December 2015 Running Challenge

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  • Runningman_78
    Runningman_78 Posts: 34 Member
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    First time in one of these threads for me....am aiming for 100km this month which will be a battle with Christmas getting in the way. According to Strava Im at 46km so have some work to do for sure. I did manage to do a SkyRunning event at the end of November which I'm proud of so that helped spur me on to get running more often. The heat this month will be something I need to work with, seeing as this weekend it will be 40c/104f
  • 5BeautifulDays
    5BeautifulDays Posts: 683 Member
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    @karef I started running last winter after a lifetime of trying to avoid running at all costs. I'd had bariatric surgery in August 2014 at age 43 and as I worked on losing the weight I was also working out in the gym and using the elliptical. One day last December all my favorite machines were occupied so I got on a treadmill and started walking. Not so bad, but I was a little wobbly. I decided to see how fast I could walk and discovered it was easier to run slow than to walk fast! So by January I was doing something very similar to C25K and by February I was a runner who could run (really slowly) about 10 minutes without passing out. Now I love running and miss it when I can't do it. Also, in spite of my surgery, I still really enjoy food, so anything that lets me eat a little closer to "normal" is a positive in my book.


    12/1 3.5 @ 11:17 on the treadmill plus strength training
    12/2 5.25 @ 11:04 on the treadmill. Oh my heck, please let it be sunny tomorrow. Or at least not so wet.
    12/3 4.75 @ 12:03 on the park trail with the doggy. Yay! Sunshine!
    12/4 3.5 @ 11:03 (really 3.25 at 10:48, plus .25 at a walk) on the treadmill, plus strength training
    12/5 3 miles hiking with the cub scouts :)

    12/6 Woke up feeling sore from Friday's strength training, so took a rest day
    12/7 9.25 @ 12:26 on the park trail, nice and easy
    12/8 3.75 @ 10:48 on the treadmill (3.5 at 10:39, .25 walk), plus stretch/yoga
    12/9 5.25 @ 11:32 on the treadmill
    12/10 Sort of rest day? Trip to Colonial Williamsburg with my daughter's history class. Lots of walking!
    12/11 6.25 @ 11:18 on the treadmill.
    12/12 Rest Day

    12/13 3.25 @ 10:10 (5K race chip time 32:06--I finished 191/395 women 30/64 in my age group)
    12/14 7.25 @ 12:03 (7 @ 11:57 and .25 walking) on the park trails


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  • Ohhim
    Ohhim Posts: 1,142 Member
    edited December 2015
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    Had a relatively enjoyable 20 miler tonight, as I broke it up into my usual 5 mile loop, a 5 mile run (w. some bridge climbs) to a group speedwork session, 5 miles at the group session (but avoiding going faster than my 10k pace), then a 5 mile run home. I'm not sure enjoyable is necessarily the best word for the experience given the humidity & heat, but by breaking it apart that way, I didn't get as mind-numbingly bored and impatient as I usually do during my 20 milers.

    Legs aren't totally shot as well, so I may actually get through my planned 9 miles tomorrow.

    12/1 - 4 miles
    12/2 - 4 miles (hill repeats at a 7 pace)
    12/3 - 4 miles
    12/5 - 6 miles
    12/6 - 4 miles (5k in 19:26 - 2nd/85 runners)
    12/7 - 15 miles (w. speedwork session in middle)
    12/8 - 6 miles
    12/9 - 7.5 miles (w. group tempo session in middle)
    12/10 - 7 miles
    12/11 - 3 miles
    12/12 - 1 mile (pre lift warmup)
    12/13 - 10 miles
    12/14 - 20 miles (w. speedwork session in middle)

    Total: 91.5 miles
    Goal: 230 miles
    Remaining: 138.5 miles

    @stoshew71 - race report sounds quite a bit like my marathon from last January - started & maintained a solid comfortable pace, but just couldn't hold on starting at mile 17 once the weather made its way above 70 degrees w. high humidity and just lost minute after minute through the finish. I suspect you have a BQ in you if you can find a race where the weather cooperates.

