The Running Thread - 2018

[JeffW]

ATTQOTD: For local races, we have something called Little Red Hen Productions. If I'm looking for something specific, I use Active or Runningintheusa as well.

I noticed last year that 5k runs have become really popular while 10ks were less frequent. I've actually skipped 2 races this year because they were 5k and we needed more miles for our long run Saturdays.

I find 10k's lacking as well, and many of the 10k's that do exist are just two laps of the 5k course A few times I've signed up for a 5k, but arrived at the site early enough to get in my targeted mileage for the day, minus 3 miles. By the time I get to the start of the 5k, I'm all warmed up and ready to race. The downside is if your local 5k race organizer isn't all that organized and the start is delayed. Then you are just standing there tightening up.

 

[JeffW]

ATTQOTD: I use an Amphipod Runlite belt with only two bottles on it (10 oz each) for any run over 10 miles. If it is hot, I usually have to start taking it around 8 miles in distance. I have key locations for refills, because 2 bottles is already annoying enough. I really prefer to run without any kind of belt.

 

[AbbyJaws2003]

QOTD: Do you run carrying water or a sports drink of any sort? Does the distance / time of your run play into the decision? What hydration system do you use?

I always carry water no matter the distance in training. In races it really depends on the course water stops and weather. When I run at home I use a Hydraquiver single barrel, and I carry it no matter what distance mostly because it holds all my stuff (besides water like my phone and mace and tissues, etc) so well and takes zero time to put on so I just use it all the time. Short runs I really don't need the water, but I like having it there just in case! I always have some sort of beverage with me all the time in my everyday life too so it is just one of my quirks!

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: Do you run carrying water or a sports drink of any sort? Does the distance / time of your run play into the decision? What hydration system do you use?

ATTQOTD: I do run with a fuel belt, but only for runs lasting over a hour. In the summer I may use it for 45 minute runs, but mot of the time it's for long runs. I use the Amphipod RunLite Snapflask 4 Hydration Belt. I rarely take all 4 bottles with me because most of the time two will work on the routes I run as I have plenty of places to refill as needed.

I do not carry anything. I do loops around my neighborhood so I will stash water at my house and use as needed. It would bother me too much to carry water.

 

[Nole95]

I have an Amphipod that I have been using for a few years now. It can carry up to four 10oz bottles, and has plenty of room to store my gels. I usually only carry two of the water bottles. My local greenway has a couple places I can stop and refill real quick. When I run half or full marathons, I also only carry two bottles as a supplement to the water stops.

 

[IamTrike]

For me it depends on the time of year and the distance. Year round if I am running more than 13 miles or more I carrry something to drink. I have a couple different belts but my go too belt is a Nathan that holds 4 bottles. I also have a 10oz soft Nathan bottle that is great in theory but sucks in reality. The biggest issue is that if I try to refill it mid run it's kind of collapsed so it only holds like 3 ozs.

In the summer I carry water for anything longer than 5 miles.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

ATQOTD:

For my run on my street - no (1.4 mile loop)
On Treadmills - Yes No Matter The Distance
Runs Outside Longer Than 3 Miles - Yes

 

[PCFriar80]

ATQOTD:
I do not carry anything! I like to run clutter free.

 

[SarahDisney]

ATQOTD:
I do not carry anything! I like to run clutter free.

I'm exactly the opposite. I like to run fully cluttered. The more stuff I can carry with me, the better.

 

[jennamfeo]

ATTQOTD: I really only bring water on my LRs and when I do I wear my Nathan belt that hold 2 10oz bottles. I like my belt because then I can also hold snacks and my phone all in one place. But I honestly don't tend to drink that much water when I am running unless it's a race and someone is handing water to me.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

All that said, I don’t carry water on shorter runs. I usually bring a flip belt water bottle (8oz) on runs longer than 6-7 miles.

I have the bigger bottle (11 oz) for my flip belt and will usually bring it for anything over 5 miles. And I bring my water bottle (which is a permanent attachment to my body) with me on the treadmill.

 

[Chaitali]

I always carry water when I run. I have a hand held amphipod that I really like. For marathon training long runs in the Winter when the water fountains are turned off, I also have a camel back.

 

[Sanchez]

I do most of my outdoor runs on a track so no need to carry water. We have some great trails and other nice routes in our neighborhood but I prefer the rubber track.

 

[PrincessV]

QOTD: Do you run carrying water or a sports drink of any sort? Does the distance / time of your run play into the decision? What hydration system do you use?

