On track versus road
I wonder why the track is so much faster than the road. Is it the surface? Is it the consistency of running in circles? Is the GPS inaccurate on the track? Is it being used to it (since I have been consistently going to the track for weeks now)? For me, running on the track is like running on a slight downhill; it does not feel like a downhill on my body (e.g., my quads are not overworking), but the effort is less than on the road.
On treadmill versus road/track
The TM is much harder for me, mentally and physically. I believe this is a function of not being used to it. I remember running consistently on the TM in college, and then trying to run outside and OMG, so hard. Now it is the opposite. My easy pace (per effort and HR) on the TM is slower by 10-20secs than on the road. Also, my hip flexors get sore after a TM run, while when I run on the road my hamstrings seem to be doing more work. I wonder how much this is an issue of economy and efficiency. It is easier for me to run on the road even in the wind than on the TM bc my body is more economical/efficient on it, due to lots of practice.
On varying surfaces
Right now I am experimenting with running on a variety of surfaces, with a variety of shoes (thank you Brooks!). I run on track (once), on the TM (once), on the elliptical (once), on trails (3 times), and on the road (the rest of the time). I never run in the same pair of shoes twice in a week. Will see if this makes a difference in terms of injury.
On flu versus cold
I have been sick for 2 weeks now. Two weeks ago I got a flu shot, and then the next day I started to feel shitty. No, I did not get the flu from the flu shot, just had the bug in me before getting the shot. The shot probably helped me have a shorter, less symptomatic flu. I had fever for 3 days, and was so tired and weak that I would come back from work, sleep for 2 hours, get up for one hour and then sleep some more. I tried to run and my HR went up to 223. I abandoned a workout. I felt better toward the end of the week and had no issues while racing last Saturday. Then I caught a who knows what cold bug from Chris: sore throat, congestion, headache, chills. I did an easier fartlek run on Monday rather than a track workout. I was surprised that my HR was good and I felt fine running. On Wednesday I attempted a much harder workout (thanks PPC) and my HR was really good. I don't have the weakness and fatigue of the flu, and running actually helps with the congestion. Interesting to me:)
On election
It is very interesting to me that people stay away from talking politics on social media. Why? People talk about other "sensitive" topics like religion on social media and blogs all the time. Is it because of concerns about loss of followers, judgements? I grew up during communism and free speech was not a right that we had. Don't take the right to speak your mind lightly! It is a privilege.
On my next 5K
In 1.5 weeks. My last one. Whatever happens, happens. I might not be able to run a sub 19, even though my training clearly points into that direction. I want the sub 19 but in that last mile of a 5K maybe I don't want it enough. Life is smooth sailing for me right now. A PR would only bring momentary thrills on a canvas of a pretty stable life. Or maybe the fact that it's been a while since my last PR is messing around with my confidence. It is much easier to believe in a PR when you come from having just gotten one. Maybe chasing Katie around will help with that. Regardless, I am ready to take a week of rest after the 5K and then plunge into HM training for the winter. I love winter running!
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24 comments:
Love that you defend the flu shot despite that you got sick immediately after getting it. Totally agree, getting sick had NOTHING to do with getting the shot!! Glad you are feeling better.
I too feel like the track is so much less effort than running on the road and I am not entirely sure why. The increased quantitative feedback? The consistent, flat surface? The knowledge that if it is windy you have it exactly equally in your face and at your back? Anyway I totally agree (but monika is you are reading, get off the track!! back to the soft trails for you!!)
I think that the track is just a surface made to help with pressure on your legs; however, I still get bored in a circle.
As for staying away from politics, I do for two reasons. 1.) No matter what I say or prove, people are going to have their opinions and will fight to the death tooth and nail for those opinions. Life's too short to constantly battle. I'm not scared, just don't think it's worth it. There are some that I talk to that think different than myself, but we all listen to eachother (not a fight). The other reason (and very apparent during this election) is that I'm just plain sick of talking, hearing, thinking, and watching anything that has to do with politics. Sorry, but it's the truth.
