RULES

Hi all, my COROS Apex has turned 4 years old, and it's getting a little long in the tooth.

As I consider replacing it, I'm trying to decide between the new Apex and the Pace. It looks like Apex is allegedly more suitable for mountain athletes, but I'm wondering if there's really a huge difference? The Pace is much cheaper.

I run on trails about 2-3x per week, most of them aren't super duper remote. I also use my watch to track my yoga practices. Main priorities are simply accurate mileage and vert tracking.

Would love to hear from any other COROS users about their experiences!

I'm in the market for new socks and I'm hoping to find something that will help prevent blisters. I walk as well as run so if there's anything you've found that works for both I'm definitely interested to hear it!

I was supposed to run a 5K this morning but I woke up feeling awful (sinus pressure sore throat horrible headache generally didn't sleep well). This is usually my long run day and I usually push through if I'm feeling unwell (following that old rule of if I feel sick above the neck it's safe to run but if it's below the neck it's not) but I am just so exhausted and I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed. We are in the process of preparing to move cross country at the end of February and selling our house and the stress of it all is wreaking havoc with my sleep schedule.

Now I'm feeling like a giant baby wimp loser (it's only 3.11 miles! That's SO MUCH SHORTER than my usual long run!) and I feel guilty for giving up my registration fee when moving costs are already so expensive. I feel so guilty and stupid and pathetic.

Did I make the right call here? Maybe the running endorphins and adrenaline would have helped me feel better? Or is it more important to listen to my body? But it's not like I have a cough or chest congestion or anything that would affect my breathing so there's really no safety risk so it's not like my body was really saying it's not healthy to run.

The mean voice in my head is screaming at me saying I'm lazy for backing out of a measly 5K and how dare I call myself a runner if I can't push through and just do it?

I don't know what I'm looking for here. I guess this is mostly a rant at this point; it's too late to change my mind now - the race starts in 10 minutes. Have any of you been in this situation? Did I make the right call? I'm lying in bed feeling so horrible about myself right now.

How's everything going? This is a space to celebrate victories, get support, and share anything that might not merit its own post.

Did you have a really good run recently?

Find some really cute shoes or an awesome running outfit? (Feel free to share social links here!)

How's your training for the next big event going?

Want to share something random that's going well for you right now, or need to vent about something in your life, even if not running-related?

This is the place for it! Brag, vent, whatever you need!

I have started training for my first half marathon. Even though it’s at the end of April I’m already able to run 10 miles. However - I had two babies and I never drink on my run (worried my bladder will act up). I feel really achy after long runs and I’m wondering if it’s because I’m not hydrating. I am now trying to eat those gummies while running but still haven’t figured out a hydration method. Do you take small sips of electrolytes throughout? Do you carry a little bottle of water in your hand? How much do you drink and do you have to use the bathroom? Right now I find carrying anything in my hands annoying but I guess I would get used to it? How do you carry your water bottle? Any advice welcome - ty

It’s been a tough start to the year but wanted to share some positives, such as my 10k race today! Completed my 2025 goal of a 25min 5k (ran a 24:56!!!) and my goal for the race which was anything in the 55 min range! I am absolutely buzzing!!!

I bought the Brooks glycerin max thinking I would love them since I’ve been running in the brooks glycerin 21 and love them. However, I’ve encountered a few problems since trying them out:

1. ⁠they are very narrow. My podiatrist actually recommended I bought Altra running shoes for the wider toe box.
2. ⁠they are heavy and I feel like my stride is cut short if that makes sense. I feel like I don’t have enough room to run because the distance between my feet and the floor is cut short
3. ⁠I’ve been experiencing a lot of shin pain since I started running in these which I’ve never experienced before. My stretching routine hasn’t changed either
4. ⁠knee pain

Are they worth returning? I feel like everyone loves these so much so I should like them too but I am not impressed so far

What are your favorite training plans for maintenance between races? I have a solid race calendar for the spring and summer with a mix of distances up to 25k. Wondering what your favorite plans are for staying in shape for moderate distances without over-training.

I've seen a few reports that elasticated running belts cause stomach discomfort. I'll be wearing it around my lower belly area, would a running belt with straps be better in this case?

Hey all!!

I just finished my first week of the Apple fit program “Run your first 5k” on the treadmill. I am very pleased and surprised that my highest speed was 4.4 at a 3% incline. I used to think that speed is for running but I did it speed walking.

If you have any tips for me! I would appreciate it!

