Comments on: Six Things I Learned on a 14 Mile Run This Morning

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 20 May 2014 20:35:42 +0000

In reply to Robert Osfield. I did another 14 miler this week and it was a bit cooler, and no hydration or cramping issues. Small difference in temperature makes a big difference in how I feel! My approach is always to face heat head on by running mid-day and adapt as quick as possible.

By: Robert Osfield

Robert Osfield — Wed, 14 May 2014 10:43:10 +0000

The heat makes a big difference. This week I’ve so far done two very constasting runs heat wise.

I did a 13 miler first thing in the morning on Sunday in cool conditions. Then yesterday did a 15 hilly miler at the middle of day in sunny/warm conditions.

My heart rate was average around 10 bpm higher in the second run for a similar pace. I didn’t get dehydrated on either run, as I can’t really claim it’s actually hot here in Scotland yet (I’d guess it peaked around 17 degrees C yesterday.)

One other change I noticed felt a bit hypoglycaemic on the second run, so I’m pretty sure I was using glucose and glycogen a faster rate when it was warmer.

Given a few more runs in warmer conditions I’m sure my body will provide the required heat adaptations so I’ll be less effected by the heat. First few runs in warmer weather always seems to knock me back a little, then I come good again.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 13 May 2014 22:00:21 +0000

I gave #5 a good test a week ago with a trail 50K I ran at the beginning of the month. I was totally unprepared as I had done only 1 run over 12 miles in the previous 6 months. My usual strategy (ahem) is to run too fast for about 20 miles, and then completely cramp up and limp home. This time however, I did a run-walk strategy (10 minutes running, 1 walking) averaging 9:30 miles on the flat, walking the uphills, and speeding up on the downhills.

In the end, I crossed the finish line run/walking at the same pace as I started with, and averaged 9:33/mile for the whole race, matching my pace for the flat segments. The seconds I spent slowing down on the hills payed me back in 10s of minutes of saved time over the whole race.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 13 May 2014 16:25:10 +0000

In reply to John. Frees are a snugger fit through heel and midfoot but still a roomy toebox (not Altra roomy though). They have a firmer feel under foot but are still very flexible. Really like the shoe.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 13 May 2014 16:23:47 +0000

In reply to Fred Baldwin. Got above 80 degrees yesterday. Northern bodies are not used to that this time of year, especially after the winter we just had!

By: Fred Baldwin

Fred Baldwin — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:21:02 +0000

So, what constitutes “hot” in your neck of the woods at this time of year?

I know it’s relative, but I’m curious nonetheless.

By: John

John — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:14:58 +0000

In reply to Peter Larson.

I’m interested to find out how the 4.0 Flyknit might compare to the Altra One squared!
I’m buying shoes this month and have been waffling between those two.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 13 May 2014 00:50:39 +0000

In reply to Peter Larson. Nope.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 13 May 2014 00:22:22 +0000

In reply to Michael. Have you gotten under 20 in the 5K yet?

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 13 May 2014 00:15:06 +0000

I went on a 13.69 run yesterday at an 8:08 pace, and I seemed to have a easier time of it. It was hot and sunny here too. My longest run since a half marathon 3 months ago. No water, one Gu, no cramping. My fitness must be improving, but I’m sure I still can’t match your 5K time, which is annoying :-)

By: Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson — Mon, 12 May 2014 21:41:14 +0000

Totally with you on the dehydration – I have done enough self-experimentation (i.e. been stupid) to know it is all directly related for me.

And I have people down the street who always offer me water – and I thank them every time, but it is really either too early or too late at that point :)

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Mon, 12 May 2014 20:36:15 +0000

In reply to Eric Granata. Cliffhanger!