January 2019 Monthly Running Challenge
Replies
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January Running Totals (miles)
1/1 – 10.09 warmup + 7.5 mile race
1/2 – 6.28 easy w/fast finish
1/3 – 6.76 warmup, intervals, cool down
1/4 – rest day
1/5 – 16.65 warmup, Winter Warrior Half
1/6 – 8.09 easy
1/7 – rest day
1/8 – 8.64 warmup, speed work, cool down
1/9 – 11.08 easy
1/10 – 8.25 warmup, speed work, cool down
1/11 – rest day
1/12 – 15.94 warmup, 5 mile race, post-race easy run
1/13 – 12.46 easy with hills
1/14 – rest day
1/15 – 8.19 warmup, speed work, cool down
1/16 – 10.01 easy to MP
1/17 – 9.82 warmup, speed work, cool down
1/18 – rest day
1/19 – 15.12 with snow and wind
1/20 – 8.10 indoor track
January running total to date – 155.48
Nominal January mileage goal: 200 miles
Real Goals: Train well toward Boston. Work the January races into the training plan smoothly. Remain uninjured, even if it means cutting back on planned mileage or races.
Today's notes – We got the promised heavy snow last night. About 10:30 this morning, it was 11° F (-12°C) when I went out to clear the driveway. The snowblower ran out of gas most of the way through. I couldn't work the safety catch on the gas can in my mittens, had to take them off to refill the tank. Finished up, touched up with the shovel for places the snowblower doesn't go.
Came in, and I got scared by how much my hands hurt. Running them under warm water didn't help. I vaguely remembered the protocol for frostbite is to warm gently; so I put on some dry gloves and let the hands warm themselves. That worked, and I was less scared when the returning circulation didn't hurt any more. I had delusions of Reynaud's, almost certainly from reading about that here.
With the snow clearing experience, I lacked the mental fortitude to go out running this afternoon. It would have been physically possible, but my head wasn't in the game. I did get out for groceries (including milk, but not bread) and found the roads passable for very light traffic. Yes, it has been snowing continually; but if it were liquid, I'd call it mist.
Got to where I could face running about 4:30, but there wasn't much daylight left. I definitely don't want to be out running in the dark on snow covered roads when drivers of SUVs and snow plows won't be looking for an idiot out running at 8° F with 16 mph wind. So I drove over to the indoor track, and set out to do my 8 miles inside. Okay, technically the plan says an hour; but I hate time assignments so I translated that to 8 miles. Should take me a bit more than an hour on the roads.
Track was empty. I had lane 6 to myself. 7 laps of lane 6 is a mile. Lap the Garmin every 7 track laps, and I can count how far I've gone. Ended up running 57 laps of lane 6 in 1:00:52. This would be 8.14 miles by lap count; Garmin says 8.10 by cadence estimate. Close enough.
Paid a bit of attention to my mental state while running, thinking about how @PastorVincent finds the indoor track to be a worse choice than a dreadmill. The first 4 miles, there were some people doing some sort of warmup for a sport involving balls in the center area. It wasn't a problem, but being aware that a small ball being chased by someone for retrieval might cross the path was a distraction from the ennui. The ball players packed it in as I was finishing mile 4; mile 5 was pretty boring. Then there were some people who came in to run sprints, and a guy who ran laps just slightly slower than me. That took my mind off the boredom for miles 6 and 7. Mile 8, I was alone again; but by then my mental games with watching time and counting laps were enough.
Finished 8 miles by lap count before 60 minutes, and before Garmin got to 8 miles by cadence estimate. So I was going to run that 57th lap either way, to get the 60 minutes in or to get 8 miles by Garmin tracking.
Rest day tomorrow. Forecast is for a high of 9° F (-13° C). If I'm not allowed to run, chances are I won't get myself to go outside for more than clearing the driveway and getting the mail. Then we're supposed to return to normal-for-here winter temperature on Tuesday, when I have speed work on the indoor track. Speed work is a lot easier mentally than running steady on the track; there are things to try to do that aren't simply, keep going for X time or Y distance.
