After nearly four years of posting Friday thread questions, sometimes I wonder, “what more can I come up with, without repeating myself?” So increasingly, I’m inclined to turn the mic over to you and let everyone feel free to ask away with any question you might have — there are so many readers here who can help, and might have just the insight you’re looking for.
So, consider this a completely open thread, where you can ask anything you want, on any topic. Because it’s the first weekend in November, I’m particularly interested if you’re:
Running the New York City Marathon this weekend?
Have a big long run you’re gearing up for and need a little encouragement?
Anything else that’s on your mind?
Have a great book you’re reading that you’re dying to tell everyone about?
Anything of interest that you’d like to share
Let your freak flag fly! 🏁 — Terrell
Runners on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in the first mile of the New York City Marathon. Photo by MTA
Brilliant shot! I'm in India, so no I'm not running the NYC Marathon. But I am running the 10K Indian Navy Marathon next week. I plan to do a half marathon early next year once I get my 10k timing. Wish me luck!
Good luck to those runners who are running the NYC marathon this weekend and to those runners who are running a race somewhere other than NYC - Have FUN!
When I turned 50 this past July I set a goal to run 50 races in my 50’s. I am running the monumental 1/2 marathon in Indianapolis in the morning. This is race #4 followed by race #5 a 5 mile trail race Sunday. There is a 80% chance of rain in the morning so looks like rain and mud this weekend for me lol. Not feeling my best but just going to roll with it and try to have fun.
I am so jazzed up (and jealous!) reading all the responses about upcoming race plans- good luck to all of you and hope you get gorgeous weather in your races. I’ve been resting my feet for about 9 weeks for PF but with the pain finally subsiding quite a bit, am thinking of venturing out for a short run-walk-run this weekend. Welcome any advice on how to restart running after a long break.
Hi Rupa! I am too! By the way, here's a great post from Nike I found on getting back to running. I especially liked this quote:
"The first run has nothing to do with pace, nothing to do with distance, nothing to do with duration. It’s about starting it and ending it and wanting to do a next run."
Thanks for the Nike article - I did a modified 2 min walk + 2 min run for 30 minutes (new running shoes and all :-). Was so great to be out. Icing generously now
Two weeks of COVID and I’m aching to get out and get back on both the literal and figurative trail. So why haven’t I? I feel a bit paralyzed by all the advice from (mostly non-running) friends about honoring my body, not pushing too hard, etc. I don’t know what I should and shouldn’t be doing! I’m rarely this in my head regarding running but, there you go. Been the done that? If so, how?
Had mild case of Covid19 in early august (miserable weekend followed by antiviral meds ... wife and I are early 70s). Managed to walk a 5K 2 weeks later. Lingering backache but not enough to keep me away. 3 more this year including “Run in the New Year” 1/2 in Huntington Beach CA on 12/31. Doing it virtually from home in Coral Springs FL since my wife and I want the killer race shirts!
Only you know your body’s limits ... pushing yourself can be a H**L of a positive influence. Know that your whole Half Marathoner Family is rooting for you.
I had covid as well and was out of it for 2 full weeks. And when I finally was over it, I still felt weak, but was dying to get back on the trail and slam miles down haha. But honestly like Matthew said, I just let my body tell me what it could handle. I started with just a short jog and progressed + added a few more more over the first week I felt like i could workout again. I knew I had a marathon training to get back on, but I just told myself to take it easy now because listenting to your body is so important.
Would love to read more about this on a future newsletter, really interesting!
Go for a 10 minute run, see how it goes. The next day or two days later if you feel alright, do 20 minutes. It’s your body, only you can feel it, but IT will tell you when to go and when to stop.
This is actually a good topic for a future newsletter… let me noodle on this. My first instinct is, just get out there and try to forget all of the advice. Just get moving and run, even if it’s for a short distance.
I can see your conundrum — there’s SO much advice out there; I wonder too how much of it actually helps.
That's what I keep telling myself to do...get out there. Ignore others. I know my body. Etc. And yet, here I sit in my chair... I'm determined to beat my brain today, though!
