Friday Open Thread: How's your fall running/races going?
www.thehalfmarathoner.com
So we’re about a month into fall, my favorite time of the year to run. I know lots of you had big goal races you were planning on running this fall — how did they go/how’s your training been? Anyone gearing up for big races in the next few weeks and need a little encouragement? (Especially if you’re running the New York City Marathon!) — Terrell
Yep! I'm running my 1st half marathon in Madison WI next month. Started running last fall at 59 yrs old and did a NYC 5K in March, an 8K in April and have been training for this upcoming race since then. Lost some time to a torn miniscus and T-band issues, but am determined and also had a great Physical Therapist that I listened to. Fighting an upper respiratory now that has me a bit down and wondering if I can really do this. Will do 9 miles this Sunday, 10 next Sunday, and then it's race day on the 10th. This is not for the faint of heart, me thinks! :)
Around Late July and into late august I get depressed because of how hard the efforts are, and how slow the times get and I feel like I’ve just lost my gift. Then fall comes and my times get faster than ever, the runs become easier than ever and it’s euphoria all over again. The routes I take suddenly have a new look and it just re energizes my running. I love the fall!
Have been mostly been training on trails and working on elevation.
I achieved a PB in the half marathon I raced in earlier this month. Felt very accomplished and proud.
So I've been training for that and the 50k since July and logging in a lot of miles. Eating very clean and getting rest in. Running close to 50 miles a week for the last 2 weeks and now dropping to around 30 this week.
I wanted to run 40+ next week with a week left until the race.
Love this time of year! Had a great long run last Saturday but then when I went to do my recovery run the next day, my ankle felt like it was on fire. Guess I have an overuse injury, so it's rest for me. Race coming up on the 3rd, part of a series, so I will probably just walk it if I'm feeling good about walking 10 miles! Then more rest (just doing strength training and low impact stuff in the meantime) and hopefully good for a mid-December half. Good luck to everyone else!
I am running California International Marathon December 8. I am a seasoned runner NOT a fast runner. I still struggle with the nutritional component of training. I am always reading that nutrition can make such a difference. I am vegetarian and would like some help in this area. I am 65, if that matters.
Marine Corps Marathon is this Sunday! I am very excited, since this is the first time I have run in this marathon. Good luck to anyone else who is running. If you have any wisdom to impart, let me know!
One of our Doctors finished Ironman and said NUTRITION is the key Body is amazing machine but needs fuel Good luck to all !!Running Happy in Texas Deb Stuart
Houston Half on Sunday (my 58th birthday!) but running easy because Im supposed to be tapering for NYC Marathon. 🤗 Good practice for not going out too fast, right?
(Actually I forgot I pre-registered *last year* for the Houston Half—until I got the packet-pickup email yesterday 😮I was going to do 13 on the weekend so might as well do it in the city—and take home the gi-normous medal!)
Fall has helped my rehab after surgery and helped with my anxiety and depression leading up to the shorter days! I'll be participating in my first 10K this Sunday following the insertion of a screw in my big left toe this summer. I'm not looking for a PR but at this point just want to finish strong! Good luck to all on your upcoming training and races!
I think I'm having a mid-life running crisis. I have 4 half marathons approaching in November: arlington, irving, DRC, and a waddle 1/2 with a 8 mile and 2 5k races. It's good to read the encouragement on this site. You guys are the "best-est". I am going to just go out and have fun with a fully loaded playlist, energy gels, and my favorite mismatched running socks.
I am travelling from Maine to California next week to run the Malibu Half Marathon and to visit my best friend from childhood. This will be my 4th half this year, and I am hoping for a PR. I found out about the race on this website. Love how you highlight races. I will follow it up in December with the Millinocket Half in Northern Maine.
I did the Hartford Marathon Oct 12th and despite having some GI issues I PR'd and qualified for Boston!! won't be till 2021 since next year is filled up but am so happy. I am recovering from a tight hamstring and just doing some gentle runs. I have a 5K coming up - I don't like 5K's but this one is a tradition and hope to place in my age division.
In Florida, unlike this year, by October the weather is cool enough for long runs most hours of the day. This year unless you're out before 8:00 the heat and humidity are so stifling it's hard to push for for the elusive times you want to hit in the upcoming races. Up in Minnesota I never had this problem.
