November 2015 Running Challenge

Congratulations to everyone running races today! @skippygirlsmom, @snha, @rogue024 and anyone else I missed!

On the topic of streaking - I know of at least one runner in the challenge last year who did a streak just to motivate herself to keep running through the cold cold winter... its not for me but it worked for her. My motivation is seeing my time drop and keeping a non-injury streak!

@_nikkiwolf_ - OUCH! I hope your toe feels better soon!

@karef - I hope the news on the melanoma in the surrounding tissue is good. It runs in my family too and my dad had several removed along with the additional tissue removal as well. Not fun but if you stay on top of monitoring it like you seem to be you can catch them early. Good job talking to your kids too - my daughter is a sunscreen fanatic now

@kareF's post made me wonder how many of you wear sunscreen when you go out for a run? My dermatologist wanted me to wear 'special' long-sleeved shirts that block the sun, when I run but I can't imagine running in the heavy fabric, especially in the summer. I do put sunscreen on every time before I go out and I always wear a hat.

WhatMeRunning wrote: »

I know I haven't been in this month's challenge but I wanted to chime in with my perspective about streak running.

I see people who do 7 day/week running as part of their normal plans but are not streak runners because they have recovery weeks where they may take one day of rest that week along with the decrease in mileage that week. I also see people who run every day as streak runners but they take low mileage days for their recovery. In each case the only people I have seen doing either of these regularly are veteran runners who have been running with high base mileage for at least a few years. Those with less experience tend to only be able to do these things for a period of time and then have to fall back (or stop entirely for a while from an injury).

I know I am not at that point yet, but I have gone from where I started with 3 days/week to now running 6 days/week. It was a very noticeable change each time I added a day.

I would LOVE to be able to run 7 days/week to bump up that mileage, or even just to maintain mileage and maybe get a few extra minutes in one or more of the other 6 days where I have to fit in a medium-long run to hit my target weekly mileage. But I need that rest day still along with recovery weeks.

Streak runners also tend to do their streaks for a time and then typically take time off from running. Their recovery week may be a full week off from running in between streaks.

How you get your mileage can vary, the key is to be smart, only do what your body will allow, and take care of yourself.

Just my thoughts.

@WhatMeRunning That's a great post, and I love your profile bio!

I've only been running since September 22. I run 3 days a week. Been doing C25K on two of those days, and doing my best on Saturdays at parkrun.

Turkey Trot complete! Much slower than I expected, but it was a beautiful day and supported a wonderful cause.

Nov 1 - rest
Nov 2 - 3.2 Miles
Nov 3 - 4.3 Miles
Nov 4 - strength training
Nov 5 - rest
Nov 6 - 5.0 Miles
Nov 7 - 5.0 Miles
Nov 8 - 6.0 Miles
Nov 9 - rest day.
Nov 10 - 4.7 miles
Nov 11 - strength training
Nov 12 - 5.33 miles
Nov 13 - 4.04 miles + strength training
Nov 14 - 34 mile bike ride
Nov 15 - 40 mile bike ride
Nov 16 - 4.3 miles
Nov 17 - rest day.
Nov 18 - 5.0 miles
Nov 19 - cycling class
Nov 20 - strength training
Nov 21 - 4.4 miles
Nov 22 - 7.06 miles
Nov 23 - 5.30 miles
Nov 24 - rest day
Nov 25 - strength training
Nov 26 - 48 mile bike ride; 1 mile run
Nov 27 - 5.03 miles





Wow, it is hot out today. You'd never think yesterday was Thanksgiving. Should have gotten up earlier to run but it has been so nice the last few days I thought it would be okay. When I got home and saw how red my face was it's a wonder passers-by didn't pull over and call an ambulance. I looked awful! My husband passed by in the car and I saw he looked a little alarmed and starting slowing down and pulling over, so I gave him a thumbs up and a big smile. I didn't realize why he looked at me so strangely until I got home and looked in the mirror.

@shanaber - With biking I always wear sunscreen because we are out so long. With running, 95% of the year I'm running in the dark, so no. But today when I got back and just read your question I thought, oh my gosh, I should have worn it!

@ddmom0811 Running in the heat always make my husband look like he's had a coronary. I try not to look at myself. In my head I'm Shalane Flanagen, and don't want to ruin that.

It's 37°F windy and rainy here.

I wear sunscreen in the summer and a hat.