Five days ago I FINALLY did the Marine Corps Marathon! It was wonderful. Loved every mile of it. It was chilly in the early morning waiting for it to start, but after that, the weather was perfect! I even PRd! I had never been to the east coast, so decided to make a vacation of it. Washington DC, Philly, and NYC. I had no idea that the NYC marathon was this Sunday until I was trying to book a room 8 weeks ago and having a real tough time finding vacancies for the weekend. Well, I’m here now! Wishing everyone running it lots of luck!
So glad you made iit--and a PR on top! Just like an ice cream sundae! Amazing you are there for NYC, but you've probably seen enough Marathons first hand to pass on that one!
I start training for my Big Sur Marathon on Nov. 13 for the big one one April 30. Hope to join you For the MCM next year if you do it!!
Maria this is so awesome!!!! I’m so glad to hear about the PR!!! 🙌 And glad the weather cooperated -- DC is such a beautiful place in the fall, isn’t it? Are you going to go watch the runners in NYC? What a cool detour you’re getting to make 😎
Thank you, Terrell. I probably won’t get to watch the runners. Because I had such a hard time booking a room, I have to move to a hotel in midtown today and I’m going to take advantage of the crowds watching the marathon to sightsee in south Manhattan and go on the Staten Island Ferry to see The Statue of Liberty. I did get to see some of the parade yesterday in Central Park. That was fun.
I will be running my 7 or 8th not sure 1/2 marathon. Doing the Dallas in Dec.
There’s one next weekend but I don’t think I will be ready. I don’t want to injure myself keep training. One day I would like to do the Boston or NewYork!
Keep trudging no matter what! Thanks for the encouragement and the continuing of your blog. You and family stay blessed.
Hey, Terrell. . . we have an Atmospheric River, Rain, Snow and Wind through at least Tuesday here in Redmond, WA--mostly snow on Tuesday. If you think I'm going for a joy run in that, you're crazy! The Golden Gate Half that I normally run should be wet. . . rain in the Bay Area, but we shall see!
Oh, I bet you did! Rain gets darn cold after awhile--the novelty wears off! I'm guessing you were not dressed for it either! Most I've ever run in hard rain is a little over 2 miles--really wet shoes, and found out my rain jacket that was only "water resistant." ;)
One of my favorite runs ever- I was training through the winter of ‘16 for my first half in March. I got up Sat morning to run and it started snowing. It was very nice. It was quiet and peaceful, even though I live in the suburbs and was on a normally busy road. (Cincinnati) I absolutely loved it! It was in the 20’s, so not too cold. Don’t let snow stop you unless you can’t get firm footing.
I enjoy snow the same way you described. Lived in lots and lots of the white stuff in North Dakota in the country. It mostly rains in the PacNW at our elevation and I'm used to going out. (Mind you, it is not now, but the wind is ferocious which is not normal!) Even beating down rain can be really nice, too--wet feet and rain dripping down your face-- invigorating!
I don't mind the snow either, but this is bound to be the crummy kind with rain mixed in and then it will freeze. Not to worry. I do appreciate the outdoors more than most, but it does have it's moments!
I don't blame you, Nilima! Is it odd to get snow this early up there? Hopefully the forecast will change for the Golden Gate Half -- I've run races in the rain before, it's definitely not my preference!
Yes, it is a bit odd, though sometimes it snows over Thanksgiving, forgets about winter and moves into spring--I've seen that before! (Always the optimist, or maybe just be wishful thinking for marathon training!;) )
I've run the Golden Gate several times. Somehow it lucks out. One year, there was a big fire in Napa, but we missed the smoke. Looks like rain could go either way. . . in any event, CA needs the water though I don't want to wish the runners any hard luck!
I, too, have run races in the rain. Its usually wet, cold, and I'm not dressed for it! Last year the Lake Washington Half was all of the above along with being dark because it was the last day of regular time. I did not go and did not even feel bad! :)
You can always try Jeff Galloway's run-walk-run method (if you're not already doing that). It could ease the impact on your feet, and potentially stave off more injury.
I ran into this problem myself about 25 years and 80 half marathons ago. I had a really good sports medicine orthopedist who advised me to loosen my laces and leave the top holes open. He also chastised me for not stretching my calfs enough, and suggested icing after every run, including training runs. For me it worked. My feet have been happier ever since I acted on his recommendations.
