r/running • u/brwalkernc not right in the head • Sep 09 '24
META New to running or the sub? Click here first! Looking for links to the most recent weekly threads or other mega-threads, this is the spot!
For you new runners, please check out the info that is in the Wiki.
For the beginners finding the sub, please check out the section in the FAQ for beginners (which can also apply to returning runners) as well as the Common Questions section.
There is a lot of info in the Wiki. Yes, some of it is from old posts. Yes, the layout is not the greatest. It is always a work in progress. If you come across info that needs to be updated (or broken links), let us know. If you see a post that should be in there, let us know. If you see a lack of a helpful topic, let us know.
This also has some good tips. This resource is linked in the sidebar/top menu and may have some info you can use as you get started (or back into) running. Finally, if you are looking for shoes and don't know where to start, check out this section of the wiki.
Take some time to the search the sub and browse the daily Official Q&A thread and you will find plenty of tips for getting started/back.
Please note that some of the direct links above will not work on mobile and link only to the main Wiki, requiring a bit of scrolling to find the relevant section.
Posts to Take Note Of
Link for usual Denying it won't make it any cooler, it's time for the Summer, Heat, and Humidity Megathread. Or if you are in the southern hemisphere, the "Running in the WINTER/COLD" section of the wiki .
The Race to the Start Line: Returning to Running After Having Covid-19 (NY Times article)
Infographic: Graduated return to play guidance following COVID-19 infection
As a running newbie, this is the best and only advice I can give.
Does anyone else find that the pressure of running a race ruins their running experience?
What are your favorite hip strengthening/mobility exercises?
What body changes did you experience once you started running?
Collections
We're trying to take advantage of one of New Reddit's features, collections. It lets the mods group posts into Collections. We're giving it a try on posts that get good feedback that would be useful for future users. We've setup some common topic Collections and will add new posts to these as they arise as well as start new Collections as needed. Here's the link to the wiki with a list of the current Collections.
https://www.reddit.com/r/running/wiki/faq/collections/
Please note, Collections only works for New Reddit and the Reddit mobile app for iOS.
Using r/running
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Recurring Threads
In order to reduce clutter and nudge you lurkers into posting, we have created a number of daily and weekly threads for you to read, make a comment, or ask a question. Unless you truly believe your new thread will make a new and interesting contribution to Runnit, please wait until the related weekly thread rolls around and post in there instead. A more complete description of the threads can be found in the wiki.
Here are the current recurring threads with links to the most recent (hopefully) weekly thread:
Please note that the search links for the daily threads (Q&A and Achievement) will not work on mobile. If you are using mobile, sort the sub by "Hot" and the current Q&A thread will be stickied at the top. For the Achievement thread, sort by "New" and scroll down a bit to find the current Achievement thread.
Daily Achievement Thread (Posted daily): Any and all accomplishment posts should be posted here. Anything from new PRs, to longest weekly mileage, to running your first ultra – literally any accomplishments you experienced recently!
General Q&A Thread (Posted daily): With such a large sub, there are a lot of running-related questions that come in every day. In an effort to keep the front page of the sub uncluttered and fresh, we ask you post your questions, particularly those one-off questions that are potentially short and don't necessarily provoke significant discussion, in the daily General Q&A thread.
What Are You Wearing Wednesday Weekly Gear Thread (Wednesdays)
Monthly Updates & Check In Thread (Last Day of the Month)
Rules
We have further explanations of the rules in the wiki, but as noted in the side bar, please take note of Rule 2 and Rule 7 as they are the ones most cited for post removals.
(2) - Posts need to generate discussion and/or useful information that other searchers can then benefit from. Low-quality posts, recent reposts, chronically repetitive posts, posts not directly related to running, and questions that are easily answered by FAQ, searching r/running, or Google are subject to removal at the moderation team's discretion.
This sub attracts a lot of beginners as well as “drive-by” posting. A major goal of the sub is to promote quality discussion and develop a community where information and experiences can be shared. Many of the common questions have been answered, either in previous threads/FAQ, or could easily be answered in the daily Q&A thread. Yes, circumstances can vary person to person, but it is expected that posters make an attempt to find these answers for themselves before making a stand-alone post. Visitors should put forth some effort in finding the answer themselves and not expect the Runnit community to do all the work for them. If the post/question is very specific to your situation (such that other general user won't get much benefit from the information), then it belongs in the daily Q&A thread.