@Amandajs232 If you click on the username it should take you to their profiles.If your on mobile, I don't think you can see it, least I can't. Some are open, others are private that they may or may not share with friends.


This holiday streak is going to be a mental challenge. One mile will replace my rest days. You know how hard just 1 mile is? Least it'll get me in the habit of using my treadmill.

I had to stop the TM today when our 4 month old kitten joined me on it at 6mph. Amazingly, she got off to the side before it threw her. So I put it on the slowest setting and let her walk on it. She's gonna be a runner. Look at all of you running with dogs, cats'll run too LOL!


1-2.65 treadmill walk
2- rehab/ travel
3-2.5
4-rest/lazy
5-rehab/travel
6-5.5
7- migraine
8- 8.09
9-rehab/travel
10-4.21
11-rest
12-rehab/travel
13-5.51
14-8.20
15-Rest
16-rain run 5.70 then rehab/travel
17- 2.0 Treadmill/ new Merrell's
18-5.42
19-rehab/travel
20-5.44
21-rest
22-5.68
23- 0.5 at rehab
24-3.49
25- 0.5 at rehab.  Hey, it counts. It was on a treadmill.
26-5.90 Race 10K -my oversight, thought it was sanctioned.
27- 1.02 TM


71.82/80+

Upcoming races:
02/06/16 Hot chocolate 15K Dallas
3/19/16 Rock N Roll 5K Dallas
3/20/16 Rock N Roll Half Dallas
4/24/16 OKC Memorial

11/1 - 10 miles
11/2 - rest day - sore shins
11/3 - 5 miles
11/4 - 5 miles
11/5 - rest day cross country meet with Skip.
11/6 - 7 miles
11/7 - life day off - XC pancake breakfast which turned into still cleaning up until lunch LOL
11/8 - 6 miles tried something new and ran 9:58 pace
11/9 - 5 miles nice slow pace since my HM is Saturday
11/10 - rest day
11/11 - 4 miles - Happy Veterans Day!
11/12 - rest day
11/13 - rest day
11/14 - 13.22 miles HM PR 2:11.37 so excited!
11/15 - rest day
11/16 - 2.7 miles recovery ouch sore ouch recovery sore run LOL
11/17 - chest cold
11/18 - chest cold - okay time to go away now I'm tired of coughing
11/19 - chest cold
11/20 - 5 miles what a difference a day makes - didn't start to cough until after my run
11/21 - 5.1 miles - legs feel so heavy
11/22 - driving day
11/23 - visiting my friend day
11/24 - 5 miles
11/25 - 4 miles
11/26 - 10.3 miles 1 mile run into park, 5K and 10K
11/27 - 2.4 miles

89.7 out of 110 miles



Looks like 110 will be tough to get to, driving home from Mom's tomorrow and we have a 5K on Monday night so the chances of getting 20 miles in isn't likely. But considering all the days I took off this month I'm very happy.

The official results were posted from yesterday Skip moved up to 2nd in the 5K instead of 3rd and I finished the 15K challenge 2nd in my AG and 29th overall out of 53 who did it.

I did a short recovery run this morning. Skip went with me and got about .5 mile from the house and said she had a sharp pain in her knees I sent her home to ice. She did a long walk with me and some biking for recovery. Yesterday was her longest run so I'm not surprised she's feeling it today.

@dennie24 great 5 milers in the snow!!
@elise4270 LOL you have a running cat!
@_nikkiwolf_ hope the toe is better soon, ouch!!
@courtenaymichele that is my cousins name Courtney Michelle great job getting that Turkey Trot done
@moyer566 I might have missed your post how was the race and buns!?
@ddmom0811 girl I went out at 9:00 and it was very toasty out there today. I have a bit of a chaff from yesterday so I have capris on it and was definitely a hot one. I don't wear sunscreen either, like you I'm usually out in the dark, but I was saying to Skip while we were walking how dark her shoulders and arms were from just a few days running here.
@rogue024 and @snha fantastic races!!
@honunui love the fish picture

Darn if my truck blinker isn't out gotta run to the parts store and get a bulb and fix it.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!! I had a cheeseburger ha ha! Skip had an omelet.

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone!

I ran my Turkey Trot yesterday and it was spectacular. The temperature was about 65, so total perfection and unnaturally mild for my location so I was on cloud 9.

