February 2021 Monthly Running Challenge

katharmonic

@shanaber sorry to hear it might be a hamstring tear. I hope it's not too bad. But mostly hope you can get on the path to recovery very soon.

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
02/01/21 :::: 2.1 :::: 2.1
02/02/21 :::: 1.6 :::: 3.6
02/03/21 :::: 5.0 :::: 8.7
02/04/21 :::: 2.9 :::: 11.5
02/05/21 :::: 8.6 :::: 20.1

I was debating about when to get a long run in this week, and woke up this morning to fairly mild temps and the promised rain/mix in the morning seemed to have gone away. I also realized that the long run today was on the other side of town in the park where there is a nice walking/running/biking path that is plowed and clear (and flat!), instead of having to run the endless loops and hills of the closer of the alternating locations. When the sun came out that sold me. It was windy along the lake but the temp was in the low 40s and the sun was very nice. There was a group of about 6 other people and the coach today so I had some company for parts of it, mostly coach as everyone else was running a little slower at what he called a "chatty" pace. Which I definitely embrace when I'm running with my friends but today it was a little slower than I wanted to go. I went ahead and then looped back a couple of times and it worked out pretty well. Coach does a time-based long run typically so today we all did 90 minutes and ended up back at the starting point at the same time, having run various distances during that time. I was a bit bothered by not quite getting to 9 miles this week but I was also very tired so I called it close enough. Today I actually heard some new stories from the coach, which is always fun to hear about his days as an elite runner and going to Olympic trials and the Boston Marathon (where he was first American finisher one year).

quilteryoyo

Sounds like a nice run @katharmonic and getting to talk to your coach along the way was an added bonus. So cool that he did all of those things.

Teresa502

2/1 – Exercise Bike (5 miles) + weights
2/2 – Exercise Bike (11 miles) + Kickboxing
2/3 – 5.07 miles
2/4 – 5.19 miles

Slow start to the month. Work is crazy but I had a chance to actually take a lunch hour today and have caught up on reading here and liked and hugged where appropriate!

Upcoming Races/Challenges:
CRAW (Circumpolar Race Around the World) – in progress
Run the World Challenge – in progress
Desert Storm 218 Miler Challenge (Jan 17 – Feb 28) – in progress
Peyton’s Wild n Wacky 50k (March 13) - canceled
Cooper River 10k (Sept 25)
Marine Corps Marathon (Oct 31) – virtual again???? – deferring to 2022
Cade’s Cove Loop Lope (Nov 14)

shanaber

@avidkeo - I agree with what others have said. I didn't run the full distance before my 1st HM either and was panicked I wouldn't be able to make it. It ended up being just fine. For the others I was mostly in HM shape and running that distance or longer so it wasn't an issue and even if I wasn't as prepared I knew no matter what that I could finish and finish strong. Also I think 2 weeks out isn't the time to start pushing your distances. You need to be starting that taper and cutting back so your body is recovered and ready to go on race day.

@marisap2010 - any chance the race organizers can tell you what the surface conditions will be like if the weather predictions happen? You might send them a email or message and ask if the roads will be cleared and/or salted. I would think it is information most of the participants would like to know. Also for the HMs I have run in the cold (32F was the coldest and lasted most of the race) I wore a long sleeve 1/4 zip with a vest to keep my core warm, my normal leggings (CA weight 😊) throw away gloves which I took off but kept and then put back on, a gaiter for my neck and ears and a hat. Being that I run in CA and it is rarely as cold as you all get I was surprised how comfortable I was the entire race. I don't like it when my core is cold and the vest was great without making my arms too hot. I also wore smartwool socks and they kept my feet nicely warm.

@SummerSkier - I tracked my RHR (before pacemaker as now it is irrelevant) but really only paid attention to it when I had a bad run or was actually feeling run down and I could use it to confirm that yep my RHR was up 5-10 bps.

Thanks for the well wishes on my hamstring. I did do some research on tears and continuing to walk/run, etc. and was surprised that the recommendation is exactly what the ortho told me - keep moving as long as it doesn't hurt and stop if it does. If you don't keep moving the scar tissue can build up and make it worse and difficult to fully heal and recover from. There is though a fine line between keeping moving and doing anything that might make the tear worse.

martaindale

@Avidkeo
Sounds like you have pretty well decided to trust the plan, and that's probably a good idea. This is your return to HM after an injury. Your goal of doing it uninjured comes first, I think. Like so many others have said, you will certainly be able to do the distance. I also love a little extra on the taper end, and it seems like yours is a bit short. Don't push too much and then pay for it by being tired on race day. You'll do great!