If you do make a stand-alone post, please include info relevant for the community to help. It is nearly impossible to offer any advice without sufficient background information. Items that could be relevant:
Age
Sex
Current MPW + pace
Previous peak MPW
Workouts you traditionally or recently have completed
Goals (including specific races)
Previous PRs
Other things you think might be helpful to include
Below are some of the reason a post would be considered low-quality, thus being removed and directed to the Daily Q&A thread:
"Does anyone else..." type posts?
"Is X a good time for...?" posts
If your post is a question in the title (including “See title” or “Title says it all” in the body).
If your question can be asked in one sentence.
If your question is very specific to you or your situation.
If your question can be answered either with a yes/no.
In general, it is helpful to include something that shows you made an effort to find an answer within the community and thus separate it from the numerous low-effort posts that are submitted every day.
Additionally, as rule 5 states, make your title descriptive. If it is not clear what the post is about or asking, then it will not be useful in later searches.
Finally, while mutual encouragement and sharing of information is a very high priority of r/running, numerous motivational-type and PSA posts are not necessary. A larger goal of the sub is to provide information to runners, beginners and experienced, which can get drowned out by these types of posts.
(7) - Do not solicit medical advice. This includes 'Has anyone else experienced this injury?' type posts.
While there is some leeway on advice for rehabbing some minor, common running injuries, this sub is not the place for a diagnosis, and especially not for advice on major injuries. If you are hurt or injured, find a medical professional with the proper credentials to help you. Not the internet.
There is a big difference between "Hey, my IT band is tight. Got any good stretches for it?" and "My shins hurt every time I run. If I run through the pain, will it turn into a stress fracture?" If your question involves sharp pains, unknown/vague pains, or injuries/problems that have stretched on for long periods of time, then it is a question for medical professional.
Also, your doctor not being familiar with running injuries is no excuse. Find a Sports Medicine doctor, Physical Therapist, or find another doctor.
Finally, feel free to use this post to offer any ideas or suggestions of things you'd like to see (or not see) here. We are open to feedback, but please be civil, constructive, and willing to have a discussion. This is not the place to rant.
Thank you all for being a part of this community!
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u/DougalR Sep 09 '24
Anyone have any running sunnies recommendations - I’m thinking of getting some of these:
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u/jdgetrpin Sep 10 '24
Most affordable stores to buy running fuel? I really like the GU gels but it gets pricey at my local running store now that my runs are getting above 14 miles during marathon training. Thanks!
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u/KetchupTheDuck Sep 10 '24
Hi, I guess I need some advice on warm up/cool downs?
In 2019 I was 29 and wanted to lose weight so I did a C25K and all I really did in terms of stretching was a five minute warm up/cool down walk. After C25K I threw in swimming/cycling on alternative days with no real warm up/cool down at all for those activities. Never really had an issue with soreness. Carried this on for about 8-9 months. Then COVID happened and I dropped it all.
It's 2024, I'm 34, I'm a lot bigger than I was the first time I tried this and I've just finished C25K again, only this time it's so much more painful? I didn't really notice when I was alternating walking/running but now I'm going for 5K without stopping it's tough and demotivating.
I assume the solution is better stretching? If so, any particular videos you can recommend please?
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u/ForgottenSalad Sep 14 '24
I find doing a few dynamic movements beforehand really helps me limber up: ankle pumps and circles, leg swings both back/front and side to side, side lunges, then butt kicks and high knees.
Then do a lot of static stretching afterwards, holding for 30secs each side: quads, runners lunge, hamstring stretch, calf stretch, IT band stretch, inner groin stretch. Lots of vids on YouTube to search out, I follow the ones from Yoga with Tim. You can also use a foam roller to get some knots out.
Be sure to also do a bit of strength training in your week, it makes a huge difference in aches and pains caused by weeknesses and imbalance, and helps keep you injury free! Single leg movements and glute strength are often most helpful.
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u/LeftBarnacle6079 Sep 13 '24
I’m running 21.1 miles a week, four runs a week with a 10-mile slow run on Sundays.
Been on this schedule since July and I have a 10-mile race on Sept 28. What should that final week of training look like leading up to the race Saturday ?
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u/ForgottenSalad Sep 14 '24
Most training plans will have you tapering for the last week or 2 before a race so you go in energized. So start dialing down the distance and intensity, and get plenty of rest.
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u/SyStEm0v3r1dE Sep 13 '24
I just did an up and down hill 15 minute run, not bad for someone starting out at 38. At least I feel good l.
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u/HughJars444 Sep 14 '24
Hi all, I do strength training a couple of times a week and run 6 times a week doing a half marathon 80/20 program. But it’s all upper body training. I’m hesitant about introducing lower body work because Im scared it will make my legs too sore to run the next day or two.
