Running Thread - Join our Strava Club!

[darrenmorgan]

Darren, how did NYC go? Did you get your body right for it?

hey mate, yeah got it done! wasn't my quickest marathon but was a fair bit quicker than Berlin which I was happy with, given all the issues and uncertainty in the lead up and the problems that I had there. I wasn't focussed at all on time really, so just ran completely by feel and more than anything just trying to enjoy the day. the crowds are just so amazing in NYC, its really intense the whole way. but the run is very difficult, its a tough course particularly the second half, but more so all the logistics of getting out to SI for the start takes forever, I was up at 4.30am and didn't finish the run until 3pm, and finally back at my hotel (which was only 2k from the finish area) by around 4.15pm. my body felt pretty broken afterwards, and it still does 4 days later, but that might also be because of all the beer and American food ive smashed since then!

 

[guelfontheshelf]

Couple Black Friday sale related questions:

1) I'm currently using an apple watch but thinking about upgrading to a garmin. (Did my first marathon this year, weekly mileage of around 70k + gym + tennis so think I'll get a lot out of the extra stats). Looking at either the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music ($399 at rebel on sale) or Garmin Forerunner 955 ($499 on sale). Anyone got either and have any recommendations?

• I generally bring my iphone and airpods on runs for music. Would be nice to be able to leave my phone behind if my watch could store music, though I don't have a set running playlist (what I listen to varies day by day).
• I do like the general fitness stats that my apple watch provides (things like monthly goals, step count etc), not sure if Garmin replicates that?
• I don't use Siri on my apple watch but do use it to check notifications instead of looking at my phone, though I rarely reply to texts on my apple watch. Can any Garmin sync with text messages on an iphone?

2) Anyone got Boa shorts? Saw some of their 1" men's split shorts are on sale on running warehouse – quite short (I don't think I own anything shorter than 2" which is already pretty short) but might be good for summer. Any reviews on their stuff?

 

[faible]

Couple Black Friday sale related questions:

1) I'm currently using an apple watch but thinking about upgrading to a garmin. (Did my first marathon this year, weekly mileage of around 70k + gym + tennis so think I'll get a lot out of the extra stats). Looking at either the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music ($399 at rebel on sale) or Garmin Forerunner 955 ($499 on sale). Anyone got either and have any recommendations?

• I generally bring my iphone and airpods on runs for music. Would be nice to be able to leave my phone behind if my watch could store music, though I don't have a set running playlist (what I listen to varies day by day).
• I do like the general fitness stats that my apple watch provides (things like monthly goals, step count etc), not sure if Garmin replicates that?
• I don't use Siri on my apple watch but do use it to check notifications instead of looking at my phone, though I rarely reply to texts on my apple watch. Can any Garmin sync with text messages on an iphone?

2) Anyone got Boa shorts? Saw some of their 1" men's split shorts are on sale on running warehouse – quite short (I don't think I own anything shorter than 2" which is already pretty short) but might be good for summer. Any reviews on their stuff?

I’ve got the Epix 2 (same hardware as the 955 I’m pretty sure) and love it.

Music-wise it’s not as clean as the Apple, Spotify has to sync via WiFi before you run to get any new songs or download a play list which can be a bit slow, and definitely chews up the battery more which is one of the benefits of a Garmin over Apple.

Smartwatch notification wise it’s fine, no issues displaying them but you can’t reply.

I’d say the music would be the thing you might have issues with, as decided on the moment ‘oh I want to listen to this’ as you’re getting out the door isn’t really doable with the Garmin.

 

[Jatz]

I'm buying the 965 while it's on sale (and I have about $300 in Rebel gift cards) - it's massive overkill for what I'll use it for but can't help myself.

Had just under 3 months off recently around the birth of my second child - 9 months of running and I lost just about all fitness. Have made it 50k in the last week but the time and heart rate are poor - almost back to where I was when I first started 12 months ago.

My only hope is that it doesn't take as long for it to come back this time.

I've also had to switch from running in the morning to running at night. Find it easier to actually get out of the house but I'm really struggling with what to do with dinner. I'm running about 8:30pm at night and dinner is normally around 6 with the two little ones. Seems to be almost enough time but I'm getting some indigestion when running after I've eaten. Will work it out soon enough I guess.

