AUGUST 2023 Monthly Running Challenge
AlphaHowls
Posts: 1,995 Member
in Challenges
AUGUST 2023 Monthly Running Challenge
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 July 2023 Monthly Running Challenge which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10893781/july-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 July 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.
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 July 2023 Monthly Running Challenge which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10893781/july-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 July 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.
2
Replies
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Yay, I'm here! Lets do this tomorrow9
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I'm in for August! I'm going to say 125 miles.8
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Hi there! I’ve been lurking for a while as I nursed a sore achilles (did it to myself, ramping up from zero hills to all the hill repeats, because they’re so much fun). I think I’m finally ready to jump back into running, and I’m going to do it using a 10K Runner app. This should get me in shape for a 5 mile race at the end of November (the Wurst Run—and the first race I ever did!) if I stick to it.
The actual challenge for me this month will be to stick to the recommended runs, and not jump ahead. Clearly, parts of me (muscles, heart) are fitter than others (tendons, etc.), so even if it feels good in the moment, going too fast too soon is just going to put me on the sidelines again. So, no mile goal, just keep it slow and easy!11 -
Thank you @AlphaHowls for setting up August!!
Welcome @knotmel Sounds like you have it figured out!
I'm in for my 170 miles.7 -
I'm going for 31 Runs /31 days... I'm going for 15010
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Thank you for setting up the August thread @AlphaHowls
Going to set a target of 80 miles for August. 33% up on my final total for July and means one more run than the Garmin plan. I mean really garmin, who does 78 miles in a month?
Happy August everyone!8 -
Specific training for my relay ultra started today. Oh boy, this is gonna be... interesting. I had to get used to training by time instead of mileage. Now evil coach has sent me a training plan that goes by elevation :-o
I was pretty pleased with my total weekly elevation this month, which was higher than ever. Now he's demanding that much just from the long runs, and throwing 15 minute power-hiking steep hill repeats into the mix along with hill fartleks (just plain evil) AND a 2-3 hour hike in the mountains on a 'rest day'. Plus the damn strength training. My legs hurt just thinking about it 🤣
So, all that self-pity just to say I have no idea what my goal is apart from surviving!10 -
Thanks for setting up August @AlphaHowls ! It's hard to believe July is already gone.
Welcome @knotmel ! That's a great goal.
With that plan, I think surviving is a fantastic goal @eleanorhawkins !
Do you pay for this evil coach? Is he virtual or in person? Just curious.
Since I have so many other things to do during the summer months, it seems that a goal of 80 miles is enough to push me to do a bit more than I really feel like doing, but not be unreachable, so that is what I am sticking with once again - 80 miles total of walking fast and running combined.9 -
In for 100 miles again. Should be an easier target this month as things get back to normal and summer winds down. School starts back on the 9th here.
I am signed up for Bird-in-hand HM in Pennsylvania in early September. I'm not racing, just along for the experience. I haven't touched my race pace in months and it's probably going to be too warm to really consider racing. But it should be a fun event and an excuse to get out of town.9 -
The names of the little towns in southeast PA are the best.martaindale wrote: »I am signed up for Bird-in-hand HM in Pennsylvania
JIC: September weather in PA can be PR worthy. Clear, dry, and 58 at the finish.4 -
Joining in for August. Have NOT yet decided on what the goal will be. I think to eat more. 😇😆🤣
We have some birthdays in the group this month I think (mine is the 15th) so I know I will have a LONG run that day. Over 6 miles but not saying how far over.. LOL.
Happy LEO month. And looking forward to some slightly shorter days so it cools off more at night.4 -
I’m going to try to join @martaindale this month for 100 miles (160km). Not sure it’s doable but I will do my best. I will most likely not do much running in Yosemite, but I will try to do what’s possible. I’m hoping for some longer run once I get back to Germany towards the end of the month.5
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@quilteryoyo officially it's an online training 'club' but they're awesome despite being cheaper than one on one personal training. They do generic training plans for different levels and situations then help you tweak them to suit, design new strength and mobility workouts each month, have tonnes of theory lessons on stuff like fuelling, designing race calendars, strategy... and we have zoom consultations twice a month. At the last session I asked for advice on how to balance increasing elevation with time on feet, lo and behold they released the plans for August and mine is all in elevation :-)
@martaindale every year it surprises me when your schools start and we're still only halfway through summer here!
