JULY 2024 Monthly Running Challenge

kgirlhart

July Goal: 130 Miles

7/1: 4.02 miles
7/2: 6.02 miles
7/3: 6.02 miles
7/4: 6.26 miles
7/7: 11.27 miles

33.59/130 miles completed for July

I ran 11 miles this morning. It was a great run. I wouldn't say it was cool, but it didn't feel as hot as it has been. It was 73°F at the start with a light breeze and felt pretty good as long as I was in the shade. I did have to sneak into the cemetery again this morning. They are supposed to unlock it at sunrise, but they are pretty inconsistent. I saw a jackrabbit in there, but other than that it was uneventful. I enjoyed it though. I think the salt tabs really help. I took one every half hour and felt great most of the run. It was 86°F feels like 90°F when I got home and I was ready to stop, but I did feel like I could run all day for most of the run. And the last mile or two wasn't a struggle like it has been the last few weeks. I think the salt tabs helped a lot.

Great job on your race @emptydog!

Looks like a great weekend @quilteryoyo!

AmunahSki

Hello all! New beginner here... I set myself an initial goal of training until I am able to run a full 5k without any walking, so I don’t have a monthly target yet - I’m just hoping to sustain a streak of 3 days per week for now. Is that ok?

There are more details about my beginner’s journey in the spoiler, and any tips are gratefully received.

@chris_in_cal Thanks for connecting on Garmin! I was looking for a new challenge and I found this thread, and you inspired me!

Since reaching my maintenance weight I’d been feeling like I need a new challenge to shift my focus from the scale: I am clearly motivated by the thrill of seeing numbers drop, and running seems like a good way to get fitter - but I have no idea how to DO it (or more importantly, learn to love it). I have always said “I’m not built for running”. But then I read this thread and it got me wondering if I should… just… start. Halfway through a lunchtime walk, I started to run a little, just to see how it felt. I didn’t hate it. Hence here I am, giving it a go.

20 June - 3 miles/4.82km, HR av 115, max 155 (Z4 10%, Z3 21%, Z2 44%). Mostly brisk walking with a few spurts of running.

22 June - Garmin watch suggestion was ‘a longer base run’ of 1hr 20mins at HR 130. Sure, ok, let’s try that. So I did 5.18m/8.36km, HR av 134, max 148 (Z4 23%, Z3 76%, Z2 0%). I found it really tricky to ‘run’ slow enough not to trigger the HR alarm, so I alternated between walk/run, and I ran 40%. It was boring (running laps around a football field at 10pm!) but I was determined to finish. Flood of PB’s, naturally, so that was nice - longest distance, 1k & 5k.

24 June - Garmin suggested base run of 20mins at HR 135. Ran 2.29mi/3.78km, HR av 130, max 148 (Z4 20%, Z3 55%, Z2 22%). Very tricky to ‘run’ that pace, I had to keep walking to bring down my HR, so only ran 58% of the distance.

25 June, and Garmin suggested 20min at HR 135 again, despite telling me I was ‘Strained’?! I’m clearly clueless how to judge these things for myself. I took a look at the Garmin Coach plans which will schedule runs and rest days for me, and set that up instead (3 runs per week). Enjoyed my rest day!

26 June - first benchmark run, 5 minutes walk, 5 minutes ‘easy pace’, 5 minutes walk. 0.78mi/1km, HR av 122, max 147. (Z4 10%, Z3 49%, Z2 16%). I jogged 98% of the 5min run time, interspersed with walking. New PB 1k.

28 June - 5 minutes walk, 5 minutes ‘easy pace’ plus optional 5, 5 minutes walk. 1.32mi/2.12km. HR av 127, max 148 (Z4 25%, Z3 30%, Z2 32%). After reading some running websites I tried a slower (sustainable) jog, achieved by concentrating on slowing my arms, and managed to run 91% of the 10min run time. Why didn’t they teach us this in PE lessons?

1 July - 5 minutes walk, 10 minutes ‘easy pace’ plus optional 5, 5 minutes walk. 1.7mi/2.74km HR av 129, max 153. (Z4 25%, Z3 30%, Z2 19%). First time I have jogged a whole 15 mins (except for stopping for two cars*) for a very long time.