2019 Races:
January 1, 2019 Freezeroo #2 (Resolution Run 7.5 mile) (Mendon, NY) finished in 50:55
January 5, 2019 Winter Warrior Half Marathon (Gates, NY) finished in 1:30:48
January 12, 2019 Freezeroo #3 (Pineway Ponds 5 Mile) (Spencerport, NY) finished in 33:10
January 26, 2019 Freezeroo #4 (Hearnish 5 mile) (Victor, NY)
February 2, 2019 USATF XC Championship, Masters 8K (Tallahassee, FL)
February 9, 2019 Freezeroo #5 (Tom Brannon 8 mile) (Greece, NY)
February 23, 2019 Freezeroo #6 (White House Challenge 4.4 mile) (Webster, NY)
April 13, 2019 BAA 5K (Boston, MA)
April 15, 2019 Boston Marathon (Hopkinton, MA to Boston, MA)
November 3, 2019 TCS New York City Marathon (New York, NY)14 -
1/1 - 5.05km
1/2 - rest
1/3 - 3.00km
1/4 - rest
1/5 - 6.05km
1/6 - rest
1/7 - rest
1/8 - 3.56km
1/9 - rest
1/10 - 2.12km
1/11 - rest
1/12 - welched
1/13 - rest
1/14 - rest
1/15 - 3.24 km
1/16 - rest
1/17 - 3.33 km
1/18 - rest
1/19 - windy
1/20 - 6.24 km
32.59 / 62 km
Yesterday's wind intimidated me but that just meant I got to run today in a truly beautiful twilight. Also the route I ran is really exposed to the wind and would have been a whiteout yesterday and I'm glad I got to run it today.
2019 Races:
1/1/19 Resolution Run (51:54)
5/5/19 BMO Vancouver Marathon (Half)
8/17/19 Edmonton Marathon14 -
marisap2010 wrote: »Also, I am going to try my darndest to stay up for the eclipse tonight. I’m going to have to bundle up!
I'd forgotten about the lunar eclipse tonight. I won't be staying up for it; I don't think the clouds will look any different during the eclipse than before or after it.6 -
marisap2010 wrote: »Also, I am going to try my darndest to stay up for the eclipse tonight. I’m going to have to bundle up!
I'd forgotten about the lunar eclipse tonight. I won't be staying up for it; I don't think the clouds will look any different during the eclipse than before or after it.
Same here. It is already below zero F and temps are going to keep falling. Not great weather to stand still and stare at clouds in.
I had wanted to take a time lapse of it... ah well, I get to try again in 2021, and I probably have a better camera by then too... 2 -
Have any of you heard of this company? Their prices on running gear is WAY better than Nike, Under Armour, and company. Supposedly they are big in Europe? Newly come to the US? Does anyone know if their stuff competes in quality with UA/Nike/etc?
Decathlon
https://www.decathlon.com/collections/running3 -
Day January
1 2.3
2 0
3 2.6
4 2.85
5 3.1
6 3.1
7 11
8 2.5
9 1.9
10 2.5
11 4
12 8.15
13 0
14 4
15 4.5
16 0
17 0
18 2.75
19 3.15
20 13.18
Total: 71.58
Goal: 115
UGH. This was my worst half ever. (Although not my slowest despite feeling like it took forever). I got there with about 15 minutes before and passed on the porta potty line thinking I didn't really have to go. Then, of course, the start is delayed by about 10-15 minutes and the waves are even more spread out because they are letting the light rail through (I seriously don't remember them doing this in years past - corrals always rolled out quickly). When I get to the line she announces this is the final corral and I'm like what? No. I got in 13 and there were at least 15 corrals! I passed the 3 hour half pace group so clearly, everyone just ignored the last few corrals (unlike me who follows rules LOL)
So I start finally and suddenly have to pee. I keep watching for porta potties but the first two stops have 1-2 and looooong lines. Finally, around mile 3 I see about 10-15 porta potties and cut over and realized there's a 3ish foot wall I had to scramble over. I head to the far end where no one is waiting and grab one immediately. I will never understand why everyone stays to one side. Got right back into the run after my pit stop that probably felt much longer than it actually was.
I was running along and around mile 6 I can feel my right hip tightening. And it kept tightening. I had to walk a bit here. I ran about another 2 miles then took another walk break to eat my chews knowing what lies ahead. My nemesis. The part of the course that makes me realize all us runners are masochists. It doesn't look like much. Doesn't seem bad when driving but running it? AWFUL. I was determined to conquer the hill this year but at one point I had to walk because so many people were walking and it was the only way to weave through the crowd. Once out I started running and did the awful crest the hill, run a bit and then have to turn around and go back up. Then finally it was all downhill! (That's what someone yelled, but it's a lie - they also yelled we only had 3 miles left when it was more like 3.4 - totally not the same thing). Usually, the cities clean up the potholes a bit but this year it seems they just taped or coned the bad ones. I was worried about twisting my ankle running down the hill because it kept getting caught on ruts in the road.
