April 2023 Monthly Running Challenge
shanaber
Posts: 6,423 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 March 2023 Monthly Running Challenge which can be found at: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10883056/March-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 April 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.
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 March 2023 Monthly Running Challenge which can be found at: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10883056/March-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 April 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.
0
Replies
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I am hoping to be able to run more in April with less rain and other distractions. Going for 75 miles and a stretch goal of 100!9
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400 miles is goal, hopeful the weather eases and I can be out more and longer11
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thank you @shanaber for starting the thread! I am sure @tarun_yadavA will find us. I mean he's difficult to lose. right? 😎🙃
My goal for Mar was pretty undecided and then about halfway thru I picked 120 because usually I do about 100. Then I got some good mileage going and thought a stretch goal would be to avg 5 miles per day and hit 155 miles - best mileage month in a LONG LONG time. (since maybe 2021)
Of course that meant I had to do a few 2 pers and some long runs. I won't be able to do that as the weather gets warmer as its just too hot to run at lunch and then go back to work. I wasn't sure I could do it but it did end up happening for March! 🥳🥳🥳🤩🤷♀️😎✅ For April I am going with the same goal of 120 which would be avg of 4 miles per day. What's scary to me is that @AlphaHowls runs as much in 1 month as I run in 3! 😳😳😳😱😱😱
Hope everyone has GREAT running in April !
11 -
@SummerSkier wrote: »What's scary to me is that @AlphaHowls runs as much in 1 month as I run in 3! 😳😳😳😱😱😱
It's funny how much I have to repeat myself when someone asks me how much I run and that it is daily.
Person: You run today?
Me: Yes, I run everyday.
Person: How far?
Me: 15 miles a day, keeping it over 13.1.
Person: You run everyday?
Me: Yes, everyday. I run that daily.
Person: *incredulous look*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFJmw4xyG9c
So many of us in the path of this now and tonight. Be safe out there!
9 -
I'm in for 115 miles. With summer on the way and racing temps behind me, I'm just looking to maintain volume. It's nice being able to build my running calendar around work a bit more.
Thanks for setting us up @shanaber.
@AlphaHowls I hope you make it through the storm ok. We had a couple of hours of really high winds but luckily no real tornado risk and hardly any rain.6 -
Once again I’m not sure where to set my mileage. I think I’ll say 175km again, because I will be on vacation in the mountains for a week starting Sunday and am not sure how much running will be possible, and, most importantly, I really need to cross train statt because I have the 100k bike race coming up on the 23rd! I don’t have any time goal there- just finish- but I also want to have the reassurance that I did put in at least some work on the bike.
At the beginning of May I have my twi back to back spring running races as well, so I will need to definitely try to dedicate quality time and rest
to running too! 5 -
𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹: 12 runs, 25 milesHello,
Join me on the Garmin Connect
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/chris_in_cal
I'm Chris, I live in San Diego, CA. I've been on MFP since 2006 or so and I've had some wild swings with health and fitness over that time. 2023 is my post covid/get back to running year. Finding this running thread has been great. As I am just starting back I'm doing a 10% goal increase each month to keep it fun, and injury-free.
6 -
chris_in_cal wrote: »I've been on MFP since 2006 or so
I just double-checked and I first joined in 2009.
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Good morning everyone!
Gonna go for 85 Miles this month. Probably really only have half a month to play with, when I get back. Might get 1-2 later next week 🤷
8 -
Had time this morning, so got in 4
@quilteryoyo thank you for your kind words 😊
@Laurz9191 enjoy your mountain time vacay 😊
@AlphaHowls - Q: do you find any difference to fitness and energy having cut meat from your diet? My wife is veggie (near Vegan) so I don't tend to eat it much... Only when I go out. Eg Buffalo wings with Beers with the guys etc etc. I remember watching 'Gamechangers' on Netflix a couple of years back, it resonanted with me. I find being meat free makes me feel less bloat-y and more energy for my daily runs. How about you?
PS: @SummerSkier Ha!
You would totally miss me if I didn't come back! 😂6 -
I have not seen too much difference in energy level. I was already working on IBS issues, and find which foods trigger bloating/gas, pain, etc. That said, I do believe it has helped since I have not had what I call 'the hard feeling' in my stomach. I do not have a gall bladder so most meat is a longer digestion time for me. I have enjoyed learning about proteins and have discovered a love for chick peas and black beans. I am also going to work on true sourdough bread/starts. My running partner makes bread that does not cause me pain and I am wanting that. She loaned me her bread book to learn how to make my own start. She said it is like a pet I have to nurture.@tarun_yadavA wrote: »@AlphaHowls - Q: do you find any difference to fitness and energy having cut meat from your diet? My wife is veggie (near Vegan) so I don't tend to eat it much... Only when I go out. Eg Buffalo wings with Beers with the guys etc etc. I remember watching 'Gamechangers' on Netflix a couple of years back, it resonanted with me. I find being meat free makes me feel less bloat-y and more energy for my daily runs. How about you?
