December 2017 Running Challenge
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JessicaMcB wrote: »@SusanDSME like @PastorVincent said running is all about mental fortitude. The words we choose to use when we think on things are important as well. Instead of thinking "Oh my God its FOUR MILES!" Take the power away from the distance, there is not a unit of measure in existence today that can defeat you in and of itself. It really is only 4 miles/ 50k/ 100 miles because in the wake of your limitless potential distance is a small thing- it may not be immediately possible but none of it is beyond you unless you decide it is. You can do it
So guess who found a trainer that runs 200 miles a week y'all
SEE! You can tell I am correct because @JessicaMcB agrees!
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Ran 5 miles; Total in Dec: 26 miles with 74 miles to go.1
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JessicaMcB wrote: »@SusanDSME like @PastorVincent said running is all about mental fortitude. The words we choose to use when we think on things are important as well. Instead of thinking "Oh my God its FOUR MILES!" Take the power away from the distance, there is not a unit of measure in existence today that can defeat you in and of itself. It really is only 4 miles/ 50k/ 100 miles because in the wake of your limitless potential distance is a small thing- it may not be immediately possible but none of it is beyond you unless you decide it is. You can do it
So guess who found a trainer that runs 200 miles a week y'all
This, this and all of this. At this time in 2015, I was NOT a runner by any stretch, I had just started doing some cardio so I could be in shape for my 1 year old. I NEVER thought I could run a 5k much less anything farther, without walking intervals. It's all about seeing the potential in yourself and knowing that you don't know what your limit is until you push for it. @SusanDSME you are at the beginning of a journey to experiencing your full, untapped potential, just hang and enjoy the ride!4 -
Running Lights - four points and a recommendation
1 - For running trail with any sort of technical component, i recommend using something not attached to your head. A headlamp will render the trail in 2D because you'll lack the depth perception shadows give. A handheld, waist or chest lamp gives you more shadows because it's not nearly inline with your eyes like a headlamp. On the road, I'll always use a headlamp so I can briefly flash my light onto the drivers of cars to let them know I'm there. On the trails I try not to use anything for as long as possible (I've been known to run many miles on trails in near darkness...it's awesome!) and when I do need lamp I'll use as the lowest level possible. I have a headlamp I've been able to remove from the strap and put on my SPIbelt, a waistbelt which carries my phone and ID. The biggest challenge in using a waist lamp is to get it so that it's not bouncing around too much as you run. I have not tried a dedicated handheld, though I have sometimes handheld a headlamp and that works well.
2 - Don't get wrapped up in the numbers game and look only at the total lumens. Quite often using the top lumen output will give you a drastically reduced battery life. But lumen specs sells flashlights so there usually a super high setting that might last an hour or two. I have very few flashlights I ever use at the top setting. Another point about the lumen spec is that you usually only get that when the batteries are fully charged. With an unregulated flashlight, the light output drops considerably, very quickly, then levels off for a while, then slowly fades to zero as the batteries die. A regulated output means that the light output is much more constant right up to the end, but then suddenly drops to zero. Which one you want is your choice. I prefer a regulated source because I make sure my batteries are fresh or charged. Finally, many companies just quote bogus lumen numbers. For a long time there was no standard way to measure lumens so they could list whatever they wanted. Now there's an ANSI/NEMA standard (FL1) to measure lumens but not all manufacturers follow it. Another factor affecting lumen output is whether the light is a spot light or a wide angle light (some are variable). It's easier to claim a high lumen output if you can build a spot beam with concentrated light rather than a wider, often more useful, wide beam.
3 - Weight. If you're going to run for an hour, two, or more, you want a light lamp. I recently bought a set of 2 headlamps from Costco for $18. They were only a bit heavier than favored headlamp but it was enough to make me decide I won't use them for running but they're fine for hunting so I kept them. I then bought another headlamp from REI, the Black Diamond Spot, and it is awesome! Very light, very bright, and long life. Being made by Black Diamond, I know it's well made too.
4 - Battery - replaceable (usually AAA) or rechargable...what's preferred? It depends. I love using a rechargeable most of the time because I'm not having to constantly feed it batteries. The problem with rechargeables on a long run or race is that when they die, you're done. You need to have a backup light in that case. With a light which uses AAA cells, it's simply a matter of carrying spares and replacing them when needed. For anything longer than a couple of hours I bring a backup light. Another consideration is temperature. Alkaline batteries do not work well in cold temps. Get lithium AAA cells or use the rechargables. I do have one headlamp meant for really cold temps which has a remote battery pack you can wear under your jacket to keep it warm. I haven't had a need for this one yet.