Hey there Howie! 👋 I *love* running at Hilton Head -- there's so many great trails down there, and it's so flat and beautiful. (My family gets down there about once a year.) Do you live there/near there?
Highs in the 50s, looks like. I don't live there, but I do go down for diving a lot. Been a couple of weeks, but generally it's damp and in the 40s that early in the morning. Have to warm up extra hard!
My November-December schedule is filled with shorter 5k-8k-10k runs, just about every weekend. They’re mostly theme runs for Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas seasons. Time to kick back but stay active and enjoy the best part of the year.
Well, I have the Monterey 1/2 in a little over a week. Due to injuries and problems with my prosthetic, I'm woefully undertrained, but hoping to power through! And suddenly, it's freaking cold around here!
Good luck in Monterey, Andrew! You never know -- you may find a wind/burst of energy you didn't know you have. And if not, you can always take it slow and just enjoy the amazing scenery there. The course looks absolutely spectacular. How cold has it been there lately?
I have a half-marathon on November 20, and I’m struggling in my preparations for the weather. Here in Kentucky, it could snow in November or be 70 degrees and sunny. Last year I ran on the treadmill when it was below 50 degrees (except for the January day when it snowed five inches...I ran, but not far). It’s been mild here this year, so I’ve not been able to test the waters (so to speak). Any guidelines in dressing for the colder weather? Articles that could help? Any help is appreciated.
Find cheap warm clothes, whatever you think you may need (sweatshirt, hat, gloves, etc.) Start with all of them on and strip em off as you go. You can throw em in the trash on the way, or sometimes races will collect these items to donate.
A must for me are lightweight gloves and a cap that covers your ears -- for me, it's my fingers and ears getting cold that really bothers me on those colder runs. Here's a good article from Runner's World where they tested more than a dozen pairs: https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g20862641/best-running-gloves/
Still in recoup mode after completing 3/6 majors this year (Boston, Berlin & Chicago- BBC)! Can’t believe I was able to. It’s been a wild year for me, lots of life transitions but thankfully it’s coming together.
Part of me wishes I was doing NYC, hahahah!!! Good luck to all the runners in any event this weekend, trust your training! You got this!
Three marathons in one year -- let alone *those* three marathons -- is flat-out awesome. Did you have a favorite of them? I've always wondered how Berlin might be.
I’m from Boston, LOL, but Berlin was my fav!!! The electricity of the crowds and the scenery, the course was great. I found myself almost wanting another small hill or two, LOL! Had a chance to see a bit of the city, so much history, and the people were so welcoming, food was excellent and the french fries (oh the French fries) best!!!! Would definitely go back to Berlin.
Where's your mind where you are running? Does it help you stay "in the present" (especially when it gets uncomfortable)? Or is it like meditation where you enter a state of something between "not thinking at all" and "being aware of just enough to keep ticking along"? Or do you find yourself drifting into thoughts about the future and the past? Where do you go?
When I feel like I’m hitting a wall (in southern Florida, this can be brought on by heat), I make an effort to focus on the music I run with, even going so far as to recall where/when I first heard a song that is part of my playlist.
I “read” usually - audio books. But not just any - the ones that are long and very detailed are good (like the Dune series where every book is like 700 pages and there are lots of them) or suspenseful ones that keep me going just a little longer so I can find out what happens next. I rarely have time to read otherwise and when I do it’s usually one page and then I fall asleep. Reading while running is a great combination.
Great question Mike! I think I”be experienced every thought process you mentioned.. LOL…I can’t say that I’ve truly stayed on any particular thought but rather go back and forth based on where I am during the race. The mental aspect of running is a challenge and my thoughts get me through, I’m surprised at some of my thoughts while running! LOL! Oh where the mind will go!!!!
Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. I can’t speak for all, but my mind can find all of those places. When I struggle i need a lot of the present to push myself through, but I draw on past experiences and others stories to help get me through. I think of terrible stories I’ve heard and say”at least I’m not that bad, I can get through this”. Also when you are running for hours and hours it’s nice to reflect on the past and sometimes I can’t help but look to the future, although the future is never the end of the run. The future might be changes at work or fixing something at the house. Meditative states can find there way into me when I am not expecting it. I will have done 10 miles and not even really remembered it. So for me, yes I find all of those mental states and I just try not to dwell on any of them. I always just try to make it fun, even when it hurts.
