December 2016 Running Challenge

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  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
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    Date Miles today - Miles for December
    12/1 6 miles - 6
    12/2 4 miles - 10
    12/3 12 miles - 22
    12/4 REST DAY
    12/5 5 miles - 27
    12/6 4 miles - 31
    12/7 REST DAY
    12/8 3.5 miles - 34.5
    12/9 REST DAY
    12/10 26.4 - 60.9
    12/11 REST DAY
    12/12 REST DAY
    12/13 REST DAY
    12/14 REST DAY
    12/15 4 miles - 64.9
    12/16 REST DAY
    12/17 REST DAY
    12/18 REST DAY
    12/19 6.5 miles 71.4

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    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
    Huntsville Half Marathon - 11/12 << 1:35:55 2 in AG & 25 OA
    Rocket City Marathon - 12/10 << 2:44:41
    Kentucky Derby Marathon - 4/29

    I was allowed a lazy week last week as I was recovering. Now it's time to start getting back into business.
  • dkabambe
    dkabambe Posts: 544 Member
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    Had originally planned for long run today, but really wasn't in the mood so stuck to an easy 5k. Was suffering Monday blues today so run helped a bit with that, but otherwise nothing remarkable to report really - fog is still hanging around but better than it was over weekend, and temperature still up at 7C.

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    1-Dec: 6.2k easy run
    2-Dec: 11.5k - 10k tempo plus warm up/cool down
    3-Dec: 2.1k streak run [TM]
    4-Dec: 5.3k easy run
    5-Dec: 21.7k long run
    6-Dec: 8.3k 'tired' run
    7-Dec: 3.1k streak run [TM]
    8-Dec: 5.3k easy
    9-Dec: 12.6k easy
    10-Dec: 2k short run
    11-Dec: 11k - 10k tempo plus warm-up
    12-Dec: 8.2k easy
    13-Dec: 1.8k streak run
    14-Dec: 12.5k hill circuit (4 laps; 295m climbing total)
    15-Dec (AM): 5.2k inc 5k fast [TM]
    15-Dec (PM): 6k inc 5k fast
    16-Dec: 5.5k easy
    17-Dec: 2.3k streak run
    18-Dec: 2.3k streak run
    19-Dec: 5.2k easy
  • ddmom0811
    ddmom0811 Posts: 1,878 Member
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    @shanaber - how fun that you got to meet a fellow MFPer! Great pictures!

    12/1 - 3.2 miles
    12/2 - 1.5 miles
    12/3 - 45 miles biking + 1 mile run
    12/4 - 27 miles biking + 1 mile run
    12/5 - 4 miles
    12/6 - 4 miles
    12/7 - 1 mile on treadmill for streak (after strength training)
    12/8 - 4.47 miles
    12/9 - 1 mile on treadmill for streak (after strength training)
    12/10 - 77 miles bike and 1 mile run for streak!
    12/11 - 27 miles biking and 1 mile run for streak
    12/12 - 4 miles
    12/13 - 5 miles
    12/14 - 2.1 miles - day 21 streak + strength training
    12/15 - 4.5 miles
    12/16 - 1.5 miles
    12/17 = 44 miles biking + 1 mile run
    12/18 - 27 miles biking + 1 mile run
    12/19 - 4 miles

    Upcoming races
    2/5/17 - Daytona Beach HM
    2/26/17 - Disney Princess HM Orlando


