August (2016) Running Challenge
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sunkisd1105 wrote: »Ok! I am determined to become a runner and am hoping this will get me started. I have set a goal of 40 miles this month. I hope walking can be included because I know I can't run all of that yet.
@sunkisd1105 - You include whatever is useful to you. Some people will include walking, because a mile is a mile. Others will only include running, because that's what makes the most sense to them. We don't all have to do it the same way.
As far as "I can't run all of that yet" goes, everyone starts somewhere. You might see people refer to me as one of the serious or more active runners. I confess I put up some rather impressive miles in Februrary, March, and April as I trained toward the Boston Marathon. But I didn't start out to become a runner with the goal of running Boston.
I started out with the goal of being able to run the 3.5 mile JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge without having to slow to a walk. I found a canned 5K training program that called for me to start with intervals of walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes.
And I found the first time I went out, I couldn't run 3 minutes. I could run 1 minute, then I had to slow to a walk.
So . . . as the graphic upthread says, don't compare your Chapter 1 to someone else's Chapter 20. You are where you are, and you do what you need to do in order to get where you want to be.6 -
5BeautifulDays wrote: »I'm setting a stretch-goal of 90 miles...and hopefully I won't spend any more of them laying on my face in the middle of a dirt path thanks to trippy trees!
@5BeautifulDays Feeling your pain on Trippy Tree Roots then we have the Magic Ghost Rocks that seem to roll over as you step on them or Tall Grass beside a trail that some how turn into Lasso Trip Lines. But what is this Pole Dancing you mentioned?
At the end of July when doing my first Time Trial run on the Emperors Challenge Mountain Route through some Tall Grass in a Swampy Section I got tripped up by the grass being knotted together and went down. From my hiking/backpacking experience I now where Fingerless Cycling gloves with Leather Palms when on Rough Wilderness trails to prevent hand injuries from falls. Definitely saved me on more than this one occasion.viktoria2493 wrote: »How do you get that running tracker?
@5512bf An inspiration to others, giving back even though you have no kids involved in the school.
@MNLittleFinn Good catch on it being the one pair of socks that seem to be an issue. Retire them and buy a replacement or 2?
@ereck44 - Blisters UNDER your toenails? WTH - how does that happen.
@kristinegift Welcome to the Working Stiff's. Now just to tweak your running sched to fit your work sched.
@greenolivetree Great video clip for the KT Tape. I really like that they used differant colors to show the placement. If you flipped the Tape upside down and placed it across the back of my knee/top of my calf that is what I did for my high Calf Strain except I did not use half pieces.
Great Video clip emphasizing to clean the skin, anchor with a piece of tape that is not stretched and to cut round corners on cut pieces.
Ah KY Tape - it just keeps Giving and Giving, just like Poison Ivy. Fortunately I live far enough north we don't have Poison Ivy. Sorry for those who are fighting it.
Okay I think I have caught up to everyone's posts.3 -
@Somebody_Loved - I hope the KT Tape helps your knees. I had some knee issues last year, and it did wonders for me. In my case, it was primarily a shoe problem. I was wearing the same shoes for everything, and I needed more support for my really long runs (I had been running in Nike Free, but switched to Altra Torin for my long long runs). Once I made the shoe switch, the knee pain was no more.
Anyway, before I figured out that I needed to swap shoes out, I was using KT tape on both knees for all my long runs. I love it because it provided just enough support to make a difference, but was very flexible and stayed on--and comfortable--even with heavy sweating.
I also used it on my left ankle prior to surgery to help give it extra support during activity and throughout the day in general.0 -
8/2 - 3 Miles.
Goal - 3 of 75.1 -
@lporter229 I am a very cheap and frugal person. So my buying running shoes usually ends up being, what is available on the clearance table or what I can find in discount stores.
My very first pair of running shoes were the ASICS gel keyano 20's that I found in Burlington Coat Factory for only $49. This was before i knew anything about running. I saw running shoes cheap and I was like OK, I need a pair. Had I known what I was buying I would have gotten 3 pairs. LOL I didn't know that these things normally ran $180. My next pair was at the Nike Outlets in Pigeon Forge and I got a pair of Nike Air Pegases for $70, then a pair of NB 860 V3 which I absolutely loved for only $40 at Burling Coat Factory. Had I known I would love those NB's as much as I did, I would have gotten 3 pairs as well. lol Out of all the NB's I shop for today, nothing feels as great as those 860's. Bummer.
In my hunt for more deals, I have gotten lots of other shoes that were less than ideal. I even have a pair of the ASICS GT-2000. I actually like them. Not the best feel, but I like them. But over time, I have gotten used to all these different shoes. It took some time to get adjusted and my ankles and shins may have been a little sore. But now, I can pretty much run in any shoe and not feel way bad or get injured.
