The running thread

[goroth]

Yep. Winter running ftw. Good gear means you can run in anything, though if it is under 0 (32 F) I'll take a backpack with a down jacket in it just in case something happens. Sweat and subzero temperatures is bad.

Re foot strike: my understanding of the biomechanics of running is that where you land in relation to your centre of gravity is astronomically more important than which part of the foot you strike. As long as you land and your foot and knee are under your hips you're good. Most elite distance runners are heel strikers. Can't remember where I read that, but if you google studies on footstrike it seems a pretty well founded statement. This one seems relatively good for instance: https://www.podiatrytoday.com/emerging- ... ns-running, https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a ... ic-trials/. That's just a quick google, and I've cherry picked the results to support my argument

Re posture: I had problems with slouching through my stride. Had a bit of coaching and the coach told me to imagine holding a 5 kr coin (I guess a dime) between my buttocks, and that made a world of difference for me.

[PeteeBee]

Okay, so today I did my longest run in many years, darn close to 7 miles. I was really trying to get home at 6.66 but it ended up being longer. I know that's not a lot, but I'm trying to add distance slowly. It was crazy how much difference the minor form tweaks improved my speed as well as reduced a little ache in one of my knees that waxes and wanes throughout runs (actually just all the time).

I'm pretty certain I need new shoes. I have a toenail that is almost black and quite painful. The internet says that means my shoes are a little too small. Probably for the best as they are trail running shoes and the majority of my running is on the road.

Good job on the 7 miles, I am lucky to get 2 miles in lately.
What type of shoes are you using now?
Do you tend to splay your toes when you stride? If you get good heal lockdown it may be worth going up 1/2 size

I was using Patagonia trail running shoes. I went out and got some Hokas and it’s a whole new world. I also went up a size, based on some foot computer that the store had me stand on. I don’t know what I do with my toes, but I’ll pay attention tomorrow on my run!

[hbombgraphics]

Okay, so today I did my longest run in many years, darn close to 7 miles. I was really trying to get home at 6.66 but it ended up being longer. I know that's not a lot, but I'm trying to add distance slowly. It was crazy how much difference the minor form tweaks improved my speed as well as reduced a little ache in one of my knees that waxes and wanes throughout runs (actually just all the time).

I'm pretty certain I need new shoes. I have a toenail that is almost black and quite painful. The internet says that means my shoes are a little too small. Probably for the best as they are trail running shoes and the majority of my running is on the road.

Good job on the 7 miles, I am lucky to get 2 miles in lately.
What type of shoes are you using now?
Do you tend to splay your toes when you stride? If you get good heal lockdown it may be worth going up 1/2 size

I was using Patagonia trail running shoes. I went out and got some Hokas and it’s a whole new world. I also went up a size, based on some foot computer that the store had me stand on. I don’t know what I do with my toes, but I’ll pay attention tomorrow on my run!

would love a full review on the hokas when you get a chance, I think I need more cushioning, I have been having issues with my right calf muscle lately, can't tell if it is a cramp or a strain of some type, but about a half mile into a run it locks up and I can't seem to do anything to fix it.

[PeteeBee]

Sure! Best I can give right now is about a 20 mile review. The hokas have quite a bit of cushion, easily the most I’ve ever ran. I like it. I haven’t had any knee pains, which is something that normally gets me periodically. They have a 4* drop, which I’m liking. I’m not ready to go full on zero drop, but I like the idea. The shoes have this feeling of a roller (i think that’s what they call it) across your foot. When I first put them on, it felt as if there was a little rod of about a half inch diameter running under the arches of my feet, shoulder to shoulder. I already don’t notice it, but at first it really felt like the shoes were helping me roll through my stride, which is nice.

Overall, couldn’t be happier, but I have somewhat limited experience. I normally buy brooks, and the hokas definitely feel like they are better for me.

For reference, these are the shoes:
https://www.hokaoneone.com/mens-road/ma ... =mens-road

[Sonaboy]

Yep. Winter running ftw. Good gear means you can run in anything, though if it is under 0 (32 F) I'll take a backpack with a down jacket in it just in case something happens. Sweat and subzero temperatures is bad.

What gear specifically for temps in the 15 - 20 degree range should I think about getting?

[coldbrightsunlight]

Leggings, hat, gloves, a decent jacket. Covering your skin is the key thing. A face mask might be good if you're still finding your face getting cold. I normally gradually remove layers as my body warms up. But it's really important to start off with plenty of clothes so you don't stiffen up and get too cold. It's not super cold where I live though so I'm only talking about -5/10C at worst.

[hbombgraphics]

The list above is outstanding
depending on when you run in the winter make sure you have some reflective gear as well, it gets dark early where I am.
Gloves that let you use your phone are always good, and re-thinking your sock choices might be needed depending on what you currently run in

[Sonaboy]

Leggings, hat, gloves, a decent jacket. Covering your skin is the key thing. A face mask might be good if you're still finding your face getting cold. I normally gradually remove layers as my body warms up. But it's really important to start off with plenty of clothes so you don't stiffen up and get too cold. It's not super cold where I live though so I'm only talking about -5/10C at worst.

So my leather catsuit is a definite "NO" then....


poopers...

[hbombgraphics]

Leggings, hat, gloves, a decent jacket. Covering your skin is the key thing. A face mask might be good if you're still finding your face getting cold. I normally gradually remove layers as my body warms up. But it's really important to start off with plenty of clothes so you don't stiffen up and get too cold. It's not super cold where I live though so I'm only talking about -5/10C at worst.

So my leather catsuit is a definite "NO" then....


poopers...

I say go for it!
We will need pictures.

[coldbrightsunlight]

[goroth]

When it's really cold:
i've been using normal running gloves (that are good down to 0-ish) and then putting water/windproof mitts over the top. This seems to work better than thicker gloves that end up getting sweaty.
Windproof underwear (6-inch legs or longer) is important. I don't like running in thicker tights because I sweat a lot in them, but I get really cold thighs in normal tights. I'm still not 100% happy, I might get some shorts to wear over the top of the underwear and tights.
I also find that heavy jackets aren't much fun (there's a pattern here it seems). So I tend to wear a singlet/tank, long sleeve, t-shirt and then a lighter jacket. If my core is warm then that usually does the job.

[coldbrightsunlight]

Light layers are best. It's less sweaty and gives you more flexibility when your body temperature gets up.

[MSUsousaphone]

When it gets like super cold....like into the 40s....I have to wear a light hoodie. But that's only for like two weeks of wonder. Dear God, it's always so hot down here in Louisiana.

[Sonaboy]

When it's really cold:
i've been using normal running gloves (that are good down to 0-ish) and then putting water/windproof mitts over the top. This seems to work better than thicker gloves that end up getting sweaty.
Windproof underwear (6-inch legs or longer) is important. I don't like running in thicker tights because I sweat a lot in them, but I get really cold thighs in normal tights. I'm still not 100% happy, I might get some shorts to wear over the top of the underwear and tights.
I also find that heavy jackets aren't much fun (there's a pattern here it seems). So I tend to wear a singlet/tank, long sleeve, t-shirt and then a lighter jacket. If my core is warm then that usually does the job.

Wind-proof underwear isn't something I've ever heard.

[PeteeBee]

Wind-proof underwear isn't something I've ever heard.

Seems useful in a Monty Python sense when you have bad gas. Let the farts fly and they ain't going nowhere.

I just finished my first week of a structured running plan. Loving it so far. Definitely helps with motivation and knowing how to build, rather than just kind of racking up miles.