February 2019 Monthly Running Challenge
Replies
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Ok.... This morning was quite sore! I took it back a step just to try and keep it an easy day. My legs are sooooo tired after yesterday's outing! I could have slept another few hours, first time in a while I've actually needed my alarm! But I dragged my *kitten* out of bed at 5.50 and got out at 6! Legs are now officially dead...
I'm using "first day to 5k" program on www.podrunner.com
2nd - 10.44km (w4, w3, w2)
3rd - 10.31km (w4, w3, w2)
4th - 1.84 km (short due to leggings being too big!)
5th - 3.84km (w4)
6th - 4.08km (w4)
7th - 4.11km (w4)
8th - 4.18km (w4)
9th - 11.12km (w4, w3, w2)
10th - 11.18km (w5-1, w4, we)
11th - 4.08km (w5 d1)
12th - took the morning off... After 10 days straight my body needed a rest!
13th - 4.15km (w5 d1)
14th - 4.00km (w5 d1)
15th- 4.18km (w5 d1)
16th - rest (taking my son to fortnite competition!)
17th - 13.35km (w5d2, w5d1, w4 & a bit of w3!)
18th - 4.11km (w5d1)
Total so far - 95 km/ 161.93km
https://www.facebook.com/donate/2069247306698727/?fundraiser_source=external_url
Planning on a 10km on 11th may, trying to aim for <75 mins. (Best so far was 1 18 so 3 mins off is doable right?)
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Not entirely sure I'll make my goal this month as I have another busy weekend coming up so may only be able to do a couple of miles whenever I am at the gym. For once I am looking forward to it getting lighter in the mornings/evenings so I can start running outside during the week before/after work and get those miles in!
01Feb - 1.85 miles (treadmill)
03Feb - 3.85 miles (outside)
04Feb - 1.8 miles (treadmill)
07Feb - 1.85 miles (treadmill)
08Feb - 2 miles (treadmill)
09Feb - 6.8 miles (outside)
11Feb - 2 miles (treadmill)
14Feb - 2 miles (treadmill)
16Feb - 3.5 miles (outside)
18Feb - 2 miles (treadmill) (I also did this in under 18 minutes - FINALLY!)
Total to date: 27.65 miles of 40
Right, I believe there were some questions to answer!How about a monthly question?
What are your current running goals? Do you have a PR your chasing?
And maybe tell me something about you, others may not know.
My current running goals are to participate in more races this year (me and my friend are signing up to a 10k in March, so that's a start) and to be able to actually complete the HM I'm doing in October.
I did have a goal PR for doing 5k in under 28 minutes, however according to Strava I actually did that on Saturday (27:36 compared to 28:27 earlier in the year!). I guess now I'm aiming for a 5k in under 27 minutes and a 10k in under 58 minutes.
Something about me? Hmm I spend some of my spare time playing board games - we have quite a few and have had to stop buying them for the time being until we can get better storage for them!7 -
@debrakgoogins nice 10K PR! That map looks like a boot!
@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.
@eleanorhawkins glad you got to race again. Nice pace!
@rheddmobile well done on your 5mi PR!
@PastorVincent nice 20 miler. That Ryanud's really sucks!
I didn't get to run this weekend. Was sick (flu??) from Friday night to Sunday night. Feels like it is behind me now. Hope to get running tomorrow.8 -
PastorVincent wrote: »@MegaMooseEsq Three stars on each foot? Any significance in the pattern?
They are the design from the top of every page of Harry Potter. Thus my joke about being a “basic nerd”. It’s a common enough tattoo among fans that I spent a long time deciding if I was okay with that, but eventually went with yes. Sometimes it’s fun to be a part of a tribe.
I also love pumpkin spice coffee.
Aside from that, I see the stars as symbols of completeness, beginnings and endings, and the placement a reminder of the amazing things that I’ve been able to do since I started pushing myself to run just a block at a time.11 -
@kgirlhart The lake looks like a beautiful place to run! Good job!2
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quilteryoyo wrote: »
@MobyCarp You amaze me with the paces and races you run. Have you been a runner all of your life?
