January 2020 Monthly Running Challenge

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  • ContraryMaryMary
    ContraryMaryMary Posts: 1,787 Member
    Ran 10km this morning, was surprisingly easy, probably because my mind was busy raging against the world. Phone rang at 1am, my husband's cousin's 17-year-old son collapsed at crossfit last night, died this morning. Fit, healthy, brilliant boy who was preparing to try to get into police academy. The doctors claim it was an undetectable birth defect that led to a blood vessel in his brain bursting under stress. No words, really just no words.

    That’s so awful and unfair. The same thing happened to my best friend’s cousin - fit and healthy 18 year old, collapsed playing tennis.

    Such a loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
  • enaliba
    enaliba Posts: 146 Member
    Thanks for the encouragement @TheMrWobbly ! Since I’m just starting, do you recommend running every other day or every day or something else? The app I have is for 3 days/week. I definitely needed my inhaler!
  • LoveyChar
    LoveyChar Posts: 4,336 Member
    Ran 10km this morning, was surprisingly easy, probably because my mind was busy raging against the world. Phone rang at 1am, my husband's cousin's 17-year-old son collapsed at crossfit last night, died this morning. Fit, healthy, brilliant boy who was preparing to try to get into police academy. The doctors claim it was an undetectable birth defect that led to a blood vessel in his brain bursting under stress. No words, really just no words.

    That's so sad...
  • LoveyChar
    LoveyChar Posts: 4,336 Member
    First, trying to get caught up. Then race report. Sorry it's long.

    @Elise4270 so sorry about the "no running" diagnosis. I hope with you that they're wrong. Just make sure you listen to them until you're sure!
    Also on cycling, if you have a safe place to ride outside (bike trails, for example), I wouldn't write that off. I do fully support carefully choosing your routes, wearing bright clothing, helmet, lights, etc and being aware of your surroundings, but I wouldn't say "don't ever cycle outside".

    Great news, @ContraryMaryMary !

    @marisap2010 What kinda storms are we talking? Lightning - I say yes, stay inside. Snow storm - if it isn't too slippery for your best-traction shoes, and if you have sidewalks instead of being on the side of a road with cars sliding around... I'd bundle up and go outside. (This applies to @Camaramandy648 's question too) Maybe do a loop that you repeat several times or plan a hot meal & clothes change in the middle if it's cold. I sometimes put an extra shirt or hat in my hydration pack, more for security than anything.
    That being said, you CAN get through a treadmill or indoor track long run. Maybe find something to keep you entertained - TV/movie/audiobook/etc.

    Everyone posting pictures of dogs: they are all SO SWEET :)

    @eleanorhawkins that's so sad to hear. I'm sorry and will pray for the family.

    Race report: 5k trail race (#4 in the series)
    Really the hardest part was the logistics. I found out a couple days ago that I'd be by myself with 2 kids and no car. It's the off-season, so no buses go to that side of the lake. And my youngest can't be left alone or with brother. My regular childcare helpers were unavailable. So I fought with 2 taxi apps and finally just called this morning and imagine that, it was much easier and a taxi showed up 7 minutes later. Except our destination was on the other side of the city and I kinda had sticker shock when we got there and I had to pay for it. Whatever. It was windy, cold and rainy. We brought a little tent with us and set it up out of the way, in the woods, letting the organizers' tents be our windbreakers. Kids had their races, then I walked my youngest back out to the road, where she got picked up to go to a friend's house (yes, I literally asked them to come all the way out there to pick her up along the road at "this exact time", and they agreed!). Older kid hung out with blankets in the tent while I ran. He loved it.

    It was hard running today for some reason, I've been coughing (as usual for winter here), and managed to stay within my usual, standard 5k pace, nothing amazing. On the final stretch I was just about to give up and let this girl pass me - she'd been trying off and on for at least the last 2k and I was tired and I would've cheered her on if she did finally pass me... but then figured I should at least give it my very best shot because the finish line was just ahead. So I turned up the pace and finished 1-3 seconds ahead of her (depending on if you're counting gun or net time). Seeing that later in the results, I was glad I didn't give up.

    Then I went back to the tent & changed into warm clothes. Actually made use of the medical services, as my bandage from a burn on my wrist (pumpkin soup 2 days ago) stopped sticking because of sweat, and now the wound was dirty and exposed. They fixed it up and seemed happy to have something to do. We packed up the tent and walked 5k to the closest operating bus stop, and then had to take 2 buses to get home... but it cost 1/10th what the taxi did. It was a long day just for a total of less than 35 minutes (combined for the 3 of us) running. But I think it was a good adventure for the kids. My son got 2nd place again, so he's still in the competition for an age group award at the end of the series, if he continues to do well. For a moment, I *almost* thought he was going to catch the speedy kid who's always first. But speedy kid wasn't having any of that :)

    Turnout today was lower, probably because of the weather, but I don't mind because it helps the standings for those of us who do show up. Despite being slower than the last 2 races, I got 8th in my AG today - that's really good for me for this series.
    10s4ttws00k5.jpgwxok2c57m2w2.jpg

    Nice job! Nice pictures!
  • TheMrWobbly
    TheMrWobbly Posts: 2,541 Member
    edited January 2020
    enaliba wrote: »
    Thanks for the encouragement @TheMrWobbly ! Since I’m just starting, do you recommend running every other day or every day or something else? The app I have is for 3 days/week. I definitely needed my inhaler!

