Hello running friends. What’s been happening in your running world? Anything to report?
I’ve had a good week and am about to start week 5 of a HM plan. I must say, although it’s early days, but my twice weekly sessions on the stationary bike seem to be doing my fitness levels and general running a power of good. Although I know from experience that I still need to take one run at a time and not get carried away, but let’s just say I am quietly confident that, this time, I can get back to where I was two years ago…. 🙏🤞
I don’t know about you but I prefer winter running to summer running as I seem to have a bit more energy in colder temperatures. But hey! There’s winter running and then there’s WINTER RUNNING.
Bear a thought for runners in Oymyakon, Russia, who, on January 12th, ran a marathon in -52C temperatures!!! You could opt for a HM instead if you didn’t fancy the full distance 🥶
Runners had to undergo medical checks beforehand and thirty-eight brave souls turned up at the start line and were given hot tea, broth and snacks along the route. The winner was Konstantin Dragunov who finished in 3:07!!! Unbelievable 💪 I couldn't find out if they got bling at the end 😂
Apparently Oymyakon is the coldest permanently inhabited settlement on earth with an average winter temperature of around -50C. But I don’t think I’ll be visiting there any time soon.
Let’s hope you don’t have to face anywhere near those temperatures but that, no matter what the weather throws at us, cold or heat, we can still get out there. For those on the IC, we send you loads of healing vibes and wishes for a speedy return to your runs.
Have a great week everyone as we say farewell to January and hello to February 🙂
From your team Beachcomber66 , linda9389 and me 💖xxx
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🎽For races/events in February, go here to give us the details:
That's a bit chilly running in a temperature of - 52C, very brave people, the coldest temperature I have ran in is - 6C/21F, that was at Drumpellier Parkrun on the 30th November 2019, strangely enough it was one of my fastest times in a time of 30:56,.Most of my recent 5K times in warmer weather have been around 32/34 minutes, like you I don't like running when the weather is too warm, last September I ran a 10K in a temperature of about 21C, I did have plenty of liquid with me, so it wasn't too bad although other runners thought it was a bit too warm for running.
I have now been running over 6 summers, 2018 to 2023, I note what the minimum temperature is, the earliest I have ran was at 6.30am when the temperature was 18C and forecast to go up to 30C by 4pm that day, usually in warm weather I start my Wednesday run later, usually between 7.30 and 8am
Although I’m not an early riser nor a summer lover, I do have very fond memories of my runs when I have had to get up really early to miss the heat. There is something magical about that time of day and I really enjoy them 😎
I like early mornings in warm weather too. You never know what wildlife you will see (or just hear in the case of woodpeckers) up in the forest. Background music 🙂
I hit my monthly distance target today so I’m very happy with that for January.
Running a marathon in freezing cold temperatures is not very appealing. I’ve chosen Winter for my first marathon but think Queensland, Australia Winter temp is slightly different 🤣
My marathon plan has now been written so I’m catching up with them at the weekend to go through the plan and find out what February looks like for me. I’m excited.
Well done on hitting your distance goal RW. Yes I would appreciate an Australian winter right about now 🙂. All the best with your mara plan, you’ll be great!
Sounds like you've found the right balance Irishprincess 😁, no I'll give that really cold marathon a miss, I like spring and autumn running best, where there's a nip in the air but warm enough to run in shorts and sleeveless tee.I've been practicing low heartrate running and although get a bit down how slow I run I'm enjoying steady no walk breaks, no getting puffed out running and extending my distance for now.
Spring and autumn are hard to beat too Sue, especially when there is so much to see with the changing tree colours. And I love gawping at other people’s gardens too 💐
Whatever you’re doing with the low heart rate training sounds as if it’s working well for you. Enjoy the coming week 🙂
Not on your Nelly IP! I retreat to the cozy gym if it gets close to freezing, as much as I dislike hot running, being chilly doesn’t fill me with joy either!
Sounds like you’re on track for you-know-where. I won’t jinx it! I’m happily bimbling through C25K just for fun and japes. I’m happy to say that taking it easy has fixed my cough once and for all, and my running is coming on nicely. I’m going to finish C25K though, as once I’ve started something I like to finish it. W5R2 tomorrow. 😀
Thanks for the offer IP !! Tempting….but no!! They must be running in crampons.
It was a balmy 8C up here today, but it had rained through the night and it just continued from there! The entrance to the walkway was flooded from side to side, so I was pretty soggy from the start. There were plenty of water jumps on the trail too. Just a 5k run (long run on week 1 of HM plan) , warming coffee in the cafe and trudge home through the water to finish things off. But….I really enjoyed it! The first week of the long road back done. Have a great week everyone.
