December 2021 Monthly Running Challenge

skippygirlsmom

We are back to having to wear masks at work. As I speak there are 2 of us here, the other gal is literally 50 feet away from and we’re sitting in cubicles. I’m willing to bet her mask is hanging from one ear too LOL

The weather here in Northern AL has been something, in the 70s the past few days. Shorts and tank on my run this morning, earlier this week I was running in a jacket…go figure.

@polksagirl I’m just reading your spoiler, shame about the quarantines. Hopefully a couple weeks out of class will slow things down again. I agree, never take good health for granted.

@quilteryoyo and @Teresa502 it was actually not my HM. Skip was signed up for the full, they cancelled that at like 6:00 am because the weather wise it was beyond insane, then they said everyone will shift to the half. That was better for Skip because she wasn’t prepared for the full really. Once we got there the parking attendant told us the half was cancelled, then we got an email to go and get your medals. It’s a shame because it’s big marathon here and folks come from all over to race it. I’m so sorry your back isn’t getting better. Fingers crossed for answers!

@rheddmobile sorry to hear hubby isn’t feeling well, I hate even more that you are not safe to run in your own neighborhood, it makes me so sad. There are places here I would never run alone. Skip took me to some places she runs in Mobile and I was like holy *kitten* you feel safe here. She looked at me like doesn’t everyone run at the sea port with the all the homeless people sleeping on the benches.

We have a movie theater here that is adults only and you can get lots of fancy (think steak and fish) type food with alcoholic drinks.

I’m all about “sleasy” running 

SummerSkier

70 degree humid warm again this morning. Is it really Dec?.

84.54 miles Dec to date out of 100 planned. or less. 9.75 left for run the year. Was pacing myself this month to work on speed and also not complete the challenge too early. Streak of pace under 10 is up to 134 miles!!!

12-1 4.04 miles
12-2 4.06
12-3 4.07
12-4 6.2
12-5 6.11
12-6 4.09
12-7 5.15
12-8 6.07
12-9 5.02
12-10 4.11
12-11 6.2
12-12 5.03
12-13 4.01
12-14 4.25
12-15 6.03
12-16 4.01
12-17 6.09

Interesting to look back at my trends per my Apple watch. I know if I go back even another qtr or so the pace was 11 or more.. I am hoping for the last qtr of the year to drop below 10 min miles and perhaps for next year my annual will be below as well.... It's something to work for. I believe running less distance the past month has really helped my legs. I am still streaking but the shorter runs more frequently seem to allow for recovery even if they are faster.

martaindale

@SummerSkier You can definitely see your runs trending faster! Good work!

Tramboman

"Keepin' it sleasy!"

12-1 7k slow
12-2 7k slow
12-3 7k slow
12-4 7k sleasy
12-5 7k slow
12-6 7k slow
12-7 7k slow
12-8 7k sleasy
12-9 7k slow
12-10 7k sleasy
12-11 7k slow
12-12 7k sleasy
12-13 7k slow
12-14 7k sleasy
12-15 7k slow
12-16 7k easy
12-17 7k sleasy
12-18 5k treadmill


Don't Rest December Total: 124k
Don't Rest December Goal: 180k

Rainy and mid 30s F today, so went to the treadmill. It will work out well, because my body thinks the treadmill is almost like a rest day.

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)

2021 Races:

6/26 Direction Up 5k, Solon, OH 31:48 chip; 31:59 Garmin; 53d overall; 2d male 65 and over
7/17 Run of the Ox 5k, Mantua, OH 32:19 Garmin; 44th overall; 3d place male 60 and over

Teresa502

December 1 – 5.16 miles
December 4 – 10.05 miles
December 5 – 5.13 miles
December 6 – 5.30 miles
December 7 – 2 miles (treadmill)
December 8 – 5.1 miles
December 9 – 5.11 miles
December 11 -10.13 miles
December 12 – 5.01 miles
December 13 – 4.16 miles
December 15 – 5.14 miles
December 18 – 6.30 miles

