April 2018 Monthly Running Challenge

Duck_Puddle · April 2018

5 today.

4/1-rest day (unscheduled)
4/2-rest day
4/3-5
4/4-3
4/5-4
4/6-rest day
4/7-9
4/8-3 (plus coach made me do weights)
4/9-coach made me do different weights
4/10-5

If it’s not obvious, I’m not a “weights” kind of a girl.

MTD 29

9/10 days according to plan.

I’m brand new here but I’ve loved all the race reports and am eagerly looking forward to the 100/50/Boston (and other) adventures coming up. Thank you all for sharing.

sarahthes · April 2018

4/1 - rest
4/2 - rest
4/3 - 7.1km
4/4 - 4.8km
4/5 - travel
4/6 - walking
4/7 - 21.7km (bad tangents? Ha...)
4/8 - travel
4/9 - strength
4/10 - 4.1km

37.7/100 km

Started off nice and easy, got a bit faster as I went and loosened up. I thought about running to the end of the block and back to get it to 5 km but I was hungry so I went home instead.

Above freezing and sloppy out there today. I expect it will continue like that for the next couple of weeks but it looks like spring is basically here. Finally.

Found a few more events I may do but not decided yet. I've got fee increase dates marked on my calendar.

2018 Races: (italics means not registered yet, only pondering)
1/1/18 Resolution Run 5K ~38:00 (no official times)
3/4/18 MEC Road Race #1 10K 1:30:57
3/17/28 St Patrick's Day race 10K 1:24:53
4/7/18 Jasper Half Marathon 3:05:55
4/22/18 MEC Trail Race #1 5K
5/20/18 MEC Trail Race #2 10K
6/24/18 MEC Trail Race #3 15K
7/1/18 Canada Day 5K or 15K?
7/28/18 Idaho Peak 10K Trail Race
8/18/18 Edmonton Marathon 10K
9/2/18 MEC Trail Race #4 10K
10/7/18 MEC Trail Race #5 15K
10/22/18 Heartbeat Run 10K
12/1/18 Santa Shuffle

MobyCarp · April 2018

polskagirl01 wrote: »

Next race: Lublin Marathon, May 13

Crazy question: I am feeling ready to back off on the mileage after the marathon, and want to maintain for a while around half-marathon fitness. SO there's this half marathon 3 weeks after the marathon... Could I just do a regular post-marathon recovery (one week of zero running, then basically a reverse taper) and run the half by feel? I wouldn't be aiming for a PR, mainly just a finish in a fun race, and the cool shirt they designed for it. Is this a bad idea???

Last year, I ran a 10K 13 days after Boston. I was thinking, maybe I can run the distance but I'll have to run easy. Then, maybe I can run it at MP. Then, maybe I can run it at half marathon pace. Then, maybe I can run it at threshold. The day came, I felt great, and I ran a PR 10K. Then the next day it was like I was in marathon recovery all over again. In hindsight, 13 days was too soon to run a 10K hard; but I got away with it.

I think you'll be okay with three weeks instead of my 13 days. You won't be totally recovered from the marathon, but you should be far enough along to run a half if you aren't pushing for personal best time.

KeepRunningFatboy · April 2018

April 2018
04.01.18 - 10 m. / 60 minutes on bike trainer.
04.02.18 - 3.5 m EZ. / Swim
04.05.18 - 10 m.
04.07.18 - 26.2 m. W/ one of my MFP best friends.
04.08.18 - 1 m. EZ
04.09.18 - 1 m. EZ travel day
04.10.18 - 6 m. And 1 hour bike trainer

Upcoming Events:
05.06.18 - Flying Pig Marathon.
05.20.18 - IronMan 70.3 Chattanooga
07.14.18 - IronMan 70.3 Muncie
07.29.18 - IronMan 70.3 Ohio

garygse · April 2018

Today I started my taper in earnest for this weekend's Texas Big Star half marathon. I'll probably be running similar distances tomorrow and Thursday morning before having a complete rest day on Friday. So far, the weather's predicted to be nice and cool in the low 50s, with a little bit of wind and very low humidity (thanks to a storm that's expected to roll through on Friday). I'm seriously hoping the prediction stays that way!