@shanaber I hope the hamstring heals up. That is definitely a fine line between healing and making things worse! I will admit, I am bad at backing off. I usually fall more into the power through it camp but I am trying to be more aware of it and let my body recover a bit when it needs.

SummerSkier

So today's musings:

I am learning that I can run later in the day. All my life I have been one of those "do it first thing after coffee" or it is not going to happen. Part of that was of course that the other time I would have was after work and my legs literally always felt like lead weights trying to run in the evenings. So now WFH and doing some of the 2 pers morning and lunch has shown me that I can break the rules and NOT run first thing. It's funny how set in our ways we get. I am enjoying the 2 pers to get the steady mileage in but a long run always feels like a bigger accomplishment.

This morning it was not really supposed to rain and I was on vacation from work but got up normal time. Just as I was about to step out the door this cold driving rain started? I mean WTF? 40's and rainy is not my go to weather. So, I adjusted and had brekkie and went to the grocery store. Which I mean seriously what is with all the low rider masks still. A year into a pandemic you would think people would understand how to wear one.

About 10 the sun started to come out so I was ready for my run. It was another decent run with mostly 9plus splits but I think I might finally have a plan to get to 8plus more. The last .01 or .02 I have been pushing lately and getting the 8 so today I decided maybe just a "little" further .11 and get the 8. I think I can see my way clear to a method to improve now.

Of course it's all relative. My "coach" for the past 4 years or so from Hilton Head who is really an olympic level 5K runner has moved to my town! I think things will get real once the pandemic eases up a bit and we can do in person training sessions.

angmarie28

2/1-2.25
2/2-2.25
2/3-2
2/4-2.5
2/5-3

February Goal-12/60
2021 Goal-93/634 miles

January-81 miles

Avidkeo

@shanaber oh no! That's so frustrating.

@katharmonic sounds like a wonderful run.

@SummerSkier glad going later worked for you. I'm definitely in the "go in the morning" camp. With 2 young kids and generally a very early bedtime trying to run later generally doesn't work for me. Though when I'm working shift (3pm start) I usually go out about 9am, once the kids have gone to school.

Avidkeo

Back from my long run. It was AWESOME! The kind of run that I could have just kept going. In fact I nearly sprinted the last km and got 5:48 for the last k!

I was woken early, so had a nice breakfast (cornflakes and banana with a coffee - fast becoming my go do before a long run) and read your comments. Left about 550am, arrived at my course start at 6am. The sunlight was just starting to streak the sky.

It was a little cool, and slightly breezy but nothing worrying. Put my gear and set off. I started on track, my first km was 6:30 (aiming for 6:27). I quuckly settled into a good rhythm. There were a few other runners and cyclists out - this was on a shared path along the coastline through town. I got to where the port was and decided to go to the end of our breakwater to get am extra km in (its about 400m long I think). It was good running out to the end, but on the way back in I got a headwind! That was a challenge lol. Turned around at about 7k, and again went along the breakwater again. Stopped to get a pic because our mountain was visible and looked stunning!

Not a great pic thanks to selfie mode but hey its there!

As I was getting to the last couple of ks, my pace kept creeping up. I hit 14k and decided to just go how I felt. And yeah, ended up smashing my pace.

I stopped and stretched. Put some warm clothes on, and did time keeping for park run. Bad idea. I got so cold. It's supposed to be summer, and it's been really hot lately. Today is one of those random cooler days. Sweat + breeze +standing around for over an hour. I got very cold. So came home and stood in the shower for about 10 minutes. It felt glorious.

And oddly Hal did not run. He said I was on track! Bahaha.

So thanks again for the advice. I definitely know that the distance won't be an issue. Just a case of building carefully.

Trust the plan!