Running my last long run tomorrow morning 13miler before the marathon I signed up for on Nov 20th. Eeek. I got a late start to training this year cause I got sick after a trip (did the San Fran half in July) and got covid which put be behind 2 weeks. Then I was up in Colorado and completed a 14er last month which I took a week off from running afterwards. I find if I don't relax and let my body heal after trips or long adventure events, I end up getting sick eek. Learned this the hard way hahah.
So anyways - I have not done a long 20 miler or anything like that during training this time around because I ran out of time....I hope that doesn't impact things too much. It is what it is, so I just gotta enjoy tomorrow's long run and then do my best on marathon day. I am hoping to beat my time from last year by at least 15 minutes. I finished at 5:02 last year. Tomorrow will only be 13 miles and then I'll be tapering down the next two weeks.
Good luck to everyone else running this weekend for training or a race! If you're not running, hope you can relax and have a wonderful weekend :)
Thanks Terrell! We hiked Quandary Peak. It was way harder than I was expecting it to be haha. Nature can humble you so fast. I'm from Kansas so elevation is 0 here and I was definitely struggling with the altitude + elevation gain. It was like I could walk for 30 seconds but then would be out of breath and would need to take a quick break. But we finished it and it felt amazing to be do something like that. And ended the day with a big freaking steak, baked potato, and a cold cripsy beer! :)
Nyc this Sunday. Last one was 12 years ago, yikes! The mental part of the taper is tough for me. Best of luck to all runners, in any race you’re doing! The running community is right there with you! ♥️
South Jersey through the land of the Jersey Devil. The Pine Barrens. Supposed to be pretty warm, which I am not please with, but I did just train all through summer. 🤷
I am running Chicago Hot chocolate 15 K tomorrow... But probably slow due to hamstring injury from Chicago Marathon. At least I'll get some chocolate!!!
My father and law and I have been doing this one every year together. He is a great runner, but had a shoulder surgery 3 months ago.. So we both will just be eating desserts!!
Brilliant shot! I'm in India, so no I'm not running the NYC Marathon. But I am running the 10K Indian Navy Marathon next week. I plan to do a half marathon early next year once I get my 10k timing. Wish me luck!
https://youtu.be/GV0yZoPTLqQ Great way to improve your endurance
Good luck to those runners who are running the NYC marathon this weekend and to those runners who are running a race somewhere other than NYC - Have FUN!
When I turned 50 this past July I set a goal to run 50 races in my 50’s. I am running the monumental 1/2 marathon in Indianapolis in the morning. This is race #4 followed by race #5 a 5 mile trail race Sunday. There is a 80% chance of rain in the morning so looks like rain and mud this weekend for me lol. Not feeling my best but just going to roll with it and try to have fun.
Great attitude ... roll with it and have fun
I love the ambition and the dreaming big!! 🙌
I am so jazzed up (and jealous!) reading all the responses about upcoming race plans- good luck to all of you and hope you get gorgeous weather in your races. I’ve been resting my feet for about 9 weeks for PF but with the pain finally subsiding quite a bit, am thinking of venturing out for a short run-walk-run this weekend. Welcome any advice on how to restart running after a long break.
Hi Rupa! I am too! By the way, here's a great post from Nike I found on getting back to running. I especially liked this quote:
"The first run has nothing to do with pace, nothing to do with distance, nothing to do with duration. It’s about starting it and ending it and wanting to do a next run."
https://www.nike.com/a/how-to-start-running-again
Thanks for the Nike article - I did a modified 2 min walk + 2 min run for 30 minutes (new running shoes and all :-). Was so great to be out. Icing generously now
🙌 Good timing on getting the run in before it started icing!
I meant icing my feet lol (weather is still gorgeous out here in DC/Bethesda region)
Two weeks of COVID and I’m aching to get out and get back on both the literal and figurative trail. So why haven’t I? I feel a bit paralyzed by all the advice from (mostly non-running) friends about honoring my body, not pushing too hard, etc. I don’t know what I should and shouldn’t be doing! I’m rarely this in my head regarding running but, there you go. Been the done that? If so, how?