Normally the advise given is to go to a specialty store, get a gait analysis, and buy the type the works with your foot and pronation type. I kinda break that rule. LOL So my personal experience doesn't really provide some real good advise that I can pass onto others.
But I am a firm believer that if you are patient and don't have really bad feet or pronation issues, then you can make most shoes work for you. But take it with a grain of salt.0 -
August
2Aug - 7m
7/100miles
Intervals in the rain tonight. First time I have done this properly by myself and it was really tough but interesting. Was pleased with having done 7miles but now I see it as 7 of 100 it seems like I have given myself a tough month!
Huge number of posts, looks like everyone off to a great start.
@Stoshew71 @MNLittleFinn all that time travel is impressive, who needs a Delorean with running, weight loss and brilliant info like you guys?
@Elise4270 you are an inspiration, keep swimming, keep updating us with progress and we will all keep our fingers crossed that you will be back out with you shiny new improved running legs in no time. Hope you find some alone time meanwhile.
@kristinegift good luck in the new job, if the routine gets too much just remember it will pay for running shoes.
@TattooedDolphinGirl78 well done for getting back on it so quickly, it is really hard to get back into an eating and running routine after a splurge.
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ceciliaslater wrote: »@Somebody_Loved - I hope the KT Tape helps your knees. I had some knee issues last year, and it did wonders for me. In my case, it was primarily a shoe problem. I was wearing the same shoes for everything, and I needed more support for my really long runs (I had been running in Nike Free, but switched to Altra Torin for my long long runs). Once I made the shoe switch, the knee pain was no more.
Anyway, before I figured out that I needed to swap shoes out, I was using KT tape on both knees for all my long runs. I love it because it provided just enough support to make a difference, but was very flexible and stayed on--and comfortable--even with heavy sweating.
I also used it on my left ankle prior to surgery to help give it extra support during activity and throughout the day in general.
So glad to hear this! I have the shoe problem taken care of, but I need something to support my knees until my strength gets built up. I tried out patellar straps last night which were ok, but my PT suggested the tape instead. Can't wait to try it out!0 -
skippygirlsmom wrote: »
@5beautifuldays OMG you have had a rough time of it. Heal soon! Hey the pole dancing didn't happen if there are no pictures! just sayin' LOL
Then it most assuredly did *not* happen, lol!3 -
I know many of you have a running gear habit so I have a question about shoes. I currently run in Nike dual fusion and know that it is neutral/cushioned shoes that I need. I have been told by lots of people now that Nike are not really the best for running. I have broad feet and tried new balance and they were too narrow. I will go to a running store but just for fun, what brand do you recommend and why?0
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@amandajs232 - I love Altra and Skora shoes because I also have wide feet and they have a nice wide toe box but the heel is narrow enough to not slide around. Skoras are not sold in any stores - only online. Both are neutral and zero drop but the Altra's have more styles and many with good cushioning where Skoras are more minimal.0
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Amandajs232 wrote: »I know many of you have a running gear habit so I have a question about shoes. I currently run in Nike dual fusion and know that it is neutral/cushioned shoes that I need. I have been told by lots of people now that Nike are not really the best for running. I have broad feet and tried new balance and they were too narrow. I will go to a running store but just for fun, what brand do you recommend and why?
The best brand is the brand you like, and keeps you running injury free. I don't think nike are a bad choice. Some of my best running shoes have been nike. I know @7lenny7 marathon shoe choice are Nike's. He's a beast.
I like the innov8 f215 currently.0 -
I got to run in the rain today and it was amazing up until the point I remembered that I did not bring a change of socks with me to work (I remembered this shortly after I stepped in a huge puddle).
@Amandajs232 I also wear Altras, Lone Peak 3, and have really enjoyed them so far. I just switched out of Brooks Ghosts after tearing the last pair apart on the trails out here, they just aren't build to handle the rougher rocks. Enjoy the zero drop aspect of the Altras as well although I have a very narrow foot, I can get the shoe to fit everywhere except the toe box where I'm pretty sure I could grow another toe and still have room.
@5BeautifulDays I might have to try my hand at pole dancing now, I need to step up my workouts3 -
Date Miles today - Miles for August
8/1 9 miles - 9
8/1 4.5 miles - 13.5 << Daily Double
8/2 9 miles - 22.5
8/2 4 miles - 26.5 << Daily Double
Upcoming races:
UAH 8K - 3/6 <<< 34:33 3 in AG
Oak Barrel HM - 4/2 <<<< 1:38:00 3 in AG
Bridge Street HM - 4/10 <<< 1:36:33 3 in AG
PEO-AVN Team Day 5K - 5/4 <<< 19:10 (2.9 mi) 1 in AG 5 OA
Cotton Row Run 10K - 5/30 << 44:57 PR
Firecracker Chase 10.2 miler 6/25 << 1:20:22 1 in AG & 15 OA
Rocket City Marathon - 12/10
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1--- travel doc appointment
2---30 minutes pool swimming/walking/running!