AlphaHowls

2/1 14.21 miles, 190 days HM+ streak, Crazy Laps, New Shoes! Mizuno Wave Inspire 14
2/2 16.01 miles, Crazy Laps, New Shoes! Saucony Cohesion 13
2/3 15.14 miles, 1010 Days on the run
2/4 15.17 miles
2/5 16.4 miles

So I retired my shoes that started 10.12.2020 and 10.13.2020
Over 2000 miles between them. I rotate two pairs at a time. Usually Mizuno is M, W, F, Sa and Saucony is Su, T, Th.
Retired set: I wear at the side of heel a bit! They now become wear to work/errands/appts shoes and will graduate to yard shoes eventually.

New Set:

No, the shoe laces do not go with that pair, but I 'dare to be different' and change them.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 14 and Saucony Cohesion 13

Fresh Tread!

Tramboman

@Avidkeo You're ready!

@AlphaHowls You're amazing!

quilteryoyo

@shanaber That fine line is indeed tough to find. I am confident that you will listen to your body and know when to give it a rest. So glad you weren't told that you couldn't run.

@SummerSkier You are doing great! I usually am NOT a morning person, but there are some days that I just know if I don't go ahead and get the workout in early it won't get done. It usually energizes me for the rest of the day too.

Glad you had such an awesome run @Avidkeo ! Love the sunrise photo. What a great place to run. With that pace, you are going to kill your HM!

@AlphaHowls Love the shoe porn! The tops of your old ones look like new!

quilteryoyo

2/1 2.02 miles 3.5 mph - treadmill
2/2 2.23 miles 3.5 mph - treadmill
2/3 2.00 miles 3.6 mph - driveway laps
2/4 2.00 miles 3.3 mph - driveway laps
2/5 2.00 miles 3.5 mph - driveway laps and neighbor's field

Monthly Total: 10.25/56 miles

Tippy's home. I didn't think I missed her as much as I did, but when I saw her, I started to cry. It's been 4 weeks since I saw her. It's nice to have another soul in the house.

Since she was home, I bundled up and we went for a walk into the neighbor's field and then I finished with laps on the driveway. I haven't walked in the field since my surgery. We've had a lot of snow and rain. It was sloppier than I expected it to be, and slippery. I really, really don't need to fall right now, so I took the slippery parts really slow, holding onto trees when I felt I needed to. It was nice to get a little bit of a different view.

AlphaHowls

@quilteryoyo wrote: »

@AlphaHowls Love the shoe porn! The tops of your old ones look like new!

Aye, all my shoes are like that. My running shoes do not get in grass, only on the road and only for my runs. They get parked until next run. Sort of nice, then I can use them at work because the tops look good.

kgirlhart

February Goal: 90 Miles

2/2: 5.31 miles
2/3: 6.07 miles
2/5: 5.26 miles

16.64/90  miles completed for February

I ran 5.25 miles today.  It was a pretty good run.  I did switch my run from Thursday to Friday. The temperature was better yesterday,  but it was really windy and even though it was colder today it wasn't windy so that was nice. I smelled skunk several times this morning, but I didn't see any. It is supposed to be really cold here next week. I'm not sure which days I will run, but it is supposed to be 12°F on Friday morning,  so I definitely won't be running that day.

@shanaber I hope the hamstring heals soon and I'm glad you are still able to run a little.

@quilteryoyo I didn't realize that Tippy wasn't home. I'm sure you are glad to have him back.

@Avidkeo and @marisap2010 You are both going to do great on your races. I can't wait for the reports.

Love the new shoes @AlphaHowls!




2021 Races:
11/6/21: Run For 57th AHC Half Marathon

142jmh

2.5 / 20 hours done! Weather is cold and snowy here (-25C / 13F), I love the cold, but I think it might be time for some treadmill running

marisap2010

Took yesterday off and got in a 4 mile run in the morning.

Thanks for all of the input about dressing my the half. I wasn’t so worried about the temps but more so about the snow. I’ll email the race directors to see what the plan is for the roads.

Tramboman

2-1 6.1k treadmill
2-2 5k treadmill + yoga
2-3 6k slow
2-4 6k easy + yoga
2-5 5k treadmill
2-6 6k slow + treadmill

February Total: 34.1k
February Goal: 150k

Sunny, mid teens F, and a nasty wind from the west. A person with sense wouldn't have run outside today, but the weather is supposed to go downhill starting tonight and continuing all through next week. Heard some cardinals and robins, and even said "good morning" to two runners as crazy as me

When you pop in here claiming your December 2021 mileage, what accomplishments will you have made?