3 July- 5 minutes walk, 10 minutes ‘easy pace’ plus optional 5, 5 minutes walk. 1.8mi/2.89km, HR av 131, max 153 (Z5 1%, Z4 53%, Z3 15%, Z2 8%). First time running with other people, as my son and his fiancé joined me - they were happy to jog at my pace but they’re in their early 30’s so it ended up still slightly faster than I have been able to do solo, despite talking along the way.

5 July - 5 minutes walk, 10 minutes ‘easy pace’ plus optional 5, 5 minutes walk. 1.88mi/3km, HR av 131, max 153 (Z5 1%, Z4 41%, Z3 32%, Z2 3%), clearly inspired by yesterday’s faster pace! Jogged for the full 15 minutes again (no cars*) and some of my cooldown time too.

7 July - 5 minutes walk, 10 minutes ‘easy pace’ plus optional 5, 5 minutes walk. 1.84mi/2.96km, HR av 136, max 161 (Z5 4%, Z4 41%, Z3 32%, Z2 3%). Not as fast as my last run as I was a bit tired (yesterday was supposed to be a rest day but I had to teach a 1hr ski lesson - which I track it as a hike since I do a lot of running up and down a steep hill). I was focusing on keeping an even pace and not worrying too much about my HR going too high, and did jog some of the walk time too. I now I have 2 rest days to recover!

*I’m using a quiet, narrow lane to run out and back on, and it has lots of natural distance ‘markers’ so I can easily gauge my improving speed/fitness. However, there’s not much of a verge so if there are cars you pretty much have to stand still to let them pass.

My woefully pathetic PR’s:
1k: 7:03
1m: 12:11
5k: 48:04
Longest run - 5.18mi/8.36km

Obviously I am getting a lot of data from Garmin on each run, and there’s SO much to look at

1 July - 1.7mi/2.74km
3 July- 1.8mi/2.89km
5 July - 1.88mi/3.02km
7 July - 1.84mi/2.96km

ContraryMaryMary

Welcome @AmunahSki, glad to have you join us. You’re doing so well - keep up the good work. And yes, learning to run slowly is harder than it ought to be. The easiest way to do it is to shorten your stride rather than trying to slow your cadence (I call this my nana shuffle and with this I can run for hours).

myrrha31

Just rejoining MFP and want to get back to running after falling off the wagon. My goal is to start building endurance and consistency. 3 years ago I was in 1/2 marathon shape. Now I am back to learn to run.

Some days may be walking. Some days may be running. But I will consider success if I keep moving forward.

chris_in_cal

That is great to hear. I'm glad you wrote in. I'd encourage you to make up whatever goal you want. It is helpful to practice making goals and keeping them.

AmunahSki wrote: »

First time running with other people, as my son and his fiancé joined me - they were happy to jog at my pace but they’re in their early 30’s so it ended up still slightly faster than I have been able to do solo, despite talking along the way.

Though 99.9% of my runs are solo I always get so much more running with other people. It was nice of the kids to join you.

noblsheep

4.8km speed up run last night (3.2km easy + 1.2 tempo + 400m threshold). It wasn't all that hot but I still downed an entire 1L bottle of sports drink at the end of it

@quilteryoyo lovely little ladies and awesome sunset!
@AmunahSki Welcome! sounds like you're doing great. A lot of people find it difficult to find a slow enough pace starting out, and I second @ContraryMaryMary to keep cadence up and make sure you're not overstriding.
@myrrha31 we're in similar boats, good to see you back.

martaindale

@AmunahSki Welcome! You are quickly learning a lesson a lot of people struggle with when starting out. It took me a long time to slow down. You are doing great! Keep it up!

@myrrha31 Welcome to you as well! You found a good group for encouragement as you get back to running.

martaindale

We are currently getting hit by our first hurricane this season. Beryl made landfall overnight. It's large but not super powerful, only cat 1. The rain started in earnest a few hours ago and the heavy winds are about to hit my area. It was just outer bands overnight but now the body of the storm has made its way up to us. I was hoping to beat the bulk of the storm this morning but no such luck. Winds are gusting to about 30 mph so treadmill this morning. Well, maybe not. Getting some brown outs so we may be about to lose power. That's unusual for us, so hopefully the power will hang in there.
My work delayed start until 10am and I wonder if that might get pushed a little more for those of us in the north part of Houston who will still be very much in the thick of it at 10 am.

henridw2095

@AmunahSki welcome! I am also still a beginner after a long break

Odd question: Has anyone tried running while still testing positive for covid? I am on day four after testing positive, but taking Paxlovid and feeling quite good. I do feel horrible sitting around at home though. I will probably go on a lonely walk today and see how that goes. My test is still insanely positive and I’m thinking of resuming my early morning runs (nobody around to infect) in a day or two, even if still positive. CDC guidance strangely allows returning to work after 5 days, which is not something I would do (out of respect for my coworkers.)

quilteryoyo

@kgirlhart Great running! Glad the salt tabs are working for you.