Thanks Al. I haven’t chosen a race at this stage. I am just going to see how it goes. I ran the HUHM last year, that was my third HM since I started running in 2018 (same year as you). I did quite a few 10 mile runs though.
We are ".the class of 2018", there were quite a few runners on this forum who also started C25K that year, I have ran/walked 3 half marathons, usually in a time of around 3 hours, but from now on 10K will be my longest run.
I used to do that; ju_ju’s magic plan and a plan I extracted from Roseabi’s HM plan were A4 size and were displayed on the inside of one of the kitchen cupboard doors. Very satisfying to tick them off as I progressed.
Now I am all Hi-Tech ….NRC app on my phone plus Garmin data and that is it. One advantage to using tech; Molly can’t steal the virtual plan and eat it if I leave it lying around…..she did do that with one paper HM plan. Obviously saw it as a rival for my attention!
I’m pretty anal about my runs and even though every run is recorded on Garmin, I still make a separate note of pace and cadence for every single kilometre! 🙄 I know, I know 🙄
I remember that too! One of my cousins, as a child, used to do this and also took a mental note of the colour and make. He had a phenomenal memory and use to be able to recall all the details afterwards. Of course, there was much less traffic on the roads in those days so it was definitely achievable.
Absolutely not, I won't go out if there's the slightest glimmer of an ice crystal on the pavement. Any temperature between 0 and 10 degrees suits me just fine. I think it was about 7° on our long run this morning, rainy and no wind. We did 11+ miles. My running friends are building up to the Liverpool half in March, but I'm not here for that event unfortunately.
So I'm thinking, how can I cash in on my training? There's a couple of HMs locally in Feb, but they're all 4 times round a park or track, on mixed terrain, which I don't think I would enjoy. My best options seem to be either a virtual HM, HU style, on one of my regular running routes at the end of Feb, or maybe the Monsal Trail HM in Derbyshire in April. Food for thought.
It's good to hear you are building back up successfully and with quiet confidence. Xx
I'd recommend the Monsal Trail! I think there will be other VRBs attending too. Worth booking accomodation sooner rather than later - even if you go for something cancellable.
I’m definitely a “temperate temperature” person too, not too hot and not too cold just like the Goldilocks of running 😂
You could always go virtual or the Monsal Trail is very popular around here. It seems to be a gorgeous event. I know you wouldn’t be alone if you did that one!
Thanks for your good wishes. I’m whispering rather than shouting about each run that gets done 🙂
Oooh, so pretty IP .... but imagine trying to breath with all that clobber on! And what do you do with a runny nose? OK. Enough of that! I think -8 last year in Canada is the coldest I've run in, and that was plenty cold enough. Slippy ground really scares me too.
No running for me still. It's been a week since the half marathon, so I tried a short walk yesterday. Nope! My leg didn't like that. I'd just like to say that (so far) I have resisted going out to run for 13 minutes, which is all I need to get my Jan Garmin running badge!!! No one at home is impressed, but hopefully a few folk here will recognise just what an achievement that is 😍.
Still, plenty of enforced rest over the next 48 hours as we board the plane for 24 hours of mid-air jollity (groan) and head to New Zealand (yay). I have four parkruns built into our very busy schedule (and a lot of hiking and cycling too), so I'm really, really hoping the leg doesn't get in the way. I will walk the parkruns if necessary - not ideal, but hey ho!
I know! I just said to misswobble that you'd definitely need more than one big hanky on that one! I imagine a runny nose wouldn’t stay runny for long if you know what I mean. Ugh 🥶
I’m suitably impressed with your stoic sacrifice Linda. We get it! I rarely look at my Garmin badges until one pops up and then I’m like, “ooh I’ve got a nice badge!” I’m so shallow 🙄
Have a fab time away and enjoy a totally different parkrun, whether you walk it or run it 😍
Go for it 😀👍. It’s a great distance to do. Mind you I wasn’t saying that after my tough seaside one. Felt good to nail it though, and I think I’ll run it again
Hi Irishprincess and all VRBS Noooooo I definitely don't like running when it's too cold, hate that feeling when your teeth get really cold in the wind(I have sensitive teeth!!) And hate numb fingers! 🤣🥶
I managed a 10k on Sunday with my running group,think there were 23 of us! But generally been a bit slack,still have sore back troubling me ,am trying an osteopath tomorrow morning so will report back! My Ryde10 mile race us on Sunday,really in 2 minds about it atm😪definitely lost a bit of mojo,not sleeping great with my back, bit generally fed up and Kenny away on the mainland again as his daughter still an inpatient at the hospital ,poor girl.
