May 2019 Monthly Running Challenge
shanaber
Posts: 6,423 Member
in Challenges
It's time for the May 2019 Running Challenge!
WARNING: Following this thread may be addictive; it gets very talkative...miss a day and you can be 50 posts behind. This is the most popular challenge on MFP. If you found us in the middle (or end) of the month, you're still very welcome to join in - no requirements or special invite needed. Once you post, that's it you're in. And yes, we do this every month.
You set your own pace and distance for the month. We will all be doing it together. This is your virtual running group to help keep you accountable, to enjoy a virtual post-run coffee with your fellow runners, and to make new friends and learn a few things.
This is a continuation from the April 2019 Running Challenge which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10735956/april-2019-monthly-running-challenge/p1
Anyone can join in, new and old, and if you found this thread late, you can join in at any time.
We have members ranging from total beginners all the way to Boston Qualifiers and beyond. We are a friendly and encouraging bunch. You never need to be ashamed of your miles. If you are making the effort, you will find only support here.
Here are the details from last month that apply again:
Anybody want to join in for a running challenge? Set a goal here and update us every day. OPTIONAL: You can post your progress by creating a ticker at http://www.tickerfactory.com (if creating one seems difficult, or you're like me and can't be bothered, then just type in your daily miles in this thread).
You can run, walk, or do treadmill - just be consistent. Don't let the high (or low) goals of others intimidate you. Some do 25 miles, others do 50, some go higher than that, some do lower; it's entirely your goal and therefore completely up to you. We help motivate each other, so what do you say? If you're new to running, set a low goal. If you're from a part of the world where miles aren't your thing, log your distances in KMs. And if you'd rather log your progress by time rather than distance, then you're entirely free to do that as well.
Feel free to set your goal now but wait until May 1, 2019 to start logging your runs!
Also, don't forget to join our group which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/21182-monthly-running-challenges
There you will find lots of good info, and it's a place where everyone can talk to each other for further motivation. It's also a place to find help when there is a problem with this thread.
Note: we also have a group on Strava and Facebook.
After you run, come into this thread and post what you did (don't forget to hit the star in the upper right corner to bookmark this thread). Simply keep a running tally of what you've done this month, and interact with the others. Many folks come in here and chit-chat it up, even on their rest days or while recouping from injury. This is a very social group and we talk about many things (sometimes even about running ). It's a very friendly bunch here so don't be afraid to say hi (even if this is your first time), talk about a recent or up-coming race, ask questions, provide answers, or just lurk-n-learn. Participation is what makes this group successful.
Not quite sure how to log your runs? Follow the examples of many other challenge members. Even take a peek at last month's thread (posted above).
*******OPTIONAL TICKER*************
Info on tickers since I know there will be questions. Sign up for an account at http://www.tickerfactory.com and create your ticker. Then you need to update it after you finish a run and post it here. Here is what you will need to do.
After setting up your ticker, you will need to make note of the weblink they give you so you can return. An example would be:
http://www.tickerfactory.com/exercise/w6K1EiX/ <<<< the last part will be a part of the image link (explained below) that will be supplied to you after you initially create your link.
When you return to TickerFactory with the weblink, go to your settings page. Make sure you type your PIN in that you set when you created your ticker account. Then, where it says "Your current cumulative value", there is an add button. Simply add the distance that you just did, and the cumulative value automatically changes. Then hit next.
After adding your new miles (or KMs) to your ticker, you need to post it here.
After you hit next, it will give you a bunch of codes suggesting how to display your ticker.
Use the one at the bottom where it says Direct Image URL:
It will look something like:
http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png
To display that correctly in your post, make sure you place the image (img) tags around that link. So it will look something like the following (but removing the spaces in the img tags):
[ img ] http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png [ /img ]
^^^^^^^ Don't forget to remove the spaces between the brackets ^^^^^^^^^^
Some key things to pay attention to when posting your ticker:
Use the link that ends in .png
Remember the [ img] and [ /img] tags go in between the link
Remove the spaces in the img tags before posting
YES, there is a / in the second /img tag
By the way, everyone here should consider themselves a runner no matter how fast or slow. There's no judgment, we all started somewhere. And no comparisons, except with your former self. Don't compare your Chapter 1 to somebody elses Chapter 20.