Welcome @AmunahSki . Looks like you are doing great. I would recommend a Couch to 5K program, but looks like you are already beyond that. Keep up the good work. Those are not pathetic PRs, btw.

Welcome @myrrha31 . Sounds like you have a great attitude toward running. You don't want to start out too fast or too far and get injured. Moving forward is the goal for all of us. One foot in front of the other.

Thanks @noblsheep . Great running. Staying hydrated is so important, whether it is blazing hot or not.

@martaindale Thanks for checking in. I hope your power doesn't go out and you don't get any major damage from the storm. Same for our other Texas friends too!

Scott6255

@martaindale glad Beryl isn't powerful and hope your power stays on. My daughter is in Houston too and her work is also delayed until 10am.

@henridw2095 yes, I still ran when I tested positive for Covid in 2020. I didn't really feel any symptoms so if that is your case, I think you will be fine. Just take it slow.

Welcome @AmunahSki. Great strategy. You are off to a good start.

I too tried a slow run this morning. Phone said 100% rain in the next hour, so I hurried to get ready so I could run in the rain. It barely sprinkled and I think I ran between the rain drops.
I only managed to do about 45s/mi slower than usual, and Garmin called me unproductive. Oh well.

martaindale

henridw2095 wrote: »

Odd question: Has anyone tried running while still testing positive for covid? I am on day four after testing positive, but taking Paxlovid and feeling quite good. I do feel horrible sitting around at home though. I will probably go on a lonely walk today and see how that goes. My test is still insanely positive and I’m thinking of resuming my early morning runs (nobody around to infect) in a day or two, even if still positive.

I know there are people here who ran through COVID. I didn't. My major concern was long COVID and one of the only risk factors I could control was not pushing activity while still sick. I took slooooow walks every day just to get out of the house and because I felt antsy just sitting in my bedroom. One walk was only half a mile because I felt fatigued to a degree that made me feel like I was pushing too hard.

I would say, start with slow walks. Get moving a little and see how you do. Watch your HR. Listen to your body.

When I started running I did very short intervals and didn't immediately go back to 5-6 days a week or long runs. Some would probably say I was too cautious but I had lingering symptoms for about 2-3 weeks after I was over the acute illness. It took a little over a month for everything to completely feel normal again and for my fitness to rebound.

BeverlyW1108

,July 8,2024
Wow! I'm just now checking in for July and ya'll are running like crazy! I love to see this!!!
We are staying at 8500ft elevation in Colorado for July and August to avoid the southern Heat.
It takes me a long time to get acclimated and we are planning to run a little less and hike a little more.
@henridw2095 I would listen to your body. I haven't had covid but sometimes when I have a "bug" I've found that running helps me mentally.

June ran 56.2 miles - just getting back from my broken humerus.
July 7.6 miles running to date, 4.2 miles hiking to date.

I hope everyone has a fun filled running day!!!

chris_in_cal

martaindale wrote: »

I had lingering symptoms for about 2-3 weeks after I was over the acute illness. It took a little over a month for everything to completely feel normal again and for my fitness to rebound.

My friend caught COVID last week on a Vegas trip. It's surely virulent again.

This was my recovery timeline too. I'm sensitive, sure, I stopped feeling horrible after a couple of days, but three weeks later I could still identify small lingering symptoms. From week 3 to week 8 I was eagle-eyed for any small lingering long symptoms and fortunately I did not have any.

For your body you don't need to anything more than moving around a little. For you mind you gotta get through it somehow just don't make your health worse. Get well soon @henridw2095

quilteryoyo

@Scott6255 Sorry you weren't able to run in the rain today. Sounds like you did a great job of dodging the raindrops. I hope you don't get too much bad weather from Beryl.

@henridw2095 I have had it 3 times. Each time I had very mild symptoms. I did walk and wun while I had it, but didn't push too hard and stopped when I needed to. I think if you listen to your body and don't overdo, you should be okay. I hope you start feeling better soon.

