January 2019 Monthly Running Challenge
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PastorVincent wrote: »debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
None, unless you are into the social aspect of it. Otherwise, it is a fairly mediocre activity tracking program.
Guess I'm using it wrong
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PastorVincent wrote: »debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
None, unless you are into the social aspect of it. Otherwise, it is a fairly mediocre activity tracking program.
Genuine question: If Strava is "a fairly mediocre activity tracking program" with zero benefits at all (bar the social aspect), why would you pay for premium membership?3 -
PastorVincent wrote: »debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
None, unless you are into the social aspect of it. Otherwise, it is a fairly mediocre activity tracking program.
Genuine question: If Strava is "a fairly mediocre activity tracking program" with zero benefits at all (bar the social aspect), why would you pay for premium membership?
Because I am of the opinion that I should pay for the software I use. There are several places that I pay for "premium" membership and use none of the for-pay features. I even pay for The Weather Channel App. I also donate monthly to the radio station (a commercial-free one) that I listen to regularly for the same reason.
That is just my philosophy.
I know some people can not afford to do this, and that is great they still have options. But I can, so I do. 
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Strava essentially provides a central platform that is device-agnostic. I use Garmin now, but if I ever switched to another tracker, such as Suunto, I can still keep all my runs in one place. Also, if you are a data nerd, you can use the free Elevate Chrome extension to gain insight into your running performance trends (say, if you're losing fitness, then maybe it's time for some reduced mileage).debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
From a personal point of view, I have real-life running friends on there, and I think it's neat that we're able to ask each other about, and discuss, our runs.
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PastorVincent wrote: »PastorVincent wrote: »debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
None, unless you are into the social aspect of it. Otherwise, it is a fairly mediocre activity tracking program.
Genuine question: If Strava is "a fairly mediocre activity tracking program" with zero benefits at all (bar the social aspect), why would you pay for premium membership?
Because I am of the opinion that I should pay for the software I use. There are several places that I pay for "premium" membership and use none of the for-pay features. I even pay for The Weather Channel App. I also donate monthly to the radio station (a commercial-free one) that I listen to regularly for the same reason.
That is just my philosophy. I know some people can not afford to do this, and that is great they still have options. But I can, so I do.
That's pretty admirable, but to me, Strava makes its real money by selling the aggregate data they collect to the likes of city and urban planners (see Strava Metro) and presumably by other means of monetizing that big data. That means that by simply using their platform, you're already helping them make money without the need to subscribe. Just my opinion; as I said, your philosophy is pretty admirable.7 -
So I was cruising race calendars looking for dates of races I'm interested in, and I came across an interesting race name.
For those of you who aren't familiar with upstate NY geography, the Finger Lakes are a series of long, narrow lakes that run more or less north-south. They were formed by glacial action, and on a map they kind of sort of resemble fingers.
The largest of these, both by surface area and north-south length, is Seneca Lake. It's located centrally in the Finger Lakes district. So there's a race on May 4, 2019, at Seneca Lake State Park. It's called the "Middle Finger 5K."
I'm not all that fond of the 5K distance, but that's close enough to drive and I might like to run that one just for the name. It is just a week after the USATF Masters 10K, which is 13 days after Boston, so it might not fit in well for me physically to run it hard. Check packet pickup - local to me on Thursday. Check start time . . . 6 AM. After a 1.5 hour drive, and need to get there early. Bleah. I'd need to get up at 3 AM and eat breakfast on the road.
Guess I'll have to give that one the finger.16 -
PastorVincent wrote: »PastorVincent wrote: »debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
None, unless you are into the social aspect of it. Otherwise, it is a fairly mediocre activity tracking program.
Genuine question: If Strava is "a fairly mediocre activity tracking program" with zero benefits at all (bar the social aspect), why would you pay for premium membership?
Because I am of the opinion that I should pay for the software I use. There are several places that I pay for "premium" membership and use none of the for-pay features. I even pay for The Weather Channel App. I also donate monthly to the radio station (a commercial-free one) that I listen to regularly for the same reason.
That is just my philosophy. I know some people can not afford to do this, and that is great they still have options. But I can, so I do.
That's pretty admirable, but to me, Strava makes its real money by selling the aggregate data they collect to the likes of city and urban planners (see Strava Metro) and presumably by other means of monetizing that big data. That means that by simply using their platform, you're already helping them make money without the need to subscribe. Just my opinion; as I said, your philosophy is pretty admirable.
Yep. Any time a "product" is free, it means you are the product. See Facebook, Twitter, and so on.
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So I was cruising race calendars looking for dates of races I'm interested in, and I came across an interesting race name.
For those of you who aren't familiar with upstate NY geography, the Finger Lakes are a series of long, narrow lakes that run more or less north-south. They were formed by glacial action, and on a map they kind of sort of resemble fingers.
The largest of these, both by surface area and north-south length, is Seneca Lake. It's located centrally in the Finger Lakes district. So there's a race on May 4, 2019, at Seneca Lake State Park. It's called the "Middle Finger 5K."
