December 2016 Running Challenge

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  • MNLittleFinn
    MNLittleFinn Posts: 4,271 Member
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    MobyCarp wrote: »
    @MNLittleFinn - I should add the disclaimer that I know many runners who use fewer gels than I do.

    Also, every 5 miles is more often than every 45 minute for me, though it's usually over 40 minutes on training runs; but it's significantly less than 45 minutes in races. I tell first-time half trainees that the 45 minutes recommended by most beginner training plans and most gel makers is a reasonable place to start from in figuring out what's optimal for you.

    You specifically said "gels," so I assume that's your in-race fuel of choice. It may also take some experimentation to see what works best for you; some people do better with chews than I do.

    Thanks. yup, I specifically said gels. I've used honey stingers and Gu. For me they are easy to use, I might try some chews too though, just for experimentation sake.
  • RespectTheKitty
    RespectTheKitty Posts: 1,667 Member
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    Not much to report. Did 6.3 miles today. Depression still kicking my butt. Hoping the occasional pain in my right achilles doesn't get any worse.

    Just want the week to be over.
  • BeeerRunner
    BeeerRunner Posts: 728 Member
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    MNLittleFinn wrote: »
    Question for the experienced marathoners...I don't think I've asked this yet.... at what distance LR did you start practicing/experimenting with fueling? I saw that I have my first "longer than HM" run coming up in a couple weeks, and that got me to thinking about the additional things I need to do for marathon training/running, that
    I didn't have to do for HM training.

    Well, I'm still working on the marathon, but I do use fuel in my long runs, pretty much 12 miles and over. I definitely used them in my half marathons and I feel like if I didn't, I would have ran out of energy. I wish I would have used something in my 15K trail race. I still think that was my toughest race to date. It was also in the 90s, humid, no breeze, and in the dark. Fun times!

    Now, I'm on the light end of my height to weight ratio so I can only tolerate a 1/2 serving at a time. Because of that, I don't like Gu. I prefer sport beans and alternate between caffeinated and uncaffeinated. I also have used the Clif Shot Bloks. Those taste the best to me, but they are big and hard to fit in my hydration belt.

    I also take mine about every 5 miles or 45 minutes ish during a long run. During a race probably sooner and more frequent, but I'm taking a half serving since a full upsets my stomach.
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
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    MobyCarp wrote: »
    @MNLittleFinn - I should add the disclaimer that I know many runners who use fewer gels than I do.

    Also, every 5 miles is more often than every 45 minute for me, though it's usually over 40 minutes on training runs; but it's significantly less than 45 minutes in races. I tell first-time half trainees that the 45 minutes recommended by most beginner training plans and most gel makers is a reasonable place to start from in figuring out what's optimal for you.

    You specifically said "gels," so I assume that's your in-race fuel of choice. It may also take some experimentation to see what works best for you; some people do better with chews than I do.

    @MNLittleFinn You may want to pick up a copy of Runner's World Big Book of Marathon and Half Marathon Training. It's the first book I got and answers questions like this. A gel (100 calories) every 45 minutes is the advice in that book. Although personally, I can probably consume the same amount of calories more often.
  • garygse
    garygse Posts: 896 Member
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    BeeerRunner wrote: »
    @garygse Can you believe this weather? When we left for church last night, I was shocked at how warm it was. I'm glad I ran when it was cooler. I enjoyed the run today though. The wind was tough at times but it kept things cool.
    @BeeerRunner I prefer these temps for running rather than having to get all layered up! And of course, I've been slacking due to prior commitments during this warmer week; boo! I did manage to get out for a run tonight though, and I may get some more small ones in before I have to return to work next week.

    Hope all is well with everyone here...there's too many posts to catch up on!

    --

    02 - 11.77 miles
    03 - 5.39
    04 - 5.33
    05 - 11.30
    07 - 12.78
    09 - 13.94
    10 - 4.19
    12 - 10.32
    14 - 12.64
    16 - 12.43
    17 - 5.33
    21 - 7.92
    23 - 5.24
    24 - 5.32
    28 - 5.23