Not that your post was bad. Just thought I would throw my two cents in this time.
This reminds me I need to get my flu shot!
As for politics on social media, I stay away from it because I find it difficult to provide context and details for my opinions on FB (and twitter if I was on twitter). Also, it is not always an "educated discussion". Call me an elitist snob but I don't feel like engaging with some "friends" because they are arguing from a place of fear or ignorance and it is just not worth the energy. I find I'd much prefer to express my thoughts on my blog because it's easier to put forward a fully formulated thought and even when people disagree with me (and many do, including my husband), it results in a more thoughtful, polite conversation.
I too find running on a track way easier than running anywhere else. I do not run much on road and never on TM, but I did workouts on a soft gravel road this past summer and it was way harder than track. Of course gravel surface is slower, but I think that it is also mental (we both love track and speed and it is easier to run fast when you are happier than normal, right?) and track is pancake flat and no road is like that. But road is faster surface than most tracks, isn’t it? Plus no GPS is 100% accurate, just look at that “accuracy tab”. Especially can't be accurate on track since it is so small. GPS sats are 20,000+km above the Earth, track is basically running in “circle” with ~150m diameter, thus how can something that is 20,000km far recognize running in such small circles with 100% accuracy? I say no way. Thus I always use a stopwatch function and go by interval time, not by GPS pace.
Even if you do not get that sub-19 in a few days, you will get it eventually. You are one of a very few people I think of when I think about dedication, hard work, confidence some non-professional athletes possess. I am totally amazed by you. Seriously!
Dang PPC! I totally forgot about my resolution to not run on track and now you reminded me, and I have enjoyed track so much! But ok. Although I still need to do one w/out on a track because I am not running 5x1k on trails in dark with a headlamp while dears, skunks and squirrels jump into my path every 100m and scare the hell out of me (although honestly I do not know who gets more scared, me or them).
Sorry AM, I did not mean to lead conversation with another person on your blog. Won't happen again)
@PPC Great points!
@KW - I get your point. I am not talking about debating a politics issue, just stating ones conviction. I mean, if someone posts something about their religious beliefs (which people often do), I don't contradict them or impose my opinions onto them. And I have dear friends who have different political and religious convictions than I do. And @ Angela and David, I completely agree about your comment about a place of fear and ignorance. So true.
@Monika - thank you:) And let me say I love how straight forward you are in your comments. I can always count on you to be honest. And keep on keeping with PPC, love the exchange:)
Really loving that you are in such a good place in life...smooth sailing is a good feeling. No matter what you do next week, you've got a sub 19 in you. Sorry you were so sick. :( Uggh, hate the flu. We take chances every year since we do not get flu shots. But with or without them, I suppose we run the risk.
Politics...yes, tricky here. YOu know, I think it is the way people go about talking about politics. Sometimes it gets hateful and mean and ugly. For me, I appreciate people sharing their opinions and speaking out for what they believe in but when it comes in an attack form or in a way that makes others seem horribly horribly wrong for disagreeing...like when religion gets involved in politics...this is where I have to shut fb down. As if you can't be a ____________(insert religion) if you vote _____________. I mean, come on people! FB got pretty ugly the other night....no "UNITED" states about it. :) But I agree, it IS a privilege. To think for ourselves and have our own voice.
@Amanda - why not get the flu shot? Curious. Even if you are healthy, it does protect others as you can be a carrier...And yes about your thoughts on politics. And, hm, when I was 33-34 I was NOT smooth sailing. You are right, life does get better as we age!
Amanda,
I totally agree with your points and especially your latest comment. I wish that we could just state our opinions without the online death squad turning on us. It's annoying to me. I mean, I'm on most of the side as my mother and I literally can't talk to her.
I have friends that I speak with about my opinions and have labeled myself A-political. I really don't trust any of the lot in D.C. at this moment. And most of my friends are extreme liberals, but they understand that I'm not that way. We have educated discussions ...oh and I can joke with them. Try do that on a political post...sheesh...it's like they want to hang you.
