March 2023 Monthly Running Challenge

shanaber

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 2023 Monthly Running Challenge which can be found at: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10883056/february-2023-monthly-running-challenge/p1

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, 2023 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

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 bookmark 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.comandcreate 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

You may see some phrases / words that are unique to our little group when it comes to describing some of our runs. It is a mash-up of words that seem to best describe the way the run felt that day. Here are some examples. Feel free to come up with your own to add to the dictionary 😃

'sleasy' - Slow and Easy
'sneasy' - Slow Not Easy
'scrappy' - mix of Slow and Crappy
'wun' - mix of Walking and Running
'wog' - mix of Walking and Jogging

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay on track.

shanaber

Hope I can start to run again this month! I am in for 50 miles running and/or walking depending on what I am feeling up for.

Scott6255

Thanks again @shanaber!
168 (minimum) 😁

SummerSkier

@shanaber thank you for starting the thread! I KNOW you will be running again by the end of the month. Give yourself grace and before you know it you will be back at it.

martaindale

Thanks for setting us up! I'm going to say 100 miles. I don't actually have a plan in place for March yet, aside from the HM this weekend. But I really want to hit 100 miles every month this year, so at least that gives me somewhere to start.

eleanorhawkins

Thanks for setting us up! I'm expecting my mileage to be low this month, will need some recovery from today, and the last week in March is our Camino de Santiago hike so not planning to run. Or at least only maybe run ahead for half an hour or so a few times.
Main goal is as usual to do the damn strength training, and to bet my teenager drama-induced stress eating like a pig with worms under control.
@martaindale you are going to crush your race!!!

Laurz9191

I’m really not sure what to aim for in March. I’ve got to do some shorter sprint sessions, damn strength training , taper, race, recovery, and my parents are coming from VA in the middle of the month to stay for a month. So just really not sure. I guess I’ll aim for 175km but be happy with anything over 150 .

spl8

I'm now following a 16-week 10k plan and my schedule has me running just over 60k during March, so that's my goal: 60 km.

chris_in_cal

I finished up my first month here and ran 13 times, and 17 miles.

March has couple more days. I'm going to shoot for a 10% increase (plus a bit)

March Running Goal:

16 runs
21 miles

quilteryoyo

Thanks for setting this up @shanaber . I'm not sure how my running will go this month, with an increase in tennis - on Saturdays. Oh, did I tell you all that I have joined an over 55 local Women's tennis team that is going to be playing league tennis in a town that is an hour away, every Sat for 2 months? I may not have to play each time, but would like to get my money's worth. LOL Unfortunately (or fortunately), we have a bye the first week, so I should be able to get my long run in on Sat. this week. I'm going to have to figure out how to get longer runs in during the week or on Sundays, or something. Anyway, I have exceeded 90 miles in Jan AND Feb, so I think I'll up my goal for March to 80 miles and see where I land.

shanaber

We are heading north on Thursday to meet our daughter for a long weekend. Can't wait to see her! It has been too long, 4 months. We have lots of walking planned, wine tasting and a possible hike at Pinnacles National Park, weather depending. No specific run/walk included but it could happen. Hobbes may demand it 😁
After we get home I am hoping to try slowly inching my way back to running again.

I saw this article about selecting running shoes that I think has information applicable to most all of us. So a monthly question to start out the month - how do you pick your running shoes? Next version of the same model, recommendation of a running store, other???
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-shoes/?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20230228&instance_id=86482&nl=the-morning&regi_id=67829269&segment_id=126484&te=1&user_id=1e7b1cb15a50278dbe13f37403986656

chris_in_cal

shanaber wrote: »

how do you pick your running shoes?

Step 1: eliminate all models that do not come in 4E (extra-wide) width. (approx 95%)
Step 2: buy the shoe in the store that kind of fits okay.

Us widefooted people suffer.

tarun_yadavA

Morning all.

Aiming for a v.ambitious 160 miles this month

tarun_yadavA

So kick-off March with a 9K

Mari33a

I'm aiming for 30 miles for the month, I hope the weather stays on my side as here 2nd half of March and 1st half of April can be very stormy months. Fingers crossed. I'm planning to get 200 miles on my spin bike and new for me I'm going swimming on Saturday mornings, maybe not every Saturday but what I can fit in.

How do you pick your running shoes? I stick with Brooks Adrenalines as they don't give my blisters. I've tried Asics while hard wearing and comfortable always gave me blisters on my heals and arches when running, and Nikes were like running on fluffy pillows but only lasted me about 6 mts. But the Brooks work for me.

Laurz9191

@shanaber I like the question.

