March 2021 Monthly Running Challenge
katharmonic
Posts: 5,720 Member
in Challenges
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 February 2021 Running Challenge which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10823008/february-2021-monthly-running-challenge
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 March 1, 2021 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
Bookmark the previous and past challenges: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10393468/current-past-challenges#latest
Find a small group of runners that encourage and offer food support:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10573619/runners-that-need-some-nutritional-accountability#latest
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 else’s 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
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay on track.
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 February 2021 Running Challenge which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10823008/february-2021-monthly-running-challenge
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 March 1, 2021 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
Bookmark the previous and past challenges: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10393468/current-past-challenges#latest
Find a small group of runners that encourage and offer food support:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10573619/runners-that-need-some-nutritional-accountability#latest
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 else’s 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
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay on track.
0
Replies
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Welcome to the March thread! Here we are a year after things started shutting down globally, and we're still here and still a community of runners. Cheering achievements, commiserating injury and setbacks, sending hugs and support, sharing stories of the mundane and the crazy. I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate you all.
March goals: I decided not to do the 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours challenge, which is next weekend. It's not a great time for me to spend a whole weekend exhausted and not sleeping and frankly I just don't want to right now. But I'm feeling bad about it, like I'm backing down from a challenge/goal and disappointing people (my trainer and another friend who are doing it). Anyway, I had planned on a big mileage month because of those 48 miles, but I'll just say 100 miles again, but would like to stretch that if I can, maybe 110-120. I have some hiking trips planned though so that may cut it down.9 -
Thank you @katharmonic
I completely smashed my Feb goal, which was complete a HM and remain injury free.
This months goal is 140km, still remain injury free (not sure that goal will ever drop off haha) and build up my speed for HM in April.11 -
Thanks for setting this up @katharmonic It completely slipped my mind that tomorrow is the end of the month already!
I am still awaiting the MRI results, diagnosis and rehab plan so again I am not going to set a mileage goal. My goal is to get my hamstring healed and hopefully be back out there running strong!
8 -
@katharmonic Thanks for setting up this thread. I ditto your comments about this group. Try to not feel bad about not doing the challenge. You need to do what is best for you and it sounds like you are. There will be another later that you will smash! (If you want to.
)
I can start running again on the 4th, but will be taking it slow and easy - probably doing short run/walk intervals to begin with. I'm going to stick with a goal to average 2 miles/day walking and/or running for the month, so 62 miles. I also plan to continue my one mile streak for March. I would love to streak for the entire year post surgery, but we shall see.
6 -
Thanks for setting us up for March, @katharmonic !
Goal for me is 150k.2 -
My mileage goal is 45 miles based on my plan. A lot lower this month because of post race recovery and my family is doing a hiking trip at several TX state parks over spring break. So I'll be replacing running with many more miles of hiking. I'll take some pics to show you guys what TX hill country hiking looks like.9
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So... I am here... I need to get back to being really here. But, holy smokes has my world gotten crazy lately, and not just normal crazy but like turned upside down and shook around sort of crazy.
I was doing decent at running, and somewhat decent at lifting for a while there, even if I wasn’t checking in here. And then I got convinced myself to apply for a job that was already a bit of a stretch..... and then the folks who interviewed me for that somehow talked me into applying for the open position above that one...
So... long story short...this Wyoming girl is moving to Oregon.... and will be starting a job that very likely will be my version of flying too close to the sun. So, for a lot of reasons I’m a bit overwhelmed/nervous/scared. However... I will be surrounded by what looks like amazing running trails. And less snow and cold. And I had better utilize said trails, and my treadmill... because I will have more amazing restaurants, and varieties of food within 5 miles than I think exist in the entire state of Wyoming. And I only have so much willpower....
So... goal for March... not have a panic attack in the next two weeks. Get the move done... get the house put together enough that the treadmill is back in business.... and then start exploring my new environment via running paths.... and maybe food, also.
So... no mileage goal... mostly just survive the month. But I need to have some accountability to myself to not just keep, using panic as an excuse to be lazy.
Also, I have been gone a while... so don’t know the newbies, and can’t entirely remember otherwise.... anyone else in Oregon area?16 -
Sounds amazing @hanlonsk. It’s always good to do things that scare us. Enjoy the challenge. Enjoy the new trails. Enjoy the food.
Wishing you all the very best!3 -
Welcome!
@katharmonic GREAT decision about not doing the challenge, and a great example to everyone of listening to your body and doing what is right for YOU, not overdoing things just because others are doing it!
@hanlonsk Congratulations on the job and move! I bet you'll soar beautifully at the new job. And good call on surviving the month - that was my life in January. No added pressure is necessary!
I'm going to stick with my 169 km goal for March, basically the 100-mile club
4 -
@hanlonsk Congrats on the new job! I hope all goes smoothly over the next month for you.