Had mild case of Covid19 in early august (miserable weekend followed by antiviral meds ... wife and I are early 70s). Managed to walk a 5K 2 weeks later. Lingering backache but not enough to keep me away. 3 more this year including “Run in the New Year” 1/2 in Huntington Beach CA on 12/31. Doing it virtually from home in Coral Springs FL since my wife and I want the killer race shirts!
Only you know your body’s limits ... pushing yourself can be a H**L of a positive influence. Know that your whole Half Marathoner Family is rooting for you.
Hi Lori!
I had covid as well and was out of it for 2 full weeks. And when I finally was over it, I still felt weak, but was dying to get back on the trail and slam miles down haha. But honestly like Matthew said, I just let my body tell me what it could handle. I started with just a short jog and progressed + added a few more more over the first week I felt like i could workout again. I knew I had a marathon training to get back on, but I just told myself to take it easy now because listenting to your body is so important.
Would love to read more about this on a future newsletter, really interesting!
Anyways, get back out there and just enjoy it!
Go for a 10 minute run, see how it goes. The next day or two days later if you feel alright, do 20 minutes. It’s your body, only you can feel it, but IT will tell you when to go and when to stop.
This is actually a good topic for a future newsletter… let me noodle on this. My first instinct is, just get out there and try to forget all of the advice. Just get moving and run, even if it’s for a short distance.
I can see your conundrum — there’s SO much advice out there; I wonder too how much of it actually helps.
That's what I keep telling myself to do...get out there. Ignore others. I know my body. Etc. And yet, here I sit in my chair... I'm determined to beat my brain today, though!
Five days ago I FINALLY did the Marine Corps Marathon! It was wonderful. Loved every mile of it. It was chilly in the early morning waiting for it to start, but after that, the weather was perfect! I even PRd! I had never been to the east coast, so decided to make a vacation of it. Washington DC, Philly, and NYC. I had no idea that the NYC marathon was this Sunday until I was trying to book a room 8 weeks ago and having a real tough time finding vacancies for the weekend. Well, I’m here now! Wishing everyone running it lots of luck!
I ran MCM, too! I do believe it was my one and done, but I did it! Marathon in the books, now it's back to half marathons.
Congrats! I can’t make up my mind if I will do more marathons. Training for them is so time consuming. I might do one every other year. We’ll see.
Congratulations! We''ll see if I make my first one at Big Sur. . . rather foreboding!
So glad you made iit--and a PR on top! Just like an ice cream sundae! Amazing you are there for NYC, but you've probably seen enough Marathons first hand to pass on that one!
I start training for my Big Sur Marathon on Nov. 13 for the big one one April 30. Hope to join you For the MCM next year if you do it!!
Good luck!!!
Maria this is so awesome!!!! I’m so glad to hear about the PR!!! 🙌 And glad the weather cooperated -- DC is such a beautiful place in the fall, isn’t it? Are you going to go watch the runners in NYC? What a cool detour you’re getting to make 😎
Thank you, Terrell. I probably won’t get to watch the runners. Because I had such a hard time booking a room, I have to move to a hotel in midtown today and I’m going to take advantage of the crowds watching the marathon to sightsee in south Manhattan and go on the Staten Island Ferry to see The Statue of Liberty. I did get to see some of the parade yesterday in Central Park. That was fun.
Nice! Are you going to go up in the statue? I've only taken the ferry tour, where you sail around the island. I just love New York. Have a great time!
No. Doing same as you. Excited!
Hello!
I will be running my 7 or 8th not sure 1/2 marathon. Doing the Dallas in Dec.
There’s one next weekend but I don’t think I will be ready. I don’t want to injure myself keep training. One day I would like to do the Boston or NewYork!
Keep trudging no matter what! Thanks for the encouragement and the continuing of your blog. You and family stay blessed.
Thank you, Belinda! Right back at you -- so good to see you here again 😀
Hey, Terrell. . . we have an Atmospheric River, Rain, Snow and Wind through at least Tuesday here in Redmond, WA--mostly snow on Tuesday. If you think I'm going for a joy run in that, you're crazy! The Golden Gate Half that I normally run should be wet. . . rain in the Bay Area, but we shall see!
