July 2019 Monthly Running Challenge

katharmonic

Thank you @shanaber.

Re: the sports bra discussion: I really like to bring a change of clothes if there is a bag check, but trying to change out of a sweaty sports bra after a race is one of the biggest challenges, especially if you are trying to do it somewhat discreetly in public. I always bring one that fastens with a zipper or hooks to put on after but I don't like any of those for actual race wearing. I'm always tempted to just bring a big scissors with me.

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
07/01/19 :::: 3.0 :::: 3.0
07/02/19 :::: 4.4 :::: 7.5
07/03/19 :::: 0.0 :::: 7.5
07/04/19 :::: 10.1 :::: 17.5
07/05/19 :::: 3.1 :::: 20.6
07/06/19 :::: 4.5 :::: 25.2
07/07/19 :::: 4.5 :::: 29.7
07/08/19 :::: 3.9 :::: 33.5
07/09/19 :::: 2.6 :::: 36.1
07/10/19 :::: 4.6 :::: 40.7
07/11/19 :::: 0.0 :::: 40.7
07/12/19 :::: 3.5 :::: 44.2
07/13/19 :::: 4.0 :::: 48.2
07/14/19 :::: 9.4 :::: 57.6
07/15/19 :::: 4.1 :::: 61.7
07/16/19 :::: 3.1 :::: 64.8
07/17/19 :::: 4.6 :::: 69.4
07/18/19 :::: 0.0 :::: 69.4
07/19/19 :::: 3.0 :::: 72.5
07/20/19 :::: 8.0 :::: 80.5
07/21/19 :::: 5.4 :::: 85.8
07/22/19 :::: 3.5 :::: 89.3
07/23/19 :::: 1.3 :::: 90.6
07/24/19 :::: 5.4 :::: 96.0
07/25/19 :::: 8.5 :::: 104.5
07/26/19 :::: 4.0 :::: 108.5

A friend met me for my warm-up run this morning, which was very nice and made it go more quickly. Strength training followed with lots of specific Spartan-related training, including stairmaster with a weighted vest, monkey bars, box jumps, alligator crawls, and heavy kettle bell carries. He also stacked up the boxes very high to practice getting up over walls. I have a few new bruises from all of that. Getting over the higher walls without assistance is a big goal for the next race. We'll see how that goes.

My legs are officially tired from this week's activities. I'm going to soak in the tub and get a pedicure today to try to recover a bit before tomorrow's double wedding extravaganza.

Have a good Friday, everyone!

MegaMooseEsq

Hey all, still struggling out of the mental-health hole and not running, but at least I’m moving forward. It looks like the last time I posted was Monday AM - I’d planned on running Tuesday AM but didn’t. No specific reason other than brain weasels. I’m scared it’s going to hurt and I’m scared that I’m going to hurt myself worse and it’s just too much for me right now. Same with yesterday and today, unfortunately.

BUT I still went to the gym Monday afternoon, and since I was running late I did something I’ve been thinking about for a little bit - I rented one of our city’s bike-share bikes! It was kind of a barge, and I was super paranoid about cars (never a bad thing) but I actually really enjoyed myself. I used to ride everywhere in high school and college, but was hit by a car shortly after graduating from college and it both ruined my bike and shook my confidence such that I didn’t really ride more than once or twice in the decade and a half since then.

It wasn’t the same as running, but on the plus side it was faster than walking or taking the bus, I didn’t get to the gym all sweaty like when I run, and I even got a little bit of an endorphin buzz - not the same as from running, but better than nothing! I rode to the gym again on Wednesday, that time on one of the newer bikes that are only available if you buy a monthly or annual pass, and I’m planning on doing the same today but taking a scenic route down by the lake.

I barely managed to drag myself out of the house to see the PT on Wednesday, but I’m glad I did - she poked at my hip for a while and gave me some more exercises to strengthen my left glute, which has apparently been asleep on the job and she thinks may be causing these various leg issues. Also she reassured me that I’m not a whiner and it’s perfectly reasonable to be upset that I haven’t been able to run as much as I want, so that was nice.

I don’t feel at all prepared for my 10K a week from this Saturday, but I’m going to give it my best. I’m hoping my sister will be up for running with me and we can just relax and enjoy the experience. I’m trying not to think about whether I’ll be ready for a half marathon on September 8th - I’m certainly not where I wanted to be, but it is what it is. I’m not in a head-space to deal with it right now.

