Running Thread - Join our Strava Club!

[AflNerd22]

Ok thanks for the advice guys. i think what im going to do for now is one long run per week and maybe some fartlek runs as well as i am trying to balance gym as well as i need to put on muscle. My fitness has always been a strength in game and i have been the fittest on the team for probably 2 years now but taking it one step further will be very beneficial especially as my time control shifts from 15mins flat to 20mins flat as i am entering u17's next season.

 

[darrenmorgan]

still on a high after Sydney, even though my last 5kms was a bit of a grind. nothing quite like that post marathon high. luckily i don't have long to wait with Chicago now only 5.25 weeks away.

I went out feeling terrific and pacing perfectly until about 34-35k, then those missed weeks in the training block came to bite me (like i knew they would) just as i was exiting Centennial. Fell off the pace from then on, and cramps for the final 2-3k made it a bit of brutal finish, which was a shame as its such an amazing final few kms that course.

think I'll def go in for Sydney again next year, was super impressed on the whole. couldn't believe the crowds and how many came out - I was always a bit skeptical about a Major in Australia for that reason, just couldn't see Aussies coming out and cheering like they do in the US (or Europe, Japan) but Sydneysiders really stepped up to the plate.

Some teething issues with the starting area and then the shemozzle that is the recovery area and exit needs an overhaul, but otherwise it pretty much held up with the other Majors i've run (NY, Chicago, Berlin).

Have got some light runs in over the past few days and legs feeling pretty OK, that was my main concern after the late cramping on Sunday and the hammy tendinopathy from 3-4 weeks earlier. Onwards and upwards, bring on Chicago.

 

[Wetdog]

still on a bit of a high after Sydney, even though my last 5kms was a bit of a grind. nothing quite like that post marathon high. luckily i don't have long to wait with Chicago now only 5.25 weeks away.

I went out feeling terrific and pacing perfectly until about 34-35k, then those missed weeks in the block came and bit me (like i knew they would) just as i was exiting Centennial. dropped off the pace from then on, and cramps for the final 2-3k made it a bit of brutal finish, which was a shame as its such an amazing final few kms that course.

got some light runs in over the past few days and legs feeling pretty OK, that was my main concern after the late cramping on Sunday and the hammy tendinopathy from 3-4 weeks earlier.

think I'll def go in for Sydney again next year, was super impressed on the whole. couldn't believe the crowds and how many came out - I was always a bit skeptical about a Major in Australia for that reason, just couldn't see Aussies coming out and cheering like they do in the US (or Europe, Japan) but Sydneysiders really stepped up to the plate.

Some teething issues with the starting area and then the shemozzle that is the recovery area and exit needs an overhaul, but otherwise it pretty much held up with the other Majors i've run (NY, Chicago, Berlin).

The post finish experience was woeful; they needed a more direct way to get back to the CBD with more makeshift bridges over the marathon circuit.

Other than that, I thought the event was organised really well and was a great experience.

 

[darrenmorgan]

well I'm off on Thursday morning headed for Chicago for the marathon on Sunday. feeling pretty good; think i nailed the post Sydney recovery and rebuild plan, managed to get a 32k run in weekend before last, as well as a few 22-24k runs through there. legs actually feeling really fresh and strong. who's running Melbs this weekend?

 

[Running_Lifter86]

Tried out the addidas ultraboost runners this morning, i had a $200 voucher i got through my private health app (points for exercising) The runners were $155 on special, another $60 on tshirt and socks, the total order cost me $8 so a bit of a bonus.

Fell these will be good for my easy 12-20km rungs mid week, they felt a little stiff in the first 3-4kms but had softened a little in the back end of the run. They feel lightweight but not ultra responsive (just yet).

 

[jackn]

Tried out the addidas ultraboost runners this morning, i had a $200 voucher i got through my private health app (points for exercising) The runners were $155 on special, another $60 on tshirt and socks, the total order cost me $8 so a bit of a bonus.

Fell these will be good for my easy 12-20km rungs mid week, they felt a little stiff in the first 3-4kms but had softened a little in the back end of the run. They feel lightweight but not ultra responsive (just yet).

What private health are you with?

 

[braddsey]

New here! Good luck to all those running MelbMara tomorrow (or Chicago if that’s your thing darrenmorgan!).