I'm not all that fond of the 5K distance, but that's close enough to drive and I might like to run that one just for the name. It is just a week after the USATF Masters 10K, which is 13 days after Boston, so it might not fit in well for me physically to run it hard. Check packet pickup - local to me on Thursday. Check start time . . . 6 AM. After a 1.5 hour drive, and need to get there early. Bleah. I'd need to get up at 3 AM and eat breakfast on the road.
Guess I'll have to give that one the finger.
Just when I thought I'd seen just about everything...0 -
REMINDER - those of you that use gyms. They will be crowded soon. But just smile and relax in a couple weeks ti will clear up again... by the end of February, it will be a distant memory. 9
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So I was cruising race calendars looking for dates of races I'm interested in, and I came across an interesting race name.
For those of you who aren't familiar with upstate NY geography, the Finger Lakes are a series of long, narrow lakes that run more or less north-south. They were formed by glacial action, and on a map they kind of sort of resemble fingers.
The largest of these, both by surface area and north-south length, is Seneca Lake. It's located centrally in the Finger Lakes district. So there's a race on May 4, 2019, at Seneca Lake State Park. It's called the "Middle Finger 5K."
I'm not all that fond of the 5K distance, but that's close enough to drive and I might like to run that one just for the name. It is just a week after the USATF Masters 10K, which is 13 days after Boston, so it might not fit in well for me physically to run it hard. Check packet pickup - local to me on Thursday. Check start time . . . 6 AM. After a 1.5 hour drive, and need to get there early. Bleah. I'd need to get up at 3 AM and eat breakfast on the road.
Guess I'll have to give that one the finger.
@MobyCarp Personally, I think signing up for a race because you like the name is a fantastic reason. Is there a “Middle Finger” finisher t-shirt? Oh...what does the medal look like???
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katharmonic wrote: »@msarobix I don't think you're alone at all, I know lots of runners who don't race much if at all. And many who prefer to run on their own.
I personally love my running groups because that's the thing that got me into running. Having a commitment and meeting people were huge for me. I prefer to run at least a few days a week on my own, usually 4 or 5, but meet up for speedwork and long runs. I would not be motivated to do those on my own. It's a schedule hassle sometimes but the pay-off is big for me.
As for races, I have a love-hate relationship with them I would say. I am always anxious about them, often hate the logistics of getting up super early and getting to the start, and kind of hate running super hard (especially a 5k distance when I feel like I really need to push for speed). But I always love when they are done! I like seeing what I can accomplish, and how I've improved. Even the not so great ones, when I didn't do as well as I hoped I usually have enjoyed the atmosphere and just having done it. I am not ever going to win a race so it's not about competing or running with people (I prefer to run races by myself, trying to stay with anyone stresses me out). I do love the camaraderie of people before and after though. And I love the bling and visiting new places with the excuse of doing a race!
^this. We run for the same reasons @katharmonic
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debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
I once won a Strava running contest. I won a pair of free “Runderwear” (a running specific running underwear brand thing). I now enter all the contests in hopes of winning something amazing one day. I am constantly trying to win new shoes and race entries (hint, hint Strava administrators....).
You also get virtual bling in the form of digital trophies. I do like my bling.... 7 -
PastorVincent wrote: »debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
None, unless you are into the social aspect of it. Otherwise, it is a fairly mediocre activity tracking program.
Genuine question: If Strava is "a fairly mediocre activity tracking program" with zero benefits at all (bar the social aspect), why would you pay for premium membership?
I bought Summit when you got a free month free. I do like some of the more in-depth stats (without having to use Elevate) and the beacon. I have it set to notify my DH in case I get hit by a car or kidnapped or something.amymoreorless wrote: »debrakgoogins wrote: »What are the benefits of using the Strava application?
I once won a Strava running contest. I won a pair of free “Runderwear” (a running specific running underwear brand thing). I now enter all the contests in hopes of winning something amazing one day. I am constantly trying to win new shoes and race entries (hint, hint Strava administrators....).
You also get virtual bling in the form of digital trophies. I do like my bling....
I haven't won anything yet but I do love the challenges!7 -
Monthly group question number 1:
What motivates you to race? What are your payoffs?
Or why do you not race?
I'm gonna be the one to say it: racing is more fun when you have a chance to win. And because I am an older lady in a town full of mostly fat people, in many local races I have a chance of placing in my age group. If I were younger, or lived in a different town where more people ran and BBQ was not the leading sport, I would be pretty slow compared to others. And that would be sad for me because I really get a kick out of winning. Not so much winning itself, but being within striking distance of winning - close enough to make it important to consider my tactics and training. Tactics are fun! Training is fun! And while it is definitely fun to bust those PR times wide open with no one watching, or just finish a distance you never thought you could do, it's even more fun to do it against other people, with spectators. Even losing is fun, because then you learn what you should have done differently and what to do better next time.