ATTQOTD: For all runs in hot weather, and runs over an hour in cold weather, I use a 12oz handheld from amphipod. I use Tailwind and/or Nuun and refill from water fountains locally, or from water stations in races. I've tried bottles on a belt, but I'm too petite and short-waisted: even the smallest bottles were too tall and dug into my back/ribs. I'm much happier with a handheld! I just change hands every 1/2 mile to keep things even.

 

[Bree]

ATTQOTD: I live in FL so I usually carry something with me for anything over 4 miles. This is gross, but I sweat a lot when I run so I like to have a 50/50 mix of water & powerade with me. I have tried 3 different running belts and hated them all (spibelt, fuel belt, fitletic). They always bounce, ride up, fall down, etc. no matter how much adjusting I do. I hate holding stuff in my hand while I run too. For shorter distances I use my spibelt water bottles because they have a belt clip that I can just attach to a pocket or my waistband. I just got a Nathans Intensity Backpack and wore it on Sunday for an 8 mile run. I LOVED it. It was much smaller than I expected and it came with a 2 liter bladder. The material is soft and didn't rub or chafe. Best of all it stayed put. No bouncing!

 

[michigandergirl]

ATTQOTD: I will carry water in my Fitletic 2-bottle belt for all long runs and sometimes hot short runs too. I don't usually carry sports drinks with me but I do drink them during races if I'm sweating a lot or I'll have a glass at home after a hot run.

 

[roxymama]

Attqotd: for treadmill runs I take a full water bottle with me for the cupholder. For outdoor runs I rarely take water until it's 7 or 8+ miles\exception being very hot days. I also tend to use a small Nathan handheld and refill at water fountains when they get turned back on in the spring. I've been known to leave water bottle on my porch and run laps back to my house during non water fountain weather.

Edited to add that I try not to pause my watch for water stops on training runs, since during races they don't let you pause the race clock.

 

[evre13]

QOTD: Do you run carrying water or a sports drink of any sort? Does the distance / time of your run play into the decision? What hydration system do you use?

I always have water with me on the treadmill, but that's only because there is a cup holder. For outdoor runs, I will if it's over an hour or above 85 degrees. The parks where I run do have water fountains turned on in the summer, and there are several convenience stores available, if I'm desperate.

 

[Sanchez]

Charlie Post Classic Race Report

Not terribly exciting to report on a 5k but I learned a few things that some may find helpful. This event is sponsored by our local running club, includes a 5k and 15k, and is held on Sullivan’s Island. The event is over 30 years old and a fixture for many runners in the area. Due to the running club affiliation the fields are fast with very few walkers. The 15k is the premier event though the 5k specialists are there as well.

This was my first event since October and the close of the Tri season. Most of my training has been indoors given poor weather and that my gentle self struggles with temps below 50. This race is a prep for my half marathon on Saturday.

Sullivan’s Island is beautiful though the course is exclusively through residential areas. Mass start (both 5k and 15k) at 830 with temp around 60. 5k field around around 330 and 15k field around 290. Had some trouble warming up but felt comfortable. Found a spot near the front and had a good break.

The problem with indoor training is that you lose a sense of pace. I can convert my treadmill times to expected race times but when running on the tread you do not need to focus on managing pace. Of course, I went out too fast and despite looking at my watch and noticing that I was too fast I kept it up. Perhaps I believed that by divine intervention I could run faster than I trained. First mile was 6:10 but should have been 6:20-6:25. I paid for it.

Second mile around 6:47 and third around 6:51. Was passed in the final mile by a guy pushing a stroller so that was a blow to the ego. I recorded total distance at 3.23 and final time of 20:40. 17 of 330 overall and 1 of 13 age group. Good result but 20:20 was out there. Still, this was an over 40 PR.

My age group was not particularly deep. Overall sixth place ran sub 19 and won the masters division so I defaulted to first in the age group. Also, my projected 15k time would have put me in fourth (at best) in that race which shows that the better runners in my age group took on the 15k. It was nice to be first but these placings are largely a function of who shows up- or doesn’t. I try to remember that my goals are more important than arbitrary placings.

Lessons learned: Relax at the start and don’t get caught up with the thundering herd. Run my pace and forget about others. Let’s see if I can manage this for the half on Saturday.

 

[Keels]

i'm pondering the Arlington marathon in April. you say you can vouch for Cox events?

I’m a big fan of the Cox events! I do Panther City and Thanksgiving every year, and am going to do one of the Hell’s Half Acre races this year. I also do the Trinity Summer series because I’m a masochist.

Ricky does a great job with his events - they’re definitely smaller, but they’re well-organized, the course support is great and I think there is great value for the price point. He’s also involved with logistics for Cowtown Weekend.

Lone Star in April is also good, but they don’t offer a full marathon - just a half. I think the only other Spring full around here is Irving maybe?