68.6/100 miles completed

Been in a bit of a funk lately but I’ve been reading, liking and hugging here. Between Christmas gatherings, work and car problems and just laziness, I haven’t worked out in the prior two days but I got out for a run around 7 am today. The rain started around mile 3 but the temp was 52F so it wasn’t bad. I went by my driveway around the 5 mile mark and put my phone in my mailbox where it would stay dry and then I continued on for 6.3 miles.

noblsheep

1204-3km 27:05 aHR 144
1206-3.24km 30:00 aHR 146
1213-2.53km 21:54 aHR 148
1218-3.2km 30:00 aHR 157

Heart rate was high today, probably because it was stupid windy and cold. Got new shoes. I was a tad worried because they have a big mesh on the front but my feet were toasty the whole way. I wanted 4km but my knee started grumbling so I pulled the plug early.

katharmonic

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
12/01/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
12/02/21 :::: 2.2 :::: 2.2
12/03/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 5.3
12/04/21 :::: 10.1 :::: 15.3
12/05/21 :::: 4.0 :::: 19.4
12/06/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 22.5
12/07/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 25.5
12/08/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 28.6
12/09/21 :::: 1.7 :::: 30.3
12/10/21 :::: 3.3 :::: 33.6
12/11/21 :::: 4.5 :::: 38.1
12/12/21 :::: 4.1 :::: 42.2
12/13/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 45.3
12/14/21 :::: 4.0 :::: 49.3
12/15/21 :::: 4.0 :::: 53.3
12/16/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 53.3
12/17/21 :::: 2.7 :::: 56.0
12/18/21 :::: 13.7 :::: 69.7

I don't think I posted the last couple of days. Thursday was a gorgeous day in the 60s but I ran out of time to run. I was dressed to run after work and everything - but had to make a run to the store and decided It was for the best to take a rest day. Friday I ran with Stella on the trails so it was slow going but got something done. I also took a lovely short and easy hike, again taking advantage of a very nice day, although not quite as warm as the day befeore.

Today I did my 12th HM of the year for the 2021 HM a month challenge. Last minute I decided to go along with a friend to do this "Backyard Ultra" that is a 1 mile loop and you complete as many as you can/want in 12 hours. It was a small race raising money for a charity and my friend knew the race director. There were probably 20-30 people there for the ultra, a few more for the 5 mile race. It was very nice that they had an inside area to be able to wait in before and leave things in to be able to stop between loops if you wanted. With bathrooms and snacks available. My friend and I did our 13 loops (which added up to 13.7 for me because I didn't stop my watch when I went in to get snacks and water) and got a medal and a wooden chip that said 13.1 on it. There were chips for 26.2 and I think some higher distances as well and prizes for those who got the most loops and fastest times.

Overall this was much more enjoyable than I expected. The loop was not exciting but seeing and talking to people was fun. I thought it was going to be snowy all morning but it didn't start snowing until we were in our 9th loop and then big fluffy flakes were coming down. I wore my trail shoes because I worried about snow and traction and I should have just worn my regular shoes because my feet are pretty sore from running in the trail shoes on dry pavement. It was a well organized and well supported event and I am in awe of the folks who are still out there running an will be until 8 pm tonight.

So happy to be done with 12 half marathons!

Teresa502

Congrats on your half marathon a month streak @katharmonic!

Scott6255

@katharmonic Great job on getting all your monthly HMs done for the year!

quilteryoyo

@skippygirlsmom Sounds like you have a great relationship with your boss.

I vote for "keeping it sleasy as our motto too!

You're doing awesome @SummerSkier !

Nice running @Teresa502 . I was wondering if you ran in the rain this morning. Sorry about the car problems and that you are in a funk. Hope you feel better soon.

@noblsheep Nice running. Glad you listened to your body and shortened it instead of injuring yourself.