PUT THE FUN BACK IN THE RUN!
Return to a good running weight of 175 lbs (second attempt)

quilteryoyo

@kgirlhart Great running. I wouldn't run in 12°F temperatures either. Good call! I had the sitter keep Tippy while I was having my surgery and until yesterday, so I had time to heal enough that I thought IF she pulled on the leash it wouldn't hurt me. She's usually pretty good, but it just takes that one time. Four weeks is a long time to be without her.

@142jmh I definitely would be using the treadmill in those temps. You're doing great!

@Tramboman You're a beast. Too cold for me - especially with wind.

Eaglesfanintn

2/1 3.16
2/2 3.16
2/3 3.19
2/4 3.16
2/5 3.4
Total 20 / 90 for the month
91 / 1114 for the year

SummerSkier

My plan today was 5 slow miles (on purpose!) at an 11 min pace. I ended up doing 8 so far. And may do another 3 later. What can I say. Addiction is tough.

I finished my 2020 tax return and reworded myself with a shoe purchase! dammit. that's another addiction. Well I suppose it could be worse.

Weather is supposed to crater late next week for a few days so like a squirrel I appear to be saving up miles.

Summer

katharmonic

@quilteryoyo so glad Tippy is home! I bet you really missed each other and it is so good to be back home together.

Good running all, cold temps make you stronger!

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
02/01/21 :::: 2.1 :::: 2.1
02/02/21 :::: 1.6 :::: 3.6
02/03/21 :::: 5.0 :::: 8.7
02/04/21 :::: 2.9 :::: 11.5
02/05/21 :::: 8.6 :::: 20.1
02/06/21 :::: 4.0 :::: 24.1

It was in the low 20s this morning and windy, but the sun was out. The park where we meet on even dates is pretty challenging in these conditions. The lake trails were not runnable due to the snow and slush from yesterday's warm day freezing over and creating bumpy icy ankle-twisting conditions. The main roads through the park were clear but some of the other ones were not plowed, and neither were some of the parking lots. One of my friends is just coming back from injury so she did not want to do hills, which left us with very few options. So we ran back and forth and round and round on the stretch we could manage. It was a slow 4 miles but really fun to catch up with two good friends who managed to get me out of the cranky mood I started with.

142jmh

142jmh wrote: »

2.5 / 20 hours done! Weather is cold and snowy here (-25C / 13F), I love the cold, but I think it might be time for some treadmill running

the cold must be getting to my brain, forgot the "-" It was -25C / -13F. Although now its -30C / -22F, so more treadmill for me! I might bundle up for a walk later... we'll see how the wind is.

I love that I get to run outside vicariously through all of your posts!

kirstymn

01/02... 5.02
02/02... 6.53
04/02... 5.07
05/02... 13.21
06/02... 5.40

Total KM 35.23

This past week has been challenging for me. Early in the week a family member decided they were basically going to blame many of the problems they've been having emotionally on me. That didn't go down too well with me and things got very tense for a few days. Thankfully we seem to have moved past that and we'll pretend like nothing ever happened and go back to normal which is what generally happens in our family.

Work has been crazy. A key staff member has been on holiday for a couple of weeks which increased all our work loads. We've also just signed the lease on another building to accommodate new staff (which I haven't even managed to hire yet) we had to move quickly to secure the new building even though we're not quite ready for it. Industrial warehouses in our area are very sought after and aren't available very often. This particular building, which is around the corner from our current premises, was listed by the real estate agent Wednesday evening, we were the 3rd prospective tenants to view it Thursday morning, and thankfully we put in a good enough application over the other people to have it leased to us by that evening. Now I just need to find staff to work in it!

Anyway, as far as actual running is concerned. I've been doing great. It really is a life saver being able to get out and be alone and just run. I especially enjoyed my 'One Love' run yesterday. It's Waitangi Day (NZ holiday) and every year we have the One Love Music Festival here in Tauranga which attracts many thousand people to come together and listen to reggae style music and chill out in the park. I ran past around 9am while they were finishing the setup and there were already bus loads of people arriving and the smell of weed was quite strong!