I grew up riding horses competitively. I quickly learned that lolloping around trying to look pretty was not for me, and took up riding jumpers - a sport which is judged on going clean, and on time, not on looks. I was good at it. One of my favorite memories is winning an Open Jumper class against a professional trainer who was short-listed for the Olympic team. I was thirteen. I had a very good day for me and he had a very bad day for him, and he actually cursed out loud when he realized he had been beaten by a thirteen year old. That's one thing about competing - it's not always about who's better, it's about luck and timing and all kinds of factors. If the best person always won, there would be no need to hold a competition. The competition is about THAT DAY. I could wind up being faster than Eliud Kipchoge on a day when Kipchoge had a horrifying mishap and collapsed without finishing. I think it was @MobyCarp who recently said it's all about who shows up. You show up. You put in the work and you show up, and you see what happens. That's a thing you can't get without racing. I know, because I have done it, that I can run the lake course for the West Cancer center 5k in 28 minutes and something. But on the actual day of the race I wasn't able to do that, I ran it considerably slower. And what you didn't do on that day doesn't count. That's what the guy I beat when I was 13 had forgotten - you don't own the right to win because you can do something. You have to actually show up and do it.
Another thing about racing is that it keeps me moving forward towards a goal. I need to be ready for this certain activity on this certain date. That's not a bad thing, because running itself is the unconquerable sport - no one can be at top form all the time. I let my speed work slip when I was working towards my half marathon. I let my distances drop when I was working towards a faster 5k. Later I may let everything slide while allowing my body a recovery period so that I will be strong and fit for whatever comes next.
And, the last thing, I am an extreme introvert. I think it's fair to say that I mostly hate having to meet other people at a time to do a thing. Which makes it good that I need to do that sometimes in order to race. I enjoy doing a thing usually when I make myself do it. I enjoy laughing with people and talking to them and even standing in line with them. People are cool. But on my own I prefer avoiding them to seeking them out. Racing motivates me to get some socializing in. And then, because it's only one or two days (counting packet pickups, expos, etc.) I get to go back home and shut my door and not be around those people anymore.11 -
Monthly group question number 1:
What motivates you to race?
What are your payoffs?
Or why do you not race?
1) My motivation for attending races is it gives me a definite Training Plan that helps me stay motivated
2) Payoffs; Better physical condition = Better health.
Travel to new areas and see new parts of the country
Also the social activities pre and post race5 -
My goal for January is to grt this calf healed and get running again. Slowly does it. In my ideal scenario I’m able to run the Albany Lakes 10k on the 20th. Could be a bit of a dream though...8
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Hi, all. I am jumping in too and looking forward to joining the challenge. I also joined the 2019 Run The Year Group. My goal is to run 10 miles a week this year baseline. So 40 for the month.
My two races for 2019 so far are:
- Marine Corps Marathon
- Chicago Marathon
The rest will just happen as they come up. My goal for the year is to NOT sign up for races thinking that will motivate me to get in running shape again and then not run them because I am no longer in running shape (which I am not...just getting started again). I have burned a lot of $ the last 2 years doing that. So, just keeping my eye on my 2 fall races as my objective.
Happy New Year.8 -
So I was cruising race calendars looking for dates of races I'm interested in, and I came across an interesting race name.
For those of you who aren't familiar with upstate NY geography, the Finger Lakes are a series of long, narrow lakes that run more or less north-south. They were formed by glacial action, and on a map they kind of sort of resemble fingers.
The largest of these, both by surface area and north-south length, is Seneca Lake. It's located centrally in the Finger Lakes district. So there's a race on May 4, 2019, at Seneca Lake State Park. It's called the "Middle Finger 5K."
I'm not all that fond of the 5K distance, but that's close enough to drive and I might like to run that one just for the name. It is just a week after the USATF Masters 10K, which is 13 days after Boston, so it might not fit in well for me physically to run it hard. Check packet pickup - local to me on Thursday. Check start time . . . 6 AM. After a 1.5 hour drive, and need to get there early. Bleah. I'd need to get up at 3 AM and eat breakfast on the road.
Guess I'll have to give that one the finger.
I'd be tempted to register for the race and as I crossed the finish line, give the appropriate single finger salute to the cameras, in keeping with the theme of the race.
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@MobyCarp - I hadn't heard of the Middle Finger 5k. That's hilarious. I also give it a pass for the 6 am start time though. Also it's the day before the Mountain Goat so that's a no-go regardless.
@juliet3455 gave a nice succinct answer rather than my long ramble - but I agree on all points!
Still working on my January and 2019 goals but here are the races I have scheduled so far. I plan to do at least one race a month so need to fill in April and add the rest of the year:
1/13/2019 Chilly Chili 5k, Cazenovia, NY
2/24/2019 Lake Effect Half Marathon, Syracuse NY
3/10/2019 Greek Peak Winter Sprint Spartan Race, Cortland NY
5/5/2019 Mountain Goat Run (10 mile), Syracuse NY
6/2/2019 Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon, Niagara Falls, ON
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I'm going to jump in for Jan for 50 miles.
I've been hemming and hawing about signing up for a race this spring, but can't decide. I often have trouble getting myself out when it's cold, which brings me to my second goal, which is to run at least 3x a week this month.
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