02 - 15.39
03 - 13.55
04 - 15.21
05 - 13.38
06 - 31.56
09 - 15.28
10 - 8.5

Total: 112.87 / 280 miles

katharmonic · April 2018

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
04/01/18 :::: 5.3 :::: 5.3
04/02/18 :::: 3.6 :::: 8.9
04/03/18 :::: 4.8 :::: 13.7
04/04/18 :::: 1.5 :::: 15.2
04/05/18 :::: 3.1 :::: 18.3
04/06/18 :::: 0.0 :::: 18.3
04/07/18 :::: 10.2 :::: 28.5
04/08/18 :::: 3.5 :::: 32.0
04/09/18 :::: 3.1 :::: 35.2
04/10/18 :::: 3.7 :::: 38.8

I was furious to see snow flurries this afternoon right as I was getting ready to leave work and go for my run. But suddenly the sun came out and it pretended like that never happened. Whatever, spring. I had to cut the run a bit shorter than I wanted, given I won't have much time to run the rest of this week. Hopefully I'll find a way to get a couple of runs in while I'm in Austin but it might have to be in the evening so we'll see. Of course I packed plenty of running clothes just in case.

MobyCarp · April 2018

April Running Totals (miles)
4/1 – 6.21 easy
4/2 – rest day
4/3 – 6.35 easy to MP
4/4 – unscheduled rest day – wind storm
4/5 – 8.39 easy with snow showers
4/6 – 4.01 easy
4/7 – 12.01 paced run
4/8 – 7.84 easy 60 minutes
4/9 – rest day
4/10 – 5.34 easy with hills

April running total to date – 50.15

Nominal April mileage goal: 130 miles

Real goals: Arrive at Hopkinton healthy. Get to Boyleston Street under my own power. Recover well.

Today's notes – This evening was the local Fleet Feet's annual Boston Send Off Party. I went to do the Tuesday Cobb's Hill run, followed by a talk by 25-year club member Dave Coyne and social interaction with other local runners who will be running Boston next Monday.

The running part was not about miles, though I ran about as far as planned. It was not about pace, though I ran perhaps a bit faster than I should. It was about hills and self-confidence. Thursday, I had run a "Y" on Cobb's Hill at the end of my run, and it felt harder than it should. Tonight, I wanted to run 3 Y's and have it be routine. The first one was hard, then I settled into things and the next two were routine. This likely makes no difference for me physically at this point, but I needed it for confidence in Newton.

It turns out that I'm now considered a Boston Veteran. I don't feel like I'm as much of a veteran as the people who have 8, 10, 15, or 40 Bostons; but I clapped just as hard as they did for the 1st year Boston runners as we were introduced one at a time. Here's the picture of the local Boston runners who were in attendance:

I know, some wise guy is going to comment that the baby isn't a Boston runner. No, he can't run this year because he's under 18. But you could say he was a bandit runner last year, hiding behind Mom's shirt that said, "Baby's First Boston."

2018 races:
February 17, 2018 Freezeroo #5 (Valentines Run "In Memory of Tom Brannon" 8 Mile) (Greece, NY) finished in 54:48
February 24, 2018 Freezeroo #6 (White House Challenge 4.4 mile) (Webster, NY) finished in 28:46
March 17, 2018 USATF Masters 8K (Shamrock 8K, Virginia Beach, VA) finished in 31:55
March 24, 2018 Spring Forward 15K (Mendon, NY) ran at MP, finished in 1:10:47
April 16, 2018 Boston Marathon (Hopkinton, MA)
April 29, 2018 USATF Masters 10K (James Joyce Ramble, Dedham, MA)

kgirlhart · April 2018

April Goal: 110 miles

4/1: 6.2 miles
4/3: 4.6 miles
4/4: 4.0 miles (intervals)
4/5: 4.2 miles
4/8: 11.5 miles
4/10: 4.3 miles (tempo?)

34.8/110 miles completed

Today's run was supposed to be a tempo run. I had a hard time holding my tempo, but I did run it harder than an easy run so I am still calling it speed work. It was a hard run, but I felt really good afterwards and I was glad I got it done.

After Thursday's terrible run I have been thinking about trying a run before work. I will have to rearrange my yoga schedule (which I kind of hate to do) but I think I am going to give it a try. It seemed really hot today and it was only 72°f. The forecast is calling for 85°f tomorrow afternoon and 91°f on Thursday. I'm not sure what will be harder, getting up earlier in the morning, or going to bed earlier tonight.

noblsheep · April 2018

0410-7.93k Total-25.7k Goal-80k

Super easy 8k last night. Had to run some errands so I thought, why not just run there and back. The route is not one of my favorites, it's crowded, hilly and uneven, but I didn't have time for anything else so sucked it up and just did it.

Halfway through the run, just as I was getting annoyed with the bumpy roads, the rolling hills and all the stuff in my pockets, the thought suddenly struck me - isn't trail running the same thing? Running over uneven surfaces, with inclines, and carrying a lot of stuff? Had to say I had a much better time after that.

@polskagirl01 Three weeks in plenty long. In my (limited) experience, about a month after the marathon there is a window when you feel invincible, and is a great time for PRs.

eponine1984 · April 2018

Once again, thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers. I'm feeling much more positive than I have in weeks.

