*** Born to Run 8/3/15 ***

[ceejay]

It's been a while since we did one of these! 


This is a "weekly" thread for runners who are TTC, that is posted on Mondays. All who run--or who want to start running--are welcome, regardless of mileage, pace, ability, size, shape, or terrestrial status. This is a place to talk about running while TTC, training, runs, races, gear, recovery, nutrition, and whatever else we can think of.

>>> Anyone who posts here regularly should feel free to start the thread on Mondays if it seems to be missing. <<<


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

How were your runs this week? Lay it on us...


GTKY: Talk to us about running nutrition. Do you use any types of energy fuel on your longer runs (GU, Sport beans, etc.)? If so, what is your favorite? If not, what do you like to eat before a run for energy and after a run to refuel?

[ironbaby]

Thanks for posting, ceejay!

I have been running really well lately. At least 3x/week now that our training season has kicked off. Up to 13 miles on my long runs. The miles are about to get steep, though!

GTKY: Talk to us about running nutrition. Do you use any types of energy fuel on your longer runs (GU, Sport beans, etc.)? If so, what is your favorite? If not, what do you like to eat before a run for energy and after a run to refuel?
I almost exclusively use Gu during my runs, 1/3 pack every 20 minutes on any runs over an hour. The Salted Caramel is delicious as is the Vanilla Orange. I have started using the Fruit Smoothie flavored Honey Stinger gels, too, which are awesome. I have trouble eating much before a run, so half a bagel with PB or a Honey Stinger waffle usually work, if anything. After a run is almost always a chai latte from Starbucks. Not ideal, but it's so yummy. After long runs I like eggs and bacon or a bagel.

[joy]

Today was Day 1 of my half marathon training.

It ended around 1am when I had a migraine that would not go away. So... now Wednesday is Day 1 of half marathon training. Sigh.

I'm working on a new nutrition/training plan and I have to figure out how to run in the mornings.  I much prefer to run around 6pm/7pm at night. I'm starting mega-slow so I can get it right. Currently on the meal plan is bananas, toast + peanut butter, and electrolyte water. I'll have to add in fueling when I hit longer mileage. We'll see.

[cnf2013]

Heyyyy friends!

My runs this week happened! I sprained my ankle something fierce about four weeks ago but was determined to see if I could continue to run after it healed. I refused to let that be the nail in my running coffin until January without at least trying to run again, so I headed out twice over the weekend. I only did one mile at a time, but given how huge I am getting and having taken four weeks off from running, I still muscled through just fine. I registered for a 5k in September, so hopefully I can build back up now. Aside from my itty bitty runs I also hit spin class twice this week and have been swimming a lot again too. I'm hoping to register for an open water swim race taking place this weekend in one of my local lakes.


GTKY: I prefer to run on an empty stomach, so if it's in the morning I typically do not eat first. I've been doing this for 15 years now, so my body is totally cool with it. I usually have either part of plain bagel or a couple of Luna bars pre race on race mornings. For long runs and rides I use Clif Shot Blocks, NUUN for just hydration, Skratch for calories and hydration for 70.3's. Toying with switching to carbo-pro mixed with Gatorade Endurance for next year since Ironman switched to Gatorade this year. I also like to eat some real food too. I make peanut butter sandwiches out of mini eggo waffles to eat on my bike and like to grab fruit at aid stations on runs during races. For training runs I stick with shot blocks and Nuun. Throw in my waffles for long training rides.

[cnf2013]

Aug 3, 2015 11:39:07 GMT -5 @mrsjohnmarston said:

Do you mind if I jump in? I want to be a runner.

Here's some background: I'm 28. Very overweight. Prior to 3 weeks ago, no exercise at all. I've been trying to do Couch to 5K but am having trouble with intervals. My hips hurt and I get very out of breath when I jog.

Should I suck it up and keep doing intervals? I'm worried about injuring myself but I'm also wondering if I'm just being a baby about it. I know it will probably be easier once I lose some weight. Maybe I should just keep walking for awhile? I'm not really sure what I'm doing.

C25K is great! You can opt to repeat weeks if you feel you need to. If you're feeling too out of breath during the run intervals slow down some. It's easy to go too fast. I'd look up some good hip stretches too and make sure you stretch well after your runs. I find I need some time to get into a groove when I run. My breathing is always rough and labored for the first 5-10 minutes of any run. Your body will learn to adapt and find it's rhythm. Stick with it!

[joy]

Aug 3, 2015 11:39:07 GMT -5 @mrsjohnmarston said:

Do you mind if I jump in? I want to be a runner.

Here's some background: I'm 28. Very overweight. Prior to 3 weeks ago, no exercise at all. I've been trying to do Couch to 5K but am having trouble with intervals. My hips hurt and I get very out of breath when I jog.