I'll be running the Halloween 1/2 in Morristown NJ this Sunday for the 3rd time. It will be HM #129. They're calling for heavy rain. Bring on the misery and discomfort.
Just ran my 13th half at Mount Desert Island in Maine - incredibly beautiful, well organized, and a pleasure, even with all the rolling hills! I recommend it to everyone, and it's a qualifier race for the Boston Marathon if anyone needs that. It's the first time I've enjoyed a half, which isn't my best distance. I'll miss the NYC marathon, but now that I live in Western MA, I'm sure there are many other good races.
I ran my 3rd and last 1/2 marathon of the year in Louisville on October 19. The weather was ideal, a crisp 48 to start and ended at about 60. My pace was slow but steady and I managed the hills in Cherokee Park with resolve. I have a 10.4 mile trail race at Salt Fork State Park in Ohio, my last race in Ohio before I move to Vermont! I am already planning out which 1/2s I want to tackle in New England. Let me know if you all have any favorites that I need to register for in 2020!
Me and a group of 40-50 year old guys are running the Savannah Rock N Roll Marathon or Half Marathon next weekend. Four of us for the full and four of us for the half. Training has been good but challenging. I am a type one diabetic so figuring out how to maintain constant blood glucose levels for 4.5 hours.
Great Blues Cruise 50K three weeks ago (cannot say enough good things about that race) and this weekend a humid, rainy Marine Corps Marathon beckons. So far so good. Oorah!
I ran the Fall Foilage Half a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to the weeky words of encouragement and posts from Terrell my training was perfect and the race was FANTASTIC. Now I am keeping up with the training looking for my next half. Good luck to all running the NY marathon.
In September I “slogged” through the Humana Rock N Roll in Philadelphia and the Women’s Indy Half in Indiana. Followed by the Queen Bee in Cincinnati (3-halfs in 3 states in 27 days!). I’m doing the MUM in West Virginia next weekend. Then I don’t have another one (yet) until December in Springfield, MO. Fall running is THE BEST❣️ I did one in Waco, TX Memorial Day weekend and almost passed out from the heat😬🤗🤗
I am in my peak mileage week training for the Charlotte Marathon on Nov 16th! Planning on 20-22 miles tomorrow - 77 degrees F and 65% humidity. I am so excited! I feel good, healthy and ready. I took a nice Epsom Salt Lavender bath last night to relax the muscles, too! However, working on hydration which is always a struggle for me. Does anyone have any tips as far as what to expect during this marathon? :) <3
I ran my first half marathon in late September and am training to run another one on Nov. 24. Getting a little physical therapy to help a hip injury heal, but have still been able to train which is great. The hard thing is, due to my work/kid schedule, 2 of my 3 runs a week have to come on a treadmill. I freaking hate the treadmill. At least I get my Sunday long runs in outside! I live in the country so the trees and fields are beautiful to run through. Keeps me going!
I’m ready to sign up for Fall races! I have been running all summer to prepare for the Fall season races. So far I only have short races in mind. I live in an area where there aren’t half marathons close by. Any suggestions for the Southwest area?
I ran my first international race in Dublin, Ireland in August. Came home only to have to finally give in and have major surgery the first of October. Will be running my first 5K on November 2nd(Day of the Dead race) if my doctor clears me to run then! Nervous and excited because I want to see how my body responds after what it’s been through. If I have to walk it, I will. As slow as my body has been getting over the last few years, I’m hoping for a bit of a reset this next year.
Completed the Great Turtle 1/2 marathon on Michigan’s beautiful Mackinac Island last weekend. It’s a hill-filled course, but especially beautiful with the fall colored leaves. Since I don’t run in the cold OR where there are hills it was a challenge for me but I’d recommend it for any runner/walker to do.
Sun was shining Friday so went out for a slow recovery run. Felt so good I ended up with my fastest 10K. Running Icebox 480 Saturday, November 4th. It's an 8 hour trail run. You do as many 7 mile laps as possible in 6.5 hours then as many 1 mile loops for the remaining 1.5 hours. My goal is full laps this year. Looks like it's going to be a cold one!
They are going great. Took the neighbors kids tonight for his first 5K tonight in the cold rain. So proud of him. He came in fourth. Makes it all worth it.
I PR’d in my half marathon race and then the next weekend won my division in the 10k. I’m in the best running shape of my life (at 55). I thank Garmin for a great training program. Now if I can just keep some of the fitness gains after race season concludes. 😆 Best wishes to all of you yet to race!
