August 2022 Monthly Running Challenge

kgirlhart

August Goal: 100 Miles

8/2: 5.51 miles
8/3: 6.04 miles
8/4: 6.01 miles
8/7: 11.03 miles

28.59/100 miles completed for July

I had a really good run this morning. I ran 11 miles. It has been a while since I have gone over 10. I can't say it was cool, but it felt less hot than it has been lately. It was 78°F when I headed out. I can't remember the last time it was under 80° when I ran and most of my runs are done before sunrise. There was a nice breeze too which really helped. And I was able to run through some really nice sprinklers too. So all in all I really enjoyed it. Last week I could barely manage 8 miles on Sunday, but today as I was nearing home I realized that I was going to be over 10 so I just decided to take an extra turn and get 11 miles.

@marisap2010 I'm sorry your run was so difficult, but way to power through. I can't imagine running 18 miles, especially in this heat.

Thanks for the well wishes for my mom and sister @marisap2010 and @polskagirl01. So far they are both doing OK. Mom was able to get the infusion this morning and it seems to be helping. She is keeping up with her exercise for her hip rehab so I guess she is feeling as good as she can. My sister seems to be having a mild case so I am glad for that too. I do feel bad for her though. Today is her 40th wedding anniversary and not only is she sick, but she is quarantined from her husband.

quilteryoyo

Thanks @polskagirl01 . I'm sure you will make the best decision for yourself. It's hard to DNS though.

@marisap2010 Great job on finishing the 18 miles when you were over it at mile 5. Awesome perseverance. I hope the fruit gus work for you.

@AlphaHowls You are awesome.

Great running @martaindale . I have to turn my TV up to max to be able to hear it when I run on my treadmill. Since I'm alone, it doesn't matter, but I can imagine it might aggravate others in the household. Glad you are going to be able to run outside next week. Enjoy.

Glad to see that you had such a good run this morning @kgirlhart . It's a shame about your sister's anniversary. Maybe they can do something extra special later to make up for it.

I was still tired today, so opted to keep Sunday as my rest day and walked a mile on the treadmill to keep the streak going. That puts me at 15.00 total miles for the month so far. I still haven't set a goal or decided on a plan going forward, but I'm working on it.

tarun_yadavA

Morning all. Got in a 4Miler before work!

eleanorhawkins

@polskagirl01 I'm sure I read somewhere that you're not a real runner until you've been wise enough to DNF or DNS when necessary ;-)
@marisap2010 that is some mental fortitude right there! BTW, I don't use GUs, but SiS gave me some limited edition salted caramel gels with a delivery and I'm really liking those on these long hot runs when my brain wants the 'treat' of something sweet but my stomach is like "ffs gimme some salt".
@kgirlhart glad to hear your mom and sister are doing ok, bummer about the anniversary though!

Long ramble about my weekend and today's runs in spoiler to avoid cluttering up everyone's screen with my nonsense!

We went to stay at the campsite near my mother's house to see her and to join a group hike up to the castle at a nearby village on Saturday night. It was great to see her, hadn't done for a few months now. Saturday afternoon was horribly hot though and I wasn't feeling too great but got into the nice cold pool for a while and decided to tough it out as the hike was the main reason for going that weekend as opposed to any other.
Although the hike was advertised as of medium difficulty it was only about a mile and a half up an old roman road (so think big stones) but quite steep. We reached the top and were told we had an hour and a half to explore the castle, have dinner, and listen to the rock concert. Pretty cool. Few photos on Strava.
Trouble was, we're used to being in bed by around 11pm and we were working out that it would probably be 2am before we got to bed, which made my husband get grumpy **rolls eyes** and so when I absentmindedly commented that I'd have to set my alarm to make sure I woke up in time for my run before it got too hot and freaked out. Apparently, I have an unhealthy obsession and it's ridiculous to think I need to train for stupid races that I'm not going to win anyway.
So, long story short **sigh** I ended up not being able to run up there and having to wait until sunset last night for it to be cool enough to get my run in.
That was making me dread this morning's speedwork as I don't think I'd ever done back-to-backs before. I pretty much got home from running, grabbed a snack, showered and went to bed, then got up, had coffee and went running LOL. It was actually fine, and the paces I had put into my watch for a new 'floating reps' speed workout I was trying were way too slow for me. I did 5km altogether, which is what Mondays have been for as many weeks as I can remember, then got home and saw on my plan it should have been 6.5km. So I had breakfast and then went out and did another mile. Umm, we won't tell that pain in the backside I married about that slightly obsessive behaviour ;-)
Also, I finally got to try out the new pair of road shoes I'd been hiding (we won't tell him that either!). Hoka One One Bondi 7s. They're really nice and cushioned and bouncy as expected, but I'll need to wear them for a while to see... although they claim to be neutral, on my walk home it felt a little as if they were forcing my ankles to cave in towards each other, so I was putting more of my weight on the outside edge of my feet to make up for that. Strange as I didn't notice it at all while running. Could just be because they're new, or because my legs are pretty tired. Time will tell.

quilteryoyo

Nice run @tarun_yadavA !

