The February 2016 Running Challenge

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Replies

  • ShaeDetermined
    ShaeDetermined Posts: 1,525 Member
    edited February 2016
    Thanks you guys for the welcome!

    I'm loving the 50 degree temps in February. That's a treat here in NY, so I'm getting more running in than anticipated.
    My crossfit workouts each incorporate some running, but I'm not counting that towards my mileage.

    Today's lunchtime run: 3.6miles
    Total for February so far: 12.8

    @7lenny7 I love your distance tracker! how do i get me one of those? and does it somehow update automatically when you log a run? (what do i know) or do you need to update it manually?
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    edited February 2016

    I spontaneously did some interval training yesterday at the gym. When I went in, I was only planning to use the dumbbells. I went really late to avoid the crowds, and it was almost empty, only three guys in the weight area. But two of them were the ones I've come to call "that pyramid training pair" (okay, I admit, usually I attach some colorful adjectives to that description... >:) ). They always hoard a huge stack of dumbbells in their cornerp :-/
    Since I couldn't use any of the weights I needed, I decided to do run until they were done, and long slow runs on the treadmill aren't my thing. If I have to use the TM, I might as well spend my time madly dialing up and down the speed controls, to keep things from getting boring! With Tuesdays tempo run, that makes two speedwork sessions in one week! Never did that before, so I'm swapping my training plan around some more and having tomorrow's rest day today, to make sure I'm not overdoing things.

    Got to protect your house.

  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    @7lenny7 I love your distance tracker! how do i get me one of those? and does it somehow update automatically when you log a run? (what do i know) or do you need to update it manually?

    @ShaeDetermined, I get it from the Garmin Connect website, which interfaces with my Garmin Forerunner GPS watch. Do you use a Garmin? I used to use a Forerunner 305, which I had to manually connect to my computer to upload my data. I recently bought a used Forerunner 220 which uses bluetooth to upload the data to the Garmin app on my phone, which then uploads to their web server. On that site I create a monthly mileage goal and have it display on my "dashboard" The gauge is automatically updated once that data is uploaded.

    The Garmin Connect site is a very useful site for tracking miles, planning routes, tracking your run stats, tracking miles on each pair of shoes, etc.

    The site also interfaces with many other sites and services such as Strava, MapMyRun or MyFitnessPal.

    If any of that is confusing or if you have questions, just ask!



  • snha
    snha Posts: 388 Member
    2/1 6.11
    2/3 7.02 — good, slow run, snow, water, real slushy. not fun for the feet!
    2/4 3.67 — easy short run at 10’20” per mile.

    Total: 16.80/80
    exercise.png
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    karllundy wrote: »
    Also...I hate it when people hoard weights! Only slightly less aggravating than people who grunt/groan/drop weights to emphasize how much they are lifting / exerting themselves. ...
    Actually, I find it even more aggravating. When somebody screams like the killer from psychos is out to get him on each lift, I might look over there once, then roll my eyes and ignore them.
    The weight hoarders actually mean I can't do my planned workout. They don't only hoard two sets of dumbbells or something. They always do "bizep curl pyramids" where they do 5reps with 6 kg, 4 reps with 8 kg, ... up to 1 rep with 14kg, and then down again. Right in a row, so you can't borrow one of the weights in between, and they are alternating their sets - when one is doing that pyramid, the other stands by and hands him the weights, and vice versa, so you also can't work in.
    Considering my gym is really small and has only one set of each dumbbell weight, that is a serious problem. If one pair of dumbbells is taken, I'm willing to do e.g. "5 reps with 12kg" or "12 reps with 8kg" instead of "8 reps with 10kg". But when those guys work out, the next closest available weights are 4kg and 16kg. Grrr.... [/rantmode]
    If I didn't believe some strength training is a good idea for injury prevention, I'm not sure I'd put up with that.
    That's what I love about <3running<3 : nobody is going to steal my running shoes or hog all the streets around my place.

    There will be grunts....

