The Official Exercise/Fitness Thread v. Run Forest, Run!

[Tomislav95]

 

Here's a generic plan I'm following https://www.runningxpert.com/en/inspiration/halfmarathon-guide-experienced
It's pretty long but a great read

[Evermind]

So I signed up for a half-marathon a month ago, the actual race is in August. Like Tomi, I did "training for a real training" for two weeks and now I'm two weeks into increasing distances and doing intervals and all that. Physically so far I think I'm good.

Mentally though I'm not quite as good. I already get up at 4:50 in the morning so I can't do the morning runs during my working days, so I have to run after work, and sometimes it's just too fucking much. I come home after work, I'm already angry as fuck due to the actual work, then public transport where some people are total morons, then it's time to run, it's fucking snowing too (it's late March/early April why the hell it's snowing ffs) but the distance isn't going to run itself, so of course I do change my clothes and go and run in this 0°C fucking spring weather.

I want to say that I like running and I'm not complaining, but I'm definitely complaining Please at least make good weather starting tomorrow, thanks. It's only April and I'm already tired as hell. Damn.

Here's a generic plan I'm following https://www.runningxpert.com/en/inspiration/halfmarathon-guide-experienced
It's pretty long but a great read

A lot of good points in the article - hopefully this time you'll kill it!

[Evermind]

Mentally though I'm not quite as good. I already get up at 4:50 in the morning so I can't do the morning runs during my working days, so I have to run after work, and sometimes it's just too fucking much. I come home after work, I'm already angry as fuck due to the actual work, then public transport where some people are total morons, then it's time to run, it's fucking snowing too (it's late March/early April why the hell it's snowing ffs) but the distance isn't going to run itself, so of course I do change my clothes and go and run in this 0°C fucking spring weather.

Rereading this and man I'm turning into Kade.

[WilliamMunny]

Well, it looks like my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me—that perceived wall my training hit a whole back? Turns out I have an arrhythmia.

It’s a pretty sobering conversation when a doctor tells you that running is out of the question (until further notice), hands you a bottle of beta blockers, and gives you a referral for an ablation—all in the span of ten minutes.

Denial quickly have way to shock, and now, a few days later, I’m crushed and confused.

I’m 42 and in great shape…apparently, years of heavy duty training is not without consequences.

Anyone here dealing with SVT? I’d love to hear comments or stories from anyone who’s managing a similar situation.

[wolfking]

Here's a generic plan I'm following https://www.runningxpert.com/en/inspiration/halfmarathon-guide-experienced
It's pretty long but a great read

Wow, missed this totally, will dig in.

[wolfking]

Mentally though I'm not quite as good. I already get up at 4:50 in the morning so I can't do the morning runs during my working days, so I have to run after work, and sometimes it's just too fucking much. I come home after work, I'm already angry as fuck due to the actual work, then public transport where some people are total morons, then it's time to run, it's fucking snowing too (it's late March/early April why the hell it's snowing ffs) but the distance isn't going to run itself, so of course I do change my clothes and go and run in this 0°C fucking spring weather.

Rereading this and man I'm turning into Kade.

Damn, not sure what to think here. 

[wolfking]

Well, it looks like my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me—that perceived wall my training hit a whole back? Turns out I have an arrhythmia.

It’s a pretty sobering conversation when a doctor tells you that running is out of the question (until further notice), hands you a bottle of beta blockers, and gives you a referral for an ablation—all in the span of ten minutes.

Denial quickly have way to shock, and now, a few days later, I’m crushed and confused.

I’m 42 and in great shape…apparently, years of heavy duty training is not without consequences.

Anyone here dealing with SVT? I’d love to hear comments or stories from anyone who’s managing a similar situation.

Shit mate, that's awful news.  Are you saying excessive training caused this?  Is there things you can still do within your training?

[WilliamMunny]

Well, it looks like my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me—that perceived wall my training hit a whole back? Turns out I have an arrhythmia.

It’s a pretty sobering conversation when a doctor tells you that running is out of the question (until further notice), hands you a bottle of beta blockers, and gives you a referral for an ablation—all in the span of ten minutes.

Denial quickly have way to shock, and now, a few days later, I’m crushed and confused.

I’m 42 and in great shape…apparently, years of heavy duty training is not without consequences.

Anyone here dealing with SVT? I’d love to hear comments or stories from anyone who’s managing a similar situation.

