42runs 

#QD: Same loop or uncharted territory?

In the weeks leading up to a #marathon my weekly km’s are high (of course). I find myself being pragmatic and getting that #run in. However I end up being sick of constantly #running the same roads over and over again. Yet I don’t switch course much in racing season. how about you?

Same loop
37.5%
Uncharted territory
62.5%
Poll ended at .
Dec 3, 2022 at 8:24amWeb
Show threadCoopsDec 3, 2022
@42runs I have around 10 different local trails I run regularly which keeps it pretty interesting. I mix it up by running them in reverse & patching them together.
Much easier to keep it varied on the trails.
Show thread42runs Dec 3, 2022
@Runner_Coops lucky you, there are just not so many trails around here. the environment around Amsterdam is much more monotonous. I find myself travelling a little further every now and then to get some variation. Or i go by train somewhere and run home. Gotta do something :)
Show threadJack GuthrieDec 3, 2022
@42runs One of my fave things for my Z2 runs is to get running outside without a route planned. I just need to get creative and figure it out as I run. Obvs not for the key speed work but for Z2 it makes it a bit more of an adventure
Show thread42runs Dec 3, 2022
@jackguthrie yes Z2’s are a great for exploring a little more. I sometimes try to add a challenge: long run without crossing a road or traffic lights on the course. it forces you to take some turns here and there :)
Show threadMatDec 3, 2022
@42runs I love planning my long runs out with #Komoot so I can have an epic adventure across London instead of running loops. Also a fan of #TrailRouter that will automatically generate routes if you give it a distance https://trailrouter.com/
Powerful route planner that prefers greenery and can generate round trip routes of a specified distance | Trail Router

Powerful route planner that prefers greenery and can generate round trip routes of a specified distance

Trail Router
Show thread42runs Dec 3, 2022
@okwithmydecay I yeah i try strava/garmin courses every now and then. Mainly on holiday. This summer i was in luxembourg and ended up running an epic trail. I don’t know trailrouter, will check that one out! (desperately haha)
Show threadMartin K.Dec 3, 2022

@42runs

My father, my biggest source for running wisdom, always preaches to actively train boredom. Like, do a long run on a track, no music, no nothing. Get your mind into state where it can cope with endless repetition and doesn't rely on external stimuli.
As much as I try to incorporate that into my training, it's hard.
So: same loop, I think, is almost a form of training.

Show thread42runs Dec 3, 2022
@ImboSlice haha wow! long run on the track.. insane. Then again, i love a challenge. i’ll make you a promise: I will do a 30km long on the track some day! (and make a vlog about it!) #mastodon is our witness! and so are these hashtags: #running #run #marathon
Show threadjeannieDec 3, 2022
@42runs @ImboSlice remember to change directions, can be a bit stressful on your body running tight corners in same direction. The ideal would be a figure of 8 track 😍.
Show thread42runs Dec 3, 2022
@jeanniebrady @ImboSlice We actually do that sometimes at the track, reversed training. I actually have some ankle troubles when i do too much track work, its going to be interesting to see whats going to happen. maybe outer lane works
Show threadMartin K.Dec 3, 2022

@jeanniebrady @42runs

So what you're saying is we need to pool some money and build the world's first (probably) "infinity track"?  

I have

*checks bank account*

a couple of bucks!

Show threadjeannieDec 3, 2022
@ImboSlice @42runs There is a slight problem with the infinity track. In a race situation you'd have a dangerous collision point 😅. But if I had the resources I'd still build one. Maybe if it was designed as two 400m tracks with an infinity crossover joining the two. Multipurpose!
Show threadMartin K.Dec 3, 2022

@jeanniebrady @42runs

No no, think different! What you call collision point I call a potential high five point 😅

Love the design though. Man, to be rich... No need for an own McDonald's at my house (my image of being rich is permanently shaped by Richie Rich), just gimme my own track.

Show threadjeannieDec 3, 2022

@ImboSlice @42runs Ha ha I like the idea of a high five point. I'm seeing the potential for a new Olympic event 🤔

Yes my own track 😍. With an amazing view yet somehow completely sheltered from the wind.

Show thread42runs Dec 3, 2022
@ImboSlice @jeanniebrady yes we all run on our own track :)
Show thread42runs Dec 3, 2022
@jeanniebrady @ImboSlice wait i missed the conversation! yes to an eight track!!! reminds me of myvold carrera electric car track as a kid.
Show threadjeannieDec 3, 2022
@42runs @ImboSlice I did 10K on the track during lockdown, I didn't change direction and I definitely felt the consequences.
I did really enjoy it tho, it was a full on effort for me.
Show thread42runs Dec 3, 2022
@jeanniebrady @ImboSlice jeez.. by the way, quick calculation 30k is 75 laps on a 400m track. I need some help im gonna miscalculate this for sure!
Show threadjeannieDec 4, 2022
@42runs @ImboSlice Calibrate your watch if it has that facility.. make it lap with the track. You'll definitely lose count and the watch won't get the distance right otherwise.
Show threadSteveDec 3, 2022
@42runs Being largely a trail runner these days this isn't an issue. The trails are always different even when you are running the same route.
Show threadjeannieDec 3, 2022

@42runs I have quite a few routes with variations, riverside and coastal for flat routes, I don't mind driving to the start of my runs but have some decent options from my door.

Longest #marathon training runs I tend to do loops on boring industrial estates so I can practice drinking water and taking gels without carrying them. These places are quiet at weekends 👍