Mile 10-11 ish is a slight uphill on a banked road. It's not fun and my ankle decided it wanted to die. I walked off an on for miles 10-12.5. Then I ran it in, got my medal, and thought I was going to die. I almost thought I was going to pass out waiting for my lunch. I was so dead tired.
Today was not my day. My energy level was just non-existent. But I finished.27 -
No run today. This was a "cut back week" so that was actually scheduled. Next week ramps back up I guess. Have not looked yet.
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January goal: 75 miles
1/1: 3.11 miles
1/4: 4.6 miles
1/5: 4.21 miles
1/6: 8.02 miles
1/8: 3.11 miles
1/9: 3.15 miles
1/10: 3.15 miles
1/13: 9.01 miles
1/15: 3.15 miles
1/16: 3.11 miles
1/17: 5.03 miles
11/20: 10.02 miles
59.67/75 miles completed
I ran 10.02 miles today. It was an awesome run. Yesterday was cold and ridiculously windy, but today was much nicer. It was really cold when I got up, and it seemed a little chilly starting out, but there was some sunshine and it warmed up enough that I was really comfortable most of the run. I wore sleeves and gloves but by 3 miles I had taken off the gloves and by 4 I had taken off the sleeves. It was really good running weather. It was about 50F for most of the run and partly cloudy but enough sun and some blue skies. I really enjoyed it. I felt like I could run forever. I made it almost to a spot where I could see the lake. Maybe next time I will make it there. I just knew that I needed to turn back towards home when I got to 5 miles. I am going to run to the lake soon though. I need to alter my route so that I am running on the main highway instead of taking the back roads and I prefer to run the back roads. But if I want to run to the lake I need to take the main road and plan for a 12-13 mile run, or just plan to have someone come and pick me up after I get there.
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Day January
1 2.3
2 0
3 2.6
4 2.85
5 3.1
6 3.1
7 11
8 2.5
9 1.9
10 2.5
11 4
12 8.15
13 0
14 4
15 4.5
16 0
17 0
18 2.75
19 3.15
20 13.18
Total: 71.58
Goal: 115
UGH. This was my worst half ever. (Although not my slowest despite feeling like it took forever). I got there with about 15 minutes before and passed on the porta potty line thinking I didn't really have to go. Then, of course, the start is delayed by about 10-15 minutes and the waves are even more spread out because they are letting the light rail through (I seriously don't remember them doing this in years past - corrals always rolled out quickly). When I get to the line she announces this is the final corral and I'm like what? No. I got in 13 and there were at least 15 corrals! I passed the 3 hour half pace group so clearly, everyone just ignored the last few corrals (unlike me who follows rules LOL)
So I start finally and suddenly have to pee. I keep watching for porta potties but the first two stops have 1-2 and looooong lines. Finally, around mile 3 I see about 10-15 porta potties and cut over and realized there's a 3ish foot wall I had to scramble over. I head to the far end where no one is waiting and grab one immediately. I will never understand why everyone stays to one side. Got right back into the run after my pit stop that probably felt much longer than it actually was.
I was running along and around mile 6 I can feel my right hip tightening. And it kept tightening. I had to walk a bit here. I ran about another 2 miles then took another walk break to eat my chews knowing what lies ahead. My nemesis. The part of the course that makes me realize all us runners are masochists. It doesn't look like much. Doesn't seem bad when driving but running it? AWFUL. I was determined to conquer the hill this year but at one point I had to walk because so many people were walking and it was the only way to weave through the crowd. Once out I started running and did the awful crest the hill, run a bit and then have to turn around and go back up. Then finally it was all downhill! (That's what someone yelled, but it's a lie - they also yelled we only had 3 miles left when it was more like 3.4 - totally not the same thing). Usually, the cities clean up the potholes a bit but this year it seems they just taped or coned the bad ones. I was worried about twisting my ankle running down the hill because it kept getting caught on ruts in the road.
Mile 10-11 ish is a slight uphill on a banked road. It's not fun and my ankle decided it wanted to die. I walked off an on for miles 10-12.5. Then I ran it in, got my medal, and thought I was going to die. I almost thought I was going to pass out waiting for my lunch. I was so dead tired.
Today was not my day. My energy level was just non-existent. But I finished.
Hugs because that sounds like a rough run, but inspiring because YOU STILL DID IT!6 -
Yay, we survived our cold-*kitten* 5k trail race at WC Johnson, the second race in the Memphis Winter Off-Road series!