“I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.” – Bart Yasso
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius
"We all know that if you run, you are pretty much choosing a life of success because of it.” – Deena Kastor
“Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts.” – Steve Prefontaine
“Get going … walk if you have to, but finish the damned race.” – Ron Hill
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham
WARNING: Following this thread may be addictive; it gets very talkative...miss a day and you can be 50 posts behind. This is the most popular challenge on MFP. If you found us in the middle (or end) of the month, you're still very welcome to join in - no requirements or special invite needed. Once you post, that's it you're in. And yes, we do this every month.
You set your own pace and distance for the month. We will all be doing it together. This is your virtual running group to help keep you accountable, to enjoy a virtual post-run coffee with your fellow runners, and to make new friends and learn a few things.
This is a continuation from the April 2019 Running Challenge which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10735956/april-2019-monthly-running-challenge/p1
Anyone can join in, new and old, and if you found this thread late, you can join in at any time.
We have members ranging from total beginners all the way to Boston Qualifiers and beyond. We are a friendly and encouraging bunch. You never need to be ashamed of your miles. If you are making the effort, you will find only support here.
Here are the details from last month that apply again:
Anybody want to join in for a running challenge? Set a goal here and update us every day. OPTIONAL: You can post your progress by creating a ticker at http://www.tickerfactory.com (if creating one seems difficult, or you're like me and can't be bothered, then just type in your daily miles in this thread).
You can run, walk, or do treadmill - just be consistent. Don't let the high (or low) goals of others intimidate you. Some do 25 miles, others do 50, some go higher than that, some do lower; it's entirely your goal and therefore completely up to you. We help motivate each other, so what do you say? If you're new to running, set a low goal. If you're from a part of the world where miles aren't your thing, log your distances in KMs. And if you'd rather log your progress by time rather than distance, then you're entirely free to do that as well.
Feel free to set your goal now but wait until May 1, 2019 to start logging your runs!
Also, don't forget to join our group which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/21182-monthly-running-challenges
There you will find lots of good info, and it's a place where everyone can talk to each other for further motivation. It's also a place to find help when there is a problem with this thread.
Note: we also have a group on Strava and Facebook.
After you run, come into this thread and post what you did (don't forget to hit the star in the upper right corner to bookmark this thread). Simply keep a running tally of what you've done this month, and interact with the others. Many folks come in here and chit-chat it up, even on their rest days or while recouping from injury. This is a very social group and we talk about many things (sometimes even about running ). It's a very friendly bunch here so don't be afraid to say hi (even if this is your first time), talk about a recent or up-coming race, ask questions, provide answers, or just lurk-n-learn. Participation is what makes this group successful.
Not quite sure how to log your runs? Follow the examples of many other challenge members. Even take a peek at last month's thread (posted above).
*******OPTIONAL TICKER*************
Info on tickers since I know there will be questions. Sign up for an account at http://www.tickerfactory.com and create your ticker. Then you need to update it after you finish a run and post it here. Here is what you will need to do.
After setting up your ticker, you will need to make note of the weblink they give you so you can return. An example would be:
http://www.tickerfactory.com/exercise/w6K1EiX/ <<<< the last part will be a part of the image link (explained below) that will be supplied to you after you initially create your link.
When you return to TickerFactory with the weblink, go to your settings page. Make sure you type your PIN in that you set when you created your ticker account. Then, where it says "Your current cumulative value", there is an add button. Simply add the distance that you just did, and the cumulative value automatically changes. Then hit next.
After adding your new miles (or KMs) to your ticker, you need to post it here.
After you hit next, it will give you a bunch of codes suggesting how to display your ticker.