Congratulations @katharmonic ! That's a huge accomplishment.

quilteryoyo

Thanks for all of the good thoughts on my back. I got some disappointing news. He did an x-ray and turns out I have "dextroscoliosis convex to the right at L2. Curvature measures approximately 33 degrees from the T12 to the L5. Multilevel degenerative disc disease with facet arthropathy without fractures or spondylolisthesis." Not sure what all of those terms mean, but the x-ray looked pretty bad. No wonder it has been hurting. He gave me a steroid pack and some muscle relaxers. I was shocked so wasn't thinking clearly. The prescription for the muscle relaxers is for 2 pills for 45 days. I am going to call him on Monday and see if I really need to take them for 45 days in a row or if I can only take them when it hurts. I hate taking things that mask pain, so that I don't know what it is really doing. He didn't tell my not to run, but did say he didn't recommend it. I'm still trying to process all of this and see what I choose to do. The also gave me more strengthening and stretching exercises to do. I say more, but I wasn't really happy that he didn't ask about the things that the chiropractor had me doing already and didn't make sure that I knew how to do the ones he gave me. They just printed out directions when I checked out.

I'm going to do some research and decide about running and whether I want to try the brace he said could possibly help straighten it out some. But, he wasn't pushing it. He said most people don't get benefit because it isn't a quick fix and you have to wear this bulky brace under your clothes every day or it does no good. Haven't took the time to look at it yet.

Does anyone else on here have scoliosis or degenerative discs?

marisap2010

@katharmonic Great job on your 12th half!

Today was my first run since Tuesday either because of working late or sinus issues. I ran 6x 800m at 9:13-9:33 pace, 400m recovery. With warmup and cooldown, I ran 5 miles.

Scott6255

Oh @quilteryoyo sooo sorry to hear the diagnosis of your back

Tramboman

@quilteryoyo Scoliosis was part of my diagnosis when I first went to my chiropractor back in May. He took X-rays before he started treatment (3x weekly), again at the 2 month point (2x treatment weekly), and again at the 6 month point, when I went down to 1 treatment weekly. My scoliosis improved throughout the treatment.
I'm not sure if your chiro followed the same kind of protocols, and your scoliosis is a bit more than mine was. All I can offer is to take the time necessary to make a good decision, and follow through with the decision you make.

Tramboman

Great half streak, @katharmonic !!!

quilteryoyo

Thanks @Scott6255 and @Tramboman . My chiropractor did not take an x-ray to begin with and, frankly, I'm sort of shocked that he didn't realize I had the scoliosis. I am going to call him on Monday to let him know that the ortho guy said and see what his response is. Thanks for giving me hope that maybe, now that he knows, he can do something to help.

rheddmobile

@quilteryoyo I would absolutely not make a decision about running before finding an ortho who is also a runner. Many old school orthos are very negative about running for reasons which aren’t necessarily valid according to more recent research. Mine told me never to run again because of my knees, which are problematic because I have no ACL, but otherwise mostly fine, and although I may yet be forced to stop for some reason, my knees aren’t it. A sports ortho told me the first ortho was being ridiculous and running and lifting were actually good for my knees.

Also, before freaking out too much about the scoliosis I do wonder what percentage of people have it and don’t realize.

SummerSkier

damn. @quilteryoyo At least you have some idea what is going on. I think you need a new chiro if that is going to be your go to. On the Rx, he probably did not mean for you to take them straight for 45 days but gave you enough to cover you for several months or a year of outbreaks. I can't take muscle relaxers because like Rhedd I have no acls in either knee so they become very unstable if I take relaxers. Agree that almost all the orthos I have known totally think running is bad news. Yours might be in that category but hard to say. The other issue is when you get older they don't really want to fix you anymore - just give you something to deal with the pain and tell you to accept things.

Teresa502

rheddmobile wrote: »

@quilteryoyo I would absolutely not make a decision about running before finding an ortho who is also a runner. Many old school orthos are very negative about running for reasons which aren’t necessarily valid according to more recent research. Mine told me never to run again because of my knees, which are problematic because I have no ACL, but otherwise mostly fine, and although I may yet be forced to stop for some reason, my knees aren’t it. A sports ortho told me the first ortho was being ridiculous and running and lifting were actually good for my knees.

Also, before freaking out too much about the scoliosis I do wonder what percentage of people have it and don’t realize.