Holding my breath all last night watching the front roll through - at 4 pm it was 60 degrees and raining, a couple of hours later everything was coated in ice, 28 degrees, light dusting of snow. Went outside to see if I could scrape enough snow off my car to make a snowball to sneakily throw at my husband, and the car was entirely encased in a sheet of ice. Not auspicious. Went to bed, woke up to bright sunlight, even colder, and for some reason no ice anywhere! Yay!
By race time it had warmed up to just about freezing. I almost never run in weather this cold, but I pulled out my oiselle long tights, merino blend base layer, coldgear heat reflecting hoodie, and my heat reflecting ear headband thingy. Apart from my face which was freezing in the wind (16 degrees windchill) I was comfortable, and since most of the race would be in the woods with no wind I decided against wearing a buff. Merino glove warmers and my hands tucked up in my long sleeves to start with.
WC Johnson is our home stomping ground, we run basically the same path as the posted race course twice every week, with the exception of about 500 m start and finish through what we call "the goose field," a broad expanse of grass which turns into a morass at the slightest sign of rain. We noticed on arriving at the site that the starting gate was not set up where the posted course had indicated it would be - it was off to the side of the goose field, on the paved access road. So we wandered over to the staging area, saw the race director, and asked about the course change. "Our original plan was to eliminate all non-swimmers, but we decided at the last minute that seemed too harsh," he said. So, yeah. This is the first year the series has run this particular set of trails, and apparently whoever planned the course originally did it on a dry, summer day, not realizing that he was starting and ending the race in two feet of standing water. We also learned that they had thought better of sending the race through what's known as "Johnson's canyon," a deep embankment leading down to a creek. "I've never seen it with water in it!" the race director said. "Today, there's three feet of water down there!" Well... theoretically someone might have noticed the BRIDGE over the creek. I've seen it with enough water that it was over the top of the bridge. The park is a wetland preserve, after all!
We had come prepared to stomp through the ford at Johnson's canyon and were honestly a little disappointed that they changed the course to an out-and-back. But not at all sad to start and finish on nice, dry land.
WC Johnson has a beautiful concrete building with heated bathrooms with flush toilets, about half a mile from where the race started. I love heated bathrooms and in sub freezing temperatures they are like a little slice of paradise. There were also portajohns near the start line. I was apparently the only person at the race who knew the heated ones existed, I had a whole bathroom with two stalls all to myself. I guess that's what you call a Home Court advantage. After using the facilities we jogged to the start to warm up, very necessary in the weather.
Once again we lined up about halfway back in corral 2, the 8 - 10 minute corral. We knew from experience we could beat ten on these particular trails but not by how much. Corral 1 was a sea of high schoolers and college kids in matching track jackets - several cross country teams train at WC Johnson. Corral 2 was mostly people who looked like me - reasonably fit but a little long in the tooth.
My husband and I decided, since it had worked so well at our last race, that we would try the same tactic this race - since it's much harder to pass on the single track in the woods than on the broader path at the beginning, we would go out as hard as possible and then relax and catch our breath in the woods. The first bit of the route paralleled the access road, so it was a choice whether to run on the paved part or the grass beside it. My husband chose grass, but I ran on pavement wherever possible thank you! In the woods we found that after yesterday's downpour the dirt trails were completely soggy, and the runners had churned them up into a nice sloshy mud. So far so good. Then we passed a race official who yelled, "Keep to the right! Fast runners coming back!" Eek. While these are comparatively nice, broad, flat trails they are not wide enough for two people to comfortably run side by side, and ordinarily when we pass someone going the other direction, everyone is very polite and gets as far over as possible. Suddenly there was a solid stream of traffic going both directions, in the mud. I actually started laughing at how much mud the oncoming runners were kicking on to my front. It was impossible to pick a good line or choose where to put your feet to avoid tree roots, there was only about a foot of room to run in.
Passing was treacherous. I didn't see it (he was behind me) but my husband had a little girl cut in front of him and then stop, setting her foot down onto the top of his foot coming forwards, which catapulted her into the air and caused him to go down full length in a desperate attempt not to flatten her. He was up in an instant asking if she was okay, while her dad berated her for cutting in front of people - which wasn't quite fair as she was only doing it trying to keep up with dad. She was one several kids of that age where they can just run like crazy but don't have any stamina, so they suddenly stop but don't know to pull over to the side properly. Not that it would have helped much as there really wasn't any side to pull to!