7 -
I found a running path around the resort so got in a 3.33 mile run to start out April on the right foot. I’m at a Beachbody coach event that my friend earned as a coach so I’ve been attending workouts every morning. There are probably 500 people in the room so it’s a lot of high energy fun.
9 -
@AlphaHowls and others in the tornado/storm area, I hope you made it through the night okay. We had a pretty strong storm here around 4:30 this morning, but no damage that I am aware of.
Enjoy your vacation @Laurz9191 .
@tarun_yadavA 85 miles is a lofty goal for only running half of the month, but I know you can do it. Enjoy your vacation. Nice that you were able to get in a run this morning before your flight!
That looks like a beautiful running path @Teresa502 ! I can't even imagine the energy of 500 Beachbody coaches working out at the same time. Glad you are have fun!
4 -
@Teresa502 What a beautiful place to run!
I am just sitting around this morning drinking my coffee and trying to decide if I should go get a manicure. I hate to not run on the first day of the month, but since last month was a streak month and Saturday is usually a rest day, I am taking the rest. I think I will set my goal at 110 miles for April. I also have my 10K race on the 22nd. My 10K PR is 55.50 and last year I ran this 10K in 57.47. So my ultimate goal is to run in under an hour with stretch goals of beating last year and setting a new PR. This will be my 3rd year running this same 10K so those times are on this course. Last year we had 20+ mph winds and it affected all of the times. I am hoping for better weather this year.8 -
Enjoy your much deserved rest day @kgirlhart . Good luck with your 10K. Hopefully the weather will be more cooperative this year. You can totally PR!
I didn't quite finish the 10 mile plan I was just playing around with the last 2 months. I only had one week to go, but haven't been able to get in the long runs needed. So, I have decided to switch to a 10K intermediate plan and see if I can improve my time for a 10K by the first of August. I don't have a race on my schedule, but will try to find one. I would love to PR a 10K on my birthday weekend - Aug 4. However, I have agreed to fill in for an injured tennis player on Mon and Wed for the next 4 - 6 weeks, so that will cut back on the amount of running I do on those days and, it is lawn mowing time, so will take up some of my time/energy. With all of that said, I am going to set my goal at 80 miles again - total running and fast walking.7 -
Enjoy your Beachbody 'vacation' @Teresa502 😉
Sounds like you are enjoying your much deserved rest day @kgirlhart!
Planned to start April with a HM, but fell short by a mile. It's been so long since I have done a "long" run that I forgot to bring a Gel with me. So it was a bit of a struggle, and just ran out of gas at 12.
8 -
4/1 15.27 miles
Wind advisory today: reminds me the wind is a bully and a fierce running partner at times.
*marked safe from the storms* No damage, but surrounding areas hit. Long night of fear/anxiety and poor sleep.
I did not realize how blurry the picture was until I looked later. It really is a bad picture. In my defense I was fighting high winds. However, I am intrigued by the sun ball. I just like how it looks, blurred and all.
7 -
You did great getting in 12 miles with no fueling @Scott6255 !
Glad you are safe from the storms @AlphaHowls . So am I. It is really windy here today too, so I've stayed in due to all of the trees that could fall on my head on the driveway. LOL
I didn't sleep the best last night, so was tired and just didn't feel the best today. I decided to do a wun on the treadmill. I wound up doing 4 x (0.25mile walk/0.25 mile run), 0.25 mile walk. So, I'm counting it as 1 mile running at 4.2 mph and 1.25 miles walked at 3.8 mph. Avg HR was 109 with a max of 130 bpm. It's not the best start to April, but it will have to do.
6 -
Reviving 'sweet tooth' talk...1 night layover in Rome enroute to Florida.
Pistachio Gelato by Trevi fountain
6 -
@AlphaHowls - so glad you are safe! I had been worrying about you! Also @rheddmobile - I know they were in the Memphis area.
There is another storm coming through CA tomorrow night and Monday that is supposed to head across again. Hope it doesn't bring more devastation!
@Teresa502 - a friend of my daughter's was a beachbody coach. Not sure if she is still but if so she could be there too. Where are you exactly? Looks like an island paradise!