Use the one at the bottom where it says Direct Image URL:
It will look something like:
http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png
To display that correctly in your post, make sure you place the image (img) tags around that link. So it will look something like the following (but removing the spaces in the img tags):
[ img ] http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png [ /img ]
^^^^^^^ Don't forget to remove the spaces between the brackets ^^^^^^^^^^
Some key things to pay attention to when posting your ticker:
Use the link that ends in .png
Remember the [ img] and [ /img] tags go in between the link
Remove the spaces in the img tags before posting
YES, there is a / in the second /img tag
By the way, everyone here should consider themselves a runner no matter how fast or slow. There's no judgment, we all started somewhere. And no comparisons, except with your former self. Don't compare your Chapter 1 to somebody elses Chapter 20.
“I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.” – Bart Yasso
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius
"We all know that if you run, you are pretty much choosing a life of success because of it.” – Deena Kastor
“Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts.” – Steve Prefontaine
“Get going … walk if you have to, but finish the damned race.” – Ron Hill
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham
1
Replies
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As the one who set it up I gat to be first to post my May goal! I am in for 100 miles again.
Anyone else want to join me in the 100 mile club?10 -
did poorly last month keeping up with running. hopefully, may i can find renewed commitment. i'll go for 50mi10
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Hi all. New to the group. I'm also a relatively new runner-just the past year. I will try for 40 miles. Today I did my 3.1, but I know that doesn't count for this month. I generally run three days a week. What do you all do for exercise on the days you don't run? What have you found to be the best foods to eat for running? I look forward to hearing from you.
11 -
I'm in for 100k and hope to heal up soon enough to exceed that goal.7
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Another 100 for me @shanaber - or 160km as we like to call it here in metric land.
I have a half scheduled on May 11 (through a vineyard so it's not a race race, more a girls' weekend away), but before that, I've been signed up for a trail relay this weekend - I think I'm supposed to do two laps, which are about 6.5km each. Hopefully the weather's good and there's not too much mud.11 -
I have two races this month a Full Marathon on May 5th and a 50k (31ish miles) Ultra Trail Race six days later, so I am expecting to come in low on miles.11
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FOR ALL YE STALKERS:
My Pittsburgh Marathon Bib # 4025
My wife's is 4933
I am sure there will be a tracking site like there is every year.
The plan is for me to finish, eat, drink and then slowly run back and find my wife. Then finish again with her. Should put me over 30 miles for the Marathon.
12 -
In for a hundred or so as I work on finding my running mojo again. Will be working on more cross-training as well with lifting/TRX/yoga all in the mix.10
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Newbie here for 60. I want to run 15 miles per week12
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I'm in as always, aiming for 120k this month.8
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Not sure what my goal is going to be this month. I have a trip to FL and one to VA, so that is really going to throw my routine off! Got some planning to do before making a commitment.5
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I am still hoping for 50. Maybe May will be the month it finally happens, depends on how work goes.8
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I'm in for 70 miles again. I'm going to the Philippines for a week for my brother's wedding, so this may be a bit of a reach. My goal is to get a run or 2 in while traveling, mostly as a way to combat the jet lag.
Welcome @gwendolynmusick and @newlook19729 -
gwendolynmusick wrote: »Hi all. New to the group. I'm also a relatively new runner-just the past year. I will try for 40 miles. Today I did my 3.1, but I know that doesn't count for this month. I generally run three days a week. What do you all do for exercise on the days you don't run? What have you found to be the best foods to eat for running? I look forward to hearing from you.
I'm pretty new as well. I don't really follow a defined cross training plan, but I know cross training is important. I rock climb 3 days a week as cross training.
I'm still working out my nutrition as my mileage is increasing. It seems to vary a lot as what works for one person doesn't really work for someone else. For me, I have to eat before I run. How much to eat is part of what I am figuring out. I'm just now getting to runs long enough to even need to think about anything while I'm running.5 -
I’m excited for this challenge! Signing up for 60 miles this month. 8
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What do you all do for exercise on the days you don't run? What have you found to be the best foods to eat for running?