I think I mentioned last month that I am trying to find a fall marathon. I created a rough plan for the next six months, so medium mileage right now but some additional strength training and cross training over March and April and then gradually building the miles. My last marathon sucked, and I didn’t train as I should, so I want to get my body in a better place physically and work on consistency with running and ST. Goal for March is 50 miles and sticking to the plan.
Another reason for the added ST is that there are rumblings that if COVID is somewhat under control in the fall, my 20th HS reunion will happen. I have to make sure I show up looking good and not like the blob!9 -
I also got brave and signed up for 2 races - a 20k in a nearby town later in March, and a "mountain trail" 25k with 1426 meters of ascent & descent (it also says height gain 695 meters, but I don't know what these numbers even mean other than I looked at runs I've done that I thought were "hilly", and they don't have numbers anywhere near that). So clearly I need to increase my training on hills and probably mountains too
I don't know if either race will actually take place, of course. But it's something to work towards.9 -
Hello, I'm new to running. My daughter and I want to do a Mud Girl run in October. It's just a 5k with obstacles. My goal right now is to do Walk/run intervals 3x a week in addition to my lifting routine. I would like to walk/run 2x a week for about 1-1.5 miles increasing the running while decreasing the walking and 1x a week for 3 miles again increasing the running while decreasing the walking. I do sometimes walk a mile on my lunch breaks as well but I won't count those in this goal. So I guess I'm looking at about 20-24 miles for the month. I'm looking to do my strength training 2-3x a week as well.12
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@hanlonsk You'll do great!!! Believe in yourself and your abilities!
@happyness4me Welcome! Check out Couch25k. It's a great way to get started with a running program.2 -
Thanks for setting this up @katharmonic!
Welcome back @hanlonsk and Congrats on the new job/move. Oregon is a great running state (so I hear).
And welcome @happyness4me!
I'm going to just stick with 100 miles this month, again.3 -
Welcome @happyness4me2
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Gentle 5k this morning. I felt like I lost my moho a bit last week, normal after a HM I assume. But just felt good this morning. I'm looking forward to this month, just ticking over really.7
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Rock on March!!! I barely ran in Feb with a dodgy knee. Starting tomorrow I am back walking / running / cycling to work rather than taking the car. Listened to my body however ther is only so much 'resting' I can take!
People sometimes see something in us that we don't @hanlonsk and you have taken the leap as within you there is a belief... and you will be awesome!7 -
@hanlonsk - Congratulations on the new job! It is so exciting for you to get to explore a new place for running and for food! I don't recall anyone in the group being from Oregon. My Dd's best friend lives in Portland and her parents live in Oregon City. There are some fantastic places to run, both trails and roads/paved trails. I especially enjoyed running along the Columbia when we have been there. Also I believe there are quite a few different running groups if you are interested in that as a way to meet other runners. I used this site to find routes there.
If you are going to be near Portland I can recommend a couple of good places to visit/eat.
Welcome @happyness4me! Things move pretty quickly here so don't worry too much about keeping up but also feel free to jump into any conversation or ask questions.5 -
200 miles (minimum) for March 20218
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I'm starting to train for a Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike which is the first part of June so I expect to do more hiking this month. I will set my running goal at 100 miles.
Thanks for setting us up @katharmonic!
Welcome @happyness4me!
Congrats on the new job and new location @hanlonsk!9 -
Thanks for setting us up @katharmonic. I'm in for 100 miles this month.
Welcome back @hanlonsk and congrats on the new job!
Welcome to the challenge @happyness4me!
1 -
Hi all - I’m Matt. I’m training for the lighthouse 50 in June and starting an 800 mile run/bike/walk 2 month challenge hosted by a local running store tomorrow. I just recently passed my two year run anniversary mark recently and I’m excited to follow everyone’s March progress.12
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Welcome @OneMooreMile!2
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@martaindale Looking forward to your hiking pictures!!
Congratulations @hanlonsk ! You will survive the move and we look forward to hearing about all the new running trails, and food, that you are going to experience.
Welcome @happyness4me ! This is a great group.
2 -
No mileage goal, my usual March goal is not to get injured since I have a habit of increasing mileage as the weather improves and overdoing it!
My hip feels like it is doing better, I will know more after running tomorrow. Still doing my own private Winter Series, I have the 8k and 10k trail runs to go.9 -
So March begins with a rest day but I did have my second ever ballet class. Not quite as much fun as it was via Zoom but still hilarious and rather challenging - running fitness definitely helps for the jumps but turn out uses a bunch of butt muscles running doesn’t. Ouch.8
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Welcome @happyness4me and @OneMooreMile!
Starting out the morning with my planned ST before work, and then I’ll run tonight when I get home.6 -
Great to see so many different goals in here. Started off the week with a 10 mile bike ride on my recovery day this morning. Took it slow to just get some blood into the legs from a bigger running weekend. Oh, and really impressed by those of you doing strength and runs at two different times of the day. I have to go back to back or it isn’t getting done @marisap20109
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Hey everyone! I'm in for March for 70 miles! Got a little over 60 in February, so it's a decent goal. 4
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