It will be my first marathon (on my birthday!). It’s been a long buildup, was training well but then rolled my ankle 12 weeks ago, so a good 6 weeks setback. The 6 week training block at the end was brutal, built sunday long runs of 20k, 24k, 28k, 34k, 38k at race pace (with S&C and various sessions during the week). Probably not scientifically proven training schedule, but the race-pace long runs at least gave me the confidence I can do it.
Legs were pretty smashed previous 2 weeks, but a good taper and massage have improved all week.

Pretty pumped for tomorrow!

 

[darrenmorgan]

New here! Good luck to all those running MelbMara tomorrow (or Chicago if that’s your thing darrenmorgan!).

It will be my first marathon (on my birthday!). It’s been a long buildup, was training well but then rolled my ankle 12 weeks ago, so a good 6 weeks setback. The 6 week training block at the end was brutal, built sunday long runs of 20k, 24k, 28k, 34k, 38k at race pace (with S&C and various sessions during the week). Probably not scientifically proven training schedule, but the race-pace long runs at least gave me the confidence I can do it.
Legs were pretty smashed previous 2 weeks, but a good taper and massage have improved all week.

Pretty pumped for tomorrow!

Good luck! That’s a pretty crazy training load for your first marathon- 38k at race pace! If you’ve done that and had a good taper then you’ll smash it I suspect. I just did the 5k Abbott Chicago run as a shake out (is Saturday morning here). Weather is perfect for running in the Windy City this weekend, just gotta try and avoid all that out of control rampant crime that’s everywhere on the streets..

 

[braddsey]

Humble brag time! I had a target of 3:30 for Melbourne Marathon.
Smashed it, got home in 3:23.
Pretty stoked, turn 49 today. Age is no barrier!

 

[Wetdog]

Humble brag time! I had a target of 3:30 for Melbourne Marathon.
Smashed it, got home in 3:23.
Pretty stoked, turn 49 today. Age is no barrier!

Congrats, that’s a great debut. Soak up the achievement today and enjoy it!

And you give my young body (41 ) some hope for more PBs in the future.

 

[Wetdog]

Good luck! That’s a pretty crazy training load for your first marathon- 38k at race pace! If you’ve done that and had a good taper then you’ll smash it I suspect. I just did the 5k Abbott Chicago run as a shake out (is Saturday morning here). Weather is perfect for running in the Windy City this weekend, just gotta try and avoid all that out of control rampant crime that’s everywhere on the streets..

Good luck mate. Let us know how you go.

 

[darrenmorgan]

Good luck mate. Let us know how you go.

thanks mate. was a great run. I didn't hit any PR's, but I had a really great day. despite feeling pretty good prior, I think only arriving late Thursday night after some 28 hours of travel and then some serious sleep/jetag issues since then hit me pretty hard (possibly the far-too-many drinks I had on the way across may have contributed also lol). Got to 28-29k and realized I wasn't doing anything time wise and the legs were cooked, so I just pulled right back and enjoyed it from there. perfect weather.

It's an amazing marathon Chicago; you run through 29 odd neighborhoods, a lot of which you probably would never see, and all with their own distinct multicultural flavor. The crowds are massive, they rival NYC. Given the current circumstances in Chicago it felt like they were out even more in force today (I ran Chicago once before, but that was 10 years ago). certainly the signs I saw from pretty much every neighborhood made it clear how they all feel about what's happening in the city politically, and especially with the ICE sitch.

its truly a brilliant marathon; I would recommend anyone considering one of the majors as a bucket lister to choose Chicago, its pretty hard to beat in terms of organization, ease for runners, course, friendliness of locals, the city itself etc. (NB ive only run NYC, Berlin, and Sydney, not London/Tokyo/Boston). Its also probably the easiest to get in via the ballot (my small data point is 2 from 2, but I hear its the easiest statistically of the 6, not including Sydney of course); although given the popularity of the marathon these days who knows how long that may last.

Its also the only proper marathon I know of that gives runners an ice cold beer before you even get your medal at the finish line (Goose Island 500ml too, local brewer; they brew/can a special one each year just for the marathon).

now looking forward to hitting up some quality Chicagoan dive bars over the next few days

 

[Running_Lifter86]

What private health are you with?