Shit mate, that's awful news.  Are you saying excessive training caused this?  Is there things you can still do within your training?

I can't say for certain, but I've done a bit of reading and based on the preliminary tests (echo-cardiogram diagnosed 'Athlete's heart'), it appears to me that my decades of training has likely played a role.

As for the 'what can I still do?' question, I am hoping the specialist I am seeing can give me the details this Thursday.

Thank you for the reply, btw.

[gmillerdrake]

Ran another Half Marathon yesterday, this one was St. Louis's big one....the GO STL....and, it was a really beautiful day out. Perfect running weather. The course is 'relatively' flat, there are inclines and what not but it's nothing like trail running. I tried my best to keep pace with the 2hr 5min pace group and for much of the race I was with the 2hr pace group. But, around mile 9 I started experiencing some fatigue and just couldn't hold the pace. I'd only ran twice since running that trail half marathon on March 5th so hadn't really prepped for this one. I'm not disappointed with my time or anything by any means though.

[Evermind]

Ran another Half Marathon yesterday, this one was St. Louis's big one....the GO STL....and, it was a really beautiful day out. Perfect running weather. The course is 'relatively' flat, there are inclines and what not but it's nothing like trail running. I tried my best to keep pace with the 2hr 5min pace group and for much of the race I was with the 2hr pace group. But, around mile 9 I started experiencing some fatigue and just couldn't hold the pace. I'd only ran twice since running that trail half marathon on March 5th so hadn't really prepped for this one. I'm not disappointed with my time or anything by any means though.

Still awesome though!

[Evermind]

Mentally though I'm not quite as good. I already get up at 4:50 in the morning so I can't do the morning runs during my working days, so I have to run after work, and sometimes it's just too fucking much. I come home after work, I'm already angry as fuck due to the actual work, then public transport where some people are total morons, then it's time to run, it's fucking snowing too (it's late March/early April why the hell it's snowing ffs) but the distance isn't going to run itself, so of course I do change my clothes and go and run in this 0°C fucking spring weather.

Rereading this and man I'm turning into Kade.

Damn, not sure what to think here. 

Dunno man, I was just pissed off after another run in the rain and I thought the tone of the post was very similar to some of your posts about work. Today's a rest day so I'm good. Hopefully it doesn't snow/rain again tomorrow!

[senecadawg2]

Ran another Half Marathon yesterday, this one was St. Louis's big one....the GO STL....and, it was a really beautiful day out. Perfect running weather. The course is 'relatively' flat, there are inclines and what not but it's nothing like trail running. I tried my best to keep pace with the 2hr 5min pace group and for much of the race I was with the 2hr pace group. But, around mile 9 I started experiencing some fatigue and just couldn't hold the pace. I'd only ran twice since running that trail half marathon on March 5th so hadn't really prepped for this one. I'm not disappointed with my time or anything by any means though.

Congrats! It's tough running a half marathon with only a couple of training runs in the month leading up to the race, even if you were in great shape before. I did something similar a few years ago and after the race I could barely walk for a week.

[wolfking]

Well, it looks like my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me—that perceived wall my training hit a whole back? Turns out I have an arrhythmia.

It’s a pretty sobering conversation when a doctor tells you that running is out of the question (until further notice), hands you a bottle of beta blockers, and gives you a referral for an ablation—all in the span of ten minutes.

Denial quickly have way to shock, and now, a few days later, I’m crushed and confused.

I’m 42 and in great shape…apparently, years of heavy duty training is not without consequences.

Anyone here dealing with SVT? I’d love to hear comments or stories from anyone who’s managing a similar situation.

Shit mate, that's awful news.  Are you saying excessive training caused this?  Is there things you can still do within your training?

I can't say for certain, but I've done a bit of reading and based on the preliminary tests (echo-cardiogram diagnosed 'Athlete's heart'), it appears to me that my decades of training has likely played a role.

As for the 'what can I still do?' question, I am hoping the specialist I am seeing can give me the details this Thursday.

Thank you for the reply, btw.

Fingers crossed for you man.  Hopefully a positive appointment with the specialist. 

That's scary activity may have played a role, never heard of that.

[wolfking]

Nice run Gary!