I do remember Flying Pig in Cincinnati in 13 ... lat 4 miles of half were in the rain .... post race soup was appreciated
Oh, I bet you did! Rain gets darn cold after awhile--the novelty wears off! I'm guessing you were not dressed for it either! Most I've ever run in hard rain is a little over 2 miles--really wet shoes, and found out my rain jacket that was only "water resistant." ;)
One of my favorite runs ever- I was training through the winter of ‘16 for my first half in March. I got up Sat morning to run and it started snowing. It was very nice. It was quiet and peaceful, even though I live in the suburbs and was on a normally busy road. (Cincinnati) I absolutely loved it! It was in the 20’s, so not too cold. Don’t let snow stop you unless you can’t get firm footing.
I enjoy snow the same way you described. Lived in lots and lots of the white stuff in North Dakota in the country. It mostly rains in the PacNW at our elevation and I'm used to going out. (Mind you, it is not now, but the wind is ferocious which is not normal!) Even beating down rain can be really nice, too--wet feet and rain dripping down your face-- invigorating!
I don't mind the snow either, but this is bound to be the crummy kind with rain mixed in and then it will freeze. Not to worry. I do appreciate the outdoors more than most, but it does have it's moments!
I don't blame you, Nilima! Is it odd to get snow this early up there? Hopefully the forecast will change for the Golden Gate Half -- I've run races in the rain before, it's definitely not my preference!
Yes, it is a bit odd, though sometimes it snows over Thanksgiving, forgets about winter and moves into spring--I've seen that before! (Always the optimist, or maybe just be wishful thinking for marathon training!;) )
I've run the Golden Gate several times. Somehow it lucks out. One year, there was a big fire in Napa, but we missed the smoke. Looks like rain could go either way. . . in any event, CA needs the water though I don't want to wish the runners any hard luck!
I, too, have run races in the rain. Its usually wet, cold, and I'm not dressed for it! Last year the Lake Washington Half was all of the above along with being dark because it was the last day of regular time. I did not go and did not even feel bad! :)
Running my 13th half marathon tomorrow! I’ve had a nagging extensor tendinitis issue for months now so I won’t race it like I want to.
Anyone have an experience with this? It’s been a problem since August and I’m totally inexperienced with how long tendon injuries take to heal fully.
You can always try Jeff Galloway's run-walk-run method (if you're not already doing that). It could ease the impact on your feet, and potentially stave off more injury.
Just found this, which notes that extensor tendinitis is very common: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23126-extensor-tendinitis
I ran into this problem myself about 25 years and 80 half marathons ago. I had a really good sports medicine orthopedist who advised me to loosen my laces and leave the top holes open. He also chastised me for not stretching my calfs enough, and suggested icing after every run, including training runs. For me it worked. My feet have been happier ever since I acted on his recommendations.
Will be in NYC over the weekend to cheer on some marathoners!
Nice!!!! I'd even love to be there just to watch it! How are things in your world?
Have the Rehoboth Beach, DE half about a month away. Spent the week on Hilton Head Island this week & had some awesome runs on the beach. So peaceful!
Hey there Howie! 👋 I *love* running at Hilton Head -- there's so many great trails down there, and it's so flat and beautiful. (My family gets down there about once a year.) Do you live there/near there?
No...we live south of Houston...& love vacationing on HHI. Headed home tonight. Eating catfish & grits in Savannah right now. Yum!!
Highs in the 50s, looks like. I don't live there, but I do go down for diving a lot. Been a couple of weeks, but generally it's damp and in the 40s that early in the morning. Have to warm up extra hard!
My November-December schedule is filled with shorter 5k-8k-10k runs, just about every weekend. They’re mostly theme runs for Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas seasons. Time to kick back but stay active and enjoy the best part of the year.
Those sound fun -- and like the perfect distance for this time of year!
Well, I have the Monterey 1/2 in a little over a week. Due to injuries and problems with my prosthetic, I'm woefully undertrained, but hoping to power through! And suddenly, it's freaking cold around here!
Good luck!
Thanks! Gonna need it….