    @kareF - took up running due to an ex-girlfriend runner suckering me into a 5k right around my retirement, as I was looking to take off weight after letting things creep up to 260lb due to a crazy job. Once I got through the 5k, other friends suckered me into the Broad Street 10 miler, and when all was said and done, the training for those two races helped me drop down to about 230lb. My weight plateaued for 6 months after that race once I stopped running, so I signed up for a half marathon (and made it down to 220), full marathon (210), another half (200), sprint triathlon (185), half (180), full (178), full (172), olympic triathlon (168), and half (163). I'm sure the diet and training played a part of the success, but I'd like to make it to 150lb eventually, and have caught the bug (as race times have improved pretty dramatically alongside the weigh loss). At the moment, I'm signed up for 2 more marathons, 2 half-ironman races, and a full ironman next year. Still, my goals have since shifted to Boston (reasonable shot at a BQ in 2016 for the 2018 race), and Kona (will play by ear based on my ironman race progress).


  • zmcgrandles
    zmcgrandles Posts: 78 Member
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    12/3 - 3.2 miles
    12/6 - 1.8 miles
    12/7 - 4.1 miles
    12/10 - 3.2 miles
    12/14 - 4.0 miles
    Total 16.3 miles with 33.7 to go
  • MorningGhost14
    MorningGhost14 Posts: 441 Member
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    DATE...............MILES...............TOTAL
    12/1....................6.00....................6.00
    12/2....................5.00..................11.00
    12/3....................6.25..................17.25
    12/4...................REST.................17.25
    12/5....................14.00.................31.25
    12/6...................REST.................31.25
    12/7......................3.75.................35.00
    12/8......................7.50.................42.50
    12/9......................4.00.................46.50
    12/10.................REST.................46.50
    12/11....................5.25.................51.75
    12/12....................5.50.................57.25
    12/13..................12.50.................69.75
    12/14.................REST.................69.75
    12/15.....................6.25................76.00


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  • ddmom0811
    ddmom0811 Posts: 1,878 Member
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    Dec 1 - 2.64
    Dec 2 - 5K
    Dec 3 - 1.4 streak
    Dec 4 - 5.16 miles
    Dec 5 - 4.16 miles - Savannah! Wish I had more time because this was the best run ever.
    Dec 6 - 5.5 miles
    Dec 7 - 1.1
    Dec 8 - 4 miles
    Dec 9 - 1.4 miles - streak
    Dec 10 - 3.75 miles
    Dec 11 - 6 miles
    Dec 12 - 35 mile bike ride, 1 mile run
    Dec 13 - 32 mile bike ride, 1 mile run
    Dec 14 - 3.5 miles
    Dec 15 - 4.72


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  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    edited December 2015
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    12/1: 3 miles
    12/2: Rest
    12/3: 6 miles with Thursday crew
    12/4: Rest
    12/5: Busy day in NYC
    12/6: Rest from busy day
    12/7: Rest
    12/8: Busy!
    12/9: Too sleepy from a late-night Buffy binge on Netflix...
    12/10: 6 miles with Thursday crew
    12/11: 4 miles
    12/12: 4 miles
    12/13: 7 miles (+4.8 mile hike)
    12/14: Rest day
    12/15: 4 miles

    Hamstring feeling really good these days. I've been focusing on shorter-faster strides -- especially on hills -- and that seems to be helping a lot to keep things in line so the hamstring doesn't get bothered. I'm getting really excited to go home at the end of the week because my brother claims he's going to be my running buddy (he's in 8th grade and does usually 2-3 miles at a go to keep in shape after XC), and now that I'm back running solid 8:10-8:30 paces again fairly easily, I'll be able to give him a run for his money ;)

    Also loving reading all your stories about how you started running. I think it's amazing how no one comes to the sport in quite the same way, and how it means something different to everyone. Keep 'em coming. Great question for the thread, @kareF!

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    Upcoming races:
    5/1/2016: New Jersey Marathon
    6/12/2016: Run & Ride HM at Cedar Point (maybe)


  • ceckhardt369
    ceckhardt369 Posts: 115 Member
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    December Running Totals (km)
    12/1- 1.61
    12/2- 1.61
    12/3- 1.61
    12/4- 1.61
    12/5- 1.61
    12/6- 8.21 (5k Red Nose Run)
    12/7- 1.61
    12/8- 1.61
    12/9- 1.61
    12/10- 1.61
    12/11- 1.61
    12/12- 1.61
    12/13- 1.64
    12/14- 1.61
    12/15-
    12/16-
    12/17-
    12/18-
    12/19-
    12/20-
    12/21-
    12/22-
    12/23-
    12/24-
    12/25-
    12/26-
    12/27-
    12/28-
    12/29-
    12/30-
    12/31-

    Total- 29.17
    Goal- 53
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
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    moyer566 wrote: »
    @lporter229 I've found 2 things to work. 1) peroxide solution. 2) followed by warm olive oil
    repeat as needed.
    WebMD describes it in opposite order and I suppose that more sense anyways.