    Total: 129.13 / 125 << YAY!!!
  • Orphia
    Orphia Posts: 7,097 Member
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    01 Dec – 6.2 km Lake Wendouree
    03 Dec – 5.4 km including Albert Melbourne parkrun with my nephew
    04 Dec – 21.2 km Carman’s Women’s Half Marathon 2:07:59.4
    07 Dec – 5.8 km
    08 Dec – 4.3 km jog to Body Balance
    09 Dec – 4.2 km
    10 Dec – 2.6 km
    11 Dec – 10 km
    12 Dec – 6.8 km
    13 Dec – 7 km
    14 Dec – 9.2 km
    15 Dec – 8.3 km
    16 Dec – 1.7 km testing new Garmin
    17 Dec – 7.6 km including parkrun
    18 Dec – 14.8 km
    20 Dec – 10.1 km
    21 Dec – 5.1 KM
    22 Dec – 7 km
    25 Dec – 12.4 km
    26 Dec – 8.1 km
    27 Dec – 10.1 km
    28 Dec – 8 km
    29 Dec – 6 km


    Total: 213.9 km

    Goals:
    Merry Fitmas Exercise Challenge (12WBT Runners Connect FB Group): 30 minutes of exercise every day in December.

    Brooks North Pole Run Club Challenge (Strava): Run 6 hrs over 12 days from December 5 - December 16. DONE!

    12 Days of Xmas Run Streak (Me): Run a minimum of 5 km every day from December 25 - January 5

    New Balance Run Festive (Strava): Run 50 km from December 24 to December 31. CURRENT TOTAL 44 km
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
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    Date Miles today - Miles for December
    12/1 6 miles - 6
    12/2 4 miles - 10
    12/3 12 miles - 22
    12/4 REST DAY
    12/5 5 miles - 27
    12/6 4 miles - 31
    12/7 REST DAY
    12/8 3.5 miles - 34.5
    12/9 REST DAY
    12/10 26.4 - 60.9
    12/11 REST DAY
    12/12 REST DAY
    12/13 REST DAY
    12/14 REST DAY
    12/15 4 miles - 64.9
    12/16 REST DAY
    12/17 REST DAY
    12/18 REST DAY
    12/19 6.5 miles 71.4
    12/20 6.2 miles 77.6
    12/21 4 miles - 81.6
    12/22 8 miles - 89.6
    12/23 5 miles - 94.6
    12/24 11 miles - 105.6
    12/25 REST DAY
    12/26 8 miles - 113.6
    12/27 10 miles - 123.6
    12/28 4 miles - 127.6
    12/29 10 miles - 137.6


    exercise.png

    Upcoming races:
    UAH 8K - 3/6 <<< 34:33 3 in AG
    Oak Barrel HM - 4/2 <<<< 1:38:00 3 in AG
    Bridge Street HM - 4/10 <<< 1:36:33 3 in AG
    PEO-AVN Team Day 5K - 5/4 <<< 19:10 (2.9 mi) 1 in AG 5 OA
    Cotton Row Run 10K - 5/30 << 44:57 PR
    Firecracker Chase 10.2 miler 6/25 << 1:20:22 1 in AG & 15 OA
    Huntsville Half Marathon - 11/12 << 1:35:55 2 in AG & 25 OA
    Rocket City Marathon - 12/10 << 2:44:41
    Kentucky Derby Marathon - 4/29


  • lissadecker
    lissadecker Posts: 220 Member
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    December goal: 100 miles
    12/1: 3.25 miles
    12/2: 2.75 miles
    12/3: 3.15 miles (m)
    12/4: Rest Day
    12/5: 5 miles (2 + 3 treadmill)
    12/6: 4 miles (m)
    12/7: 4 miles
    12/8: 4.35 miles (m)
    12/9: Rest Day
    12/10: 3.5 miles
    12/11: 5 miles (m)
    12/12: 4 miles
    12/13: 4 miles (m)
    12/14: 5 miles (m)
    12/15: 4 miles (m)
    12/16: Rest Day
    12/17: 3 miles (m)
    12/18: 7 miles (m)
    12/19: 3.5 miles (m)
    12/20: 4 miles
    12/21: 3.5 miles
    12/22: 3.5 miles (m)
    12/23: 2.25 miles (m)
    12/24: 3 miles
    12/25: Rest Day
    12/26: 5 miles (m)
    12/27: 3.25 miles (m)
    12/28: 4 miles (m)
    12/29: 3.5 miles

    My Total/December: 97.5 miles
    Mike's Total: 61.5 miles

    It was a B-E-A-U-tiful morning for running today with Fergus. Temp was 67F and it was windy which made for a nice breeze in the greenbelts. Best of all, humidity was only at about 38%. What a relief from our usual 90+! My right knee was giving me some trouble about a mile in, but it seemed to work itself out shortly thereafter. At about 1.75 miles I hit my stride and everything just felt great. That lasted for about 1.25 mile and then we had to stop for some traffic and I just never quite got it back after that so we wrapped it up at three and a half which was the distance that I had planned for today anyway. Boy, those moments when everything falls into place and you just go make all the suckier times worth the effort.

