November 2019 Monthly Running Challenge

Orphia · November 2019

I did some parkrun tourism this morning. Got my R parkrun, for the unofficial alphabet challenge, and R is also handy for the Pirate Club (7 Cs and an Rrrr)

parkrun is growing in the US since I last looked.

Cricketmad88 · November 2019

2 Nov: 6 miles

6/50

eleanorhawkins · November 2019

I made a group thingy on Strava for the weekend miles for @MobyCarp (I think). Sent invites to those I'm hooked up with on there but here's the link (I think) for anyone who didn't get an invite and wants in to click!

emmamcgarity · November 2019

eleanorhawkins wrote: »

I made a group thingy on Strava for the weekend miles for @MobyCarp (I think). Sent invites to those I'm hooked up with on there but here's the link (I think) for anyone who didn't get an invite and wants in to click!

Thanks! I was still trying to figure out the spreadsheet and decided to take another look and find a gap to fill in after this morning’s race. He passed away while I was still new to this group. I found him to be very encouraging and I would like to participate.

polskagirl01 · November 2019

eleanorhawkins wrote: »

I made a group thingy on Strava for the weekend miles for @MobyCarp (I think). Sent invites to those I'm hooked up with on there but here's the link (I think) for anyone who didn't get an invite and wants in to click!

Just joined the club but I have a question. Can everyone in the club now see all of my activities? My recent half marathon and "Botaniczna Piątka" are set to public, but is anything else (or maybe everything else) showing up there, too? What can y'all see? I have another account I can join with if needed, that I use for more "public" stuff.

I'll add I didn't sign up for a slot but would like to run something in Kevin's memory at some point during the day

Tramboman · November 2019

11-1 7k slow
11-2 7k slow

November Total: 14k
November Goal: 135k

January Total: 131k
February Total: 159.5k
March Total: 183k
April Total: 126k
May Total: 128k
June Total: 161.5k
July Total: 151k
August Total: 133k
September Total: 135k
October Total: 115k

2019 Total through October: 1,423k / 882.26m

Monthly average: 142.3k

Next year when you pop in here claiming your December 2019 mileage, what accomplishments will you have made?
Run at least 4 5k races. Completed 8-31
Get under 30:00 and a PR for 5k. Nope...
Average at least 135k per month, which would put me over 1,000 miles for the year.

Run the Year Team: Five for Nineteen - Completed 9-28

@PastorVincent Good luck today.
@Avidkeo Great photos!!!

Partly cloudy, mid 30s F and a light variable breeze today. Rationalized my slow pace by wanting to save something for @MobyCarp tomorrow. Joined the Strava group; hope to figure out how to put my stuff in. Planning on doing 8k, which should take a little more than an hour.

2020 goals:

Continue a 5k regimen.
Train better.

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)
8-31 Race for Freedom 5k - 31:39 chip time; 32:00 Garmin time; Third Place male 60 and older
9-14 Gift of Life 5k - off the schedule; insufficient recovery time
10-13 Haunted Hustle 5k - 31:22 chip time; 47/74 overall; First Place male 60 and older

marisap2010 · November 2019

I have been MIA for over three weeks now. I have lots of excuses (sick, work, audit), but honestly, I should have kept up. I really just got lazy. I don't know what is wrong with me. I feel blah.

Hubby will be traveling more for work soon, which I hate on one hand, but I think it will give me less opportunity in the afternoons to make excuses. I have a marathon in March, and I need to get back on track. I also need to get off quite a bit of weight that has made residence in my body over the last year.

50 miles for November, then my mileage will significantly increase.

Scott6255 · November 2019

polskagirl01 wrote: »

eleanorhawkins wrote: »

I made a group thingy on Strava for the weekend miles for @MobyCarp (I think). Sent invites to those I'm hooked up with on there but here's the link (I think) for anyone who didn't get an invite and wants in to click!

Just joined the club but I have a question. Can everyone in the club now see all of my activities? My recent half marathon and "Botaniczna Piątka" are set to public, but is anything else (or maybe everything else) showing up there, too? What can y'all see? I have another account I can join with if needed, that I use for more "public" stuff.

I'll add I didn't sign up for a slot but would like to run something in Kevin's memory at some point during the day

Since your profile is private, none of your activities are shown. Just your statistics are viewable.

Camaramandy648 · November 2019

PastorVincent wrote: »

Camaramandy648 wrote: »

Well I really hope it's not a bug. I honestly don't have time for a bug. But I ALSO have ZERO energy. But that's not uncommon for a Friday afternoon or for a single mom of two the day after Halloween after a long drive, etc.

I SHOULD run this evening because I will have time but I'm also telling myself all the good reasons I have not to. I COULD ALSO take the evening to rest or do strength training and do all the running tomorrow. I don't know. I feel like I barely made it through the day with no gut issues so I'd really like to just relax.

But then here's this. I won't always feel motivated to run or work out but does that mean I shouldn't? Doesn't discipline have to override motivation sometimes?

bleh. Maybe I'm too tired to even consider this right now

Gut issues, if they are a bug usually pass in 48 hours. If they are bad food usually pass in 48 hours. If they are gluten-related may take 2 weeks.