@eleanorhawkins I'm glad you got to see your mom, but sorry your weekend didn't go as well as you had envisioned. Sorry your DH is being a pain about your running. The idea that you shouldn't run a race unless you think you have a chance of winning shows that he really doesn't understand running. Glad your new road shoes worked out for the run. It's funny that you should mention they felt odd while walking. I used to have some pains in my knees, but only when walking. Once I started running, it went away. I wonder if it was the shoes and maybe that we land differently when we walk.

quilteryoyo

I finally sat down and decided on a plan to try. I am going to redo the HM plan I did last year. But, since I haven't been running many long runs, I'm going to do the first two weeks with shorter runs on Sat and then repeat and follow the plan. He starts his long runs at 6 miles. Since last week's 6.3 miles was close to a disaster, I'm planning on 4 miles this week, 5 next week, and then back to the plan which will be 6 and 7 the next two weeks and then 6 again. Hopefully, I can do that, but, since my race is 10 miles, I can always cut some of them short and still be okay if it seems too much at the time. So, my goal for August is 62 total miles of running/fast walking.

Scott6255

@eleanorhawkins glad you got your hike up to the castle in, but your husband need a good kick in the behind. That is a ridiculous comment about not training for races that you don't have a chance of winning. That just shows complete ignorance about running. But I feel you.

@martaindale I solved my TV volume problem by pairing my earbuds with the Firestick attached to the TV. It is a game changer. Can have the volume up as loud as I want and doesn't bother anybody (although nobody is home 99.9% of the time when I use the treadmill). If you don't have a Firestick, there are adapters you can get that will allow Bluetooth audio connection to your TV. Just search for "Bluetooth adapter for tv audio" on Amazon.

polskagirl01

AlphaHowls wrote: »

@polskagirl01 wrote: »

AlphaHowls wrote: »

8/1 15.28 miles
8/2 15.31 miles, 1555 days on the run, 737 days HM+ Streak, Running Partner A
8/3 15.56 miles
8/4 15.46 miles
8/5 15.33 miles
8/6 18.55 miles, Running Partner A
8/7 17.18 miles, 1560 days on the run, 742 days HM+ Streak

Do any of your running partners also have impressive streaks?

Not a daily streak for either of them. However, these are both 'lifetime' runners.
A - 49 years old, running since she was early teens, always physically fit and active
E - 30 years old, highly active, dance, ballet, teaches aerobics at YMCA, Elementary school teacher, all while having 4 children

When I was first asked to 'run' with them, I would decline. I saw them as highly fit and judged myself harshly. One day early on in my running, "A" trotted up behind me and just started talking. I kept making excuses on how slow I was and not fit to run with her. That was over 5 years ago. They can both still run circles around me, but I have them both on endurance.

That's awesome that you have people you can run with 🥰
ETA: and you're all impressive, in your own ways!

eleanorhawkins

@quilteryoyo and @Scott6255 thanks, yeah, he's being a bit of a jerk atm and if I suggest that maybe he isn't an expert on running and doesn't understand I'm told well that must be my fault for not being able to explain it properly. Easier to just go "whatever" and juggle, for now anyway.

@martaindale I was going to say have a look for some sort of Bluetooth or wireless headphones you can hook up to the TV, depending on what kind of TV it is. We have some wireless ones for the old TV in our bedroom that just have an old-fashioned round audio socket, and some Bluetooth ones with a little thing that goes in the USB port on the newer TV in the lounge.

polskagirl01

eleanorhawkins wrote: »

@polskagirl01 I'm sure I read somewhere that you're not a real runner until you've been wise enough to DNF or DNS when necessary ;-)

Well I definitely DNS'd this same organizer's race in November, as I'd just barely gotten out of bed from having COVID. It might be harder for me to DNF, considering the route and after a certain point you have to get back to your car either way, might as well just finish. I'll try to be wise.
As for your husband, I don't get why on earth it bothers him if you're out running WHILE HE'S SLEEPING. You compromised and went on the trip; I'd think you should be able to go on your run. I'm so sorry that wasn't the case. Maybe he's insecure/jealous? I also second what @Scott6255 said above.