Good luck in Monterey, Andrew! You never know -- you may find a wind/burst of energy you didn't know you have. And if not, you can always take it slow and just enjoy the amazing scenery there. The course looks absolutely spectacular. How cold has it been there lately?
I have a half-marathon on November 20, and I’m struggling in my preparations for the weather. Here in Kentucky, it could snow in November or be 70 degrees and sunny. Last year I ran on the treadmill when it was below 50 degrees (except for the January day when it snowed five inches...I ran, but not far). It’s been mild here this year, so I’ve not been able to test the waters (so to speak). Any guidelines in dressing for the colder weather? Articles that could help? Any help is appreciated.
Find cheap warm clothes, whatever you think you may need (sweatshirt, hat, gloves, etc.) Start with all of them on and strip em off as you go. You can throw em in the trash on the way, or sometimes races will collect these items to donate.
A must for me are lightweight gloves and a cap that covers your ears -- for me, it's my fingers and ears getting cold that really bothers me on those colder runs. Here's a good article from Runner's World where they tested more than a dozen pairs: https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g20862641/best-running-gloves/
And, here's a really great piece from Wirecutter on running gear for cold weather: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/cold-weather-running-gear/
Thank you Terrell. Hands are my biggest issue, besides the cold weather snot....
Still in recoup mode after completing 3/6 majors this year (Boston, Berlin & Chicago- BBC)! Can’t believe I was able to. It’s been a wild year for me, lots of life transitions but thankfully it’s coming together.
Part of me wishes I was doing NYC, hahahah!!! Good luck to all the runners in any event this weekend, trust your training! You got this!
Three marathons in one year -- let alone *those* three marathons -- is flat-out awesome. Did you have a favorite of them? I've always wondered how Berlin might be.
I’m from Boston, LOL, but Berlin was my fav!!! The electricity of the crowds and the scenery, the course was great. I found myself almost wanting another small hill or two, LOL! Had a chance to see a bit of the city, so much history, and the people were so welcoming, food was excellent and the french fries (oh the French fries) best!!!! Would definitely go back to Berlin.
I have a question for all you seasoned runners:
Where's your mind where you are running? Does it help you stay "in the present" (especially when it gets uncomfortable)? Or is it like meditation where you enter a state of something between "not thinking at all" and "being aware of just enough to keep ticking along"? Or do you find yourself drifting into thoughts about the future and the past? Where do you go?
When I feel like I’m hitting a wall (in southern Florida, this can be brought on by heat), I make an effort to focus on the music I run with, even going so far as to recall where/when I first heard a song that is part of my playlist.
I “read” usually - audio books. But not just any - the ones that are long and very detailed are good (like the Dune series where every book is like 700 pages and there are lots of them) or suspenseful ones that keep me going just a little longer so I can find out what happens next. I rarely have time to read otherwise and when I do it’s usually one page and then I fall asleep. Reading while running is a great combination.
Great question Mike! I think I”be experienced every thought process you mentioned.. LOL…I can’t say that I’ve truly stayed on any particular thought but rather go back and forth based on where I am during the race. The mental aspect of running is a challenge and my thoughts get me through, I’m surprised at some of my thoughts while running! LOL! Oh where the mind will go!!!!
Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. I can’t speak for all, but my mind can find all of those places. When I struggle i need a lot of the present to push myself through, but I draw on past experiences and others stories to help get me through. I think of terrible stories I’ve heard and say”at least I’m not that bad, I can get through this”. Also when you are running for hours and hours it’s nice to reflect on the past and sometimes I can’t help but look to the future, although the future is never the end of the run. The future might be changes at work or fixing something at the house. Meditative states can find there way into me when I am not expecting it. I will have done 10 miles and not even really remembered it. So for me, yes I find all of those mental states and I just try not to dwell on any of them. I always just try to make it fun, even when it hurts.
Running NY with my grandson!! My 9th and his 1st!! I’m running for the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation! Be Bone Strong Team!!
Love family running. The miles together create beautiful lifetime memories.
Best of luck to you both.
Awesome Gail!! Have fun. I ran it in 2011..my comeback marathon! It was amazing.
Love that, Gail! How old is your grandson? Have you been training together?
He lives in South Carolina and I live in Florida so not exactly together but I set him up on Hal Higdon’s novice plan which I use every time.