I feel like @mobycarp would have some words of wisdom here, but I can’t summon up that inner voice right now. I really miss him.

mbaker566

lots of hugs @MegaMooseEsq
i've gotten some weasels too and i'm hoping the new training plan will help me get back to where i'd like to be.

enjoy the run either way. enjoy the half. no worries or hurries. the finish line will be there no matter how long it takes you to get there

Lazy_Bones_85

07.01: 3.0M Taper Run (3.1)
07.02: Extra Rest Day
07.03: 2.0M Taper Run (5.1)
07.04: Peachtree Road Race 10K (11.3)
07.05: Post Race Rest Day
07.06: Scheduled Rest Day

07.07: 4.0M Easy Run (15.3)
07.08: 3.0M Pace Run (18.3)
07.09: 2.0M Easy Run (20.3)
07.10: Scheduled Rest Day
07.11: 4.0M Easy Run (24.3)
07.12: 6.0M Long Run (30.3)
07.13: Scheduled Rest Day

07.14: 4.0M Easy Run (34.3)
07.15: 3.0M Pace Run (37.3)
07.16: 4.0M Easy Run (41.3)
07.17: Scheduled Rest Day
07.18: 4.0M Easy Run (45.3)
07:19: Skipped Long Run - LAZY
07:20: Scheduled Rest Day

07.21: 4.0M Easy Run (49.3)
07.22: 3.0M Pace Run (52.3)
07.23: Skipped - BIRTHDAY!!
07.24: Scheduled Rest Day
07.25: Skipped - LAZY
07.26: 6.0M Long Run (58.3)

Sorry I disappeared again. I hope everyone is having a fantastic July.

rheddmobile

5k - Went to the Cordova Greenline again today, this time we were prepared for the lack of parking at the road crossing, so drove to the official trailhead where there is official parking. And there was an unofficial vegetable stand set up over the parking spaces taking up all of the parking. So we drove back to Starbucks, parked there, and walked to the trail again. This really is not optimal!

Getting ready at an unfamiliar house threw both my husband and me off our routine - he forgot to use his inhaler (he has exercise induced asthma) and I forgot to eat my orange before running. I took my blood before leaving the house and it was 82, which is fine for sitting around but nowhere near high enough for vigorous exercise (70 is low, and I tend to drop about 15 points a mile while running). Started running, went about a mile and just when I usually start feeling that “first mile is a lie” feeling drop off and my energy start to kick in, I started feeling bleh and went, oh yeah, I forgot to eat! Tried to keep going but had to stop after second mile. Fortunately my husband has been experimenting with GU flavors and had a spare Strawberry Banana GU in his back. I had never tried GUs before so just slurped down half of one to keep me in the game since it was a short run. First of all, YUCK! I think I will stick with jellies when fueling because GUs feel nasty in your mouth. Second, hard to say whether this was the GU hitting my stomach or a delayed reaction to the low sugar but I started feeling pukey about the time we finished. Drank some water, felt better, but I seem to have spiked my cortisol levels by running fasted, because when I ate lunch my blood glucose ended up going much higher than usual after a run. On the good news front, my husband did not have an asthma attack, and our run ended up being sub 30 minutes even with stopping for a GU. Lesson learned: I really need to remember to eat at the appropriate time. With exercise controlled diabetes, meal timing is everything.

We did have a nice run other than organizational problems though! The Greenline was originally a train line. I’ve done a lot of research on the history of Cordova, since my ancestors were some of the first settlers in this area, and it’s cool to run the Greenline and imagine what it was like back in the mid-nineteenth century. There are also abandoned telegraph poles with antique ceramic insulators down in the overgrown hollows running beside the Greenline. The Cordova trailhead is a historic railway station.

Post run lunch was a picnic at a local park where this guy was on the picnic table:

He was very upset with us and swayed back and forth being scary until my husband picked him up and he ran up onto my husband’s head. So I had to get him on my hand and onto a tree. I love mantises, they are the coolest.

autumnblade75

autumnblade75 wrote: »

No More Than 120 Miles

.........