Hiya! I'm looking for some advice here. I'm aiming to run a 10k in July. I have done 5ks before, with a PB of 34:14. I'm a slow runner, so tempo runs are very hard for me. I usually train CrossFit 3 times a week and do weightlifting once a week. I've found most training plans to be 3 times a week but I'm aiming to train in addition of my gym classes, though I'm not sure what the right balance would be? Would it be feasible to do runs only twice a week instead of three? TIA!

How slow do you ladies take things after you take a running break? I have had some pain/shoe issues so I’ve taken things very slow for the last two months and haven’t run at all in three weeks but I’ve signed up for a 25k in early May. I’m ready to start running again and I’m hoping I can pick things back up pretty quickly rather than starting from zero and building again. I’d like to start just slightly under my average pre-break and build from there, but maybe I’m being optimistic. Curious to hear your experiences with taking breaks and how you get yourself back into the training groove!

I'm focusing on weight loss right now so I'm just running 16 mpw (with a schedule of 3, 4, 3, 6 miles, all easy) just to maintain running fitness.

I'm having the hardest time getting out the door for runs above 3 miles. My last training block was for a half marathon and my short runs were 5+ miles, so I can definitely do the distance no problem.

I dread running outside because of the hills in my area. I will often instead run on the treadmill, but I only end up running 3 miles (that's my current limit on the treadmill before I get bored). I just feel so tired thinking of having to run 6 miles. I think I'm putting lot of pressure on myself to not be slow (I already am slow, 13 min/mile pace) and that's really hard with the hills and being in a calorie deficit so being tired in general.

Any tips/tricks to overcome the mental block? Should I try to increase my treadmill limit.

not early xx related, but…

imagine you’re training for a marathon, you’re 6 weeks out. training plan calls for 10 miles today, 20 tomorrow, your highest mileage week yet, longest run yet.

you finish the 10 miles today with a hot spot on one foot. you take off the shoes and socks to find a massive blister on the side of the 2nd toe, between it and the big toe.

what do you do? do you leave it be and hope for the best on your 20 miler tomorrow? do you pop it?

worried for the impact to training. worse for the marathon. literally nothing new on this run, old socks, old shoes, no rain, nothing out of the ordinary. why the blister? and such an odd place! have been running over 20 years and never had this before.

help.

Hi all this is slightly embarrassing and I really hope I’m not alone in this but I am a newer runner and I am in my 20s. I have never been a sweaty person, not to say I don’t sweat, but I am not excessively sweaty typically. But I have noticed that I am excessively sweaty in the groin region after running. Does anyone have any recs on leggings or something that makes this a little less uncomfortable?? I can’t stand the feeling of the perpetual swamp ass I now get on every run😭

Edit: SWEATY CROTCHES UNITE!!🤣 glad I’m not alone and I will embrace the slight piss pant look but I am taking in all the recs for leggings!! You all are the best!🫶🏻

How's everything going? This is a space to celebrate victories, get support, and share anything that might not merit its own post.

Did you have a really good run recently?

Find some really cute shoes or an awesome running outfit? (Feel free to share social links here!)

How's your training for the next big event going?

Want to share something random that's going well for you right now, or need to vent about something in your life, even if not running-related?

This is the place for it! Brag, vent, whatever you need!

Hi! I’m supposed to be running my first half marathon on march 16th. I was in the middle of my training plan and did 10km on january 19th.

I then had a week long work trip then got the flu and have missed a 12km and a 14km run (tomorrow.) I tried to run today but after like 2km my chest hurt and I was coughing so I stopped.

I’m worried I don’t have time now to train…I guess I’m just looking for advice - will I have to pull out?

Thank you!

I have a few new products I want to try as I try to find the products I want to use for my races this year.

But right now it’s winter and the runs are, generally, shorter and easier. A timely example is this weekend is a group run - but it’s at a social pace and there are times of walking, taking photos, just chatting, whatever. But not even a consistent z2 run the whole time. However, it will/should be a 2+ hour outing.

So given the overall more relaxed pace I don’t feel like I’ll be pushing myself in the same way as needing electrolytes or carbs.

Is this still an opportunity to try new things to at least see if the taste/body is happy with them? I feel like they won’t be used/needed in traditional fueling sense that my body will absorb and use. On the flipside, despite the easier effort is it still an opportunity to gut training/gut test or does that still require more stress of the body to really see how it handles higher amounts?

Basically - the gels and electrolytes aren’t exactly cheap especially buying varieties to try. And then is it wasteful/useless to give them a try when the body very likely doesn’t even need them?

I’ve been running since August and slowly building my base, and I’ve got to about 10-12 miles consistently every week since I started. Today I did my last run for Run Everyday January, and last week I did my first 10k, which is my longest distance so far. To reward myself for all this I signed up for a 10k race in May. I’ll be doing this more for the experience than the time, but I’m so excited! I’ve run a handful of 5k races so I’m not totally in the dark, l but if there are any tips anyone has I’d love to hear it!