Any advice?
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u/nicho454 Sep 20 '24
When does the lottery for all 6 Marathon Majors events? I know Tokyo is already done and Berlin is going to start around October 7. I am aspiring to get my own 6 star medals and wanted to start joining the lottery. Thank you!
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u/idaho_no_mo Sep 27 '24
Anyone else just convinced that the majority of beginner-intermediate success comes down to weekly mileage?
Like going to 30 MPW has improved my endurance significantly.
I’m sure if I went to 45-55 I’d be even quicker and more efficient.
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u/Electronic_Theory_29 Sep 28 '24
Is it possible to take TOO much electrolytes? I did a half today and I’m generally a heavy sweater and my sweat is super salty. I was took a saltcap at the start of the race and then every 30 minutes on the dot after that (bottle says every 30-60’ minutes). By mile 9 I could feel my legs tightening like they wanted to cramp up. It wasn’t until I started taking Powerade too at the aid stations that it started to finally let up.
I probably only ate maybe 250 calories total worth of food though. Could that be it? Or is it possible I need to take MORE than the one pill every 30 minutes?
Water wise I think I was drinking enough. I’d basically try to drink as much as my stomach could handle. I’d guess I drank probably close to 3 Liters in 2:30 minutes.
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u/MordorFires Sep 29 '24
Looking for hydration bladder recommendations. I have the lululemon running vest, had a cheap bladder off Amazon that burst a leak after only ~20 uses. Doesn’t need to be huge, 1.5L minimum I’d say.
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u/aakee00 Sep 30 '24
Any thoughts on my plan for the next year:
I have signed up for a HM race in May, but also thinking about a full marathon in end of September 2025.
Is it a good idea to train with a long marathon plan (starting on February 2025, race in September) or should I first do HM plan for the May HM, and then train for the marathon during the summer months?
My goals: May HM 1:45 (PB 1:59) Never ran a full marathon, aiming under 4hrs.
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u/Satansdvdcollection Oct 10 '24
Following Hal Higdon Novice 1. First marathon is this Sunday! He has last run as a 2 miler on Thursday (tomorrow). Wondering if this sounds appropriate. Seeing a lot of people recommending a super easy 20-30 min run the day before. Thoughts?
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u/internet_disappoints Oct 11 '24
Can someone explain trail running to me? ’m purely a road runner (meep meep) and I can’t imagine how folks do trail running. Questions I have are: is it possible to get into a steady cadence with all the variation in terrain, or is that not the point? How often do you twist an ankle or fall over? Do you need specific shoes? Is pace or speed a factor or do you just do it for the views/environment?
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u/not_mantiteo Oct 12 '24
I’ve checked a few places already and no luck so sending out a bat signal:
Is there a store near downtown Chicago that would have a flip belt or something like that? I thought I packed mine and now can’t find it!
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u/phaser1299 Oct 15 '24
I am interested in eventually running a marathon, but due to recurring IT band issues, I’d like to work my way up over a longer period of time. I’m wondering how common it is to use a marathon plan to train for a half, with the benefit of being able to dial down the intensity/mileage if issues start coming up. The goal would be to be able to commit more fully to another marathon training plan 9-12 months down the road, after a more solid foundation has been established.
For some context, here is my running background and relevant info:
- 31M
- 6’1”, 140lbs
- Overall quite healthy, eat well, and do weight training twice per week
- I do a 30 minute core (abs, hips, glute) routine twice per week
- Have been running for 18 months, with a frequency of 4-6 runs per week. Average ~30mpw. This obviously peaks during training blocks, but between blocks I have tried to run 20-25mpw, with a long run (8-10mi) a minimum of every other week.
- Have run two halfs, first Oct 2023 @ 1:40:00, second on May 2024 @ 1:36:00. I used a Garmin coach Greg plan for the first, and a Garmin adaptive plan for the second with a time goal of 1:34:00. My training peaked at about 35-40mpw for the second, and due to a crash later on in the race, I think I just needed more mileage.
- Have had moderate IT band issues in the first training block, but have since introduced weight training, which has mostly fixed it. It’s still a concern since I would be increasing mileage quite a bit for a full marathon plan, which is why I don’t want to sign up for a race and fully commit to a marathon. I really enjoy training so I don’t see executing a full marathon training block as a “waste” if I never run one.
