The Running Thread Vol 2
Discussion
A rather disappointing 5k race last night. 30 secs slower than 2 weeks ago & thrashed by a chap who I was in front of in the last 2 outings...
I was in Portugal last week & had a great 60 min run on the beach Friday.2 mins quicker than the rest of the week there on same course. A 1 year PB 10 mile training run back home on Sunday. Legs felt like lead on a 30 min jog on Monday .
I guess not ideal peak preparation !
The next is in 3 weeks so will prepare & be fresh on the day.
I was in Portugal last week & had a great 60 min run on the beach Friday.2 mins quicker than the rest of the week there on same course. A 1 year PB 10 mile training run back home on Sunday. Legs felt like lead on a 30 min jog on Monday .
I guess not ideal peak preparation !
The next is in 3 weeks so will prepare & be fresh on the day.
Well, 230 started and 100 dropped - unfortunately I was one of the hundred - and in quite short order!
DBR was always on the cusp of where I was training/fitness-wise, projecting times from similar events onto the DBR course left very little wriggle room so it was with not too much surprise I arrived a few minutes over the mid-way cut-off on Day 2; if it hadn't been there it would have been that night or the next day for sure - the cut-offs stay the same as the days get longer so it was a retirement in good spirits with a great insight into what's needed for next time.
Day 1 is the most spectacular of days, up all the big hills the hard way and I thoroughly enjoyed it - albeit things going a little awry at Crib Goch - here an Italian lady who I knew from Cape Wrath (she was first female) had a complete panic attack on the ascent to CG so I nursed her along the route with another guy, this was fine but slow and at Snowdon I got lazy and trusted her nav and ended up with a 400m unnecessary traverse. Things got worse then as just as I was about to reach a CP she shouted me down that 'it was here' - I trotted down but she was just going off GPS again and no sign of the CP*. 20 mins spent looking and now I knew I was in trouble as darkness was now coming on and visibility had been very limited all afternoon on the high ground anyway. I shot a line to the penultimate CP, by which time I was on my own, and then did the last trackless section in the dark, taking not the best route either. Got in with about 15mins to spare where I should have had a few hours had it not been for the last few 'racing variables'!
Got my head down at about midnight then up again at about half four to pack for the next day - again very poor visibility but nav was strong the hills a little kinder. I found it quite hard to pick my pace up and even on runnable bits was reduced to a slow jog - I normally get into gear on day 3 of these things, but there's no easy day on DB and even though legs felt OK I knew I was off the pace and it was just a question of time.
I retired gratefully and in retrospect need to add about 15% more speed before tackling this again - I felt everything else was OK though and had made the right choices on all other aspects. In a way I felt like a good club cyclist that suddenly finds themselves in the Tour de France - how on earth the front runners do it is totally beyond me!
I'll console myself that the drop out is high and I shared a train back with someone who is doing his tenth West Highland Way race this year and someone who put a very respectable time in for Tour des Geants - so in good company! About 20-30 people were on their second crack, and that'll be me in a few years time I think, with a more serious training regime this time!
* I mentioned this to Shane, the RD, saying 90% of the time these things are operator error (ie the nav is incorrect) but he met up with me on Day 2 and said yes, the node for the CP was incorrect on the GPS file - only by about 50m but great to have the confirmation and hopefully my very small contribution for improvement for the next race.
DBR was always on the cusp of where I was training/fitness-wise, projecting times from similar events onto the DBR course left very little wriggle room so it was with not too much surprise I arrived a few minutes over the mid-way cut-off on Day 2; if it hadn't been there it would have been that night or the next day for sure - the cut-offs stay the same as the days get longer so it was a retirement in good spirits with a great insight into what's needed for next time.
Day 1 is the most spectacular of days, up all the big hills the hard way and I thoroughly enjoyed it - albeit things going a little awry at Crib Goch - here an Italian lady who I knew from Cape Wrath (she was first female) had a complete panic attack on the ascent to CG so I nursed her along the route with another guy, this was fine but slow and at Snowdon I got lazy and trusted her nav and ended up with a 400m unnecessary traverse. Things got worse then as just as I was about to reach a CP she shouted me down that 'it was here' - I trotted down but she was just going off GPS again and no sign of the CP*. 20 mins spent looking and now I knew I was in trouble as darkness was now coming on and visibility had been very limited all afternoon on the high ground anyway. I shot a line to the penultimate CP, by which time I was on my own, and then did the last trackless section in the dark, taking not the best route either. Got in with about 15mins to spare where I should have had a few hours had it not been for the last few 'racing variables'!