@quilteryoyo
The smartass answer is, "Not yet."
The honest answer is that I started running in August 2011 at the age of 55. I found a program similar to C25K. The first workout called for intervals of walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes. I walked 1 minute, ran 1 minute, and was compelled to slow to a walk. That's where I came from. After injuring myself on my way to my first half marathon, twice, I got some formal training and made it to my first half in April 2014. I kind of accidentally ran my first marathon at Buffalo on Memorial Day weekend, 2015; if I hadn't run Boston the year after that, my running buddies might have killed me for wasting a qualifying time.
So that's 4 years and 8 months from not being able to run more than 1 minute, to completing my first Boston Marathon. Others may have developed faster, but that was good enough for me.
HAHAHA That is a pretty smartass answer, but I get it! Now you really are inspiring me to up my game and become faster. As you may know, I ran for the first time, really ever, about 10 years ago, in order to overcome depression when my husband passed away. I "ran" until I tore a calf muscle playing tennis. Then, it was just hard to get back into it. I sort of started again back in August of last year, but didn't really get serious again until December. So, about 11 weeks into it and doing better than I expected. I just never envisioned myself to be able to run faster than a 12 min mile consistently. So, at least now I know it may be possible. THANKS!! I guess it really isn't ever too late to start.7 -
@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.
The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.
Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.
So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.
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quilteryoyo wrote: »
@MobyCarp You amaze me with the paces and races you run. Have you been a runner all of your life?
@quilteryoyo
The smartass answer is, "Not yet."
The honest answer is that I started running in August 2011 at the age of 55. I found a program similar to C25K. The first workout called for intervals of walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes. I walked 1 minute, ran 1 minute, and was compelled to slow to a walk. That's where I came from. After injuring myself on my way to my first half marathon, twice, I got some formal training and made it to my first half in April 2014. I kind of accidentally ran my first marathon at Buffalo on Memorial Day weekend, 2015; if I hadn't run Boston the year after that, my running buddies might have killed me for wasting a qualifying time.
So that's 4 years and 8 months from not being able to run more than 1 minute, to completing my first Boston Marathon. Others may have developed faster, but that was good enough for me.
Absolutely amazing! Just one question, how do you "accidentally" run a marathon?!3 -
PastorVincent wrote: »@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.
The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.
Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.
So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.
I find myself getting caught up in the energy of the finish line and generally try to finish fast, but it's because I enjoy doing it, no other reason. I sometimes feel a little silly putting on a "burst of speed" from the middle/back of the pack, but if anyone's judging, that's their issue.6 -
MegaMooseEsq wrote: »PastorVincent wrote: »@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.
The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.
Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.
So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.
I find myself getting caught up in the energy of the finish line and generally try to finish fast, but it's because I enjoy doing it, no other reason. I sometimes feel a little silly putting on a "burst of speed" from the middle/back of the pack, but if anyone's judging, that's their issue.
I do, but that is because I figure I'm going to rest after the race and I can give it everything I've got left as I come in to the finish. It probably shaves off only a few seconds, though.4 -
I alway do a kick at the end too - I'm definitely not trying to win or place, but I agree with @MegaMooseEsq about the energy of the finish line. I like to push myself to give it all I have left at the finish and overcome everything in me that's saying I can't go any further - yes you can! Just a bit more!
Friends, my back is terrible this morning. I can barely get up and down and had to crawl out of bed this morning. I get flares of lower back pain every once in a while but it had been so much better lately, which I attributed to strength training. But this is probably the worst I've ever had and I'm trying to gather up the courage to make an attempt at going to urgent care. I don't know if I can do it, but I feel like I need muscle relaxants or something to get through the worst of this.21 -
@kartharmonic feel better. that is so debilitating. muscle relaxants aren't the end of the world. i have to use them once in a while
no running. not safe outside. i did some random pacing inside, i may end up paying for a month for a treadmill in a gym. the ice is discreetly hiding under the snow. i might be able to get out to some trails if the sun cooperates.
but lots of cross training and heavy lifting. the snow piles are now getting taller than me8 -
Feb 1 - 5 km
Feb 4 - 4.2 km
Feb 6 - 5 km
Feb 8 - 3.6 km
I was sick for a week, but I ma back now!