I was hoping to make it a family event and rented a double Bob Revolution for my husband to push our kids, but when we got to the venue, found out that inner tube was busted and one of tires was flat to the ground
We had been looking forward to this for months, so it was sad not to have them by my side.

I just finished the C25K program on Monday and was very doubtful that I could finish the 5k. My goal was to finish it without walking, just running.
I was able to do it!!

The combination of the mild weather and running on asphalt (vs. my usual concrete) made a big difference!

I usually don't like crowds, but I really enjoyed the race. It was kind of confusing because I honestly didn't even know when it started, I just started walking from the back of the crowd. And it took me a while to realize that I needed to try to start running and make my way out of the group of walkers. (I felt so lost)

Once I started running, I felt really good. I loved trying to pass people, lol.

Since it was a family event, people seem very friendly. It was great seeing little, tiny kids *running* the 5K!!

I also learned that there's nothing such as "the runner's body" (well, maybe for marathoners and such, IDK)
But yesterday, every body was soooooo different: from preschoolers to octogenarians kicking butt. It was fascinating to see all the range of people brought together by the love of fitness.

The person that won did so in 15 minutes. What?!? How is that even possible?!?

Anyway, it was a blast.

And I'd like to thank you all for the great advice and support. Such a wonderful group.

Last, I have a question:

I am interested in working on my pace. I was thinking about getting a Garmin. But wonder if it is overkill.

I have a Polar FT4 HRM, which I love. And, for health reasons, having an accurate HRM is a must for me.

I don't really have a need to GPS since I don't run trails or venture into unfamiliar territory ever.

Should I just aim to use Map my Run to track my pace? Or is there a Garmin product that can serve as my HRM, while tracking my pace and not breaking the bank?

Thanks in advance for your time. And thank you all again for being so awesome.

@Elise4270 Which one do you have now? (and like)

You are right that I would rather spend a little more upfront than buy something poorly made -- that will have to be replaced quickly and won't perform as well.

Thanks in advance

@kareF I'm sorry about the news, glad you were able to catch it early. I do make sure that I wear sunscreen every day, I wish I could say the same for my husband. I'll keep nagging him!

Congrats to all the turkey trotters yesterday! @skippygirlsmom, skip, @moyer566, @snha, @beachhouse758 - looks like everyone did so well! I hope I didn't miss anyone.

@Elise4270 love the cat story! There's a YouTube video that I play sometimes with 2 cats trying to run on a treadmill, it's hilarious!

beachhouse758 wrote: »

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone!

I just finished the C25K program on Monday and was very doubtful that I could finish the 5k. My goal was to finish it without walking, just running.
I was able to do it!!

The first of your series of running achievements!

beachhouse758 wrote: »

The combination of the mild weather and running on asphalt (vs. my usual concrete) made a big difference!

Running on concrete is REALLY hard on your feet. I would avoid that as much as possible and try to run on asphalt against the traffic, a local track in your school district or on trails in local parks.

beachhouse758 wrote: »

I usually don't like crowds, but I really enjoyed the race. It was kind of confusing because I honestly didn't even know when it started, I just started walking from the back of the crowd. And it took me a while to realize that I needed to try to start running and make my way out of the group of walkers. (I felt so lost)

Most races are set up in "groupings" according to your expected pace. Walkers all the way at the back. People running, say, 16:00 mile, then 15:00, then 14:00 etc etc etc. This is to try and help the faster people from having to dodge around the slower ones during the race as much as possible.

beachhouse758 wrote: »

Last, I have a question:

I am interested in working on my pace. I was thinking about getting a Garmin. But wonder if it is overkill.

I'm a big believer in "cheap". I don't spend money just to spend money. I did all my interval training for C25K using a kitchen timer and used that for the race as well. After I had stuck with my running for a long enough time, I decided I would get a smart phone and a running app. I bought a $10 reconditioned Android phone from my pay-as-you-go provider and downloaded RunKeeper (free) and that's what I use to track pace.

I now have a Garmin watch purchased used for $40 but haven't used it yet to give an opinion on what it would do in regard to HR monitoring etc.

beachhouse758 wrote: »

I have a Polar FT4 HRM, which I love. And, for health reasons, having an accurate HRM is a must for me.

I don't really have a need to GPS since I don't run trails or venture into unfamiliar territory ever.

