2012 Running Thread

[PlayaGroom]

Originally Posted by January Guy

I am very anti-treadmill so I like this post.

[Neil G]

I like supporting my local running store. I like to see them in business, and I get good advice from them.

As far as winter running clothing goes, layering is your friend. Cotton is your enemy. I don't think you need to get the fancy names but they do tend to be better designed than the cheap stuff.

Here's what I wrote about this last year:

Surprisingly, you can just use your normal running shoes. But get yourself some socks that cover your ankles. My favourites are actually cycling socks - "Wooly Booly" by DeFeet. I have never had a problem with cold feet even in -20C or colder conditions.

You'll need to spend some money on high tech clothing. No cotton! I wear wicking (polypro) boxer briefs no matter the weather. Then I have some lighter weight tights (Mizuno breath thermo), heavier winter tights (Craft), winter-weight long-sleeved running shirts, light polar fleece jacket, lightweight base layer (long underwear, long-sleeved undershirt), fleece gloves, tuque. I combine these in various ways depending on the weather. I tend to run hot, so what works for me may not work for you.

However, here's what I've found - if you are feeling chilly for the first km or two but not teeth-chattering cold, you probably have it right. If you are comfy standing there waiting for your Garmin to sync, you are probably going to overheat shortly into your run.

Also, you can carry water on the run even when it is very cold - just wear your belt over top of your first layers but under your top layer, and it won't freeze.

[TJordan]

3 mile run this morning
350 yd swim right after


YTD=7 miles

[jevans]

Originally Posted by melliedee

Howdy, runners! I was all ready to go to the gym when I saw how sunny it was and decided to hit the metropark trail for a power walk. Sunny, but COLD. I have a light weight, lined fleece which is great for wind and cold weather on top, but I made the mistake of wearing regular sweats on the bottom half. Result: Popsicle legs after one mile. My legs actually did start to warm up, but in a prickly, lack of feeling kind of way (this was after 3.5 miles...*mentions stats to fit in with crowd even though I'm just walking fast and not running )

So, I noticed all the runners at the park wear those stretchy leggings, which I assume are not regular leggings at all but some superpowered heat retainer? Do they sell these anywhere, or do I have to go to a sports/running store? Expensive? Should I look for a certain material or brand?

Thanks for any advice!

Running thread stalker and fan,

Mel

Originally Posted by PlayaGroom

I just use the cheapo polyester blend tights you can find at Target or anywhere. There are some thicker and some thinner versions out there, so feel the fabric before purchasing if you're curious. No super powers that I'm aware of

Going to a sports store might get you a pair that fit nicer in the tighter/bendy areas, but you'll pay a bit more for a name brand and the end result is the same. I've had the same two pairs for a couple years now and wear them for both running and cycling and have noticed no real wear in them.

Otherwise, I just wear basic wind pants through the winter (if it gets REAL cold, I'll layer the tights under the wind pants). They block the wind from blowing through to your legs, and also make a nice little oven on the inside.

And miles are miles, no matter how you log them! I've seen people walk marathons faster than some people jog them. Stop lurking

Originally Posted by January Guy

PG and Neil will give you much better answers, but I just look for long pants that wick sweat. I have 2 pairs, one that feels more like sweat pants, but that wick sweat. The other is more of a windbreaker material, that I usually only pull out when it is 15 degrees or colder.

You are likely going to pay a chunk more at a running store, so if I were you I would probably go to a general sporting goods store and tell the employees what you are looking for.

We appreciate your periodic posting and stalking, and good work on the mileage!

RUN NAKED

todays run:
3.12 miles
26:05
8:20/mile
11.24 miles for the year

since the majority of snakes are gone, even though it was 69 degrees yesterday and today, I'm back on the trails again.
I need to do that since I look like I need someone to call 911 when they see me run. I'm so f'ing sore right now.

[u2girlie]

OMG
JG IS RIGHT! I'M TOTALLY LYING ABOUT MY 2011 MILEAGE!

I will go back and tally. As of 9/28, I had 316. I highly doubt I was able to get another 100 miles in between 9/29 and 12/31 since I didn't run that much. HHAHAAA!! Freaking JG, I would have looked so cool if you hadn't caught me. Steve just said to me "what the <bleep> is wrong with you?" when I told him I added way wrong.

I promise to add correctly in 2012. Maybe that should be my resolution - not to lie about my mileage.

Mel - I wear the tight leggings when I run to fat under control when I run.

[u2girlie]

PG - to me, you're an Ironman...no half-ironman in my book. 70.3 is still killer!

My vote is Cozumel in 2013 or 2014 for you. You'll have a free place to stay!

[jevans]

Originally Posted by u2girlie

I just totaled mine and it was 416 miles. Definitely below where I wanted to be but way more miles than I had done in previous years!

What did you finish at?

Originally Posted by jevans

You need to quit sniffing glue. Let's see, if you finished at 416 I finished at 416.0000000001. ha

don't make me total your runs.

Originally Posted by u2girlie

UM - HOW DID I FINISH AT 4.2?? 4 point 2?

And actually, you're right, I didn't have 416. I had 412.

Hence, my quotes and your miscalculated responses.
I knew you were lying.

[u2girlie]

Originally Posted by jevans

Hence, my quotes and your miscalculated responses.
I knew you were lying.

But you were nicer than JG. You merely hinted at my horrible math. JG just called it out for realz. I'm so lame.

[_Josephina_]

I don't quite have my layering figured out yet. One day I knew I was underdressed, and I got a raised rash just above my sock line from the cold. I know I need to invest in some better gear, but $ is tight right now.

