OT - Running

[Dave Ferris]

Coming on the heels of my 10 miler on July 4th (which had been my longest run of the year, in addition to being my longest since the end of the radiation treatments on 12/31/14) , I was able to bump my long run up to a tad over Half Marathon distance this morning - 13.23.

 

It was on the road through NE Glendale & La Canada - on my usual Decanso /Berkshire/ Hahamongna Park route with a few steep hills in places, out & back. Also as usual, I ran my typical very slow pace, over 2 hours, with multiple breaks.

 

It's been quite a long time since I've gone that far. August 31 2013 to be exact, according to my running logs. Wow, didn't think it had been THAT long!

 

So very happy in that respect. I was originally planning on turning back at the 5 mile mark like 2 weeks ago, but because of the weather , I figured this would be the best day to try add on the extra miles.

 

It was a very rare, overcast , cooler morning for July. Lacy pup and I got a good early start at 6:45 AM. We actually hit some pretty steady rain on the way back , along with one thunderclap that was so loud and close, I think I jumped a good two feet in the air. It almost stopped my heart ! Rain in July in LA ?!! I'll take it.

 

We both got soaked, but it actually provided good stimulus the last 2 miles running in the rain. I had to give Lacy a bath when we finished , she was caked with road grit.

 

Pretty mellow right now. I don't think I'm going to get a ton of practicing in today.

[Justin Havu]

I hate running in the rain. Period. Not comfortable for me at all.

 

2nd 5K for the season finished this morning. Time was 28:56. If it hadn't rained earlier, I probably wouldn't have spent the whole race dodging puddles in the road and got a faster time.

[Joe P]

Nice job on that 13 miler Dave.

 

Me and the wife are signed up to run the Philly half in November. It'll be my biggest race, looking forward to it. For training we are up against my oldest son's football practices, which will be a scheduling challenge.

[Joe P]

Now that the clocks have changed I have been doing 5-miler down-and-backs on my trail at night with a lamp strapped to my head!

 

It's actually pretty awesome. Nobody is out there. The trail is flat and wide with good footing - mostly groomed granules. My wife joined me last Thursday. My only scare so far has been an encounter with an unaccompanied dog which was pretty dicey. He just stared at me and then after I threatened him a little he mosied off. Of course that was the night I forgot my pepper spray.

 

It's kind of like running in the middle of Blair Witch footage, but it's pretty damn exhilarating to do something like that instead of staying inside being grumpy about the time change.

 

Regards,

Joe

[Justin Havu]

Haven't been out lately. Weather's getting a bit cooler, and I've been in a battle with agoraphobia since the end of July. I've actually been in a fight with social anxiety, and a lower level of agoraphobia all my life--basically to the point where I can't be in the middle of a crowd without fight-or-flight setting in, unless I'm with family or someone I know very well. I can't really go into a Walmart or grocery store without panicking as most of the time it's too crowded for me to handle--even when going earlier in the morning or later in the evening. And unfortunately it's gotten in the way of running outdoors, like if even one car passes me, I'll start getting anxious. There's not really any trails around my neighborhood either. It's pretty much been the dreadmill or the bike for me.

[Joe P]

Did the Philly Half on Sunday - what a great experience! And it was the easiest 13 miles I've ever run. I felt like I could have easily done 20.

 

Ran with my wife. We were together the whole time and with about 1/2 mile to go we started sprinting and probably passed 300 people. What a RUSH that was!

 

Finished at 2:19 with a port-o-john stop and a chat-and-take-a-selfie-with-supporters-carrying-a-sign stop.

 

Awesome time. What a freak show. From a guy playing the Rocky Theme on a trumpet, to partying frat boys offering us a beer at 8 in the morning, to a guy dressed as the Pope - complete freak show. It was great!

 

I would definitely do it again except the weather is a real crap shoot. Philly in late November. We lucked out, high 40's and clear. What a great day.

 

Gonna park it for a while, I have lingering pains from the pavement. I am spoiled by our trail which is groomed granules.

 

I always thought I didn't have a full marathon in me, but now I know I do.

 

Keep running!

 

Joe

[Dave Ferris]

Congratulations on your Half Joe, well done !