Teresa502

July 1 – 5.01 miles
July 3 – 5.10 miles
July 4 – 3.60 miles
July 6 – 7.02 miles
July 8 – 4.51 miles

Total 25.24 miles/ Goal 100 miles

I’m way behind on posting but I did go back and finish reading/liking the June posts and am finally caught up with July. My June goal was to run 60 miles and I ran 70.48 miles. For July, I’m setting my goal at 100 miles. I was very happy to see that @Scott6255 has returned!!! I’m definitely in the morning run camp. When I’m working in the office, I get up at 4:00 am to get it done before work. When at home, I don’t have the drive time to factor in so depending on my work calendar, I typically get up around 5:30 and out the door by 6:00 am. I don’t worry about getting in front of my computer screen with wet hair and no make-up when I don’t have any co-workers to scare!

On my mile 2 this morning, I met this young lady walking up the road. I knew she belonged to the neighbors who lived at the bottom of the hill so I slowed to a walk and drove her back down that way. When I returned, they were putting her back in her fenced lot. I always worry about a driver not seeing the wayward livestock in time to avoid a nasty collision.

@chris_in_cal – Congratulations on beating your previous time in your 5K race!

@martaindale – Hope you child is healing and soon 100% and that Beryl doesn’t leave much damage in its wake.

I enjoyed your vacation pics @ContraryMaryMary. Sorry for the wintery mix you are now having.

Thanks for sharing your trip too @tarun_yadavA!

Cute great-nieces and pretty fireworks pictures @quilteryoyo.

Hope you are feeling better @henridw2095. One of my travel mates came down with COVID after our cruise. I guess one out of six isn’t too bad considering we were flying and cruising with a lot of people. I think its important that you move (take walks) to prevent blood clots but I'm wary of pushing too much in fear it might trigger long COVID.

Well done on your 5K @emptydog! Having fun is my top priority in any race!

ThatCookieGurl

July 1st - 8th : 14.5 out of 83 complete.

chris_in_cal

5:00 a.m. Club

There is a cute article in the news today about the magic of getting up early and exercising.
https://theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/jul/08/the-cult-of-5am-is-rising-at-dawn-the-secret-of-health-and-happiness

One part is a little funny, and cruel.

Why is this so hard? I put the question to Russell Foster, head of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at Oxford University. But he wants to know why I would want to sign up for the 5am club in the first place. To say he is scathing about the fetishisation of the early start would be an understatement. “There’s nothing intrinsically important about getting up at 5am. It’s just the ghastly smugness of the early start. Benjamin Franklin was the one who started it all when he said, ‘Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise’ and it’s been going on ever since. It goes back to the Protestant work ethic – work is good and if you can’t or won’t work, that is, by definition, bad. Not sleeping is seen as worthy and productive.”

In sum it can work very well for some people, and work poorly for others, and there is no intrinsic value in where someone lands in all that.

yirara

01.07 3.0km 25min 8:20/km - 10x very short interval
04.07 5.7km 50min 8:49/km - run/walk
05.07 3.6km 30min 8:21/km - slow
07.07 4.1km 35min 8:29/km - slow
08.07 3.0km 26min 8:32/km - stride repeats

total 19.42km

Not a good run, but I did go out

martaindale

July total: 33.3/100 miles
YTD: 523.1/1200 miles

7/1: 3 miles
7/3: 6.5 miles
7/4: 7.5 miles
7/5: 3.1 miles
7/6: 8 miles
7/8: 5.2 miles

I’m estimating the mileage for today and will update it if I am able to recover the actual info. I did a treadmill run as the winds were getting pretty intense by the time I woke up. I was basically done with my run; we had slowed to a walk and the trainer was wrapping up as the power went out for good. So, I’m taking an educated guess.

Beryl has moved north and the sun is shining. There are so many downed branches and bits of tree debris everywhere but we didn’t have any damage. Luckily work cancelled for today once it became clear the storm would be on top of us for most of the day and the number of power outages started rising.

Over 2.3 million people in the Houston area are without power, including us. Luckily it’s not hot today, currently only 77F and we’re headed into evening. Tomorrow the high is 90F and it will be sunny and very muggy in the wake of all the rain. It’s actually unusual for us to lose power during storms. Our power lines are buried so when we lose power it’s usually because something happened closer to the source, not within the neighborhood. I’m hoping that means ours will be quick to return as they work through the problems.