A&S Mini - Race Training & Motivation

[TripleBz]

I wanted to get this topic started. Once we get everyone in the thread, can you please post your thoughts on the following.

 

A.    What's the focus of your group? 1 goal, 3 goals, motivation, tracking, etc...

B.    How much info do you want to share? There doesn't have to be a rule here, but if you're feeling iffy about the content (TMI stuff) but want to talk about it, then use the Spoiler box so that folks know that going into that box means you have agreed to the risk. Some folks handle other people's stories just fine, some get triggered. SPECIALLY useful for the group working on awkwardness!

C.    How often do folks think they should post? Don't overdo it, this isn't your main challenge, but you'll want enough that the conversation stays fresh and everyone gets a chance to chat about their stuff and give responses as they can/want.

 

[NordicGiraffe]

What's up Fellow Group J-ers!

 

Here are my thoughts:

 

A.  My goal is to keep consistent with my marathon training.  I'm currently regularly working out 3 times a week, trying to push that up toward the 5-6 range.  

B. My goal isn't squeamish at all, so I'm fine sharing as much as you want to hear - I'll talk about it until your eyes glaze over if you let me!

C. Probably like twice a week?  Maybe a mid week and a weekend works best for me.

[TripleBz]

Looks like we have the beginning of a group. I'm excited for the motivation!

 

Here are my thoughts.

 

A. My goals are all about Tri training. I got injured about a month ago and am finding it hard to get back off my butt and training again. I am mostly looking for help motivating me to work and keep working. I also want somewhere to get training ideas and tips. I believe we all have great ideas and we can help others.

B. I am not the most talkative person and definitely more of an introvert. If I have ideas I will post them but I dont believe you have to worry about me going TMI.

C. I am good with twice a week. Adding status is helpful for motivation. Also, I think going 3 or 4 days waiting for your team to post when you are waiting for responses isnt helpful. I like the idea about regular check-ins. 

[Wirilome]

Hi!!! Sorry I am late to the game. But my goals are on trainig and conditioning myself for the half marathon. I've been running daily now, sometimes twice a day.

 

I will try and post on and off whenever I can!  

[Wirilome]

 

I wanted to get this topic started. Once we get everyone in the thread, can you please post your thoughts on the following.

 

A.    What's the focus of your group? 1 goal, 3 goals, motivation, tracking, etc...

B.    How much info do you want to share? There doesn't have to be a rule here, but if you're feeling iffy about the content (TMI stuff) but want to talk about it, then use the Spoiler box so that folks know that going into that box means you have agreed to the risk. Some folks handle other people's stories just fine, some get triggered. SPECIALLY useful for the group working on awkwardness!

C.    How often do folks think they should post? Don't overdo it, this isn't your main challenge, but you'll want enough that the conversation stays fresh and everyone gets a chance to chat about their stuff and give responses as they can/want.

 

 

Thank you by the way for starting the thread. 

[Trizza]

Hi All,

 

Here are my responses:

 

1. I have had some calf pain when switching shoes and I'm all about training for my Half Marathon right at the end of the current 6 week challenge.

2. As Wirilome said I will talk till I'm blue in the face about my training with anyone willing to listen. I am finally set on running my second ever marathon this fall so I have plenty of strategy for not bonking this time and I can tell you all about it :-)

3. I'll check in here often, but I think we should be aiming for at least twice a week posting. Monday's with mini-quests being posted should be an easy day to check in.

 

Good luck everyone on your training. Had 10 miles on Sunday so looking on pace for My race so far.

[TripleBz]

First update!!

 

I survived my 26.2 mile bike ride on Saturday. It was the Salt Lake Marathon Bike Tour. It took me 1:30 which was my fastest time so far. 

 

My latest struggle is getting back in the pool. I haven't gone in 6 weeks and now my fear is starting again. I just need to go but my brain takes over when my alarm goes off to leave to get to Master's class. I know it not a big deal but for some reason I am making it one.

[Wirilome]

So the first week I stuck to my goals. I'm learning to make mistakes. Like realizing I won't be at 100% each time for each goals.