Speaking of summer, I am so over it. Sigh. I'm already getting up at 5am to get my longer runs in, no idea how I'm going to manage this month.5 -
Morning everyone!
Got in a 4 to kickstart the month!
@Laurz9191 hope you enjoy Yosemite!
@SummerSkier birthday months are the worst for running and maintaining lol
@eleanorhawkins well done to you getting up at 5 to train for your Ultra! Must be scorching in Spain4 -
W1D1 of my 10K app done. Achilles felt good (a little sensation at the beginning, but not pain), though the real test will be how it feels in the morning. The app says I should do W1D3 next (skipping D2) since I felt great, but I'm sticking to my plan and will do D2 on Thursday. SLOW AND STEADY.
@eleanorhawkins I am also so over summer (despite this being my first run this summer)! It was still 80 this morning when I went out at 5--I'm really looking forward to fall--the first run after the first cold front is going to feel amazing!
8 -
August Running Goal: 18 runs, 75 miles
3.2 lbs July weight loss (244.8 lbs -> 241.6 lbs)
I'm Chris, I live in San Diego, California. Since covid I'm mostly doing work from home. I've been on MFP since 2009 and during that time I've had some wild swings with health and fitness. My most fit years were 2010 and 2019, when I did lots of food tracking and a lot of Iyengar yoga and running. This year 2023 is my post covid/get back to running year. This is my sixth month on this thread, it is great accountability.
August is my return to MFP food logging month, I've been away from that for far too long.
One hundred years ago and one hundred lbs. ago I ran a 17:15 5K race. The best run ever was during my only season of cross-country at school, the last race of the season I floated and everything worked. It was an amazing run.
Please connect on Garmin if you have one.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/profile/chris_in_cal
7 -
HEY! Question of the month/week/day!
What is your complete and utter time waster? Tell me, show me!
One of mine, I can waste time watching random live streams (not tiktok or such)
This is a work site in Nashville. I will turn it on and just watch people work.
https://app.truelook.cloud/dashboard/14587/15915/live?code=6qq3xlue9rq6xcthulw919s53
Live traffic where I live:
https://clarksvillenow.com/live-traffic-cameras-in-clarksville/
Sometimes, I can find weather live streams.5 -
chris_in_cal wrote: »JIC: September weather in PA can be PR worthy. Clear, dry, and 58 at the finish.
That would be lovely! I don't know if I could muster my race pace without any running above an easy pace for a few months. But I might be tempted if it's that cool!2 -
eleanorhawkins wrote: »Speaking of summer, I am so over it. Sigh. I'm already getting up at 5am to get my longer runs in, no idea how I'm going to manage this month.
I'm right there with you. Dragging myself out of bed to beat the sun and it's already 80F feels like 85F before sunrise. Gross! I am so ready for fall!4 -
AlphaHowls wrote: »HEY! Question of the month/week/day!
What is your complete and utter time waster? Tell me, show me!
Right now it's camper and tow vehicle research. There are so many options, reviews, pros/cons to consider. I spent most of last Saturday doing just that. My kid will get my current car when they start driving next year so I am getting something big enough to tow a small camper. I enjoy camping but the season is very short here. Some additional shelter would mean I can camp basically year round so lots more opportunities.
I count this as a time waster because I end up down rabbit holes that lead places I have no intention of going. Like camper vans. Spent hours looking at camper vans knowing they are like $150k and I wouldn't use it as my daily driver, so not an option.4 -
Yay, here it goes!
