My time was 2:00:57 and I came in 10th in my gender/age group. Feeling mighty proud. A bunch of frat boys were running behind me the last 7 miles and called me their unofficial pacer… I was like… can we share that responsibility why is it all on me. In bike races you are supposed to take turns. Is that not true for running or were they just being selfish?

58 degrees today after the heat wave broke in Tennessee, plus I got to enjoy this insane sunset. Feels so good to know my body can carry me this far!

It’s hard but we got this!!

I recently moved to a colder climate, so cold-weather running gear is going to be a much bigger part of my life.

Where do you all attach the race bib on a cold day? I am doing a half-marathon soon, and it is going to be below freezing when I start, and probably quite a bit above by the time I finish. If I take off my outermost layer at some point, in the first place where do I put it? And in the second place, then my bib isn't displayed anymore. Unless I put it on an inner layer to start, but then I have the opposite problem that it's not displayed at the beginning of the race.

Is this where the belts come into play?

I'm not fast enough for anyone to seriously care, probably. But there's got to be some way of dealing with the issue. And I don't want to look like a bandit.

I’ve been doing a Runna plan for the past 16 weeks and my first half is finally tomorrow! During training, I’ve done 13.1, 12, 10, and 2 9 miles runs in addition To some shorter ones.

I started having hip pain after the 13 mile run but continued running normally that week. Since then, I took a short break and missed a couple of long runs because of the pain but I’ve started running again and did 6.5 miles last weekend.

I only did one run this week to try to rest but now it’s the day before my first half and I’m wondering if I’ll be able to push through or if I’m going to be in pain the whole time. It feels like my hip flexors and I can’t tell if it’ll start feeling will get better or worse during the course of the run?

Has anyone experienced anything similar or has any suggestions for figuring out if it’s the kind of thing that will get better or worse once I’m warmed up?

Hi everyone! I’m new to structured running and would really appreciate some advice.

I previously ran casually 2–3 times a week, but just about two months ago started training for a 10K and half marathon in December. I now do four runs a week - easy, intervals, tempo and a long run -plus two gym strength sessions and some swimming. My recent longest run was 16 km.
I have a history of underfueling and have been working on eating consistently and adequately. Now I am at around 2200-2300kcal per day.

Initially, my energy and running improved considerably, but over the past 1–2 weeks I’ve felt unusually tired. After one really good interval session two weeks ago, subsequent runs have felt much harder, and I’ve been getting slower despite putting in the same effort.

On Monday this week, I developed a large blister on the inside of my left foot, near the arch. It opened and bled, and running on it became painful enough to change my gait and make me stop. After today’s long run, I’m noticing similar rubbing on my right foot too. For reference, I run in Adidas Adizero SX.

I tend to put weight on the inner edges of both feet, even when standing, which makes me wonder whether I overpronate - but I haven’t had my running gait assessed. Unfortunately, finding a good orthopaedic or sports specialist where I live is difficult, and I’m not sure where to go, so I’m trying to understand and troubleshoot this myself for now.

Could accumulated fatigue be affecting my running mechanics and contributing to the rubbing, or would shoe fit, insoles or socks be more likely explanations?

Has anyone dealt with something similar? I’ve applied a cushioning pad and have been trying to run with the blisters, although I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I’m training for a half marathon and feel anxious about missing workouts and losing progress. I’d appreciate advice on managing the blisters while they heal, preventing them from coming back, and recognising when fatigue and slower runs mean it’s time to ease back.

Thanks 🙏🙏

I was supposed to run a half marathon tomorrow. I‘ve had a runny nose and sore throat for a few days and just feel like I won’t be able to finish. The biggest fomo has come over me, seeing everyone getting ready for the race. I plan on showing up and supporting though.
How have you guys handled being sick before a race? Did you run it anyways or stay at home?

It's starting to get cold and I started out the morning thinking I wanted to get leggings. Now 2 hours later, I'm frustrated and have complete decision paralysis 😞. So first - if I am aiming for something I can wear between 35-50 F exclusively for running, do I pick a tight or leggings or doesn't it matter? For the past 5 years I've just done wind pants but now, frankly, I'd like something a bit more fashionable and colorful. I ran a bunch in highschool/college and at that time (you can guess my generation 😊) all we had were tights. And they were everywhere) But now I see mainly leggings.

As near as I can tell leggings have thicker material. But which is better for running if I am prioritizing running specific comfort (not sweaty at distances up to 12 miles / no chaffing/ warmth for early spring late fall)? Note that for coverage I would just reincarnate my 80s self and wear shorts or longer top.

And then, if tights are the way to go I'd appreciate any recommendations. For leggings I see plenty of suggestions in older threads and I'll probably spring for Lulu.

Hey yall:

I just wanted to provide an anecdote around stomach cramping after runs. For a while I was having prolonged cramping and stomach upset after runs until I got my Skyla IUD out. My doc confirmed it was in the right place and there were no visible issues. I recently got my IUD out and poof the prolonged stomach upset is gone. Whether it was inflammation or what I guess I’ll never know for sure, but getting it out was for sure worth it to not be in pain for hours post run.