I have been getting a new version of the same model the past 3 shoes I've had have been Brooks defyance. I am actually planning on going running shoe shopping next weekend and hope that maybe this time I can get something different. I always go to a running shoe store where they have a treadmill and can evaluate the fit of the shoe for me. I have never had any problems after buying a shoe this way.

I don't really have any problems with my current shoe model, but the toe nail next to my big toe (which is actually longer than my big toe) has been infected for like almost two months now (I know I should see a doctor but a. it is not always that bad, b. I have had several doctor friends look at it and give me treatment advice, and, in my opinion most importantly, c. I don't want to take any antibiotics or have anybody fiddle with it until after my race!). Who knows, maybe the problem will go away as soon as it warms up enough for me to wear sandals (that could be awhile though as it is still very much freezing cold outside). I am very excited to buy new shoes.

Scott6255

@shanaber good question of the month...I tend to go with the same model year to year, until I can't find it anymore, then go to the running store and see what they recommend and what feels best. Then I start the cycle over again But I do like to have 2 - 4 pairs in rotation, and ideally different manufacturer and model. So it will be a couple versions of the old pair, mixed with one or two newer pair. I am in the market for new ones, as all three of my current ones have 400 or more miles on them.

7 miles this morning. 70F at 4:30am is pretty dang hot for March 1. Dreading summer. But got a little speed work in today with a couple fartleks each mile, hitting 5:44 pace on some of them. So calling that a win.

tarun_yadavA

running shoes - same. stick with the same ones. Asics gel-excite ones.
now a re-occuring birthday and christmas present from my mother.

quilteryoyo

Enjoy your trip @shanaber ! I know it will be great to spend time with your daughter.

Nice run @tarun_yadavA .

Very nice, speedy run today @Scott6255 . Way too early for me though, but understand why if it was already 70F.

I stick with the same running shoe, Brooks Adrenalines, like @Mari33a . I have tried a different shoe, but they killed my knees in 5 min so had to send them back. The Adrenalines is what my otho suggested I run in after I tore my gastroc muscle. Plus, every time I have the shoe store evaluate me, that is what they suggest. I did let them talk me into purchasing a half size smaller the last time and I regret it. I can wear them fine on the treadmill or shorter runs, but my toes hit the end too much on the hills when running outside, so longer hill runs aren't comfy. I need to get a new pair soon, as my oldest ones are beginning to hurt my big toe on my left foot. Weird, but that seems to be where the cushioning breaks down first.

Teresa502

March 1 – 5.05 miles

I’m going for 100 miles again this month.

Planned to meet a friend at 5:00 am for a run in town. She texted as I was driving over that she was having tummy issues and would not be able to meet me. At this point I was halfway to town, so I drove to my office and ran a few loops through the parking lot, down the road a couple of miles and then around the walking path at our offices. I usually feel safer here running by myself in the dark because we have security on-site and cameras up everywhere. The walking path also has emergency phones every few yards. The plant shift change is at 6:00 am so there is generally a lot of traffic on the road leading to the plant. Although the lighting is iffy, there is a nice, wide sidewalk on this road. As I was running on the sidewalk about a mile out, some guy came up behind me on a bicycle. Luckily I heard him before he was too close and I had time to turn and see him and step off to the side. Then I decided to venture down this side street since I could still see the biker ahead of me to put some distance between us. I got part of the way down and here comes a guy walking up the hill, so I make a u-turn and decide to head back to the relative safety of the parking lot! I’m not one to be scared of everything but I think about Eliza Fletcher a lot on mornings like this.

Question of the month – I generally stick with the same shoe and just buy the next model. I haven’t been very happy with the latest model however and have been trying a couple of other brands but haven’t found one that I just love yet. We have a local running store, but he generally employs inexperienced people so it’s pretty pointless to go there for a gait analysis.

spl8

I need new shoes. I've been ordering the newer versions of my previous shoes online in the recent past, but I think I need a fresh perspective so I'm going to head to the running store near me that has great staff.

eleanorhawkins

Re: shoes. 've been through a few different shoes, one of them was handed to me after a gait analysis by an ultra-runner who seemed to know what he was talking about. I actually still buy those, they're my go-to higher-drop road shoes. For trails, I first tried Decathlon's own brand, killed my toes. Coach suggested Hokas, which after adapting to the lower drop I love, just bought my 4th pair. In fact, I've since bought a Hoka road shoe just to give me a nice, cushioned but lower-drop option for easy shake outs and stuff. Then I treated myself to a pair of Brooks Cascadia on a whim because I'd fallen in love with a pair of Glycerins I tried on but couldn't afford at the time, and now they're broken in I love them for short, technical trails. I need the extra cushioning from the Hokas for longer runs, but anything under about 10 miles the Brooks are working great.
So yeah, I have 4 different shoes in rotation. Please don't tell my husband! lol
Funnily enough, this morning while I was going "I know, I know, I overdid it," the physio asked me how many miles are on the shoes I've been wearing the most, and when I checked it was 700km, which is well into the zone that shoes start making my knees hurt. I just hadn't thought of that.