(Okay'd by doc)
Upcoming races:
11/05/16 Jenks Half Jenks OK
12/11/16 BMW Dallas Marathon, Half
Run the year 2016 898.42/ 2016
Hopeful races:
March 19th 2017 RNR Half Dallas, TX
March 26th 2017 A2A 5k Ardmore, OK
April 30th 2017 OKC Memorial Marathon, Half.1 -
I am going for a goal of 25 miles, I have been slacking on my cardio since joining crossfit and doing more strength training, so hopefully this will motivate me enough to start on my cardio again! Thanks for the challenge.
If I hit my goal of 25 miles, then I will increase it by 10 miles, until the month is finished. Good luck everyone!4 -
Took a much needed rest day yesterday (as I ended up doing a short time trial on the bike to test my threshold power), and ended up just doing a long treadmill session today, broken up in the middle by a few minutes of lifting.
Yesterday's threshold bike power test got me curious about my threshold pace, and I ended up doing 2 miles at my target threshold heart rate which put me at a 6:22 pace (about 20 sec/mile faster than Feb). I suspect it won't translate cleanly to that outside, but it seems to indicate I'm on track to break 3 hours at Chicago if all goes well... regardless, I'll get a better sense for pacing in the next month and a half.
8/2 - 11 miles (w. 2 at MP)
Total: 11 miles, 1 session with MP/threshold/speedwork running
Goal: 200 miles, 8 faster sessions
Remaining; 189 miles, 7 faster sessions
2016 Race Schedule:
Disney Marathon - Jan 6 - 3:29:09
Gasparilla 15K - Feb 20 - 1:01:59
Ironman 70.3 Florida - Apr 10 - 5:07:51
Pittsburgh Marathon - May 1 - 3:08:25
Ironman 70.3 Augusta - Sep 25
Chicago Marathon - Oct 9
Ironman Florida - Nov 53 -
Resting until the poison Ivy is better. I have a doctor's appointment in the a.m. with Dr. John. His last name is unpronounceable.4
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@ereck44 Hope you feel better soon!0
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8/1 - 3.0 miles
8/2 - 3.0 miles
Goal: 45
39 to go.1 -
@Ohhim sounds like you're well on your way to breaking 3 hours at your marathon!
I'm debating going for 2 in my HM in September because they have a pacer for t and the next slowest pacer is 2:30 and I don't want to go that pace1 -
@lporter229 - Like @Stoshew71 I am cheap; but it manifests differently for me. After being put in a Brooks Adrenaline as a new runner, I got the idea to try a light weight running shoe. That idea was prompted by my nephew's experience. He had bought minimalist running shoes for weight and space when he was deployed to Iraq, and reported that they improved his running form. His explanation was, with the minimalist shoe it hurts if you run with poor form, so you unconsciously clean up your form quickly.
First the running store put me into Saucony Mirages, which have a light support for over-pronation. Mirages were between models when that pair wore out, but by then it looked more like I needed a neutral shoe. The running store put me into Saucony Kinvara 4's, and they worked well for me.
Now, here's the cheap part: I wear a size 14. The running store rarely has my size in stock. I reasoned that if I have to wait to order shoes anyway, I may as well order them online and get them cheap. Then I got some advice from an more experienced distance runner who wore Kinvaras: Buy multiple pairs and rotate them, and buy last year's model. I found that I do well rotating through 3 pair of Kinvaras. Among other things, if I get twinges in my ankle after running in the green pair that I don't get after running in the white pair or the blue pair, that's an indication that it's probably time to retire the green pair.
So now I buy Kinvaras online, 3 pair at a time, old models, for $49 to $74 a pair instead of the $110 the newest model sells for. I've liked the 5's better than the 4's, and the other day I took my first pair of Kinvara 6's out of the box because I retired the green Kinvara 5's at a bit over 500 miles. I've done a demo in Kinvara 7's, and found that I have no fear of ordering 7's when the time comes; but I still have 3 pair of 6's in unopened boxes, so it's not yet time to order more.
And yeah, there's a substantial helping of "don't fix what ain't broke" to go with my being cheap. If Kinvaras don't work for you, find something else that does. In my case there are two things: I have become very used to my 4 mm foot drop. Running in shoes with an 8 mm drop (on the rare occasion when a vendor has a demo in size 14) feels like I'm running with wedges under my heels. I'm using a 4 mm drop Asics 33-M for walking, because it has a lot more cushion than the Kinvaras (it shows some Hoka influence) and that cushion helps with the heel-strike nature of walking. I don't need it so much running because I'm a ball-heel strike runner.