I met with the oncologist today to discuss details of my chemo plan. I've got the "easy" chemo - just a shot in the arm, no IV needed. We'll do one week on, one week off and blood work once every two weeks. We'll repeat as necessary to get the results we want. This has an 85-90% success rate. I have to get a brain MRI on Friday as well, just to be sure nothing nasty is rattling around there, but again, I'm feeling positive.

I had the first shot today, felt no side effects thus far, but it sorta feels like everything is a "be on the look out for this" symptom. Headache? Call the doctor. Cough? Call the doctor. Big toe itches? Call the doctor. (That last one might be hyperbole).

I'm not only cleared to run, but encouraged to do so. I didn't get to the gym today - too much sitting in offices and waiting. Tomorrow, in-laws and teething toddler willing, my husband and I will head over. I feel directionless as far as running though. I finished c25k and c210k at the end of last year and was just starting a half marathon training plan, but I'm not sure I'm ready to jump back in to that. I don't want to start from the very beginning because I do still have some conditioning left, but it has been a few months since I've run routinely. Any suggestions?

HonuNui · April 2018

@eponine1984 said (That last one might be hyperbole).
No, that is not hyperbole (says the doctor who's son died of cancer a year ago.....)

apricotqueen1 · April 2018

I have to start running in the morning at least 2 days a week to accommodate my schedule, so I woke up early today and got it done!
7.74 km to start my day, bringing my total for the month to 46.7!
Almost halfway to my goal of 100, with 53.3 left to go.

Sparx_81 · April 2018

eponine1984 wrote: »

Once again, thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers. I'm feeling much more positive than I have in weeks.

I met with the oncologist today to discuss details of my chemo plan. I've got the "easy" chemo - just a shot in the arm, no IV needed. We'll do one week on, one week off and blood work once every two weeks. We'll repeat as necessary to get the results we want. This has an 85-90% success rate. I have to get a brain MRI on Friday as well, just to be sure nothing nasty is rattling around there, but again, I'm feeling positive.

I had the first shot today, felt no side effects thus far, but it sorta feels like everything is a "be on the look out for this" symptom. Headache? Call the doctor. Cough? Call the doctor. Big toe itches? Call the doctor. (That last one might be hyperbole).

I'm not only cleared to run, but encouraged to do so. I didn't get to the gym today - too much sitting in offices and waiting. Tomorrow, in-laws and teething toddler willing, my husband and I will head over. I feel directionless as far as running though. I finished c25k and c210k at the end of last year and was just starting a half marathon training plan, but I'm not sure I'm ready to jump back in to that. I don't want to start from the very beginning because I do still have some conditioning left, but it has been a few months since I've run routinely. Any suggestions?

It sounds like you have fantastic support from friends and family and a medical team that know what they are doing! Really hoping you get the all clear soon!

They have some speed programs on podrunner.com that might work to push your times? Rather than push for distance? Not sure but may be worth a look!

Orphia · April 2018

kdbulger wrote: »

April goal = 50km.
As of April 10, I'm 16.46km in. I'm on track!

I'm training for a 5k using couch to 5k. I just did week 7, run 1 and I definitely employed my willpower. My run on Sunday was easy, fun...this one was just *pout*

I did a full-body scan:

Does anything hurt - like seriously hurt? No. My hip flexor is pinching a bit - I gave it a few minutes and it loosened up. My legs did not feel overly fatigued or painful.
Am I struggling for breath, dizzy, etc.? No. I am cardiovascularly just fine.
Will there be any negative repercussions to continuing? To stopping? No. Tomorrow is a rest day and I will take the opportunity to stretch out. If I stop, I will have to repeat this run.

So i just kept putting one foot in front of the other and I finished it.

NSV note: On Sunday, my husband (who is perpetually fit and can run 5km any old time even after not working out for months on end) came for a run with me. I have never in our eleven years together been able to run but we are on equal footing now! He was so proud of me, and I of myself.

@kdbulger That is seriously excellent self-talk.

I'm impressed!

Orphia · April 2018

polskagirl01 wrote: »

[...]Next race: Lublin Marathon, May 13

Crazy question: I am feeling ready to back off on the mileage after the marathon, and want to maintain for a while around half-marathon fitness. SO there's this half marathon 3 weeks after the marathon... Could I just do a regular post-marathon recovery (one week of zero running, then basically a reverse taper) and run the half by feel? I wouldn't be aiming for a PR, mainly just a finish in a fun race, and the cool shirt they designed for it. Is this a bad idea???

@polskagirl01 How many marathons have you done?

3 weeks after mine (my first, in August), I ran 24 km on my 24 month running anniversary, and it was a struggle.