Today I'm feeling ok, so went with my son on a bike ride. We saw fire trucks and police responding to a random spot on a tractor path in a field, in the middle of nowhere. Fire department's Facebook page says it was a grain fire, which is odd considering we saw the first truck arrive, and later could see the trucks in the distance, and never at any point did we see or smell any smoke 🤷‍♀️. Maybe the bystanders put it out long before we or the trucks arrived. Even the pictures they put on their post were of their trucks, with no sign of fire damage visible. Weird, but I'm glad nothing serious was going on.

After the ride, I'm still feeling ok, did some cleaning and have computer/office work planned for the rest of the day.

eleanorhawkins

@polskagirl01 yes... he tried to justify himself yesterday by claiming that it was only because he knew I would be tired and didn't think I should get up early after not much sleep. Because of course at the age of 44 I'm entirely unable to make decisions for myself regarding my well-being *my eyes are in danger of rolling out soon!*
I'm glad you're having a good day! Weird indeed about the invisible fire... maybe it was very minor and the bystanders dealt with it as you said, or maybe it was just a drill?


That reminds me, I don't know if I have posted that the authorities have finally said our mountain fire is out. We've been given permission to venture up into areas that weren't affected but have been asked to stay away from all the areas that burned because there's a risk of falling tree skeletons, landslides, etc. I don't want to go anyway, the photos I've seen of the devastation in some of my favourite spots were bad enough, but it does mean I can take the road that goes up to the antennas as my long runs get longer. I've reached the point where I'm having to add in loops to make up the distance and I hate loops. No idea how on earth @7lenny7 has the mental strength to do all the loops he's doing on that hill!

cmcrae0217

Hello everyone

I've been on MFP for a while but just getting back into really utilizing the site\app. I didn't realize there was a message board community (maybe because I generally only use MFP on my phone to log food\exercise). I stumbled across this group today and would love to jump in!

My name is Crystal & I live in PA. I'm a 36 year old mom of 2 girls & 4 fur-babies (cats). I'm currently training for a half marathon at the beginning of October. My longest run since I began training is 6 miles. My overall goal for August is 80 miles. So far 12.41 miles completed (I've been slacking this month but I'm back on it now!)

8\2 - 4.2 miles
8\5 - 3 miles
8\7 - 5.21 miles

Have a great day everyone.

Teresa502

This weekend I hiked 14 miles on the Appalachian Trail on Saturday, showered and went to a welcome home party for a friend’s son who has been in Japan for a couple of years. He is starting graduate school at Notre Dame in a couple of weeks but Tennessee is much closer to Notre Dame than Japan so that makes his mom very happy. Yesterday, I met a friend for a bike ride. I bought a used road bike back in the spring but had not really ridden it other than trying the clip-in shoes in my yard to make sure I could do it. Unfortunately my gears would not change properly when I unloaded my bike so I have to take it to the shop today. I still was able to ride 16 miles with her even though it was stuck in one gear. This morning I met the same friend for a 5 mile run. It was hot and sticky but it is August.

@kgirlhart – I hope your mom and sister are continuing to recovery. Sending prayers to you and your family.

Happy belated birthday @quilteryoyo – I love that you did a 6.3 mile run to celebrate even if it was hard, you did it! Glad you settled on a plan for your 10-mile race. You can do it!

Great job on your 18-miler @marisap2010

@eleanorhawkins – I’m glad you are running anyway despite the unsupportive husband. Hang in there! Also glad the mountain fire is out.

quilteryoyo

Welcome @cmcrae0217 ! Sounds like you are doing great so far.

Thanks @Teresa502 . Can't wait to see pictures from your hike.

Glad the mountain fire is out @eleanorhawkins .

Great Monday running everyone.

eleanorhawkins

Welcome @cmcrae0217 good luck with your training!

@Teresa502 I am very envious or your hikes :-)

My knees are telling me that I really need to respect tomorrow's scheduled rest day now!

polskagirl01

@Teresa502 16 miles stuck in one gear is pretty funny - AFTER it's over! I hope it's an easy (cheap) fix.

@eleanorhawkins good news about the fire being out. Hopefully soon signs of life will return.

