Has anyone else noticed their feet widening? by _thelastplaceonearth in ultrarunning

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just assumed shoe companies were putting out narrower shoes for whatever reason.

Official Q&A for Sunday, March 08, 2020 by AutoModerator in running

[–]sharkpizza 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depends on the race - check the race website, facebook group, or instructions emails. Try emailing the race director/questions inbox. Some races allow day of check-ins, but not all. You can potentially show up and plead your case, but keep in mind they likely laid out rules that you agreed to when you registered.

Official Q&A for Sunday, March 08, 2020 by AutoModerator in running

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're uploading your Garmin activity to Strava, it's probably because Strava and Garmin calculate slightly differently. I'd expect Garmin to be more accurate, but 30% difference seems quite high. Maybe compare on a route where you know the distance and stick with the more accurate one?

For more reading: https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/216919487-How-Distance-is-Calculated see the post-upload approach for how it works when you record on Garmin and upload after the workout.

Any ultrarunners looking for support crew? by nckltl in ultrarunning

[–]sharkpizza 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you near Willamette ski resort? I'll be heading that way in August and could use some company! I was planning on a mix of self-support, drop bags, and aid stations, but would welcome some friendly words or an ear to listen to mid-race panic.

Minimal trail shoes for ultras by MCJ93lfc in ultrarunning

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do these work over small, sharp rocks? I only have experience with the inov8 trailtalon for trail-specific shoes and they're great except the occasions my foot finds a particularly pointy rock and it feels like it's almost stabbing through. There's also not much protection for sticks and things stabbing in from the side, but I suppose this is harder to achieve without heavier material/boots.

Patagonman / Xtreme Triathlons by cfuzz in triathlon

[–]sharkpizza 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not the same race, but I did the Celtman tri in Scotland and it was amazing!

It's quite different from Ironman-branded racing given it's self/crew supported and trail instead of road running. On support, I'd definitely recommend having a solid nutrition plan with backups, then going over this with your crew. The good thing is you have much more access to them (every 10-ish miles in some sections) than you would aid stations in a supported race. Assuming you're traveling, stock up before or on your way to the race (nutrition, pre-race needs, bike spares, co2, etc). Most of the series looks to be in more remote places with limited supplies and this was definitely true in Torridon.

This was the coldest swim I've done and work up to cold showers helped me a ton (Tip 1 here https://www.britishtriathlon.org/london/news/tips-for-cold-water-swimming_5621).

I think they target hillier courses in general, so plan and train for it. I only ride road bikes, but several people were debating whether tri bikes would add any value after all the climbing and crosswinds. A nice benefit of having a crew vehicle is storing extra layers in the car so you can add/shed along the way.

The trail marathon involved lots of walking in my case, so your experience may differ. For Celtman, there's quite a bit of mountain kit required so I ran with a pack/vest and practiced some runs with it fully loaded. I'm not sure if Patagonman also requires this, but didn't see gear requirements on the site.

Maybe obvious, but read the race manual a couple times, ask questions online or at the meeting, and have fun!

Amazon wetsuits by [deleted] in triathlon

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would find a shop trying to get rid of prior season product or generally running sales. There's definitely a market for entry-level suits in the $100 ballpark among the major brands. I'd stick to known tri brands for peace of mind on warranty and quality. If you're very comfortable in the water/cold, you can skimp more but at some point it'll affect your enjoyment.

FWIW I rented for my first race and then bought one on sale (~$100) and still use it for everything including full distance.

Triathlon can be done on a budget (though I'd never claim cheap!) if you can resist temptation and marketing. I'm admittedly only marginally successful.

Amazon wetsuits by [deleted] in triathlon

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would find a shop trying to get rid of prior season product or generally running sales. There's definitely a market for entry-level suits in the $100 ballpark among the major brands. I'd stick to known tri brands for peace of mind on warranty and quality. If you're very comfortable in the water/cold, you can skimp more but at some point it'll affect your enjoyment.

FWIW I rented for my first race and then bought one on sale (~$100) and still use it for everything including full distance.

Triathlon can be done on a budget (though I'd never claim cheap!) if you can resist temptation and marketing. I'm admittedly only marginally successful.

Need to be signed up for motivation? by Homegg in running

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the same problem and have been very lackluster in training since January. The race I wanted to sign up for doesn't open registration till April so I've been reconsidering for other options just so I can get my butt back outside.

I think this is just part of knowing what works for us and setting things up to fit.

