Who runs out there? Newbie looking for races... [Archive] - Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists Discussion Forums

RichZilla

09-23-2007, 04:55 PM

Homebrew

09-23-2007, 05:06 PM

Check out Midwest Events.com, they have everything you need.

Go get your feet looked at by a running store, they recommend what type of shoe to use. Don't be cheap with the shoes, you only have one set of knees.

Find a room now if your mid-summer marathon is Grandma's.

hockeynut

09-23-2007, 05:14 PM

Can anyone steer me towards a website that lists the majority of the local races?

This (http://www.runningintheusa.com/RacesByState.asp?State=MN&Month=10) might be decent...

I've started running (talked into doing the marathon in a couple weeks unfortunately) and it's more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I just need to plan my 15 mile runs better (ie not after doing Murphy/2 laps of TO/Leb the day before with a nice spectacular wipeout towards the end of Lebanon, having water stashed someplace, etc....). I don't know if I'll do another marathon but 5 and 10Ks are fun and short enough that they don't kill me.

RichZilla

09-23-2007, 05:18 PM

RichZilla

09-23-2007, 05:21 PM

Do the bigger races generallly fill up and deny entries, or can you usually get into any of them?

Paul Swenson

09-23-2007, 05:30 PM

You just missed out on the Trail Loppet at Theo yesterday. There was a 5k and 1/2 marathon almost all off road.

The next race I'm planning on doing is the Nerstrand Big Woods Run at the end of October. I've done it a couple times and it too is super fun. www.raceberryjam.com/nerstrand.html (http://www.raceberryjam.com/nerstrand.html)

Paul Swenson

09-23-2007, 05:37 PM

Do the bigger races generallly fill up and deny entries, or can you usually get into any of them?

Grandmas and TC Marathon fill up as does the TC 10 miler. Usually it's not a big deal and you can register the day of the race.

bdags

09-23-2007, 06:10 PM

Really? I never would have guessed that proper shoes would be a big deal? Thanks for the tip, I'll do it for sure. I've just been running with some old clunkers that I bought about 12 years ago.:laugh: Thanks bro.

Here's a good article on shoe selection. It's written by Dr. Paul Langer (I actually saw him when I thought I might need custom orthotics). As of 8 months ago, he was still working at Marathon Sports on 50th & Penn Ave S. one night a week. I would find out what night that is and stop by. Shoe selection is critical once you start building milage.

Note: There are 5 pages to this article. The first time I read this, I didn't see the "next" tab on the bottom.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NHG/is_1_18/ai_n15887997

ETA: The first store I went to put me into the wrong shoe (size & type). Running shoes will typically run about 1/2 size larger.

destrago

09-23-2007, 08:01 PM

Oh man. New shoes every 500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. My fiance has done a few marathons now. There are a LOT of good running stores in the cities: Marathon Sports, Gear West, The Running Room, TC Running company - they're as viral as bike shops! My fiance _LOVES_ Marathon sports. Everyone who works there is a runner - they'll put you in shoes and put you on a treadmill and watch you run to see if the shoes are matched to your running style. I've seen them let people run out the door to take shoes on a 'test run' there as well. They're at 50th and Penn and are a great place to start. And yes, having the right pair of shoes can make ALL The difference - believe me!

-Tony

Really? I never would have guessed that proper shoes would be a big deal? Thanks for the tip, I'll do it for sure. I've just been running with some old clunkers that I bought about 12 years ago.:laugh: Thanks bro.

syntaxjunkie

09-23-2007, 08:33 PM

My wife and I are both recent converts to running, and yes, shoes are huge.

I started running in trail runners because I reasoned that any time 200 pounds hits the pavement, it's "extreme terrain." But the fine folks at The Running Room in Minneapolis showed me the light. More specifically, a lovely set of Nikes that *wasn't* the spendiest pair in the joint, fit like foot-worn gloves and just feel good to run in.