[wolfking]

Mentally though I'm not quite as good. I already get up at 4:50 in the morning so I can't do the morning runs during my working days, so I have to run after work, and sometimes it's just too fucking much. I come home after work, I'm already angry as fuck due to the actual work, then public transport where some people are total morons, then it's time to run, it's fucking snowing too (it's late March/early April why the hell it's snowing ffs) but the distance isn't going to run itself, so of course I do change my clothes and go and run in this 0°C fucking spring weather.

Rereading this and man I'm turning into Kade.

Damn, not sure what to think here. 

Dunno man, I was just pissed off after another run in the rain and I thought the tone of the post was very similar to some of your posts about work. Today's a rest day so I'm good. Hopefully it doesn't snow/rain again tomorrow!

No you're fine Ruslan.  It was more a reflection for myself.   

But yes, the tone was spot on about my work rants so I certainly can't fault you there! 

[senecadawg2]

I ran my first marathon about a month ago (the Coast Guard Marathon). I'm still very proud to have done it. My finishing time was around 3:46 (8:38/mile, or 5:22/km pace).

I've started training for a second race later this year, if I can stay injury free.

Exhausted after the race:

[gmillerdrake]

I'm still very proud to have done it. My finishing time was around 3:46 (8:38/mile, or 5:22/km pace).

Great work! 

[faizoff]

Damn look at you guys with your half and full marathons. I need to get back to running. My mile minutes are awful compared to you guys.

[wolfking]

I ran my first marathon about a month ago (the Coast Guard Marathon). I'm still very proud to have done it. My finishing time was around 3:46 (8:38/mile, or 5:22/km pace).

I've started training for a second race later this year, if I can stay injury free.

Exhausted after the race:

Wow!  That's incredible and a great time mate.  That's inspirational stuff.  Once I can finally get to 42km my goal is around 6:00 per km.  5:22 is bloody unreal.

[senecadawg2]

Thanks, y'all!

I have to say, my toenails have never looked more hideous 

[SchecterShredder]

I've completed 12 marathons and 2 Ironman triathlons, and not once have i lost a toenail. Not sure if it's luck or the way i tie my laces,  but my training partners have not been so lucky

[senecadawg2]

I've completed 12 marathons and 2 Ironman triathlons, and not once have i lost a toenail. Not sure if it's luck or the way i tie my laces,  but my training partners have not been so lucky

I haven't quite lost the nails—not yet, anyway—I just had several large blood blisters (like as wide as the toe itself) and now the nails have completely blackened. Which isn't a problem I had on even my longest training runs, so I'm not sure what to pin it on except the generally higher intensity. What kind of socks do you wear?

[SchecterShredder]

I've completed 12 marathons and 2 Ironman triathlons, and not once have i lost a toenail. Not sure if it's luck or the way i tie my laces,  but my training partners have not been so lucky

I haven't quite lost the nails—not yet, anyway—I just had several large blood blisters (like as wide as the toe itself) and now the nails have completely blackened. Which isn't a problem I had on even my longest training runs, so I'm not sure what to pin it on except the generally higher intensity. What kind of socks do you wear?

I've retired from running due to cartilage issues in my hips, so I only wear cycling socks now lol.

I used to wear your standard moisture wicking running socks. There's a large Canadian chain up here aptly named the "Running Room". I would buy all my technical gear there, and they sell these 'coolmax' socks. I didn't get so much as a tiny blister during my running days. I also had the good sense to think critically about how my gear is fitting before any race or long run. Something that isn't too bothersome at the start of a marathon could very well be blinding pain 4 hrs later. Or 5 hours later, as was the case in a couple of my marathons.

[wolfking]

I've completed 12 marathons and 2 Ironman triathlons, and not once have i lost a toenail. Not sure if it's luck or the way i tie my laces,  but my training partners have not been so lucky

Jeez, even my pissy running I've had both second toe toenails fall off.  Must be doing something wrong. My left one which is new is currently entirely black once again. 

[SchecterShredder]

I've completed 12 marathons and 2 Ironman triathlons, and not once have i lost a toenail. Not sure if it's luck or the way i tie my laces,  but my training partners have not been so lucky

Jeez, even my pissy running I've had both second toe toenails fall off.  Must be doing something wrong. My left one which is new is currently entirely black once again. 

You ran 30km a week ago. I wouldn't call that 'pissy running' lol

[wolfking]

I've completed 12 marathons and 2 Ironman triathlons, and not once have i lost a toenail. Not sure if it's luck or the way i tie my laces,  but my training partners have not been so lucky

Jeez, even my pissy running I've had both second toe toenails fall off.  Must be doing something wrong. My left one which is new is currently entirely black once again. 

