The Running Thread Vol 2
Discussion
Cybertronian said:
So, sub-3 didn't quite happen this morning at the Yorkshire Marathon.
You will have passed me at some point... went out at something close to PB pace (2:55) despite no marathon specific training and reduced mileage since June due to a knee injury. Went through half way sub 1:28 and clung on for a couple more miles before easing off (a lot) for a 3:08. Based on my experience of 40+ marathons/ultras, if you pick a flatter road marathon you'll have no problem at all shaving a minute or two or more off pretty easily.
Best of luck with the next one, you rightly should be proud of your efforts today!
Edited by UpTheIron on Sunday 8th October 18:58
RaymondVanDerDon said:
I've seen this week that TomTom have taken the decision to pull out of the wearables market. I wonder if Garmin and Fitbit will still be able to compete if the big boys like Apple and Samsung decide to muscle in with more focused sports offerings.
That's a shame - for lots of things my TomTom running watch is better than the equivalent Garmin (running and swimming without Smartwatch stuff) and I see quite a few of them at events, but they have always had big problems with Bluetooth connectivity and I can well imagine people only buying one TomTom before switching to something else!But looking at the Garmin and FitBit sites it seems I'm in the minority in not wanting the Smartwatch features in a running watch.
Two and a half minutes off your PB is a cracking result, well done Cybertronian.
Any of the off-road runners got anything lined up from December time onwards? I'm mooching around looking for some shorter ultras (50-55 km or so, maybe a 50 miler) or hillier marathons to keep me ticking over until I can line up a longer focus races. I'll probably do V3K but that's ages away yet, fancy a few whilst the days are short and cold, wet and windy to keep me honest and avoid fattening up like a Christmas turkey.
Anyone got their eye on anything?
Any of the off-road runners got anything lined up from December time onwards? I'm mooching around looking for some shorter ultras (50-55 km or so, maybe a 50 miler) or hillier marathons to keep me ticking over until I can line up a longer focus races. I'll probably do V3K but that's ages away yet, fancy a few whilst the days are short and cold, wet and windy to keep me honest and avoid fattening up like a Christmas turkey.
Anyone got their eye on anything?
Edited by tenohfive on Sunday 8th October 19:24
Thanks, gents! I'm very pleased indeed and knew sub-3 was possible by only the finest of margins. Going by the crude double your half marathon PB and add 10 minutes gives me only 10 seconds of breathing room anyway, so I'll use the next year to get my half marathon down to sub-84, or even sub-83 if planets align.
UpTheIron: you may have seen me in the race pack booklet - I was one of the guys (Andy) they interviewed going for sub-3. Doing some sleuthing, I'm the only one that failed :-(
Bizarrely, I actually find the Yorkshire course conducive to good times for me. I slow comparably less on gentle climbs compared to most, and pancake flat courses, like London, knacker me out due to over-use of the same muscles etc.
UpTheIron: you may have seen me in the race pack booklet - I was one of the guys (Andy) they interviewed going for sub-3. Doing some sleuthing, I'm the only one that failed :-(
Bizarrely, I actually find the Yorkshire course conducive to good times for me. I slow comparably less on gentle climbs compared to most, and pancake flat courses, like London, knacker me out due to over-use of the same muscles etc.
Edited by Cybertronian on Sunday 8th October 20:32
Cybertronian said:
UpTheIron: you may have seen me in the race pack booklet - I was one of the guys (Andy) they interviewed going for sub-3. Doing some sleuthing, I'm the only one that failed :-(
Bizarrely, I actually find the Yorkshire course conducive to good times for me. I slow comparably less on gentle climbs compared to most, and pancake flat courses, like London, knacker me out due to over-use of the same muscles etc
I did spot you in the booklet yes! Dont stress about 34 seconds... it's a spur for you next time! imho you need to be going through half way in 1:28-something to bag a few seconds for the climb in the late teens. I understand what you mean about a few ups and downs to give the legs a bit of variety though, and if you can do the hills then just a couple of tweaks and I'm sure you'll nail it.Bizarrely, I actually find the Yorkshire course conducive to good times for me. I slow comparably less on gentle climbs compared to most, and pancake flat courses, like London, knacker me out due to over-use of the same muscles etc
It's nothing like as "hilly" as York IIRC , but depending on where you are in the world, look up the North Dorset Village Marathon. That was my first sub 3 a few years ago. Not flat, much smaller than York but in some way a very similar course.... quiet bits and crowded bits, a few climbs, very friendly.
Trail shoe question.....
I’m currently a support shoe person (Kayano 24] but would like some trail shoes for running in the woods, small hills, wet grass, mud, trails etc.
There doesn’t seem to be many support shoe specific figments, do I just have to go with a “normal” shoe?
Salamon Speedcross seem quite favoured, any others?