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORPY4HG5TOc

  • ShaeDetermined
    ShaeDetermined Posts: 1,525 Member
    7lenny7 wrote: »
    @7lenny7 I love your distance tracker! how do i get me one of those? and does it somehow update automatically when you log a run? (what do i know) or do you need to update it manually?

    @ShaeDetermined, I get it from the Garmin Connect website, which interfaces with my Garmin Forerunner GPS watch. Do you use a Garmin? I used to use a Forerunner 305, which I had to manually connect to my computer to upload my data. I recently bought a used Forerunner 220 which uses bluetooth to upload the data to the Garmin app on my phone, which then uploads to their web server. On that site I create a monthly mileage goal and have it display on my "dashboard" The gauge is automatically updated once that data is uploaded.

    The Garmin Connect site is a very useful site for tracking miles, planning routes, tracking your run stats, tracking miles on each pair of shoes, etc.

    The site also interfaces with many other sites and services such as Strava, MapMyRun or MyFitnessPal.

    If any of that is confusing or if you have questions, just ask!



    Thanks @7lenny7 !
    Though your response makes me a little sad.
    I used my garmin forerunner 305 for over 10 years I think. Only complaint I had was the chest strap.
    So I excitedly, and after much research, replaced it with the fitbit charge HR.
    Man, that may have been the worst decision ever.
    Looking into buying myself a new gadget for spring.
  • _nikkiwolf_
    _nikkiwolf_ Posts: 1,380 Member
    edited February 2016
    Stoshew71 wrote: »

    I spontaneously did some interval training yesterday at the gym. When I went in, I was only planning to use the dumbbells. I went really late to avoid the crowds, and it was almost empty, only three guys in the weight area. But two of them were the ones I've come to call "that pyramid training pair" (okay, I admit, usually I attach some colorful adjectives to that description... >:) ). They always hoard a huge stack of dumbbells in their cornerp :-/
    Since I couldn't use any of the weights I needed, I decided to do run until they were done, and long slow runs on the treadmill aren't my thing. If I have to use the TM, I might as well spend my time madly dialing up and down the speed controls, to keep things from getting boring! With Tuesdays tempo run, that makes two speedwork sessions in one week! Never did that before, so I'm swapping my training plan around some more and having tomorrow's rest day today, to make sure I'm not overdoing things.

    Got to protect your house.
    I guess I need to learn to stop being polite and, rather than asking, just take the weights I want.

    E.T.A:: just spotted the "There will be grunts" video I missed earlier. The guy at min 1:11 has a soulmate in my gym, lol!
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    I used my garmin forerunner 305 for over 10 years I think. Only complaint I had was the chest strap.
    So I excitedly, and after much research, replaced it with the fitbit charge HR.
    Man, that may have been the worst decision ever.
    Looking into buying myself a new gadget for spring.

    Don't let me stop you from buying a new gadget, but if you live in or near a populous area, check out Craigslist. I bought the 305 for $40 last year and the 220 for $60 a couple of weeks ago, both from ads on Craigslist.



  • username301
    username301 Posts: 247 Member
    date....distance.... Mtd......ytd
    1/2........ 5k.............5k.........50k
    3/2.........5k.............10k......55k

    I would normally post a time, but given i am still doing intervals and annoyed with myself for ever stopping I am not posting times until March.
  • runner_girl83
    runner_girl83 Posts: 553 Member
    Virkati wrote: »
    @runner_girl83 How do you draw the line thru the sentence? Referring to your January 9 NY virtual race...I don't know how so I'm asking you since you just did it. Thank you!

    When you write something in the textbox, at the top of the textbox where there is a "B" for bold etc.. the 3rd one across is an "S" with a line through it.. highlight your text and then click on that :smiley:
  • rune1990
    rune1990 Posts: 543 Member
    Warm run today, I'm not looking forward to the warm temps at all. I think I much prefer the cold! Tho I can leave the windchill :/

    2/01 - x-train
    2/02 - 4 miles that came nice and easy
    2/03 - nada
    2/04 - 3.4


    exercise.png

  • runner_girl83
    runner_girl83 Posts: 553 Member
    edited February 2016
    So I excitedly, and after much research, replaced it with the fitbit charge HR.
    Man, that may have been the worst decision ever.
    Looking into buying myself a new gadget for spring.

