OT: Fitness and Nutrition XII

[Lshap]

5 weeks left until race day, the best training block I think I have ever had. 2 months of productive status in my garmin. Normally I have an overreaching or unproductive segment. My lactate threshold is improving, my VO2 Max is improving and I’m having the time of my life. I’ll be 47 at the time of the run and my VO2 is greater than my age.
If you would have told me this was going to happen in the middle of COVID I would have told you you were nuts.

There is an army run in September as well and I’m going to keep on running from May 10th through to Sept. I might take a couple weeks maintenance/recovery before jumping back into another training cycle.

My zone 2 is calculated as a % of my LTHR. I have it a bit high between 142-152 bpm. Yesterday I did a 16km progressive run where I was basically easy pace at 146 bpm, got faster as it went on for a nice negative split. Felt like I was in cruise control, winds were gusting above 50kmph.

I went for a (very) short run yesterday around my GF's place in farmland. The wind was insane! No way could I have done 16k without carrying a sail.

Good luck with the training. 47 is still close to prime, provided you avoid chronic injury. You probably have another few years until age really kicks in. I started noticing the difference in my early 50s.

 

[angusyoung]

Almost time and got some of the buds from the group prepping for it this time too. We’ve established that we shall be ‘’present’’ and ‘’participating’’ with the goal to ‘’not embarrass ourselves’’ Still prefer when it was done in November as the sea is warmer.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

I went for a (very) short run yesterday around my GF's place in farmland. The wind was insane! No way could I have done 16k without carrying a sail.

Good luck with the training. 47 is still close to prime, provided you avoid chronic injury. You probably have another few years until age really kicks in. I started noticing the difference in my early 50s.

The wind can make a huge difference in effort in effort. At 50-60km hour it becomes more impactful than terrain in my experience. Running uphill is an excellent workout that builds form and strength, but running against the wind. I’m not sure it builds much other than a whole bunch of fatigue lol

 

[Riggins]

I did the Sun Run this last weekend as mentioned previously. There were 57,000 people running 10k starting in downtown Vancouver. Was happy with my effort, ending up at 47:50 and that beat my time from 7 years ago at age 35. I have the issue of starting too hard (the first km is downhill) and then hanging on for dear life in the final stages. I split 22:52 then 24:58 for the final 5km. Lol I felt like garbage for about 20 min after, don't think I had my hydration dialed in well enough and my body wasn't used to going that hard for that long.

I'm attempting my first half marathon at the end of June. Never even run close to that distance before. Don't have a huge time goal but would be content with 1:59.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

I did the Sun Run this last weekend as mentioned previously. There were 57,000 people running 10k starting in downtown Vancouver. Was happy with my effort, ending up at 47:50 and that beat my time from 7 years ago at age 35. I have the issue of starting too hard (the first km is downhill) and then hanging on for dear life in the final stages. I split 22:52 then 24:58 for the final 5km. Lol I felt like garbage for about 20 min after, don't think I had my hydration dialed in well enough and my body wasn't used to going that hard for that long.

I'm attempting my first half marathon at the end of June. Never even run close to that distance before. Don't have a huge time goal but would be content with 1:59.

If you run a 48 min 10k you are well positioned to smash 1:59 half. You’ve got the speed already. Build that Aerobic base and you’ll be well under 2 hours. Slow and steady wins the race, log those miles and do a weekly speed workout to keep sharp and you will beat 1:55.

I like mostly easy miles, one threshold session on like Tuesday and then keep it mostly easy until Saturday. Progressive long runs are like another tempo. First 5-8km warmup, 8-14 settling into tempo and 14-18 pushing race pace. If you can do that you’re golden. You want that negative split so you’ve got reserve in the tank for the strong finish so try to stop that habit of getting off to a fast start and purposely hold back for a bit. I was doing a Thursday interval session but it was tanking my progressive long run and the progressive long run is the more valuable tool. Now I just do Thursday easy

 

[Paddyjack]

I did the Sun Run this last weekend as mentioned previously. There were 57,000 people running 10k starting in downtown Vancouver. Was happy with my effort, ending up at 47:50 and that beat my time from 7 years ago at age 35. I have the issue of starting too hard (the first km is downhill) and then hanging on for dear life in the final stages. I split 22:52 then 24:58 for the final 5km. Lol I felt like garbage for about 20 min after, don't think I had my hydration dialed in well enough and my body wasn't used to going that hard for that long.

I'm attempting my first half marathon at the end of June. Never even run close to that distance before. Don't have a huge time goal but would be content with 1:59.

48 minutes in the Sun Run is pretty good because I remember having to zig zag through hundreds of people blocking my way especially the first 2 kms, but even at the end you get people walking and still blocking the path.

