OT - Running

[Dave Ferris]

Aw man, falling sucks, big time. Sorry. That's odd you didn't hit a lip in the street or sidewalk, that you just went down.

 

I've fallen so many times - mostly since I got to my late 50s. Both street and trail. It's not hard to do on the trail with the rocks and tree roots everywhere. The streets are more forgiving with regard to footing, but I've gone done there just as much as in the dirt, if not more.

 

In fact just this past Oct 21 , Sunday at 5:45 AM in the dark, I was trying to squeeze in a 3 miler before the church gig and I hit just the tiniest lip in the aging cement street on my everyday run. Had a light with me but didn't matter. It was early, I was still not fully awake, was plodding and basically not picking up my feet. It happened within a second...boom. I did manage to roll so I didn't hit my left hip - where the fracture was- full on. Not much damage thankfully but it just pisses me off when it happens. Pretty much done with running in the dark, especially with my poor eyesight and the cataracts.

 

I'm at five months back returning to running after being off for 10 months with the fractured pelvis bone. It's been slow going and a huge challenge to come back at 65.

 

I did work up to and manage an 11.34 miler this past Sat. in 2:02:45 /10:49 pace with our gnarly hills around here. Last time I did that run was 2/12/17 in 1:58:04. So not all that far off, time wise. At 5 months everything is starting to come back just ever so slightly.....FINALLY !! Nice deep shade all through Descanso, which makes a huge difference.

 

I felt good that I had some extra gas in the tank at the end and probably could have gone 13 without much stress , but I didn't want to push it. Plenty of time for that.

 

Sorry to hear about it Joe. Maybe take some days off, regroup and just "get back on the bike again" as they say. Hopefully no lingering problems because of that. It's hard to take precautions on falling. Now that I'm older and don't pick up my feet as much, I try to run where the surface isn't too dicey ....but still, sh*t happens as they say.

 

Just don't stop ! It's too hard to start up again.

[Joe Muscara]

Thanks, Dave. I fell a bit last year running "after" Harvey. I slipped off a curb and skinned a knee and maybe beat my palms. That wasn't too bad. This one was pretty gnarly and I don't think I've ever fallen like that in my life. I think I bounced. I keep picturing it from the outside in slow motion. Huh, I just realized that image is being pictured the wrong way, me landing facing left when I was facing right. Silly brain.

 

Anyway, I have been glad to hear that you're getting back to it. I think I need to figure out how to make myself enjoy it again. I've been doing it lately because it's what I do. I used to enjoy it much more.

[Markyboard]

Eeeshhh! Hope you're OK Joe. My wife recently rolled and broke her foot for the 3rd time, last being a couple of years ago. This running has always been a struggle for me and with a bunch of other crap breaking my routine lately I'm definitely feeling it more. Went out this morning in the rain and huffed and puffed for about 2.5 before walking some and finished up. Still glad I'm still getting out there although my back is not real happy today.

 

I guess my running days are numbered. I'll probably wait for that first crash and burn. Good thing I run during early morning hours in the dark. No witnesses

[jefsco]

Anyway, I have been glad to hear that you're getting back to it. I think I need to figure out how to make myself enjoy it again. I've been doing it lately because it's what I do. I used to enjoy it much more.

Sorry to hear about the fall, Joe!

 

At 61 i haven't received the benefits of a runners high in probably 20 plus years.

Do it more now out of habit, and because i feel bad if i skip!

Also i like to eat too much, and have to burn the calories.

 

Guess ive been lucky on falling....now tomorrow ill probably hit the pavement.

 

 

 

[Joe Muscara]

I hope I don't jinx anyone!

 

At 61 i haven't received the benefits of a runners high in probably 20 plus years.

Do it more now out of habit, and because i feel bad if i skip!

Also i like to eat too much, and have to burn the calories.

This has been true for me too. If I don't do it I don't feel right. But it used to be so much fun.

[Dave Ferris]

After this morning's scorching 10 miler (not) , I've hit 42 miles for two consecutive weeks running 6 days. A tad under 42 last week and around .30 over this week. Would be great to hold it around this mark for awhile and eventually push it up to the occasional 50 mile week again. When I think about where I was this time last year......very thankful.

 

It was all street, no trail and not a lot of traffic thankfully. The time was 1:49:10 - 57:01 out and 52:09 back. 10:55 pace with the two steep hills - Hospital Hill going out and Descanso coming back.