By mile 3 I was all in - could hear my husband behind me breathing even harder than I was - hit the access road going back and knew it was time to turn on a finishing kick, but had nothing left in the tank. For some reason running always feels twice as exhausting when I'm cold, I know other people set PRs in the cold, but if it's below 40 my lungs are not used to it. Paradoxically I was also getting overheated in my outfit. Poured it on to the best of my ability, and... ended up with my second best 5k time, period, almost as fast as my PR on roads. 27:47, 8:47 mile pace.
That was good for 4th in AG, which also puts me 4th in AG in the series so far. I beat the lady who was right ahead of me last race, which means I was 5th when she was 4th and vice versa, giving us the same number of points, and the tie breaker is who placed first in the longer race. I was also 5th grandmaster which puts me on the leaderboard for GM points. The ladies who were 1, 2, 3 in the last race took the first three places in this race as well, but swapped around. There's no real chance I will beat any of them unless something untoward happens, since they all run at least a minute faster than my best mile pace, but I'm surprised as heck to have beaten lady #4, who is an experienced trail runner who does trail ultras.
My husband who ran with me was 16 out of 30 in his AG, so pretty respectable despite having to stay with his wife! Especially considering only the most hardcore guys come out on the coldest day of the year to run in the mud.
Face planting to avoid that little girl means he won the mud contest - we have a photo:This is me and my red nose trying to stay warm before the race:
16 -
rheddmobile wrote: »Yay, we survived our cold-*kitten* 5k trail race at WC Johnson, the second race in the Memphis Winter Off-Road series!
By mile 3 I was all in - could hear my husband behind me breathing even harder than I was - hit the access road going back and knew it was time to turn on a finishing kick, but had nothing left in the tank. For some reason running always feels twice as exhausting when I'm cold, I know other people set PRs in the cold, but if it's below 40 my lungs are not used to it. Paradoxically I was also getting overheated in my outfit. Poured it on to the best of my ability, and... ended up with my second best 5k time, period, almost as fast as my PR on roads. 27:47, 8:47 mile pace.
That was good for 4th in AG, which also puts me 4th in AG in the series so far. I beat the lady who was right ahead of me last race, which means I was 5th when she was 4th and vice versa, giving us the same number of points, and the tie breaker is who placed first in the longer race. I was also 5th grandmaster which puts me on the leaderboard for GM points. The ladies who were 1, 2, 3 in the last race took the first three places in this race as well, but swapped around. There's no real chance I will beat any of them unless something untoward happens, since they all run at least a minute faster than my best mile pace, but I'm surprised as heck to have beaten lady #4, who is an experienced trail runner who does trail ultras.
YAY! Well done!
3 -
@rheddmobile Sounds like a fun race! Great job! I can't imagine doing an out and back on single track in the mud. I think y'all need bonus medals for that...3
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A bad week = 1 run since last Saturday.
Managed to get out today for a 10km Slog through some fresh slow and did some dancing in some areas due to the hidden ice. Never went down but definitely was pushing the Stability-balance limits. The temperature was -11 to -9C so actually rather warm and when I was done the outer layer was soaked. Inner layer dry = good wicking.
Lots of my Northern friends were down in Edmonton ( @sarahthes home city ) this weekend for the River Valley Revenge, 25 and 50 km mini Ultra's on the River valley Trails that have been created by Mountain Bikers and Trail Runners with a few connectors on the official city trails. Will have to put the summer version of this on my race list for this year. 2 weeks until the first event in Northern Alberta and I am horribly under trained so haven't registered and have no plan to. Although I have been dragged to events in the past.4 -
@Scott6255 Hooray! I was getting ready to leave for my race while you were running yours, so I kept checking your splits on the site and cheering for you. 26.2 is a long way!4
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@Scott6255 - Congratulations!! You did it! Whoohoo!!
@RunsOnEspresso - I'm sorry your race didn't go as planned but you finished and hopefully learned some that will help you in the next race?
@rheddmobile - that 5k trail race sounds crazy! Congratulations on your AG place!
@Elise4270 - Thanks for asking. The tumor was removed with clean margins but this type of cancer tends to come back and can pop up anywhere. We had him in last week actually to have some new areas checked and what they could test came back negative and the others are suspicious but too small to test so we are tracking them.