So I would say if you know for sure that it was NOT gluten (you said you are GF so I am assuming gluten is an issue for you) and its been 3 or 4 days... see a doctor.

I haven’t had bread in months except the two times I ordered pizza. I am starving all the time so I added some GF bread to my diet just to feel more full.

I had bone broth last night because I didn’t want everything to flare up again. Saturdays are always a big running / gym day for me and I don’t want anything to mess it up. I am feeling much better this morning!
Today is your race! Can’t wait to read your race report!

zeesparrow · November 2019

This month is off to a slow start. Zero miles so far. I've been fighting a bug the last few days and am hoping it will pass (heh) so I can participate in the run for @MobyCarp.

noblsheep · November 2019

1102-8.2k total 8.2k goal-100k

A progression into a tempo run this morning. It was 10 degrees and drizzling when I went out, more like 14 by the time I made it back. A guy passing me on his bicycle was nice enough to holler "It's raining!" as he wizzed past - yeah thanks dude!

I know that I have terribly inefficienty running form. Back in 2015/2016 which was my fastest season, I could only speed up to a point before I felt like I'd hit some kind of threshold where I just could not run any faster, although my HR and breathing felt fine. Ever since I started taking steps to fix my form last summer, that threshold has disappeared and the limiting factor has become my cardio ability. I know I'm not nearly there yet - if there really is a "there" - but it truly does make a difference. Speedwise I'm slowly inching back to where I was that year, and if all goes well, maybe go beyond that? Hmmm.

@eleanorhawkins Strava stubbornly will not sync to my Garmin account. Do you know whether it will work if I upload my gpx file or something?

@Orphia Didn't know there were parkruns in Japan! I'll have to check that out next time I'm there.

_nikkiwolf_ · November 2019

@noblsheep Uploading gpx files usually works fine for me on Strava for challenges, etc. It should also work for the group.

I'm curious - what have you done to fix your form? I've recently made the jump and decided to switch to minimalist running shoes to see if that will help with the recurring problems with my left knee that bug me on and off since years now (despite all kinds of cross-training and conservative increase of distance and changing shoes and all the other common prevention advice...). That magically stops me from heel-striking (although I'm not really convinced that is causing the knee problems, but it's worth a try) But I probably should also work on running form independent of that - it's just so hard to break a lifelong habit of how I'm moving my legs and feet...

PastorVincent · November 2019

I'm not dead, I am surely alive!

Race report later, have to run back out, but I know if @MobyCarp was alive he would be happy today. Mrs. PastorVincent nailed a PR, and I did... well you will see tonight with the race report (well, those in the FB group know already ops LOL)

ContraryMaryMary · November 2019

eleanorhawkins wrote: »

I made a group thingy on Strava for the weekend miles for @MobyCarp (I think). Sent invites to those I'm hooked up with on there but here's the link (I think) for anyone who didn't get an invite and wants in to click!

It’s a stunner morning here and I’m about to head out for a couple of hours to run for @MobyCarp. Won’t be fast, but the scenery will be pretty.

emmamcgarity · November 2019

First official 5k race report

Prior to now my only races have been at Parkrun with my PB at 34:42. That particular day I had really pushed myself to achieve that time and had to take many walk breaks because my fitness level didn’t allow me to stay at that pace consistently.

Notes about me - I am a new-ish runner who started c25k in February earlier this year. I’ve continued to run consistently since then and made many new friends at Parkrun. I learned from a friend that a local running clinic (PIM) was about to start their new season to help new runners achieve a 5k or improve a 5k time. It’s a 10 week coached program that meets weekly. I followed the training plan, did all my homework, and showed up every week. I wasn’t sure what pace to set as my goal for this race and several weeks ago asked one of my coaches. We thought 32 minutes might be a good goal if all went well and I stayed on program. A couple weeks later this coach approached me and stated that after thinking about it he wanted me to train for 30:00 as a stretch goal. He said as a new runner there was a lot of opportunity for improvement and there was no harm in pushing myself a little. I kept training with this in mind but knew that shaving almost 5 minutes off my time in 10 weeks would be quite a leap. So I asked one of my coaches to pace me and keep that stretch goal in mind.

Alex’s 5k RR

This race supports autism charities and starts in a public park inside the Houston city limits. I had already picked up my packet Wednesday night at my PIM meeting but being my first race I really didn’t know what to expect. I allowed an hour to make the drive because I live in a suburb outside the city and needed to allow enough time for parking (and potentially enough time to get lost).

My 18 year old daughter is autistic (high functioning) and I knew she would want to participate in some of the kids activities. We looked through the race description ahead of time so she would know what to expect. My 13 year old son didn’t really care but was willing to go once he heard there would be food after the race.

I set my alarm for 4:45 am and started the day with a pumpkin spice muffin and some coffee before showering and getting dressed. I’m thankful for the detailed race reports you have each provided that helped me plan ahead. It was really helpful that everything was already sorted and laid out. I also had a bag packed with a change of clothes in case I needed it afterward. A quick shower then I grabbed more coffee and some grapes for the drive into town.