Not three years ago, I would've told you "I only run when chased." But a few business trips that meant a week or more living out of hotel rooms convinced me that I needed a portable form of exercise.

My first few runs sucked, but I worked my way into a comfortable rhythm and pace. Now I actually miss running if I don't do it at least twice a week. I'll never be a racer, but like biking, running is one of the few things that makes my head quiet.

bdags

09-23-2007, 09:10 PM

Coolrunning.com is another great source of information. Thier forums are very popular. My favorite thread is this one. It is by far the most followed thread. They have had to restart it 3 times this year due to the large number of posts:

http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/Forum6/HTML/024412.shtml

Read Jesse Leitner's low heart rate FAQs.

http://formationflier.spaces.live.com/

Nickel

09-23-2007, 11:22 PM

Who needs shoes (http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_sprint.cfm?CFID=1053197&CFTOKEN=70229691)? ;)

slundncl

09-24-2007, 12:36 AM

If you are looking to run TCM then registration is usually beginning of May, fills up in about 15 days or so. Once it is filled up it is filled up and they don't take anymore registrations and they are strict about that, unless you donate like a couple of 100 dollars in charity they always have a few spaces for that. TC10 registration opens beginning of July and also fills up quickly. Grandma's registration is in January and it fills up very fast. I am running TCM in 2 weeks for my 4th time, I always register right away beginning of May just to have my spot.

I always go to Marathon sports because I find them the most helpful and if you sign up with http://www.runmdra.org/ you will pay I think $20 for a membership, but you will receive about 20% off shoes etc... and they also list every race and has very good information on their site.

Hope this helps.

jitterjepp

09-24-2007, 02:25 AM

running sucks. see you at the tcm.

slundncl

09-24-2007, 03:49 AM

I used to run alot before but since I started mountainbiking I rather bike than run, more fun and not so stressful on your body in general. I actually think it is a better workout mountainbiking.

destrago

09-24-2007, 07:34 AM

I can't imagine those are comfortable or that they fit most people - but it''s a neat idea still.

Who needs shoes (http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_sprint.cfm?CFID=1053197&CFTOKEN=70229691)? ;)

Paul Swenson

09-24-2007, 07:34 AM

Who needs shoes (http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_sprint.cfm?CFID=1053197&CFTOKEN=70229691)? ;)

I was thinking about picking a pair of those up. From what I understand it's good to run barefoot every so often to build up your feet and ankle muscles.

quickerpicker

09-24-2007, 07:54 AM

Just to add another twist to the whole running thing....My favorite events are canoe/mountain bike/trail run triathlons, and yes, shoes are huge!! But then again, so am I, which makes shoes even more important. Last week end there was a race at Lake Rebecca. The Minneapolis Ski foundation also sponsors the Tri-Loppet in June in Wirth Park. If a guy could get cross country skiing in there too, I'd be in heaven. As for finding events, I use a few avenues, Silent Sports magazine, Midwest Events and Active.com web sites. There is a fun Cross country race in October called the "The Big Woods Run" in Nerstrand, MN. its a 13 mile, or 10k, or 5k romp through the woods. Here's the web site: http://www.finalstretch.com/races/big_woods/big_woods.htm

Slimpee

09-24-2007, 09:39 AM

http://www.runningintheusa.com/RacesByState.asp?State=MN&Month=6

Check out that site. It has lots of races each month including tris and duals...

PMC

09-24-2007, 10:06 AM

It seems there is an endless string of 5k races going on somewhere in the cities along with a bunch of 10k's scattered in.
Another good running gear store I didn't see mentioned is Run N Fun in St Paul. I buy most of my running specific stuff there and they're always the best on prices locally.

Paul Swenson

09-24-2007, 10:11 AM

Another good running gear store I didn't see mentioned is Run N Fun in St Paul. I buy most of my running specific stuff there and they're always the best on prices locally.