Getting ready for a small town half, “Fall into Winter” next weekend, in Granville, Ohio. Loving the cooler temps (finally 🙌🏻) and changing leaves... and fewer skunks! Lol.
Fox Cities half and full was cancelled the last weekend in September but they offered a virtual option that I did a week later. I managed a PR. Then 2 weeks ago I did one of the first 5ks I've done in a few years and placed 2nd in my (I'm 62) age group. Quite surprising but it was fun. So I must say that my fall running is going very well. Still doing some training albeit light compared to what others here are doing...for the Houdini 10k next week. I live in Appleton WI. Harry Houdini lived here for a bit.
Current training cycle came to an end last week with my first full marathon. I plan to do a few more recovery runs an look for a half in a warm spot in the middle of February. Is there any one that you would suggest?
I was looking forward to the cooler temperatures.... forgot about the rain...😆... I last minute decided to run a full marathon in December after my first half this past May and a 30k in September... keeps me busy... I feel lost without a training schedule
Gearing up for C.I.M. on Dec 8. CIM is the largest Boston qualifier and Olympic qualifying race so if anyone is close to qualifying I recommend this one. Doing 20 mile training run tomorrow. It's going well, better than my previous marathons' training which I am crediting to joining Orange Theory. Adding the strength training and the crazy fast running required on endurance days has already made a difference. PR'd in my half done in August.
Love this time of year as the weather cools running becomes easier- did my annual Ragnar Bourbon Chase run last weekend and it went great- after a year of injuries and having difficulty running in the 95degree heat this summer, the race went great and I felt I ran strong- no PR but I felt good. I ran the NYC marathon 6 years ago so this will always be a special time of year.
Running my first half marathon tomorrow morning. Little nervous!
Yep! I'm running my 1st half marathon in Madison WI next month. Started running last fall at 59 yrs old and did a NYC 5K in March, an 8K in April and have been training for this upcoming race since then. Lost some time to a torn miniscus and T-band issues, but am determined and also had a great Physical Therapist that I listened to. Fighting an upper respiratory now that has me a bit down and wondering if I can really do this. Will do 9 miles this Sunday, 10 next Sunday, and then it's race day on the 10th. This is not for the faint of heart, me thinks! :)
Around Late July and into late august I get depressed because of how hard the efforts are, and how slow the times get and I feel like I’ve just lost my gift. Then fall comes and my times get faster than ever, the runs become easier than ever and it’s euphoria all over again. The routes I take suddenly have a new look and it just re energizes my running. I love the fall!
Did the Urban Bourbon Half 10/19....knocked 5 minutes off my best time in this race!
Training for a 50k trail race on 11/9.
Have been mostly been training on trails and working on elevation.
I achieved a PB in the half marathon I raced in earlier this month. Felt very accomplished and proud.
So I've been training for that and the 50k since July and logging in a lot of miles. Eating very clean and getting rest in. Running close to 50 miles a week for the last 2 weeks and now dropping to around 30 this week.
I wanted to run 40+ next week with a week left until the race.
Any tips or suggestions on training for 50k?
Love this time of year! Had a great long run last Saturday but then when I went to do my recovery run the next day, my ankle felt like it was on fire. Guess I have an overuse injury, so it's rest for me. Race coming up on the 3rd, part of a series, so I will probably just walk it if I'm feeling good about walking 10 miles! Then more rest (just doing strength training and low impact stuff in the meantime) and hopefully good for a mid-December half. Good luck to everyone else!
I am running California International Marathon December 8. I am a seasoned runner NOT a fast runner. I still struggle with the nutritional component of training. I am always reading that nutrition can make such a difference. I am vegetarian and would like some help in this area. I am 65, if that matters.
so far so great! injury free. always have 5Ks, 5milers and halfs on the calendar. have the dc half to half in a few weeks. always a fun one!
I ran a marathon 2 weeks ago. Negative splits!
Marine Corps Marathon is this Sunday! I am very excited, since this is the first time I have run in this marathon. Good luck to anyone else who is running. If you have any wisdom to impart, let me know!
Nashville 1/2 for me in 2 weeks. Love this time of year for running!
