September 2021 Monthly Running Challenge

katharmonic

quilteryoyo wrote: »

I got a sweet surprise in that @Teresa502 is going to come down and run the last mile or so with me! That will make my first HM very special indeed and also helps me have something to look forward to and not just dread the distance "alone."

This is so wonderful! It was so huge for me to have a friend join me for the last mile of my first HM. And so great that it's our own @Teresa502! Wishing you a fabulous run and great finish.

@bradkcrew oh the Boilermaker! I've done it twice. I actually had to go look and see if was signed up and forgot about it with the date change and deferral. But I'm not, and I have a wedding that day so couldn't go anyway. But it's a very fun race and the crowd is amazing there, which will give you a lot of energy. Normally it's in July so it's hotter than blazes and people hand out popsicles and spray you with water hoses. Probably not the case in October, but you never know with the weather. There's a lot of uphill the first 4 miles and then you cruise down for a couple of miles. Another smaller hill before you're done. I think the race atmosphere is one of the best in the area, I know they capped it at a lower limit this year but it's still a big event and should give you a great boost to get it done.

@Scott6255 sorry about the leg pain, I'm sorry I missed what the injury is but hope it will improve quickly. Sounds positive if it doesn't hurt after a while, but hopefully it's not something that then hurts more later.

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
09/01/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
09/02/21 :::: 1.8 :::: 1.8
09/03/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 1.8
09/04/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 1.8
09/05/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 1.8
09/06/21 :::: 3.8 :::: 5.6
09/07/21 :::: 2.1 :::: 7.8
09/08/21 :::: 5.4 :::: 13.1
09/09/21 :::: 1.8 :::: 15.0
09/10/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 15.0
09/11/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 18.1
09/12/21 :::: 5.9 :::: 24.0
09/13/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 24.0
09/14/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 27.1
09/15/21 :::: 6.1 :::: 33.2
09/16/21 :::: 2.0 :::: 35.2
09/17/21 :::: 3.2 :::: 38.4
09/18/21 :::: 13.1 :::: 51.5

Very tough run this morning. I'm definitely feeling it that my mileage has been so low and I haven't done a long run all month. It felt like a nice temp to start but the humidity was terrible and it just was a slog to get through. I knew this was probably my best chance to get my HM done for September for the 2021 HM a month challenge, but today is an emotionally tough date for me, so I called on some of my friends to please come out and keep me company for as much of it as possible. And my friends showed up big time, some doing 6 miles, some 10, and one great friend stuck with me for the entire 13.1 (even though she did her half for the challenge last week). I was very grateful.

kgirlhart

Thanks @katharmonic. It was a tough day. I think I will look on Amazon and see if I can find something that will work but not be too expensive.  And I loved your race pictures.  You look like you are having a great time.

Thanks also @shanaber and @quilteryoyo.

@skippygirlsmom That is so awesome! I bet you made both their day.

@bradkcrew Welcome! This is a great place to ask questions! I use Hal Higdon plans and I have never done run/walk. I think that is Jeff Galloway.  But Hal does recommend walking through the aid stations.  If you want to use the run/walk method then that is perfectly valid run.  I agree with others that if you can run 7 miles you will be able to do 15K.

@quilteryoyo and @teresa502 That is so awesome! I can't wait to read the race report!

AlphaHowls

3rd Annual Hoptown Half Marathon
Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Race Place 37/175
Gender Place 17/95
F 50-54 2nd Place
Race Pace 9:46
Race Time 2:08:02

My running partners, the ones I list as A and E (they both placed 2nd for their age as well.)

kgirlhart

Great Races @7lenny7 and @AlphaHowls!

shanaber

Congratulations @AlphaHowls! Awesome race and an age group place! WhooHoo!!