And while I paid up for my first pair of 33-Ms as a new model, I got the next pair reasonable, and the most recent pair cheap . . . becuase the M-2's were out and the Ms were an old model. The old model worked, and I was happy to get one more pair of walking shoes cheap. When they wear out, I probably won't be able to get M's any more; but M-2's may be cheap because the next model has come out.3 -
August Running Totals (miles)
8/1 – 5.90 easy plus 4 strides
8/2 – 6.24 hill run
August total to date – 12.14
Nominal Challenge Goal – 200 miles
Real Goals: Survive last month before retirement. Train as well as possible toward Rochester Marathon. Avoid putting myself back on the couch.
Today's notes – The assignment for today was 8 x Yasso 800's. But I got a bad jump out of work and couldn't make it to the running club meeting on time. I was able to get to Fleet Feet for the Tuesday evening Cobb's Hill run. Thought about doing the Yasso 800's on the loop at the top of the hill, but I met my friend Jim at the store. He wanted to something easy as he transitioned from recovery (Iron Man Tri 9 days ago) to training for the next tri (I think a sprint distance, with focus on serious uphill, next Sunday). He was thinking about 3 Y's on Cobb's Hill, which is a familiar route for me. So we ran the 3 Y's together. He pushed me on the uphill segments, I pushed him on the downhill segments, and we averaged 8:06 per mile for 6.24 miles that felt like a hill workout. And we had a nice chat while we were running. All in all, it was a pleasant evening.
2016 races:
January 1, 2016 Resolution Run 7.5 mile (Mendon, NY) finished in 53:58
January 9, 2016 Winter Warrior Half Marathon (Gates, NY) finished in 1:30:59
March 12, 2016 Johnny's Runnin' of the Green 5 mile (Rochester, NY) finished in 32:32
March 26, 2016 Spring Forward Distance Run 15K (Mendon, NY) finished in 1:05:24
April 18, 2016 Boston Marathon (Hopkinton, MA) finished in 3:23:01
April 24, 2016 Flower City Challenge Half Marathon (Rochester, NY) finished in 1:36:50, targeting MP
May 15, 2016 Highland Hospital Lilac Run 10K (Rochester, NY) DNS - injury
June 19, 2016 Medved 5K to Cure ALS (Rochester, NY) DNS - recovering from face plant
July 16, 2016 Shoreline Half Marathon (Hamlin, NY) finished in 1:31:11
August 13, 2016 Bergen Road Race 5K (Bergen, NY)
September 18, 2016 Rochester Marathon (Rochester, NY)
November 24, 2016 Race with Grace 10K (Hilton, NY)
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08/01- 7.2
08/02- 3.9
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8/1 - 2.23 - HS XC Practice
8/2 - 6.0 - Easy
8/2 - 4.15 - Easy
Total - 12.38 of 285 miles
I wish I would have just ran a 10 miler this morning over the 6/4 double. It was 90 degrees tonight, so you can imagine the suckfest this one was. Fortunately if was just 4 miles. I'll probably combine the doubles from here on out unless the temperatures get much coller.2 -
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@5BeautifulDays I might have to try my hand at pole dancing now, I need to step up my workouts
Just be prepared that you'll spend all your hard-earned singles on icy hot for your shoulders and cover up for the bruises on your calves from spinning around the pole!4 -
5BeautifulDays wrote: »I tripped on a tree root and flew several feet before belly-flopping onto the ground.
@5BeautifulDays That made me laugh and recoil at the same time!
Then you go and try pole dancing?!
You're so awesome.@Orphia - FWIW I don't usually taper before a HM, just go easier on pace / hills / intervals the final week.
@karllundy Thanks, I like the sound of that!2 -
Hi all, I'm Amy! I was active in these running challenges for a few months, but stopped posting in April when I had a few minor injuries back to back, cut back my mileage to recover, and was having a hard time with comparing myself too much to other runners. Anyways, I'm feeling back to my old runner self now and decided it was the perfect time to rejoin! Really glad to see a lot of the same faces around here, as well as many new ones!
I'm currently on week 7 of training for the Chicago Marathon (my first marathon!). My goal for the month is 180 miles as specified by my training plan.
8/01: Off, rest day
8/02: 4 miles, easy + strides + strength training
Total: 4.04 miles
Upcoming races:
8/07: Chicago 10K
8/26: Rock the Night 5K
9/10: Chicago Women's Half Marathon
9/25: Lifetime 5K
10/09: Chicago Marathon
10/30: Hot Chocolate 5K
11/27: Space Coast Half Marathon7
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