Road versus track: Well, tracks are made to be fast. That ever so slightly spongy surface. The perfect flatness of it. And, of course, you don't generally go to the track to run easy, so I think there's a mental factor too. Track = serious.
The TM: My HR is also higher for easier runs on the TM. I think I automatically run with a shorter stride on the TM, which is good for me because I have a tendency to start to over stride when I run outside all the time. The TM might not be good for everyone...rotating your running surfaces and shoes. That sounds super smart!
So funny about taking a week off after the 5K. That's what I was planning to do too! And then going straight into some HM training!
On politics: Free speech is definitely a privilege, and it doesn't bother me at all when people throw out their thoughts. I'm also thankful, however, that voting is private. I have some extended family that have radically different views than me (as I've seen on FB). I believe that I would be judged if I shared my thoughts, and I don't believe that any logical opinion I provide would help. These people are family, so I would rather not rock the boat and make every family gathering a point of stress. Family is family, you know? I'm so thankful that I can show my support by voting. But I am way more cautious towards FB and politics, than I would be if I were in person with someone. I think you and I could talk politics without an issue, but I don't necessarily feel the same comfort level with all my FB family/friends.
AM, lots of information out there for and against the flu shots. My mom was big time against it as we grew up and I've kind of taken her side on that matter. As with politics, I don't feel entirely informed enough to state all the reasons but I could send you a few links on the issue that my mom has passed on to me...but then again, that would just involve me googling and finding the info and then passing along. :) Lots of controversy in regards to the flu shot. I don't get it for myself or my kids. And probably won't start now. Just as I don't drink milk and my kids really have never either...this is also a controversial topic. :) My kids have also been in a very gradual vaccination schedule...not what they suggest. They are, however, caught up by the time they get in school.
I got the flu shot once and felt very strange not long after and was pretty ill, have never revisited but not big on vaccinations. I agree re politics, it seems like an uber sensitive subject here, I think it's good to be vocal. Ran my mile repeats outside over a bridge today, it was windy, not exactly flat and HARD work! Was only a couple of seconds off on a couple of reps so felt like a small victory - it kicked my butt! Way harder than my usual treadmill or track session but I will take the road when I can (I'm stuck on the treadmill 80% of the time but am not complaining, without it I couldn't run very often).
Good luck for the 5k!
@ Amanda and @Vicky - so nice to be able to choose whether we want a vaccine or not, etc.
@ Vicky - with winter coming and my dislike for TM, I will be doing lots of repeats on the road. Yes, much harder!
Agree with your thoughts on road vs. treadmill and just not being used to one or the other. I am currently NOT in the best TM shape which I am finding out being indoors the last couple of days with these nasty storms. Yes, on the hip flexors. Your hamstrings ARE doing more work on the road. Interesting on Mmmonkya's comment as a couple of my closer speedy friends never use a GPS on the track. Only interval times and a stopwatch.
I did get the flu shot both last year and this year although I understand the controversy. My kids are constantly in locker rooms and close quarters with others...Spreading OR catching the flu both of concern in my decision here.....to each his own.
Social media election comment and the election. My FB feed was FLOODED with political opinions. Like literally flooded. I hadn't noticed anyone in my circles holding back there:) Yes, absolutely the right to speak your mind in America which I respect and also the right to keep quiet in some social media venues should you so choose which I also respect. I'm not worried about losing followers-ha! This would be the least of my concerns.
Best of luck to you in the 5K which I think you will do AWESOME in and then bring on the HM!!!
I think the track feels easier because it is easier! :) It's a flat, spongy surface. The road is always up/down and the surface is generally to be desired. The TM causes you too shorten your stride, which is why I think you need to be "in shape" for it... It's a different type of running-one that requires a short, sharp stride.
For politics, I find it annoying when people constantly post their positions on social media--esp. FB and Twitter. I hang far to the left, and it often literally upsets me to read the irate, right-winged posts of people I usually genuinely like.
@ Jenn - I use time and pace from the GPS while on the track. Sometimes the same time shows different paces, and then I go with the time. Yes on the flu shot. For my work, we are very much encouraged to get the shot bc of patient contact. And I need to check your FB feed. On mine, people never commented on anything politics related (and v tame) that I posted.