 

I have noticed that I am developing shin splits. This is new to me. I don't know if its because I'm too cold when I run. Should I be wearing compression socks? I have never run this much before.

 

Also.. I have a TMI question to ask so if it's appropriate I will ask but if it's not then I won't. Maybe in a private message. I don't know what a spoiler box is. But my question is about poop. Ugh... 

 

[TripleBz]

I have noticed that I am developing shin splits. This is new to me. I don't know if its because I'm too cold when I run. Should I be wearing compression socks? I have never run this much before.

 

When I started running i had shin splits too. I got some compression sleeves and they have made quite the difference. Also, do you have good running shoes? I noticed that once I got shoes that were fit to me and my running style it made a big difference. You may want to visit your local running store for a evaluation. 

[Trizza]

I'm with TripleBz on this one. The compression socks and new shoes could help, but also make sure you are adding more mileage and intensity slowly. If you do to much to quick or for to long your going to start getting more and more injuries.

 

I completed my test 5K this weekend in 22:09 which is a PR for me by a full minute. With this and 4 weeks until my 1/2 marathon I think I am on track to reach my goal and maybe even PR the 1/2.

[Trizza]

Did you ever get an answer to your TMI question?

[Wirilome]

Did you ever get an answer to your TMI question?

I did not. 

[Wirilome]

When I started running i had shin splits too. I got some compression sleeves and they have made quite the difference. Also, do you have good running shoes? I noticed that once I got shoes that were fit to me and my running style it made a big difference. You may want to visit your local running store for a evaluation. 

 

My shoes are great. But awesome on the compression socks. I will look into buying some when my tax refund comes in. 

[Trizza]

Feel free to ask your question. I'm sure I've faced something similar. :-/

[Wirilome]

Feel free to ask your question. I'm sure I've faced something similar. :-/

 

Well so every time (this challenge), and seriously, every time, I run on my own I get the sudden urge to go to the restroom. It's a horrible feeling as sometimes I have to stop running and I'm hunched over in pain trying to make it to my car as fast as possible. I don't know why this is happening and every time it does happen I am scared to death that I will poop my pants. I know that it's not the end of the world but... It's not on my top choices of doing while running. 

 

On top of that I am also getting butt chafing... what the hell is that and why did no one warn me about. 

 

How are other runners combating this? I better not be the only one... 

[Trizza]

Do you run early in the morning or later in the day? I run mostly around midday or early afternoon so I don't usually have that issue.  If you're running early and can't change running time I would suggest either running near a location that you can stop easily to go to the bathroom without having to come home and end your run...or trying to drink a hot beverage before you leave the house. Lifehacker on hot beverage...not just coffee.

 

I also haven't had a chaffing issue either. If it's really troublesome you may want to look into some kind of protection. You could always use glide which I know some people who have used for their chest and thighs. They seem to think it works well.

[TripleBz]

I have not had those problems while running. My biggest problem is running at a pace that I can still talk. I get my heart rate way higher than I should.

 

Do any of you have experience calculating your heart rate using the new Heart Rate Reserve formula?

[Trizza]

To be honest I don't use any heart rate training. I bought my Polar M400 without the heart rate strap because of this.  I know my comfortable rate without hills is around 8-9 min/mile and I can talk during this. If I drop on a relatively flat terrain to 7 min/mile then I am no longer able to talk.

[Terinatum]

Week 4 will be upon us soon.

 

What is working for you and your group?

Do you need different activities to keep things fresh?

Are there things you're no talking about that you are nervous about?

Is the challenge easier with your team with you?

What plans do you have for the rest of the challenge?

[TripleBz]

Woot! Week 4 is around the corner. I am pretty excited to be feeling successful with my challenge.

 

What is working for you and your group?

I think we have shared some ideas but I would like more participation. I feel like sometimes we are here but answers are short. I think we are all here for motivation and support. 

 

Do you need different activities to keep things fresh?

I would like to know what struggles we are dealing with that we don't talk about here. We all have different experiences and we can help each other.