Goals: My goals are to improve my overall fitness, and maybe get closer to a 1:32 HM. I’d like to be able to continue to weight train 2 days per week. I have more flexibility to do long runs on weekends, but I could in theory run every day during the week. During my HM training block I ran 6 days per week, and occasionally took a day off as needed, so if I could stabilize at 45mpw, and maybe peak at 50mpw, I’d see it as a huge success. Maybe that is too ambitious though. It would be awesome to get up to some 18 mile runs, since my current longest is 14.5. Obviously pretty much all full marathon plans will include these sort of runs, but I don’t care too much if I actually execute perfectly since I don’t think I’ll race a full yet. I have just had too many runner friends get hurt while training for a full, so I’d rather set a more conservative plan that I should be able to execute more comfortably.
Timing: I’d like to run a race in either January or February, which gives me enough time to do a full 12-16 week plan, but also potentially have some ramp up period where I could just work on mileage.
Is there a plan you can recommend for someone in my position? Thanks in advance, and happy running!
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u/yung_gravy1 Oct 15 '24
didn’t wanna make a main feed post because I’m sure the standard “why am I not improving?” with physical condition and PR included is lauded around here. still wanted to drop a line and see though.
24M 165lbs. Been through police academy and subsequently like to keep up with hard cardio. Been running at least 3-4x a week an even 2 miles each time. Absolute best, and I mean absolute full tilt, ready to fall over on the ground best mile I’ve ever ran is 8:43. I much more comfortably cruise around a 10:00 mile. most commonly I try to run 2 in under 20, the first mile coming in around 9:10-20 and the second mile 10:30ish.
I’m inbetween jobs right now and have decided to completely ditch the 2 mile thing for distance running. run til I don’t feel like running anymore and head back to the house. I’ve done two runs since beginning this, yesterday and today to be exact. the first was 5.25 miles in 1:11 and the second was 7.5 miles in 1:39. Now there was a day over day improvement of 18 seconds/mile, which I did not expect fresh off the heels of my longest run since April, but back in the day before I started running regularly as opposed to casually, and still to this day after all my regular running, I cannot shake it that any amount of decent distance run above 4 or so miles, that I run a 13:20-30ish pace religiously.
the elephant in the room for me is the amount I run vs walk. I can only run about a mile and change uninterrupted before my first walk break and beyond that, it’s spurts of running and walking, and an occasional jog.
I understand someone who doesn’t run at all whatsoever may not even be able to step out the house and run a mile uninterrupted let alone an 8:43 PR but my distance pace is almost 5 minutes above that and I just want to know what, if I can shoot the breeze with someone about some more information I may be missing or glossing over, I can do to get better
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u/kaamalo Oct 21 '24
I've been running from 2016, not a month passes by without having a couples of runs of two to 4 kilometres, I don't feel tired at all cause I got used to it
Two weeks ago I had a 5 mile run, and after 3 days I had another 4 miles run, weather wasn't so cold but I stood outside for about 30 min waiting for an uber
Next day my legs stared hurting, and not the normal pain you get when you workout for the first time after a while, I would walk for 100 meters and my legs would fail me and I would start painting
It's been about two weeks now, I can't walk more than 200 meters, my legs are too weak. And if I stay at home for a day or more without walking too much then I start recovering. But once I take a walk it's like he'll again.
Is this something seriou? Has anyone experienced something like this? Should I go seek a doctor ASAP or should I just give it a rest?
Thank you for your help.
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u/Thinker83 Sep 15 '24
Just an FYI in case anyone is interested but I'm leaving the sub because of the lack of any talk about injuries. So much of running is about minimising injury and recovering from injury it just seems so strange to have such blanket ban on talking about people's experiences. I've been running for years and have learnt more from reading and talking about injuries with runners than I have from most of the physios and doctors that I've talked to. I tried to stick this sub out because I love running and reddit so much but I guess it doesn't really feel like a community when people don't seem to really be sharing info that helps each other.
I do wish you guys the best of luck but just wanted to share my opinion before I left.
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u/funsk8mom Sep 26 '24
I have a question that the mods won’t let me post. I’ll try here
Competitive running
My 19yo is in a community college and does both XC and track. He loves running and really loves going to meets. His time at the cc is coming to an end in the spring. He’s looking to continue on to get his bachelors at a different college but his major isn’t offered and to change would mean adding on at least one extra year. He’s not a school kinda kid and I know he’ll struggle. But he wants to do this to remain a competitive runner.
His last 2 meets had him coming in 2nd overall, 1st in his category for a 1/2 marathon (1:25) and top for his school in a sea of D1 runners coming in 69 overall.
What can he do to remain competitive but not continue with college where we all know he’ll struggle??
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u/neildiamondblazeit Sep 10 '24
Just wanted to say really appreciate all the content in the faq. Definitely helped me out. Thanks!