Got my head down at about midnight then up again at about half four to pack for the next day - again very poor visibility but nav was strong the hills a little kinder. I found it quite hard to pick my pace up and even on runnable bits was reduced to a slow jog - I normally get into gear on day 3 of these things, but there's no easy day on DB and even though legs felt OK I knew I was off the pace and it was just a question of time.
I retired gratefully and in retrospect need to add about 15% more speed before tackling this again - I felt everything else was OK though and had made the right choices on all other aspects. In a way I felt like a good club cyclist that suddenly finds themselves in the Tour de France - how on earth the front runners do it is totally beyond me!
I'll console myself that the drop out is high and I shared a train back with someone who is doing his tenth West Highland Way race this year and someone who put a very respectable time in for Tour des Geants - so in good company! About 20-30 people were on their second crack, and that'll be me in a few years time I think, with a more serious training regime this time!
* I mentioned this to Shane, the RD, saying 90% of the time these things are operator error (ie the nav is incorrect) but he met up with me on Day 2 and said yes, the node for the CP was incorrect on the GPS file - only by about 50m but great to have the confirmation and hopefully my very small contribution for improvement for the next race.
My intention, this morning was to go for a quick run as my boy stayed at his mum's last night.
However, when I woke up, it felt like I was slowly dissolving in a pool of snot and tears and then 'ping' my phone alerted me to a met office warning for a high pollen count in the area.
You don't say!
By the time I'd taken my drugs and got myself straight, it was too late to get out.
Anyone else suffer at the hands of the fever of hay?
However, when I woke up, it felt like I was slowly dissolving in a pool of snot and tears and then 'ping' my phone alerted me to a met office warning for a high pollen count in the area.
You don't say!
By the time I'd taken my drugs and got myself straight, it was too late to get out.
Anyone else suffer at the hands of the fever of hay?
Foliage said:
Cant agree more, did it in a sedate and relaxing time to enjoy the atmosphere and the sceptical. Start was a bit late in the day for me.
Start was a tad late, bloody half-marathon! 
I got massive cramp at 7km, wearing a bloody heavy belt probably helped.Still, it was worth it.
Next year..next year!! I want that PB.
Anyone done the Forest of Dean Half? http://www.forestofdean-halfmarathon.co.uk/autumn/...
If so, any good?
If so, any good?
Mothersruin said:
Anyone done the Forest of Dean Half? http://www.forestofdean-halfmarathon.co.uk/autumn/...
If so, any good?
A mate's done it twice and rates it highly. If so, any good?
Smitters said:
Mothersruin said:
Anyone done the Forest of Dean Half? http://www.forestofdean-halfmarathon.co.uk/autumn/...
If so, any good?
A mate's done it twice and rates it highly. If so, any good?
Struggling this week after back to back 10k's on Sat and Sunday. On I strained something in my right foot and had to run another 5k home on it. Since then the arch in my right foot has been very painful.
I've kept off it as much as possible and have even been cycling to work instead of walking. Fingers crossed by the end of the week it will be ok for a run. My 15k time's have been coming down and I've been looking forward to my first 20k long run
I've kept off it as much as possible and have even been cycling to work instead of walking. Fingers crossed by the end of the week it will be ok for a run. My 15k time's have been coming down and I've been looking forward to my first 20k long run
dave0010 said:
Struggling this week after back to back 10k's on Sat and Sunday. On I strained something in my right foot and had to run another 5k home on it. Since then the arch in my right foot has been very painful.
I've kept off it as much as possible and have even been cycling to work instead of walking. Fingers crossed by the end of the week it will be ok for a run. My 15k time's have been coming down and I've been looking forward to my first 20k long run
I'm struggling to get back into it this week mainly due to the torrential rain and howling gales :/I've kept off it as much as possible and have even been cycling to work instead of walking. Fingers crossed by the end of the week it will be ok for a run. My 15k time's have been coming down and I've been looking forward to my first 20k long run
Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
feef said:
I'm struggling to get back into it this week mainly due to the torrential rain and howling gales :/
Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
A combination of decent kit (merino t-shirt and a windproof that's been washed with Nikwax water repellent for a bit of protection) and the gung ho attitude that whilst you're out training, your competitors are snoozing. To be honest, if it's filthy weather, I quite like going really offroad - once you're wet through you don;t get wetter, so you can splash through puddles and mud with gleeful abandon!Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
Smitters said:
feef said:
I'm struggling to get back into it this week mainly due to the torrential rain and howling gales :/
Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
A combination of decent kit (merino t-shirt and a windproof that's been washed with Nikwax water repellent for a bit of protection) and the gung ho attitude that whilst you're out training, your competitors are snoozing. To be honest, if it's filthy weather, I quite like going really offroad - once you're wet through you don;t get wetter, so you can splash through puddles and mud with gleeful abandon!Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
You can always layer to be the right temp once you've warmed up but don't under estimate how much difference a buff and pair of gloves can make - and if you overheat they take up no space in a pocket/bumbag/vest etc.