01.08 Tue 18°C 2.1km 20min 9:30/km
2.1km/no goal - 2.1km ahead
Remarkable for walking 6km in the afternoon and doing strength training, and then running. So managed to run the whole time, but that's all which was possible today. Maximum HR: 187bpm near the end. Yeah, slightly de-conditioned 8 -
Aug total: 5.6/100 miles
8/1: 5.6 miles
I planned for 7 miles this morning and just couldn't. It was nasty this morning. My HR shot up so fast and despite slowing it down a lot and adding in walk breaks, it climbed up into zone 5 every time I started running. By the end of the first mile I felt nauseated but I was pretty sure it was heat related not actual stomach issues. I made it to mile 1.5 and took my first salt tab. By mile 2 the nausea was gone. So, yeah, it's hot and I'm dehydrated. I hit my one and only sprinkler so I walked verrrry slowly through it and decided to shorten the run. It seemed like I would be doing more harm than good by toughing out another 1.5 miles.
The weather is a carbon copy of misery for the next 10-12 days so I will likely start splitting my runs. Do as much as seems reasonable outside then finish the last few on the treadmill. I have a 10 mile LR this weekend and I'm definitely planning to break that one up.7 -
martaindale wrote: »Aug total: 5.6/100 miles
The weather is a carbon copy of misery for the next 10-12 days so I will likely start splitting my runs.
Oh gosh, this is how I would describe the weather here. But it's cold (some mornings I feel like turning the heating on because it's just 18C inside), stormy, randomly starts raining or hailing several times per day with the occasional thunder inbetween. Want to swap?
3 -
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chris_in_cal wrote: »
You'd think so, but it's Germany This has been the weather for the past two weeks or so, and the next two won't be much different. Normally you'd expect 24-30C with occasional short thunderstorms. 3 -
August Goal: 125 Miles
8/1: 6.26 Miles
6.26/125 miles completed for August
I had a good run to start August. I decided to start out with a 10K. It was hot when I got up. 84°F at 5:30 am is getting really old. But the moon was lovely and I really enjoyed the run. I altered my route a little to avoid the mean dog. I did see him on my way back in (when it was no longer dark) and he was in his yard. I was able to catch the sprinklers at the courthouse. Those are my favorite because I can stay on the sidewalk and still get some spray and then turn around and run the other direction and get the other side.The pictures never do it justice. The moon looked so clear and bright and beautiful this morning.
9 -
martaindale wrote: »Aug total: 5.6/100 miles
The weather is a carbon copy of misery for the next 10-12 days so I will likely start splitting my runs.
Oh gosh, this is how I would describe the weather here. But it's cold (some mornings I feel like turning the heating on because it's just 18C inside), stormy, randomly starts raining or hailing several times per day with the occasional thunder inbetween. Want to swap?
Yes, please. It's 10pm and it's 31.3C inside my living room right now.2 -
eleanorhawkins wrote: »martaindale wrote: »Aug total: 5.6/100 miles
The weather is a carbon copy of misery for the next 10-12 days so I will likely start splitting my runs.
Oh gosh, this is how I would describe the weather here. But it's cold (some mornings I feel like turning the heating on because it's just 18C inside), stormy, randomly starts raining or hailing several times per day with the occasional thunder inbetween. Want to swap?
Yes, please. It's 10pm and it's 31.3C inside my living room right now.
That was my last summer here It's like a 13C temperature difference inside at times. Totally crazy. 0 -
I hear and feel all of you with this @$&#! Heat! 🥵
I have been doing the majority of my runs on the TM because I can barely breathe out there. But I have to suck it up and at least do some long runs outside. But today was a speed workout, and for sure couldn't have done that outside. I know my treadmill isn't calibrated, so not sure what the real pace was during the speed interval, but it felt hard and that's basically the point 😉
7 -
Everyone is setting awesome goals for the month.
Thanks for the info @eleanorhawkins . That sounds like a great training club!
Great run @tarun_yadavA !
Great start @knotmel . Smart to follow the plan and not jump ahead.
@martaindale That's interesting because I have been looking at campers too. I think I want a camper van or a small Class C. But, they are so expensive and I don't really know if I would use them enough to pay to have them. I wish there was somewhere local I could rent and see what I thought, but I haven't had any luck.
You did great @yirara !
Good idea to cut today's run short @martaindale . Also smart plan to do some outside and finish indoors when it is that hot out.
Nice run and picture @kgirlhart . I heard this one is a super moon, so should look great tomorrow morning too. I plan on being in bed and missing it. LOL
Well done on your TM speed work @Scott6255 !
6
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