Recommendation - As I mentioned above the Black Diamond Spot is a fantastic light, used by many, many trail runners and has stood the test of time. They are a little spend at $40. I got lucky and got a deal at $20 from REI on black friday. Having used it a few times and knowing the reputation, I'd spend $40 on this if I had to. It has three LEDS with different functions. A white spot, a white flood, and a red LED (preserves night vision). All LEDs are infinitely variable brightness.
White flood - 40 to 5 lumens, 30 to 150 hours
White spot - 200 to 4 lumens, 50 to 200 hours
Red LED - I couldn't find specs on this but red usually lasts a long, long time.
The controls on this can be a bit confusing so it take some time to figure it out. I wish I had bought two more of these when the were on sale. Light weight, long battery life (includes a battery charge indicator), flood, spot and red LEDs, waterproof...what's not to love? The only negative I have is that i cannot take it off the strap and attach it to my belt, but I could probably figure out a way around that.
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@7lenny7 had a great rundown on lighting. One thing I'll note in my specific waist lamp is that it's not so much a beam as an orb of light, this greatly reduces the issue that bouncing causes because any bounce is at the edge of a pretty large area of light.
I too will run in near dark as long as possible, but for me, when it comes time to turn on my lamp, I need as much power as possible because I can see pretty well in near dark, but in total dark, I need a *kitten* ton of light..... trying out different lamps to see what you like is a fun part of the process, at least it was for me.1 -
Excellent point by @MNLittleFinn about his waist lamp. A flood lamp or "orb" will work much better as a waist lamp than a spot light as he notes.
If you can, see if you can borrow other runners lights to try out before you buy. Like so much in running, it really comes down to personal preference.2 -
01/12 4.13 miles
05/12 4.14 miles - really enjoyed this run, felt I was able to push a little harder.
06/12 3.53 miles - windy, wet, dark, sluggish - everything yesterday wasn't
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12/2 3.5
12/6 2.5
Total 6/40
Ugh, those were a tough 2.5 miles. I had to push through. I was super tight. Note to self... more yoga!4 -
RunsOnEspresso wrote: »12/2 3.5
12/6 2.5
Total 6/40
Ugh, those were a tough 2.5 miles. I had to push through. I was super tight. Note to self... more yoga!
Get a foam roller so you can spot-treat the tight spots (IT band, etc.). It helps.
I find it helpful to mentally check out during the run. I try not to think about actually running when I'm running. I kinda sort out my stuff while I run. After a while, you don't notice the hard of the running and you're getting your head straight.4 -
Excellent point by @MNLittleFinn about his waist lamp. A flood lamp or "orb" will work much better as a waist lamp than a spot light as he notes.
If you can, see if you can borrow other runners lights to try out before you buy. Like so much in running, it really comes down to personal preference.
I really like the red option on the one you mention. I do Astronomy as another hobby in the dark, and red lights are critical there. I might just grab it sight unseen some day. Not right now though, gotta get through gift buying season first.
Any other good ones I should check out that have a RED option?0 -
PastorVincent wrote: »Excellent point by @MNLittleFinn about his waist lamp. A flood lamp or "orb" will work much better as a waist lamp than a spot light as he notes.
If you can, see if you can borrow other runners lights to try out before you buy. Like so much in running, it really comes down to personal preference.
I really like the red option on the one you mention. I do Astronomy as another hobby in the dark, and red lights are critical there. I might just grab it sight unseen some day. Not right now though, gotta get through gift buying season first.
Any other good ones I should check out that have a RED option?
@pastorvincent I don't have additional models to recommend, but for what you're doing, make sure you can turn the red on and off, and cycle through any different modes or levels, without turning on the white LED or you'll defeat the purpose.0 -
fitoverfortymom wrote: »RunsOnEspresso wrote: »12/2 3.5
12/6 2.5
Total 6/40
Ugh, those were a tough 2.5 miles. I had to push through. I was super tight. Note to self... more yoga!
Get a foam roller so you can spot-treat the tight spots (IT band, etc.). It helps.
I find it helpful to mentally check out during the run. I try not to think about actually running when I'm running. I kinda sort out my stuff while I run. After a while, you don't notice the hard of the running and you're getting your head straight.