 

Are there things you're no talking about that you are nervous about?

Probably. I haven't opened much about myself and my struggles. I am going to do better with that. 

 

Is the challenge easier with your team with you?

I like having a place to post that I know people are semi-actively watching. My team always responds to the questions posted. I do wish we had another person or two that were part of the team. I think there are only 3 of us. 

 

What plans do you have for the rest of the challenge?

My focus is still on my Triathlon training. I think it would be good if we all posted what races or challenges we have scheduled. That would help me understand where each of us are in our training schedule. 

 

I do enjoy having the team and a place to post questions and struggles. It is hard when you are strangers opening up to each other.

[Wirilome]

Do you run early in the morning or later in the day? I run mostly around midday or early afternoon so I don't usually have that issue.  If you're running early and can't change running time I would suggest either running near a location that you can stop easily to go to the bathroom without having to come home and end your run...or trying to drink a hot beverage before you leave the house. Lifehacker on hot beverage...not just coffee.

 

I also haven't had a chaffing issue either. If it's really troublesome you may want to look into some kind of protection. You could always use glide which I know some people who have used for their chest and thighs. They seem to think it works well.

 

 

I have not had those problems while running. My biggest problem is running at a pace that I can still talk. I get my heart rate way higher than I should.

 

Do any of you have experience calculating your heart rate using the new Heart Rate Reserve formula?

 

 

 

 

I run in the morning because I work and do other stuff at night like dance or hike. 

[Trizza]

You mean I get my first level on Monday! W00T!

 

What is working for you and your group?

I agree that there could be more participation and interaction on this group, but we really only have three people, so not bad for that amount.

 

Do you need different activities to keep things fresh?

I have added bodyweight exercise to my week 3x to keep things fresh and improve my running. 

 

Are there things you're no talking about that you are nervous about?

My biggest worry is I fall off after the half marathon and stop running. I have this challenge and my half coming to a close in May and I'm afraid if I don't have something to keep me going I will slack off on exercise and running.

 

Is the challenge easier with your team with you?

I'm glad this group is here since I know if I want a response I can expect one here, unlike my challenge post.

 

What plans do you have for the rest of the challenge?

It's all about the Boston Run to Remember Half Marathon on May 24th. Finishing strong is goal number one right now.

[TripleBz]

Happy Monday team!

 

Any weekend successes for you?

 

My biggest one is I made it to week 4! This means I am a Level 1 Scout. I also got 5 training sessions in last week along with 2 2-a-day workout in. Friday I did a 8 mile bike ride followed by a 4 mile run. Saturday I got a 45 minute swim followed by a 13 mile bike ride. Saturday I rode the whole thing into a headwind. It was KILLER!!! I really thought about having my wife pick me up a couple of times but I pushed through and made it home.

[Wirilome]

What is working for you and your group?

I agree that there could be more participation and interaction on this group, but we really only have three people, so not bad for that amount. <-- I agree. 

 

Do you need different activities to keep things fresh?

Not at all. I need help scheduling my sleep. 

 

Are there things you're no talking about that you are nervous about?

I just went to the doctor on Thursday. I  spoke up about my urge to go to the bathroom and she grilled me about not losing weight. Which I said CORRECT I AM NOT LOSING WEIGHT!!! I am working out up to 3 hours a day, 7 days a week, and eating until 1700 and I am not losing weight. So I am finally going to go through some tests just to see what is wrong with my body because I am 100% positive that something is wrong. 

 

Is the challenge easier with your team with you?

I'm glad this group is here since I know if I want a response I can expect one here, unlike my challenge post. <-- I concur! 

 

What plans do you have for the rest of the challenge?

Mine is always psychological. I want to finish the challenge. I often tell myself to give up. So at week 4 I am always excited I am still here. 

[Trizza]

How's everyone's training coming? I hit 11 miles yesterday in the brutal heat we got yesterday and was struggling for this first time this year to finish. I did it though, but here is hoping my half marathon has nothing similar to yesterday weather wise.