 

Was that your first 13.1 miler ? Yes, take ample recovery time as going that distance on the hard pavement can be a shock to your whole body if you are used to running on trails. 13 miles is a long way !

 

So with this morning's run, my year to date mileage is 1004. I thought it was a little higher, but then I remembered I had to take off the entire month of January after severely spraining my foot on New Year's day.

 

It's a far cry from the 18 year streak I had between the ages of 38-56 where I was able to average 2110 miles a year. Since my 2000 mile a year streak ended, I haven't really added up my mileage the last 5 years or so. I kinda got burnt out thinking about it. From what I recall, the last time I added it up, around age 57, it was a little over 1700. And since then it has been going downso I pretty much stopped paying attention to it.

 

But since this is my "comeback year" from the Prostate Cancer, I decided to tally things up and see where I was at. I had a lot of bike days that I subbed for running , so many weeks I was just at 10-20 miles running, plus maybe four to five bike days.

 

The last 3 months I've felt stronger though, so I'm riding less and running more- some 30 mile weeks in a row on a regular basis. So that's a very good thing.

 

The residual stuff from this radiation and lupron shot, did last a lot longer then I thought. They don't tell you about that. It's been frustrating and difficult many times this year. I didnt know if it was the radiation or the age thingor a combination of both.

 

But obviously I'm blessed, thankful and very lucky to be back at some semblance of where I was at before.

 

I'd like to get back to the 2000 mile mark again in '16. That means averaging 38 miles a week. It used to be easy We'll see how it goes though. It's probably a pretty lofty goal. At 62 it's much more of a challenge then at 42, or even 52. It's mostly about the recovery time.

[Joe P]

Thanks, Dave. It was my second half, first was in 2010, St. Luke's in Allentown, PA. I did have an issue with pain in the top of my left ankle, but I used my old trick of flexing my foot on each stride to make it go away. It flared up around mile 7 but was a non-factor by the end. But now it lingers a little so I am going to park it for a week.

 

Glad to hear you are getting back to it, I can't touch that mileage! I am at 535 for the year. You know it is I think doubly frustrating for runners to get injured because you have already accomplished the hardest part - actually being a runner - so when you get sidelined it is so disappointing!

 

My brother had radiation for testicular and he said it wore him out.

 

Stick with it, you'll get to that 2000 mark.

 

Regards,

Joe

 

[Dave Ferris]

With today's 8 miler - 4 out & back - I got in 40 miles for the week , running 6 days. Rode the Mtn. bike yesterday and did the Beaudry North trail in the Verdugo Mountains up to the Brand bench to break things up.

 

This was my biggest week of the year mileage wise. The last time I was at 40 was when I managed 46.6 the week of April 21-27 last year, 2014. So I must be doing something right.

 

Aside from the cooler weather (FINALLY !) and generally getting my strength back, I think it has to do with limiting my speed work/pickups, and staying off the extreme hills of the Verdugo trails around here. The steep downhills can really mess with my arthritic big toe, which I really have to be careful with.

 

Not my first choice to run on the street all the time , but I pick my routes that take me through a few parks and side streets that have the least amount of contact with cars as possible. My normal route ends up on a service road that parallels the 2 freeway. There I can let Lacy off leash for about .75 of a mile. I rarely run into cars up there. Still, you can't totally relax like you can on the trail.

 

I could run loops of the Verdugo Park which is .30 from my driveway. But around the perimeter is something like .85 of a mile. That's a lotta loops to do 6-7 miles. I've tried it often in the past, and after about 3 times around I'm burnt on it.

 

In any case , VERY happy with the 40 miles this week. We'll see how I feel, and what I can do next weekto be continued.

[Justin Havu]

I was able to get in what could possibly be my last outdoor run of the season the day after Thanksgiving. Did 5 miles, took it nice and easy. It was very windy, but around 60 degrees up here. I have a hard time running in cold weather, especially with the amount of clothing I'd have to wear to stay comfortably warm, and still be able to move. I'm a shorts/singlet type, MAYBE a windbreaker jacket, but I can't handle long pants--I feel like my movement is a bit hindered.

 

I've also started working in some Yoga, about twice a week, to maybe help with my range of motion and my flexibility. It's also helped with my anxiety a bit too.