I’m currently a support shoe person (Kayano 24] but would like some trail shoes for running in the woods, small hills, wet grass, mud, trails etc.
There doesn’t seem to be many support shoe specific figments, do I just have to go with a “normal” shoe?
Salamon Speedcross seem quite favoured, any others?
I needed a support shoe for road but not for trail as you rarely, in theory, have the same foot strike on the rough stuff - and I've no issues whatsoever.
What has happened as I've switched over to mainly trail is that my legs are stronger over far more movements, I've not had any niggles for ages (touch wood) as you don't get the repetitive hammering, hills have become far less daunting and I'm far happier attacking downhills as much as uphills and running on the flat is for pansies
So to answer your question, don't worry about it just go for something that fits and you're comfy with.
I personally use Salomon Wings Pro 2 at the moment but looking forward to trying other stuff in the near future.
What has happened as I've switched over to mainly trail is that my legs are stronger over far more movements, I've not had any niggles for ages (touch wood) as you don't get the repetitive hammering, hills have become far less daunting and I'm far happier attacking downhills as much as uphills and running on the flat is for pansies
So to answer your question, don't worry about it just go for something that fits and you're comfy with.
I personally use Salomon Wings Pro 2 at the moment but looking forward to trying other stuff in the near future.
MattS5 said:
Trail shoe question.....
I’m currently a support shoe person (Kayano 24] but would like some trail shoes for running in the woods, small hills, wet grass, mud, trails etc.
There doesn’t seem to be many support shoe specific figments, do I just have to go with a “normal” shoe?
Salamon Speedcross seem quite favoured, any others?
La Sportiva Mutants are well worth a try. I've put just over 200km into mine (half of that in one go, in the most varied mix of terrains imaginable) and they're one of my favourite pairs of trail shoes. They do everything well grip wise, offer some support and the way they lace up is a big plus.I’m currently a support shoe person (Kayano 24] but would like some trail shoes for running in the woods, small hills, wet grass, mud, trails etc.
There doesn’t seem to be many support shoe specific figments, do I just have to go with a “normal” shoe?
Salamon Speedcross seem quite favoured, any others?
But there's nothing wrong with SC3's or SC4's - I run in the 4's for general knock about trail running training. I picked up a pair very cheaply (a lot less than I paid for the Mutants) and am perfectly happy with them to save a bit of wear on my other trail shoes. Both have a 10mm drop and some support. But given that the Mutants and SC4's are the same price on Wiggle right now there's no contest; the Mutants just fit my feet much better and despite weighing the same on paper because they're held in place more securely they feel much less clunky and somehow lighter.
I will chuck Mudclaws into the mix; for wet winter trails I've yet to find anything that grips as well on mud. And they feel like slippers. But supportive isn't a word I'd pick for them (even the 300's that I run in) and over longer distances they can get a little uncomfortable.
I'm also quite curious about the Hoka Speedgoat 2's but I'd want to see a few more UK reviews where they've faced a British autumn/winter before going out of my way to find a pair. And I've doubts over their durability, but for the weekly trail long run they look promising.
I'm assuming you'll try stuff on rather than buying on the back of recommendations, but hopefully that helps with the shortlist.
Much like mothersruin although i overpronate off road i can quite happily switch between hoka's and inov8 .
The inov8 have less cushioning but far more grip in wet grass / mud but the hokas have a really soft ride which are ideal at the moment because all the trails here are dry and rocky .
I did a ultra in sept the first 20 miles were on road and the hokas coped totally fine .
The inov8 have less cushioning but far more grip in wet grass / mud but the hokas have a really soft ride which are ideal at the moment because all the trails here are dry and rocky .
I did a ultra in sept the first 20 miles were on road and the hokas coped totally fine .
tenohfive said:
Any of the off-road runners got anything lined up from December time onwards? I'm mooching around looking for some shorter ultras (50-55 km or so, maybe a 50 miler) or hillier marathons to keep me ticking over until I can line up a longer focus races. I'll probably do V3K but that's ages away yet, fancy a few whilst the days are short and cold, wet and windy to keep me honest and avoid fattening up like a Christmas turkey.
Anyone got their eye on anything?
This one looks a laugh ... http://cheviotgoat.com/Anyone got their eye on anything?
Gutted for the missed sub 3 there, elated for the PB. Newport have just opened their doors and promise a nice flat course in late April... I shall be aiming for sub 4.
Re the trail shoes, first time out I would go for an offroad shoe from a road shoe company. Brooks Cascadia are well regarded, but whatever you use now on road (e.g. Asics), look at their offroad versions would be my advice. No need to go full aggressive fell shoe first out as they can be very thin, especially if you are a mid-forefoot runner.