    Stick with the C25K plan @enaliba as a well practiced plan it works for a lot of people before. Keep us updated on progress and every step is one more towards your goal :smile:

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  • kgirlhart
    kgirlhart Posts: 5,188 Member
    @eleanorhawkins That is awful. I'm so sorry for your loss.

    @polskagirl01 Great job on the race despite the hassles and congrats to the kiddo.
  • LoveyChar
    LoveyChar Posts: 4,336 Member
    kgirlhart wrote: »
    @LoveyChar We had 77°F yesterday and woke up to this today.
    tx55j2uyx2tn.jpg
    p21ruc5oiste.jpg
    3g2450o526k2.jpg
    23udr0oibhcr.jpg

    I didn't run though because Saturday is my rest day. Should be nice and around 40° - 50° for my long run tomorrow.

    That's crazy!!! You're (what) 4-5 hours north of me?!? My kids would lose their minds in joy to play in that! They've seen snow a handful of times in their life and it doesn't stick for more than an hour.

    Enjoy your rest day today! Hopefully it won't be windy for you tomorrow. I can stand cold, but the cold, hard wind was brutal this morning and all I kept wishing was that I had wrapped something around the back of my neck.
  • kgirlhart
    kgirlhart Posts: 5,188 Member
    LoveyChar wrote: »
    kgirlhart wrote: »
    @LoveyChar We had 77°F yesterday and woke up to this today.
    tx55j2uyx2tn.jpg
    p21ruc5oiste.jpg
    3g2450o526k2.jpg
    23udr0oibhcr.jpg

    I didn't run though because Saturday is my rest day. Should be nice and around 40° - 50° for my long run tomorrow.

    That's crazy!!! You're (what) 4-5 hours north of me?!? My kids would lose their minds in joy to play in that! They've seen snow a handful of times in their life and it doesn't stick for more than an hour.

    Enjoy your rest day today! Hopefully it won't be windy for you tomorrow. I can stand cold, but the cold, hard wind was brutal this morning and all I kept wishing was that I had wrapped something around the back of my neck.

    I'm not sure where you are. My daughter is in Austin and is about 3 hours and 15 minutes south of us. I took the dogs for a walk this afternoon and it was really nice. I hate wind too. I can deal with the cold, but not when it is really windy.
  • LoveyChar
    LoveyChar Posts: 4,336 Member
    kgirlhart wrote: »
    LoveyChar wrote: »
    kgirlhart wrote: »
    @LoveyChar We had 77°F yesterday and woke up to this today.
    tx55j2uyx2tn.jpg
    p21ruc5oiste.jpg
    3g2450o526k2.jpg
    23udr0oibhcr.jpg

    I didn't run though because Saturday is my rest day. Should be nice and around 40° - 50° for my long run tomorrow.

    That's crazy!!! You're (what) 4-5 hours north of me?!? My kids would lose their minds in joy to play in that! They've seen snow a handful of times in their life and it doesn't stick for more than an hour.

    Enjoy your rest day today! Hopefully it won't be windy for you tomorrow. I can stand cold, but the cold, hard wind was brutal this morning and all I kept wishing was that I had wrapped something around the back of my neck.

    I'm not sure where you are. My daughter is in Austin and is about 3 hours and 15 minutes south of us. I took the dogs for a walk this afternoon and it was really nice. I hate wind too. I can deal with the cold, but not when it is really windy.

    Oh wow, okay! I'm one hour north of Austin, between Temple and Belton. I'm running the Austin Marathon next month! I love Austin! So I'm only about 2 hours and 15 minutes south of you!
  • quilteryoyo
    quilteryoyo Posts: 6,548 Member
    The snow is beautiful @kgirlhart , and your pup sure seems to be enjoying it! I think the weather everywhere is weird and bipolar this year. It was 74°F here today!

    @eleanorhawkins There really are no words that will help. The best thing you can do is say you're sorry, give a heartfelt hug, and be there to listen if they want to talk. I can't blame my bad runs on my menstrual cycle since I'm past that stage in my life. Wonder if the hormones still fluctuate though. Humm.


  • LoveyChar
    LoveyChar Posts: 4,336 Member
    I got four miles in on the treadmill. I went out initially this morning only to find that the roads and sidewalks are wayyyyy too icy to run on- at least for me. I had the dogs on the leash and I was sliding everywhere.