@skippygirlsmom - they have a minimum amount of time to complete the course, 2 mins I think for his distance. It was not a problem I don't think for any of the dogs who mostly stayed on course. Hobbes had no issue
@quilteryoyo - Vizslas are very fast, usually listed in the top 3 or 4 dogs for speed. They can run somewhere around 40 mph and while greyhounds are much faster Vizslas typically have more endurance. We have another event in a couple of weeks where he will run a timed 100 yard dash and they get points based on their speed. I think it will be fun and interesting to see just how fast he will go.
No visible eclipse here tonight either, too many clouds.6 -
1/1 = 10 miles & FB Strong Day 1
1/2 = FB Strong Day 2
1/3 = 3 miles and FB Strong Day 3
1/4 = 18 miles
1/5 = FB Strong day 4
1/6 = 8 miles & FB Strong day 5
1/7 = FB Strong day 6 (easy recovery yoga day)
1/8 = 3 miles & FBS day 8
1/9 = 10 miles & FBS day 9
1/10 = 3 miles & FBS day 10
1/11 = 6 miles and FBS day 11
1/12 = rest day
1/13 = 8 miles with running group
1/14 = FBS Day 12 (lower body) & 13 (yoga recovery)
1/15 = 3 miles & FBS day 15
1/16 = 8 miles (with emergency pit-stop intervals) & a last defeated mile walk home
1/17 = FB Strong day 16 (half effort at a core workout. Still feeling a little under the weather)
1/18 = rest day
1/19 = 8 miles
1/20 = 3 miles
I did my lunar eclipse night tonight with a friend. Thanks again for the suggestion @7lenny7 ! The night sky was very clear and I had a good view of the eclipse peak.
Running late at night is kind-of growing on me. It’s very peaceful. I really want to do another nighttime half (or full?) now. Suggestions?
January goal miles = 75 / Miles to date = 88
Upcoming Races:
1/26/19 = Miami Tropical 5K
1/27/19 = Miami Marathon
3/10/19 = ZOOMA half
4/6/19 = Wanderlust half
5/4/19 = Wisconsin Marathon (mittens challenge part 1)
5/5/19 = Kalamazoo Marathon (mittens challenge part 2)
Run the Year 2019. GO Team B! 1,550 yearly miles pledged. Join us : https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10710465/2019-run-the-year-group#latest10 -
PastorVincent wrote: »Have any of you heard of this company? Their prices on running gear is WAY better than Nike, Under Armour, and company. Supposedly they are big in Europe? Newly come to the US? Does anyone know if their stuff competes in quality with UA/Nike/etc?
Decathlon
https://www.decathlon.com/collections/running
I think that's a French(?) retail store for sports equipment. We have them here in China and I'm sure there's plenty in Europe. They are a really good source for cheapo sportswear and gear that doesn't suck.
I get a lot of my running gear from Decathlon - they make all their stuff themselves, so retail prices are pretty close to manufacturing prices. For example, I really like this shirt (got 3 or 4 of them), they are perfectly functional, aren't sore on the eyes, and only cost $10. They are warm enough that I can run at 0C without needing an extra layer. They are cheap enough that I can wipe my nose on them without feeling guilty. And they are comfortable enough that my girlfriend steals them to lift weights in
I don't buy their shoes or socks or sports bras, I suppose I'm too particular. But I've found Decathlon to be a great money saving option for gear that are non-critical or stuff I tend to go through quickly, like shorts or tops or trail backpacks.9 -
RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Day January
1 2.3
2 0
3 2.6
4 2.85
5 3.1
6 3.1
7 11
8 2.5
9 1.9
10 2.5
11 4
12 8.15
13 0
14 4
15 4.5
16 0
17 0
18 2.75
19 3.15
20 13.18
Total: 71.58
Goal: 115
UGH. This was my worst half ever. (Although not my slowest despite feeling like it took forever). I got there with about 15 minutes before and passed on the porta potty line thinking I didn't really have to go. Then, of course, the start is delayed by about 10-15 minutes and the waves are even more spread out because they are letting the light rail through (I seriously don't remember them doing this in years past - corrals always rolled out quickly). When I get to the line she announces this is the final corral and I'm like what? No. I got in 13 and there were at least 15 corrals! I passed the 3 hour half pace group so clearly, everyone just ignored the last few corrals (unlike me who follows rules LOL)
So I start finally and suddenly have to pee. I keep watching for porta potties but the first two stops have 1-2 and looooong lines. Finally, around mile 3 I see about 10-15 porta potties and cut over and realized there's a 3ish foot wall I had to scramble over. I head to the far end where no one is waiting and grab one immediately. I will never understand why everyone stays to one side. Got right back into the run after my pit stop that probably felt much longer than it actually was.