+1 for Run N Fun

They're super knowledgeable, have a great selection and great prices. They're usually cheaper then the big boxes like Dicks and Sports Authority.

I_Fall_Alot

09-24-2007, 10:39 AM

Rich - There is also a forum of local runners called the Dead Runners. The majority of the forum members are trail runners - which I prefer to road - as it's a little bit easier on the joints. It's a very active forum, and you can get a good amount of advice from the posters.

Here is the direct link to the local forum: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/mn-drs/

Also, if you're interested in trail running, I picked up a good book that reviews tons of trails in the Minneapolis area. It's titled Minnesota Running Trails: Dirt, Gravel, Rocks, and Roots and written by local runner, Kate Havelin.

biking_stickman

09-24-2007, 10:41 AM

I have decided to start running. I plan on racing too. I'd like to run mainly off-road races, but I'm sure those are less frequent. I've done one off-road 5k and the Hillside duathalon that had two 5k trail runs in it. Now I'm looking to get in a couple 10k's before winter. Can anyone steer me towards a website that lists the majority of the local races? Maybe even let me know which ones are good ones for a newbie to hit? My goal is to get in a half marathon early next summer and a full marathon by mid-summer. I've got a training program to follow, I just have to try stick to it.

Thanks in advance.

Website:
www.raceberryjam.com
(odd name but a great listing of every race in the Twin Cities)

Running Store:
Run N Fun

Races (in your area):
A fun race on a good course where a bunch of people dress up in Halloween costumes...
Anoka Gray Ghost Run 5k - October 27
(http://www.raceberryjam.com/grayghost.html)

A good, local trail run...
Tornado Trail Mix 5K - April

Don't forget the most important race of all...next year, you missed it this year.
James Pages Blubber Run 5k (http://www.pagebrewing.com/blubber_run/blubberrun.php)
A 5k with a beer stop instead of a water stop halfway through, and plenty of beer at the finish. Warning: proper training is necessary for this.

http://www.pagebrewing.com/blubber_run/fun-web-photo.jpg

Brick

09-24-2007, 11:01 AM

...also try the Silent Sports master calendar:
http://www.silentsports.net/calendar.html

The calendar provides a listing of Running, Cycling, Paddlesport, Multisport (Triathlon) and Nordic events for the upper midwest area. You can sort by state or activity as well.

Eric

Paul Swenson

09-24-2007, 11:36 AM

One of my favorite races is The Big Woods Run through Nerstrand State Park at the end of October. It's a mixture of bucolic country roads and single track trails. It’s just a laid back fun event.www.finalstretch.com/races/big_woods/big_woods.htm<O:p (http://www.finalstretch.com/races/big_woods/big_woods.htm)

5k, 10k 1/2 marathon something for eveyone<O:p</O:p

redpic

09-24-2007, 01:08 PM

Hey Rich-

www.active.com (http://www.active.com) is good for events as well. You type in your state and the events your looking for all Waa Laa! I posted the link of my search.

http://search.active.com/?__SCROLLPOS=&__VIEWSTATE=&q=minnesota&categoryid=Activities&channel=Running&u1=channel&u2=categoryid&u3=q&ie52_mac_only=

RichZilla

09-24-2007, 05:47 PM

I used to run alot before but since I started mountainbiking I rather bike than run, more fun and not so stressful on your body in general. I actually think it is a better workout mountainbiking.

I haven't run much yet, but I don't think I'll ever bike less, to be able to run more. I enjoy the jumps, turns and crashing too much. I don't think running has much of that, in comparison to mountain biking.:D

syntaxjunkie

09-24-2007, 06:02 PM

I enjoy the jumps, turns and crashing too much. I don't think running has much of that, in comparison to mountain biking.:D

depends on where you run. and how. :banana:

Nickel

09-24-2007, 07:27 PM

I've been reading a lot about barefoot running so I might try it. There's just something neat to me about hiking barefoot.

shawn34

09-24-2007, 07:56 PM

try:

www.mntrailrunning.com (http://www.mntrailrunning.com)

SpecHR55

09-24-2007, 09:45 PM

I would say run along side our cc meets but...idk if the judges would like that.