Thank you in advance to anyone who takes time to read this post. I'm hitting a wall and not sure what to do.

My question is: What is the correct balance of building up running mileage vs. PT/strength training if you're coming back from an injury?

• What should be prioritized to keep from losing progress and endurance?
• What is the correct split of days between running/strength?
• How do I maintain my progress/endurance? Has cross-training helped you?

You can totally skip the rest of this post if you have expertise on any of the above!

My background: I'm in my early 30s and have been running most of my life– sprinted in high school, ran casual 5ks in my 20s, but started taking running and distance seriously 3 years ago. I ran my first half in May 2023 after a gradual increase in miles over a few months and felt amazing. I was in the best shape of my life.

A month later, I injured my knee so badly I couldn't put weight on it or bend it. I spent 5 months resting with no physical activity at all before going to PT, where I learned that it's a knee tracking issue, caused mostly by weak hips. I then did 3 months of PT 2x a week (+ light exercises at home) to strengthen everything and get me back on the path to running. It's made a huge difference.

Slowly, gradually, I've been building my mileage again. In February 2024 I could only run a half mile. Summer 2024 I was able to get to 3-4 miles, but with pain: At mile 2-3 my feet would get tense up and cramp, and then remain cramped for the next 24 hours. I went back to PT for 6 more weeks. We worked on my feet, knee and again, my hips. Improved again, then went back to running.

Up until 2 weeks ago, I was back on track. I could do 5-6 miles on the treadmill before feeling pain. Endurance-wise, felt great. I thought maybe it would be time to incorporate more PT/strength so I could keep increasing my distance– My goal is to run the NY Marathon in November 2026. But ever since incorporating my PT (squats/clamshells with resistance bands, raises with ankle weights), my ability to run is shot. I can barely make it 2 miles without pain in my hips, quads and knees. 2 days ago my quad on my "bad" leg was in so much pain after 3 miles that I limped home from the gym. I thought I was making progress, and now this.

I'm at an impasse:

• Do I stop running for a bit and focus only on PT? The last time I did that, I lost all my running progress. I'm running the 9+1 series in New York this year, so I don't want to lose my distance/speed progress.
• Do I keep running, but alter my strength training? Am I pushing too hard on PT/strength days? How many should I be doing a week, and how much rest?
• Should I be cross-training instead of running? If it matters, I am only running on a treadmill right now because of the cold (I am quite literally allergic to cold air so this is non-negotiable).

Thank you again to anyone with any advice. I appreciate any guidance or expertise you have to help me get back to running. I'm sure for many of you running is a source of joy, the way it has always been for me, and your kindness means everything to me.

Edit: Just removed a few descriptive words (like "excruciating pain") because they were maybe overdramatic, I'm never experiencing more than a 6-7 on the pain scale!

Calling all runners! I’m excited to share an opportunity to lace up for a great cause.

The NO MORE Week 2025 Challenge is a virtual Walk/Run happening throughout March to raise awareness and funds for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

💙 Choose your own distance: 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon
💙 Complete it anytime, anywhere, at your own pace
💙 Every dollar raised helps connect survivors to support services in 200+ countries/territories

This Challenge is part of NO MORE’s annual week of activism (March 2-8), and we’d love for you to join us! Whether you participate solo or rally a team, your miles can make a difference. Register now at nomore.org/challenge

Background: I have asthma and am following a half marathon training plan for a half in April.

I've tried running on a treadmill a few times, but I can't seem to get used to treadmill running. I tried again yesterday because of a torrential downpour and I can't seem to get it.

I started with a brisk walk for ten minutes to warm up. I couldn't seem to adjust to the pace... It either felt too fast or too slow. I felt a little dizzy during. I tried zoning out but unfortunately there is a giant (not working) TV screen so it was just me staring at my own reflection. I felt like I honestly couldn't control my stride or my footfall. It felt BAD. Not to mention the dizziness after getting off, but that happens while walking too.

I have a trip coming up where I anticipate needing the treadmill to maintain my schedule.

Is there a way to adjust to this?

This is a long read, thank you for taking the time! Female, late 30's. I have had a long history of running injuries on my right leg-all preventable, just made poor training decisions. In Feb 2019 I sprained my left hip flexor with a band and developed tendinitis in my left leg in the fall, which led to right hip pain weeks later....then Fertility medications and compensation I believe caused me to develop right low back/ hip/hamstring /quad pain for months. Fast forward to months of no exercise and no answers from doctors-an Osteopath (May 2020) did a full body X-ray and hands on exam determined that my sacrum on the right side was tilted forward and the Si joint was loose. It was also discovered I have a short left leg--1 cm--so I now have a 1/4 inch lift built in shoes on that side which relieved my back pain almost immediately.