 

Even in my late 50s, I could do an easy 12 to 12.5 in the time it's now taking me to run 10. But things change, dramatically at 65. But again, thankful just to be out there still putting in the miles regardless of pace.

 

In the back of mind I'd like to shoot for 2K miles again in 2019. It would be a great goal for me. The last year I was there was when I was 56, 9 years ago. You have to average a little over 38 miles a week to hit 2000 for the year.

[Joe Muscara]

Dave, that's impressive. I'm struggling to run three days a week. My legs complain too much. But I'm trying to work up to something more than I'm doing, especially since we are out of the hot season here for the moment.

[jefsco]

 

Dave, youre doubling my distance at a faster pace!

Not going to challenge you to a race.

 

Sounds like good progress!

 

 

 

 

 

[Dave Ferris]

With this morning's 14 miler,

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2220888121498762&set=a.1424680537786195&type=3&theater&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&notif_id=1553973776301357

I was able to get to 502.48 miles for the first quarter of '19.

 

So I'm on track to get to my goal of 2000 miles for '19. Haven't been able to get up to 2K since 10 years ago at age 56. Still a long ways to go but feeling good so far. Lacey pup and I hope to continue that through the rest of the year.

 

Speaking of Lacey, we're coming up on 5 years of owning her this June. I was just figuring, she has run a solid 7,000 miles with me in that time , if not a little more. That's a lot for a little dog ! On the other hand, she's a Border Collie, so it comes natural to her.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2209713622616212&set=picfp.100007327866309&type=3&theater

[Josh Paxton]

I recently started running again after neglecting it for several months. The way my body responds to it is still a complete mystery to me:

 

Day 1: barely manage to eke out 3 miles, with lots of panting and embarrassingly frequent breaks.

 

Days 2 & 3: same.

 

Day 4: rest.

 

Day 5: knock out 7 miles like it's nothing.

 

Days 6 and 7: do over 6 miles, no problems.

 

Day 8: rest, travel to Colorado.

 

Day 9: try to run a short distance, realize I'm exhausted after half a mile due to the difference in altitude.

 

Day 10: still in Colorado, knock out 8 miles no problem.

 

At this point I feel like I have so little understanding of how my own body works that I should go re-read "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing."

[jefsco]

 

Ive gotten less consistent, performance wise, with age. But not to the extremes you are Josh.

 

Dave, you and i have the same watch. Havent seen that good of numbers on mine though.

 

 

 

[Joe P]

I've been knocking out 4 milers on my trail trying to get back into some semblance of running form. But I've been having a breathing-related discomfort. It's hard to explain but it occurs in the trachea area and upper chest, like just below the clavicle, usually goes away after a mile. Not heart related, or at least I don't think so. My wife (RN) thinks it might be exercise-induced asthma.

 

I've been running for 25 years, coupla half marathons under my belt so I'm not a newbie and this discomfort has me slightly concerned. My wife wants me to try an inhaler.

[Dave Ferris]

Joe, at certain times of the year, if I go really early- 6 AM, or in the summer 7 PM just before dark - I can have allergic reactions on certain sections of my route. I know it's allergies and I can only guess it's because of certain trees I pass.

 

I get real short of breath as well, have to stop and cough my brains out for a minute. I get home and the area beneath my right eye swells up the size of a small golf ball. I take two Benadryl and the swelling goes down usually within 30 minutes or so.

 

But it just happens at those times. And just in my neighborhood. I have an inhaler too that I should probably carry when I start getting those allergy attacks. It is scary because your throat closes up and you can't get any air.

 

Good luck with it. It sucks, just more age related sh*t breaking down that I never had an issue with even 10 years ago at 55.

[Joe P]

Thanks for the input, Dave. Hey, if this discomfort is the worst thing I have to deal with at age 55 - I consider myself lucky!

[Joe Muscara]

Oh man, you guys are reminding of all the uh, new sensations I get at times when running. Cold air kills me. It's hard to breathe, and it makes my eyes screwy and hard to focus (as best I can being near-sighted again). I've had times that I've wondered if I have a breathing issue because of it.

 

Meanwhile, my training schedule has me doing 9.5 miles this Friday. My goal? 13.1 miles. I should hit that the middle of next month if all goes well. I tried doing this a year ago and me left hamstring tightened up and I finally got that worked out this past winter. Wish me luck!

[Joe P]

Joe, good luck. Are you training for a Half?