AlphaHowls

9/1 17.35 miles, 402 days HM+ Streak! 1220 days on the run
9/2 17.47 miles
9/3 17.54 miles
9/4 17.42 miles
9/5 17.18 miles, Crazy Laps (3 miles OTR, Driveway Loops and Crazy Laps)
9/6 17.42 miles, 1225 days on the run, 407 days HM+ Streak
9/7 18.42 miles, Running Partner A, makes me pick up pace
9/8 17.5 miles
9/9 17.52 miles
9/10 17.48 miles
9/11 18.32 miles, 1230 days on the run, 412 days HM+ Streak, Running Partner E
9/12 17.32 miles
9/13 17.5 miles
9/14 13.44 miles, Flu shot yesterday, really dragging
9/15 13.39 miles
9/16 13.4 miles, 1235 days on the run, 417 days HM+ Streak
9/17 13.36 miles
9/18 1.03 miles, barefoot crazy laps to relax before race
9/18 13.63 miles, Hoptown Half, Running Partner A & E

Tramboman

AlphaHowls wrote: »

3rd Annual Hoptown Half Marathon
Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Race Place 37/175
Gender Place 17/95
F 50-54 2nd Place
Race Pace 9:46
Race Time 2:08:02

My running partners, the ones I list as A and E (they both placed 2nd for their age as well.)

Great race!!!!!

katharmonic

Awesome job @Alphahowls! Congratulations on 2nd in your age group! All those miles pay off.

bradkcrew

@AlphaHowls Just wow....

RunsOnEspresso

6 miles this morning. Took my new vest out. When I first tried it on, I had adjusted all the straps. Filled up the bladder today, put it on, and headed out. About half mile in I was like "omg! This vest is trying to kill me!" I couldn't breathe because the side straps were too tight with a full bladder. I tried to adjust while moving but was difficult. So I had to stop, take it off, and adjust them. Then I was fine. 🤣

100/174

martaindale

@bradkcrew Welcome! You'll find this group is super supportive and I'll echo some others in saying that if you can run 7 miles you can definitely run 9 and some change. I am definitely not the most experienced runner in this group and would invite some others to chime in with some practical advice, but from what you've said so far here are a couple of things to consider.
1. It sounds like you have a plan, so stick to the plan. I and several others here have used HH plans in the past with a lot of success. I will say that with almost every increase in training distance (5k to 10k, 10k to HM, etc) I have hit a point in the plan where it feels like I'm not going to be able to do it. Trust the plan, trust your training. It will get you to the finish line.
2. I think you mentioned above that you've only been running for 2 months. Cut yourself some slack. You've already run 7 miles! That's awesome! If you need to take some walk breaks take some walk breaks. Also, consider slowing down a little bit if you're feeling really fatigued from the very beginning. Almost all of us have fallen into the trap of running too fast when we first started. Running gets a lot more enjoyable when every single run isn't a workout.
3. You probably need to eat more. I saw you mention above that you are adding some calories back in. I don't know what your daily Target is right now, but once you start running regularly especially as you're increasing distance on a training plan your body needs fuel to be able to recover from all of that training. I can certainly attest to feeling way more fatigued when I was running on a deficit than when I adjusted to my maintenance calories.
4. Someone above mentioned adding in some fuel for your long runs. Since you are making the leap from 10K to 15K, this is a good idea. There are definitely some people in this group that regularly run 8-9 miles with no fuel. I am not one of them and my guess is that those who do didn't start running that mileage with no fuel from the very beginning. It's something that your body adjusts to over time. Your body's glycogen stores will last you through about 1 hour of exercise before they're fully depleted. That can get a lot of people to around six miles, obviously your mileage may vary depending on your pace. If you keep pushing there's a wall you will hit where you just can't keep going. There are so many different ways to accomplish this; gels, chews, drinks, even real food snacks, depending on your body's preference. You don't have a lot of time until race day, but you can certainly try a couple of things before then and find something you like.
5. Ask all the questions. This group has several really seasoned runners who can help. I think sometimes people are hesitant to drop too much on somebody right away, but if you're trying to learn and you have questions, please ask. I learn so much from some of our members, just reading their race reports and listening to the tidbits of advice they give out.