***half marathon*** I can’t edit the title.

That’s it, that’s the post ☺️. May 2026 —> October 2026.

My biggest takeaway is training appropriately is important. I only trained for like 8 weeks for my first and went in with an injury. This time, I trained for 18 weeks, with intention.

For over a decade, I’ve been trying to get into the NYC marathon via lottery with no luck. One of my goal is to run the race. It will be my 3rd marathon.

Just a few minutes ago, I entered the fundraising sweepstakes in hopes of increasing my chances out of the 30 entries allotted. So yeah, I made the donation of $50 (can’t afford the $100-$200 donations although tempting due to what sweepstakes prize it gives you) and hoping to get in. If not, then I try again and again and again til I can no longer run.😆

My option for my third will be the Wineglass marathon which will still be local or in-state.

Sending out some good luck to all of us trying to enter any marathon lotteries out there.

I’m not sure what I’m asking but I’m hoping someone can help 😅. I finished my second half marathon last weekend and in about mile 9.5 and on, I started to feel some discomfort in the balls of my feet, the left more than the right. If I could describe it, it felt like how your feet might feel after walking all day at an amusement park or something like that. I reconciled with myself that maybe it was due to my shoes. I wore a pair that is more worn out because it was supposed to rain and I didn’t mind getting them trashed in the rain.

I took a week break from running to recover from the race and did my first long run today, about 7.5 miles. I got that same discomfort in the ball of my left foot. However this time, I was wearing a newer pair that I’ve worn before without issue. I got professionally fitted to the pair I used today.

I guess my question is: should I maybe be looking into some insoles? I signed up for my first full marathon next year and I can’t imagine how my feet will manage if this is happening at “short” distances.

Thoughts? Advice? Thank you ☺️

For those who have completed a running goal (mine was 10K), how did you keep running afterward?

I feel like I put my life on hold for three months to train, and now I'm playing catch up with everything else. Between work, little kids, and inconsistent childcare, I'm struggling to figure out how to fit running into everyday life.

I have another race booked for next year, but I don't want running to always feel like something I have to rearrange my entire life around. I'd love for it to become a natural part of my routine.

How do you make it work, especially those with young families and unpredictable schedules? I'd love some realistic advice!

Edit: Thank you all for the wonderful advice! I've read through every comment, and there are some great takeaways!

My plan moving forward is to:

Set weekly running goals rather than fixed days and times, and fit runs in when life allows.

Make running a known priority in our household, especially when hubby is home to help with the littles.

Focus on consistency over perfection. Even a short run is better than no run!

Accept that some things will have to slide

Remember that running is for my mental health, not just race goals.

My biggest takeaway is that I need to stop treating running as something I have to squeeze in after everything else is done and start treating it as a normal part of my life.

Thanks again, everyone! ❤️

Please help a girl who’s always cold. What are your favorite running long sleeve shirts that come with thumb holes and a watch window?

I love running and took it up April of this year.

I ran a half marathon and am currently training to run my second one but I have decided to give up.

The reason being I have started gaining weight since April and I used to struggle with binge eating a lot and running I have found triggers me really badly :(

I did try to manage and eat healthy and not binge but I found it very difficult to eat the right amount and would always find myself under or overeating.

I really do not like my body anymore and so I have decided to switch to strength training only.

Has anyone had this issue? Any advice? I really was passionate about this hobby and so sad to let it go for now….

I’m running a half marathon tomorrow, I’ve been training all summer. For all of my long runs I’ve worn what I was planning to wear on race day - tank top, mid-thigh tights, and a vest. The ‘feels like’ temp is expected to be in the thirties for the whole race so I’m rethinking my outfit. I’m reluctant to switch to long tights, I only have one decent pair and they don’t stay put very well. I don’t have much performance outer gear but I guess I could make an emergency shopping trip today 😭
What would you guys wear for conditions like these? Sweatshirt? Hat? Gloves?

I swear, threshold runs are such a mental battle for me. I find myself looking at my watch every 23 seconds and unhappy I have another 12 minutes to go.

I know they are excellent workouts for improving endurance but when I’m living them, I can’t wait for them to be over.

How do you lock in? Do you tell yourself something that helps you survive? Do you focus on something else - anything else - to get yourself through ‘em? I desperately wanna know what everyone else does, it can’t just be me who hates it 😭.

I am supposed to run the Amsterdam marathon tomorrow . I had a good training block and did all my speed and long runs successfully and injury free . Taper was going well but since Tuesday night I have been having very poor sleep. I believe it’s the allergies . This has completely tanked my HRV , raised my average RHR by about 3-5 beats and raised my body stress according to Garmin health metrics . I was ok with 2 nights of poor sleep but 4 nights of poor sleep leading up to race day and I am not going to sleep well tonight for sure before race .