One of our Doctors finished Ironman and said NUTRITION is the key Body is amazing machine but needs fuel Good luck to all !!Running Happy in Texas Deb Stuart
Houston Half on Sunday (my 58th birthday!) but running easy because Im supposed to be tapering for NYC Marathon. 🤗 Good practice for not going out too fast, right?
(Actually I forgot I pre-registered *last year* for the Houston Half—until I got the packet-pickup email yesterday 😮I was going to do 13 on the weekend so might as well do it in the city—and take home the gi-normous medal!)
Fall has helped my rehab after surgery and helped with my anxiety and depression leading up to the shorter days! I'll be participating in my first 10K this Sunday following the insertion of a screw in my big left toe this summer. I'm not looking for a PR but at this point just want to finish strong! Good luck to all on your upcoming training and races!
I think I'm having a mid-life running crisis. I have 4 half marathons approaching in November: arlington, irving, DRC, and a waddle 1/2 with a 8 mile and 2 5k races. It's good to read the encouragement on this site. You guys are the "best-est". I am going to just go out and have fun with a fully loaded playlist, energy gels, and my favorite mismatched running socks.
I am travelling from Maine to California next week to run the Malibu Half Marathon and to visit my best friend from childhood. This will be my 4th half this year, and I am hoping for a PR. I found out about the race on this website. Love how you highlight races. I will follow it up in December with the Millinocket Half in Northern Maine.
I did the Hartford Marathon Oct 12th and despite having some GI issues I PR'd and qualified for Boston!! won't be till 2021 since next year is filled up but am so happy. I am recovering from a tight hamstring and just doing some gentle runs. I have a 5K coming up - I don't like 5K's but this one is a tradition and hope to place in my age division.
In Florida, unlike this year, by October the weather is cool enough for long runs most hours of the day. This year unless you're out before 8:00 the heat and humidity are so stifling it's hard to push for for the elusive times you want to hit in the upcoming races. Up in Minnesota I never had this problem.
I'll be running the Halloween 1/2 in Morristown NJ this Sunday for the 3rd time. It will be HM #129. They're calling for heavy rain. Bring on the misery and discomfort.
Running NYCM next Sunday! First time. So excited & honored to be a part of it!!! Love the half marathons & am sure I’ll love this one too!! 🏃♀️
Prepping for the Dayton 1/2 in the spring.
Does any one have Ohio/Ohio area race recommendations for a first time marathon? Thanks in advance!
Just ran my 13th half at Mount Desert Island in Maine - incredibly beautiful, well organized, and a pleasure, even with all the rolling hills! I recommend it to everyone, and it's a qualifier race for the Boston Marathon if anyone needs that. It's the first time I've enjoyed a half, which isn't my best distance. I'll miss the NYC marathon, but now that I live in Western MA, I'm sure there are many other good races.
I ran my 3rd and last 1/2 marathon of the year in Louisville on October 19. The weather was ideal, a crisp 48 to start and ended at about 60. My pace was slow but steady and I managed the hills in Cherokee Park with resolve. I have a 10.4 mile trail race at Salt Fork State Park in Ohio, my last race in Ohio before I move to Vermont! I am already planning out which 1/2s I want to tackle in New England. Let me know if you all have any favorites that I need to register for in 2020!
Me and a group of 40-50 year old guys are running the Savannah Rock N Roll Marathon or Half Marathon next weekend. Four of us for the full and four of us for the half. Training has been good but challenging. I am a type one diabetic so figuring out how to maintain constant blood glucose levels for 4.5 hours.
Great Blues Cruise 50K three weeks ago (cannot say enough good things about that race) and this weekend a humid, rainy Marine Corps Marathon beckons. So far so good. Oorah!
I ran the Fall Foilage Half a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to the weeky words of encouragement and posts from Terrell my training was perfect and the race was FANTASTIC. Now I am keeping up with the training looking for my next half. Good luck to all running the NY marathon.