[Joe Muscara]

Joe, good luck. Are you training for a Half?

Yes, but not a specific one. I just want to do it on my own. I'm perfectly fine with just knowing I did it when I do, and perhaps a little bragging online.

[justin_havu]

Haven't been out in over a couple years due to anxiety and agoraphobia related to my Aspergers. Same with cycling. I miss it.

[Joe Muscara]

Haven't been out in over a couple years due to anxiety and agoraphobia related to my Aspergers. Same with cycling. I miss it.

Sorry, man.

[Dave Ferris]

Yes, very sorry to hear Justin. I hope you feel better in the future so as to get out a bit. Wishing you the best !

[Dave Ferris]

Just in today ! Joan Benoit Samuelson at the Boston Marathon.

 

For those who follow the sport of distance running and Marathons- you'll know what an incredible accomplishment this is. 40 years later her goal was to come within 40 minutes of her 1979 winning time. She beat it by 11 minutes !

 

3:04 at age 61. Imo in the top five of all time great female athletes, in any sport. Congrats Joan !

 

https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/04/15/joan-benoit-samuelson-attains-boston-marathon-goal/?fbclid=IwAR1NA0QUsGs4i3pn9QMiosXLQ1flNcIbpEBfGJg4QHO9VbR7fjrYKJvrhRI

 

After getting to 500 miles for the first quarter of '19, I'm going through a rough patch with "runners knee". But was able to do Beaudry North to the Brand bench on the Potts 29er MTB. Record slow time on the climb since I hadn't done it in probably 4 months. I had to take three 60 second breaks going up. No knee pain whatsoever on the 3 mile 1800'climb, which is good news.

 

I felt good enough to do a slow 3 miles after the bike. I got a knee brace and that seems to help.

 

This knee thing just came on about 10 days ago...never had knee problems in 40 years of running. I think I stressed it doing some fast downhill repeats on asphalt, trying to get a faster turnover in my stride. Then I did a 14 miler the next day...very dumb doing those downhill pickups.

 

Just reading up on "runners knee" I think it's out of alignment right now more then any cartilage deterioration or tear issues...I'm hoping at least.

 

I'm going to continue on with reduced mileage, more biking, more strengthening and a lot of ice. Then I'll see where it's at in a couple of weeks. If not better, I'll get a scan or MRI.

 

And congrats to the winners and all finishers at this year's Boston Marathon.

[Joe P]

Dave,

 

Your commitment to fitness is amazing! I'm sure the knee will come around.

 

I was hoping Des would repeat at Boston, now that my girl Kara Goucher () is switching to trail marathons.

 

My breathing discomfort issue persists. I am both happy and sad to report the inhaler my wife had me try did not work. So I'm happy because that indicates it is probably not asthma, but I'm sad because I still have the discomfort! It is not bad enough to prevent me from hitting the trail though, so for that I am thankful.

[justin_havu]

Finally decided to go out for a jog. Was thinking maybe 2 or 3 miles. Ended up doing 6 at around a 12-minute mile pace.

[Joe Muscara]

Finally decided to go out for a jog. Was thinking maybe 2 or 3 miles. Ended up doing 6 at around a 12-minute mile pace.

 

Thats great to read, Justin!

 

[TommyBoy]

Still going.....6.5 miles a day....every day....50+ years old now....6'2 and 151 pounds. And I eat like a pig.

 

I have a lot of friends that say "Your day will come. There are no 60 year old runners."

 

Malarkey. I've had knee issues, hip issues, ankle issues, partially torn quad, toe issues, you name it. I still am able to keep at it. Nike Run Club says I just passed 12,000 miles. Not sure how long I've been using it.

 

The worst injuries were from two falls while running - the last of which was three years ago. Bruises, cuts and gashes. Just wasn't paying attention and caught my foot on an imperfection on the gravel.

 

And I'm not a runner. I'm awkward. Slow. Not a natural by any means. If I can do it anybody can do it!

[Dave Ferris]

I have a lot of friends that say "Your day will come. There are no 60 year old runners."

 

You should pass this website along to them.

https://www.lifetimerunning.net/

 

and Google the names of Reno Stirrat, Benji Durden , Joan Benoit Samuelson, Ed Whitlock and Gene Dykes ( who is new to me), to name but a very few.

https://www.philly.com/health/gene-dykes-boston-marathon-record-ultrageezer-20190412.html?fbclid=IwAR2SBBRtjA2cdF2B-svyg-W8cpvLlxt2WQdVLDZhxQoeJRj_yTkmTCG3o5M

 

Great to hear Tommy, stay with it !

