Running, Anyone...?

[2bjenny]

I have an ultimate direction mountain vest and a nathan vest, similar to the fireball I like both and they can usually be found on sale or specials. I also like the look of the Inov8 Race Elite Vest 10, which falls in between the those two size wise. I think the UD Mountain Vest is a little big for a 50k and the Nathan vest I have is too small.

[AKbruin]

Got a new headlamp: Biolight. Really, the best headlight I’ve ever used bc it’s so balanced and comfy. There’s no floppiness from a heavy light on the front.

But: what hydration pack/vest you all using? Should accommodate a 50k or so. Not the cheapest guy...but also not looking to spend a $170 on a S/Lab vest.


Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

I also recently picked up a Biolight. I've only used it for a 3-day backpacking trip and haven't run with it yet, but I'm impressed so far.

I've liked my Solomon Advanced Skin 12 so far (~$150). I picked it up in July because the reviews were unanimously good. So far I've done a few unsupported 20+ mile mountain runs with it, and it's worked fine. I also added a 1.5 hydration pack, and I have no problems running with both it and the two half-liter soft bottles at capacity. My one caveat would be to maybe size down. I was right between a medium and large. I initially bought a medium, but it felt too tight on the sofa, so I exchanged it for a large. On my first run with full water bottles, I realized that I had to cinch it nearly all the way down for it to fit properly. Mind you, it still works well for me this way, but I probably should have stuck with the medium.

[I've seen black diamonds!]

But: what hydration pack/vest you all using? Should accommodate a 50k or so. Not the cheapest guy...but also not looking to spend a $170 on a S/Lab vest.

I've been using a Salomon Skin Pro 10 for a few years. Carries well for me regardless of how I set it up (bottle/bladder/both, empty vs full of extra clothes/water pump/microspikes). Pocket design is good. It's getting a bit threadbare after heavy use, and I've restitched a couple seems, but I'm pretty happy with the durability. Might try the new Patagonia vest soon as I have some credit and can return if I don't like it.

[Buke]

I know that you said you don't want to spend $170 on an S/Lab vest but I can highly recommend the Adv Skin 12. I wanted something that I could wear on runs to work where I'd be carrying a lunch and a jacket and also use on long trail runs where I needed to carry some survival essentials. I hardly notice I'm wearing it regardless of whether it's virtually empty except for a water bottle or it's stuffed with emergency bivy, clothes, food, etc. I can't imagine needing anything else so when you compare it to the risk of buying something cheaper and then needing to buy a 2nd product to fill a gap, it maybe isn't that expensive.

[hutash]

I also recently picked up a Biolight. I've only used it for a 3-day backpacking trip and haven't run with it yet, but I'm impressed so far.

I've liked my Solomon Advanced Skin 12 so far (~$150). I picked it up in July because the reviews were unanimously good. So far I've done a few unsupported 20+ mile mountain runs with it, and it's worked fine. I also added a 1.5 hydration pack, and I have no problems running with both it and the two half-liter soft bottles at capacity. My one caveat would be to maybe size down. I was right between a medium and large. I initially bought a medium, but it felt too tight on the sofa, so I exchanged it for a large. On my first run with full water bottles, I realized that I had to cinch it nearly all the way down for it to fit properly. Mind you, it still works well for me this way, but I probably should have stuck with the medium.

Just stop running and eat a lot...problem solved.

How did you like the light for backpacking? I have had horrible luck with rechargeables in general, so just carry extra AAAs or a small lamp.

[AKbruin]

As a relatively new runner, I've been enjoying the local trail running at lot this summer. Here are a few photos of Tahoe-based trail-running zen:

How did you like the light for backpacking? I have had horrible luck with rechargeables in general, so just carry extra AAAs or a small lamp.

So far, so good. The battery issue is a potential problem. But it's also nice to be able to recharge via a USB.

[Dantheman]

Great pics!

[carpathian]

I just picked a pair of Altra Amp (?) from REI . Love the wide toe box and zero drop. Took them for a quick spin tonight and could definitely feel the difference in foot strike position .

After using Salomon speed cross for the last few years as trail shoe with tight toe box and 11mm drop , these felt like running on clouds!

That Tahoe running sure looks nice , I just did 6 miles in the dark pouring rain could see my breath in street lights. Not photogenic but new shoes made fun!

[smartyiak]

How did you like the light for backpacking? I have had horrible luck with rechargeables in general, so just carry extra AAAs or a small lamp.