    @ddmom0811 Excellent point about strength training. I have really gotten out of the habit and need to step it up. Sounds like another 2017 goal for me!
    @Orphia Great goals! Looks like a busy year!
    @kristinegift 2400 miles! You go, girl!

    Have a fabulous rest of the day everyone!

    Completed Races:
    12/3 Snowball Run 5K, Kingwood TX (35:34.2) *PR

    Upcoming Races:
    1/22 Choco Loco 10K, Houston, TX

    exercise.png
  • karllundy
    karllundy Posts: 1,490 Member
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    12/1 - 5.35 miles on treadmill (Trek class)
    12/2 - 5 miles. Pleasant for December, about 35°
    12/3 - Bodypump class, then 2.25 miles on treadmill
    12/4 - Planned rest day.
    12/5 - 5.11 miles avoiding slippery spots.
    12/6 - Bodypump class, then 2.3 miles on treadmill.
    12/7 - 4 miles on the 'mill.
    12/8 - 4.6 more 'mill miles (Trek class was full...so I had to run solo)
    12/9 - Unplanned rest day.
    12/10 - 2.3 miles on the treadmill, then Bodypump.
    12/11 - 4.5 'mill miles.
    12/12 - Rest day.
    12/13 - Bodypump, then 2.25 miles on treadmill.
    12/14 - 4 miles on treadmill.
    12/15 - 5.3 miles on treadmill (Trek class). Hamstrings are SORE.
    12/16 - Recovery day. Yesterday's run/class really beat me up. Hamstrings and hip hurt this morning.
    12/17 - 2.5 'mill miles, then Bodypump.
    12/18 to 20 - Nada. Dad in hospital with hiatal hernia, so no time to squeeze in a workout.
    12/21 - 4 miles on treadmill, then short upper body weight workout.
    12/22 - 5 miles on treadmill (Trek class). Lots of incline today.
    12/23 - Holiday cleaning / prep day. Wife dictated no time for workout.
    12/24 - 2.15 miles on treadmil, then Bodypump.
    12/25 to 12/28 - Nasty upper respiratory virus = no running and minimal activity. Back to work today, but still sick. Yuck.
    12/29 - Still seems ill-advised to run.

    exercise.png
  • vandinem
    vandinem Posts: 550 Member
    edited December 2016
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    Date     Miles      MTD
------   -----    -------
Dec 01     4.4T       4.4
Dec 03     5.6       10.0
Dec 04     5.1       15.1
Dec 07     5.2T      20.3
Dec 09     6.5       26.8
Dec 11     8.2       35.0
Dec 13     5.1       40.1
Dec 16     6.2T      46.3
Dec 18     6.6T      52.9
Dec 26    10.8       63.7
Dec 28     6.5       70.2
Dec 29     7.5       77.7  Lucky 7s!!!

    exercise.png

    I have GOT to figure out my running goals for 2017. 2,017 km seems possible, and I like what others have said about a commitment to some strength training in the coming year.
  • NikolaosKey
    NikolaosKey Posts: 410 Member
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    Hi and happy vacation period to all!

    Goal for December: 120k

    12/1: 8k
    12/2: 2.2k (warmup for strength training)
    12/5: 6.8k
    12/6: 6.8k intervals
    12/7: 2.1k (as a warmup for strength training)
    12/9: 10.2k (easy run, quad testing)
    12/10: 8.7k (intervals)
    12/11: 6k
    12/13: 2k treadmill (leg test)
    12/14: 10.1k beach running
    12/17: 6.1k easy+strides
    12/18: 10k RACE!!
    12/20: 2k Easy treadmill
    12/21: 3k Easy soft ground
    12/24: 6.5k easy trail running
    12/25: 9k trail
    12/28: 6.2k (morning), 2k (noon)
    12/29: 2.1k (treadmill)