 

[angusyoung]

Don’t know if anyone’s tried these before but they are awesome. Members of our group got these and we’re learning and practicing with them in the pool. Should have got these years ago they are so good and handy. A bit more practicing and then we’ll try them in open water, make sure we got it down pat before the excursion. Always some pros and cons, the pros are no more fogging and better visibility and oral communication and the cons are that air is consumed more rapidly, it will be something to gauge to see if it’s all worthwhile. The depth is limited, but seldom go that deep anyways, we’ll see, time will tell.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Thank God the playoffs are over…

 

[angusyoung]

A buds brother is visiting him and he wanted to try underwater hockey with us and he is a frikkin menace as it turns out. It’s a relatively civil sport but he was smacking the other team with the stick, pulling at the mask and tugging and holding the fins, such an asshole. The guy has a real attitude problem and nobody can stand him and he makes fun of the local people, can’t wait for him to go, even his brother wants him to leave.

 

[angusyoung]

Thank God the playoffs are over…

You are in error, they haven’t even started the final round yet.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Thank God the playoffs are over…

Getting back on track today.

 

[angusyoung]

Learn something new every day, played doubles and after the match having some beer and blunts one of the guys told me I smelled like vinegar! I was offended, obviously, but others said the same thing too and they were right and I have exceptional hygiene so it was baffling. Took a few deep whiffs and it seemed to be emitting from a new shirt that I was wearing. I guess it somehow didn’t get washed before being worn. The more I sniffed, the more it reeked, so f*** that and jumped in the pool, you could see the dye bleeding out big time, what a piece of crap. When the mrs came outside to do some singles I asked her about it as she picked it up when she was in Singapore. She was under the impression it was top quality judging the price paid but got had as it turns out. So buyer beware and make sure you wash before wearing.

 

[angusyoung]

You are in error, they haven’t even started the final round yet.

and the playoffs still aren't over.

 

[DAChampion]

I had an L4/L5 spinal discectomy surgery yesterday. I'm now in a lot of pain, but I think it's for the best, as I've been in pain for decades due to sciatica, etc. Likely originating from bad posture as a teenager and university student.

I went to the bathroom a lot yesterday. A lot. I was told it was my body getting rid of the IV fluids. I don't know if I ever peed that much in a day.

I got good care because of my health insurance. We have multi tiered health care here. But I went from complaining about pain to surgery in about two months, passing through X ray, MRI, cat scan, along the way. At one point, about three weeks ago, an ambulance came and took me to the ER because I was in too much pain. Prednisolone and Delodid (spelling?) reduced it to a manageable level, but I was afraid it would flare up again.

I look forward to being able to do squats and deadlifts. Perhaps in a couple months.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I had an L4/L5 spinal discectomy surgery yesterday. I'm now in a lot of pain, but I think it's for the best, as I've been in pain for decades due to sciatica, etc. Likely originating from bad posture as a teenager and university student.

I went to the bathroom a lot yesterday. A lot. I was told it was my body getting rid of the IV fluids. I don't know if I ever peed that much in a day.

I got good care because of my health insurance. We have multi tiered health care here. But I went from complaining about pain to surgery in about two months, passing through X ray, MRI, cat scan, along the way. At one point, about three weeks ago, an ambulance came and took me to the ER because I was in too much pain. Prednisolone and Delodid (spelling?) reduced it to a manageable level, but I was afraid it would flare up again.

I look forward to being able to do squats and deadlifts. Perhaps in a couple months.

All the best to you bud.

 

[Mrb1p]

I had an L4/L5 spinal discectomy surgery yesterday. I'm now in a lot of pain, but I think it's for the best, as I've been in pain for decades due to sciatica, etc. Likely originating from bad posture as a teenager and university student.

I went to the bathroom a lot yesterday. A lot. I was told it was my body getting rid of the IV fluids. I don't know if I ever peed that much in a day.

I got good care because of my health insurance. We have multi tiered health care here. But I went from complaining about pain to surgery in about two months, passing through X ray, MRI, cat scan, along the way. At one point, about three weeks ago, an ambulance came and took me to the ER because I was in too much pain. Prednisolone and Delodid (spelling?) reduced it to a manageable level, but I was afraid it would flare up again.

I look forward to being able to do squats and deadlifts. Perhaps in a couple months.

I have the same L4/L5 recurring problem. Two years ago the Sciatica was so bad that i couldn't sleep laying down, walk or sit straight. I had to sleep sitting in a chair for about a 6 weeks period. Absolutely nasty.

Looking forward to seeing how your body responds, even if I'd never be able to get a surgery here, lol. Hope you feel better soon, did they say how long the recovery would be ?

 

[DAChampion]

I have the same L4/L5 recurring problem. Two years ago the Sciatica was so bad that i couldn't sleep laying down, walk or sit straight. I had to sleep sitting in a chair for about a 6 weeks period. Absolutely nasty.

Looking forward to seeing how your body responds, even if I'd never be able to get a surgery here, lol. Hope you feel better soon, did they say how long the recovery would be ?

In my opinion do everything you can to get the surgery. A bulging disk is a progressive illness as far as I know, it either stays the same or gets worse.

What jurisdiction are you in?

The estimated recovery time is two weeks. I'm now 48 hours post op, my lower back is very stiff and I'm on painkillers. But it's a small cost to pay compared to what I've dealt with.

