Calling all runners...

@msapplek I'm trying to do more frequent shorter runs. I'm thinking I'll stay at 3 runs a week of 3 km each for January and then increase a tiny bit in February if all is well. I've also started doing the boot camps on the pelleton app. I like that it breaks up the run into run, weights, run, weights. So I still feel like I'm getting a run in, but my actual time running is less.

Last early run for a while as I fly home from work tomorrow and can get up at normal times! Started my run at 2:45am this morning, was already quite warm at 31deg (88F) but it warms you up quick haha

msapplek wrote: »

Mrscanmore wrote: »

I've been running for quite a few years, but lately I've really come down in my weekly km. I've suffered from a lot of overuse injuries lately, but hoping to get back into increasing my kms.

@Mrscanmore - I've also been dealing with some overuse injuries, so I took a break from running for about 1.5months (I'm a newer runner). Decided to go for an easy run on Jan 1st, and it wasn't horrible. But both my knees did hurt afterwards. Do you think it's worth it to keep going with the easy runs and build back up? Or, should I say farewell to running (I'm 43yo and don't know if this high impact activity will be good in the long term future)? May I ask what you are doing to get back to increasing your KMs?

How old are your shoes? Wearing older shoes or the wrong kind can lead to knee issues as they stop giving support long before they look worn. Strengthening other muscles in your legs can also help. FWIW, I didn't start running until I was in my mid-50s. I had bad knees from backpacking. Running has made them better by strengthening my muscles, tendons, etc.

Re; HIIT. Don't do it until you get your knee/leg issue resolved. Hard speedwork puts a lot of stress on the body and is more likely to get you injured than slow easy runs.

msapplek wrote: »

@dewd2 and @Djroulx - Interesting, I always hear about people who say that they stopped running because it was bad for their knees (or maybe they said their joints?). My injury was, at first, a very tight quad (which I do think it was related to running plus some strength training and overuse), but then the tight quad led to a horrible clicking noise in my knee when I ran, so I stopped. And the most recent run brought me back to pain in both knees. Hm, I'll give it another run and good stretching to see how I'm feeling.

@Mrscanmore - I was just considering signing up for the Peloton app for the running HIIT programs (eventually when I feel ready for it). Do you have the bike as well? Or just use the app? What is your overall impression? is it worth a subscription?

If you are static stretching (especially cold muscle) it could be causing some of the problems. Dynamic stretches/warm up is good (not that most of us do it ).

lmtroake834 wrote: »

Is there any such app that tracks distance on the treadmill? I have been using underarmours mapmyfitness app but it just tracks the time so it doesn't allow me to track my distance for any group challenges that I want to try. Any suggestions out there? I definitely prefer something that will connect to MyfitnessPal. 🤔

Can you add the distance manually?

Garmin watches can sorta track dreadmill miles (accuracy varies). Garmin watches with the footpod are better assuming you've properly calibrated with a run outside first. Also, dreadmills can be inaccurate as well. Some can be calibrated but they can still drift over time.

dewd2 wrote: »

lmtroake834 wrote: »

Is there any such app that tracks distance on the treadmill? I have been using underarmours mapmyfitness app but it just tracks the time so it doesn't allow me to track my distance for any group challenges that I want to try. Any suggestions out there? I definitely prefer something that will connect to MyfitnessPal. 🤔

Can you add the distance manually?

Garmin watches can sorta track dreadmill miles (accuracy varies). Garmin watches with the footpod are better assuming you've properly calibrated with a run outside first. Also, dreadmills can be inaccurate as well. Some can be calibrated but they can still drift over time.

Unfortunately I am an indoor girl with sketchy wifi in my location so other devices don't connect well and I haven't seen how I can enter distance manually on the app but I guess I'll just stay out of the online challenges and just track myself for my own benefits...thanks tho 😊

I registered for 6 virtual races this morning, the Run Austin Virtual Series, as they're free to anyone who is registered for the Austin Marathon. If they weren't free, I would never have registered for them. I've never run a virtual race and I've never had interest in doing it, either. I know some people enjoy virtual races. I'm trying to think of ways to make it more fun. For example, there's one named a Taco 10k , so I'm thinking about running it and having a taco bar set up afterwards like a big celebration. Signs being held up by family members, I don't know if they'd be thrilled to do it. Actual races, they have crazy fun at! I cannot in a million years recreate the exhilaration that the spectators and other runners bring, especially to the Marathon. Sadly, the full was postponed until next year.