Originally Posted by January Guy

I am very anti-treadmill so I like this post.

I have this lovely large clothes hanger/treadmill in my house I bought it thinking I would love running on it while I watched tv in the cold winter. What I've found is that I'd rather run outside, although when it hits a certain temp I may use it again. So far we've been having an amazingly warm winter, but I know that mother nature will come kick us in the butt again soon.


My knee is still slightly sore... not sure if I should go for a gentle run in the morning or hit the gym again. 2 things about the gym: 1) it is *so* embarrassing to realize how wimpy my arms are in front of other people! and 2) people are gross and don't clean the machines after themselves!

[January Guy]

Originally Posted by _Josephina_

I have this lovely large clothes hanger/treadmill in my house I bought it thinking I would love running on it while I watched tv in the cold winter. What I've found is that I'd rather run outside, although when it hits a certain temp I may use it again. So far we've been having an amazingly warm winter, but I know that mother nature will come kick us in the butt again soon.


My knee is still slightly sore... not sure if I should go for a gentle run in the morning or hit the gym again. 2 things about the gym: 1) it is *so* embarrassing to realize how wimpy my arms are in front of other people! and 2) people are gross and don't clean the machines after themselves!

Awesome. I also refer to treadmills as clothes hangers.

Also, back in 2009 we had a long discussion about wiping off machines. I wipe things like treadmills but not weights or weight machines. People on this thread heckled me.

[Neil G]

Originally Posted by _Josephina_

I don't quite have my layering figured out yet.

Yeah, it's pretty much trial and error. Right now when most of my runs have been a little below freezing (around -5C, low 20s F) I have been using my lighter weight tights, a long-sleeved lightweight running shirt and a very light windbreaker. If it drops to -10 I'll switch to heavier tights and a heavier running shirt. -15 I'll add some lightweight long underwear to the outfit. -20 maybe I'll swap the windbreaker for a fleece. Windy or cloudy I dress a little warmer. This is just born of experience. As I said before I run quite hot so these suggestions may not work for you. I've seen people out in -5 in fleece pants and fleece-lined windbreaker - I'd just be a puddle of sweat.

[PlayaGroom]

Originally Posted by jevans

RUN NAKED

Originally Posted by u2girlie

PG - to me, you're an Ironman...no half-ironman in my book. 70.3 is still killer!

My vote is Cozumel in 2013 or 2014 for you. You'll have a free place to stay!

Aww...

My first will likely be the Wisconsin Ironman, as it's more local and I'm familiar with Madison a bit. The only problem with it is that it's a lottery to get in which occurs, I believe, the day after the previous year. So, you find out if you're in our out a whole year in advance, but it's not guaranteed even if you enter your name in time.

The only other problem I see for Cozumel is the fact that wetsuits aren't allowed, IIRC. So that would have to wait until I really up the swim mileage

But good to know I have housing lined up already

Originally Posted by January Guy

Awesome. I also refer to treadmills as clothes hangers.

Also, back in 2009 we had a long discussion about wiping off machines. I wipe things like treadmills but not weights or weight machines. People on this thread heckled me.

I don't wipe weights (unless I'm really sweaty and leave visible sweat prints on things) but I do wipe off benches and treadmills/bikes.

And yes, we heckled you quite heavily

Originally Posted by Neil G

Yeah, it's pretty much trial and error. Right now when most of my runs have been a little below freezing (around -5C, low 20s F) I have been using my lighter weight tights, a long-sleeved lightweight running shirt and a very light windbreaker. If it drops to -10 I'll switch to heavier tights and a heavier running shirt. -15 I'll add some lightweight long underwear to the outfit. -20 maybe I'll swap the windbreaker for a fleece. Windy or cloudy I dress a little warmer. This is just born of experience. As I said before I run quite hot so these suggestions may not work for you. I've seen people out in -5 in fleece pants and fleece-lined windbreaker - I'd just be a puddle of sweat.

I'm similar in my layering methods. I really don't like to overheat so I tend to run colder/lighter weight. I haven't had to layer more than a lightweight long sleeve base layer and windbreaker jacket with wind pants yet (with running shorts underneath). Haven't even broken out the long socks yet.


After my lunch run yesterday I got to talking with a coworker that just finished his run as well. Bing bang boom and I've got a running date tomorrow. We're aiming at a 6-miler over lunch on a new trail I haven't run yet out here by work. He's a 4-5 days/week runner and sounds fast, so it should be a good workout.

Swim over lunch today with tuna and crackers for a protein lunch when I get back to the desk.

[January Guy]

3 miles this AM. Not carrying any beer this time. 6.5 for the year.

[PlayaGroom]

Originally Posted by January Guy

Not carrying any beer this time.

?

Did I miss something? Or do you mean no beer in your belly this time?

[u2girlie]

Josephina - Layering takes a while to figure out but you'll get there. Also, if your knee hurts, give it a break. Do some stretching and use a foam roller. If you haven't used one yet, you should. Awesome runners friend!! Helped so much with my IT band issues last year.

PG - The dingbat JG wanted to stay ahead of my YTD so he went and ran 1/2 a mile in his jeans, t-shirt and holding a beer. Check it out a few posts back. Pretty funny actually!

JG - You're ahead of me by 3. I'm still stuck @ 3 YTD. I didn't get out for my run last night but I will tonight. I'll have to do 4. Or, I'll just use Becca's math and be at 10 YTD without actually running.