[stepay]

Haven't been here in a while.

 

My running is still on hold. Had some knee surgery and now having some calf and back issues that I am getting treatment for.

 

My kids are still runners. Daughter runs in college and ran a 5k CC time of 19:21 this fall. HS sophomore son dropped his 5k down to 15:32. He won't turn 16 until after the school year is over, so I think he has some big upside still. He is looking to run a 3200 on the track in under 9:20 in the spring, and I think that's reasonable; he went 9:45 last year as a freshman on less training and a year younger.

 

I am hopeful that I can begin the New Year with some running, but right now I can not walk without pain, so I need to fix that first.

 

Happy running!

[Joe Muscara]

Sorry if this was covered, but I don't normally read this thread.

 

What do you guys wear when it's too cold for just shorts and you're going to run outdoors?

 

I walk very briskly (nearly) every day for about an hour, but when it gets to this time of year I get cold so I have to wear long pants of some sort (yes, I'm in Houston, I'm from NY, but 50° is cold for me). I've been wearing old jeans but they're about done and kinda drafty to be honest. I've seen stuff like leggings for men that I think I've seen some dudes wear. Other pants seem kinda floppy for this kind of activity.

[MathOfInsects]

50°

 

It may be time for a break: I read that as "fifty diminished."

[Joe Muscara]

[stepay]

Joe,

 

Why not sweat pants? Or "track pants"? Or, go to a running store and get some running tights (I have never had those, but I'm old school and just wear sweats).

 

Not sure what these are?

 

Sweat pants - https://www.google.com/search?q=sweatpants&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiplNyt_87JAhXE3SYKHRgoBsMQ_AUICCgC

 

Track pants - https://www.google.com/search?q=sweatpants&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiplNyt_87JAhXE3SYKHRgoBsMQ_AUICCgC#tbm=isch&q=track+pants

 

running tights for men - https://www.google.com/search?q=sweatpants&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiplNyt_87JAhXE3SYKHRgoBsMQ_AUICCgC#tbm=isch&q=running+tights+men

 

[Phred]

I wear sweats. Running tights are better though as they flop less.

[Joe P]

I am looking to do an 8 miler with the wife this Saturday, supposed to 60F here!

 

 

[eric]

Sorry if this was covered, but I don't normally read this thread.

 

What do you guys wear when it's too cold for just shorts and you're going to run outdoors?

 

I walk very briskly (nearly) every day for about an hour, but when it gets to this time of year I get cold so I have to wear long pants of some sort (yes, I'm in Houston, I'm from NY, but 50° is cold for me). I've been wearing old jeans but they're about done and kinda drafty to be honest. I've seen stuff like leggings for men that I think I've seen some dudes wear. Other pants seem kinda floppy for this kind of activity.

 

I usually wear shorts year round unless it is <20F, then I wear some Nike tights. I find that the coldest parts of my body that must stay warm are hands and ears. I will wear layers of long sleeve clothing with running gloves and either a stocking cap or ear muffs. As long as my hands and ears are warm, the cold does not really bother my legs too much.

 

It has been awhile since I've posted about running. I hit my peak running shape three years ago and have let it slide a little bit since then. I may never achieve the PR time in a half, but I've continued doing 1-2 half marathons per year and I usually run 2-3 times per week throughout the year. I did a half in mid-November and have been taking a little bit of time off from running since then.

[Dave Ferris]

Lacy pup & I did a 12 miler from the house, up to the bridge at the Southern end in Hahamongna Park. It was 6 out & back. I was 1:03:28 going out & 1:00:57 coming back for a 2:04:25 total run time.

 

Yeah , not gonna break any speed records for my age group (62), but generally feeling strong and relaxednot having to push or feel like I'm struggling to finish the run.

 

The big hills are "hospital hill" on Verdugo going out and the mile climb from Chevy Chase up Descanso coming back. I just put it in that *low gear* and grind up.

 

I started late start at 9 AM, but the weather was outstanding ! Sunny, but cool & crisp with no head wind. I got a lot of shade through Descanso and down Berkshire.