I have two foam rollers. It's just been a while since I've been acquainted with them. I need to get back into the swing of stretching/rolling consistently. I just told myself to relax and get to the next corner/street light etc and then of course once I got there said ok you can get to the next one. The legs just weren't cooperating today. 0 -
Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I really appreciate it! I got out there and ran my 3.25, but a little more slowly than yesterday. I have to accept that I'm not going to break my own record every day. Also, my trainer thinks my legs are getting tired, so tomorrow will be 2 miles and Saturday will be a hike.
12/1 - 3.1
12/2 - rest day
12/3 - 3.1
12/4 - 3.1
12/5 - 3.25
12/6 - 3.25
So I don't usually buy new clothes (I am the queen of Goodwill), but I found a 50% off deal on a snazzy running shirt, and my husband bought me a Buff! All in purple, my favorite color!
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Date Miles today - Miles for December
12/1 5 miles - 5
12/2 14.5 miles - 19.5
12/3 REST DAY
12/4 8 miles - 27.5
12/5 9.5 miles - 37
12/6 4.25 miles - 41.25
Elkmont Hound Dog Half (unofficial) - 1/21 << 1:46:48 2 OA
Elkmont Hound Dog Half (rescheduled) - 2/18 << 1:41:04 1 in AG & 24 OA
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon - 4/29 << 4:09:59
Upcoming races:
Oak Barrel Half Marathon - 4/7/18
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December 1 - 10 km
December 2 - 16 km
December 3 - 5km club run / strength training
December 4 - 12 km treadmill
December 5 - 12 km treadmill
December 6 - 16 km run / strength training
December 7 - 16 km run
87 km - goal 350 km1 -
@7lenny7 great info on the lights. I actually just brought Skip and her teammate knuckle lights this morning, I figured it was an easy to carry quick fix to their running in the dark at practice. She actually fell on an uneven sidewalk yesterday, of course my first reaction was "you didn't put a hole in those brand new Nike tights did you?" "no Mom but I'm all cut up" "okay good" ha ha I also brought them some LEDs small lights like I use to clip to their clothes so they don't get run over.4
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »fitoverfortymom wrote: »RunsOnEspresso wrote: »12/2 3.5
12/6 2.5
Total 6/40
Ugh, those were a tough 2.5 miles. I had to push through. I was super tight. Note to self... more yoga!
Get a foam roller so you can spot-treat the tight spots (IT band, etc.). It helps.
I find it helpful to mentally check out during the run. I try not to think about actually running when I'm running. I kinda sort out my stuff while I run. After a while, you don't notice the hard of the running and you're getting your head straight.
I have two foam rollers. It's just been a while since I've been acquainted with them. I need to get back into the swing of stretching/rolling consistently. I just told myself to relax and get to the next corner/street light etc and then of course once I got there said ok you can get to the next one. The legs just weren't cooperating today.
I've been there. Actually a bunch lately. And yes, I have definitely also felt the need to get acquainted with yoga again.1 -
12/5 - crosstraining day
12/6 - 5.25 miles
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PastorVincent wrote: »Excellent point by @MNLittleFinn about his waist lamp. A flood lamp or "orb" will work much better as a waist lamp than a spot light as he notes.
If you can, see if you can borrow other runners lights to try out before you buy. Like so much in running, it really comes down to personal preference.
I really like the red option on the one you mention. I do Astronomy as another hobby in the dark, and red lights are critical there. I might just grab it sight unseen some day. Not right now though, gotta get through gift buying season first.
Any other good ones I should check out that have a RED option?
@pastorvincent I don't have additional models to recommend, but for what you're doing, make sure you can turn the red on and off, and cycle through any different modes or levels, without turning on the white LED or you'll defeat the purpose.
oh Bah! Did not even think of that. Does the one you mentioned allow you to go direct to red on/off?0 -
12/01 - Intentional rest day
12/02 - Run Santa Run 5k - 22:11 PR!
12/03 - 13.5 miles @ 9:24
12/04 - unplanned rest day
12/05 - 10.1 miles @ 9:21
12/06 - 10 miles @ 9:24
Big Hary Audacious Goal: Sub 4 hours in Pittsburgh 2018!
Official Marathon PR: 4:11:28
Next Races (more as I find them):
02/10/18 - Valentine's Day 15k
03/17/18 - Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon
05/06/18 - Pittsburgh Marathon - aiming for sub four hours.
05/12/18 - Glacier Ridge 50k Trail Ultra (I must hate myself)
2020 - Disney World Dopey! (if can raise funds)
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