Running my last long run tomorrow morning 13miler before the marathon I signed up for on Nov 20th. Eeek. I got a late start to training this year cause I got sick after a trip (did the San Fran half in July) and got covid which put be behind 2 weeks. Then I was up in Colorado and completed a 14er last month which I took a week off from running afterwards. I find if I don't relax and let my body heal after trips or long adventure events, I end up getting sick eek. Learned this the hard way hahah.
So anyways - I have not done a long 20 miler or anything like that during training this time around because I ran out of time....I hope that doesn't impact things too much. It is what it is, so I just gotta enjoy tomorrow's long run and then do my best on marathon day. I am hoping to beat my time from last year by at least 15 minutes. I finished at 5:02 last year. Tomorrow will only be 13 miles and then I'll be tapering down the next two weeks.
Good luck to everyone else running this weekend for training or a race! If you're not running, hope you can relax and have a wonderful weekend :)
Nikki this all sounds really impressive -- how was hiking the 14er last month in Colorado? Which one was it?
Thanks Terrell! We hiked Quandary Peak. It was way harder than I was expecting it to be haha. Nature can humble you so fast. I'm from Kansas so elevation is 0 here and I was definitely struggling with the altitude + elevation gain. It was like I could walk for 30 seconds but then would be out of breath and would need to take a quick break. But we finished it and it felt amazing to be do something like that. And ended the day with a big freaking steak, baked potato, and a cold cripsy beer! :)
Nyc this Sunday. Last one was 12 years ago, yikes! The mental part of the taper is tough for me. Best of luck to all runners, in any race you’re doing! The running community is right there with you! ♥️
How awesome, Francine!!! How was it when you ran it 12 years ago?
Amazing! Nyc has such a great cheer crowd. I hope all is well with you & thank you for this website & asking about my experience. Stay well.
Right back at ya! Thank you for being here and being a part of it.
Matt, good luck!
Thank you
Running my first 50 miler tomorrow. Nervous, anxious, excited and happy.
WOW. I am in awe, Matthew. Where will your 50-miler be run?
South Jersey through the land of the Jersey Devil. The Pine Barrens. Supposed to be pretty warm, which I am not please with, but I did just train all through summer. 🤷
Running my First Half Marathon at the Louisville Marathon on Sunday!
Best of luck ... remember, everyone at Louisville will beep rooting for you. Best of luck
Paul, kick back and relax! You’ve done the work now enjoy the 🏃♂️!
Good luck Paul. Knock ‘em dead!
Thanks!!
Nice!!!!!! Way to go, Paul!!! How has your training been going? Really excited for you 🙌
Training went great! To sum it up in one sentence. 495 miles down,, 13.1 to go!
I am running Chicago Hot chocolate 15 K tomorrow... But probably slow due to hamstring injury from Chicago Marathon. At least I'll get some chocolate!!!
I love the Hot Chocolate runs. Have done Philly a couple of times. Best finishing desserts
My father and law and I have been doing this one every year together. He is a great runner, but had a shoulder surgery 3 months ago.. So we both will just be eating desserts!!
Yes! A win-win either way! How did your 26.2 go in Chicago?
Very well. 4:16:04.
I was pretty pleased.. it was not my fastest, but given hamstring injury going into it, I felt it was good enough :-)
A 4:16 full marathon is really, really good in my opinion! What's your fastest time?
3:55:40 for my very first one 6 years ago..I've been unable to repeat that!!
Now that's 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 !
Now if only I can repeat it . LOL
Running NYC for first marathon! Just need to get to finish line!
YES!! Have fun...it's an incredible marathon. Goosebumps to your toes. HA!
Hey best of luck. There is nothing like running through the streets of NY. Stay hydrated, and have fun!
This is awesome, Carolyn!!! 🙌 Are you in NYC, or traveling there?
On the train now from Boston.
Running/Walking/Crawling this weekend in NY!! Running for a charity - Imerman’s Angels so no one has to fight cancer alone. Going to be a warm one!!
Best of luck Tom. Hope it goes well for you!
That’s awesome, Tom!!! Have a link for Imerman’s Angels?
https://imermanangels.org/