The sun run is a joke in that its not serious -- 10k runs are considered "fun runs."

It was the first run I'd ever registered in, and the amount of people wrongly registered in the speed categories was quite laughable. I put myself in the fastest bracket (non-contender), and the first 10 minutes was spent trying to fight past people who were barely speed walking. Eventually, I followed several other people and hopped the barricade and ran on the sidewalk / grass path as though it was a HOV lane.

^^ In continuation..

Frankly...its a waste of money....if you actually even register. If you pay it...its a waste of money. If you wanna just go there and crash the race....why even bother?

The Sun Run is great if you're new to running. Once you get somewhat serious and care about your time, then you'll want to participate in events where there's less people.

The swag at the Sun Run blows too. Most major runs will at least include a proper tech-top and some decent post-race food/goodies. You get bagels, a cotton t-shirt, and bananas after the Sun Run.

For me, best swag and food goes to the NB Fall Classic thats held at UBC. Not the most exciting route, but their post race is held indoors with chili, bagels, fruit, cake, granola bars, beverages....and the list goes on. All the shirts they give out are nice...long sleeve technicals, or upgrade for 20 bucks more a technical half-zip thermal or pants.

Best post race food, for me, is The Longest Day race out at UBC. Held in the summer on a Friday night, it's always perfect weather for a run. Food includes bbq burgers, smokies, in addition to all the regular bananas, oranges, watermelon, honeydew, granola bars, etc. And there's a beer garden too. And door prizes are always good, but I'm bias, because last year I won the trip for 2 to Tofino with a 2 night stay at the Long Beach Lodge. :woot2:

A lot of the smaller races have awesome home baked goodies and they're really good. The members of the sponsoring run club bake and bring them to the race. And these smaller races always have reasonable entry fees as well. Because they're smaller, it's not as crowded, and you have a better chance at winning a door prize (or actually placing within your age group!).

If you're looking for road or trail races, here's the local race calenders.

http://www.bcathletics.org/eventcal_rr11.htm

http://www.bcathletics.org/eventcal_xc11.htm

and the Lower Mainland Race series:
http://www.lmrrs.com/

5 Peaks trail running series:
http://www.5peaks.com/schedule.asp?p=bc

WTF??? Why the hell have i never heard of this??????

I've always wanted to do the NB classic, even if it's just the 10K. I'll have to keep your post in mind.

The Turkey Trot has pretty good food too - smoked salmon, fresh fruit, wheat muffins, etc.

Got a question for you long time runners; I've been going every 2-3 days for a 7k run for the past few weeks and my knees started to hurt like crazy after a run yesterday. Feels like the ligaments on the inside of the knee because when i press against it I can feel the pain. Anyone know what the cause of this is? improper alignment/bad technique, or just from the compression of suddenly picking up running regularly? thnx

Sounds like you got some wear and tear. If you are new to running, 7k runs 2-3 times a week can wear your body down. Maybe take a week off from running and see how you feel.

Do you stretch after running? I have issues like yours all the time and its because I have tight Iliotibial bands from the running and cycling I do. Perhaps you are experiencing the same thing.

glucosamine supplements are good for joint pain as well

i dont stretch haha. i knw its horrible!

I started to take glucosamine again after the pain. I was reading up about runner's knee pain. Would cycling or low impact cardio in place of running decrease knee pain?

Mine hurts on the inside, not the outside of the thigh. Is that still the IT band?

The inside knee pain could be caused by the tight IT band as it could pull your knee cap out of place which causes the tracking of the joint to be kind of off. Thats what I hear anyways.

I found that with a foam roller and stretching after running, it has made a huge difference for me. The best is to use a foam roller. If you dont have access to one, try googling some stretches and see if that helps.

stretching has mixed opinions. i am definitely not all-knowing on the subject, but what i have heard is that stretching pre-exercise only has psychological benefits. stretching post-exercise can be moderately useful for releasing tension. if increasing flexibility is the goal, then 30 seconds minimum per stretch is required.

the IT band is on the outside of the thigh. cycling would probably ease your knee pain, but it depends on exactly what is the cause of the pain. if you want to keep running, i suggest exploring the world of pose or chi running - google it.

where can u get a foam roller?

http://www.sportmedstore.com/

Lots of stores in Vancouver

Running Room has them too, and you can get fitted for a new pair of shoes. Could be your shoes have worn out and is causing your knee pain.

With Running Room will they help you determine what kind of runner you are? Just checked their site and I dont know what category I fall into. Cushioning, Stability, or Motion Control. I really want to make an effort this year to do more cardio

Yes, they will help you determine which category you fall into, explain the mechanics of it all and suggest a couple of shoes that will suit your feet.

Just in case you guys are interested....me and my friend are hosting a fundraiser tomorrow...this is our main fundraiser prior to the BMO Van Marathon.

This is tomorrow.

I made a post about it here on RS, but here's the shorty of it.
$10, all you can eat pasta, Canucks vs. Sharks, lots of prizes, Legends Pub.

All proceeds to charity.
More details, the facebook page is here with all the prizes:
http://tinyurl.com/showdownfundraiser

How's everyones running coming along? Sun Run, if you're into that, is in a couple weeks...and BMO Vancouver Marathon is coming up quick!

So stoked for the BMO Vancouer Marathon. Hoping to hit 4hrs this time.....

Last year, weighed 208lbs going into it, this year, i should be at 195. Now with my new Asic Kayano 17s!

Bump

Looking for a pair of Nike Dual Fusions. They were the comfiest runners I've ever worn but they were a bit pricey for me so I didn't buy them. Anyone know where I can find them for cheaper or other recommendations for runners? What I loved about them was that they breathed and had great support for my heels.

The Nike Dual Fusions are super comft...but i wouldn't say its good compared of a lot of other runners, if you are looking for a long distance run.

The heel supports might feel great when you're trying them on and walking around in it...however, once you start doing longer runs, the cushioning may be TOO much for your heel supports to handle.

I use the Vomero 6's, which use the same bottom cushioning as the dual fusions, but not the top cushioining...However, because i run a lot, i don't care much of heel supports, so i don't care that the Vomero 6's hardly have any. But they are a very comfy, and airy.

If you want something with a better support...then the Pegasus...i think thats what it is. The NIKE site is fucked up...so i can't remember what it is.

Outside of Nike, a lot of runners like to go with Asics. Personally, i tried the Asics that was recommended for my type of feet....HATED IT. Went back to my Vomeros.

Considering this is 1/3 related....

Is anyone planning to do the Vancouver Triathlon on Sept 3?

How are the Vomero 7's compared to the 6's?