I did PRP and Prolo that summer and resumed PT that August. Lots of McGill and running specific exercises, swimming, and gradually running on the alterG by November. I made amazing progress. I stuck with swimming due to some fertility treatments that winter. Became pregnant March of 2021, C - section October 2021, walked alot that winter, felt pretty good, and let my body recover until May of 2022 when I began PT to rehab back to exercise and stability. I wasn't progressing a ton (likely time and breastfeeding) so I took a break Dec-Feb 2023.

In March ('23) I went back and did PRP, restarted PT for several months to build strength and stability, and by the fall of 2023 I was jog/walking with PT guidance, swimming, and riding a peloton. I continued my PT exercises and I was thrilled. I would need the leg pull adjustment every few months (mostly left side), but I was very stable.

In March of 2024, I stupidly tried to lift up a heavy A-Frame wooden thing in my yard, and immediately felt strain in my si joints. No one really knew what to do--my right quad and lower back were so tight. I saw a diff. PT that summer who said my sacrum was tilted again, and my right pelvis rotated forward. She did cupping and soft tissue work, and after 5 sessions the pain and instability was everywhere in my right side. My Psoas was so tight and spasming by my ribs, etc. Osteopath did not believe it was unstable and did not do any PRP, but did some anti inflamm injections into some muscles (waste) and sent for an lower lumbar MRI. Everything was completely clear. Fast forward to summer, I shut down all activity by August. I now wear an SI belt and am still in so much pain. I think it may throw my short leg off because I feel worse the next day, but it helps me get through the work day. Recently I could not sleep on my back without my right SI joint hurting so the Dr. did a botox shot into my piriformis a month ago to calm it down. That helped, but now the pain seems to be a bit higher on the sacrum now. Standing on my feet all day is brutal, my right foot feels like it has something stuck under it. I do have over supination on my right side which I feel has gotten worse since this injury. I am seeing a pelvic specific PT in a few weeks, but I am really struggling mentally, physically, & financially because of these treatments. I use a knee wedge to sleep and have a sacrum pillow in my car. Please help with any recommendations if possible. I know my running days are behind me, but I just want to be able to live pain free again, and in a dream world, walk, bike and swim

After dilly dallying, quitting smoking multiple times, and starting and stopping my running journey I am finally committing. I want to be a runner, an activity I didn’t know I enjoyed until I quit smoking for the first time a few months ago. Having bad lungs for 10 years hid the joy, and now I’m ready to rediscover it for good!!

Also signed up for a half in the fall. I will likely be asking for advice later on in this process but right now the goal is repair my lungs and get my legs moving. Shoutout to all the new runners like me who are nervous but ready for a new chapter.

Hi - I’m looking ahead to this weekend and planning for my long run, which I usually do on either Saturdays or Sundays (working around weather and life events).

This weekend we’re supposed to get a winter storm where I live with some freezing rain / snow / icy conditions. If it’s terrible outside I don’t want to risk injury and should shift to a treadmill run.

My problem is that this is supposed to be a 9 mile run that is part of a half marathon training program (this is my first ever half). The half is in 6 weeks, so not much training time left. And I just don’t think I can do 9 miles on the tread. After 4 miles or so I start to lose my mind and it seems to feel so much harder on my body. I’m a 49F and my recovery time after runs aren’t quite what they used to be!

How impactful to my training would it be to split this into 2 shorter runs (on Sat, one Sun) if one long run outside isn’t possible?

I have a hard time knowing when I need an unscheduled rest day and when I should push through bc I'm lazy or lacking motivation. I also feel guilty when I take an unscheduled rest day so if anyone has advice on that, please share.

I run 4 to 5x a week averaging 40-50 miles a week and I lift 2-3x a week. I only take Saturdays off because it's right before my long run.

Another ferritin post - I had labs done and my ferritin is 14, same as 3 years ago. My doctor recommended 325mg of iron sulfate but I was looking at the Thorne product since it's safe for sport (living in delusion land like I'm gonna get drug tested) which has 25mg iron bisglycinate. Anyone know the conversion between these dosages? Or have anecdotal experiences taking certain brand of iron supplement?

I'm 40 and I run 40-60 miles a week, and feel like dogshit a good bit of the time despite eating well and sleeping decently. The last time I had ferritin checked I had no idea that athletes' needs can be different and took my doctor's work that I was "low normal but normal". So I'm really looking forward to seeing if this supplementation makes a difference.