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  • instantmartian
    instantmartian Posts: 335 Member
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    I've been (kind of) keeping up with the boards, but not contributing much. Right now, my life is in chaos. I am currently having my only full bathroom renovated. I have a half bath, as well, but this means no shower. So...I have been spending more time at the gym these days (to use their shower), but I still haven't been doing much running. I'm going to spin class more frequently, and I'm getting a few miles in here and there. I just feel like my entire life is a mess. Not having a shower has completely thrown me off! They started the bathroom last Tuesday. I was hoping to have a new bathroom for Christmas, but it looks like it might be just afterwards. The thing was completely gutted (aside from the small closet in there) - new tub/shower, new sink, new toilet, new floor, new electrical, more lighting, an exhaust fan, new pluming, new walls, the works. What I am most excited about the the heated floor!! Anyway, tomorrow, the flooring guy will be in all day to set things up, Thursday he'll be back to grout, so I'm assuming the bathroom guys won't be back until after Christmas to put the finishing touches on things, which I guess is nice that I have an extended weekend to paint and such. Good thing I host Thanksgiving at my house and not Christmas. This has been quite the pain in the rear, but it is so totally going to be worth it in the end.

    A friend of mine convinced me that doing a full marathon with her might not be all that terrible of an idea. Secretly, I'm hoping she completely forgets about our conversation. A full had never been on my radar before, because, to be honest, I think you're all insane. But, on the other hand, I guess it could be cool to look back say I ran (I use that term loosely) a marathon. I am all about life experiences, and I tend to do a lot of things just to say I did/can (SCUBA license, sky diving, master's degree, temporarily live in Australia, etc.) On that first hand, though, holy training miles and time I do not entirely have in a day. I think I might be crazy for simply entertaining this idea.
  • AnnyisOK
    AnnyisOK Posts: 121 Member
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    Dec. 1 - Cross training.
    Dec. 2 - Rest/cross training.
    Dec. 3 - Cross training/strength training.
    Dec. 4 - 3.32 miles
    Dec. 5 - Cross training.
    Dec. 6 - 4.86 miles
    Dec. 7 - Cross training/strength training.
    Dec. 8 - Rest.
    Dec. 9 - 6.11 miles
    Dec. 10 - 4.08 miles
    Dec. 11 - 14.07 miles
    Dec. 12 - 35 mins. elliptical.
    Dec. 13 - 5.60 miles
    Dec. 14 - Core De Force/strength training.
    Dec. 15 - 6.02 miles
    Dec. 16 - Rest.
    Dec. 17 - 5.34 miles
    Dec. 18 - 13.2 miles + 20 mins. elliptical.


    Starting to think a full marathon is not in the cards for me, keep injuring myself.
  • RunsOnEspresso
    RunsOnEspresso Posts: 3,218 Member
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    2.65 today.

    I can't seem to get going in the mornings so am cutting runs short. Bad me! LOL I am so not a morning person but my evenings are busy. At least the air wasn't as bad this morning so my lungs were good! Amazing the difference 6 degrees can make.

    50/100 - Woo! Maybe I will meet my goal! I have Friday, Monday and Wednesday off so I can get in my full runs + my 20 miles on Xmas Eve.
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
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    I've been (kind of) keeping up with the boards, but not contributing much. Right now, my life is in chaos. I am currently having my only full bathroom renovated. I have a half bath, as well, but this means no shower. So...I have been spending more time at the gym these days (to use their shower), but I still haven't been doing much running. I'm going to spin class more frequently, and I'm getting a few miles in here and there. I just feel like my entire life is a mess. Not having a shower has completely thrown me off! They started the bathroom last Tuesday. I was hoping to have a new bathroom for Christmas, but it looks like it might be just afterwards. The thing was completely gutted (aside from the small closet in there) - new tub/shower, new sink, new toilet, new floor, new electrical, more lighting, an exhaust fan, new pluming, new walls, the works. What I am most excited about the the heated floor!! Anyway, tomorrow, the flooring guy will be in all day to set things up, Thursday he'll be back to grout, so I'm assuming the bathroom guys won't be back until after Christmas to put the finishing touches on things, which I guess is nice that I have an extended weekend to paint and such. Good thing I host Thanksgiving at my house and not Christmas. This has been quite the pain in the rear, but it is so totally going to be worth it in the end.