I'm with Medibank. So i download the app and sync it with my garmin watch/app.

 

[Running_Lifter86]

thanks mate. was a great run. I didn't hit any PR's, but I had a really great day. despite feeling pretty good prior, I think only arriving late Thursday night after some 28 hours of travel and then some serious sleep/jetag issues since then hit me pretty hard (possibly the far-too-many drinks I had on the way across may have contributed also lol). Got to 28-29k and realized I wasn't doing anything time wise and the legs were cooked, so I just pulled right back and enjoyed it from there. perfect weather.

It's an amazing marathon Chicago; you run through 29 odd neighborhoods, a lot of which you probably would never see, and all with their own distinct multicultural flavor. The crowds are massive, they rival NYC. Given the current circumstances in Chicago it felt like they were out even more in force today (I ran Chicago once before, but that was 10 years ago). certainly the signs I saw from pretty much every neighborhood made it clear how they all feel about what's happening in the city politically, and especially with the ICE sitch.

its truly a brilliant marathon; I would recommend anyone considering one of the majors as a bucket lister to choose Chicago, its pretty hard to beat in terms of organization, ease for runners, course, friendliness of locals, the city itself etc. (NB ive only run NYC, Berlin, and Sydney, not London/Tokyo/Boston). Its also probably the easiest to get in via the ballot (my small data point is 2 from 2, but I hear its the easiest statistically of the 6, not including Sydney of course); although given the popularity of the marathon these days who knows how long that may last.

Its also the only proper marathon I know of that gives runners an ice cold beer before you even get your medal at the finish line (Goose Island 500ml too, local brewer; they brew/can a special one each year just for the marathon).

now looking forward to hitting up some quality Chicagoan dive bars over the next few days

I'd love to run the NYC marathon one day, and i don't think i would plan for any PB's but just enjoy the run and take it all in.

 

[Willo_]

thanks mate. was a great run. I didn't hit any PR's, but I had a really great day. despite feeling pretty good prior, I think only arriving late Thursday night after some 28 hours of travel and then some serious sleep/jetag issues since then hit me pretty hard (possibly the far-too-many drinks I had on the way across may have contributed also lol). Got to 28-29k and realized I wasn't doing anything time wise and the legs were cooked, so I just pulled right back and enjoyed it from there. perfect weather.

It's an amazing marathon Chicago; you run through 29 odd neighborhoods, a lot of which you probably would never see, and all with their own distinct multicultural flavor. The crowds are massive, they rival NYC. Given the current circumstances in Chicago it felt like they were out even more in force today (I ran Chicago once before, but that was 10 years ago). certainly the signs I saw from pretty much every neighborhood made it clear how they all feel about what's happening in the city politically, and especially with the ICE sitch.

its truly a brilliant marathon; I would recommend anyone considering one of the majors as a bucket lister to choose Chicago, its pretty hard to beat in terms of organization, ease for runners, course, friendliness of locals, the city itself etc. (NB ive only run NYC, Berlin, and Sydney, not London/Tokyo/Boston). Its also probably the easiest to get in via the ballot (my small data point is 2 from 2, but I hear its the easiest statistically of the 6, not including Sydney of course); although given the popularity of the marathon these days who knows how long that may last.

Its also the only proper marathon I know of that gives runners an ice cold beer before you even get your medal at the finish line (Goose Island 500ml too, local brewer; they brew/can a special one each year just for the marathon).

now looking forward to hitting up some quality Chicagoan dive bars over the next few days

Brilliant mate, it's not the thread for it but I'd be fascinated to hear more about the vibe/signs given the political situation currently as well

 

[Willo_]

A truely brilliant day at Melbourne yesterday, as someone who has done multiple events and distances over the last 7 years there I think it was the best possible conditions I've ever experienced there. Particularly nice considering the frequent ridiculous winds we have had the last month... And in particular last week.

I went in for Marathon number 3, after last year in better shape than the first year but blew up and battled to get in at 3:51, which was a 6min PB but deeply unsatisfying given how bad I felt and went.

This year I wanted redemption, I'd done a mountain of work and had an almost flawless prep but still had the mental demons from being absolutely ****ed at 35k.. Twice before..
Then Friday arvo my right calf got so so tight to the point it was almost sore which was a really fun thing mentally to get. Stressed about that, stretching galore, did a shake out run Saturday morning terrified it would go pop and a day before I'd have to pull out and it would be heartbreaking. Felt good on the run, so kept stretching and hoped for the best.