Feb 18 - 4.5 km
Feb total: 22.3 km
Feb goal: 50 km
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katharmonic wrote: »I alway do a kick at the end too - I'm definitely not trying to win or place, but I agree with @MegaMooseEsq about the energy of the finish line. I like to push myself to give it all I have left at the finish and overcome everything in me that's saying I can't go any further - yes you can! Just a bit more!
Friends, my back is terrible this morning. I can barely get up and down and had to crawl out of bed this morning. I get flares of lower back pain every once in a while but it had been so much better lately, which I attributed to strength training. But this is probably the worst I've ever had and I'm trying to gather up the courage to make an attempt at going to urgent care. I don't know if I can do it, but I feel like I need muscle relaxants or something to get through the worst of this.
Wow, that sounds awful. I hope it subsides soon so you can get whatever help you need!1 -
2-1 7k easy
2-2 7k easy
2-3 Rest
2-4 7k easy
2-5 Rest
2-6 7k slow
2-7 7k intervals
2-8 Rest
2-9 7k slow
2-10 12k slow
2-11 7k recovery
2-12 Rest
2-13 7.3 k slow
2-14 7k intervals
2-15 Rest
2-16 7k easy
2-17 11k slow
2-18 7k recovery
February Total: 100.3k
February Goal: 100k
Next year when you pop in here claiming your December 2019 mileage, what accomplishments will you have made?
Run at least 4 5k races.
Get under 30:00 and a PR for 5k.
Average at least 135k per month, which would put me over 1,000 miles for the year.
Run the Year Team: Five for Nineteen
Yesterday afternoon and last night left us in inch thick layer of alternating snow and ice, so footing today wasn't the best. I need to remember to wear my glasses when running while it's snowing, to keep the snow out of my eyes. At about the 5k mark, I was ruminating about how blessed it was to be able to run pain free again, with no back pain; no hip pain; no hamstring pain; and no achilles pain. I think running pain free was something I was taking for granted; I'll try not to make that mistake anymore.
2019 Races:
4-13 Shine the Light 5K
6-1 Freedom 5K
6-30 Strides for Starfish 5k7 -
@katharmonic I hope your back is better soon!0
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midwesterner85 wrote: »MegaMooseEsq wrote: »PastorVincent wrote: »@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.
The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.
Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.
So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.
I find myself getting caught up in the energy of the finish line and generally try to finish fast, but it's because I enjoy doing it, no other reason. I sometimes feel a little silly putting on a "burst of speed" from the middle/back of the pack, but if anyone's judging, that's their issue.
I do, but that is because I figure I'm going to rest after the race and I can give it everything I've got left as I come in to the finish. It probably shaves off only a few seconds, though.
If I've been racing hard my "finishing kick" is sometimes more like a finishing stagger, but I always try to leave it all out there by the time I cross the finish line. It does make a difference in the local placings - for a while I was tied with someone in my series - I was eight seconds behind her in the first race and fifteen seconds ahead in the second!
Another reason for a finishing kick is that the photographer is often at the finish, and I don't like photos of me shuffling along. My photos are usually pretty bad, but I do try to look alive!9 -
@debrakgoogins and @butterchop Congrats on those new distances for you both!
@elise4270 to answer your questions: My current running goal is to not quit. LOL Something about me no one knows...... I don't really have secrets. But my new hobby that no one really knows about is houseplants. No one knows except my husband because he lives with me and it's starting to freak him out. He says I'm turning into Poison Ivy from Batman. I've started to recognize houseplants in ads/commercials/tv shows and know them by name, which is weird. I'm also becoming increasingly disturbed by the faux greenery in my office that I never paid attention to before. Why? Just why? It's so ugly
Running has been....going....