Welcome @gwendolynmusick !
We have monthly questions! Thanks for taking the guess work out of it this month! I’d have asked something lame.. hehe. Lame I am.
On days I don’t run it’s coffee, naps, play with the cats... maybe study... oh exercise wise? Meh. I like to bike, particularly some gravel trails. I like to swim but am more likely to bike since I don’t have to get neked-ish, and sometimes it’s chilly. Food? Fitness pizza! Oh okay... I try to stick to real food, no packaged or mystery foods. (I did just eat half a pie) oh no PIE.. dh set me up. He knows I’ll eat so much pie. Ugh. He’s up to no good. I also try to find that carb level that is just enough to fuel a run, but enough to make my body work for it.
Not a Runner. I’m just trolling here 🤪 okay honestly I may be an injured runner. Or I may be a runner forced to be a cyclist.
I got on the bike trainer today, nearly 20 minutes
11 -
I exceeded April's goal already with 137.96 miles vs. 120 goal. So I am thinking I should reach a bit further and shoot for 150 miles in May.
Races planned in May:
5/11 - Brookings Marathon (Brookings, SD)
5/26 - Med City Marathon (Rochester, MN)6 -
Excited for this challenge! Sign me up for 60 miles this month.6
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Welcome @gwendolynmusick !
We have monthly questions! Thanks for taking the guess work out of it this month! I’d have asked something lame.. hehe. Lame I am.
You are not lame, you are bionic!
4 -
I'm in for 75 miles this month. I have a half coming up on the 18th so I'll have a bit of a taper before that and then we will be on vacation for a week after that. I hope to get at least one run in when we are in Colorado, but I may not get any runs in that week.
Re: monthly question. I do yoga 5 days per week and run 4 days per week and sometimes I walk with my dogs. Most of my runs are early and all I have before is coffee. Sometimes before a long run I will have toast or peanut butter crackers, but most of the time I just have coffee. I sometimes use chews on long runs, but 13.1 is the longest run I've done and most of my long runs are 8 - 10 miles.6 -
Radiographers make the best runners - well dedicated anyway (says the resident radiographer)
https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/112342582/radiographer-returns-to-work-after-painful-crawl-over-london-marathon-line2 -
Re monthly questions I frequently walk when I'm not running. I'm currently obsessed with getting my daily 12000 steps, am on a 93 day streak lol.
For food, a short run I always have a banana before my run. Longer 10k plus runs I usually have porridge for breakfast an hr before. Other than that, just what ever ao feel that fits into my calorie limit (still trying to lose the last 5kg, 10lb ish)6 -
ContraryMaryMary wrote: »Another 100 for me @shanaber - or 160km as we like to call it here in metric land.
I have a half scheduled on May 11 (through a vineyard so it's not a race race, more a girls' weekend away), but before that, I've been signed up for a trail relay this weekend - I think I'm supposed to do two laps, which are about 6.5km each. Hopefully the weather's good and there's not too much mud.
@ContraryMaryMary - My HM is also on May 11th and is through the vineyards in central CA. It is called the Santa Barbara Wine Country HM but is really in Santa Ynez! It will be about a day apart with the time difference with you running first but I will be thinking of you dancing (er... running) your way through the vineyards too 😊6 -
Hey! Not technically a runner but this seems cool. Recently I've been doing the freeletics app and want a way to keep myself accountable for going for daily morning runs. I'm not sure what it translates to in miles but I'm aiming for 24km this month! Let's get it!!7
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Welcome back everyone and especially welcome newbies to our crazy running group! Warning this thread can and will move really quickly. Don't be shy - chime into the conversation, ask questions like @gwendolynmusick or just share your activities and running gear - we love to see pictures of where you run and your new running stuff!What do you all do for exercise on the days you don't run? What have you found to be the best foods to eat for running?
Welcome @gwendolynmusick !
We have monthly questions! Thanks for taking the guess work out of it this month! I’d have asked something lame.. hehe. Lame I am.
