Categories
Running

Running For The Joy Of Running

Gathering some thoughts on this subject below.

I disagree to a certain extent when I hear everyone talking about the joy of running. Not everyone has to run for the joy of running. Not everyone feels bad about pushing themselves and getting injured. I have run for the joy of running, I have run for pushing myself to goals which seemed unachievable. I don’t call them joy of running. They are simply my targets.

joy_of_running

Such people may be a minority in the runners community. But let’s accept them for what they are. I carry my injuries with pride. They were my teachers. I learnt from them. Secretly, I enjoyed those injuries. That’s just what I am. And I love it.

Categories
Product Reviews Running

TomTom Runner vs Garmin Forerunner 10 – A Quick Review

So long FR10, its sold. My first day with the TomTom Runner, its a loaner from my wife. Going through it yesterday was a revelation of sorts. Here’s a comparison of the TomTom Runner as an entry level watch vs the Garmin Forerunner 10:

TomTom Runner vs Garmin Forerunner 10

tomtom_runner

The Positives

  • It has twice the battery life (10 hours)
  • 3 data fields on screen versus 2 on Garmin FR 10 (out of which the central one can be rotated at will during the run in between about 8-10 different stat fields)
  • A nice lap alert with buzz which was missing on my FR10
  • Ability to do intervals (warmup, N repeats of work + rest, and cool down)
  • Can show my stride rate (i.e. Cadence) after the run via a built in accelerometer, no chest strap or pedometer needed. This is a big plus, since I am focussed on improving it from a lowly 150-155 last year at 2014 Hyderabad Marathon, and am up to about 170 now, a huge improvement.
  • Has QuickGPSfix technology, which helps your watch get a GPS fix in 2-3 seconds (yes, verified and true), against the usual 2-3 mins or sometimes endless wait for GPS lock
  • Sync data wirelessly online via bluetooth, no connecting to the laptop anymore (though I am having trouble with this on my Nexus 5, on which it is supposed to happen automatically whenever the watch is within 10 meters of the phone. What I have to do to make it to work is to go into the phone and watch menus and repeat the setup steps)
  • Has HRM option unlike FR10
  • Lot more runner oriented functionality which I am yet to try, zones, racing against your previous time, etc
  • At $99 vs $94 (or so) for FR10, beats the Garmin hands down on features/$

The Negatives:
– I am used to Garmin connect website, better layout. But, I can live with that, not a big negative

Unknown for now:
– Distance/pace accuracy. Though I am not expecting any surprises there. Update: after a few runs (about 75km) I am fairly confident that distance/pace reporting is consistent and good.

Final Thoughts:

The perfect entry level watch for beginners at this price point. Period.

I am waiting excitedly for the next Garmin launch. Definitely giving the FR25 the pass. Its a step-up for FR10/15 users, but not by much.

Check out the TomTom Runner on Amazon India website.

Categories
Running

Running During Ramzan

What I personally do during Ramzan (the holy month of fasting for Muslims, also pronounced as Ramadan, or Ramazan) is to do my runs either just before breaking fast (say running 30 mins and then break the fast), or otherwise a couple of hours after breaking the fast. Advantage of running before the fast break is that it saves time, you get to have food immediately after the run, and then you don’t need to be worried about going for a run later in the evening. Many muslims go for prayers after breaking the fast and it would be difficult to run after the fast when doing that.

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The key things when I run during fasting is to make sure I am not pushing myself. The run has to be really easy. On occasions, I have even run 2 hours before the fast break, quickly had food in the running place (park) itself, and then went ahead for another couple of hours or so. So, for me, its not a big challenge, maybe my body is used to the stress, and can run longer distances without feeling the exertion. But, everything changes when you increase speed, in which case your body temperature, and the rate of water loss will both go up, and which should be avoided. So, any speed runs are best left to post fasting.

In short, for most runners:

  • Run slow
  • Try to keep your runs to max 30 mins
  • If running before fast break, plan your run so that you can break your fast immediately after the run
  • Fast running should only be attempted later in the evening after breaking the fast

Btw, last Sat was a unique experience. Did 8*400 repeats at really fast pace for me in the morning 6am kinds. Did not feel too bad through the day, even after the intense experience during a fast.

Categories
Running

The Wipro Chennai Marathon – Sub 5-Hour Pacing Strategy

wipro_chennai_marathonI will break the 5 hours goal at The Wipro Chennai Marathon into two logical sections, the first 21.1K and the second 21.1K. We will budget time in the second half of the race as runners gradually find it tougher, particularly after the 30km section, with running conditions also getting tougher with the effects of humidity and rising temperature.