Last week I think I ran 30 min on Monday - my usual slow pace. Tuesday was 30 min at the same pace but I threw in 5 little bitty hills in which is increased the incline on the treadmill to 3.0 for 1 min each (I usually keep it at 1.0 so it's not on 0 incline). Thursday I guess I ran 30 min again???? but I did a few little intervals of increasing my speed by just .5mph to break from my flat pace on the treadmill. I think I did 1 min intervals for 5 times and then maybe at the end ran a 2 min interval at the faster pace? The .5mph sadly makes a huge difference for me. Ha. Then Sunday I finally got around to another "long run" in which I increased my time from 48 mins to 50 mins.
I want to get to 60 min by the end of the month which is probably no big deal I hope? So maybe Friday I'll try 55 min and then last day of the month go for 60.
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For anything half marathon distance or shorter, I'll give it everything I have for the final sprint to the finish, if i have anything more to give, unless I'm coming back from injury.
In an ultra, I think the only reason I'd try to push at the end would be to pass someone. Otherwise forget it. A few seconds out of 6+ hours just doesn't matter and I'm probably in enough pain as it is.
My race this weekend in Kansas City looks like it will be another great mudfest. Last year they had snow several days before, rain the morning of, then a ground thaw during.
This year they're supposed to get 2 to 4 inches tomorrow, a thaw in the mid 40's on Friday and Saturday, with rain before and during the race. I'll be prepared for more of this (from last year's race):
2019 Races
02/23/2019 - Psycho Wyco 20M w/ Kody - Kansas City, KS
04/13/2019 - Zumbro Endurance Run - Theilman, MN - Volunteer/Pace for 17M
04/27/2019 - Tillamook Burn 50M - Tillamook Forest, OR
05/18/2019 - Superior Spring 50K - Lutsen, MN
06/22/2019 - Dan Patch 5K Pace - Savage, MN *
06/22/2019 - Circle of Life 10K - Lake City, MN *
07/04/2019 - Red Wing 5K - Red Wing, MN *
07/13/2019 - Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon - Carlton, MN
07/27/2019 - Wabasha River Run 10K - Wabasha, MN
09/14/2019 - Outrun Homelessness 5K - Savage, MN
09/21/2019 - Surly Trail Loppet HM - Minneapolis, MN
10/12/2019 - Big Woods Run Trail HM - Nerstrand, MN
10/20/2019 - Surf the Murph (50k or 50M) *
12/07/2019 - Alternate Chili 10M w/ Kody - Kansas City, KS
Registered
* Tentative
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@7lenny7 wow. That’s some mud. I hope this year it’s not as bad. How do you keep your feet dry? I don’t mind running wet, its the mud grit can bother me. Any problems? I asked dh if we could go, he said “no. Kansas City is 6 hours away”. I said fine, not like I can run 20 miles anyway... but, I think I’ll get out today since your mud has inspired me. It’s cold, 33F (0c) and I haven’t run in 3 weeks now.... just been “poor me” a bit.8
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rheddmobile wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »MegaMooseEsq wrote: »PastorVincent wrote: »@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.
The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.
Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.
So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.
I find myself getting caught up in the energy of the finish line and generally try to finish fast, but it's because I enjoy doing it, no other reason. I sometimes feel a little silly putting on a "burst of speed" from the middle/back of the pack, but if anyone's judging, that's their issue.
I do, but that is because I figure I'm going to rest after the race and I can give it everything I've got left as I come in to the finish. It probably shaves off only a few seconds, though.
If I've been racing hard my "finishing kick" is sometimes more like a finishing stagger, but I always try to leave it all out there by the time I cross the finish line. It does make a difference in the local placings - for a while I was tied with someone in my series - I was eight seconds behind her in the first race and fifteen seconds ahead in the second!