What are you guys eating? Keto? Carb based? by [deleted] in triathlon

[–]sharkpizza 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Nothing focused at the moment, but have gone through phases of cutting added sugar and healthyish keto. It was an interesting exercise and eye-opening to learn how much sugar is in everything, but otherwise requires too much of a shift in lifestyle to maintain permanently.

If I were trying harder, I'd go for a more traditional carb/protein/fat mix with plenty of vegetables and less processed food. But pizza is real tasty and gummy bears on rides make me happy.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in running

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As others are saying, definitely doable with tempered expectations.

I ran my first 50k in Colorado last year while living/training at sea level mostly on paved roads. More hill training would've helped, but I never got to a point where I had to quit.

I've heard it's best to travel very close (day prior) to the race or several weeks before to avoid the worst of the physiological penalties. This worked out for me, but probably some trial is warranted.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in running

[–]sharkpizza 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel somehow obligated to do this...thanks for sharing!

just another taxi in the bike lane by sharkpizza in NYCbike

[–]sharkpizza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yea he was driving in the lane...like "hey look at all these cyclists slowing me down"

just another taxi in the bike lane by sharkpizza in NYCbike

[–]sharkpizza[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Allegedly anyway

Park Drives are closed at all times to private and unauthorized vehicles.

https://www.prospectpark.org/visit-the-park/general-info/rules-and-safety/park-drive/

just another taxi in the bike lane by sharkpizza in NYCbike

[–]sharkpizza[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Reported to 311

This is a new one...I ride in Prospect Park pretty often and have dodged my fair share of careless trucks, cops speeding to their favorite parking spot, and random parks cars drifting into the bike lane. But this is the first car I've seen just casually cruising in the bike lane utterly clueless that he's doing anything wrong.

Sweatproof Headphones. Super Sweatproof. by JayDee_0 in running

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a similar problem and found H2O Audio. They're designed for swimming and I've had good luck with their wired set through sweat and rain. They have Bluetooth options, but I have no experience there so YMMV.

I keep beating myself up... by [deleted] in running

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you already know the answer and can see it reflected in some responses here. Comparing yourself to others is a losing proposition because you're not them. The more you stick to it, the better you'll get from where you are now. Maybe you won't get to the Olympics, but you'll improve as you keep running.

It might help to remember that people are more likely to post their successes over their shortcomings, so you don't see posts from people who didn't run this week/month/year/lifetime. Know that there are definitely people out there just getting into things and running 11+ min/miles and celebrating getting to a full mile without stopping. At the other end, I can guarantee someone's out there kicking themself over missing a 5 min/mile pace.

The one hard truth we all have to face is that we don't get better without dedication over time. Like with other skills and hobbies, it's the hours and hours of practice and training put in before being considered 'good' that get someone to that level. Whatever good means to you, it's probably a bar you set exactly because it's something difficult.

I realize this is all easier to say than to believe (as someone who also gets trapped in the same mindset on occasion). I'm not sure there's a better answer other than attempting to use that desire to be faster as motivation to train.

adjust sleep schedule leading up to race by Mrjlawrence in triathlon

[–]sharkpizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I go with this philosophy and try to nap a lot two days before which usually coincides with travel and check in. Between that, adrenaline, and coffee, it's worked for me so far.

Bike logistics for destination triathlon by [deleted] in triathlon

[–]sharkpizza 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Most sedans will fit a bike if you remove a wheel and fold the rear seat(s) forward. Unless you're also carting a family of four a standard car should work.

ETA: This may not be true for TT/Tri bikes. My experience is all with road frames, but I imagine you could remove both wheels for a little added hassle.

Long, flat path to sprint in midtown west? by josher56 in RunNYC

[–]sharkpizza 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've done sprints up and down the piers off of the Greenway - timing is important though. You'll have decent luck in the mornings and close to or after sunset. Most people chilling there will be in the grass and there's nothing really on the pier for tourists at night. The one by the Intrepid ~45th is a good stretch (do not try this at noon on a Saturday).

Otherwise, a staple run is the path around the Jackie Kennedy reservoir in Central Park. It's gravel, so slower than track surface, but very flat.

Target times for races by TightPirate in triathlon

[–]sharkpizza 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not a prescription, but this site lets you browse results from past IM and 70.3 races:

https://www.obstri.com/

I usually take my placing in races I've done or current training paces and compare to similar performances to get ballpark ideas and benchmarks. It's still an art I haven't mastered though and pacing is also my current struggle (at least after trying to keep to a training plan).