Welcome @cmcrae0217 !

shanaber

Welcome @cmcrae0217 and @rps67! This is a crazy bunch of runners and the discussion can move really fast. Feel free to jump in and ask questions or just join in the conversation.
@kgirlhart - I am so glad your mom and sister are recovering well and that your mom is able to do her PT exercises. Hopefully soon they will be back to normal and no longer needing to quarantine and your sister and her husband can celebrate! Awesome job on your run this morning! Nice that it is getting a little cooler there! Have you seen Sunny lately?
@tarun_yadavA - your running routes sound awesome. You will have to share some pictures along your routes. Also great pace for your 'easy' 4 miles!
@marisap2010 - it is tough to get out and run and continue to run a short run when you are not feeling it. I am amazed you gutted out 18 miles! I cannot do GU's at all. They all upset my stomach. I do like the fruit (sport) gummies as they seem much lighter than others
@AlphaHowls - I think your paces, especially over the distances you run, are amazing and have gotten faster and faster!
@martaindale - I agree with others that you should be able to hook up some bluetooth headphones to your TV. Worst case you could connect your iPad to the TV and stream the video to the TV and still use your headphones connected to the iPad.
@polskagirl01 - I know you will do whatever is right for you at this point in your training with the race this weekend. Maybe the firemen were bored and decided to look busy or needed an excuse to all be out in the field at that time.
@eleanorhawkins - Glad you had a fairly nice weekend and the pictures (on Strava) were great! I am sorry your husband is being so unsupportive. I can think of lots of ways/things I would say or do. Probably not appropriate for your situation... I did ask my husband at one point (maybe rhetorically) if he really wanted to deal with me if I didn't get to run regularly.
@quilteryoyo - glad you were able to work out a plan that makes sense to you for where you are now and where you want to be for the 10 mile race.

I have been struggling with the heat but especially the humidity. We are just not used to the humidity and not having the temps drop much overnight. I have also been having IBS issues again. Not sure if the heat is a factor or if I am just in a typical flare. Last Thursday we decided to check out the beach and maybe enjoy some cooler temps. HA! It was nice on the beach but 82F and muggy. Hobbes loved it and was having a ball. Showing that he could still run like a crazy boy at 10!

https://youtu.be/mUU9reV0iOQ

I had a pretty great run on Sunday - the temps weren't any lower but the humidity was so much better. I did have some stomach issues that made me walk quite a bit but overall the outing was better than many I have recently. Today I got stuck with things at home and got out really late. I thought I could still get a short run in but it was just too hot for me. So I just did a short fast walk. We have agility class tonight - gonna be a hot one but fortunately the sun will be on its way down and that should help. For the foreseeable future we are supposed to continue to be hot - record setting hot, and humid. I've got to figure out how to manage my runs when I just don't even want to go out in it.

quilteryoyo

You are doing great to get out and do anything in those conditions @shanaber ! I hope it cools off for you soon. To give you some hope, we are supposed to have a record low temperature on Sat at 54F. It will feel really cold, I suspect.

I did a treadmill session after work. Today's plan called for a Fast Finish Run. ...5 min Zone 1/15 min Zone 2/5 min zone 3. I ran 5 min at 4.2 mph, 15 min at 4.5 mph, 5 min at 5.0 mph and then 1:34 min at 4.2 mph for a total of 2.0 miles, with no walking, for an average 13:17 min/mile pace. My HR was right in the correct zones - 5:06 min in Zone 1(less than129bpm)/16:02 min in Zone 2(less than 153pbm)/5:26 min in Zone 3(less than160bpm). I also walked a total of 0.70 miles for warm up and cool down at 3.8 mph. That bring my total for the month to 17.70/62 goal.

marisap2010

Welcome @cmcrae0217!
@quilteryoyo I'm glad you were able to figure out a plan. Adding that build up at the start is a great idea.
@eleanorhawkins Sorry your hubby isn't being supportive. I'm glad they were able to put out all of the fires near you. I know that has been really stressful.
@shanaber Sorry you haven't been feeling well. Hobbes looks like he had a ton of fun at the beach!

My plan called for a 45 minute recovery run in Z1. My legs are still pretty tired from yesterday, but I managed 3.27 miles.

August Miles: 39.33

Jane10s

I'm back from our annual family vacation. I snuck in a guilt free 4 mile walk with a friend I used to run with before I moved but no running. So back to building a base and debating races/ training plans. Hoping to commit to one in the coming weeks. I'm too far behind on discussion posts to reply to anyone specific. Thanks to everyone for the motivation to get back into it.

August goal: 30 miles.

8/1: 3 miles
8/8: 5 miles