I was planning to run about 4 hours time but at this point I am not sure if it’s a good idea to even start and put my body through a marathon when I am feeling so beat up . Is it better to just rest and recover and do another one when I am feeling better ? I am ok to let go of time expectation and run a little slower but I also don’t want to get even more sick running a marathon distance for nothing . I am also older , 50 plus female so my recovery and body strain would not be the same as someone younger. I am really conflicted and wondering if 1. I should start and see how I feel and run accordingly or 2. Don’t start and find another race to do in another 2-3 weeks when I am feeling better . Please advise or share experience. TIA

I have been consistently running since February, 2026.
I started out slow, running for a minute at a time, then walking for 2 minutes, until I reached a mile. It’s been a solid 8 months, and I’m up to running about 3-4 miles at a time, without having to take breaks most of the time.
But I’m still very slow, and I find that running on a treadmill is much easier (though less enjoyable) than running outside.
I feel like I’ve hit a bit of a wall. I can run 2-3 miles with a little knee or foot pain, but if I run more than that, or I try I increase my speed, my knees tend to hurt pretty bad, the next day especially, or I am too tired to workout the next day or even two days sometimes. I often end my runs feeling like I could run another 1-2 miles, but I’m worried I’ll be in too much pain to run again the next day., or too tired to function.
I have googled running information, but I find a lot of lacking in detail or helpful ways to make changes. I have used chatgbt to make running plans, but a lot of the time it doesn’t match up with my actual progress.
Recently I’ve been trying to figure out cadence, and I thought I did, but my last run was significantly slower than my usual runs. I feel stuck!

My running goals are to improve speed and endurance, and eventually run a half marathon.

My current weekly runs look like this:
Mon: 1 mile run w/1 hour weight training
Tues: 2 mile run w/1 hour weight training
Wed: 1 1/2 hour weight training + mobility
Thurs: 2.5-3 mile run
Fri: 1 1/2 hour weight training + mobility
Sat: 3.5-4 mile run
Sun: rest
I usually add 4-6 sprints onto my 1 or 2 mile run, once a week.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I’m finally at the point where I have the energy to run consistently and I’m so excited to get back into the routine. I’m in my second trimester and so far the biggest challenge has been fighting the feeling of a full bladder throughout the run (start to finish). I’m looking for advice for belly bands or running shorts that maybe help relieve this feeling or figuring out if this is something I just need to work through it. I did already talk with my doctor and got the green light to continue running and training for the few half marathons I have.

I’m also curious if anyone has any advice for good snacks that helped them out as well.

Thank you!

hello friends!! I am looking for a top as similar to the LSKD NyxRun Elite Stash top - I have tops with storage but i like this one for it's length specifically, not super cropped showing my stomach, and has the ability for me to wear my own sports bra etc. I've looked on resale sites and CANNOT find one in my size. Do you guys have any recommendations? I have a top from constantia gear that i do love but i wish it had a few more pockets and was slightly more compressive. Do you guys have any recs that maybe i've missed while out searching?
I already wear shorts with pockets but i feel like i have so many things to carry from my phone, gels, inhaler, keys, salt tabs, etc.

TIA!!!

I know a lot of us are running halfs this weekend. Not sure what the odds are, but is anyone else running the Happy Valley Half Marathon on Sunday? The weather report is calling for 36 degrees at the start but up to the high 40s by the time I'll likely finish (a little after 11).

1) how the heck should I dress? I haven't run in sleeves or leggings since last February and I haven't trained in them at all

2) if anyone else is running it, I'd love to say hi! I promise I'm just a super extrovert and not a super creep.

Good luck to everyone running races this weekend! You're all amazing.

I’m not one to have serious body dysmorphia or wish I was this or that. I don’t hate my body (on the contrary, I think I’m quite hot) and I’m happy being 5’5 and ~150. I thought I was good and felt proud of having a healthy relationship with my body.

I started training for a HM and plan on running my first marathon next year. I’ve been feeling heavier, fatter and running has been harder. I started looking myself in the mirror and seeing myself bigger than I was. I decided to go to a dietitian so I can get a bit lighter (in my mind, go back to my “original” weight) so running gets easier.

Well, I get there and I learn I’m actually thinner (from 71kg to 69,5kg) and fitter (from 25% BF to 21% BF, and more than double that of lean mass). Though losing a few kg can benefit me, I’m definitely not “bigger”, “heavier” or “fatter” than I was. On the contrary.

And still, that’s what I see when I look at the mirror. This “thinspo” movement has changed my reference of healthy (for the worst) and now me, usually so good at not caring, see my self at the high age of 37, falling on the same traps I did when I was a teen.

My dietitian was amazing and was cheering me up so much. We have a plan to lose a few kgs so I can protect my joints, but not as an obligation (the main focus is running properly and healthily).

This is just a rant. How we fall on traps. How being a woman is tricky, so tricky.

Thank you for reading.