Got to Melbourne, did the expo Saturday, caught up with mates, felt good bar a slightly less tight calf.

Sunday morning... Still tightish but OK.. Got to the G, bag drop was easy, got in for the toilet easy and was at the start 15mins before the start.
Wanted to start in front of the 3:40 pacers with a plan to let them carry me along and try run away from them after getting up the hard part past the shrine and if I finished 3:38-3:39:59 I'd be stoked, but simply couldn't get to them in the chute so figured I'd just work it out as I went and pace myself. I wasn't far off the pacers and quickly worked out they were running a sharper pace than advertised on their flags.. So just settled myself and went along, felt good, felt comfortable and consistent.

Hit 10k absolutely bang on my target, hit 21k a minute in front and then we turned at Elwood and I was nestled right in the middle of the 3:40 pack, sat with them for 12k, cruised up the tan.. And then as we turned at the top of the hill I left them behind me. The last mile was a blur, felt good still even swerved around people to high 5 some friends outside the G.. Crossed the finish 3:37:26.... About a 14min PB, a 3min negative split and felt strong and consistent the whole way, actually ran 9 of the KMs in the back half in sub 5min pace.. First mara attempt where I haven't had to walk/run and I am absolutely over the moon.
(also did not feel the calf at all during the race or since... )

Sorry for the long report that no one asked for but I had the best day, and I just wanted to share and want to tell everyone about it

 

[faible]

About a 14min PB, a 3min negative split and felt strong and consistent the whole way

Love this! Well done mate!

 

[darrenmorgan]

A truely brilliant day at Melbourne yesterday, as someone who has done multiple events and distances over the last 7 years there I think it was the best possible conditions I've ever experienced there. Particularly nice considering the frequent ridiculous winds we have had the last month... And in particular last week.

I went in for Marathon number 3, after last year in better shape than the first year but blew up and battled to get in at 3:51, which was a 6min PB but deeply unsatisfying given how bad I felt and went.

This year I wanted redemption, I'd done a mountain of work and had an almost flawless prep but still had the mental demons from being absolutely ****ed at 35k.. Twice before..
Then Friday arvo my right calf got so so tight to the point it was almost sore which was a really fun thing mentally to get. Stressed about that, stretching galore, did a shake out run Saturday morning terrified it would go pop and a day before I'd have to pull out and it would be heartbreaking. Felt good on the run, so kept stretching and hoped for the best.

Got to Melbourne, did the expo Saturday, caught up with mates, felt good bar a slightly less tight calf.

Sunday morning... Still tightish but OK.. Got to the G, bag drop was easy, got in for the toilet easy and was at the start 15mins before the start.
Wanted to start in front of the 3:40 pacers with a plan to let them carry me along and try run away from them after getting up the hard part past the shrine and if I finished 3:38-3:39:59 I'd be stoked, but simply couldn't get to them in the chute so figured I'd just work it out as I went and pace myself. I wasn't far off the pacers and quickly worked out they were running a sharper pace than advertised on their flags.. So just settled myself and went along, felt good, felt comfortable and consistent.

Hit 10k absolutely bang on my target, hit 21k a minute in front and then we turned at Elwood and I was nestled right in the middle of the 3:40 pack, sat with them for 12k, cruised up the tan.. And then as we turned at the top of the hill I left them behind me. The last mile was a blur, felt good still even swerved around people to high 5 some friends outside the G.. Crossed the finish 3:37:26.... About a 14min PB, a 3min negative split and felt strong and consistent the whole way, actually ran 9 of the KMs in the back half in sub 5min pace.. First mara attempt where I haven't had to walk/run and I am absolutely over the moon.
(also did not feel the calf at all during the race or since... )

Sorry for the long report that no one asked for but I had the best day, and I just wanted to share and want to tell everyone about it

That is awesome. Those days are gold, treasure it my friend. Congrats.