Have you been training alot?

Paul Swenson

09-25-2007, 07:30 AM

I've been reading a lot about barefoot running so I might try it. There's just something neat to me about hiking barefoot.

I've been exploring barefoot running as well. It sounds like a good way to prevent injuries.

Did you know that modern running shoes have not lowered the rate of running injuries particularly plantar fasciitis. They make your feet dumb and injury prone. Or a least that's what the barefoot people say and I think it has some merit.

slundncl

09-25-2007, 07:37 AM

I read about that in Runner's World that it is good to run barefoot on the grass or softer material (beach - if you go out of State of course). I did that everyday when I was on vacation in FL running on the beach, it was very good.

umdog603

09-25-2007, 08:13 AM

www.midwestevents.com (http://www.midwestevents.com) lots of running events, but also other sports.

Also, once you get into it, you will likely want to check out www.marathonguide.com (http://www.marathonguide.com). Lists all the marathons and 1/2 marathons in the country plus lots of articles and training advice.

Don't forget the most important race of all...next year, you missed it this year. James Pages Blubber Run 5k

I was one of the skiers this year. My blisters are still healing.

Paul Swenson

09-25-2007, 08:16 AM

SLP Punk

09-25-2007, 08:55 AM

Who needs shoes (http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_sprint.cfm?CFID=1053197&CFTOKEN=70229691)? ;)

I want to get a pair of those! :crazy2: Barefoot running reduces a lot of impact on the knees, which would do me a world of good.

biking_stickman

09-25-2007, 09:01 AM

I haven't run much yet, but I don't think I'll ever bike less, to be able to run more. I enjoy the jumps, turns and crashing too much. I don't think running has much of that, in comparison to mountain biking.:D

I find that running in the spring (vs. road riding) gets me in better shape for mountain biking in the summer.

RichZilla

09-25-2007, 10:08 AM

How is barefoot easier on the knees? It seems like there would be less cushion?

Paul Swenson

09-25-2007, 10:47 AM

How is barefoot easier on the knees? It seems like there would be less cushion?

From what I understand it's because the foot strike is different. Running barefoot you land on the ball and let the foot roll with the impact instead of landing on the heal and letting the shoe take the impact.

bdags

09-25-2007, 12:29 PM

From what I understand it's because the foot strike is different. Running barefoot you land on the ball and let the foot roll with the impact instead of landing on the heal and letting the shoe take the impact.

I'd much rather let the shoe take the impact...

Have you looked into the Nike Frees?

SpecHR55

09-25-2007, 09:02 PM

Any body know Steve Hoag? He runs/operates marathon sports, talk to him about running barefoot hahaha

Trevize1138

09-26-2007, 01:09 PM

I'd much rather let the shoe take the impact...

Yeah, and land with your foot almost flat but favoring the heel. All running on the balls of your feet does is transfer the shock to your achille's heels. Folks with no real knee problems like me but who have thin, weak ankles get injured pretty easily running too much on the balls of our feet ;).

hockeynut

10-08-2007, 06:44 PM

Boy... that was a fun race yesterday. Are marathons always that hard?

Things to do differently if there is a next one for me:

- don't attach goo packets with safety pins, by mile 5 I was down three with one to go and I never tasted the strawberry kiwi goodness
- drink more powerade and stuff earlier
- get better shoes (I forgot about this issue until it was too late to break them in)
- don't get Lyme disease
- make sure the bandaids are attached better to my nipples

Good job to anyone who finished/attempted/decided not to run because of the heat. Thanks to all volunteers, patrollers, and fans who lined the streets.

biking_stickman

10-09-2007, 10:02 AM

Boy... that was a fun race yesterday. Are marathons always that hard?

