TT Running Club

“I walked the course in 6 hr 55 min. No speed records there, but a finish is a finish. Congratulations to all who have done it.”

“Had a good week of running, for me. I ran four times, three 4-mile runs plus a 2.5 mile run with my sons. I also went to a spinning class, and went orienteering on Sunday. A good week. :)”

“hey couchtater, I might have seen you. We were down by Shelby Park waiting on a person to come out. You two had just about the same time so I am sure I saw you just didn't know it was you. We were sanding right past the water tables and right before the medicial station. You could see the 40K sign right there and the 25 mile marker was just down the street.

The lady I was with had the warmup blanket they give you as you cross the line. I was in shorts and a Titans shirt. We were the only ones there cheering you guys on besides the voulnteers

Congrats on doing it.”

“Ewker, Thanks for asking... Yes we made it down and had a wonderful time! We finished the 1/2 in 2:14:36 (chip time) My stop watch was a minute faster due to the fact I took a potty break around mile marker 6. I couldn't hold it!!! So all in all it was a total blast and plan to run the full in Columbus this October then come back next year and do the full there!”

“applesauce, sorry I thought you were from Mich. Didn't mean to insult ya..lol

Glad you had a good time.”

“That's okay... so you were at the pasta dinner also, huh? We sat the right hand side ear the rear. Would have loved to met you guys. I thot the lady who spoke about her kids was so sweet and sincere. I think TNT is doing a great thing!!! Go TNT and congrats to anyone else who ran!”

“Ewker, I remember that spot. Much as I hated it I had to use the potty there. I wore a red shirt and blue shorts.

I went with my brother to the pasta dinner, he and his wife were part of TNT. Sat at TN table 13 or 14 I think. We got there late, enjoyed the evening anyway. It was a great event, may run the half next year.”

“excellent job folks!

My finish last weekend at the Pinckney Half Marathon”

“Which page are you on LeSubtil?”

“This one,, I guess. :)”

“Oh my, I'm definitely a fair-weather running. LS, that looked cold! Who would have guessed an icky snowstorm like that would have happened after that wonderful 80-degree weather we had!


My first race of the season is coming up on the 14th. It'll also be my first ever trail run. I'm anxious to be in the midst of a race, and have another one under my belt before the *big* 5K this July.

LS, are you still planning to run the Volkslauf in the 'Muth?”

“Hey guys and gals. Any tips for a begginning trail runner? My first line of business is shoes. Ran 2-mile loop in tennies last night and it was OK, but I can see I need some trail runners especially for soft spots.”

“Well, I run my first trail race on Saturday, IJ, and I've never run on a trail before. I'll let you know how it goes! LOL!”

“I've never been much of a runner, but when I do run I always get side cramps. Will they go away if I get in better shape. Do i need to do more crunches? I feel like I could run more, but the cramps get me.”

“Regular running shoes would be fine unless you are frequently getting into soft, uneven terrain. Trail runners usually provide a little more lateral support and are built a little beefier to stand up to scraping them on stumps and such.

Get a shoe that is comfortable for you. No two people have the same feet, so you just have to try some on and then try some more on.

The best advice I can give is to go to a local shop that specializes in running shoes. Take whatever shoes you use for your most running-like activity with you so the knowledgeable employees can look at the wear pattern. They will probably have you take off your shoes and walk around so they can watch how you plant your feet. From there they will start recommending some shoes to try. Good luck.”

“Side cramps usually are an indirect result of conditioning. More directly, they are a result of how you are breathing. Short, quick breaths can cause it. You should try to take full breaths deep into your diaphram. Some call it belly breathing since you kind of distend your stomach when inhaling and then contract it while exhaling.”

“Indiana,
Definitely invest in a good pair of shoes! Go to a running shoe store where they know how to properly fit your foot.

The difference between a "cheapie" pair of "tennis shoes" and a well-fitted (albeit more expensive) running shoe is astounding...

When beginning my training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk, it was recommended that walkers invest in good running shoes (vs. walking shoes.) I think it was the best $85 (15% discounted) I've spent so far! Your feet, back and body will thank you for it!”

“Thanks for the help. Hubcap i've heard that before about cramps and breathing. I will work on that and see if it helps. I'm definitely still out of shape when it comes to the cardio.”

“Another question. What about hydration packs? what do you all use on the trail. Looking for something small that won't move around much on my back when running.”

“I have never tried a hydration pack while running. I think I would dislike it. I have a 6-bottle version of the Fuel Belt that I use exclusively. It will get me through 15 miles unless it is really hot. I consume a lot of liquids while running.

http://www.fuelbelt.com/fube20pr.html

The fuel belt is nice because the weight of the fluid is evenly distributed around your waist. That, and the belt is stretchy, so it doesn't bounce around.”

“very good! thanks again hubcap. I've never seen those before. And the price is not bad either!”

“IJ, if you're not running long distances, you probably don't need to take water with you (unless you're gonna get lost in the woods, then it might be a good idea! LOL!)”

“Good luck Smiley Girl!!!!

Grin all the way to the finish line!”