Great advice @quilteryoyo. There is an orthopedic clinic in Kingsport that has a running ortho doctor. All my running friends go to him for ANY injury because they know that he gets it. PM me if you want his name and contact information.

quilteryoyo

Thanks for the input everyone. @Teresa502 I will message you.

Tramboman

"Keepin' it sleasy!"

12-1 7k slow
12-2 7k slow
12-3 7k slow
12-4 7k sleasy
12-5 7k slow
12-6 7k slow
12-7 7k slow
12-8 7k sleasy
12-9 7k slow
12-10 7k sleasy
12-11 7k slow
12-12 7k sleasy
12-13 7k slow
12-14 7k sleasy
12-15 7k slow
12-16 7k easy
12-17 7k sleasy
12-18 5k treadmill
12-19 7k slow


Don't Rest December Total: 131k
Don't Rest December Goal: 180k

Cloudy, low 30s F, with a light snow and a northwest wind to keep me company. Saw loads of squirrels, a flock of blackbirds, and a smaller flock of robins. Robins looked like they were fueling up for the trip south.

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)

2021 Races:

6/26 Direction Up 5k, Solon, OH 31:48 chip; 31:59 Garmin; 53d overall; 2d male 65 and over
7/17 Run of the Ox 5k, Mantua, OH 32:19 Garmin; 44th overall; 3d place male 60 and over

SummerSkier

94.65 miles Dec to date out of 100 planned. or less. 0 left for run the year. Am now at exactly half of all my miles under 10 min pace for the year.

Cold and windy today - 30's so definitely not the most pleasant of runs. I am not sure if I am feeling let down for finishing the challenge or motivated to just get out and do more for the heck of it. It does feel nice not to have the mileage pressure any more. This has been one of the more difficult annual goals I have had with my running. It looks like my RTY team is also close to everyone getting their miles done also. As a team we finished up way early this year.

12-1 4.04 miles
12-2 4.06
12-3 4.07
12-4 6.2
12-5 6.11
12-6 4.09
12-7 5.15
12-8 6.07
12-9 5.02
12-10 4.11
12-11 6.2
12-12 5.03
12-13 4.01
12-14 4.25
12-15 6.03
12-16 4.01
12-17 6.09
12-18 4.05
12-19 6.06

Scott6255

WTG @SummerSkier on getting your RTY miles! That's very impressive 😄

marisap2010

@SummerSkier Great job completing RTY!

Today’s long run was 9.55 miles. It rained most of the day yesterday, so it was humid, and the temperature dropped from 64 to 56 while I was running. Overall, not a bad run. I am one month out from my half marathon.

Total for December: 45.7 miles

Teresa502

December 1 – 5.16 miles
December 4 – 10.05 miles
December 5 – 5.13 miles
December 6 – 5.30 miles
December 7 – 2 miles (treadmill)
December 8 – 5.1 miles
December 9 – 5.11 miles
December 11 -10.13 miles
December 12 – 5.01 miles
December 13 – 4.16 miles
December 15 – 5.14 miles
December 18 – 6.30 miles
December 19 – 3.51 miles

72.11/100 miles completed

It was 37F with NW winds blowing and a feel-like of 32F this morning. I had decided the most I would do was a couple of miles on my treadmill in the basement. However, after I did my cross-training workout, I was all sweaty and decided outside air would be more refreshing so I changed shoes and put on a sweatshirt over top of my short-sleeve shirt and I headed out for 3.5 miles. Didn’t get cold at all.

Congratulations on all your accomplishments this year @SummerSkier!

kgirlhart

December Goal: 100 Miles

12/1: 5.11 miles
12/2: 5.11 miles
12/5: 10.03 miles
12/7: 5.31 miles
12/8: 5.52 miles
12/9: 5.51 miles
12/11: 5.26 miles
12/12: 6.25 miles
12/14: 5.10 miles
12/15: 5.31 miles
12/16: 6.04 miles
12/19: 9.35 miles