Trying to buck myself up but struggling a little and my vintage much loved car isn't liking the cold weather either which is an extra stress along with all the roadworks over here. Hoping things take an upturn this week! 🤞xxx
You’ve got a lot on your plate at the moment. Be kind to yourself. I’m sure your trip to the Osteopath will help with your decision on the 10miler. Sending hugs aliboo70 😍
Aw Ali, there’s a lot going on there. I hope the osteopath can work some magic tomorrow and that the pain will ease. You have my sympathy as I struggled with a sore back for several months but the osteopath sorted it out so I really hope yours will do the same 🤞
Maybe ask the osteopath’s advice about the 10 miler…
Sending you a big hug and I hope Kenny can return to you very soon. Take care xxx
I prefer running in cooler temperatures but not too extreme 🥶 As long as its not too, too cold, I love to run in the rain 🌧️ Heat is a struggle 🥵
Would you rather do this extremely cold marathon or a leg of Marathon des Sables? I think I’d choose cold 🥶🥶🥶🥶 if I had to🤣
Once I’ve finished RED January, I’m going to introduce a little strength training in at the gym and hope that helps my running. I found a good article in Runner’s World detailing key exercises which only need to be done once or twice a week. I’m still trying to shift the weight I’ve piled on which would help me the most!
When you put it like that, then I agree with you. I’d rather be in the extreme cold than the extreme heat. If I really, really had to…. 😂
You’ve done brilliantly with RED January and that mojo is definitely back and then some.
I think any other exercise/cross training we can do is a bonus for our running so it’s all good. Since I started the cycling I have really felt the difference with my running so that in itself is a good motivator to keep going with it!
Enjoy the strength training and have a good week 😍
Not for me Irishprincess- I definitely need to be in ski gear in that environment, but I prefer a bit of downhill, with help from gravity, rather than cross country. We witnessed -30C in USA 5 years ago and that was bad enough. We had to wear full face balaclavas to cope, and looked like terrorists. This was before the pandemic so wearing of masks was not common.
I do like running 5km in the cooler weather but prefer over 6C. I don’t like it when my fingers are cold even while wearing gloves. For longer, slower runs I definitely prefer some sunshine and warmth.
I only ran twice last week as I went down with something which completely wiped my energy. Not Covid, but it didn’t develop into full blown flu or a cold either. I ran a slow down to speed up NRC interval run before and then parkrun on Saturday. UTS practically had to drag me out of bed! I seem to be fine now though.
We haven’t planned any races until September so need to get our thinking caps on.
You both look like atronauts! I don't fancy running in -30C much!
There’s still loads of winter bugs and horrible viruses going around but thank goodness you recovered quickly from whatever you had. I do think our fitness levels help us recover much quicker.
Have fun scrolling through the race calendar. You know you want to 🤗
🤣🤣 I was also moved to buy new thermals as mine were clearly not up to the job. My new ones have like a soft foil lining to reflect your body heat back!
One day at a time one run at a time is a good approach IP. Really happy it is going smoothly for you so far.
-52!? The coldest temp I’ve run in was -32 and that was more than cold enough. I think I have Reynaud’s now, where the fingers get white and numb in the cold, so now I wear big mitts for any temps below -5 😂. My fave time of year for running is definitely Autumn. The temps are cool but not cold then. Our Spring in Ontario seems shorter every year before the Summer heat hits.
I’ve finally signed up for the Ottawa marathon in late May so I am a few weeks into my plan and so far it is going well. Looking forward to some sunshine this weekend for a change from the grey. Happy running all!
I love Autumn running too. It’s my favourite running season in Australia. Looking forward to hearing how your Marathon training is going. Glad it’s going well so far.
Thanks IP, -30 is rare for us. Usually around the -20s with wind chill is our coldest. These days I don’t think I would go out beyond that. It’s hard on your lungs too. I am looking forward to Ottawa! Hopefully won’t be too hot by that point.
My husband use to live in Medicine Hat (before I met him) for a few years and was a runner then. During one of our coldest spells here I asked him for tips for cold weather running and he just looked at me and said, “just go out and run” 😂😂
He has mentioned that his eyelids frequently stuck together with frost - eeek 🙀
I could not run in such cold temperatures at all, regardless of how lovely the bling was at the end!! I'm always being teased because I always put on too many layers .I know we should dress for the second kilometer, but I'm such a wimp, I just de layer as I'm running, I never learn!! 🥴
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