    I just sold my Fitbit Charge HR! It wasn't what I was after either.. Had to charge it every day.. I asked Fitbit how I could make the battery last longer and they said to turn off the HR monitoring... That was the main reason I got it for!! I only had it for 3 weeks and put it on ebay! Bought a second hand Garmin FR10 (no HR) online and love it!
  • runner_girl83
    runner_girl83 Posts: 553 Member
    @Ch1pNQueso – How did you go with trying out some new running shoes? I used to go to the local shoe store, although they “fit” shoes, every time I walked out of there the shoes never fit lol… Hoping a trip to the podiatrist next week will sort it all out for me though! I’ve heard this lady will put me on the treadmill in several types of shoes to try and find my perfect fit. Here’s hoping! Every time I get past 10km I blow my shins… Gets pretty frustrating!

    @Virkati – Lol Just realised that @Juliet3455 answered your question about the strikethrough already sorry! :smile: Trying to keep up!

    Wondering if anyone has heard from Patrik333 (spelling?) lately??

    @Elise4270 Good luck on your race!!!! :smile:


    Races:
    Jan 9th – New Year (virtual) 10km 1:11:58
    Jan 30th – Park Run 5km
    Feb 6th – Park Run 5km
    February – I Love Running 10km
    February – Run For Mental Health 100km
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    Having shoe/gait/strength/wtf issues with my left. I'm really thinking its just getting my left caught up to the strength of my right. I'm having some bottom of the foot pain (ball). If I try to curl my toes, I have pain and i can not do it. Running i occasionaly have tendon pain from big toe to mid foot. Now, with the odd outter quad pain, and now behind that quad tenderness along, what feels to be tendon. And the ever present medial shin knot/splint. Sound like all the connective tissue is stressed?

    I got some Newtons today. I know NOT to run in them race day. But have no idea what to wear. I have a new pair of Merrells coming, but think I ordered a size too small, again I know new shoes on race day could be a disaster. My old Brooks won't do. So, I may do a few miles tomorrow in new shoes to see if I may chance it.. Probably stick with old Merrells, and compression sleeves.

    I know I'm acclimating post shot, and getting stronger..but still if anyone has advice, I'm listening. Could be a simple overtraining issue, the left isn't ready... So, next week I may do some walking miles.


    1---6.10
    2---rest
    3---6.25
    4---6.26



    18.61/Goal 110+ miles

    Upcoming races:

    02/06/16 Hot Chocolate 15K Dallas
    03/19/16 Rock N Roll 5K Dallas
    03/20/16 Rock N Roll Half Dallas
    04/24/16 OKC Memorial undecided distance
    Run the year 2016  118.65/2016
  • Becky_44
    Becky_44 Posts: 227 Member
    edited February 2016
    I love coming in here, literally thee best place to be on MFP!
    Elise4270 wrote: »
    No. It made me cough, and I peed my pants a little,
    Hahahaha! You're awesome!
  • vandinem
    vandinem Posts: 550 Member
    My February goal is on hold for now and may need to be revised. I have a foot injury that I don't think is going to get better if I keep stressing it. Not plantar fasciitis (which I've had and dealt with, and no wish to repeat!) Pain in the ball of my left foot, and my middle three toes tingle if I press down on it. Tried taping it, which helps, but not a lot. Will give it a few days and reassess.
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    Becky_44 wrote: »
    I love coming in here, literally thee best place to be on MFP!
    Elise4270 wrote: »
    No. It made me cough, and I peed my pants a little,
    Hahahaha! You're awesome!