 

[guelfontheshelf]

I’ve got the Epix 2 (same hardware as the 955 I’m pretty sure) and love it.

Music-wise it’s not as clean as the Apple, Spotify has to sync via WiFi before you run to get any new songs or download a play list which can be a bit slow, and definitely chews up the battery more which is one of the benefits of a Garmin over Apple.

Smartwatch notification wise it’s fine, no issues displaying them but you can’t reply.

I’d say the music would be the thing you might have issues with, as decided on the moment ‘oh I want to listen to this’ as you’re getting out the door isn’t really doable with the Garmin.

Thanks, this is good to know!

yeah I normally just use my iphone + airpods for music, and have a belt so it's not too annoying. So think I'll be able to deal with the more clunky music set up and just keep using my phone if need be.

 

[guelfontheshelf]

Melb Mara goes on sale today!

This year was my first full marathon. 50/50 whether I sign up for the full or the half next year. Would love to try and beat my time, but the training was pretty difficult to slot in alongside footy and a social life, whereas training for a half would be a lot more manageable...

Anyone else signing up for anything?

 

[faible]

Melb Mara goes on sale today!

This year was my first full marathon. 50/50 whether I sign up for the full or the half next year. Would love to try and beat my time, but the training was pretty difficult to slot in alongside footy and a social life, whereas training for a half would be a lot more manageable...

Anyone else signing up for anything?

I'm in queue now, will grab a marathon entry even though I'm still trying to build back up after nursing an injury for the last 6 months, given how quickly they sold out last year you're kind of forced to grab one even if you're not 100% you'll be running.

 

[Wetdog]

Melb Mara goes on sale today!

This year was my first full marathon. 50/50 whether I sign up for the full or the half next year. Would love to try and beat my time, but the training was pretty difficult to slot in alongside footy and a social life, whereas training for a half would be a lot more manageable...

Anyone else signing up for anything?

I was thinking about it but I think I will pass. There is only so much time to do races and it seems a shame to do the same one twice in consecutive years when I can spread my wings a bit more and try different races.

My next race is the Two Bays in January. I am equally excited and petrified.

I'm in queue now, will grab a marathon entry even though I'm still trying to build back up after nursing an injury for the last 6 months, given how quickly they sold out last year you're kind of forced to grab one even if you're not 100% you'll be running.

By signing up it should give you extra motivation to get your body right and put in the work on the track.

 

[faible]

By signing up it should give you extra motivation to get your body right and put in the work on the track.

I've been very motivated, sadly my hip seems to be less motivated than the rest of my body

Currently building up for the fourth time after ~ 6 weeks of no running at all, so fingers crossed.

 

[guelfontheshelf]

I was thinking about it but I think I will pass. There is only so much time to do races and it seems a shame to do the same one twice in consecutive years when I can spread my wings a bit more and try different races.

Yeah this is a good point. Might be good to try have a different race in VIC as my main marathon race next year (and do like the half-mara at Melb Mara just for the vibes)

 

[Jatz]

**** it's been hot in Sydney recently. Was 27c when I went out the other night at 8:30, absolutely cooked me!

 

[guelfontheshelf]

**** it's been hot in Sydney recently. Was 27c when I went out the other night at 8:30, absolutely cooked me!

Potentially unpopular opinion but I love running when it's warm. I'd definitely take 27C over Melbourne's dreary winter mornings!

 

[Jatz]

Potentially unpopular opinion but I love running when it's warm. I'd definitely take 27C over Melbourne's dreary winter mornings!

Definitely find it easier to actually leave the house when it's warm but the instant sweat is annoying haha. Always feels like it just zaps my energy a whole lot more.

 

[Wetdog]

Yeah this is a good point. Might be good to try have a different race in VIC as my main marathon race next year (and do like the half-mara at Melb Mara just for the vibes)

Do the Great Ocean Road. It is a fantastic event.

It depends what your after though. If you want to chase a PB, then Melbourne is a good option.

 

[faible]

Do the Great Ocean Road. It is a fantastic event.

It depends what your after though. If you want to chase a PB, then Melbourne is a good option.