    My husband has to go to the doctor to get them cleared out. He has tried to find someone who does candling but a lot people won't.

    I went to the doc in a box yesterday evening. This has been something that has been bothering me for a while, but finally just got really bad this weekend. She removed a huge slug of wax which gave immediate relief, but she said that it scratched my eardrum and that was irritated. Nothing serious, but she gave me some antibiotic drops to use. The ear is still sore, but a million times better. I plan on a 4ish mile run this evening. Too many holiday chores to complete!
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
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    First time in one of these threads for me....am aiming for 100km this month which will be a battle with Christmas getting in the way. According to Strava Im at 46km so have some work to do for sure. I did manage to do a SkyRunning event at the end of November which I'm proud of so that helped spur me on to get running more often. The heat this month will be something I need to work with, seeing as this weekend it will be 40c/104f

    Welcome! Oh that's awfully hot :sweat:
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    edited December 2015
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    1-6.65mi build up run from 13:07-11:04
    2-strength and yoga day
    3-6.69mi fast run 11:40, technically. but reality is we have 5 min warm up and potty breaks for the dog
    4-rest day, maybe yoga day. feeling poopy
    5-13.17mi I was only scheduled for 11 but I was feeling so good at 9 miles I went on and decided to do a whole 13. I have to say a marathon isn't that scarey now.
    6-3.18mi for recovery and to do the Runkeeper Global 5k
    7-yoga
    8-rest day. so tired i'm dizzy. not sure why
    9-no sleep last night-rest. I'm calling it recovery week from the 18miles this weekend :smiley: aerial yoga at night
    10-3.12mi with hills, including two steep ones. top of quads and hips still feel extremely tight
    11-planned on running but was too tired still. rest day
    12-10.37 it went well. I was supposed to run the last three with my stepdaughter-to-be but typical teenager, she slept in. tried a new trail. it was nice and foggy. good run
    13-meant to make up the other three. didn't happen
    14-yoga day.
    15-6.56mi They felt fast. I felt fast. runkeepers updates overall made me sound fast, but i was slow. 1 min off my pace.


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    upcoming race:
    feb 13: Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Run/Walk
    mar 14: The Great Pi Run 5k (tenative). I want to do it but SE vacation may get in the way. :frowning:
    Stoshew71 wrote: »
    One more favorite meme about racing finisher's medals...

    12342439_710874709013662_2852358030295429928_n.jpg?oh=ddd7e2e8db7c0857e6a56ddb301f3542&oe=5714E4E1

    lol, it's funny because it's true

    @lporter glad your ear found relief.
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
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    12/1 5.5 miles - 5.5
    12/2 4.1 miles - 9.6
    12/3 5.5 miles - 15.1
    12/4 4.1 miles - 19.2
    12/5 12 miles - 31.2
    12/6 REST DAY
    12/7 4 miles - 35.2 << Last taper week going into RCM
    12/8 5 miles - 40.2
    12/9 REST DAY << First day of carb loading. 740 g of carbs. woo hoo.
    12/10 3.1 miles 43.3 << last run before RCM
    12/11 REST DAY
    12/12 26.4 - 69.7 <<< Rocket City Marathon (3:38:05 gun time // 3:37:59 chip time)
    12/13 REST DAY
    12/14 REST DAY
    12/15 REST DAY

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    Obviously no running today. However, I am going to try and get out and do some walking.

  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
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    It looks like we picked up a few newcomers to this thread. Welcome all! I hope you find this thread inspirational and a valuable part of your training.
  • karllundy
    karllundy Posts: 1,490 Member
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    12/1 - 4 miles on indoor track + 4.5 miles on stationary bike
    12/2 - Took my rest day early. Weather is supposed to be way better this weekend, so planning to run long(er) than usual both days.
    12/3 - 5.09 miles on treadmill (Trek class)
    12/4 - 4 miles on indoor track + weights/abs
    12/5 - 5.5 miles (I think)...my phone / GPS crashed after about 4, so I lost my distance and time
    12/6 - 3.1 miles on small indoor track
    12/7 - unplanned rest day
    12/8 - 4 miles on indoor track + weight/abs
    12/9 - 5.25 beautiful miles...40° F at 5:00 a.m. in December! Ran a route that I used a lot last spring/summer, but had been a while. Fun, relaxing, almost perfect!
    12/10 - 5.25 miles on treadmill (Trek class)
    12/11 - 3.1 miles on indoor track + weights/abs
    12/12 - 6 chilly miles
    12/13 - rest day
    12/14 - life day
    12/15 - 4 miles on indoor track + weights