The weather made this year a hard year for running a marathon. I was glad to do the 10 mile and be done before it got real nasty.

I ran the Boston Marathon a few years back in similar conditions (85 degrees and humid - after training during the winter) and it was by far my slowest marathon.

Try Chicago next. Same time of year and a pancake flat course...very fast!

hockeynut

10-09-2007, 08:46 PM

Try Chicago next. Same time of year and a pancake flat course...very fast!

45k people and similar weather to TC... that's a scary proposition (as this year proved unfortunately).

If I do another one it'll probably be TC again and shoot for 4:00-4:15, or maybe the one up in Walker or maybe a cooler locale.... or I'll just hang up the marathon shoes....

Meghann

10-10-2007, 01:01 PM

Try active.com - it usually lists races, etc for pretty much any sport, any state.

Go to Run and Fun in St. Paul for shoes, things are usually a little cheaper there, they give you a little discount and if you are a lifetime fitness member you get more.

And on of my friends ran chicago - at least till they shut it down this year, he said he wouldn't do it again as it is ridiculously crowded, you are constantly bumping and getting bumped . . .

Paul Swenson

10-10-2007, 01:26 PM

My favorite race of the season is coming up 10/20. It's the Nerstrand Big Woods Run (http://www.finalstretch.com/races/big_woods/big_woods.htm)and takes place about 15 minutes south of Northfield. They have a 5k, 10k and half marathon. Each distance includes trail and country roads. Participation is not huge and it starts a little later.

Plus they have soup.

robc

10-10-2007, 01:47 PM

I dunno if it has been mentioned in this thread, but the Osceola Duathlon is coming up on Sunday the 14th. I haven't done this one before, but it is a 3 mile/22 mile/1 mile run/bike/run event. Nice easy distance for anyone who hasn't run that much.

robc

10-10-2007, 02:32 PM

They say "hilly" course for the 1/2 marathon. Have you done the 1/2? How hilly is it? Sounds like a fun race!

My favorite race of the season is coming up 10/20. It's the Nerstrand Big Woods Run (http://www.finalstretch.com/races/big_woods/big_woods.htm)and takes place about 15 minutes south of Northfield. They have a 5k, 10k and half marathon. Each distance includes trail and country roads. Participation is not huge and it starts a little later.

Plus they have soup.

Paul Swenson

10-10-2007, 02:45 PM

They say "hilly" course for the 1/2 marathon. Have you done the 1/2? How hilly is it? Sounds like a fun race!

I've done the 10k so I'm exactly sure how hilly the 1/2 marathon is. The topography around there is pretty flat so I can't imagine it could be super hilly.

biking_stickman

10-10-2007, 03:47 PM

45k people and similar weather to TC... that's a scary proposition (as this year proved unfortunately).

Keep in mind that this year the weather was not normal. When I ran TC and Chicago the start temperature was in the 30s for both races and most people were wearing long sleeve t-shirts, hats, and gloves.

hockeynut

10-10-2007, 04:47 PM

Keep in mind that this year the weather was not normal. When I ran TC and Chicago the start temperature was in the 30s for both races and most people were wearing long sleeve t-shirts, hats, and gloves.

Yep. I thought it was pretty absurd that they were giving out gloves at packet pick-up (though I knew in year's past that it has been chilly at the start). I think last year Chicago was frigid, but also held a couple of weeks later than this year.

Heck if the TCM would have been held one day later it would have been perfect temperatures for running. Oh well.

RichZilla

10-10-2007, 05:31 PM

I plan on running in the 5th Annual Bunny's Run For The Bloody this Saturday. It's put on by Bunny's Bar & Grill. Any event that's put on by a bar, has to be a fun one!

Here's the details:
Bunny's Bar & Grill
5916 Excelsior Blvd
St Louis Park, MN 55416
7:30 -8:30am Registration
9:00am Start
Course is flat and through neighborhoods & wooded trails.

Post up if you can make it, we can have a 'biker' crew representing!