    Ha-ha.. I was wondering if anyone caught that.
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    vandinem wrote: »
    My February goal is on hold for now and may need to be revised. I have a foot injury that I don't think is going to get better if I keep stressing it. Not plantar fasciitis (which I've had and dealt with, and no wish to repeat!) Pain in the ball of my left foot, and my middle three toes tingle if I press down on it. Tried taping it, which helps, but not a lot. Will give it a few days and reassess.

    Hey, that sounds like what I've developed. You have any idea what it is?
  • vandinem
    vandinem Posts: 550 Member
    @Elise4270 I'm really not sure. I've been banging out 100 mile goals here since last July (except for November), and the first months of that streak when I was not conditioned and heavier, so I expect I just tried to do too much too soon. And then I got a new pair of Merrills a couple of weekends back and put my Powerstep orthotics in them, and somehow that made it worse. I did a bunch of Googling and have found some leads (that's where I got the idea to try taping), but every site counsels rest/recovery. And at 50+, I'm not a hero when it comes to potential injury!
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    edited February 2016
    vandinem wrote: »
    @Elise4270 I'm really not sure. I've been banging out 100 mile goals here since last July (except for November), and the first months of that streak when I was not conditioned and heavier, so I expect I just tried to do too much too soon. And then I got a new pair of Merrills a couple of weekends back and put my Powerstep orthotics in them, and somehow that made it worse. I did a bunch of Googling and have found some leads (that's where I got the idea to try taping), but every site counsels rest/recovery. And at 50+, I'm not a hero when it comes to potential injury!

    Interesting. I too switched to Merrells. I haven't add many miles, (been at or close to 100 for a few months too) i figure its overtraining/adjusting. Guess I'll break out the tape. Thanks for the info!
  • MobyCarp
    MobyCarp Posts: 2,927 Member
    February Running Totals (miles)
    [1/31 – 14.01 easy with hills]
    2/1 – 6.08 easy + 4 strides
    2/2 – 9.73 warm up, speed work, cool down
    2/3 – 6.30 group run
    2/4 – 11.04 long speed work

    February total to date – 33.15

    Goal – 62 or 68 miles per week, per training plan
    expected February total - 262 to 265 miles

    Today's notes – Thursday is speed work. Today's assignment was 2 miles at E, 3 miles at MP, 2 miles at E, 2 miles at MP, 1 mile at E. That is a long, incredibly boring assignment to run on a 200 m indoor track. Tuesday I told Coach that if we got decent weather, I'd run Thursday's assignment on the roads because it would be mentally easier. I got 36 ° F (2° C) with snow flurries that weren't sticking and perhaps 8 mph W wind. That's pretty good outside running weather. The intervals add up to 10 miles, but I needed 11 to make the weekly mileage come out. No problem, I have an 11 mile route from home as well as a 10 mile route, just a minor variation from one to the other. I hit the first hills just past 2 miles, when I start doing MP.

    Pace control isn't as fine on roads with hills, traffic, and an occasional stoplight as it is on a smooth, level indoor track; but my mile splits came in within speaking distance of where I wanted them for E and MP. I'm happy with the first long speed workout of the training plan, and it gives me some experience to draw on Saturday when the long work is a bit more complex, with some T pace thrown in with the MP and E.

    Upcoming races:
    March 12, 2016 Johnny's Runnin' of the Green 5 mile (Rochester, NY - need to register)
    March 26, 2016 Spring Forward Distance Run 15K (Mendon, NY - need to register)
    April 18, 2016 Boston Marathon (Hopkinton, MA)
  • 9voice9
    9voice9 Posts: 693 Member
    Okay gurus - got a question for youse guys (Jersey-like). I want to give the HM distance another shot, and be fair about it. I feel like my not-great-run on 16-Jan was due to not having done that full distance (and more?) in my training. I think if I can get my body and my head used to 13, 14 miles on my regular long-run day, then my next HM will be cake.

    But the last 3 times I've done 10+ miles (including the HM race day) - I'm good (mentally) through 10 or so, but the last miles are just a chore. I'm physically fine, but just mentally, I'm ready to be done with it. But I'm trying to persevere.