I was running along and around mile 6 I can feel my right hip tightening. And it kept tightening. I had to walk a bit here. I ran about another 2 miles then took another walk break to eat my chews knowing what lies ahead. My nemesis. The part of the course that makes me realize all us runners are masochists. It doesn't look like much. Doesn't seem bad when driving but running it? AWFUL. I was determined to conquer the hill this year but at one point I had to walk because so many people were walking and it was the only way to weave through the crowd. Once out I started running and did the awful crest the hill, run a bit and then have to turn around and go back up. Then finally it was all downhill! (That's what someone yelled, but it's a lie - they also yelled we only had 3 miles left when it was more like 3.4 - totally not the same thing). Usually, the cities clean up the potholes a bit but this year it seems they just taped or coned the bad ones. I was worried about twisting my ankle running down the hill because it kept getting caught on ruts in the road.
Mile 10-11 ish is a slight uphill on a banked road. It's not fun and my ankle decided it wanted to die. I walked off an on for miles 10-12.5. Then I ran it in, got my medal, and thought I was going to die. I almost thought I was going to pass out waiting for my lunch. I was so dead tired.
Today was not my day. My energy level was just non-existent. But I finished.
@RunsOnEspresso Sorry your half was not fun today. Everyone has off running days but it really sucks when those inevitable and random days happen on race morning.
However .... congrats!!! you ran a half (survived) and got bling! I do love the bling. Pics? 4 -
PastorVincent wrote: »Have any of you heard of this company? Their prices on running gear is WAY better than Nike, Under Armour, and company. Supposedly they are big in Europe? Newly come to the US? Does anyone know if their stuff competes in quality with UA/Nike/etc?
Decathlon
https://www.decathlon.com/collections/running
I think that's a French(?) retail store for sports equipment. We have them here in China and I'm sure there's plenty in Europe. They are a really good source for cheapo sportswear and gear that doesn't suck.
I get a lot of my running gear from Decathlon - they make all their stuff themselves, so retail prices are pretty close to manufacturing prices. For example, I really like this shirt (got 3 or 4 of them), they are perfectly functional, aren't sore on the eyes, and only cost $10. They are warm enough that I can run at 0C without needing an extra layer. They are cheap enough that I can wipe my nose on them without feeling guilty. And they are comfortable enough that my girlfriend steals them to lift weights in
I don't buy their shoes or socks or sports bras, I suppose I'm too particular. But I've found Decathlon to be a great money saving option for gear that are non-critical or stuff I tend to go through quickly, like shorts or tops or trail backpacks.
@PastorVincent yup, that's my local sports store (like 1km from home). You can't just grab anything and expect it to be excellent because their really cheap stuff can be a bit crap (the goal seems to be to provide sports gear for anyone who wants it, meaning as cheap as they can possibly make/sell it) but I have a lot of mid-range stuff and it's great. I wouldn't recommend their 'affordable' running shoes, but everything else hell yeah. I actually love their running bras (not that that will matter to you!) and have socks of their both for running and for hiking. Bonus: I can get my daughter's horse-riding gear there too (problem: I usually end up picking up running stuff I didn't know I needed at the same time lol)
I'm currently in love with a long-sleeved running top I picked up there a few months back for something like 10€.3 -
Quick check-in:
Was cold (for me) mostly because of the gale force wind in the beginning, but managed to eek out a 4:09:03! Secretly hoping to break 4:00, but happy with that.
More to follow tomorrow. Thanks for all the well wishes. Goodnight
Bravo, @Scott6255!! Smashed it.
Amazing run, @louubelle16!
Yay, @RunsOnEspresso! Very tough run. You did it!!
0 -
PastorVincent wrote: »Have any of you heard of this company? Their prices on running gear is WAY better than Nike, Under Armour, and company. Supposedly they are big in Europe? Newly come to the US? Does anyone know if their stuff competes in quality with UA/Nike/etc?
Decathlon
https://www.decathlon.com/collections/running
I have their kiprun jacket and it's my very favorite thing ever. Great quality, better than UA in my opinion, similar to the Brooks or Saucony stuff I have. Unfortunately they are low on stock in their US store and the Euro store won't ship overseas, so I can't try any of the other things I want.1 -
PastorVincent wrote: »Have any of you heard of this company? Their prices on running gear is WAY better than Nike, Under Armour, and company. Supposedly they are big in Europe? Newly come to the US? Does anyone know if their stuff competes in quality with UA/Nike/etc?