Ballarat has changed their course, it's now the flattest course in Australia I believe. Should be a good one for fast times.

 

[guelfontheshelf]

Definitely find it easier to actually leave the house when it's warm but the instant sweat is annoying haha. Always feels like it just zaps my energy a whole lot more.

Yeah that's fair, important to pre-hydrate for those warm runs! I just love when I can roll out the door with just shorts and runners on, no feeling more freeing than that haha.

Do the Great Ocean Road. It is a fantastic event.

It depends what your after though. If you want to chase a PB, then Melbourne is a good option.

Ballarat has changed their course, it's now the flattest course in Australia I believe. Should be a good one for fast times.

Thanks both! I've signed up for the half for Melbourne. Would love to do the GOR mara but might try to get a couple more under my belt before I tackle it (and also to save the best til later haha)

 

[ash_1050]

Snagged a Melbourne Marathon entry for next year, will be my first. Was meant to do it in 2022 but had a hamstring injury 6 weeks out due to upping the workload too quickly.

 

[faible]

Melb Marathon sold out already.

 

[darrenmorgan]

Melbourne sold out in a few hours. Crazy. I really dislike the Melbourne full course, no idea why it’s so popular…

 

[Willo_]

I missed out on the Melbourne Entry so hopefully a ballot one comes my way, or if any one gets injured and wants to transfer ill buy it from you, I read this year there will be a window where people are able to transfer them

 

[Wetdog]

Melbourne sold out in a few hours. Crazy. I really dislike the Melbourne full course, no idea why it’s so popular…

If you could forget about logistical challenges for a moment, then the best Melbourne route would be three quarters of the capital city trail (the west side is rubbish so gets omitted), down flinders st, plus Albert park, the tan and then down beaconfields parade. That would be the best route, but will never happen because it cannot cope with the size of the entrant pool.

 

[stmookeyj]

So thankfully I woke up early enough in Kuala Lumpur to secure an entry for next year (after this year's tilt ended in St.Vincent's to check out a hip complaint combined with a hamstring going at 12km, when I was well on track to run a decent time), next week will be to stay up after the flight home from Singapore to get entries into the Gold Coast. I say entries because they moved the 10km (run post 2022 on the Sunday) to Saturday meaning in theory someone can do all 4 events on the one day (Half Marathon at 6AM Saturday, 9:15 for the 10km, 11:30 for the 5km, then back up Sunday Morning at 6AM for the big one). Personally considering entering the half and full as a minimum, and considering adding the 5km.

Of course I have to get through Singapore first, and try to somehow get the time in to ensure Comrades qualification (less than 3000 entries left, about 92 Australians, 8 Kiwis and 1 from American Samoa....don't ask, on the entry list).

 

[faible]

I read this year there will be a window where people are able to transfer them

This seems like a very sensible thing for them to do, heaps of people get to 3 - 6 weeks out from race day as they're hitting their biggest weeks and realise they're not ready / fit / have injuries.

 

[Willo_]

I missed out on the Melbourne Entry so hopefully a ballot one comes my way, or if any one gets injured and wants to transfer ill buy it from you, I read this year there will be a window where people are able to transfer them

I make decisions fast... Ended up registering for the Great Ocean Road bundle that gets me a Melbourne Marathon entry as well... 160 bucks and I have till June to claim my Melbourne entry..
I'm not doing GOR but I'm looking at this like a premiership membership for footy... It's a bit extra to guarantee me.

Too ease the financial pain I'll just claim the registration in Marcy or April next year.

 

[Wetdog]

I make decisions fast... Ended up registering for the Great Ocean Road bundle that gets me a Melbourne Marathon entry as well... 160 bucks and I have till June to claim my Melbourne entry..
I'm not doing GOR but I'm looking at this like a premiership membership for footy... It's a bit extra to guarantee me.

Too ease the financial pain I'll just claim the registration in Marcy or April next year.

Why not do GOR?

It is a better event, IMO.

Not as crowded. The views are amazing. The course is more fun (undulating without being awful). And you never get the opportunity to run the course except on that day when they close the road. With Melbourne you can run most of the course whenever you want.

The only reasons I can think of preferring Melbourne is that you do not need accom or if you are aiming for a PB.