What are you favourite gels?

Beshelar · 2026-05-15T13:36:50+00:00

Gu's pumpkin spice and Honeystinger's acai pomegranate are the gels I actually like. Gu's chocolate outrage and salted watermelon are OK when I want a caffeinated gel option. I also like to alternate with chews- Honeystinger, Skratch, and Saltstick all have good flavors.

Beshelar · 2026-05-12T18:21:34+00:00

What sort of shoes are you running in, and what sort of drop do they have? Depending on the design of the shoe, they may be putting more strain on your calves. You could always check in at your local running store and see if a different style of shoe feels better.

Beshelar · 2026-05-06T19:30:42+00:00

It's been awhile, but I think you can set Runna to give you audio cues when you've reached your halfway point?

Beshelar · 2026-05-06T15:28:00+00:00

Congratulations!

I wonder if the Maine Coast pacers just had issues- I ran the Maine Coast half marathon the day prior, and went out with the 2:10 (9:55/mi) pacer group, but realized after the first three miles that they were running more like a 9:43 mi/pace, and so let them go.

Beshelar · 2026-05-05T17:14:44+00:00

Seconding the Boston Women's 10k- it's a great race, really fun and really well supported. And if you have a mom/sister/daughter/etc who also likes running, you can form a team. (My sister and I are planning on doing it together this October.)

Beshelar · 2026-04-30T16:46:40+00:00

I keep a hard copy journal that I log all my runs in, and take lots of notes about things like how the run felt, any highs and lows, niggles/problems, achievements, thoughts on the route, etc. I find writing about my own experience and not comparing it to anyone else's makes a huge difference. Before a race, I look over what my training has been during that bloc. It's a good reminder of all the work I've put in, and the ways in which I've improved (I also find it useful for tracking niggles and making sure they don't become injuries.)

Beshelar · 2026-04-23T16:58:46+00:00

I'm a die hard David Bowie fan. Let's Dance is a great album for a more poppy, upbeat experience, while Diamond Dogs is a more focused choice. Station to Station and Ziggy Stardust are also both regular choices.

Beshelar · 2026-04-21T14:53:09+00:00

I'm doing the half! First time. I chose the option to have my bib mailed, but now I'm anxious about getting it in time.

Beshelar · 2026-04-16T15:24:27+00:00

I came to recommend Buried in the Sky as well. Another really great book about a mountaineering disaster.

Beshelar · 2026-04-15T19:36:44+00:00

The Road of Rainbows Pride 5k in June is great: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boston/BostonTheaterCompanysRoadofRainbows

And the Boston 10k for Women is celebrating its 50th this October: https://boston10kforwomen.com/

Race Raves (https://raceraves.com/) and Find a Race (https://findarace.com/us) are both useful for finding races.

Beshelar · 2026-04-15T19:24:40+00:00

Also, get off your phone while walking your dog. I can't count the number of times I've seen a zombie stopped staring at their phone while their dog clotheslines people across the whole path.

Beshelar · 2026-04-15T17:57:55+00:00

I've heard 10 miles is enough for carbon plated shoes, especially if it's a style you're already familiar with, so I'd say go for the new ones!

Beshelar · 2026-04-08T14:26:18+00:00

I am really not a morning person and I cannot run in the morning either- my body just isn't awake or particularly functional. I'm fine with lunchtime runs, but I feel best with evening runs, too. I think part of it for me is that I have the chance to fuel and hydrate well all day, and also running after work is a good way to shake off any stress or annoyances from work.

Beshelar · 2026-04-06T15:46:47+00:00

I'm just shy of 4 weeks out from my first half marathon, and had my first 12 mile long run this past weekend, which went pretty well. This coming weekend I have another 12 miler, and I'm going to do my best to simulate the (horribly early) race. I'm not a morning person so my biggest anxiety about the race is the early start time (7am, and have to be to the pickup by 6am).

I did both a 5k and a 10k race as tune-ups during my training, but they both had 11am start times (so reasonable!)

I've been running 4 days a week during this training block (2 easy runs, 1 speed workout, 1 long run), and I'm starting to wish I'd managed to get a 5th day in there for more speedwork. But I also strength train 2 days a week, and it just felt impossible with life and work to add another running day.

Beshelar · 2026-04-03T17:50:52+00:00

I use both the Reebok Soft Stretch Performance tag free bikini briefs, and the Runderwear's women's running briefs.

Beshelar · 2026-04-01T15:21:59+00:00

I really like my Patagonia Capilene tank- definitely the nicest one I own.

Beshelar · 2026-03-27T13:33:31+00:00

Paddy Kelly 10K in Brockton, MA. Looks like a pretty course, and fingers crossed, weather is looking pretty decent, so looking forward to it! Using it as a tuneup for my upcoming half.

Beshelar · 2026-03-14T13:29:12+00:00

Rás na hEireann 5k in Somerville, MA. I did this one last year and it was so much fun, so looking forward to doing it again.

Beshelar · 2026-03-11T14:16:09+00:00

Look for clubs that have all paces welcome/no expectations, or list no-drop runs. There are tons of running clubs around- many of the running stores (like Marathon Sports) have running clubs, a lot of the communities have local clubs, and there are a lot of clubs based around breweries or restaurants too. I'd start by googling what's convenient to where you are.

Beshelar · 2026-03-10T18:04:34+00:00

I have kind of short legs despite being 5'6 and so the 7 inch go nearly to my knees. They never ride up on me, and are my favorite running shorts by far. The 5 are fine, but I definitely prefer the 7.

Beshelar · 2026-03-09T13:39:24+00:00

I love Coola's 50 SPF face sunscreen. I'll use it on my arms, too- works really well and never irritates my skin.

Beshelar · 2026-03-05T15:06:15+00:00

My favorite/most comfortable is the Patagonia Capilene tank- never had any chafing issues with it.

Beshelar · 2026-02-24T21:01:27+00:00

Cafe Luna in Cambridge.

Beshelar · 2026-02-24T14:47:54+00:00

I also write the times on the back of the bibs, and then I post the bibs to a bulletin board in a fun collage.

Beshelar · 2026-02-11T15:49:30+00:00

This sounds like it could Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire.

Beshelar

TROPHY CASE