RunsWithBees wrote: »

It’s been unseasonably warm in the Bay Area, on yesterday’s run I just about overheated so today I wore shorts and a tank top and faired much better on my 6 miler!

So many things I really admire about running barefoot even though I'm not brave enough to try it and I love, love, love your pictures... but I have to ask, aren't you afraid to step on a nail or some glass or even a rock? I watch where I'm going but even still, I've missed some things here and there...

LoveyChar wrote: »

dewd2 wrote: »

heytimsla wrote: »

LoveyChar wrote: »

Runner here and I started a little later too, mid thirties! Running is my addiction. Feel free to add me!

Adding: I ran my first Marathon this year, Austin Marathon in February, and I was training for 2021 until it was cancelled/date changed and downgraded to Half. I deferred it and now I'm looking forward to Texas Trail Running Festival Marathon 2021!

Don't forget about tejas trails they're still doing races too !

I'll be running Bandera 100k on Jan 9th. I think there's still a few spots open

One day I'll run it, that's a dream of mine...

I LOVED Bandera. I loved it so much I will do it again next year. You really should try it. What an amazing area of the country. Great people and a amazing trail.

@RunsWithBees i don't have that problem here! The weather has been really nice, but that still means below 0, snow and ice!

Looking for accountability from other runners

Ran 8kms yesterday, I had to breakthrough the 7km barrier as I had set that as some sort of psychological hurdle not to pass, but now I hope I just can continue to add distance in small increments.

I know this is a broad question, but I thought I'd ask and get people's thoughts. Before I do, I'd like to point out that my consistency has been all over the place this past nine months.

I've been experiencing various pains and calf tightness in my left leg during/after running. The symptoms have been inconsistent. Sometimes it's just‌ ‌a tight calf, sometimes it starts across the heel, sometimes it's the ankle. When I wake up in the morning, everything is fine and things don't start bothering me until 2alking around for a while. Yoga for tight hips/etc. Seems to be helping, until I start running. I alternate between two running shoes and both have about 100 miles. My boyfriend has always teased me (in a loving way) about how heavy/hard and stiff I am when running/landing.

I have a half Ironman in September and want to take care of this now (as it has gotten to the point the pain starts at about 15 minutes into my run).

My question: where do I start/go to first?
New running shoes, running analysis with a coach, doctor for physical therapy, start at ground zero (15min run with a build of time as issues lesson), smaller run intervals (currently I do 9 minutes slow run 1 minute walk)?

I can provide more details if needed.

PS: I've been running for about 5 years or more, and did my last 10k Jan 2019

SwtHedgehog wrote: »

I know this is a broad question, but I thought I'd ask and get people's thoughts. Before I do, I'd like to point out that my consistency has been all over the place this past nine months.

I've been experiencing various pains and calf tightness in my left leg during/after running. The symptoms have been inconsistent. Sometimes it's just‌ ‌a tight calf, sometimes it starts across the heel, sometimes it's the ankle. When I wake up in the morning, everything is fine and things don't start bothering me until 2alking around for a while. Yoga for tight hips/etc. Seems to be helping, until I start running. I alternate between two running shoes and both have about 100 miles. My boyfriend has always teased me (in a loving way) about how heavy/hard and stiff I am when running/landing.

I have a half Ironman in September and want to take care of this now (as it has gotten to the point the pain starts at about 15 minutes into my run).

My question: where do I start/go to first?
New running shoes, running analysis with a coach, doctor for physical therapy, start at ground zero (15min run with a build of time as issues lesson), smaller run intervals (currently I do 9 minutes slow run 1 minute walk)?

I can provide more details if needed.

PS: I've been running for about 5 years or more, and did my last 10k Jan 2019

Are both shoes the same brand/style? Did you change recently (lower drop perhaps)?

I blasted my calf last october and had to DNS a couple races (including a marathon). The way I rehabbed with with strengthening exercises. Check Dr. Google for some good exercises for achilles issues - these are useful for calves as well.

You can also look at your form. If you are landing heavy or over striding that could be an issue. Quick steps with your feet landing under you. Make sure your not landing too much on your toes.

If it doesn't get better I'd see a physical therapist.

Good luck.