    My question is this: This Saturday, I have a 15K race - it's supposed to be a nasty/hilly one. Do I go ahead and log a few miles before the race, like around 6:30, 7 before the race at 9? Does it matter if the miles are gapped - 3-4 miles early, and then the 9.3 an hour or so later? Or should I just be satisfied with 9.3 for the day? Am I crazy-making with the "run 14+ miles over and over until you get your head around it"?
  • 9voice9
    9voice9 Posts: 693 Member
    edited February 2016
    01-Feb: 8.61 miles
    02-Feb: 4.26 miles
    03-Feb: 3.11 miles
    04-Feb: 4.32 miles
    05-Feb:
    06-Feb:
    07-Feb: <Life Day>
    08-Feb:
    09-Feb:
    10-Feb:
    11-Feb:
    12-Feb:
    13-Feb:
    14-Feb: <Life Day>
    15-Feb:
    16-Feb:
    17-Feb:
    18-Feb:
    19-Feb:
    20-Feb:
    21-Feb: <Life Day>
    22-Feb:
    23-Feb:
    24-Feb: <SURGERY - 1 to 2 weeks no running?>
    25-Feb:
    26-Feb:
    27-Feb:
    28-Feb: <Life Day>
    29-Feb:

    Well - so far my surgery has cancelled 2 races, and I'll just have to wait and see about the 3rd one. Reckon I can ask for "pain and suffering" for missing races when we come down to settlin' time with his insurance company? You'd all testify about how painful it is to NOT run, right?

    Upcoming Races:
    06-Feb: Al Toll Memorial 15K, Macon, GA
    27-Feb: Cantrell Center 5K, Warner Robins, GA
    19-Mar: Cherry Blossom 10K, Macon, GA

    02-Apr: Run 2 End Alzheimer's 10.5K, Bonaire, GA
    16-Apr: Running for Ronald 10K or 15K, Macon, GA
    04-Jul: Peachtree Road Race 10K, Atlanta, GA"
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    9voice9 wrote: »
    Okay gurus - got a question for youse guys (Jersey-like). I want to give the HM distance another shot, and be fair about it. I feel like my not-great-run on 16-Jan was due to not having done that full distance (and more?) in my training. I think if I can get my body and my head used to 13, 14 miles on my regular long-run day, then my next HM will be cake.

    But the last 3 times I've done 10+ miles (including the HM race day) - I'm good (mentally) through 10 or so, but the last miles are just a chore. I'm physically fine, but just mentally, I'm ready to be done with it. But I'm trying to persevere.

    My question is this: This Saturday, I have a 15K race - it's supposed to be a nasty/hilly one. Do I go ahead and log a few miles before the race, like around 6:30, 7 before the race at 9? Does it matter if the miles are gapped - 3-4 miles early, and then the 9.3 an hour or so later? Or should I just be satisfied with 9.3 for the day? Am I crazy-making with the "run 14+ miles over and over until you get your head around it"?

    I'd just give the 9.3 (15k) hell. No warm up. If you feel the HM is just mental, can you chat some folks up to help with the mental boredom? Work the crowd? My first (only) HM is my longest distance. Think my longest before was 11. I have a half in March, not sure I'll run do much more than the 13 in training.
  • KWKirkbride
    KWKirkbride Posts: 119 Member
    @runner_girl83 I'm not going until this weekend. A couple friends here said the Fleet Feet store in my neighborhood has some awesome people doing the fitting. Online reviews back up the claims. I'll let you know how it goes.

    @everyonetalkingaboutGPSwatches I just picked up one of these. The refurbished bit always worries me but it does have the 1 year warranty. Ordered a bike mount and hrm as well. If I fall in love with the Fenix 2 I'll be on the lookout for the Fenix 3 to go on sale. That full color display has me drooling.
  • DCKgirl03
    DCKgirl03 Posts: 9 Member
    First 3km, walk run training done for me. 27 more to go. It still feels weird to run with my knee brace on. I feel like it changes my gait a bit. I'm sure I'll adjust to the change eventually, but for now it feels slightly off. I have yak traks here and they're indispensable for the road conditions here.
  • KWKirkbride
    KWKirkbride Posts: 119 Member
    Legs were feeling ragged today but I wanted to get a little time in before a busy weekend.