73.90/100 miles completed for December
  
Thursday morning I ran in shorts and a tank top. Today it was 34°F feels like 31°F. This is always hard weather for me to know how to dress. The dress my run website said long tights, long sleeved shirt , jacket and gloves.  I thought that might be too much. I did end up wearing long tights, a short sleeved t-shirt, 2 pairs of sleeves, gloves and a headband that covers my ears. For about the first half mile I was thinking maybe I should have worn a jacket.  But I stayed the course and did start to warm up.  At about 2 miles I took off the top pair of sleeves. About 4 miles in I took off the other sleeves and shortly after the gloves and headband. And I was kind of wishing I had worn capri length tights, or even shorts. But I guess I was dressed ok.I kind if went back and forth on whether I was over or under dressed. I
ended up running 9.35 miles.  I am now 7.55 miles short of my RTY goal of 2021 miles. That does include running,  walking and steps. I also set a running only goal of 2021K for 2021 and I reached that with my run on Thursday.

Congratulations on your RTY success @SummerSkier! And half of your miles under 10 minutes is amazing,!

@quilteryoyo I am so sorry about your diagnosis. And I agree that you should look for an ortho who is also a runner before making any decisions. 

Is anyone planning to do RTY for 2022? I signed up again if anyone wants to team up.




2021 Races:
4/24/21: Run For The Children - 10K PR 55:46:28.
11/6/21: Run For 57th AHC Half Marathon - PR 2:07:11 and 1st in AG
12/11/21: Wags and Wiskers 5K- 1st in AG,  2nd Overall Female

Tramboman

Great job on RTY, @SummerSkier !!!

Scott6255

12 miles this afternoon. Woke up this morning feeling like I sprained my left ankle and right wrist. Very strange. As the day went on my ankle felt better. So I got out late this afternoon. Wasn't going to go very long, so I didn't take any gels. It was pretty chilly at the start, but then it felt very nice at 46F and light wind. Was doing sub 2 hour HM pace then low battery warning popped up at mile 11, so cut it at 12. But felt comfortable the whole way.

December total: 46 miles

katharmonic

Glad you ended up having a good run @Scott6255.

@quilteryoyo sorry about the diagnosis. Hope you can get to a good ortho.

@SummerSkier great job on your RTY miles! And the success with your pace goal also!

I'm having various computer/internet issues this weekend so I don't have my spreadsheet updated. But I ran tonight with our group of friends at the Lights on the Lake display. It's one of those drive through big light displays and we had to be off the path by 4:30 because they start letting cars through, so we were a bit before it got dark. But still the lights were pretty and we all dressed festively and had a fun time. I ended up with 3.6 miles. Afterwards some of us went out to dinner and we received a lot of looks and comments all dressed up in our Santa and elf hats, holiday patterned tights and ugly sweaters.

I don't know how this week is going to play out but in theory I should have time to get my running in.

shanaber

@quilteryoyo - I am really surprised your chiro didn't find the scoliosis too. I am sorry it is something so serious and not so easily fixed. As others have said I too would look for a sports ortho or one who is a runner. I have found they tend to be more up to date on current studies and thinking about the risks and benefits of running and more likely to look at all options to get you back to what you love and pain free if at all possible. Like @rheddmobile's sports ortho, mine also told me to keep moving, it was the best thing for my knees even with the damaged meniscus, where others had said absolutely no running...
Whatever you decided to do we are here for you, even if you decided running is out.
@SummerSkier - Congratulations on completing RTY and getting so many miles in under a 10m pace! That is awesome!!
@Scott6255 - So glad whatever was up with your ankle resolved itself and you were able to get in a good long run!
@katharmonic - love that you get to run through the Christmas light display all dressed up in your ugly sweaters and hats! So fun!

I got out to run yesterday intending to run my Hot Chocolate 15k. I realized pretty quickly that wasn't going to happen so figured I could get in another 6... I was hurting all over (like an inflammation reaction). I have had it before but not for a long time now so I was taken by surprise and all I wanted to do was make it back home. I walked fast and ran a bit when I felt like I could. This morning I felt like I had run a marathon yesterday. My legs and hips hurt, my knee is sore, my shoulders and back are aching. I am hoping I will feel better in the morning and can get my 15k done. It is supposed to be very wet and cold (for us) all this week and into the following week. I can push the run but really wanted to get it done before Christmas.