@Mary - I am very liberal as well. My husband too. Lots of the family members on my side are conservatives; I still love them, I get why they hold on to their beliefs. And it comes down to what Angela said. Could not have said it better.
This year I got the flu shot and the whooping cough shot. Our school nurse convinced me. I don't get the flu shot every year - mostly due to time not convictions but I do pick up a lot of "stuff" from kids at school and one year I was very sick with the flu.
And you can't be old enough to have grown up during communism????
I try not to talk politics as I am one to avoid arguments. As a teacher of young children I am also used to not expressing my political opinions but you certainly know who their parents are voting for.
I have seen lots of comments about FB getting ugly but I didn't find that even though I have friends that voted various ways.
@AJH - you made my day! But, yes, I am 39 and grew up during communism...was 17 when it collapsed...
Interesting about flu shots. I had no idea that it can protect also other people from me if I was a carrier. I thought that it only protects myself and since I have never had a flu shot and have not had flu for 15+ years I did not think that I need one, and never bothered to research what exactly flu shots were. (Now I said this and I will probably get sick, won't I?:) All my co-workers got flu shots though so I hope they will stay healthy and I won't catch anything) Plus I think about it as a foreign matter injected into my body and why would I do that to myself?
Thus even now that I know that it can protect other people from me, I am not getting one.
Fun post to read tonight, ad you certainly have everyone talking!
As far as pace on the road and TM and track are concerned, I really have very little experience to compare. I never workout on the track. Usually when I am in town, the hours are not great for using the track, and at home I run on the road or trail since we don't have a good TM or track nearby. I trust your thoughts on this though. One thing I might say in regards to the paces on the track...why not test it out with a GPS watch and go run a mile there, hitting lap for each quarter, and using outside as well as inside lanes? You zoom way in and look over the map to see how well the thing actually tracks. I bet it's pretty close.
OK...politics and FB. I am with Katie. I have views, and also am completely grateful we have a right to vote and that it is a secret ballot. Taking full advantage of the secrecy. I love that we can express our views, share and debate, or totally go under the radar if we want to. But glad I used the opportunity. French political philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville said that "In a democracy, we get the government we deserve."
Also, I can only imagine your experience with the fall of communism from inside- I watched the Berlin wall fall on TV as a teen and I cheered with my parents.
@Monika - I know you like a little debate, so let me say this...I am sure you have gotten vaccines in your life (chicken pox, tetanus, etc). Why is the flu shot any different? Same type of logic - inactive viruses to trick your body into thinking that you had the flu (or whatever).
@ Raina - even though I use my GPS at the track, I trust the time more. Sometimes I run the same amount of time for 2 intervals, adn teh paces are different, particularly for distances 400m or shorter.
I totally forgot that I got those shots! But I got them when I was a kid, a nurse came to school and we had no choice. Now I do have a choice. Although I would get a shot that's supposed to protect me/others from a deadly disease, or I do not mind a shot you get every 10+ years, that sounds less invasive. Getting a flu shot every year sounds little too often. I would rather fill my body with foreign matter in form of articifial flavours and colourants in M&Ms.
@ Monika - yes, I remember getting all my shots at school. The nurse would come in and we would all line up...Grrr! I am a believer in shots. I did my research when my son was born, mostly scientific articles. Plus in the US although you have a choice about the flu shot, kids can't go to school without getting "childhood vaccines". Also when I was preggo I had to get an anti rubella shot bc I had never had the illness and catching the virus would have led to brain damage in my baby....So lots to think about here..
I definitely agree with getting shots like the one you got when preggo. To me flu does not seem like a serious enough disease to do it. But you have inspired me, I will do some research about shots because I really do not know much.
I wonder whether kids in the US get shots the same way we used to when we were kids, like you said nurse came, we formed a line... I doubt they do it that way now.
I hope you blog about your 5K.The weather was perfect here. And yes it is the stretch Scuba.
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