You ran 30km a week ago. I wouldn't call that 'pissy running' lol

You know what I mean, I haven't done what some of you guys have done.  I mean;

Number of marathons completed by Rich - 12
Number of marathons completed by Kade - 0

 

I'm getting there though.  PB today on a 15km.  4:58 average per km.  That was a little goal I've had for a while to go under the 5.00.  The half at 5.00 per km seems possible. 

[Harmony]

Well, I'm going to crow a little bit.  I'm down 30 pounds since July 25th and 14 pounds since January when I began lifting and working with my trainer.  Best part was closet diving before my trip to Hawaii and finding so many things that I bought during the pandemic that I could never fit into or wouldn't feel comfortable in.  All of my brand new summer clothing fits, including swim suits and I'm feeling more toned and leaner than I have in years.  The Hawaii trip was a great motivator and once I get back, I put in another hard push for the last 20 pounds - hopefully by the end of the year because for me, slow and steady seems to be best.  I've got a few exercise band workouts to do while I'm gone and I'll be getting in tons of walking.  But I am taking a 10 day break from logging my food intake.  I know the scale will go up after I get back.  I also know it will go back down again pretty fast after I get back on the horse.

So I saw this little fitness questionnaire and thought I'd see if you all wanted to try it out.  Are the following statements true or myth?

1.  If you want to be fit, you have to exercise really, really hard every single day.
2.  Carbs and sugar make you fat
3.  If you are not sore after a workout, you didn't work hard enough.
4.  If you want a six pack, you have to do more ab exercises
5.  You need a gym membership to get fit
6.  If you want to lose under arm fat then you have to do tricep exercises
7.  Your body needs to be cleansed or detoxified
8.  Strength training will make you bulky
9.  Sweating more means you burn more calories
10. You have to eat protein 30 minutes after a workout
11. You have to cut out fast food if you want to lose weight

[KevShmev]

Well, I'm going to crow a little bit.  I'm down 30 pounds since July 25th and 14 pounds since January when I began lifting and working with my trainer.  Best part was closet diving before my trip to Hawaii and finding so many things that I bought during the pandemic that I could never fit into or wouldn't feel comfortable in.  All of my brand new summer clothing fits, including swim suits and I'm feeling more toned and leaner than I have in years.  The Hawaii trip was a great motivator and once I get back, I put in another hard push for the last 20 pounds - hopefully by the end of the year because for me, slow and steady seems to be best.  I've got a few exercise band workouts to do while I'm gone and I'll be getting in tons of walking.  But I am taking a 10 day break from logging my food intake.  I know the scale will go up after I get back.  I also know it will go back down again pretty fast after I get back on the horse.

So I saw this little fitness questionnaire and thought I'd see if you all wanted to try it out.  Are the following statements true or myth?

1.  If you want to be fit, you have to exercise really, really hard every single day.
2.  Carbs and sugar make you fat
3.  If you are not sore after a workout, you didn't work hard enough.
4.  If you want a six pack, you have to do more ab exercises
5.  You need a gym membership to get fit
6.  If you want to lose under arm fat then you have to do tricep exercises
7.  Your body needs to be cleansed or detoxified
8.  Strength training will make you bulky
9.  Sweating more means you burn more calories
10. You have to eat protein 30 minutes after a workout
11. You have to cut out fast food if you want to lose weight

Nice work! 

I suspect most or all of your statements are pretty true, although when it comes to losing weight, diet is like 90% of it, at least for me. Even when I was younger, I could work out for two hours a day and wouldn't drop a pound until I ate better.  Of course, everyone is different, so (the general) you do what is best for you.

[SchecterShredder]

It's a trick question. They're all technically false as written. You don't need to cut out fast food, but it would help.  You don't need to exercise hard, but it helps (although not everyday). Carbs and sugar won't make you fat, but only if eaten in moderation.  And so on.....

Despite what the fitness industry wants you to believe with their marketing,  there's no mystery or magic bullet to weight loss.  It mostly comes down to a caloric deficit over time

[wolfking]

1.  If you want to be fit, you have to exercise really, really hard every single day. - No, not every single day, but you do need to train hard consistently.