 

Justin, happy to hear you got out and did some miles. Six is quite ambitious if you haven't been running that much. Pace is irrelevant. Hope you continue to get out.

 

I had an x-ray of the right knee last week and it just showed arthritis related to aging. No tears or bone on bone. I didn't think that would be the case considering what I'm still able to do everyday...but best to know for sure with an x-ray.

 

The Doc said the knee joint looked very healthy for someone who is almost 66 , has run for 42 years and coming up on 70,000 miles run. All those years of squats and lunges I think, and probably decent genes.

 

I still messing with the runner's knee thing but last week I was able to get up to 32 miles, running 4 days and a 12 miler on Saturday. Will try for the same or a little more this week but sans the long run.

 

I've been icing probably about ten times a day for 15 minutes intervals. This new ice pack stays cold a long time. Highly recommended for the knee.

https://www.runningwarehouse.com/Pro-Tec_Hot_Cold_Therapy_Wrap/descpage-PTHCTWM.html

 

And got this $19 Patella strap on the advice of the Doc as opposed to wearing the full knee brace slip. Haven't had to stop to walk since I got it.

https://www.runningwarehouse.com/Pro-Tec_Patellar_Tendon_Knee_Strap/descpage-KS.html

 

Looking forward to getting past this and try to get back on track for 2000 miles this year. I lost all of April, so I've got some catching up to do.

[Spider76]

I have a lot of friends that say "Your day will come. There are no 60 year old runners."

Google the names of Reno Stirrat, Benji Durden , Joan Benoit Samuelson, Ed Whitlock and Gene Dykes ( who is new to me), to name but a very few.

 

Ever heard of Marco Olmo?

 

 

[Joe Muscara]

Another one is Jeff Galloway himself, who is turning 74 this year and one of the things he's been promoting lately is Running Until You're 100.

 

It seems that people who don't like running want to say it's bad for you. I guess they're trying to justify why they don't want to do it. My attitude is, if you don't want to, that's fine, I'm going to do what I want. The sad part is that lots of those people aren't doing anything for their own fitness.

 

I've posted in this thread before about my attempts at half marathon distance training. I'm happy to say that this spring, I've almost made it. I ran 12.5 miles last week, and I'm due to run 14 miles next week as the final long run before my "half marathon race." Unfortunately, it's starting to get too warm here for it, so it's a bit of a struggle. I figure that no matter what I do on the next two long runs that are supposed to be 14 and 13.1, I will keep up the long distance as much as I can over the summer and work back up to the half marathon distance again when it cools off. With any luck, I'll then have achieved the half marathon "race" in spring AND autumn. If not, just autumn will be fine. Maybe over the autumn/winter/spring I can maintain a longer long distance than over the summer.

 

But I'm pretty blown away that I've run 11 and 12.5 miles recently.

 

TommyBoy I had a fall last year that bruised me up pretty good, road rash on my knees, shoulder, arm, and shattered my Apple Watch. It didn't stop me from running, and it happened so early in the day that I was able to get AppleCare to send me a new Watch that arrived the next day!

[Joe P]

Had a great run last night on my trail. I did my normal down and back 5 miler and then went past my starting point and back for another 2 miles. It was one of those runs where everything came together - felt great, perfect weather, and I had the time to do it! 63 minutes and change.

 

My breathing discomfort persists, but we've found that ibuprofens taken 20 minutes prior to the run all but defeats it, so that's good but I'd sure like to know what is causing it.

[Joe Muscara]

A little late to report, but I did it.

 

On Friday, I managed to finish my final "training" run before the supposed half marathon, which was 14 miles. It was tough, worse than I had hoped. I hadn't slept well that week, and the temperature was higher than any runner would have liked, as well as the humidity. When the wind is blowing out of the south here, that might feel good for a bit, but it's bringing in moisture from the Gulf and that's bad. Both leg hamstrings are still a bit sore so I will have to watch them for any future runs. They were complaining a bit for the second half of the run but I was able to keep going.

 

As I mentioned above, the weather here is getting too hot for long runs, so unless a cool front arrives just in time for the 31st, I'm done with the really long runs for now.

 

But hey, I made my goal! I've run (more than) a half marathon distance!