Another reason for a finishing kick is that the photographer is often at the finish, and I don't like photos of me shuffling along. My photos are usually pretty bad, but I do try to look alive!
I usually am anxious for the race to be over (that feeling of 'the finish line must be coming up soon, I hope!') that I get very excited to see the finish line and run as fast as I can with whatever I have left to get to it. HA!
@katharmonic - I really hope your back is better soon! I have been there and it is horrible. My husband even had to call the paramedics once when I ended up on the floor in pain and couldn't get up. It also happened once on a road trip to Utah with my daughter. I ended up in the hospital and she was so frightened! They told me I could drive the next day for 2 hours or less at a time and then I had to get out and walk around. It was a VERY long trip home! Apparently sitting is the worst thing you can do. Well that and I was very overweight then. I haven't had too many issues since I lost weight but I get worried if it even twinges when I am lifting or running. Then I come home and religiously do my back stretches for a few days. If you can't get yourself to Urgent Care is there someone you can call to help get you there?5 -
My race this weekend in Kansas City looks like it will be another great mudfest. Last year they had snow several days before, rain the morning of, then a ground thaw during.
This year they're supposed to get 2 to 4 inches tomorrow, a thaw in the mid 40's on Friday and Saturday, with rain before and during the race. I'll be prepared for more of this (from last year's race):
Hmm, I think you might need a napkin, or two to clean up after that.0 -
My race this weekend in Kansas City looks like it will be another great mudfest. Last year they had snow several days before, rain the morning of, then a ground thaw during.
This year they're supposed to get 2 to 4 inches tomorrow, a thaw in the mid 40's on Friday and Saturday, with rain before and during the race. I'll be prepared for more of this (from last year's race):
that one handy wipe they give in the race packets isn't going to be enough2 -
@7lenny7 wow. That’s some mud. I hope this year it’s not as bad. How do you keep your feet dry? I don’t mind running wet, it the mud grit can bother me. Any problems? I asked dh if we could go, he said “no. Kansas City is 6 hours away”. I said fine, not like I can run 20 miles anyway... but, I think I’ll get out today since your mud has inspired me. It’s cold, 33F (0c) and I haven’t run in 3 weeks now.... just been “poor me” a bit.
@Elise4270 I plan on going every year so meet me in 2020. This is fantastic, well supported race on a great course with great swag.
The course is a 10.5 mile loop with three race distances, 10M, 20M, and 50K. One cool feature is that if you sign up for the 20M or 50K and decide not to do all your loops, you can run through the timing gate and collect the medal for what you did do. In addition to the medal, last year I got a great hoodie, pint glass, a buff, and distance sticker. If you complete the 50K you also get a trucker hat. Hopefully I can go after that next year. Both this year and last I was recovering from injury so I wasn't able to try.
How do you keep your feet dry? You don't, it's impossible. You just splash in the mud and the puddles with your inner child. The only problems I had last year was trying to undo the laces on the Salomon quick lace system when they were so impacted with mud and my fingers were numb. I may wear gaiters on my shoes this year.
Last year's swag. It's hard to see the whole thing but that big logo in the middle is the back of the hoodie.
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PastorVincent wrote: »My race this weekend in Kansas City looks like it will be another great mudfest. Last year they had snow several days before, rain the morning of, then a ground thaw during.
This year they're supposed to get 2 to 4 inches tomorrow, a thaw in the mid 40's on Friday and Saturday, with rain before and during the race. I'll be prepared for more of this (from last year's race):
Hmm, I think you might need a napkin, or two to clean up after that.
@PastorVincent There is a well with a hand pump at the finish. Of course the water is very cold so washing off your legs and feet is a rather shocking experience. I got a great tip last year that there was a DIY car wash by the shuttle bus stop so I used the high pressure rinse to wash my shoes off and they looked like new.