    A friend of mine convinced me that doing a full marathon with her might not be all that terrible of an idea. Secretly, I'm hoping she completely forgets about our conversation. A full had never been on my radar before, because, to be honest, I think you're all insane. But, on the other hand, I guess it could be cool to look back say I ran (I use that term loosely) a marathon. I am all about life experiences, and I tend to do a lot of things just to say I did/can (SCUBA license, sky diving, master's degree, temporarily live in Australia, etc.) On that first hand, though, holy training miles and time I do not entirely have in a day. I think I might be crazy for simply entertaining this idea.

    I'm sure you'll love the new bathroom and it'll have been worth the wait.

    A marathon? Ya, that's just crazy talk! Wait til the bathroom is done before you commit!
  • MNLittleFinn
    MNLittleFinn Posts: 4,271 Member
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    @louubelle16 it's awesome to see you running already after that MASSIVE PR on Saturday. Great job!
  • shanaber
    shanaber Posts: 6,410 Member
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    I am trying hard to get out the door for a short recovery run. I need it and Hobbes the Vizsla seriously needs it (he hasn't gotten to run in 2 days). He is zooming the back yard at every opportunity and in the house once in while. We are getting some serious winds (20 -30 mph) and it gets him wound up even more. I am not looking forward to running in the wind and it is also VERY dry - 10% humidity. I will get out there though! If even for just a short run...
  • greenolivetree
    greenolivetree Posts: 1,282 Member
    edited December 2016
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    Hi! Yesterday was 10 hours in the car. We made 4 quick bathroom/gas stops. My sciatic nerve was screaming the whole way and then immediate relief when I'd step out of the car. Minnesota welcomed us with a temp of -10F and windchill of -25F.

    We were up early and walked 8000 steps around the Mayo Clinic and skyway connected buildings and shops. My husband didn't want to go outside at all. Once we stepped outside for 1/4 mile and my ears started to hurt.

    Currently on the heating pad because I woke up with a horrible crick in my neck/upper back. Hoping to hit the treadmill later!

    Even felt proud that I ran today. I've never been able to run with only one rest day after a HM before, but I feel completely fine and my legs loved it. Just goes to show how much stronger my body is, as well as faster. 2 years ago, almost to the day, I was told I should never run again, and look what I did?! That's a story for another day because I'm welling up and getting all emotional, but seriously, running has saved me and I don't think I would have done it without you. This high is just not going away :sweat_smile:

    This is awesome! Congrats!
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
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    So, I had my HM this morning and absolutely smashed it! My previous PB was 2:02:53 and all I wanted was to squeak under 2 hours, but I managed 1:56:20 :smiley: Absolutely over the moon with more than 6 minutes off my PB in 3 months.

    AWESOME job!!!! Congratulations @louubelle

    Great job @MobyCarp on your Reindeer Run.

  • MobyCarp
    MobyCarp Posts: 2,927 Member
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    December Running Totals (miles)
    12/1 – 8.08 warmup + speed work
    12/2 – rest day
    12/3 – 10.13 warmup + 5K race + easy 30 minutes
    12/4 – 8.07 easy
    12/5 – rest day
    12/6 – 5.96 warmup, speed work, cool down
    12/7 – 6.00 easy
    12/8 – 3.78 easy
    12/9 – 3.80 course preview
    12/10 – 5.01 USATF Club Nationals Masters 8K
    12/11 – 2.57 easy
    12/12 – 10.15 easy
    12/13 – 6.21 hills
    12/14 – rest day
    12/15 – 5.25 with wind and snow
    12/16 – 6.27 easy
    12/17 – 6.40 warmup + Reindeer Run 5K
    12/18 – rest day
    12/19 – 12.00 easy

    December total to date – 99.67

    Nominal Challenge Goal – 150 miles
    Real Goals: Finish transition to healthy running. Use Club Nationals as a learning experience on managing air travel to a race. Build a base toward Boston training. Avoid re-injury

    Today's notes – The original plan was to do a long run on Sunday, because I only got 6 miles in on Saturday due to a short race and the weather. Sunday arrived, and I melted down emotionally. A bunch of life maintenance tasks needed attention, and they wouldn't get attention if I ran Sunday afternoon. So in spite of the decent weather and being physically capable of running, I spent the afternoon at home doing sedentary stuff. Ended the day with barely over 6K steps, but cleared some stuff off my to do list and made a couple of decisions that had been pending.