I have been to see the physio about this groin issue and have been told no running and limited walking for a week to let it all calm down plus ibuprofen 3x a day.
He says the primary symptom is an injury to the superficial inguinal ring. 1 week of nothing then they will see how it is after that. Realistically it's 6 weeks before I can start running again.
That's going to bugger up the parkrun times
He says the primary symptom is an injury to the superficial inguinal ring. 1 week of nothing then they will see how it is after that. Realistically it's 6 weeks before I can start running again.
That's going to bugger up the parkrun times
tenohfive said:
Smitters said:
feef said:
I'm struggling to get back into it this week mainly due to the torrential rain and howling gales :/
Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
A combination of decent kit (merino t-shirt and a windproof that's been washed with Nikwax water repellent for a bit of protection) and the gung ho attitude that whilst you're out training, your competitors are snoozing. To be honest, if it's filthy weather, I quite like going really offroad - once you're wet through you don;t get wetter, so you can splash through puddles and mud with gleeful abandon!Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
You can always layer to be the right temp once you've warmed up but don't under estimate how much difference a buff and pair of gloves can make - and if you overheat they take up no space in a pocket/bumbag/vest etc.
I've been looking at the Salomon S-Lab Sense and ADV Skin vest/packs for running 10k and longer. Is that overkill? Is 10k still considered a 'short' route? (although at my pace, I'm still out the house for maybe an hour)
KTF - I feel for you. I'm off to the docs today for a toe issue that's gradually getting worse, so I may be sidelined along with you. Could be worse. Talking to a uy on an ultra forum who has a stress fracture in his femur. His view is he'll do the next three ultras that he's already got booked, then rest. Er? You what?
Pretty much, although I like my Berghaus waterproof smock for these conditions as it's lighter and about as breathable as most windproofs (75g.) And has a hood.
You can always layer to be the right temp once you've warmed up but don't under estimate how much difference a buff and pair of gloves can make - and if you overheat they take up no space in a pocket/bumbag/vest etc.I don't tend to take a pack of any sort out for only a 5k as I'm out the house for less than half an hour.
I've been looking at the Salomon S-Lab Sense and ADV Skin vest/packs for running 10k and longer. Is that overkill? Is 10k still considered a 'short' route? (although at my pace, I'm still out the house for maybe an hour)+1 to gloves/buff/hat. I often have a hat and gloves and just stuff them half in half out of my shorts waistband once I'm warmed up. I start thinking about taking a bag once I get above10 miles/90 minutes as most of my routes have no opportunity to stop for water. Below that I only take a bag if I want to shove my phone somewhere so I can listen to podcasts and then that's because I hate a phone bouncing in a pocket. I say bag - I have a Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 3L race vest. It's phenomenal. Very flexible, and will easily carry everything you need for many hours of running, including space for jacket, trousers, water, food, all sorts. The only criticism of mine, which is an early version, is the flasks are a pain in the arse to get into the vest, whether you're wearing it or before setting out. In a race it is annoying to struggle with, but in every other aspect, it's brilliant. They are expensive and I'm sure there are other brands out there, but in vest vs traditional rucksack, for me, vest wins every time.
ETA - distracted! - the whole point of coming here was to give a thumbs up to Montane - I have had a Minimus jacket for four years and unfortunately the waterproofing failed around the shoulders - full on material delamination. I sent it back yesterday and in less than an hour from receipt this morning, they'd emailed me to confirm I was covered by their lifetime guarantee and a new jacket would be with me by the end of the week.
feef said:
tenohfive said:
Smitters said:
feef said:
I'm struggling to get back into it this week mainly due to the torrential rain and howling gales :/
Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
A combination of decent kit (merino t-shirt and a windproof that's been washed with Nikwax water repellent for a bit of protection) and the gung ho attitude that whilst you're out training, your competitors are snoozing. To be honest, if it's filthy weather, I quite like going really offroad - once you're wet through you don;t get wetter, so you can splash through puddles and mud with gleeful abandon!Do you just toughen up and get out, or do you all prefer to wait for more accommodating weather?
You can always layer to be the right temp once you've warmed up but don't under estimate how much difference a buff and pair of gloves can make - and if you overheat they take up no space in a pocket/bumbag/vest etc.