My socks mostly stayed clean
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February
2— 57seconds sally
3— 5.38
18— 1.0 TM
I think after a two week break I’m ready to get back at it. I really thought I slacked off for 3 weeks so nice surprise it’s just 2. I bet I still make that meager goal of 30 miles. My plan is two 1mile TM runs daily (am/pm) and with the weekend I bet I can snag enough to make goal and I’ll keep this schedule through March 5th. Some of you already know, but figure I’d update the masses, that I have surgery scheduled March 6th (femoral derotation osteotomy, right), and it’ll be sometime before I can run. Luckily the orthopedic surgeon is a marathoner and is cool with trying to keep me running although suggested I embrace cycling. I gather this could potentially be the first of more surgeries (FDO left, PAO right- but he nor I can tell the future so... we’ll see), but if this does the trick then it’s onward! If you happen to know any stories of running post FDO, please share!
Here’s a quick illustration of what FDO is for those curious.
6.38 / 30 miles
Comeback races
2020 Psycho WyCo Kansas 10miles. February.14 -
February goal: 75 miles
2/2: 13.11 miles
2/5: 5.16 miles
2/6: 5.10 miles
2/7: 5.15 miles
2/10: 8.71 miles
2/12: 3.25 miles
2/13: 3.26 miles
2/14: 5.50 miles
2/17: 9.32 miles
2/18: 3.13 miles
61.69/75 miles completed
Monday's are usually rest days for me, but I decided to go ahead and run today. It was colder than I like at 37F feels like 32F, but tomorrow it is only supposed to get up to about 35F and be raining so I decided to brave the cold today since it is likely I wouldn't want to run tomorrow. Cloudy, cold, wet weather usually puts me in a crabby mood, and missing a run does too. I'm hoping that since I ran today I won't be so crabby about not running tomorrow. I had a good run today too. It was at lunchtime, so just a quick 3.13 miles. But it was nice.
I have always tried to give it my all at the end of the race. All of my races have been pretty small so there has always been some chance for an AG award. Plus there is just the excitement of seeing the finish line and knowing I am almost there. The last race I ran there was someone who almost caught up to me the last half mile and I was not going to let her catch me.
2019 Races:
2/2/19: Catch the Groundhog Half Marathon - PR 2:15:17
5/18/19: Run for 57th AHC Half Marathon8 -
rheddmobile wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »MegaMooseEsq wrote: »PastorVincent wrote: »@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.
The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.
Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.
So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.
I find myself getting caught up in the energy of the finish line and generally try to finish fast, but it's because I enjoy doing it, no other reason. I sometimes feel a little silly putting on a "burst of speed" from the middle/back of the pack, but if anyone's judging, that's their issue.
I do, but that is because I figure I'm going to rest after the race and I can give it everything I've got left as I come in to the finish. It probably shaves off only a few seconds, though.
If I've been racing hard my "finishing kick" is sometimes more like a finishing stagger, but I always try to leave it all out there by the time I cross the finish line. It does make a difference in the local placings - for a while I was tied with someone in my series - I was eight seconds behind her in the first race and fifteen seconds ahead in the second!
Another reason for a finishing kick is that the photographer is often at the finish, and I don't like photos of me shuffling along. My photos are usually pretty bad, but I do try to look alive!
Yes on photos. There was a HM I did with video feed of the finish line, and I posted on Facebook. My sister saw the video and said, "you are going pretty fast for someone who just ran a half marathon." Yep... way faster than most of the race up until that point.7 -
katharmonic wrote: »I alway do a kick at the end too - I'm definitely not trying to win or place, but I agree with @MegaMooseEsq about the energy of the finish line. I like to push myself to give it all I have left at the finish and overcome everything in me that's saying I can't go any further - yes you can! Just a bit more!
Friends, my back is terrible this morning. I can barely get up and down and had to crawl out of bed this morning. I get flares of lower back pain every once in a while but it had been so much better lately, which I attributed to strength training. But this is probably the worst I've ever had and I'm trying to gather up the courage to make an attempt at going to urgent care. I don't know if I can do it, but I feel like I need muscle relaxants or something to get through the worst of this.
Any luck with urgent care? Hope your back settles down soon.2
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