 

[Wetdog]

thanks mate. was a great run. I didn't hit any PR's, but I had a really great day. despite feeling pretty good prior, I think only arriving late Thursday night after some 28 hours of travel and then some serious sleep/jetag issues since then hit me pretty hard (possibly the far-too-many drinks I had on the way across may have contributed also lol). Got to 28-29k and realized I wasn't doing anything time wise and the legs were cooked, so I just pulled right back and enjoyed it from there. perfect weather.

It's an amazing marathon Chicago; you run through 29 odd neighborhoods, a lot of which you probably would never see, and all with their own distinct multicultural flavor. The crowds are massive, they rival NYC. Given the current circumstances in Chicago it felt like they were out even more in force today (I ran Chicago once before, but that was 10 years ago). certainly the signs I saw from pretty much every neighborhood made it clear how they all feel about what's happening in the city politically, and especially with the ICE sitch.

its truly a brilliant marathon; I would recommend anyone considering one of the majors as a bucket lister to choose Chicago, its pretty hard to beat in terms of organization, ease for runners, course, friendliness of locals, the city itself etc. (NB ive only run NYC, Berlin, and Sydney, not London/Tokyo/Boston). Its also probably the easiest to get in via the ballot (my small data point is 2 from 2, but I hear its the easiest statistically of the 6, not including Sydney of course); although given the popularity of the marathon these days who knows how long that may last.

Its also the only proper marathon I know of that gives runners an ice cold beer before you even get your medal at the finish line (Goose Island 500ml too, local brewer; they brew/can a special one each year just for the marathon).

now looking forward to hitting up some quality Chicagoan dive bars over the next few days

That’s a great report. Well done on completing another marathon.

Make sure you have a couple of deep dish pizzas.

 

[guelfontheshelf]

Congrats everyone who run in Melbourne over the weekend! Lovely conditions for it. Did the half, stoked with my time (finally went sub 90 mins)

--

I'm doing the Grunt Beach Run on the Gold Coast in a few weeks. Half mara on the sand. Melbourne half was my focus the last few months so now quickly turning my attention to the Grunt race which I'm just doing for fun / as a little Gold Coast getaway. The race is on hard sand. I haven't done any beach running before so want to get a few beach runs in before the race. Any recommendations of beaches to run on in Melbourne? I'm in the south-east but can drive.

 

[braddsey]

A truely brilliant day at Melbourne yesterday, as someone who has done multiple events and distances over the last 7 years there I think it was the best possible conditions I've ever experienced there. Particularly nice considering the frequent ridiculous winds we have had the last month... And in particular last week.

Great run report! Agree, the weather was amazing. I got smashed by the wind in training runs down Beach Road and Albert Park over the last month, so to have almost no wind to deal with was awesome.

...now planning my next move. Perhaps Ballarat 2026.

 

[Wetdog]

Congrats everyone who run in Melbourne over the weekend! Lovely conditions for it. Did the half, stoked with my time (finally went sub 90 mins)

--

I'm doing the Grunt Beach Run on the Gold Coast in a few weeks. Half mara on the sand. Melbourne half was my focus the last few months so now quickly turning my attention to the Grunt race which I'm just doing for fun / as a little Gold Coast getaway. The race is on hard sand. I haven't done any beach running before so want to get a few beach runs in before the race. Any recommendations of beaches to run on in Melbourne? I'm in the south-east but can drive.

Running on sand (even hard sand) is tough. Do not underestimate it and make sure you get in some quality training runs beforehand. Good luck. Let us know how you go.

 

[rfctigerarmy]

I've done Sydney and Melbourne Maras within 6 weeks, and loved them both. Sydney was an awesome experience!

Running is so much fun at the moment for me.

 

[Willo_]

backing up Melbourne being part of a team doing the Shaka24 hour challenge this weekend, kicks off at 6pm tonight and my team need to have a member of the team running (or walking) at all times. Going to be interesting, haven't ran since the Mara. Will be very slow gentle pace I assume and the constant stop start and fatigue will be the killer.

I do have a little out that i will go home about 2am and get some sleep as I am needed for some stuff at home first thing in the morning, and when that is sorted i will be back on track mid morning to see through the end.

It is all for The Shaka Project that do great things for Mens mental health and suicide prevention. I don't know if Chief is ok with me sharing the link or mentioning it, but if anyone wanted to donate to the cause I can share a link via DM (if that is OK)

 

[Chief]

Sure go ahead Willo_