We arrived at the park at 6:30 am. It was still dark and we saw volunteers setting up and preparing for the race. I decided to walk in the park for a bit to keep moving and check things out. I determined which portocans were stocked sufficiently with toilet paper and made note for later. I talked with the kids about where to meet up after the run and introduced them to my coaches. The kids then went off to play at the playground and get away from the noise of the loudspeaker.

Our coaches gathered our group together for a pre-race photo and a warm up jog with group stretching. Rene (the coach who promised to pace me) took me off to the side and we strategized for the race. The plan was that if I felt strong enough to push for the 30:00. We went for another warm up jog together and got into place for the start. He explained to me how the chip timing worked and we soon started the actual race.

Most of our group stayed together at the beginning. Then Rene strategically helped weave me past a few runners as we chatted along the way. He asked how I was feeling and said I was on target for my goal. He greeted other runners he knew as we passed them one by one. I still felt strong but wondered if maybe the pace was a little fast for me to last the whole race. I decided not to look at my watch and run blind, relying on Rene to set the pace. Halfway through the race I asked him “are we suddenly going faster? This feels kind of fast”. He explained that we were in a downhill section and taking advantage of any time we might lose at the water stop ahead. I had a feeling he was pacing me faster but decided I would trust him to know my capabilities. We trotted through the water stop as a volunteer handed me a cup. I spilled some on my face running while drinking a big swallow then tossed the cup in the well placed can further along the path. The volunteers did a good job and there was no bottleneck.

He asked how I was feeling and I told him I was good with the pace but not able to go faster. “Ok then I won’t tell you how fast you are going. But you are on track. You’ll get the PR.” And we kept on passing runners one by one. He pointed out that we were in the last mile and that we’d push a faster pace at the turnaround near the end. He encouraged me to lift my knees higher and bring my shoulders back when he noticed my form suffering. He encouraged me to pump my arms when he noticed me struggling with the pace. We were in the final push when I started refusing to pass any more runners. I knew that running faster was really just not possible at that point. Then we turned and I saw the finish line 100 yards away. I suddenly started pushing away from Rene and passing others with energy I didn’t know existed. I crossed the finish line but didn’t see the official time as I struggled off to the side where the grass was. I was overcome with nausea and knew I needed to find that well stocked portocan soon. Another coach brought water to Rene and me and told me my time. 28:35. What?!?! Rene helped me shave a lot more time than I expected. After a few sips of water I went off to my portocan then to find the kids.

The kids had a great time at the race. They had fun coloring pictures with volunteers dressed as superheroes. They snacked on breakfast tacos, fruit, bagels, kind bars, etc. when things got to loud for my daughter she’d venture over to a nearby playground. There was free beer available that the coaches and other runners enjoyed. I learned that I placed 94th overall and 7th in my age group. The 1st place winner in my age group is an elite and my very first friend from Parkrun. I was happy to see her win. She’s very fast and one of the kindest people I’ve met.

The race was well supported and I may run it again next year.

Scott6255 · November 2019

Having not run outside for a week, I was a little scared how this run might go. It was perfect temp (54F), but 17mph wind. Applied KT tape to my right shin, and it didn't hurt at all. Just tried to relax and not worry about pace. Actually felt like I was reborn! Wasn't tired until about mile 12, barely broke a sweat. After finishing I had the feeling (for the first time in a long time) that I just might actually be able to get through this marathon training.
This was my 2 hour run for @MobyCarp. I tried to channel him and imagine running with him in his relaxed style and enjoying every minute of it

polskagirl01 · November 2019

@emmamcgarity Wonderful race report and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Great PR!!!

PastorVincent · November 2019

@emmamcgarity well done!

RunsOnEspresso · November 2019

I had wanted to do 8-10 miles this morning but only got in 3.25. *sigh* will try again tomorrow.

So why did I end at 3.25? Blame the dog. We were running along pretty well for the first 2-2.5 miles. She was staying mostly to my left and not eating everything (food, wrappers) as I told her no, leave it. She even was able to leave some kind of dirty bun as we ran past. I was even giving her a little more leash slack because she was doing so well. Suddenly, she cuts in front of me and lunges for a waffle (? - not even sure. I didn't get a good look at it). I hadn't noticed it until too late. I almost fell but somehow managed to stay upright, but my right ankle (yes, the one I broke my leg) twisted. But at least the dog left the waffle! Small victory. So we are walking, and my ankle is bothering me, and I see some kind of lemon cookie on the ground. I try to steer her away and tell her no, leave it, and she grabs it. I was able to dig half of it out of her mouth.

We were able to run the last bit home, but I figured it was best to let my ankle rest. It's not too bad now, hours later, but better to be safe than sorry.

3.25 out of ???? no monthly goal set yet

Tramboman · November 2019

@emmamcgarity Great job with a fantastic PR.

November 2019 Monthly Running Challenge

Replies

Categories