    So to the gym I went for running and lifting. It was fine - I struggled through the first three segments of the 10K trainer (repeating day 2) - i had a pretty good pace though, at first it was just over ten minute miles and I was so excited, but then I finished with 13 minute miles. That’s okay- I was struggling with the situational depression I’m feeling regarding a situation with my son and another child. He will for sure be okay - he’s got a mom who will stop at nothing, but he still has to choose his path and behavior. *sigh+ the stress and anxiety made it very hard to want to be running today + the fact that i really wanted to be outside.

    I’m glad I went - I worked hard - and I can get up early and go for my long run tomorrow.

    Now, for laundry, netflix, fire going, and puppies :)

    I'm sorry if you're son is being bullied. My youngest daughter, middle child, was dealing with a few bully girls a few years back. I worked for a neighboring school district, still 30 minutes away, and I emailed her teacher several times and my husband went to the school to discuss the situation. I told my husband if I had to take off work to go in to get this situation resolved, it wasn't going to be pretty. I will contact the parents and I promise I will make teachers and administratration accountable to resolve this situation. God help them, God help them. Because guess what, I'm that mom like you. Do not stop and make sure that everyone is held accountable. Some parents do not parent their children; they don't teach them right from wrong, nothing. The situation was remedied and the ringleader girl ended up writing an apology letter to my daughter. My daughter is a beautiful, sweet little girl and I told her middle school would be easier because she'd make new friends, all kinds of kids. She's such a smart girl, math scores in standardized and state exams in the 90's; all of her scores are excellent and she almost always gets straight A's, very rarely a B. She plays 3 instruments now in middle school and loves fellow "band nerds" or "band geeks" as some would call these awesome kids. She has loads of friends now. It's hard, so hard to be a good kid I think, sometimes. Anyway, I know as a mother, IT TEARS YOUR HEART OUT and I'm sorry you're going through that...

    You may not have accomplished your original goal but you got something in. We're going to tune into Netflix too. I want to see if I can find Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Willie Wonka and Chocolate Factory.
  • rheddmobile
    rheddmobile Posts: 6,840 Member
    @eleanorhawkins So sad to hear about your family member! My husband’s first cousin went the same way, no warning at all.
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    edited January 2020
    @rheddmobile I can only think of terrible things to say to the race director, maybe on face book... I feel angry for you. But I know at the end of the day I don’t wanna be that person. So just ((hugs)). I hope you kick kitten tomorrow and reward yourself with a lovely healthy meal. *Sigh* we all make mistakes. Vent, forgive and run your heart out!


    Ok one stupid comment? Ok no I’m taking the high road. Least I do something stupid and need forgiven. Kitten. 🦿look a fake leg emoji. Odd. I noticed there is a middle finger bird, why is there no reverse peace sign? The UK bird? Whaddya call that any how?
  • Avidkeo
    Avidkeo Posts: 3,211 Member
    To jump in on the some runs feeling really hard topic, ladies have you noted any link to your hormonal cycles? I was given a copy of Roar by Stacy T Sims for my birthday and although I'm only a few pages in I keep going 'oh, so THAT's why that feels so tough' and 'so THAT's why that happens'. I had realised there are patterns in my weight and RHR that are linked to my cycle, but hadn't worked out that performance, perceived effort and recovery are all affected too!

    Totally. I worked it out for myself then found a whole bunch of literature on the topic. I like to race at that time of the month because I’m simply faster.

    And sorry if this is TMI guys, but
    Menstrual cup for the win! Why didn't I find out about them like 25 years ago? I can run, swim, cycle, whatever I want, and don't have to worry about it. Total game changer.

    Amen! I love love mine. Used one for over 10 years now. Had to buy a new one after the birth of my kids but yeah brilliant for running NG
  • Camaramandy648
    Camaramandy648 Posts: 711 Member
    @LoveyChar thank you for understanding! Usually what happens is my son gets into an argument and since they are kids and boys that are preteen, they feel the need to be the biggest and baddest so they take it to the next level.

    In the case that we are dealing with now, it is a month old, I thought it was resolved and had a positive outcome, and on Wednesday I found that the other child’s parents want to take it to the next level. What in the world?!?! My son told me that the other child told him that their parents told them to fake an injury, when he was apologizing profusely. I’m hoping that this does not become more blown out of proportion than necessary. We have already enrolled him in our district so that these two will have no contact. I don’t think the school he’s been in cares about honoring a no contact order if I were to obtain one. They told me he needs to be doing schoolwork at home .... what the.....
    The switch from the charter school has been great for my daughter - I just didn’t want to have to pull my son because he has been so happy there until this year. Hopefully this will be better.

    I have fifteen miles today! I didn’t get up at 6 like I wanted so it’s promising to be a long day... again, I don’t even want to go ..... *sigh* would it be too terribly crazy if I made this be the cutback week and then do the 15 next Saturday?

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