Wow that was long! Keep going and update us on your progress!

martaindale

@RunsOnEspresso The mental image of adjusting your vest while running is pretty funny! Is this one maybe a winner now that you figured out the adjustment? Also, I know what you mean by a brisk 80's!! It's amazing the difference a few degrees makes.

@AlphaHowls Awesome race! Congrats to you and your running buds on the AG podiums.

@quilteryoyo Good luck and do fantastic that you and @Teresa502 will get to meet!

@rheddmobile That is a big snake. Glad you spotted him in time!

martaindale

Sept totals: 41.8/70 miles

9/2: 3.1 miles
9/3: 4.1 miles
9/5: 3.1 miles
9/6: 3 miles
9/8: 4.1 miles
9/9: 3.1 miles
9/11: 8.2 miles
9/13: 3 miles
9/16: 3 miles
9/17: 3.1 miles
9/18: 4 miles

Yesterday I got out for a 5k hilly run through the neighborhood. Saw a bunch of deer and a jackrabbit.
Then today I drove down to the lake to explore a trail. Technically, it's a horse trail but I didn't see a single horse. Only a few people. The trail is really nice, and significantly less hilly than my neighborhood. It's a nice break and a way to mix it up. The views are also really nice. My plan only called for 4 miles so I didn't do the entire thing, but I'll be back.
Pictures from the trail and some interesting animal sightings in the spoiler.

sweetdaisy13

9 mile trail run. Steady pace of 10:20 min per mile with 1,234 feet of elevation.

Legs still feeling a bit tired from last Saturday's ultra marathon but I'm sure they'll be back to normal in a day or two. On the brightside, I've not lost any toenails! Yay 😊.

As I'm still in 'ultra' mode, I've entered another ultra race on 7th November. It's slightly different to other races in that it's a trail 3.3 mile loop and it's a 7 hour timed event. So I'm going to challenge myself to see how far I can run. I'm hoping to do a minimum of 31.1 miles (50k).

Trying my best to keep up with the posts, but well done to everyone who ran in races today and good luck to everyone who who is racing tomorrow 👍.

September cumulative:
56.9/100 miles
8,896/10,000 feet of elevation

polskagirl01

@AlphaHowls great race! I love that you all got AG awards.

I also ran a half marathon today.

It was in a small city under an hour away, which happened to be 20 minutes from a work conference... but I was signed up for the race first, so running wins.

I think there were around 2000 runners, between the half marathon (2 laps), 10.5k (1 lap) and a 5k with a badly marked turn that a bunch of people missed. The course was average - normal hills instead of crazy ones. I was struggling with my asthma which has worsened lately, took all the medicine the doctor recommended (including the extra pre-race dose) and got through the first lap carefully, but it wasn't great. It got worse on the second lap. My legs wanted to go, but my lungs had other plans. Long story short - I slowed down, finished, got out of the finishers area and immediately used my inhaler. I hadn't used it during the race because it's a new med for me. Next time, I'll know it might help.

Funny: The aid stations ran out of cups and were pouring water into our hands on the second lap. It worked surprisingly well.

Also one of the sponsors was donating money to a child with a serious illness for every runner who wore an extra bib advertising the cause. You had to finish with it to count. Maybe 300 meters from the finish, I heard a flapping sound behind me and realized my "I run for Filip" sign was about to fall off. I crossed the finish line holding it 😆 Pay up, sponsors!

I got the free food (yummy soup and bread) but didn't stick around. There were showers available at Castorama (building/home improvement store) in their workers' locker rooms, so I took advantage of that and showed up to the second half of the work conference looking presentable.

Medal pic:

I'm tired, but this morning's coffee is still driving me crazy, so I made a sign for the girls from run club who are running a women's race (5k) tomorrow. They'll be going right past the church, right after we finish.

Tramboman

polskagirl01 wrote: »

@AlphaHowls great race! I love that you all got AG awards.