 

We took some water breaks at miles 2 , 6 and 10. I think Lacy gets more thirsty on the long runs then I do. I keep her little collapsable water bowl in my pouch and as soon as we stop, she's looking up at me likeok Dad, where's my water ?

 

Looking to get in one more longer run before the end of 2015.

[Joe P]

Wow Dave, that is quite a run with a positive split no less!

 

I did a 7 miler with the wife on Saturday - weather was perfect and it was a walk in the park. Shorts and a long sleeve tee on 12/12 here is amazing!

[SteveCoscia]

Good thread.

 

Many good memories of my "running years" which lasted from my late 20s to early 40s. Philadelphia has wonderful and spacious parks with miles of trails. IMHO the Philadelphia parks system is the best nationwide. Ran many half-marathons and only one marathon (Marine Corp Marathon). They were good years.

 

Running saved me when I managed Ensoniq's customer service. The 1989 through 1992 VFX and polypressure keyboard quality issues were brutal. I experienced lots of emotional stress and the running helped.

 

My team and I administered a factory recall, handling numerous litigious cases with customers, lawyers, State Attorney Generals, Better Business Bureaus, etc. and it was running (and endorphin) that kept me sane. Almost very day, a VFX owner would call Ensoniq's receptionist and yell, "I want to talk to the manager." It was during those phone calls that I learned about telephone therapy.

 

During the "quality issue" days, Ensoniq's president, Bruce Crockett, would invite me to go running with him after work. We'd run, talk and share ideas. I believe that it was his way of learning how Ensoniq's customer service was being handled. Bruce was a terrific leader who made time for people.

 

During my early 40s, my body and my schedule changed and running seemed less fun so I started biking, walking and kayaking.

 

These days, envy creeps into my psyche when I see young folks running through Philadelphia's beautiful parks. Good years indeed.

[Dave Ferris]

Yeah Joe, you guys back East are getting some real nice weather for this time of year. Must make the runs SO much easier. If I had to move back to the Midwest or East coast, I'd definitely have to go the dreaded treadmill route. I don't think I'd have what it takes to run everyday in the cold, rain, ice and snow. We are the biggest weather wimps out here. Maybe I'd eventually acclimate but I don't want to find out if possible.

 

So I took the first two days off this week as I had run 11 days in a row. Distances varied - 3 recovery day at 4 miles, one long run at 12, and the rest were either 6 or 7. This is something of a min-streak, I haven't been able to string together that many consecutive days in quite awhile. So getting stronger and closing out '15 on a good note.

 

And a surprise to me - I'm getting faster ! Just now broke 60 minutes on my usual 6 mile course - 59:36. That's the first time I've been under an hour this year, and fairly certain since I started regularly doing this particular course early last year.

 

With no real pickups, just steady running and going along how my body feels. The first 3 are pretty much uphill and coming back I get the downhill. Did a 33:08 going up and then 26:27 coming back down. Legs felt real springy this morning. It was without a doubt due to the two days off following the 11 days straight.

[Markyboard]

Figured I'd finally chime in here although I'm a light weight compared to some of you. I do about 4.25 miles 3-4 times per week. Always run the same route in my neighborhood and dread the 3 hills that still kick my ass (remember light weight here). When I visit LA I love to run on the strand in Redondo/Hermosa; flat flat flat!

Running is the one exercise I found I can discipline myself to stay with as it's hassle-free walking out my door and ready to go. Winter time I usually slack off for a few months but as said it's been great so far in Northern VA so hopefully my down time this winter will be minimal. I'm a shorts guy at all cost as well. My hands get cold anywhere in the 40s so gloves all the way. Wish I had them last week in LA

[Joe P]

It was without a doubt due to the two days off following the 11 days straight.

 

I've pretty much parked it for the holidays and I LOVE IT!

 

11 days in a row Dave - that is something to be proud of. I'll be back on THE MILL first week of the year. I think this year I totaled out at just shy of 600 miles.

 

Markyboard, keep running. If you want to go longer set a goal like a half marathon or a 10K. You can do it.

 

 

 

 

[Dave Ferris]

Took yesterday off as I had an AM church gig, plus we had a significant storm blow through here (finally). I was feeling a little more fatigued than usual the past couple days, so the day of rest was welcomed.