July 19 - 2 miles
July 20 - 3.5 miles

July 22 - 6 miles
July 23 - 2 miles

July 24 - 7 miles

Total: 79.5 miles

You guys see this crap? I didn't run on the 24th, but apparently, I don't know how to skip a number to keep the calendar in sync with reality, if I don't run...

Another 8 miles today, at 11:15 - which was the plan. I'm not sure if it's the 2 seconds per mile faster, or the extra mile that gave me a whole minute at "peak" HR zone today, but I'm pretty happy with this pace as a goal.

I take it back about not having any problems ever removing a sports bra. I have one - I think it had "yoga" on the label somewhere. The cups are too roomy to provide me as much support as I'd like, but the band is more snug than any of the others. That one I get stuck in both directions. I should get rid of it.

Total: 87.5 miles

shanaber

@MegaMooseEsq - Hope you get rid of those mind weasels soon and get your running mojo back! I like @mbaker566's words of wisdom on the races... take it easy have fun, enjoy the company or the runners around you and get to the finish line... it will be waiting for you. Honestly I think that is good advice for all of us unless we are in a position to really be competitive (in the race, age group or with ourselves). Often times we just aren't for a variety of reasons.
@rheddmobile - I don't like GUs either for exactly the same reasons. To me they just taste like sticky yuck, even when I have water to have with them. Love the picture of the mantis! They are great! We don't see them often here but I love having them in my garden to eat all the bad bugs!

Went out a little late for my planned 4 mile pace run. The 1st mile or so of warm up didn't feel too bad but as it got hotter and hotter my legs seemed to be complaining more and more. They were tired and cranky and my calves were burning. The only way this was a pace run is if it is this hot on the day of my HM and I need to run really slow. I don't do well running in the heat and as much as I keep thinking that many of you would scoff that it really isn't that hot it doesn't seem to be helping me. Still not sure if I will make my goal but it will be close. If I hadn't missed my long run due to the dog bite earlier it wouldn't be an issue hitting it.
Also I miss running with my best running buddy. He is getting bored with the heat and not getting to go run around so we took him to doggy daycare for some playtime!

Having fun with his buddy!

Date........Miles.......Total
07/01......4.55........4.55
07/02......0.00........4.55 - + Strength Training
07/03......0.00........4.55
07/04......5.52......10.07
07/05......4.86......14.93
07/06......0.00......14.93
07/07......0.00......14.93 - To Healdsburg
07/08......5.72......20.65
07/09......0.00......20.65
07/10......4.26......24.91
07/11......1.22......26.13
07/12......4.62......30.75
07/13......0.00......30.75 - Home
07/14......0.00......30.75 - Dog Bite ☹️
07/15......5.77......36.52 - + Agility Class
07/16......0.00......36.52 - + Strength Training
07/17......6.64......43.16
07/18......0.00......43.16 - + Strength Training
07/19......5.68......48.84 - Tempo
07/20......9.56......58.40
07/21......0.00......58.40
07/22......6.17......64.57 - + Agility Class
07/23......0.00......64.57 - + Strength Training
07/24......7.62......72.19
07/25......0.00......72.19 - + Strength Training
07/26......6.35......78.54



2019 Planned and Completed Races
02/03/19 - Surf City Half Marathon Deferred to 2020
05/11/19 - Santa Barbara Wine Country HM
09/15/19 - Jack and Jill Downhill HM - Boise
11/23/19 - USA Women's HM
02/02/20 - Surf City Half Marathon

T1DCarnivoreRunner

@rheddmobile My first marathon, I started high (160's) and went out too fast. By mile 3, I was in the 40's. I took half a banana at the aid station and continued on. Soon after, I was chowing glucose tablets. Thereafter, at each aid station (every few miles), I was taking more carbs each time, but was just steady in the 40's and 50's. Somewhere around mile 10 or so, the aid station had some Gu packs. The nutrition facts showed it had lots of sugar, so I took one. Sure enough, by the half mark, I was starting to actually go high. The whole thing zapped my energy and I ended up a bit high still at the end, but it also was the difference between finishing or not.

T1DCarnivoreRunner

8.79 miles around town tonight. I did a "threshold run" and kept my pace above lactate threshold for 1 hr. continuously. It wasn't easy, but I should do more of these because I really believe it will help.

username301

New route, inconsistent running other potential stuff going on. It all seems v.hard at the moment, will content myself for a while just trying to keep going.