    This evening I have volunteer tax prep training in the evening. So the plan, given Sunday's emotionally necessary inactivity, was to get out and run in the morning. Well, it was morning when I started. Got out the door, found GPS signal, checked my gear, and realized I'd failed to put on my heart rate monitor. Back inside, get it on, re-assemble the winter clothing, and actually got running at 10:39 AM per Garmin.

    It was a beautiful sunny winter day with blue skies, which are very rare in winter here. SSW winds 12 mph were enough to be felt, but not enough to be an issue. Garmin says the temperature was 19° F, but my porch thermometer said 21° F and rose to 25° F by the time I got done. (That's -6° C to -4° C). Set out on a 10 mile loop with the option to add more distance at the end, thinking I'd like to run 12 miles. Miles 2 through 7 were mostly into the wind, and over some familiar rolling hills. Mile 8 of this route is the hardest geographically, but didn't seem so bad with the wind at my back. By then I knew I wanted the full 12 miles. Went exploring in a residential section I'd never run before, and hadn't looked at on the map in a while. Got turned around and went the wrong way on the street leading out; by the time I realized my error and came back, I'd added almost enough distance to the route. Only had to run about 200 m past my driveway to get to 12 miles.

    I did wear my trail shoes. I needed them in a couple of long stretches, and they gave me confidence to go to the crunchy snow shoulder instead of daring traffic to move over in a few other places. The run felt very familiar. It's weather like I learned to train in for distance running, January to March 2014. The recovering Achilles quietly mentioned it was there a few times, but Garmin reported a good right-left balance for the entire run.

    Finished the run and got to thinking, I probably have a decent ice beard by now. Turns out it wasn't that impressive, but I was struck by the difference in mood between selfies facing the sun and with the sun at my back, immediately after the run:

    g2pxytwdfvyu.jpg8680234ybbbd.jpg

    That blue background when I'm facing the sun is very, very rare in the winter here. I love winds from the south, even when they're cold, because they mean I'm not getting snow blown in off Lake Ontario.

    It was just a very pleasant winter day for a run. I'm grateful I'm retired, so I could run in this gorgeous weather instead of being stuck inside looking at a computer screen until the weather and traffic are both worse for running. I'm feeling pretty good about being able to pace 13 miles at 8:00 or 8:30 on Saturday, and about being able to run a half marathon on January 7.

    The run gave me some time to think about the one decision I'd left hanging yesterday. After stretching, shower, and lunch, I went online and booked the flights. I will be running the USATF Cross Country National Championships in Bend, Oregon on February 4. I think it will be 8K for the old geezers, same as Club Nationals. Travel will suck, and it will cost a bit more than I like; but as someone at church told me yesterday, "Why not? That's why you retired."

    Then I edited my race list. Hmm. January and February look pretty busy. I think I'll hold it to just 2 races in March, and probably only 1 in April. The trick will be surviving that April race without injuring myself.

    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) finished in 19:07 (5K PR)
    September 4, 2016 Oak Tree Half Marathon (Geneseo, NY) finished in 1:31:37
    September 18, 2016 Rochester Marathon (Rochester, NY) DNF a mile from finish
    October 15, 2016 Finish Strong 15K (Hilton, NY) DNS – Achilles tendonitis
    October 22, 2016 Scare Brain Cancer Away 5K (East Rochester, NY) DNS – Achilles tendonitis
    November 24, 2016 Race with Grace 10K (Hilton, NY) finished in 42:38, First Senior (60+) Male
    December 3, 2016 Freezeroo #1 (Don Curran Memorial 5K) (Gates, NY) finished in 20:06
    December 10, 2016 USATF National Club Cross Country Championships 8K (Tallahassee, FL) finished in 33:38
    December 17, 2016 Reindeer Run 5K (Rochester, NY) finished in 23:27 in the snow