 

But started off this week with my usual 6 miler this morning. Legs felt fresh. Amazing what one day off can do. A bit chilly and windy for us, but always look forward to the day after a storm - nice clean air !

 

So with Saturday's 6 miler, I was able to finish off Jan. with consecutive weekly mileage totals of 33, 30, 31 & 30.

 

Almost everyday in Jan. I've been incorporating some kind of speed work. Haven't done any longer runs over 8 miles , but instead I'm focusing more on getting a quicker turnover on the shorter distances of 6 miles and recovery runs of 4 miles.

 

With my normal every day 6 miler, I have a steep continuous hill at around the 2.25 mark that I take at about 10K effort. I haven't measured it but I'm guessing it's around a quarter mile. I haven't broke 3 minutes yet on it since I started throwing this into the mix, but haven't been over 3:10.

 

On the 3 miles going back down I do a pair of 3 minute tempo/half marathon pace pickups. The first interval is all a rolling downhill so I get a good turnover going. And then to finish up, I see what I've got left in tank by taking the last quarter mile at almost full out 5K pace. I usually feel fairly strong although the last quarter interval time of 1:54-2:00 doesn't indicate it. There is a turn in the street, plus I have Lacy pup on the leash, and I sometimes have to pull back on my stride ever so little for crossing traffic. So all those things considered, I'm doing ok.

 

I'm going to stay on this regimen for another month or so and see if I can get any faster without aggravating the chronic arthritis in my left big toe (Hallux Rigidus stage 4). That's been a constant battle the last 10 years or so and has greatly contributed to my overall reduction in speed. Of course being 62 ain't helping matters either.

 

Overall though, I feel great and ready to see how many miles I can rack up in '16.

[TommyBoy]

7 miles a day for me rain or shine. In Southern California that's pretty easy to say, however!

 

6'2 and 165 pounds and I can now eat pretty much anything I want and stay at this weight. At 48 years old this is exactly where I want to be.

 

I cycle a hundred or so miles a week and row 5000 meters a day on a Concept2 rowing machine.

 

Put all that together with an hour of accordion practice a day and I'm in the best shape of my life.

 

But running started it all....

[Dave Ferris]

Ed Whitlock does it again ! This guy never ceases to amaze me.

http://spr.ly/6180BmEc2

 

These days I'm managing between 30- 35 miles a week with maybe one or two Mtn. bike rides. I try to hit one or two days of 45-60 minutes at the gym. But realistically it probably averages out to only once a week.

 

It seems like plenty at coming up on 63 in about 6 weeks. About every 5th or 6th week I take a recovery week where I run around 15-18 miles for the week and maybe add an extra day at the gym.

 

I've gotten really slow but have been vigilant on my couple of speed pickups on two hills during my daily 6-7 miler. I guess it's helping somewhat but I can't help but think the radiation treatments affected my speed. I never really have gotten back to where I was -general speed and strength on steep hills - before they started it in Oct. of '14 to the end of the year.

 

I did a 12 miler about 3 weeks ago and that was my longest run of the year. Seemed like I was out there for a long time.

[Joe P]

Dave,

That 12 miler probably felt like a long time because it's a long way!

 

For me, this is prime season but little league is killing me. Along with everything else that comes with good weather: yard, pool, golf etc. etc....

 

Joe

[Justin Havu]

Running season for me finally started up last week--it's finally warmed up to manageable temps here in NH. Did 5 miles last Friday, and 4 more today. Looking to go out for a nice long run either tomorrow or Thursday.

[Dave Ferris]

On the last day of June every year I total my semi-annual mileage. With this morning's 4 mile recovery run I'm at 847.

 

With the exception of 2 separate runs totaling around 22 miles, Lacy pup has accompanied me on all of those miles. She's always ready to go - the running machine dog !

 

So I'm well ahead of last year's comeback/recovery effort of 1167 miles. Recently I was able to string 5 weeks in a row of 40 miles. Something I haven't been strong enough to do for a few years.

 

I'm just trying to stay on it every day consistently. Nothing epic, just steady and what seems like plodding these days. I bitch and moan to Diane about how slow I've gotten. But in reality I'm ok with it and just thankful to be out there still doing it at 63.