Should I suck it up and keep doing intervals? I'm worried about injuring myself but I'm also wondering if I'm just being a baby about it. I know it will probably be easier once I lose some weight. Maybe I should just keep walking for awhile? I'm not really sure what I'm doing.

You should "run" the speed that allows you finish the interval.  Maybe for right now that means simply walking faster during those intervals?  Or, jog at a very slow pace.  There's no rules about how fast you're supposed to run here.  You do the speed that lets you do you.

I also probably wouldn't move on to the next week until you've mastered the previous week.  Move at a pace throughout the entire workout that works for you!

[pinkcat]

How were your runs this week? They were pretty great! I got quite a few in and ran both my fastest mile since HS and fastest 5K since HS. These were within my normal 5 mile run so I was happy since I feel like I could get even faster if I wasn't pacing for a longer run. But, my knees are killing me this week! I took a bath yesterday and was embarrassed because I almost couldn't get out of the tub. So, I think I"m going to have to hold off on runs this week and stick to the elliptical.


GTKY: Talk to us about running nutrition. Do you use any types of energy fuel on your longer runs (GU, Sport beans, etc.)? If so, what is your favorite? If not, what do you like to eat before a run for energy and after a run to refuel? Hmm- nothing very thought out here. I normally run in the evening so just have a quick snack before I run- a banana or a granola bar. Then, I eat dinner when I get home.

[ceejay]

Glad your runs have been going well, ironbaby!
Yay for starting half marathon training this week, joy! I hope your migraine goes away soon.
ugaqueencity - I think I need to find a new route as well. I run the same route almost every time, and it can be really boring.
Way to get those runs in this week, cnf2013! Have fun getting ready for the 5k.
Welcome, @mrsjohnmarston! Like others have said, you don't want to push yourself too hard and risk an injury. If you can finish the intervals by jogging more slowly and/or speed walking, try that instead. And stretching well before and after your walks/runs should help too.
Congrats on your fast mile and 5k times, pinkcat! Do you ice your knees after runs? I sometimes get knee pain as well if I push myself too hard, and icing helps reduce the pain for me.


How were your runs this week? Lay it on us...
Meh. Not the best. I took ~1.5 weeks off from running for vacation, and I'm having a hard time getting back into it. My runs last week were slow and uncomfortable, though it also was really hot outside. This week should be a lot cooler, so hopefully running will be more enjoyable.
I'm not in the best shape right now but I have a 10k in about a month, so I need to start ramping up my distances to get ready for that.



GTKY: Talk to us about running nutrition. Do you use any types of energy fuel on your longer runs (GU, Sport beans, etc.)? If so, what is your favorite? If not, what do you like to eat before a run for energy and after a run to refuel?
Now that I'm not training for any long distance races, I don't do anything special for running nutrition. I typically have a small snack before I run (half a granola bar, small pack of fruit snacks, trail mix, etc.) and then try to eat something with protein afterwards.
When I was running longer distances, I used Sport Beans for any runs 7-13 miles, and 1-2 GU packs for any runs 14-26 miles. I used to have some Peppermint Stick flavored GU that was delicious... it tasted like the inside of a York peppermint patty. Unfortunately it was only a holiday promotional flavor from a few years ago and isn't sold anymore, otherwise I would eat that stuff every time I had a long run...

[kariann12]

How were your runs this week? Lay it on us...
Well, since my IUI last cycle was a bust I decided to run a 1/2 marathon with my sister Aug 22nd. So now I'm crash training. Yes, its a bad idea. I know this already. But I promised my sister I'd run with her in like April, and I was just hoping I'd have a reason to not do it (like being KU). But since that isn't happening I'm not going to bail on her. So I'm up to 5-6 mile runs, which take me a little over an hour, so I'm slow as shit. But whatever, I'm out there. This will most definitely not be a PR for me.


GTKY: Talk to us about running nutrition. Do you use any types of energy fuel on your longer runs (GU, Sport beans, etc.)? If so, what is your favorite? If not, what do you like to eat before a run for energy and after a run to refuel?
I have never used any type of running nutrition. I eat two pieces of PB toast before a race, and then drink gatorade at the water stations. If I ever train for a full I'll have to jump into more running nutrition stuff. For some reason I feel like a 1/2 isn't long enough to need to eat during. Maybe I'm completely wrong.

[ironbaby]

joy, I love training season, so I hope you enjoy your half training! Good luck!
cnf2013, So glad you're still running. That sucks about the ankle, but I am glad it's healed. Keep it up!
@mrsjohnmarston, I will just echo what PPs have said. Repeat weeks, and just make your intervals slightly faster than the surrounding walks. You don't have to be all out! My best friend recently did C25K and started as a walker. She really struggled with the intervals, too, but she stuck with it, and now she's running the whole distance. You can do it!
kariann12, It definitely sounds like you're not fueling enough for distance races. Absolutely do what works for you, but shoot for 100-200 calories per hour, and experiment with what balance gives you the most energy without upsetting your stomach.