2.  Carbs and sugar make you fat - Absolutely false.

3.  If you are not sore after a workout, you didn't work hard enough. - False.

4.  If you want a six pack, you have to do more ab exercises - Couldn't be further from the truth.

5.  You need a gym membership to get fit - This makes no sense, completely false.

6.  If you want to lose under arm fat then you have to do tricep exercises - Lifting weights is indeed necessary, but diet and genetics, plus age play a big role.  Can get as much benefit out of compound movements like bench, shoulder press and pulldowns but adding isolation exercises certainly can't hurt.

7.  Your body needs to be cleansed or detoxified - Can't really comment.  Depends on you daily diet.  I like doing IF which in a way is a little bit of that sort of thing.

8.  Strength training will make you bulky - Trust me, this is false.

9.  Sweating more means you burn more calories - False.

10. You have to eat protein 30 minutes after a workout - You don't have to, no IMO.  But protein needs to be consumed in a higher than normal fashion daily.

11. You have to cut out fast food if you want to lose weight - Definitely not.

[wolfking]

there's no mystery or magic bullet to weight loss.  It mostly comes down to a caloric deficit over time

Yep.

[senecadawg2]

Well, I'm going to crow a little bit.  I'm down 30 pounds since July 25th and 14 pounds since January when I began lifting and working with my trainer.  Best part was closet diving before my trip to Hawaii and finding so many things that I bought during the pandemic that I could never fit into or wouldn't feel comfortable in.  All of my brand new summer clothing fits, including swim suits and I'm feeling more toned and leaner than I have in years.  The Hawaii trip was a great motivator and once I get back, I put in another hard push for the last 20 pounds - hopefully by the end of the year because for me, slow and steady seems to be best.

Congrats! Not only on the weight loss but also on what seems a much healthier approach. The bold seems to be true for most things, and most people.

This is what most irks me about certain really popular fad diets—people using them to lose weight quickly without a mind toward total health. I often look at those diets and think, if losing weight quickly is the goal and you're willing to eat a very restrictive and imbalanced diet to achieve that goal, why not take up smoking and let the nicotine suppress your appetite? Why not take up meth? Obviously I'm being somewhat facetious, but I think there's something to it: there aren't many better illustrations of our pervasive unhealthfulness than the fact that so many equate rapid weight loss with health. It's a sick approach to sickness.

[SchecterShredder]

Rapid weight loss never works in the long run, either. I'm too lazy to find the research paper, but there was a recent study of the Biggest Loser contestants (reality show, if you're unaware). They found that every single contestant, save one, regained all the weight they lost on the show. Most even gained more weight than they lost. Slow and steady wins this race because it allows you to adjust your lifestyle and habits for long-term success.

It's also unfortunate that this weight loss mentality has given the term 'diet' a bad vibe. People at work will comment on what I eat (which is generally very healthy), and always ask if I'm on a diet. The answer is always the same: no, I'm not on a diet. I have a diet which happens to consist of mostly fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. It took me years to refine my diet to where it is now by making small changes here and there, and I don't restrict any foods. To quote Stadler from this thread a couple years ago: "If I want to eat a piece of chocolate cake. I eat a fucking piece of chocolate cake"

[wolfking]

Fast results are a great motivator.  But often, they are not sustainable results.  Inducing your body into ketosis does produce noticeable, quick results.  But many doctors feel it isn't a sustainable diet.  And in my observation, most people end up not finding it to be sutainable just as a practical matter.

I want to agree with this right here for the most part. 

I tried all the different kind of diets with success over my time, and I got some success, but there's no way I could maintain a close to zero carb diet day in day out.  I've learnt that keeping things simple, picking the right foods most of the time and training your ass off will get better results.  Now, if I want ice cream or a chocolate or a cake, I fucking have it becuase I have the training to back it up and a consistintly good diet.

For long term success, I was obsessed with trying to find and research the best types of diets and foods to help, even meal timing and food combinations.  All that bullshit was making me take all my focus off my training.  I was worried about foods and specific diets I was training like a pussy.  I shifted my focus to training as opposed to diet, and it's paid off immensly.  As I said my diet is still great 80-90% of the time, but being in that restrictive phase a few years ago, I was borderline eating disorder and my training sucked, simple as that.  Don't get so hung up in a diet that you may not be able to eat forever.  If you have to think and focus so hard trying not to eat certain foods, it ain't gonna work in the long run.  Learn how to balance and learn how to train.

Did you mean me Rich? 

[SchecterShredder]

Haha, apparently i did mean you. Not just full of Aussie nonsense,  after all.