    2017 races:
    January 1, 2017 Freezeroo #2 (Resolution Run 7.5 mile) (Mendon, NY)
    January 7, 2017 Winter Warrior Half Marathon (Gates, NY)
    January 14, 2017 Freezeroo #3 (Pineway Ponds Park 5 mile) (Spencerport, NY)
    January 28, 2017 Freezeroo #4 (Hearnish 5 mile) (Victor, NY)
    February 4, 2017 USATF Cross Country National Championship 8K (Bend, OR)
    February 11, 2017 Freezeroo #5 (Valentines Run "In Memory of Tom Brannon" 8 Mile) (Greece, NY)
    February 25, 2017 Freezeroo #6 (White House Challenge 10K) (Webster, NY)
    April 17, 2017 Boston Marathon (Hopkinton, MA)
  • shanaber
    shanaber Posts: 6,410 Member
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    I did get out for that recovery run this afternoon after procrastinating all morning. Hobbes was anxious to go and wanted to run fast because he hasn't run for a couple of days and the wind tends to get him all wound up. It was a combo walk/run, heavier on the run and by the end of it I was actually feeling pretty good. I stopped before the last mile or so home to do some additional stretching and was even able to do a good quad stretch that I would not have been able to even contemplate at the beginning of the run. While I was stretching I had some time to think and decided it makes absolutely no difference if I PR or not in a race. Sure I want to do well and improve and I am very competitive, but when it comes right down to it I run because I enjoy it (and I like to eat :)) and I race because it is fun and I enjoy the camaraderie. Races also give me motivation and a training focal point.

    I also decided to sign up for the 1st half of the SF Marathon again. It is fun and I love going to SF to run, eat and just enjoy the city. Now I just need to find a spring race to run and I will be all set.

    Date........Miles.....Total
    12/01......0.00......0.00 - + Rally
    12/02......4.30......4.30
    12/03......0.00......4.30
    12/04......3.62......7.92
    12/05......6.23....14.15 - Birthday run + Agility
    12/06......4.53....18.68 - + Strength Training
    12/07......0.00....18.68
    12/08......5.91....24.59 - + Strength Training and Rally
    12/09......9.35....33.94 - + Rally Trial
    12/10......0.00....33.94
    12/11......0.00....33.94
    12/12......5.07....39.01 - + Agility
    12/13......0.00....39.01 - + Strength Training
    12/14......4.51....43.52
    12/15......0.00....43.52 - + Strength Training
    12/16......4.73....48.25
    12/17......0.00....48.25
    12/18....13.53....61.78 - San Diego Holiday Half and warm up
    12/19......4.18....65.96

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    My completed and upcoming Races - Let me know if you will be running too!
    02/07/16 - Surf City Half Marathon
    02/20/16 - Divas Half Marathon - Temecula
    07/04/16 - SHEPower Virtual Half Marathon
    07/31/16 - San Francisco 2nd Half Marathon
    08/21/16 - Tiki Beach 10k, Huntington Beach
    09/18/16 - Beat the Blerch Half Marathon, Seattle
    11/19/16 - USA Invitational Half Marathon (Yay, I qualified again!) - CANCELED!!
    12/18/16 - San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