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  • GBrady43068
    GBrady43068 Posts: 1,256 Member
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    @Stoshew71: 10K and some change? :P This is what I get for skimming quickly.. I am still dreaming of seeing a split in the 7 minutes..sure couldn’t do it repeatedly for hours. Hats off, sir!

    Dec 1: Advent begins. Light mist but warm (low 50s), still a little bit of hip twinge, nice and slow this morning, 4.44 miles.
    Dec 2: Hound of the Baskervilles fog this morning, no demon dogs spotted. 2.35 miles
    Dec 3: Rest day, however, intended to walk..and it didn’t happen 
    Dec 4: Chilly tonight but not unbearable. 2.5 miles
    Dec 5: No run (family outing out of town) but did get in a half hour walk.
    Dec 6-8: Days of suck
    Dec 9: Back at it. 4.34 miles this morning in the DARKy dark dark…Already more than halfway to the miles I ran last month..December looks to be better.
    Dec 10: Rest day
    Dec 11: 3.19 miles. Weather is beautiful.
    Dec 12: 4.72 miles in my new shoes but I kept 'em (mostly) clean
    Dec 13: Rest day (intentional..not just being lazy). Still minor hip twinges but I’ve been doing more stretching and that seems to be helping. I probably need to bite the bullet and start doing core muscle building though. 
    Dec 14: Intended to run but sleep won out. *sigh*
    Dec 15: A little cooler this morning and drizzly. 3.07 miles.

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  • skippygirlsmom
    skippygirlsmom Posts: 4,433 Member
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  • karllundy
    karllundy Posts: 1,490 Member
    edited December 2015
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    @skippygirlsmom - Love the shirts! Photos of Skip helping with medals are super cute!
    @Elise4270 - Sorry to hear about your pup. Plus, Kara Goucher...nice!
    @Stoshew71 - once again, way to rock it! You are my running hero! Love the bibs...but, change wine to beer! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
    @ACSL3 - Ouch! Hope you are feeling better. Good job taking care of yourself and not pushing too hard!
    @MorningGhost14 - Way to kick butt, old man! :wink: Love hearing stories like yours. I didn't start running until I was nearly 40 and not "seriously" until I was 41 a little over a year ago. Better late than never, I say!
    @_nikkiwolf_ - Ha! Restroom dash! Done a few of those myself!
    @kareF - Started losing weight at 38, ran a little here and there for two years. Really started when I was 40 and kicked it into HM training for the first time when I was 41. I was the funny fat kid until then. Running a mile in gym was torturous once a year. Love hearing everyone's story!



  • MobyCarp
    MobyCarp Posts: 2,927 Member
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    Ohhim wrote: »
    Still, my goals have since shifted to Boston (reasonable shot at a BQ in 2016 for the 2018 race), and Kona (will play by ear based on my ironman race progress).

    @Ohhim - Based on the people I know, it appears that getting into Boston is easier than getting into Kona. I know several people who have run or are going to run Boston; I know one who will do Kona 2016. I asked him what it took to qualify for Kona, and he said something like, "I got in by doing 12 Iron Man Tris. There's a qualifying time, too; but I'd have to take 3 years off work for training to meet that." He never did tell me the numbers needed to qualify on time.

    I will do Kona, roughly never. I'm an indifferent cyclist and a slow swimmer, but competitive in my age group as a runner. If I stay healthy, I should be able to qualify for Boston 2017 at Boston 2016 because they give 60 year olds a really generous BQ target.

  • Virkati
    Virkati Posts: 679 Member
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    @Stoshew71 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! You are awesome and one of the main reasons I've been able to lower my risk of injury. My hat is off to you sir. Happy birthday!
  • kimlight2
    kimlight2 Posts: 483 Member
    edited December 2015
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    @Becky_44
    Did you see my post about the stretch I do for my piriformis? It's called the Prone Figure 4 Isolation. If not look it up, it's been extremely helpful for me.

    I did. I love that one. I can modify it and do it at my desk also so I can keep it loose all day.