@kgirlhart - hope you enjoyed your coffee and rest day! Definitely well deserved!
@tarun_yadavA - you are evil! That gelato looks wonderful as does the location! Dark chocolate would have been better though! Hope you have a wonderful vacation! Are you just hitting up Fort Lauderdale or going to Miami or other locals too?
Interesting about the protein choices and how they make you feel @AlphaHowls and @tarun_yadavA. We don't eat beef much, mostly chicken and fish and lots of veggies. A very occasional burger (last night 1st time in months - don't even remember the last time) and a steak if we go out. I too am trying to figure out what upsets my IBS and what helps. Pizza interestingly, is a big no even though I love it. Also not eating enough is a problem as is eating a really big meal. Have to find the happy medium.
@AlphaHowls - I also make my own sourdough bread. The starter is pretty easy and forgiving once you get it going but you definitely need to take care of it. If you keep it in the fridge you can leave it go between feedings. There are great resources online too. I like the King Arthur Flour blogs about sourdough baking and I have found some good YouTube videos on how to shape the loaves. Oh and they have great recipes to make with the discard starter. I use it mostly for waffles and freeze them to have on hand to pop in the toaster for breakfast.
To start the month I got in a good 4.38mi run today with 2.6mi of walking for warmup and cooldown. It hit 72F here and felt hot but by next weekend it is supposed to be 80F already! I am not ok with that!7 -
@shanaber - I’m about an hour south of Cancun. Heading home today. You had a great start to the month!
Hope you had a good evening in Rome @tarun_yadavA and safe travels today!5 -
@tarun_yadavA Looks like you are enjoying your layover. I am not a pistachio fan, so would have a different flavor, but it looks yummy.
Great run @shanaber !
Safe travels home @Teresa502 !
3 -
**waves** hi everyone, I'm home, found April, dunno what day it is haha
Camino was great, though I wouldn't do that route again as it was almost all roads. Glad I took my old trail shoes instead of hiking boots.
Not running for over a week was weird. Then this morning I joined a group recon of the route for this month's club challenge and the first part was more climb than run. I won't be going back to try and get a faster time! Everyone was like 'look at those views' and I was muttering to myself 'just keep climbing, don't look down' lol8 -
I'm sticking with 60km of walk/running this month. Paused my 10K plan because of lost days due to illness, then injury. Will try to walk and do RT everyday until my knee feels better.
@tarun_yadavA - now I'm convinced that you're trolling me. Aw man, I'm jealous. Maybe if I can get my mileage up somewhere near yours someday, I can indulge like you do.7 -
April total: 6/115 miles
4/1: 6 miles
This was supposed to be 10 miles. As I was doing my warmup I noticed some cramping in my right calf. Not my Achilles at all, 100% in the calf itself. When I started running it was pretty painful but I figured I should give it a mile or so to warm up. It got better so I thought I was in the clear. I stopped at the park for a bathroom break around mile 2.5 then when I started running again, it was hurting. After half a mile it hadn’t gotten any better so I turned around. It never totally went away over the 3 miles back to where I parked. Then I was sort of limping around yesterday afternoon. Did some foam rolling, put some warming/pain cream on it last night and we’ll see how it feel tomorrow. IDK how I strained it but it’s not happy right now.
Also, it’s officially snake season. I saw a small (maybe 12 in) copperhead and a not so small (maybe 2.5 ft) water moccasin on my run yesterday.
Going to Pilates today. I will be extra careful with my calf and won’t push it if the exercise hurts. But I can still get a good workout for the rest of me.9 -
@tarun_yadavA Gellato = yes - pastacio = not my flavour. I hope you enjoyed the layover! Have a great trip.
This morning, I wanted to get some interval training in before leaving for the mountains. It has been raining here a lot lately, although today was nice. However, there were some muddy spots in the forest part and I totally ate it. I feel gracefully enough that my Garmin only sent an alert that my pace was too slow. I got right up after sliding down part a hill through the mud and rocks and just continued the intervals. I could tell obviously that my leg was all full of mud (and much to my dismay my shoes) but it wasn’t till I got home that I realised my leggings were all ripped and I had blood all over them. I must have been a sight to see - I leg full of mud and blood, on leg clean. Now we are in the mountains, hopefully I can stay on my feet here. I had to toss the pants 
.
Spoiler is of today’s damage.
So far 10 bloody km out of 175 for April.
10 -
4/1 15.27 miles, The wind is a bully!
4/2 15.56 miles, I am so cold!
My Palm Sunday Sunrise!
8 -
Beautiful Palm Sunday sunrise @AlphaHowls!2
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