Decathlon
https://www.decathlon.com/collections/running
Let’s just say if I had a store open up near me I’d be doing a happy dance.
Great for clothing - I have some running bras from there which are fab. They also make good hydration packs, and their B’Twin bikes are often seen at triathlons - good quality entry-level stuff
No idea how it compares to UA/Nike but I would suggest those brands are over-priced and you could get decent enough quality without paying their prices.
Not sure about shoes though.
5 -
Ha ha @shanaber good to see Hobbes having fun.
Always makes me laugh when dogs bark at things they are chasing - what do they think is going to happen? That the thing will stop?!!! I can hear Hobbes in my head whilst watching that - ‘stop, stop!’ ‘Come back!’
1 -
@RunsOnEspresso Sounds like a rough race, but you did it! I had a similar experience with corrals at the St Jude the first time I ran it, carefully put myself in the right pace group and ended up surrounded by walkers. UGH!0
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Hey they got a pretty good shot of my husband and me! This is the dry part of the trail, believe it or not - the gravel connector to the access road, coming back at the end of the race.
17 -
PastorVincent wrote: »Have any of you heard of this company? Their prices on running gear is WAY better than Nike, Under Armour, and company. Supposedly they are big in Europe? Newly come to the US? Does anyone know if their stuff competes in quality with UA/Nike/etc?
Decathlon
https://www.decathlon.com/collections/running
They are huge in France and the UK and I’d highly rate their stuff. There’s no notable difference in quality compared to Nike/UA etc, but it’s a LOT cheaper. (Although I’ve never tried their shoes, only clothing and my hydration bag)0 -
I did want to wake up early and see the blood moon, but decided against it - I'd have been extremely tired today otherwise and would have ended up skipping the gym. Turns out it was quite cloudy over our way anyway!
06Jan - 2.8 miles (outdoor)
07Jan - 1.4 miles (treadmill)
10Jan - 1.5 miles (treadmill)
11Jan - 2 miles (treadmill)
13Jan - 4 miles (outdoor)
14Jan - 1.9 miles (treadmill)
17Jan - 1.9 miles (treadmill)
18Jan - 1.5 miles (treadmill)
20Jan - 4.6 miles (outdoor)
21Jan - 1.75 miles (treadmill)
Total so far: 23.35 miles of 203 -
PastorVincent wrote: »Have any of you heard of this company? Their prices on running gear is WAY better than Nike, Under Armour, and company. Supposedly they are big in Europe? Newly come to the US? Does anyone know if their stuff competes in quality with UA/Nike/etc?
Decathlon
https://www.decathlon.com/collections/running
I think that's a French(?) retail store for sports equipment. We have them here in China and I'm sure there's plenty in Europe. They are a really good source for cheapo sportswear and gear that doesn't suck.
I get a lot of my running gear from Decathlon - they make all their stuff themselves, so retail prices are pretty close to manufacturing prices. For example, I really like this shirt (got 3 or 4 of them), they are perfectly functional, aren't sore on the eyes, and only cost $10. They are warm enough that I can run at 0C without needing an extra layer. They are cheap enough that I can wipe my nose on them without feeling guilty. And they are comfortable enough that my girlfriend steals them to lift weights in
I don't buy their shoes or socks or sports bras, I suppose I'm too particular. But I've found Decathlon to be a great money saving option for gear that are non-critical or stuff I tend to go through quickly, like shorts or tops or trail backpacks.
Did you link to the right shirt? That one says...This jersey has a technical component which combines insulation from the cold and good perspiration wicking in temperatures as low as 59°F. It can also be worn under a jacket for even greater protection. For a cooling effect use the half-zip.
0C is 32F, which is a lot colder than 59F 0 -
@noblsheep @louubelle16 @girlinahat @eleanorhawkins @rheddmobile and anyone else I missed...
Thanks for the notes on Decathlon! I fully agree UA is overpriced, but its options are slim to compete with it around these parts. I am looking for a mid layer to go over my UA Cold Gear compression shirt for days like today when the thermometer registers 2F (-17C). I have a great top layer, my North Face Windwall (talk about pricey!!) but need a good midlayer.
Can you recommend something form their line? I really need it to wick. That is the problem with my current 1/4 zip that I used to use. It does not wick, so I get chaffing bad.
Thanks!0 -
rheddmobile wrote: »Hey they got a pretty good shot of my husband and me! This is the dry part of the trail, believe it or not - the gravel connector to the access road, coming back at the end of the race.
Looks like a very cool place to race though!2
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