of those medals.
Other things:
Go long: If I do get back into marathon shape, and really into shape, then I'd like to try for a 50K.
Go fast: I've been toying with the idea of breaking 30:00 in a 5K. (Yes, I'm so slow I've never done that.) That goal is probably within reach, but I'd have to train hard.
Go faster: After the 30:00 5K, the next goal would be a sub-60 10K. That goal is probably not within reach right now, but could be in the future.
20.9.16
Best Running Advice
Tuesday's on The Run topic really struck a chord with me this time.
What's the best running advice you ever received?
"Don't ever let anyone make you feel like a half marathon is half a race"
In running there's such a thing of "oh, you just ran a half, when are you going to train for a full marathon" as if the effort to get in race shape for a half marathon is somehow half as meaningful, or half as much work as training for a 26.2 mile course. For shame!
I often quoted this to my friend when we were practicing for a walking half marathon. I kept telling her people are going to ask her when she'll be ready to do a full marathon. My advise was to smack anyone who ever said that to her. To my knowledge she hasn't had to crack any heads yet, but I'm sure the day is coming.
What's the best running advice you ever received?
"Don't ever let anyone make you feel like a half marathon is half a race"
In running there's such a thing of "oh, you just ran a half, when are you going to train for a full marathon" as if the effort to get in race shape for a half marathon is somehow half as meaningful, or half as much work as training for a 26.2 mile course. For shame!
I often quoted this to my friend when we were practicing for a walking half marathon. I kept telling her people are going to ask her when she'll be ready to do a full marathon. My advise was to smack anyone who ever said that to her. To my knowledge she hasn't had to crack any heads yet, but I'm sure the day is coming.
21.3.16
Race Shirt - Tuesdays on the Run
Tuesdays on the Run asks all about race shirt etiquette.
As a back of the pack runner, I feel strongly that race directors should give shirts at packet pick up instead of after the race. One of my favorite organizations, Twin Cities in Motion gives out 10-mile and Marathon finisher shirts after the race in the finisher chute. I was pretty hacked off when and they didn't have a shirt for me. The 10 Mile race is a lottery and it sells out every year. You knew how many shirts you needed.
"Finisher" Shirts - I get that these shirts say finisher, and should therefore be earned. But poor planning on the race directors part means that the slower finishers (who've probably been practicing for months and months and months) get screwed out of something they worked really hard for. It's such a head game to be in the back of the pack anyways. It sucks to show up at the finish line and hear "well if you'd gotten here sooner..."
To answer the original question - the only time I think I'd wear a race shirt at the race is if I did same day packet pick up, no bag check for my stuff, and I didn't have time to run back to my car to drop the shirt. In that case, I'd probably throw it on over whatever else I'm wearing and hope it's not too hot.
As a back of the pack runner, I feel strongly that race directors should give shirts at packet pick up instead of after the race. One of my favorite organizations, Twin Cities in Motion gives out 10-mile and Marathon finisher shirts after the race in the finisher chute. I was pretty hacked off when and they didn't have a shirt for me. The 10 Mile race is a lottery and it sells out every year. You knew how many shirts you needed.
"Finisher" Shirts - I get that these shirts say finisher, and should therefore be earned. But poor planning on the race directors part means that the slower finishers (who've probably been practicing for months and months and months) get screwed out of something they worked really hard for. It's such a head game to be in the back of the pack anyways. It sucks to show up at the finish line and hear "well if you'd gotten here sooner..."
To answer the original question - the only time I think I'd wear a race shirt at the race is if I did same day packet pick up, no bag check for my stuff, and I didn't have time to run back to my car to drop the shirt. In that case, I'd probably throw it on over whatever else I'm wearing and hope it's not too hot.
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