I still did it without stopping, but it felt like a battle.

But if your race has got a cool shirt, go for it.

Wen2Run · April 2018

Total - 27.5miles
Target - 40 miles
To Complete - 12.5 miles

1/4 - Rest
2/4 - Rest
3/4 - Rest
4/4 - 4.1 miles
5/4 - 4.9 miles
6/4 - 4 miles
7/4 - 3.1 miles. First park run with my daughter
7/4 - 5.22 miles. Evening run.
8/4 - 2.01 miles
9/4 - Rest
10/4 - 4.21 miles

Miles nicely ticking along at the moment. The hardest thing is that I am doing low heart rate training, which means my average pace is at least 4 minutes a mile slower than I would normally run! Means even 4 miles is a long run in terms of time!

Keep up the good work all.

PastorVincent · April 2018

eponine1984 wrote: »

I'm not only cleared to run, but encouraged to do so. I didn't get to the gym today - too much sitting in offices and waiting. Tomorrow, in-laws and teething toddler willing, my husband and I will head over. I feel directionless as far as running though. I finished c25k and c210k at the end of last year and was just starting a half marathon training plan, but I'm not sure I'm ready to jump back in to that. I don't want to start from the very beginning because I do still have some conditioning left, but it has been a few months since I've run routinely. Any suggestions?

I suggest you restart the half marathon plan. You might not run a 1/2 any time soon but having a plan to follow while you go through the rest of your issues I think will be a help. It will be easy to just look at the plan and say "okay today is 4 miles," instead of guess work and figuring things out when you are already stressed.

ddmom0811 · April 2018

@eponine1984 - I'm glad you are feeling better mentally. Sounds like you have great doctors and family. As for running, that's great that they said it's okay. I am no expert on this at all but I would say it depends on how you feel each day. Just try to get out and do what you were doing before the HM training plan. Hugs and lifting you up in prayer!

5 miles this morning on a really great weather morning. Shocked that it wasn't humid - April in Central Florida is usually already super hot/humid. Today was perfect.

4/1 - 3.65 miles to Buckingham Palace, + strength training W9-B
4/2 -Tabatas in the hotel gym
4/3 - 5 miles Hyde Park
4/4 - strength training + 1 mile treadmill
4/5 - 5 miles Hyde Park - last day in London
4/6 - rest/travel day
4/7 - 4 miles on treadmill
4/8 - 25 miles cycling + strength training W9-C
4/9 - 5 miles
4/10 - strength training w9-D
4/11 - 5 miles

polskagirl01 · April 2018

Orphia wrote: »

polskagirl01 wrote: »

[...]Next race: Lublin Marathon, May 13

Crazy question: I am feeling ready to back off on the mileage after the marathon, and want to maintain for a while around half-marathon fitness. SO there's this half marathon 3 weeks after the marathon... Could I just do a regular post-marathon recovery (one week of zero running, then basically a reverse taper) and run the half by feel? I wouldn't be aiming for a PR, mainly just a finish in a fun race, and the cool shirt they designed for it. Is this a bad idea???

@polskagirl01 How many marathons have you done?

3 weeks after mine (my first, in August), I ran 24 km on my 24 month running anniversary, and it was a struggle.

I still did it without stopping, but it felt like a battle.

But if your race has got a cool shirt, go for it.

This will be my third. The others were May 2017 and January 2018.
I recovered very well from January, was back at HM training run distance a month later and then jumped right back into training for this one. I was going to wait and see what 26.2 throws at me in May before deciding (gotta respect the distance), but races around here tend to sell out. So for now I'm stalking the sign-up page.

polskagirl01 · April 2018

PastorVincent wrote: »

eponine1984 wrote: »

I'm not only cleared to run, but encouraged to do so. I didn't get to the gym today - too much sitting in offices and waiting. Tomorrow, in-laws and teething toddler willing, my husband and I will head over. I feel directionless as far as running though. I finished c25k and c210k at the end of last year and was just starting a half marathon training plan, but I'm not sure I'm ready to jump back in to that. I don't want to start from the very beginning because I do still have some conditioning left, but it has been a few months since I've run routinely. Any suggestions?

I suggest you restart the half marathon plan. You might not run a 1/2 any time soon but having a plan to follow while you go through the rest of your issues I think will be a help. It will be easy to just look at the plan and say "okay today is 4 miles," instead of guess work and figuring things out when you are already stressed.

I agree, and would also say that you can feel free to repeat weeks depending on how you feel, since you aren't on a time schedule to get to a certain distance. Your main goal is to get healthy, so even if you settle in at a certain point and want to just "maintain" there for a while, that's okay too.

April 2018 Monthly Running Challenge

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