I also ran a half marathon today.

It was in a small city under an hour away, which happened to be 20 minutes from a work conference... but I was signed up for the race first, so running wins.

I think there were around 2000 runners, between the half marathon (2 laps), 10.5k (1 lap) and a 5k with a badly marked turn that a bunch of people missed. The course was average - normal hills instead of crazy ones. I was struggling with my asthma which has worsened lately, took all the medicine the doctor recommended (including the extra pre-race dose) and got through the first lap carefully, but it wasn't great. It got worse on the second lap. My legs wanted to go, but my lungs had other plans. Long story short - I slowed down, finished, got out of the finishers area and immediately used my inhaler. I hadn't used it during the race because it's a new med for me. Next time, I'll know it might help.

Funny: The aid stations ran out of cups and were pouring water into our hands on the second lap. It worked surprisingly well.

Also one of the sponsors was donating money to a child with a serious illness for every runner who wore an extra bib advertising the cause. You had to finish with it to count. Maybe 300 meters from the finish, I heard a flapping sound behind me and realized my "I run for Filip" sign was about to fall off. I crossed the finish line holding it 😆 Pay up, sponsors!

I got the free food (yummy soup and bread) but didn't stick around. There were showers available at Castorama (building/home improvement store) in their workers' locker rooms, so I took advantage of that and showed up to the second half of the work conference looking presentable.

Medal pic:

I'm tired, but this morning's coffee is still driving me crazy, so I made a sign for the girls from run club who are running a women's race (5k) tomorrow. They'll be going right past the church, right after we finish.

Well done!!!!!!

Tramboman

rheddmobile wrote: »

Planned 5 miles on trails turned into 5k due to a dead fridge which had to be dealt with. Very nice run though, if humid. Almost stepped on this big bubba (snake warning!)

He was stubborn too, would not move off the trail! He turns out to live in a hole at the base of a nearby tree. Finally he left and we went on. It’s clearly that time of year!

That looks suspiciously like a copperhead.

bradkcrew

@martaindale Thanks for taking the time to provide such a lengthy response! I will definitely try to find something to give me an energy boost--I will do some research.

Also, I am not very in tune with how many calories I should be consuming on a daily basis, so I am probably way off there as well.

WhatMeRunning

@bradkcrew - This data applies to me, but may be a helpful point of reference. I'm not sure where you are in your weight loss journey or what sort of deficit you are attempting.

When I ran my first 10k on 9/20/2014 I was 53 pounds over my ideal BMI body weight. I modeled an 8 week HM training plan from a Hal Higdon 10k to HM training plan to train for my first HM on 11/15/2014. On that day I was 43 pounds over my ideal BMI body weight, losing 10 pounds in that 8 weeks. I was targeting a 1.5 pound per week loss in MFP during that time. I was able to maintain the deficit and train, but I did have to switch from low carb (less than 40g net Carbs per day) to a more moderate carb load. I felt I needed them to push me past the 8 mile barrier. It could have been coincidence that it helped, I'll never know, but that's the only change I made.

I will caveat that with losing 1.5 pounds per week while running at 53 pounds overweight is easier than people trying to lose at that same rate while only 20 pounds overweight and running. In such a case perhaps just a .5 pound per week target would be wise.

Hope something in there helps. In my opinion, as long as you are targeting a reasonable deficit, you can train for a HM in a caloric deficit. It's defining "reasonable" that is tough to do.

WhatMeRunning

One more thing I meant to say @bradkcrew, I didn't have to bump up my calorie intake until the next spring when I trained for 3 HM's in 30 days followed by training for 3 full marathons in 30 days in the fall. I wound up naturally eating at maintenance that whole year even though I was attempting to be in a deficit. I was just too hungry. My running never suffered. My body made darn good and sure I put food in my mouth. It was only my desire to keep calories down that kept me from overeating and gaining weight. I was roughly 50 pounds over my ideal BMI weight that entire year.