In September I “slogged” through the Humana Rock N Roll in Philadelphia and the Women’s Indy Half in Indiana. Followed by the Queen Bee in Cincinnati (3-halfs in 3 states in 27 days!). I’m doing the MUM in West Virginia next weekend. Then I don’t have another one (yet) until December in Springfield, MO. Fall running is THE BEST❣️ I did one in Waco, TX Memorial Day weekend and almost passed out from the heat😬🤗🤗
I am in my peak mileage week training for the Charlotte Marathon on Nov 16th! Planning on 20-22 miles tomorrow - 77 degrees F and 65% humidity. I am so excited! I feel good, healthy and ready. I took a nice Epsom Salt Lavender bath last night to relax the muscles, too! However, working on hydration which is always a struggle for me. Does anyone have any tips as far as what to expect during this marathon? :) <3
I ran my first half marathon in late September and am training to run another one on Nov. 24. Getting a little physical therapy to help a hip injury heal, but have still been able to train which is great. The hard thing is, due to my work/kid schedule, 2 of my 3 runs a week have to come on a treadmill. I freaking hate the treadmill. At least I get my Sunday long runs in outside! I live in the country so the trees and fields are beautiful to run through. Keeps me going!
I’m ready to sign up for Fall races! I have been running all summer to prepare for the Fall season races. So far I only have short races in mind. I live in an area where there aren’t half marathons close by. Any suggestions for the Southwest area?
I ran my first international race in Dublin, Ireland in August. Came home only to have to finally give in and have major surgery the first of October. Will be running my first 5K on November 2nd(Day of the Dead race) if my doctor clears me to run then! Nervous and excited because I want to see how my body responds after what it’s been through. If I have to walk it, I will. As slow as my body has been getting over the last few years, I’m hoping for a bit of a reset this next year.
Completed the Great Turtle 1/2 marathon on Michigan’s beautiful Mackinac Island last weekend. It’s a hill-filled course, but especially beautiful with the fall colored leaves. Since I don’t run in the cold OR where there are hills it was a challenge for me but I’d recommend it for any runner/walker to do.
Sun was shining Friday so went out for a slow recovery run. Felt so good I ended up with my fastest 10K. Running Icebox 480 Saturday, November 4th. It's an 8 hour trail run. You do as many 7 mile laps as possible in 6.5 hours then as many 1 mile loops for the remaining 1.5 hours. My goal is full laps this year. Looks like it's going to be a cold one!
They are going great. Took the neighbors kids tonight for his first 5K tonight in the cold rain. So proud of him. He came in fourth. Makes it all worth it.
I PR’d in my half marathon race and then the next weekend won my division in the 10k. I’m in the best running shape of my life (at 55). I thank Garmin for a great training program. Now if I can just keep some of the fitness gains after race season concludes. 😆 Best wishes to all of you yet to race!
Malibu Half next Sunday. Encouragement is always welcome😜🏃🏻♀️👍
Getting ready for a small town half, “Fall into Winter” next weekend, in Granville, Ohio. Loving the cooler temps (finally 🙌🏻) and changing leaves... and fewer skunks! Lol.
Fox Cities half and full was cancelled the last weekend in September but they offered a virtual option that I did a week later. I managed a PR. Then 2 weeks ago I did one of the first 5ks I've done in a few years and placed 2nd in my (I'm 62) age group. Quite surprising but it was fun. So I must say that my fall running is going very well. Still doing some training albeit light compared to what others here are doing...for the Houdini 10k next week. I live in Appleton WI. Harry Houdini lived here for a bit.
Current training cycle came to an end last week with my first full marathon. I plan to do a few more recovery runs an look for a half in a warm spot in the middle of February. Is there any one that you would suggest?
I was looking forward to the cooler temperatures.... forgot about the rain...😆... I last minute decided to run a full marathon in December after my first half this past May and a 30k in September... keeps me busy... I feel lost without a training schedule
Chun Chon half tomorrow.
RnR Vegas in 3 weeks. Getting there.
Gearing up for C.I.M. on Dec 8. CIM is the largest Boston qualifier and Olympic qualifying race so if anyone is close to qualifying I recommend this one. Doing 20 mile training run tomorrow. It's going well, better than my previous marathons' training which I am crediting to joining Orange Theory. Adding the strength training and the crazy fast running required on endurance days has already made a difference. PR'd in my half done in August.
I just ran my first half(the Mo'Cowbell) a couple weeks ago and went sub 2! Now I'm gearing up for a 15k next month, hoping for a PR from last year!
Love this time of year as the weather cools running becomes easier- did my annual Ragnar Bourbon Chase run last weekend and it went great- after a year of injuries and having difficulty running in the 95degree heat this summer, the race went great and I felt I ran strong- no PR but I felt good. I ran the NYC marathon 6 years ago so this will always be a special time of year.