I've been looking at the Salomon S-Lab Sense and ADV Skin vest/packs for running 10k and longer. Is that overkill? Is 10k still considered a 'short' route? (although at my pace, I'm still out the house for maybe an hour)
ETA - distracted! - the whole point of coming here was to give a thumbs up to Montane - I have had a Minimus jacket for four years and unfortunately the waterproofing failed around the shoulders - full on material delamination. I sent it back yesterday and in less than an hour from receipt this morning, they'd emailed me to confirm I was covered by their lifetime guarantee and a new jacket would be with me by the end of the week.
Edited by Smitters on Wednesday 7th June 12:23
Smitters said:
+1 to gloves/buff/hat. I often have a hat and gloves and just stuff them half in half out of my shorts waistband once I'm warmed up. I start thinking about taking a bag once I get above10 miles/90 minutes as most of my routes have no opportunity to stop for water. Below that I only take a bag if I want to shove my phone somewhere so I can listen to podcasts and then that's because I hate a phone bouncing in a pocket. I say bag - I have a Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 3L race vest. It's phenomenal. Very flexible, and will easily carry everything you need for many hours of running, including space for jacket, trousers, water, food, all sorts. The only criticism of mine, which is an early version, is the flasks are a pain in the arse to get into the vest, whether you're wearing it or before setting out. In a race it is annoying to struggle with, but in every other aspect, it's brilliant. They are expensive and I'm sure there are other brands out there, but in vest vs traditional rucksack, for me, vest wins every time.
I'm edging towards the hour-or-longer runs now, when time permits, so maybe it isn't overkill. You're right, from what I can see, that the earlier models of the S-Lab Sense vest wasn't the easiest to get the flexible water packs in and out of. The newer ones are better, but they also do an extension straw for the water packs which means you shouldn't need to get it out while on the go (theoretically anyway). For shorter runs, I stick my phone in an arm-band pack and I can stow my door key in there safely too.I'm sure there are other makes out there but as I'm a BASI qualified ski instructor I get access to the AmerSport 'pro' deals meaning 40-50% off RRP so Salomon, Suunto and Atomic are my go-to brands for kit right now
Smitters said:
KTF - I feel for you. I'm off to the docs today for a toe issue that's gradually getting worse, so I may be sidelined along with you. Could be worse. Talking to a uy on an ultra forum who has a stress fracture in his femur. His view is he'll do the next three ultras that he's already got booked, then rest. Er? You what?
Thanks. This has been dragging on for months so I can either continue 'testing' it and resetting the recovery clock or give it a proper rest/treatment until its fixed then deal with getting back into it afterwards. The 'testing' option isn't working so on to the more conventional approach As inspiration, someone I go running with was sidelined for 6 weeks after a knee op. His times are similar to mine and after he was allowed to run again it took him a couple of months or so of getting back into it before knocking out the 3h15 marathons that he could do before.
Just need to stay away from the beer and other bad habits in the interim.
feef said:
Smitters said:
+1 to gloves/buff/hat. I often have a hat and gloves and just stuff them half in half out of my shorts waistband once I'm warmed up. I start thinking about taking a bag once I get above10 miles/90 minutes as most of my routes have no opportunity to stop for water. Below that I only take a bag if I want to shove my phone somewhere so I can listen to podcasts and then that's because I hate a phone bouncing in a pocket. I say bag - I have a Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 3L race vest. It's phenomenal. Very flexible, and will easily carry everything you need for many hours of running, including space for jacket, trousers, water, food, all sorts. The only criticism of mine, which is an early version, is the flasks are a pain in the arse to get into the vest, whether you're wearing it or before setting out. In a race it is annoying to struggle with, but in every other aspect, it's brilliant. They are expensive and I'm sure there are other brands out there, but in vest vs traditional rucksack, for me, vest wins every time.
I'm edging towards the hour-or-longer runs now, when time permits, so maybe it isn't overkill. You're right, from what I can see, that the earlier models of the S-Lab Sense vest wasn't the easiest to get the flexible water packs in and out of. The newer ones are better, but they also do an extension straw for the water packs which means you shouldn't need to get it out while on the go (theoretically anyway). For shorter runs, I stick my phone in an arm-band pack and I can stow my door key in there safely too.I'm sure there are other makes out there but as I'm a BASI qualified ski instructor I get access to the AmerSport 'pro' deals meaning 40-50% off RRP so Salomon, Suunto and Atomic are my go-to brands for kit right now
A word of warning - try to wear something with decent neck and shoulder coverage or you risk serious chaffing. I wore a pretty skimpy vest underneath once or twice and was left with a few patches of raw skin! Also, be aware that whatever you wear underneath will probably end up pilling or chewed up over time at various pressure points (underarms, chest etc).
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