The Running Thread

[dublinirish]

I don’t see the point of apps unless you are training for something specifically. Most runs are maintenance and to not be fat or just relieve stress. I start using when I’m training for something though.

the "gamification" hooks you in though, trying to beat your times or get badges for monthly activity etc

 

[SDIrishFan]

Don't most running apps or smartwatches do that at this point though? I've never really done Strava but have used Runkeeper, and a Garmin watch that's linked to my phone, and get all that without the social media aspects of it (and broadcasting my steadily degrading mile splits to the world as I progress through my 40s).

Oh I’m sure they all do. I just use Strava on my phone as I’ve never been a watch guy.

 

[SDIrishFan]

the "gamification" hooks you in though, trying to beat your times or get badges for monthly activity etc

I’ve also used the Nike Running Club one. I liked it, but not as much. It had workouts for you to do, and soundtracks I think, and it LOVED badges and streaks.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

When I did the half, it actually finished at 13.2. This was a certified course. But I figured that was within the margin of error depending on curves and water stations.

However, I’ve tried to use it to track on an indoor track at our local rec. It’s a 1/16th mile track and it doesn’t work at all.

I read on the Grand Rapids Marathon site that it's actually a 26.3 mile course, I think most official races are typically a tenth or two tenths of a mile longer. It's a deliberate measure to ensure that all participants complete at least the official marathon distance.

I might have to check this app out.

 

[Blazers46]

the "gamification" hooks you in though, trying to beat your times or get badges for monthly activity etc

Oh I get it. But at 41 hamstrings/achilles > badges.

 

[NDVirginia19]

When I did the half, it actually finished at 13.2. This was a certified course. But I figured that was within the margin of error depending on curves and water stations.

However, I’ve tried to use it to track on an indoor track at our local rec. It’s a 1/16th mile track and it doesn’t work at all.

When I ran my marathon, I actually did about 26.8 miles.

You know I'm something of an ultramarathoner myself

 

[gregm83]

dont even get me started on the actual distances of "100 mile races"

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

When I ran my marathon, I actually did about 26.8 miles.

You know I'm something of an ultramarathoner myself

That's actually pretty crazy...an extra half mile and change on top of the marathon? I hope the website was correct and mine is *just* 26.3 lol

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

First 26.2 in the books. Woah nelly, "the wall" hit me like a ton of bricks that final 10k. But got it done. Legs are a little stiff today

I think I got caught in the trap of running too hot out of the gate, which I've heard is a common problem for first time marathoners. I was ahead of pace through 17ish miles then the leg cramps set in and it was a slow go the rest of the way. Beat my goal by 9 minutes though. Incredible experience.

 

[gregm83]

First 26.2 in the books. Woah nelly, "the wall" hit me like a ton of bricks that final 10k. But got it done. Legs are a little stiff today

I think I got caught in the trap of running too hot out of the gate, which I've heard is a common problem for first time marathoners. I was ahead of pace through 17ish miles then the leg cramps set in and it was a slow go the rest of the way. Beat my goal by 9 minutes though. Incredible experience.

Never met someone who did not have a similar story for the first time.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

Never met someone who did not have a similar story for the first time.

I even went in with the mindset of "take your time, mind your pace." Definitely easier said than done when you see the crowds and are in the thick of it. Plus it was cold and rainy so I think many of us were trying to get our body temps at the beginning.

 

[NDVirginia19]

First 26.2 in the books. Woah nelly, "the wall" hit me like a ton of bricks that final 10k. But got it done. Legs are a little stiff today

I think I got caught in the trap of running too hot out of the gate, which I've heard is a common problem for first time marathoners. I was ahead of pace through 17ish miles then the leg cramps set in and it was a slow go the rest of the way. Beat my goal by 9 minutes though. Incredible experience.

Hell yeah man, what race did you run? I don't know if I'll ever do another full marathon after my first, but I think doing half marathons on a ~2-3 month notice are something I'll do in the future

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

Hell yeah man, what race did you run? I don't know if I'll ever do another full marathon after my first, but I think doing half marathons on a ~2-3 month notice are something I'll do in the future

Thanks man, I'm in full agreement; not really sure if I really enjoyed it enough to put myself through that again but I could see plenty more 1/2 marathons in my future. The time commitment for training 18+ weeks and then those miserable last 6-8 miles...man.

I did Grand Rapids, MI. I was hoping to do the Detroit Free Press international Marathon but that event has become quite popular. I did the international half marathon in 2022 and enjoyed it, pretty cool getting to jog over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada and race in two different countries.

Long story short, I suffered a knee strain in February and by the time I felt comfortable enough to train, the Detroit Marathon sold out, and I wasn't going to run in Ann Arbor (gross), so I defaulted to GR.

 

[dublinirish]

Thanks man, I'm in full agreement; not really sure if I really enjoyed it enough to put myself through that again but I could see plenty more 1/2 marathons in my future. The time commitment for training 18+ weeks and then those miserable last 6-8 miles...man.

I did Grand Rapids, MI. I was hoping to do the Detroit Free Press international Marathon but that event has become quite popular. I did the international half marathon in 2022 and enjoyed it, pretty cool getting to jog over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada and race in two different countries.

Long story short, I suffered a knee strain in February and by the time I felt comfortable enough to train, the Detroit Marathon sold out, and I wasn't going to run in Ann Arbor (gross), so I defaulted to GR.

awful weather over the weekend in the Mitt, fair play on doing the run in those conditions

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

awful weather over the weekend in the Mitt, fair play on doing the run in those conditions

Appreciate that, the rain and wind were tough but after the first few miles you kind of just embrace the suck. Felt worse for the spectators and volunteers, but they all showed out regardless. Awesome on their part.