3 july......5km
6 July.....6km
10 july....5km
16 July...5km
23 July...5km
26 July...5km

Goals
1. Runs............11............6
2. Distance......59km......31km
3. 5k Time.......<35m......x
4. Long Run.....7km.......x

PastorVincent

Saw this cute puppy while running...

martaindale

Last morning of our official cold front and I had to work again, so afternoon run in the heat instead. It was just hot today. Low 90's and full sun.
This was a cutback week on my HM plan, so only had 4 miles for the long run this week. It was a slooowwww 4 miles. I ran by feel and my feel was a full minute a mile slower than usual.
But, I do think I am slowly acclimating to the heat. I don't feel like I'm going to die by the end, so that's good. When I started this a few weeks ago, I would get back to the A/C at my house and my body would just crash. Like, I would almost pass out. My recovery was spent lying on the floor with my feet up until I could move around without feeling woozy. It sucked. This week, no near passing out. It's a nice change.
I think 4 miles is my threshold for outdoor running in the heat for now. That still means at least 2 runs a week outside on the HM plan I'm using.


7/1: 3.5 miles
7/3: 3 miles
7/5: 5 miles
7/7: 3 miles
7/8: 4 miles
7/10: 3 miles
7/12: 6 miles
7/14: 3 miles
7/15: 4 miles
7/17: 3 miles
7/19: 7 miles
7/21: 3 miles
7/22: 3 miles
7/24: 3 miles
7/26: 4 miles

July total: 57.5 miles
July goal: 66 miles

2019 Races:

Piney Woods Trailfest 5k - 2/2/2019 29.23
Rodeo Run 10k - 2/23/2019 1:03.12
Run Houston! Minute Maid Park 10k - 3/23/2019 1:01.28
Brazos Bend 50 10k - 4/6/2019 1:15:33
TWRC Run Wild Run Free 5k - 9/2019
10 for Texas 10 Miler - 10/2019 registered
Wine and Dine half marathon - 11/3/2019 registered

Run the Year 2019 - Team Five for Nineteen

Scott6255

My (twin) brother came into town last night. Went for an easy run together this morning. Nice weather (lower than normal humidity). We both felt sick last night, and didn't feel much better this morning. But we gutted it out for 11 miles. I felt much better after a couple miles, but when we stopped he said he felt like he was going to puke. Felt really sorry for him 😰🤮

katharmonic

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
07/01/19 :::: 3.0 :::: 3.0
07/02/19 :::: 4.4 :::: 7.5
07/03/19 :::: 0.0 :::: 7.5
07/04/19 :::: 10.1 :::: 17.5
07/05/19 :::: 3.1 :::: 20.6
07/06/19 :::: 4.5 :::: 25.2
07/07/19 :::: 4.5 :::: 29.7
07/08/19 :::: 3.9 :::: 33.5
07/09/19 :::: 2.6 :::: 36.1
07/10/19 :::: 4.6 :::: 40.7
07/11/19 :::: 0.0 :::: 40.7
07/12/19 :::: 3.5 :::: 44.2
07/13/19 :::: 4.0 :::: 48.2
07/14/19 :::: 9.4 :::: 57.6
07/15/19 :::: 4.1 :::: 61.7
07/16/19 :::: 3.1 :::: 64.8
07/17/19 :::: 4.6 :::: 69.4
07/18/19 :::: 0.0 :::: 69.4
07/19/19 :::: 3.0 :::: 72.5
07/20/19 :::: 8.0 :::: 80.5
07/21/19 :::: 5.4 :::: 85.8
07/22/19 :::: 3.5 :::: 89.3
07/23/19 :::: 1.3 :::: 90.6
07/24/19 :::: 5.4 :::: 96.0
07/25/19 :::: 8.5 :::: 104.5
07/26/19 :::: 4.0 :::: 108.5
07/27/19 :::: 3.1 :::: 111.6

I did my virtual 5k for the Race to Cure Sarcoma this morning, in memory of my sister. It was a beautiful morning and even though it got a little hot. But it was an enjoyable run and I was joined by friends from the run club.