    109.8/120k

    I wish a happy new year to all if I won't catch up with you till Saturday!
  • OSUbuckeye906
    OSUbuckeye906 Posts: 315 Member
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    12/1: 5 miles
    12/2: 4 miles
    12/3: 4 miles
    12/4: 11 miles
    12/5: 5 miles
    12/6: 7 miles
    12/7: rest day
    12/8: 4 miles
    12/9: rest day
    12/10: 5 miles
    12/11: 11 miles
    12/12: 4 miles
    12/13: 4 miles
    12/14: rest day
    12/15: 4 miles
    12/16: rest day
    12/17: 5 miles
    12/18: 9 miles
    12/19: 4 miles
    12/20: rest day
    12/21: 6.2 miles
    12/22: 4 miles
    12/23: rest day
    12/24: 12 miles
    12/25: rest day
    12/26: 4 miles
    12/27: 4 miles
    12/28: rest
    12/29: 10 miles

    TOTAL: 126.2 miles

    10 tired miles in 1:35:58 (9:36 pace). Made it to the Chicago 'burbs yesterday evening, so this run was on a new-to-me route from my mom's house. It was a little cold (20F windchill) but the 15-20mph winds were especially unpleasant. Plan was to run 2 hilly miles to the forest preserve, run miles 2-8 in the flat forest preserve, then the 2 hilly miles back. Got to the forest preserve and could only manage one loop around due to the frozen and dangerously hole-ridden crushed limestone trail. There was a 0.4 mile portion at the beginning that was paved, so I elected to run that back and forth miles 4.5-8 instead of twisting an ankle. My overall pace was faster than what I normally shoot for, but my shin was feeling fine for the most part and the wind/cold was making me really just want to get the run over with.
  • dkabambe
    dkabambe Posts: 544 Member
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    Sadly, yesterday marked the end of my running streak as I didn't get out for a run. Very pleased with how I did though - 35 days totalling 295km! Definitely feel like I'm a better runner as a result of doing this, and it has also made me stronger mentally.

    Today, I had planned for a 12k tempo run but was very lazy this morning and just ran out of time to do that and fit in a strength workout, so decided to do a shorter run. I set out and was pleasantly surprised by my speed when I got my first couple of pace announcements from my phone being pretty close to my 5k time but feeling pretty good. Thought I'd keep it up and if I was still feeling good I'd put in a decent 5th kilometre to try to beat my previous 5k best (27:14). All felt really good on my run - helped by sunny, still, 3C weather along the seafront. After I got to 5k I slowed down and jogged to the gym which took my run total to 7.3k for today.

    That was several hours ago, and have only just got home to check my results and turns out my 5k time was 25:57 - 77 seconds faster than my previous best! Strange thing was it just felt right, and wasn't all out 5k effort as knew I was going straight to the gym. All means there's definitely more time to be had if I want to chase it - I'm focusing on distance for now but good to know.

    The other positive from today's run is breaking 220km. Although I had set my target at 190km for the month, in my head I was aiming at 220 because I hadn't factored in doing the streak when I set my target. Still got at least one more run this month as well.

    exercise.png
    1-Dec: 6.2k easy run
    2-Dec: 11.5k - 10k tempo plus warm up/cool down
    3-Dec: 2.1k streak run [TM]
    4-Dec: 5.3k easy run
    5-Dec: 21.7k long run
    6-Dec: 8.3k 'tired' run
    7-Dec: 3.1k streak run [TM]
    8-Dec: 5.3k easy
    9-Dec: 12.6k easy
    10-Dec: 2k short run
    11-Dec: 11k - 10k tempo plus warm-up
    12-Dec: 8.2k easy
    13-Dec: 1.8k streak run
    14-Dec: 12.5k hill circuit (4 laps; 295m climbing total)
    15-Dec (AM): 5.2k inc 5k fast [TM]
    15-Dec (PM): 6k inc 5k fast
    16-Dec: 5.5k easy
    17-Dec: 2.3k streak run
    18-Dec: 2.3k streak run
    19-Dec: 5.2k easy
    20-Dec: 9.2k slight hills
    21-Dec: 2.9k tempo
    22-Dec: 2k streak run
    23-Dec: 25.7k long run [Distance PR]
    24-Dec (AM): 4.2k fartlek run
    24-Dec (PM): 5.3k treadmill fartlek [TM]
    25-Dec: 1.9k streak run
    26-Dec: 10.6k MP run
    27-Dec: 15k slight hills
    29-Dec: 7.3k inc 5k fast
  • BeeerRunner
    BeeerRunner Posts: 728 Member
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    December Running Challenge:


    12/1: 4 miles, BodyPump, and yoga
    12/2: Yoga
    12/3: 8 miles
    12/4: 11 miles, yoga
    12/5: 4 miles
    12/6: 50 minutes of Elliptical, 25 minutes of Strength Training
    12/7: 8 mile run
    12/8: 3:34 treadmill run. It was supposed to be 4 miles, but I cut it short to 30 minutes, because it felt like it was 80+ degrees
    12/9: Rest day
    12/10: 2 mile shakeout run and yoga
    12/11: 13.1 miles!! Dallas Half Marathon!! New PR!! (and Yoga which helped my sore legs)
    12/12: 4 miles
    12/13: XT Day: 10 minutes of rowing, 20 minutes of stationary bike, and 25 minutes of core/upper body strength
    12/14: 8 miles
    12/15: 4 miles and a Strength/Cardio class (Body Pump Instructor out)
    12/16: Yoga
    12/17: 15 miles - This was a fantastic run. I felt great, the weather was sunny and in the 60's. It was also my longest distance so far.
    12/18: 8 mile trail run - Windchill (in TEXAS) was -2 when I started the run. Just me and the girls (4 doe) out on the trails.
    12/19: 4 miles
    12/20: XT Day: Body Pump and too much other stuff to do so I didn't get the xtra cardio in like normal
    12/21: 9 miles
    12/22: 4.2 miles (35 minute tempo run)
    12/23: Rest Day / Yoga
    12/24: 8 miles
    12/25: 4 miles
    12/26: 17 miles
    12/27: BodyPump and 30 minutes on Stairmill
    12/28: 9 miles / Yoga
    12/29: 6 x 800m intervals for 4.5 miles


    MTD: 152.2 out of 115

    2016 Races Completed:
    Buffalo Boogie (5K) May 7 – 23:42
    Marine Creek Trailhead Trot (5K) May 14 – 22:00
    Joe’s Run (10K) June 4 – 48:04
    Firecracker 5000 (5K) July 4 – 22:51
    XTERRA Jurassic Trail Run (15K at Night) July 16 – 1:32:05
    Clark Gardens I’m Only Half Crazy Half Marathon/5K (HM) Oct 1 – 1:48:21
    BMW Dallas Marathon (HM) Dec 11 - 1:46:23

    Upcoming Races:

    Cowtown Marathon (Full) Feb 26


    First of all, thank you for all the sock recommendations! I'm going to check them out. The good news is the blister hasn't affected my running. I was getting blisters in the past, but that was due to trail running with shin deep water crossings. They were on the tops of my toes and fortunately they didn't hurt either.


    Thinking about goals for 2017. This somewhat depends on how my marathon goes. However, I'm thinking about getting away from Body Pump and focusing on heavier lifting, but not until after the marathon. If anyone has any strength training program recommendations, I’m all ears!! I definitely want to get at least 2 half marathon distance trail races in. I also want to train more on hills. I've really felt them in some of my races. I'm hoping if I run hills more, they won't hurt so much in races.


    I'm enjoying reading everyone else’s goals for 2017!!
  • BeeerRunner
    BeeerRunner Posts: 728 Member
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    Great accomplishment @_nikkiwolf_ !!
  • RespectTheKitty
    RespectTheKitty Posts: 1,667 Member
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    Managed to get 10k steps in by 3:00 pm today, so even if I can't run today, at least I'm still moving. Went for my usual lunch break walk and added an additional 1.3 miles to it because today was very slow and dull and I wasn't rushing to get back to anything. Kinda cold and very windy, with a few snow flurries in the air. Very pretty, made me think to myself how I'd rather be running than walking, LOL.

    Looks like I'll have a chance to get a run in on the 31st, so I'm not done yet. I'm currently sitting at 82.65 running miles for December. I'd like to see if I can push that to 90 on Saturday.
  • RespectTheKitty
    RespectTheKitty Posts: 1,667 Member
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    I'm kind of annoyed at myself for not keeping my running logs from April, May and June. I didn't start archiving my logs until July, so I only have July-December on my Google Drive. So I won't have an accurate count of all the miles I ran in 2016, but at least I can get an idea of the second half of the year.

    And yes, I've already set up my logs for the first six months of 2017. :smile:

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