 

[angusyoung]

Don’t know if anyone’s tried these before but they are awesome. Members of our group got these and we’re learning and practicing with them in the pool. Should have got these years ago they are so good and handy. A bit more practicing and then we’ll try them in open water, make sure we got it down pat before the excursion. Always some pros and cons, the pros are no more fogging and better visibility and oral communication and the cons are that air is consumed more rapidly, it will be something to gauge to see if it’s all worthwhile. The depth is limited, but seldom go that deep anyways, we’ll see, time will tell.

So far these have been everything they said they were, fantastic!

 

[Mrb1p]

In my opinion do everything you can to get the surgery. A bulging disk is a progressive illness as far as I know, it either stays the same or gets worse.

What jurisdiction are you in?

The estimated recovery time is two weeks. I'm now 48 hours post op, my lower back is very stiff and I'm on painkillers. But it's a small cost to pay compared to what I've dealt with.

How are you 5 days in?

Im in Montréal, so getting care is not the most simple thing here lol. I barely was able to get a massive infected abcess treated last month.

 

[DAChampion]

How are you 5 days in?

Im in Montréal, so getting care is not the most simple thing here lol. I barely was able to get a massive infected abcess treated last month.

I left Quebec years ago so I'm not up to date on the health care system there.

I'm starting to feel a bit better, the pain peaked on Thursday. It's weird to have to think about not twisting, because I subconsciously twist all of the time for things like getting a coffee mug from the cupboard, or reaching for something on my nightstand.

I'm on four pills, acetaminophen, gabapentin (nerves), cyclo-something (muscle relaxant), and oxycodone (pain reducer). The oxycodone also causes constipation, I think all opiates do, so I'm eating a lot of fruit and taking miralax.

A great side effect is that my post urinary drip is gone. I had that for decades. It was annoying and embarrassing. And now it's gone. I hope it stays gone. I guess one of my nerves was being irritated by the bulging disk.

 

[Mrb1p]

I left Quebec years ago so I'm not up to date on the health care system there.

I'm starting to feel a bit better, the pain peaked on Thursday. It's weird to have to think about not twisting, because I subconsciously twist all of the time for things like getting a coffee mug from the cupboard, or reaching for something on my nightstand.

I'm on four pills, acetaminophen, gabapentin (nerves), cyclo-something (muscle relaxant), and oxycodone (pain reducer). The oxycodone also causes constipation, I think all opiates do, so I'm eating a lot of fruit and taking miralax.

A great side effect is that my post urinary drip is gone. I had that for decades. It was annoying and embarrassing. And now it's gone. I hope it stays gone. I guess one of my nerves was being irritated by the bulging disk.

Eh is that why I keep post dripping in my pants? Jesus this thing goes deep. I thought I was just getting old.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

I had an L4/L5 spinal discectomy surgery yesterday. I'm now in a lot of pain, but I think it's for the best, as I've been in pain for decades due to sciatica, etc. Likely originating from bad posture as a teenager and university student.

I went to the bathroom a lot yesterday. A lot. I was told it was my body getting rid of the IV fluids. I don't know if I ever peed that much in a day.

I got good care because of my health insurance. We have multi tiered health care here. But I went from complaining about pain to surgery in about two months, passing through X ray, MRI, cat scan, along the way. At one point, about three weeks ago, an ambulance came and took me to the ER because I was in too much pain. Prednisolone and Delodid (spelling?) reduced it to a manageable level, but I was afraid it would flare up again.

I look forward to being able to do squats and deadlifts. Perhaps in a couple months.

Goodluck champ. I knew you were dealing with some pain issues over the years, but I never knew it was at this level.

I think you made a wise decision. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

I left Quebec years ago so I'm not up to date on the health care system there.

I'm starting to feel a bit better, the pain peaked on Thursday. It's weird to have to think about not twisting, because I subconsciously twist all of the time for things like getting a coffee mug from the cupboard, or reaching for something on my nightstand.

I'm on four pills, acetaminophen, gabapentin (nerves), cyclo-something (muscle relaxant), and oxycodone (pain reducer). The oxycodone also causes constipation, I think all opiates do, so I'm eating a lot of fruit and taking miralax.

A great side effect is that my post urinary drip is gone. I had that for decades. It was annoying and embarrassing. And now it's gone. I hope it stays gone. I guess one of my nerves was being irritated by the bulging disk.

Cyclobenzaprine? That and gabepentin was the combo given to me for my recurring back pain, neither helped at all.

Turns out for me it was strictly a hip mobility issue and I found a routine that has completely resolved my issue. I will be doing my mobility routine for that rest of my life or until it becomes detrimental to me.

 

[DAChampion]

Cyclobenzaprine? That and gabepentin was the combo given to me for my recurring back pain, neither helped at all.

Turns out for me it was strictly a hip mobility issue and I found a routine that has completely resolved my issue. I will be doing my mobility routine for that rest of my life or until it becomes detrimental to me.

Yes. The only drug that worked for pain prior to surgery, out of many tried, is prednisolone. These are for the pain post surgery.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

Yes. The only drug that worked for pain prior to surgery, out of many tried, is prednisolone. These are for the pain post surgery.

I hope you recover well. Keep us updated on your progress.