    02/05/17 - Surf City Half Marathon
    07/23/17 - San Francisco 1st Half Marathon
  • katharmonic
    katharmonic Posts: 5,720 Member
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    Date:: :::: Miles:::: Dec total (goal = 80)
    12/01/16 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
    12/02/16 :::: 2.6 :::: 2.6
    12/03/16 :::: 3.1 :::: 5.7
    12/04/16 :::: 6.0 :::: 11.8
    12/05/16 :::: 3.3 :::: 15.0
    12/06/16 :::: 2.4 :::: 17.4
    12/07/16 :::: 2.4 :::: 19.8
    12/08/16 :::: 3.7 :::: 23.5
    12/09/16 :::: 0.0 :::: 23.5
    12/10/16 :::: 7.0 :::: 30.5
    12/11/16 :::: 3.5 :::: 34.0
    12/12/16 :::: 0.0 :::: 34.0
    12/13/16 :::: 2.6 :::: 36.7
    12/14/16 :::: 2.5 :::: 39.1
    12/15/16 :::: 0.0 :::: 39.1
    12/16/16 :::: 4.0 :::: 43.2
    12/17/16 :::: 6.3 :::: 49.5
    12/18/16 :::: 3.5 :::: 53.0
    12/19/16 :::: 2.8 :::: 55.8

    A treadmill run at my hotel today. I was a little later than expected in arriving and checking in, so didn't get an outdoor run in. I'm a bit worried about the icy conditions for running here, so might not get much in. But planning both XC skiing and snow shoeing, so that counts for something! I bought some new thermal running tights today on sale at one of the local shops here so I may try it out in the morning though. We'll see - I certainly don't want to miss out on my brunch! And I have my XC ski lesson (first time ever) tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait!

    I have run 898.9 miles in 2016 so far. I know some people do the "run the year" goal, and that is seriously impressive, but I'm pleased with what I've accomplished! I will be over 900 miles for the year, after having run 0 miles up until August 2015.
  • Redhouse6758
    Redhouse6758 Posts: 30 Member
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  • HonuNui
    HonuNui Posts: 1,464 Member
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    December Goal: Trim my Thanksgiving turkey thighs and mashed potato/pumpkin pie paunch

    12/1 rest
    12/2 4.25
    12/3 3.05
    12/4 2.40 + strength/core training
    12/5 rest
    12/6 3.80
    12/7 6.42
    12/8 2.20 + core/strength training
    12/9 snorkel 2 hours
    12/10 rest
    12/11 6.17
    12/12 4.10
    12/13 lazy
    12/14 snorkel 15 MINUTES!
    12/15 3.60
    12/16 1.25 + core/strength training
    12/17 3.80
    12/18 rest
    12/19 6.40 (1/10th mile for each birthday....)

    Total: 46.44

    Upcoming Races:
    12/7/16: Races For Awareness Virtual 10k for Outrun The Sun Skin Cancer Awareness

    Ticker is my goal for 2016 and total to date:
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  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
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    12/1: 6 miles with Pacers crew +lifting
    12/2: 2 miles
    12/3: 8 miles with the Saturday crew
    12/4: 5.3 miles on trails +lifting
    12/5: 6 miles
    12/6: 2 miles + lifting
    12/7: 6 miles
    12/8: 6 miles + lifting
    12/9: 1 mile
    12/10: 13.1 miles
    12/11: 4.6 miles on trails
    12/12: 2 miles + lifting
    12/13: 6.1 miles
    12/14: 6 miles + lifting
    12/15: 6 miles
    12/16: 6 miles + lifting
    12/17: 4.6 miles
    12/18: 6 miles
    12/19: 6 miles

    6 chilly miles this morning... Forgot to post though because I had to get home and get to work ASAP to clock a little extra time so I can take off earlier Wednesday to prep for heading home for Christmas :) Will try to keep up with the thread this week but I make no promises!

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    Winter/Spring 2017 Races:
    1/8/17: NYCRUNS Cocoa Classic 10 mile
    2/18/17: FebApple Frozen 50 - 10 mile option
    3/12/17: E. Murray Todd HM
    3/18/17: Looney Leprechaun 10k (trail)
    3/26/17: Philly Love Run HM
    4/1/17: NJ Ultra Fest HM (trail, maybe)
    4/9/17: Rutgers UNITE HM (maybe)
    5/14/17: Delaware Marathon Running Festival HM
    5/21 or 5/28: Cleveland or Vermont City Marathons (maybe)