On days I don’t run it’s coffee, naps, play with the cats... maybe study... oh exercise wise? Meh. I like to bike, particularly some gravel trails. I like to swim but am more likely to bike since I don’t have to get neked-ish, and sometimes it’s chilly. Food? Fitness pizza! Oh okay... I try to stick to real food, no packaged or mystery foods. (I did just eat half a pie) oh no PIE.. dh set me up. He knows I’ll eat so much pie. Ugh. He’s up to no good. I also try to find that carb level that is just enough to fuel a run, but enough to make my body work for it.
Not a Runner. I’m just trolling here 🤪 okay honestly I may be an injured runner. Or I may be a runner forced to be a cyclist.
I got on the bike trainer today, nearly 20 minutes
Definitely not a troll or lame @Elise4270! I agree with @PastorVincent - Bionic is what you are!
On the monthly questions...
I run 4 days/week an do strength training with a trainer 2 days and take one day pretty much completely off/rest but I usually take the pup for a walk.
Like @martaindale said, fueling a run is really different for each person and you need to find what works best for you.
First I almost always run in the morning. I used to never eat before I ran, maybe a bit of a protein bar before a HM race but otherwise nothing before or during. Now I find I do better and feel better if I have something, usually a banana or toast and peanut butter (or both) before a shorter run and before a long run or race I typically have oatmeal with a handful of walnuts and some tart cherries (no milk though), I also have some protein, part of a bar or powder in my coffee as soon as I get up. During a long run of a couple of hours or more I always take water with me now and Skratch Labs energy chews. Through trying lots of different products and even simple gummy bears or jelly beans, I found these work best for me. They aren't super sweet and don't make me inordinately thirsty.
Best advice I can give is try several products, don't buy a huge supply of anything until you have tried them on a few runs and find what you like. Also initially try them on short runs to see how your stomach responds.7 -
Thanks @shanaber for getting us set up.
I'm in for 55km for May, still conservative mileage for me but I'm really looking forward to it!
Welcome to all the new faces :-)
Re: monthly question... I would really like to cycle for cross training but can never actually be bothered to drag the bike out and get out on it. So I walk. I also try to do a half hour stretching/yoga/pilates sort of thing as close to every day as I can find time for, along with about 2 hours strength training per week split into 3 sessions. In the summer I tend to swap the walks for swimming when the darned jellyfish aren't in residence.
Re nutrition: I'm vegetarian and short and maintain on way too few calories for my liking, so pretty much eat a lot of veggies and as much pizza as my calorie allowance permits (yes, pizza may well be my main reason for running apart from not wanting to end up in jail for murder). I run first thing in the morning on a couple of cups of coffee and a banana. I find the promise of getting home, stretching and inhaling breakfast great motivation to get my runs finished. For fueling on longer runs I like Jelly Babies, but intend to experiment with some SIS gels I got on special offer soon.5 -
ContraryMaryMary wrote: »Another 100 for me @shanaber - or 160km as we like to call it here in metric land.
I have a half scheduled on May 11 (through a vineyard so it's not a race race, more a girls' weekend away), but before that, I've been signed up for a trail relay this weekend - I think I'm supposed to do two laps, which are about 6.5km each. Hopefully the weather's good and there's not too much mud.
@ContraryMaryMary - My HM is also on May 11th and is through the vineyards in central CA. It is called the Santa Barbara Wine Country HM but is really in Santa Ynez! It will be about a day apart with the time difference with you running first but I will be thinking of you dancing (er... running) your way through the vineyards too 😊
Yay. I’ll think of you while I’m enjoying the post race events!!3 -
As for fuelling, I run on coffee and cake, and for coffee and cake!!!13
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Re: Cross Training - this question comes up a lot. It is whatever you like to do on your days off, preferably something that works different muscles than running does (biking, swimming, weight lifting, etc.) I do weight lifting 4 days (legs on run days, upper body on non-run days). I try to walk 3-4 miles every day. Or you can just rest and do nothing. It really just depends on you, what your body is telling you.
5
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