    1-1: 3 miles (and 27 on bike)
    1-2: rest
    1-3: 6.6 miles
    1-4: 2.5 miles (and 30 minutes of core work)

    12.1 of 70
  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    2/1: 6 miles with Joe to Go crew
    2/2: 5 miles
    2/3: 7.5 miles
    2/4: 8.2 miles (am), 6 miles (pm) with the Thursday crew

    Good run with the Thursday bunch! Slow and easy for the first 3 miles, then a comfortable tempo pace between HM and marathon pace to keep up with my buddy who was running off some work frustration. Talking and running a 7:45 mile is still novel to me, but it was fun to go a fast but manageable/comfortable pace. After the run: free pizza, followed by ice cream, followed by great local beer. Gonna be savoring that off day tomorrow!

    exercise.png

    Upcoming races:
    4/3: Caesar Rodney Half Marathon
    5/1: New Jersey Marathon
  • Virkati
    Virkati Posts: 679 Member
    edited February 2016
    PT today. Says the rest of this week and next I can bike, swim, walk, whatever, but no running. That will be re-introduced the week of the 15th with run/walk intervals while we evaluate exactly where I am with strength, balance, endurance and stamina. I feel like I've lost so much with all this down time. He said I probably have, BUT, getting it back won't take as long as it seems right now. Next week swimming lessons begin. 4 times a week for 4 weeks. PT is super happy about that because he thinks that means I won't have as much opportunity to overdo it with the running. He firmly believes that I can do my half on 5/15 but it will most likely have to be run/walk style. Told him that was good enough for me. I have two more scheduled for this year and if the first one is slow, steady, and I finish, I'll be ok with that.


    02/20 Snowman Stampede 10 mile race...have to bail out of this one due to injury.
    04/24 Graffiti Run with grandkids - "Memaw's Mini Posse" is our team name!
    04/30 Greenland Trail Race...8 mile
    05/15 Colfax Marathon (Half)
    08/07 Tri for the Cure Sprint Triathlon
    09/05 Labor Day Mini Marathon (Half)
    10/16 Rock-n-Roll Denver Half
  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    edited February 2016
    9voice9 wrote: »
    Okay gurus - got a question for youse guys (Jersey-like). I want to give the HM distance another shot, and be fair about it. I feel like my not-great-run on 16-Jan was due to not having done that full distance (and more?) in my training. I think if I can get my body and my head used to 13, 14 miles on my regular long-run day, then my next HM will be cake.

    But the last 3 times I've done 10+ miles (including the HM race day) - I'm good (mentally) through 10 or so, but the last miles are just a chore. I'm physically fine, but just mentally, I'm ready to be done with it. But I'm trying to persevere.

    My question is this: This Saturday, I have a 15K race - it's supposed to be a nasty/hilly one. Do I go ahead and log a few miles before the race, like around 6:30, 7 before the race at 9? Does it matter if the miles are gapped - 3-4 miles early, and then the 9.3 an hour or so later? Or should I just be satisfied with 9.3 for the day? Am I crazy-making with the "run 14+ miles over and over until you get your head around it"?


    @9voice9 For this Saturday, I would do just the race distance, but push yourself. And enjoy it!
    If you wanna get your head wrapped around the HM, my best advice would be to add a long run in the middle of the week. If your weekend LR already maxes at 12 or even 13 miles, that's great. Keep it up (but with off weeks for recovery, of course!). But I think a 7-8 mile run midweek will help normalize the longer distance, so that on race day, you can fly through the first half, then crush it in the second because you run more than that "all the time" (twice a week!). That was one of the things that helped most in my most recent batch of marathon training; a 10-12 mile midweek run makes the 18-22 mile long runs and the 26.2 race distance seem much more within reach than when my midweek running topped out at a 5 or 6 miler.