Now it's time to get ready for wedding 1 of 2. I'll try to catch up with you all tomorrow. Good luck to racers, happy running all!

Tramboman

PastorVincent wrote: »

Saw this cute puppy while running...

Made me look twice...

Tramboman

7-1 rest
7-2 7k intervals
7-3 7k moderate
7-4 rest
7-5 7k slow
7-6 7k slow(er)
7-7 7k slow
7-8 rest
7-9 7k intervals
7-10 7k moderate
7-11 rest
7-12 7k moderate
7-13 11k slow
7-14 7k moderate
7-15 rest
7-16 7k intervals
7-17 7k moderate
7-18 rest
7-19 7k easy
7-20 7k slow
7-21 7k moderately easy
7-22 rest
7-23 7k moderate
7-24 7k moderate
7-25 rest
7-26 4k warmup
7-27 5k race

July Total: 132k
July Goal: 150k

January Total: 131k
February Total: 159.5k
March Total: 183k
April Total: 126k
May Total: 128k
June Total: 161.5k

Monthly average: 148.1k

Next year when you pop in here claiming your December 2019 mileage, what accomplishments will you have made?
Run at least 4 5k races.
Get under 30:00 and a PR for 5k.
Average at least 135k per month, which would put me over 1,000 miles for the year.

Run the Year Team: Five for Nineteen

Sooooooo...
Goal today was to finish under 32:00 and podium. Based on my training and the past race history, both were doable. Sunny and about 70 degrees F at race start.
My plan was to start at about 6:15 for the first k and then negative split 10 seconds per kilometer. That would have put me under 30:00 for the race.
Start was a little crowded, but settle in well. Legs felt good and the first k was 6:11. On track with plan.
Second k was 6:16. Needed to pick it up a bit.
Third k was 6:04. Still feeling pretty good and smooth. Then got to the 3.5 k point and began to falter.
Fourth k was 6:23; fifth k was 6:24. Finished. Chip time was 31:11, so I met the first part of my goal. And, based on past race results, was rehearsing my walk to get my medal.
Later found out I would have had to run 29:31 to podium.
Positive takeaway was this was my fastest time of 2019.
My lesson learned was that I have to get back on the weight loss wagon. I can't carry these additional pounds around and expert to get to my 2019 goal of under 30:00.
My initial disappointment has been replaced by the satisfaction that I ran well despite the temperature.
Now I need to train harder and learn to run better.
Being old and proud is a *kitten.*


2019 Races:

4-13 Shine the Light 5K - 31:12 chip time; First Place male 65 and older
6-30 Strides for Starfish 5K - 31:34 chip time; 31/77 overall; second male 65 and older (no official category)
7-27 Solon Home Days 5K - 31:11 chip time; 95/141 overall; 4/6 age group (male)

martaindale

@Tramboman Good race! That's a great time!

Tramboman

martaindale wrote: »

@Tramboman Good race! That's a great time!

Thank you.

AlphaHowls

7/1 20.5 miles
7/2 27.4 miles
7/3 20.62 miles
7/4 32.47 miles, 430 days on the run
7/5 3.04 miles
7/6 6.11 miles
7/7 15.09 miles, Cycling 260 minutes, ~46 miles
7/8 15.21 miles
7/9 21.32 miles, 435 days on the run, 4 years on MFP
7/10 16.2 miles
7/11 18.39 miles
7/12 27.08 miles
7/13 26.26 miles
7/14 15.41 miles, 440 days on the run, Cycling 245 minutes, ~45 miles
7/15 26.22 miles
7/16 16.25 miles
7/17 6.18 miles, Crazy Laps
7/18 16.34 miles
7/19 13.41 miles, 445 days on the run
7/20 26.5 miles
7/21 6.36 miles, Crazy Laps, Cycling 25 minutes, bad weather in area
7/22 6.31 miles, Crazy Laps
7/23 6.14 miles, Cycling 60 minutes, ~12 miles
7/24 6.46 miles, 450 days on the run
7/25 7.45 miles
7/26 7.46 miles
7/27 7.39 miles

Scott6255

@Tramboman really good race management. You should be proud of that time. Very well done 👍

@katharmonic way to go on your 5K. Great that you dedicated it to your sister. Have fun at the wedding(s)! Eat 🍰