For the records, this event would be my 15th marathon in my 10 years of running, and incidentally, the first one in Chennai. It would be also my 4th marathon of the year, perhaps the most I have run in any single year. The year started off with Mumbai (4:49), then Hyderabad (4:35) in Aug, Bengaluru (4:22) in Oct, and now its Chennai time!

The Race Strategy

Below is the basic calculation around which the race strategy will be centered.

First half target time: 2:20
First half pace: 6:40/km. Running: 6:25/km

Second half target time: 2:40
Second half pace: 7:30/km. Running: 7:10/km

As you will notice above, there is a difference between the required pace and the running pace for either the first half or the second. The transition from the first half running pace to the second half pace of 7:10 would take pace gradually. The extra time caters to the small stops we will be making at each water station, drinking about a small cup or two, and walking through the stop. Hence the extra budgeted 15-20 seconds per km, which translates to say 30 seconds walk through time for each water station. This budgeted time also takes into account the slowing down which we will experience when going through any elevation changes.

Are You Ready?

Finally, it would be important for any runner targeting an under 5 hours finish to introspect and see if they are ready for it. Following are some checkpoints to see how ready you are to run an under 5 hours marathon.

  • Have run a half marathon in 2:20 in similar conditions
  • Have run a 10k in 1:05
  • Have run a 5k in 31 mins
  • Have run at least one 32k training run recently

How many of the above have you been able to run successfully, in the last few months. That would give a realistic assessment of how ready you are for running an under 5 hours marathon.

Having been part of various pacing groups, either as a pacer, or a follower, or even just an observer, I don’t fail to notice how many people who start in a pacing group drop off gradually. Similarly, there is a big set which has fallen back from their initial goals, and merge into your group later on. More often than not, it’s due to people looking at targets which are beyond their current capabilities. Try to avoid that mistake, and choose your pacing group wisely.

How to find me on Race Day?

I will be running with a flag clearly identifying the pacing group, i.e. 5:00 Hours, mentioned on the flag. I am not yet sure where exactly will I be starting off from in the run, but I am sure people will not find it difficult to identify the pacers with the flags.

I will also be present at the Expo at the Chennai Trade Center, a day before the race. It would be a nice opportunity for me to talk with people and address their queries and any doubts. So, feel free to catch me at the expo. I should be available for the first half till lunch time (approx. till 2 pm).

Categories
Running

A Personal Best At The F1 Half Marathon

Finally a sub-2 with a 1:56:50 (garmin time, official time was 1:57:30. rank: 87/494) at the F1 Fastest Half Marathon at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, organized by Running and Living, after like 9 years of running! Previous best was a 2:04:16 at the 2006 Hyderabad Half. I think I would top any survey for taking the longest time to do this  Somehow, all previous attempts (usually around ADHM) had failed miserably, mostly to injuries trying to pick up pace in training.
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This attempt however had lesser chances of failure. Firstly, I had not specifically trained for it (which ruled out injuries), so no fast paced runs (nothing below 6/km in training except for a 5:36/km 10K last Wed), no real speed workouts. Most of the training this season was short slow training runs for a half (6:30/km or slower), and participating in a variety of events, half, marathon, ultra, Devil’s Circuit and Xwarrior obstacle races. I think it was finally down to the fitness I built up in participating in these variety of events, which made it comfortable to hold a 5:30/km pace for most of the run, and running over all the climbs without any walking.

BIC F1 Half Marathon

The BIC F1 venue was fantastic, and something to be experienced by every runner. The two laps on the F1 track were just the ideal balance to not make it too tough (the track has significant elevation changes unlike what the GPS maps of it I have seen will make me believe), but still good enough to test you and provide variety. The two alternate laps outside of the track were flat and helped with the recovery after doing the track lap. The race management was awesome, water points at about 2.5K each with water/gatorade, good marking of turns, etc, great photography. Weather was just perfect too.

Finish Certificate

Finally, thanks to Reebok India for providing me the gear for the event. The new #ZQuick shoes rocked! This was just my 3rd run in them, and they needed no breaking into.

My son Sameer did his first ever 5K event. He did it in style, running all the way, and finishing strong with a sprint in about 34 mins. I started withHe did it in style, running all the way, and finishing strong with a sprint in about 34 mins.

What next? I am looking at working more on my speed. So no more long distance runs for the next few months (that eliminates any ultras). Tentatively, I am looking at Hyderabad Marathon (Aug 24th), Bengaluru Marathon (Oct 19), ADHM, Bhatti Ultra 50K (Oct), Bangalore Ultra 50K (Nov), Gurgaon Marathon (Dec) and SCMM 2015 as the key races for the next season.