I know you weren't talking to me, but...

There have been some negative reviews about the battery life (especially in the cold). I bought it specifically for running and I will say, it is, hands down, the best light ever for running. I hate headlamps when running b/c of the floppiness/imbalanced weight...I just cant't seem to get the headband tight enough to prevent it...or it was so uncomfortably tight that I couldn't take it. The headband on the Biolite is also really nice and soft.

I've had the Biolite on up to 4hrs and still had plenty of charge left. If I'm not running, I don't have the same issues with the flopiness, so the biggest benefit of the Biolite is lessened. If going hike/camp for an entire weekend or longer, I'd prolly still take a traditional headlamp with extra batteries, if only so I didn't have to worry about recharging issues.

[sirbumpsalot]

Anyone ever have to deal with a Meniscal Cyst? Degenerative meniscus tear with zero pain, but over a 2-3 month period I developed a rather large sized hard lump on the medial side of my knee. Still no pain and running. Doc recs no surgery and as long as there is no locking or pain continue to run.

Just wonder if this fluid filled cyst will just continue to grow and grow and grow and....? Or is there some sort of limit...

[AKbruin]

Great pics!

Thanks, man. I read your old comments on nutrition in this thread from a number of years ago, and were really helpful. I think I'm going to try bringing a slice of pizza on my next long run. Pizza goes down so well on long backcountry ski days, and I'm pretty sure my stomach would not only handle it but appreciate it. I've been doing too many sugary bars and gus recently. I might also try some Trail Butter, but pizza sounds better.

Side note: One thing that trail running has helped me appreciate is how relatively low impact on the body backcountry skiing is.

[fool]

Got a new headlamp: Biolight. Really, the best headlight I’ve ever used bc it’s so balanced and comfy. There’s no floppiness from a heavy light on the front.

But: what hydration pack/vest you all using? Should accommodate a 50k or so. Not the cheapest guy...but also not looking to spend a $170 on a S/Lab

Biolight sounds great from everyone - will check it out! Hadn't heard about it before.

I have a Salomon Advanced Skin 5 and an Ultimate Direction AK Mountain 3.0 11L. Any of the major brands will have some quality products, and you can usually find them on sale from BC or REI.

If the primary purpose is the 50k...you may not need it, depending on your pace, terrain, aid stations, comfort in mountains, and whether or not you're comfortable using hand bottles. If it's for the race (and possibly training runs), I would look for something 5L or less - you won't need to be carrying much than that for < 4 hour runs.

[fool]

As a relatively new runner, I've been enjoying the local trail running at lot this summer. Here are a few photos of Tahoe-based trail-running zen:

Are you living in Reno or in Lake Tahoe, AK? Reno has some great running groups that are awesome at welcoming people into trail running. And then maybe you can just run around all of Lake Tahoe...



Had to share a (new) ridiculous video from Salomon on the badass Courtney Dauwalter, and her race at Tahoe 200.

[I've seen black diamonds!]

Took the training wheels off today after a couple months focused on carefully working back from injury. 14 miles and 4k vert. Felt pretty good. Now I need to lose some weight or the progress will stagnate.

[doebedoe]

Nice!

Wish I could join ya for the full Boulder traverse.

[Dantheman]

Nice little jaunt today. First time running more than 20 miles in a long time. IT band issues still seem to be a problem for anything 20+.

[carpathian]

Nice! I did my first 20 miler in over a year last week. Things start to get iffy after 15 for sure. I'm 2 weeks out from this trail marathon trying to stay steady in mileage for this block.

I found that if I want to get in a quality long run on the weekend I have to dial it back a little mid week.

Last 3 weeks:

9/3 A) 11 miles in 1:20 with 3x 5k (19:40, 19:30, 19:40)
9/4 easy 6 mile, tree from hard intervals the day before
9/5 easy 5
9/6 B) 13 mile in 1:45 with miles 9-12.1 @ 18:00
9/7 7 miles easy in 1:25

42.5 for the week in 6.5 hours

9/8 rest, tired
9/9 5 mile in 40 min
9/10 B) 15 mile in 2:30 with last 3 @ 7:30
9/11 rest
9/12 easy 5 in 42min
9/13 easy Zwift 30
9/14 C) run 20 in 3:25 with high mark turnaround at 10 mile. 2 hour up, 1:30 return. Last 5 @ 7:30

45.5 for the week in 8:10

Poured rain all this week...

