December 2017 Running Challenge

12/1: 4 miles. Beautiful weather. Anyone have tips to improve split pace? My splits are all over the place and I would like to be more consistent.

If anyone is interested in purchasing a RoadID here is a $10 off when you spend $20 code. Coupon Code: U97V8695KW it expires on the 5th.

Since I miss @elise4270 asking her end of the month questions, I thought I'd throw this one out. What's on your Christmas or Hanukkah wish list? Doesn't need to be running related.

7lenny7 wrote: »

I started at 48 years old, about 2.5 years ago, when i was 50 pounds heavier. My brother-in-law, who got me started running, claims that you're not a real runner until you can hold a 10 minute pace, which of course is utter BS.

I would say that anyone who would say something that ridiculous is not a real runner.

December Goal: 100 miles.

12/01 - Rest Day

Total: 0/100

Well, December is already looking to be as busy or busier than November, but I will keep up as much as I can. Spent my lunch hour today going thru the 6 pages so far.

I would also consider myself an adult on-set runner, although I ran cross country my senior year of HS, but that was only to help my conditioning for hockey, so I don't really count that. I began in earnest with the C25K program in May 2016 right after my 49th birthday. I had already lost 50 of my now 75 lbs before I started and I think that really helped me physically and those last 20-25 lbs came off over the next 5 months.

A quick recap of my November... I slayed my goal by nearly 30 miles, but I ended up running a lot more after my HM than I thought I would. Speaking of the HM, I trimmed almost 5 minutes from my 1st HM in the spring. Some may recall my question/concern regarding the out and back course that starts with a fairly good decline and then of course ends with that incline. So, I knew my 1st half would be quite a bit faster than the last half, but I tried not to go out too fast. I really felt like I had a good pace going throughout, but the hill did get the better of me and I had to walk briefly a couple of times. I could have powered through I think, but not sure how much I would have had at the end. I just got back last night from my Boston trip and thank you for those of you who encouraged me to run the Charles River loop even though I was a little worried about finding my way. I did get lost a little bit on the way back as there was some construction and I got off the trail sooner than I should have. After running a half mile or so, I stopped and google mapped it and I was heading the right way, just need to go another quarter mile or so until I came to street names I recognized.

December... cutting my runs back to 4 days a week until I get on another training plan (probably the last week of the month). No races this month and I haven't had a chance to scope out runs for 2018 yet.

Good luck everyone and I hope those of you who are suffering some injuries are able to heal up quickly!

Oh, and quick question on the black toenail issue... I have Morton's toe (2nd toe longer than the big toe... and no, I am not a witch! ) and although both of them have turned black, the right toe is much worse and is so thick I can't get clippers around it... anything to be worried about?

2017 Races
02/25/17 - 26:06 - 5K Mardi Gras (not official course)
04/01 - 53:23 - 10K Jadon's Hope Bug Run (1st)
04/22 - 1:58:24 HM Garmin Oz Run (1st HM)
06/18 - 54:04 - 10K Father's Day Run (gun time)
08/05 - 24:02 - 5K Spencer Duncan
09/16 - 52:01 - 10K Kade Meyer Celebration Run (PR)
10/01 - 40:24 - 8K WWI Museum Double run (5K-25:53/3K-15:01)
10/07 - 23:37 - 5K Jared Coons Pumpkin Run (PR)
10/14 - 28:00 - 5K AIM Melanoma Virtual
11/19 - 1:53:39 HM Pilgrim Pacer (PR)
11/23 - 8K STL Turkey Trot (Did not run due to logistics)

No running today... Had a sore spot on the top of my right foot after reaching for a price tag on a top shelf at the store... It's been bugging me off and on for a month or so when I flex my foot a certain way. I'm also getting a lot of heel pain (both feet) so I think I'm going to take a couple days off to try and heal up. Son of a....

I haven't gone out yet today after skipping yesterday. Plan is to do my 5K after the boys go to bed. Then 11.x tomorrow (aka 7 miles... my longest run to date).

Just hoping my boys don't catch the stomach bug currently felling everyone else from their dayhome. I don't deal well with stomach bugs.

I just realized that I have to get up at 0350 so i can be running with my buddy by 0430.... a 2 hour trail, run the day after a killer speedwork session, is going to be rough, hoping to get in at least 8 miles, going up over and down the ridge.