“I've only started running, but I use my hydration pack. I prefer to have my water at hand and easily accessible. The downside is that it holds the heat in, and can make you hot... but since I'm using it when running and walking, I'm getting used to having it with me.”

“LOL RoamAround, I will! I really have no goal in mind for this race, I'm just using it to get some more race experience. Should be fun!”

“my goal for the last race I did was to FINISH. :-) Hopefully, Thinkbubelz & I will do some more races this summer where we can actually "finish respectfully". :-)”

“IJ, great to hear you wanna run.

Like others said go to a Running shop for shoe advise and fit, its worth millions.

I run with a camelbak sometimes but its heavy and aawkward till you get used to it. I carry a 28 ounce bottle usually. I try to carry water everytime. But always in runs over an hour.

Start off slow. DONT worry about speed till you do 30 minutes without stopping and be comfy while doing it.

Good luck and enjoy, its awesome.”

“Ok, so its gonna pour here today, and I get to do my very first EVER trail race tomorrow morning. Let me clarify, it'll be the first time I'll EVER run on a trail, not just my first race.

Right now my biggest concern is getting my pretty new white running shoes dirty. Sass told me to get over it, which I probably will. :)


Any other advice? I'm hoping my ankles don't give out in the mud!”

“lol, I don't think I said it exactly that way. I believe I said they'd come pretty clean and showed you my pair that went in the swamp.

MI trails have so many tree roots and rocks that I doubt the mud will be deep enough to give you much trouble, aside from making things slippery. The tree roots and rocks will do that too.

My advice: Fly down the hills to make up for the time you take going up. It's easier on your knees than taking little jerky steps too. Take long, loose strides as fast as you can on downhills.
Relax if/when you fall, you'll be less likely to get hurt if you're loose. Then get back up and go!

Good luck and have fun!
last edited: 5/13/05 10:50:48 AM”

“I've never run on trails either, but I like what she said about relaxing when you fall. Bruises heal faster than breaks.

GOOD LUCK!! My next race is next weekend.”

“They told me, on trails, to keep your eyes focused nearer to your feet that you do running on pavement. (Don't look so far ahead.) It took a fall or two for me to appreciate their advice.

Myself, I take great care on the downhills. That's where I always get hurt.

Most of all, have fun, and don't worry about the dirt!

***

I did my 24 mile run last Sunday at marathon pace. I'm in the "taper" now. I don't like it. 2 weeks 'till the race. I get so f'ing antsy sitting still after training hard for 4 months.”

“Who's "they" Lesubtil?”

“I did a 4 mile run today - which is a long day for me. I'm trying to figure out if I should go for a 10k on memorial day and today pretty much convinced me I can hack it. I'll make the call next weekend depending on how I do this week - i've been gradually increasing mileage every week. Looks like I'll be in decent shape to go 10k in two more weeks without pushing it too much.”

“any chance your going to post a photo with you in little runners shorts?”

“hmmmmmmmmm, doubtful.

but ya never know.”

“Think CMB knows she's talking like this? ;)

SG, how was the trailrun?”

“Wow, the trail run was a TON of fun, but SO hard for me! Several people said it was a very diffucult course, so I was obviously glad I chose that as my first trail run! There was more mud than I could have ever hoped for, several stream crossings, including one that was 4 1/2 that you had to jump over (I kinda hurt my ankle on it, but at least I didn't fall in), more ups and downs than a manic depressive has in a week, and enough logs to jump over to make a beaver very happy.

Unfortunaly, I ended up walking a lot of it. I finished in 42 minutes and some-odd seconds (there was no official timekeeper), but I'm pretty proud of that time considering the terrain and the fact I've never done that before! Plus, I wasn't the last to finish, which made me pretty happy. G finished in an amazing 32 minutes. Winner finished in 22 minutes.

All in all, it was a great time, and I'd probably do it again. But not until I get the mud out of my shoes. :)”

“Hey, if you had fun and are happy with yourself it was a success!”

“Cool beans! Glad you had fun. Good time!”

“Sass, do you want to run on Tuesday this week?”

“"Who's "they" Lesubtil?
Sassafras"

The more experienced trail runners whom I asked for advice.

Good job, Smiley. Glad you had fun!”

“Sure SG! I have a new three mile route. =)”

“Is it actually 3 miles? LOL!

I'll leave work by 4:30 tomorrow, and get to your house ASAP!”

“Sounds good. Can't wait to see how filthy your shoes are! Mine are still almost pristine white (neener neee ner neeeeee ner). =P”

“;P

Hopefully I can clean them up a bit tonight after class! At least I can try to get the remaining chunks of mud off...”

“They'll come off as you run.”

“Good call. All right then, no additinal tasks for me this evening! LOL!”

“besides, having muddy running shoes makes you look tough!”

“what brand of running shoes does everyone wear?

Over heard at Trail Days at the boot camp (where the make custom insoles for you shoes) that New Balance was the best shoe if you are a runner.”

“Oooh, don't get Sass started on this one..

I used to be a New Balance girl, but have finally seen the light and have a pair of Brooks Adrenaline. Wonderful shoes, they are!”