Re the trail shoes, first time out I would go for an offroad shoe from a road shoe company. Brooks Cascadia are well regarded, but whatever you use now on road (e.g. Asics), look at their offroad versions would be my advice. No need to go full aggressive fell shoe first out as they can be very thin, especially if you are a mid-forefoot runner.
tenohfive said:
I will chuck Mudclaws into the mix; for wet winter trails I've yet to find anything that grips as well on mud.
But no so good if you have some harder surfaces on your route. I find the Speedcross surprisingly good on hard stuff, and shot past a mate in mudclaws on a damp downhill concrete section a while back where he reckoned it felt really slippery and I was having no problems. They've definitely got more grip than the Salomans in the mud though.ETA: Keep the receipt though, My wife and I both bought speedcross 4's last year and both of us had them split near the little toe. Both replaced with no quibble (Cotswold Outdoor) and not had any trouble with the new ones so might have just been a bad batch.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Monday 9th October 10:22
Anyone off to Amsterdam for the marathon this weekend? I'm aiming for sub-3:30, current PB is 3:38 at Berlin last year.
Not done as much 15+ mile runs as I should have, but did really enjoy the Scottish Half 2 weeks ago where I got a 1:37 - so if I can hold on at the latter stages, maybe I can do it!
Not done as much 15+ mile runs as I should have, but did really enjoy the Scottish Half 2 weeks ago where I got a 1:37 - so if I can hold on at the latter stages, maybe I can do it!
Hi Folks,
Recently started to get into running and looking at entering a full marathon early 2018 and complete my first half marathon race before the end of the year. Got the running bug in quite a big way.
Can anyone tell me the benefits of the sport watches as I don't really quite understand the use, yet see most runners have them.
Recently started to get into running and looking at entering a full marathon early 2018 and complete my first half marathon race before the end of the year. Got the running bug in quite a big way.
Can anyone tell me the benefits of the sport watches as I don't really quite understand the use, yet see most runners have them.
Cybertronian said:
So, sub-3 didn't quite happen this morning at the Yorkshire Marathon.
Went through halfway in 1:29:56 for perfect pacing, but began to drift into 7:05s for miles 22, 23 and 24.
Ultimately finished in 3:00:34 for a 2.5 minute PB. Over the moon and satisfied I did everything I could have today - sub-3 will have to wait for another year!
Now for the 3 hour drive home...
A great result but that 34s would haunt me for some time...Went through halfway in 1:29:56 for perfect pacing, but began to drift into 7:05s for miles 22, 23 and 24.
Ultimately finished in 3:00:34 for a 2.5 minute PB. Over the moon and satisfied I did everything I could have today - sub-3 will have to wait for another year!
Now for the 3 hour drive home...
JimmyConwayNW said:
Hi Folks,
Recently started to get into running and looking at entering a full marathon early 2018 and complete my first half marathon race before the end of the year. Got the running bug in quite a big way.
Can anyone tell me the benefits of the sport watches as I don't really quite understand the use, yet see most runners have them.
Good stuff.Recently started to get into running and looking at entering a full marathon early 2018 and complete my first half marathon race before the end of the year. Got the running bug in quite a big way.
Can anyone tell me the benefits of the sport watches as I don't really quite understand the use, yet see most runners have them.
In theory, sport watches should help you train more effectively. You can monitor your pace, heart rate and a raft of other attributes during, and then analyse the same after. In addition, many have a GPS, so you can track accurately where you've been. This can help ensure you're going slowly enough on slow runs, quickly enough on quick ones and getting the required distance done.
In reality, most of us are tech w
es. Oooooh. Shiny.Necessary? No. Interesting? Maybe. Required for completing a marathon? Certainly not. Fun for arsing about in Strava? Definitely.
KTF said:
Cybertronian said:
So, sub-3 didn't quite happen this morning at the Yorkshire Marathon.
Went through halfway in 1:29:56 for perfect pacing, but began to drift into 7:05s for miles 22, 23 and 24.
Ultimately finished in 3:00:34 for a 2.5 minute PB. Over the moon and satisfied I did everything I could have today - sub-3 will have to wait for another year!
Now for the 3 hour drive home...
A great result but that 34s would haunt me for some time...Went through halfway in 1:29:56 for perfect pacing, but began to drift into 7:05s for miles 22, 23 and 24.
Ultimately finished in 3:00:34 for a 2.5 minute PB. Over the moon and satisfied I did everything I could have today - sub-3 will have to wait for another year!
Now for the 3 hour drive home...
JimmyConwayNW said:
Can anyone tell me the benefits of the sport watches as I don't really quite understand the use, yet see most runners have them.
I always set off too fast and die later. I can set a target pace on my GPS watch and it will tell me how far ahead or behind that time I am, so I can try and keep my pace a bit more consistent. I still set off too fast and die later but at least I know how much faster I'm going than I should be 
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