If you keep running longer and longer distances, eventually you'll find the GPS features of the apps to be helpful. (IMHO)

beachhouse758 wrote: »

Should I just aim to use Map my Run to track my pace? Or is there a Garmin product that can serve as my HRM, while tracking my pace and not breaking the bank?

Short answer: Just use Map My Run..especially since you already have an HRM. Honestly, it might be possible to sync the Polar to MapMyRun and add the HR data to what it tracks already. The longer (in terms of days) that you continue to run, the more you will find that your pace naturally quickens.

When I began Run For God (essentially C25K plan with a Christian focus added), I couldn't run a mile. By the end of the course, my pace was probably around 14:00/mile. I now EASILY run 3-3.5 miles, have run up to 12 miles, and my pace on shorter runs is around 10:00/mile. This was all done by continuing the run/walk intervals. I still do that in races...but the "run" portion is longer now.

beachhouse758 wrote: »

@Elise4270 Which one do you have now? (and like)

You are right that I would rather spend a little more upfront than buy something poorly made -- that will have to be replaced quickly and won't perform as well.

Thanks in advance

I have the 620. Garmin is putting out a new line, Dec 2nd and the older models are reduced, like the 220. My husband (and I think @Stoshew71 too) has the 220 and it suits him fine, although he won't wear a chest strap and will likely get a 235 when they drop because they don't use the strap, and he's jealous of all my HRM data.

I chose the 620 for the additional metrics. I was also cycling at the time and it offers a cycling setting. I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to run.

Between HRM's (I broke one SCUBA diving by not getting the water seal in properly after changing the battery), I used Strava with a zypher chest strap. It may be a good option until you decide on what you need and how much you can let go of. It took me more than a month to pull the trigger on the 620.. But I've never regretted it.

Dcrainmaker reviews are helpful in deciding.

November goal— somewhere between 100 and 140 km


11/3—5 km
11/5—5.2 km
11/8—10.46 km
11/10—5.05 km
11/11—5.39 km
11/14—21.60 km
11/18—4.93 km
11/20— 5.37 km
11/21—3.75 km—it’s been a while since ‘HILLdy’ and I had a date so I ran on loop
11/22—10.3 km
11/24— 4.87 km
11/26— 5.23 km
11/28— 5.25 km…twice around Hilldegaard

@ACSL3 enjoy your visit home and have a great weekend
@elise4270 sorry about the weather, but hey, do tell us about the book. you’re giving me a great idea of reading something light on running, hmm!
@courtenaymichele congrats on the turkey trot.
@ddmom0811 i’ve been running in 20-something degrees weather in the last couple of days! i assume i would prefer yours?
@beachhouse758 congrats on your Turkey Trot.
Welcome to the group @joinn68
@Orphia congrats on your run, but hey, what is Age grading? Am not familiar with the term!

11/1 4.71 miles
11/2 no run—elliptical for an hour though!
11/3 5.27 miles — lake path. here are a couple of pictures!
11/4 no run--elliptical for an hour.
11/5 4 miles--nice run, but my left calf decided to go crazy today for some reason! I did finish my run, although the last mile was painful, like a cramp, but not fully
11/7 7 miles--wonderful run, felt so comfortable and happy since I thought I won't be able to make the run
11/8 no run--one-hour elliptical instead
11/9 5.19 miles--cold, 28 degrees, but a great run!
11/10 elliptical
11/11 rest day--trip out of town for five days that made running difficult
11/12 4.71 -- trip somewhat made
11/13 none
11/14 none
11/15 none
11/16 5--back to town. Yes!
11/17 none. forced rest day bc of work!
11/18 5.19 -- good run
11/19 rest day
11/20 no run--elliptical day
11/21 no run--elliptical day
11/22 5.13 -- on the snow for the first time, was a really good run!
11/23 rest day forced bc of work
11/24 4.5 needed run
11/25 1.86 warm up run preparing for tomorrow's 10k!
11/26 6.2 -- 10K race, BerbeeDerby! 54:05, 8:43!
11/27 2.36 slow, easy recovery run! Also, a half hour elliptical, just for good measure!

snha wrote: »

@Orphia congrats on your run, but hey, what is Age grading? Am not familiar with the term!

"Age grading takes your time and uses the world record time for your sex and age to produce a score (a percentage). This score allows you to compare your personal performance against other people's performances even though they might be a different age and a different sex to you - the higher the score the better the performance."

More info here:

https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/200565263-What-is-age-grading-