Sorry I am so far behind on the thread I'm not able to individually comment, but I skimmed through and gave lots of likes and hugs

polskagirl01

@quilteryoyo I bet Tippy was happy to be back with you, too

I was getting in the car to go to the forest when my 10 year old came running... I said, "this is going to be 7 km, on hard trails. I want to run. If you come, you can't change your mind or complain. And I can't leave you to play by yourself because it will be too easy to get lost in these woods...." and he still wanted to come and was at that point already in the car. So I sent him back for a hat and gloves and readjusted my expectations for how fast I'd be going today. Ended up it was a real challenge for him and he did a good bit of hiking, but he did it (without a 1k loop I skipped) and didn't complain. And at the end he was thrilled and kept saying it was awesome running together. So it was worth skipping the workout goals. I did a lot of run/jogging, stopping to pause watch and wait, walking, repeat. Once we were in view of the car, I handed him keys, gave him instructions to lock himself in and wait while I got my last kilometer in, then ran ahead and did an out-and-back to complete my 40k for the week

The good news is that the trails were very runnable today. What a difference. SO much more fun. I have another week yet to get a time I'm happy with and submit it to the group to count towards their virtual run [and maybe still be last but it will be ok]. I'll see how it goes Monday, after tomorrow's rest day.

Definitely better than last time. I can run this.

Scott6255

13.1 miles this afternoon. Waited for it to warm up to 50F. Not a terrible run, considering I have been limping around all week. The outside of my left shin has been sore for a few weeks, and even right before I started my run. But after a few steps into the run, it stopped hurting and is ok now. Running always seems to help my injuries vs. resting. I'm just weird that way I guess 🤷‍♂️

quilteryoyo

@kirstymn Sorry about the family issues. They can be hard sometimes. You are doing great to run with everything else that is going on.

@polskagirl01 I'm glad your son hung in there and enjoyed the run! What a great example you are to him. Also glad the trail was in much better shape this week.

@Scott6255 Yeah for the long run and that your shin didn't hurt during the run. I am like that sometimes. I have a knee that will hurt during my warm up walk, but as soon as I start running, it's good. So weird.

quilteryoyo

2/1 2.02 miles 3.5 mph - treadmill
2/2 2.23 miles 3.5 mph - treadmill
2/3 2.00 miles 3.6 mph - driveway laps
2/4 2.00 miles 3.3 mph - driveway laps
2/5 2.00 miles 3.5 mph - driveway laps and neighbor's field
2/6 1.75 miles 3.3 mph - driveway laps and neighbor's field

Monthly Total: 12.00/56 miles

I spent most of the day today at my neighbor's funeral and spending some time with her family afterwards. She was 93 years old and had lived a good life. Still it was sad and is hard on everyone. CoVID restrictions make things so much harder.

When I got home, I did wrap up and take Tippy for a walk into the neighbor's field so she could get some exercise. The footing was much better today, but I went slower. Go figure.

I had thought about only walking 1.25 miles today, but realized that would have been way short of 30 minutes, which I am trying to do every day. So, I walked driveway laps until I got to a good stopping point past 30 minutes. Wound up with 1.75 miles in 31:59 minutes.

ContraryMaryMary

Sunday long run today. Coach had me down for two hours aerobic - I was kinda hoping for a taper as I have a half next Sunday, but I wasn't holding my breath as I have learned that my coach doesn't really do tapers for halfs, particularly given my fitness level.

So, reluctantly, I headed out at 7:30am. Slow start, but after a couple of kilometres I was feeling much better than expected and plodding along at a comfortable rate. I then checked my heart rate - nowhere near aerobic level. Only one solution for that - increase speed. I didn't feel like it, but duly did. However, it didn't have that much impact on my heart rate and unfortunately I didn't have the energy to push any harder.

I had to laugh though when I realised I was getting annoyed that running at sub-5:40 minutes per kilometre couldn't get me into aerobic zone! It's a great thing. However, after just over 20 kilometres in my two hours, Training Peaks tells me I spent less than three percent of my time in aerobic heart rate zone, even though my pace was aerobic or faster for 84 percent of my run!

I need to chat to my coach about this - he'll probably adjust my pace zones and force me to run faster for everything! My other solution is to simply find a hillier route - that'll boost my heart rate no end!

quilteryoyo

Sounds like you are doing great @ContraryMaryMary . I do understand your frustration, but not when running. I never have issues with too low of a heart rate when running, but it seems to stay pretty low when walking, even when doing a pretty good pace up hill, some days. It is frustrating.