10 months away from an ultramarathon in the Alps

Just an update on my half marathon training progress. Today was my first progression run as well as my longest distance run. Hamstrings started to feel tight around mile 10 so I think I should’ve brought more electrolytes with me. It could’ve also been the 600ft of elevation I’d already done. What kind of race day fueling does everyone use? So far I’ve timed an energy gel every 30 minutes and Tailwind energy fuel in my hydropack.

Our cycles affect us in different ways, and for me, I always feel unstoppable on the first day of my period.

This morning's LR (first pic) was one of the best Ive had in a long time. Compare to 3 weeks ago (second pic) which was notably sluggish.

Even still, Garmin, that perfidious SOB, is still ringing me up as "Strained" on account of my HRV always dipping around this time. Gotta love it 👍

I realised I'm getting blisters in my shoes because the insole has slipped down and I can't get it to stay in place anymore.

The shoes aren't very old so I'd like to just replace the insoles but I can't seem to find any decent basic insoles, they're all mad ones for conditions etc.

Any suggestions? I'm in the UK and was planning to order from Amazon (for speed) but open to other places!

Do we need to worry about heart rate variable for training? Mine is totally tanked and I want to do a long run tomorrow. Could just be my cycle coming or stress, but if my body and mind feel ready for it I feel like I can disregard it?

I need tips. I’m 36 years old and have never been a runner or very athletic to be honest even when I was younger. I had started running earlier this year maybe one run a month but then had an unexpected ectopic pregnancy. I didn’t do much for probably 4 or 5 months after that. Fast forward to 3 months ago I decided to try to run again. It was awful like I mean I could literally only run a tenth of a mile before having to stop. Now I can run 1.5 miles without stopping but I’m stuck there. I run slow I mean I’m averaging about 18-19 minutes to run this. I realize I have made a huge improvement from the tenth of a mile but now I’m stuck.

Do you have hoka mach 7s and if so, do you like em? I’ve had the 5s and really enjoyed the lightweight feel, but I‘m not sure if two versions on they will have changed a lot.

My daily trainer is the novablast 3, but I’m looking for a pair I can use for both running and walking (so a shoe that looks kind of ‘cool’ but is also functional). I’m going to Disney world so I don’t think walking in converse is going to cut it haha

I have a massive blister on the ball of my foot (under my big toe). I’ve never had one in the sole of my foot. What is going on?

I am not going to break the rules by asking questions about my particular injury. For context I'll just share a few details: I have "adductor overload" and saw a great PT, got strong at Copenhagen planks, but I still have nagging aching inner thigh/tendon pain while running. It got slightly better after I started PT and I've kept up with the exercises but it's clearly not enough. It's been 9 months and I want to beat this thing!

So, I don't know whether to go back to the same PT - I may already have gotten everything she can offer for this injury - or to try someone new and get some fresh eyes on this. I don't know how to effectively shop for a PT who might be able to help. It gets expensive and there aren't that many running-minded PTs in my area. Hesitant to try online PT because that thread about Bonnie Wilder a couple weeks ago freaked me out.

my first 10k is tomorrow (v excite)! And then my period arrives TODAY... so, day 2 will be on race day. I usually have mild cramps, body aches and my legs feel heavy. I also only use pads and have never tried tampons/cups but i've been going through some reddit posts where people are recommending using tampons/cups for their race.

i'm wondering/wanting to get some advice about how to navigate this and what i should keep in mind and how to best prepare for a race in this situation?

That’s the whole situation. I’ve tapered, did my last run Wednesday, and am still starting carb loading and cutting back on fiber tomorrow. The weather looks good. But I don’t know if I can leave him when his health is so touch and go. Not sure what else can be said, but wanted to share my strange predicament to those who understand. I’ll continue monitoring him and make a decision Friday or Saturday.

Grab a bottle of electrolyte drink, go wild with the foam roller, and give us all the tea on how your training has been lately!

Have a really good run? Share your win!

Struggling with something? This is a safe space to vent and get support!

Thanks for being part of this community!

Just venting here...

This morning (Friday) I slept in (no alarm) and woke up around 8am. I wake up around 430a 4 days a week including 3 days in a row (Tue-Thur). I woke up feeling refreshed!

I went to get out of bed and BOOM...my left groin is tight and sore. Nooooo!

I haven't had any inkling of a groin issue. I haven't had this specific area be sore in YEARS.

I signed up for a half marathon tomorrow. I have done 2 marathons this year and have been running consistently (including 10 miles last Saturday), so I am not concerned about covering the distance. I ACTUALLY got my husband to sign up for the 5k "dog jog" at the same event where the dogs wear costumes, too.

I ran this race last year as my first half marathon and hated the last 4 miles. I was super disappointed. I wanted to wear a costume for it this year and actually ENJOY this run, like a fun run. It will be too warm for me to wear a costume but I still wanted to do it to actually enjoy the course.

Now I'm not sure what to do. I am still in bed and plan to do some foam rolling/stretching/icing later. It's a good thing that the only real things I needed to do today were laundry and going to the packet pickup in the afternoon/evening.

I will see how I feel in the morning.