@Laurz9191 can you not put some antibiotic ointment on it, rather than taking an oral antibiotic? I tend to beg the dr for a tube every now and then, and slap that on whenever my poor manky toenails give me grief. (At this point, I don't have a single normal toenail :-O )
@Teresa502 yikes! I'm not normally scared of being out alone in the dark here, but certainly trust that gut feeling of something not being right and do the same. Glad you were ok! Better safe than sorry.

Laurz9191

@eleanorhawkins Yes, that is exactly what I’ve been doing, putting antibiotic cream on it, wearing looser shoes, not wearing my tight compression socks, but eventually, if it doesn’t start to heal itself, it will need treatment. My feet also don’t look so hot . I think my toe problem might have been caused by my newest shoes which are half a size smaller than the old pair. I’ve been wearing the old ones to protect my toe but they are really worn down, so I think I have a good reason to go buy a new pair.

Today I did another treadmill workout to kick off the month - 8.1km. I just couldn’t be bothered to change into all my warm clothes for outside and I also did a little bit of strength training as well while I was at the gym .

quilteryoyo

@Teresa502 Sorry your friend couldn't run with you this morning. Sounds like you had a nice run and I always say, "Better safe than sorry.". I tend to follow my gut feeling about things, even if they seem silly. I know at least once it saved me from a bad incident.

Mari33a

First run done.
01/03 2.84 miles

Total 2.84/30 miles

shanaber

chris_in_cal wrote: »

shanaber wrote: »

how do you pick your running shoes?

Step 1: eliminate all models that do not come in 4E (extra-wide) width. (approx 95%)
Step 2: buy the shoe in the store that kind of fits okay.

Us widefooted people suffer.

@chris_in_cal - I also have wide feet. If you can deal with low drop shoes (0-6mm) you might look at Altra or Topo-Athletic. They have wide, 'natural' toe boxes and I have found them to be great. Actually I am more of a Topo fan than Altra but both have their followings...

quilteryoyo

I played doubles tennis this morning for a little over two hours. Traversed 1.62 miles. Went in to the daycare and worked until 3 - they just needed someone to sit in one of the classes while the teachers took their lunch breaks, so basically watched them sleep (and looked at stuff on my phone) for two hours. I did help them get their beds up afterwards and get my hugs before I left. After I got home, I went out for a driveway walk. I did 2.0 miles in 31:45 minutes for a 3.8 mph avg pace. My avg HR was 115 and max was 130 bpm. I would have ran, but I only had 1.5 hours before leaving for church. Plan called for an easy run or XT, so I'm saying what I did is good enough.

kgirlhart

March Goal: 115 Miles

3/1: 5.06 miles


5.96/115 miles completed for March

I am going to say 115 miles for March. That is a little more than I had in February. March is also the first monthly Streaker Challenge for Run the Year. I am going to try to make it a running challenge this time.

I started out the month with 5 miles this morning. It was 59°F and not windy. There was some rain south of us and I saw some lightning, but I checked my weather app and it was about 12-14 miles south and not coming my way. It should be nice again in the morning, but cold again on Friday.

kgirlhart

Re: shoes. I have just been getting the same model of shoe that the running store recommended when I first got my gait analyzed. I wear the Saucony Ride. I like them a lot. I have thought about trying something different, but the nearest running store is over an hour away, so I usually just order shoes online.

shanaber

@tarun_yadavA - we used to have a crazy runner guy in the group whose mom got him shoes as gifts, in addition to the ones he bought for himself. He had enough pairs to seriously open a running store. At one point I think he had 100+ pairs 😂
@Teresa502 - I am glad you trusted yourself and ran/moved away from the guys in the dark.
@eleanorhawkins - I have 4 pairs in rotation too, but only road shoes. If I ran trails too I am sure I would have more.
@Laurz9191 - I have had ongoing issues with an ingrown toenail on my big toe. When it flares up I use these things someone else here recommended a while ago. Silicon toe caps I think they are called. I found them on Amazon and they work pretty well, especially with shoes that may otherwise hurt my toe.
I am actually getting it taken care of the podiatrist next week after we get back. Not looking forward to it but will be happier once it is healed.

tarun_yadavA

Morning all.
Didn't have time for a 9K today, so got in a quick-ish 4.

PS: sorry to hear about all your toe issues. Guessing this is something that's a lot worse for women than men!