9/15 Zwift easy 30
9/16 8 mile easy in 60 min
9/17 6.5 in dark rain, 50 min
9/18 4 mile in 45
9/19 rest
9/20 rest
9/21 Today C) 19 mostly flat miles in 2:36. (5 @ 9:30, 4 @ 8:30, 3 @ 6:50, 7 @ 7:30). Felt good.

38.5 for week in 5:35

Big race 2 weeks out. Gonna get a solid speed workout and maybe medium long run this week than taper...

[Viva]

Nice little jaunt today. First time running more than 20 miles in a long time. IT band issues still seem to be a problem for anything 20+.

Nice effort. Have you tried sports massage for the ITBs? Helped me.

Sent from my SM-G960U using TGR Forums mobile app

[carpathian]

I can’t comprehend...

https://www.adn.com/sports/2019/09/2...0ztPcrhkk5mSls

[Dantheman]

Nice effort. Have you tried sports massage for the ITBs? Helped me.

Sent from my SM-G960U using TGR Forums mobile app

I saw a PT about it when it first started happening 7 years ago. At the time I figured it was mostly an overuse thing since I was actively training for a 100-miler. I worked the program he gave me for awhile, then had neuroma surgery and along with some other reasons just stopped doing long runs for years. I kinda figured it would have gone away on its own in that time, guess not.

I can’t comprehend...

https://www.adn.com/sports/2019/09/2...0ztPcrhkk5mSls

That's some insane speed.

[AKbruin]

Nice job, DTM, carpathian, and ISBD!

Sorry about the IT band issue, DTM. Again, I think this is the most frustrating part of trail running for me--it's hard on the body and difficult to avoid injury. I can do a week straight of 8-12 hour backcountry ski days and be tired but physically intact at the end. But if I spent a fraction of that amount of time running it would inevitably lead to some nasty injuries and bodily breakdowns.

I am, incidentally, trying to heal up what I hope is a minor strain. I went from 50+ miles/8k a week to 4 miles/0k last week. Everything was fine and I was feeling great while trying to be smart about gradually ramping up my mileage. And then suddenly, after a minor run, I was limping with an ache that wouldn't go away in a day or two. It seems like it's gotten better (lots of cold and heat treatment), but it still sucks.

[Buke]

I'll jump into the fray with my complaints about injury. I'm training for my first marathon. I've had plantar fasciitis in the past and as I've ramped up my running so has the plantar fasciitis. It's pretty tolerable at this point. I really only feel it first thing in the morning but as my mileage is going up the symptoms are getting worse. The PT gave me some exercises to do but they don't seem to be doing much (I may not be doing them as frequently as I should). Rather than do a short run today I spent 40 minutes on the stationary recumbent bike.

Any advice about how to cure plantar fasciitis?

[Mr. Mike]

I'll jump into the fray with my complaints about injury. I'm training for my first marathon. I've had plantar fasciitis in the past and as I've ramped up my running so has the plantar fasciitis. It's pretty tolerable at this point. I really only feel it first thing in the morning but as my mileage is going up the symptoms are getting worse. The PT gave me some exercises to do but they don't seem to be doing much (I may not be doing them as frequently as I should). Rather than do a short run today I spent 40 minutes on the stationary recumbent bike.

Any advice about how to cure plantar fasciitis?

I don't know about cure, but I have had some success over the years keeping it at bay with consistent calf self-massage and stretching. This little guy here has helped a lot. I think PF frequently is a symptom of a "shortened chain" due to some issues somewhere in the soleus, achilles, fasciitis sequence. https://www.360athletics.com/foundation-collection.html

[Mr. Mike]

I saw a PT about it when it first started happening 7 years ago. At the time I figured it was mostly an overuse thing since I was actively training for a 100-miler. I worked the program he gave me for awhile, then had neuroma surgery and along with some other reasons just stopped doing long runs for years. I kinda figured it would have gone away on its own in that time, guess not.



That's some insane speed.

for IT Band, I have had success with foam roller. Not just rolling back and forth on it, but rolling it slowly and deliberately while extending and bending the knee as you roll. It gets those fibers that aren't sliding over one another sliding again. And it hurts like hell too by the way. 2 per day or more if you can. It only takes 3-4 minutes each time.

[Mofro261]

When I had a bout of PF, sleeping with a Strassburg on sock fixed it. YMMV.