August 2018 Running Challenge

MobyCarp · August 2018

Introversion musing, just for @ereck44 -

I am a hard core introvert. I started running because it was a form of exercise I could do alone and not have the social nonsense that comes with team sports. When I first considered the possibility that I might be able to qualify for Boston, my thought was that I didn't know whether I wanted to do that. Boston looked so crowded, and crowds aren't my thing.

Funny thing happened. I got to where I enjoy running with other people. Now, "with other people" doesn't mean the same thing to me as it does to a hard core extrovert. I'm fine running intervals by myself on a track where other people are running different interval workouts at different paces than I'm running. That's close enough to "with other people" for me. And when I got go Boston, I really enjoyed the experience . . . but I'll probably never go to the after party again. The race is fine, add on the after party at Fenway and it's just too much.

But then, I can be running alone for 26.2 miles even with other runners around me the whole time and a half million spectators along the way yelling at us.

Of course, no one is entirely extroverted or entirely introverted. I am fairly far toward the introvert side of the scale, but I do need social interaction. Then I need cave time. Social interaction and cave time are the introvert's mental equivalent of exercise and recovery. Both are necessary, and too much of the exercise/social activity can lead to injury (mental breakdown). But 100% rest or 100% isolation slowly leads to long term problems. So I find a balance, both with running and with social activity.

In retirement, my rest days tend to also be cave days. If I don't have to go out and buy anything, I might not even take my car out of the garage or talk to a live human being all day long. Then comes club practice, or Saturday group runs, or church, or something that will give me enough social interaction to keep myself stimulated and keep the next day of cave time a truly pleasant experience.

I have no idea how an extrovert deals with isolation or alone time. Fortunately, I don't need to understand the care and feeding of extroverts.

katharmonic · August 2018

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
08/01/18 :::: 6.3 :::: 6.3
08/02/18 :::: 3.5 :::: 9.9
08/03/18 :::: 0.0 :::: 9.9
08/04/18 :::: 14.3 :::: 24.2
08/05/18 :::: 5.2 :::: 29.4
08/06/18 :::: 3.8 :::: 33.2
08/07/18 :::: 5.0 :::: 38.2
08/08/18 :::: 6.1 :::: 44.3
08/09/18 :::: 14.2 :::: 58.4
08/10/18 :::: 0.0 :::: 58.4
08/11/18 :::: 5.2 :::: 63.6
08/12/18 :::: 4.1 :::: 67.7
08/13/18 :::: 4.1 :::: 71.8
08/14/18 :::: 4.0 :::: 75.9/ 150 mile goal (51%)

I didn't really want to run this morning but the forecast convinced me I should get out there while I had the chance before thunderstorms all day. It was very humid and I was pretty cranky, so the first couple of miles was all wanting to quit. I tooled around my general neighborhood in case of downpour but kept forcing myself to turn the longer way instead of going home, until I got to 4 miles. I used the time to compose angry work emails in my head (and keep from actually sending them, at least in the angriest format). The rain mostly held off until I got home, but picked up as I walked the dog after. As always, I'm happy now that it's done.

5BeautifulDays · August 2018

Lesson for my day: Just because something didn't kick your *kitten* yesterday, doesn't mean it won't kick it today.

I enjoyed my lake run yesterday, and since I am a little behind on my mileage goals for the month I thought I'd try to do it again today. Nope. I started out painfully slow and escalated to excruciatingly slow... and it just seemed like the aches and pains just sort of shifted around but never really went away. I managed to "run" 4 miles but walked the last one.

MegaMooseEsq · August 2018

Tried out a short run after lifting today, since I decided I wanted to sleep in this AM instead of getting a run in first thing. I feel pretty good so far, but we’ll see how I feel when the RFESSes kick in - I reviewed form this morning and between that and going up five pounds from last week, I was really straining.

@MobyCarp: I love the idea of social/alone time as exercise/recovery for the introvert. I'm at a point in my life where I enjoy social time and know that it's not healthy for me if I don't get it often enough, but it's also truly exhausting and I need my cave time to recharge.

Right now I don't see running as either social or alone time necessarily. Just being out in public running triggers my social anxiety a titch (sometimes more), so it's not true recharge time even if I'm technically running alone. Lifting is more of a cave activity since it's just me and the weights in my basement, no one watching but the dogs.

AUGUST MILES:
8/1 We - 0:21:46 - 1.86
8/2 Th - rest, prehab
8/3 Fr - 0:20:08 - 1.96 fartleks, lifted heavy things
8/4 Sa - 1:24:32 - 7.30
8/5 Su - rest, yoga
8/6 Mo - 0:37:54 - 3.47
8/7 Tu - lifted heavy things
8/8 We - rest, prehab
8/9 Th - 0:33:38 - 3.11
8/10 Fr - 0:34:55 - 3.07
8/11 Sa - 1:06:45 - 6.10
8/12 Su - rest, prehab
8/13 Mo - 0:49:57 - 4.36
8/14 Tu - 0:20:06 - 1.87

August Total: 33.10/50 miles
2018 Total: 192.36 miles

Races!
July 4: Red, White and Boom! 5K Chip time: 0:32:20
August 25: The Glo Run Night Race 5K
September 8th, 9th, 15th, or 16th: MN Brewery Running Series 5K-ish fun run
October 6: Twin Cities Marathon Weekend 5K

MobyCarp · August 2018

@MegaMooseEsq

Extroverted weight lifter: "I love going to the gym! I work out hard, see other people, it's great!"

Introverted weight lifter: "It's too much effort to go to the gym. I'm much happier with the weights in my basement. And they're paid for, no monthly fee!"

My observation: Free weights are not subject to technological obsolescence. The 25 lb. dumbbells I bought in 2005 still weigh 25 lbs. in 2018. In that respect, lifting is more economical than running; but I love running.

PastorVincent · August 2018

MobyCarp wrote: »

@MegaMooseEsq

Extroverted weight lifter: "I love going to the gym! I work out hard, see other people, it's great!"

Introverted weight lifter: "It's too much effort to go to the gym. I'm much happier with the weights in my basement. And they're paid for, no monthly fee!"

My observation: Free weights are not subject to technological obsolescence. The 25 lb. dumbbells I bought in 2005 still weigh 25 lbs. in 2018. In that respect, lifting is more economical than running; but I love running.

zdyb23456 · August 2018

8/1 rest
8/2 9miles
8/3 4.22miles
8/4 13.1miles
8/5 rest
8/6 8.5miles
8/7 4miles (treadmill)
8/8 4miles
8/9 9.4miles
8/10 4miles
8/11 13.1miles
8/12 rest
8/13 7.8miles
8/14 5miles

An easy, slow 5 miles. The humidity was much lower this morning! I hope it sticks around!

3/18/2018 Shamrock half marathon
3/24/2018 Don't Sit on Colon Cancer 5K
5/28/2018 Run to Remember 5K
10/7/2018 Crawlin Crab half marathon
10/13/2018 Joggin for Frogmen 5K
11/18/2018 Norfolk Harbor half marathon

mustb60 · August 2018

August Running Challenge
Goal: 80 km
Done: 18/80 km

14/8/18 Run 6 km
6-13/8/18 sick and recovering.
5/8/18 rest day
4/8/18 Walk 7 km
3/8/18 Run 6 km
2/8/18 SL B walk 9 km
1/8/17 Run 6 km

SL~ Strong Lift

sarahthes · August 2018

Finally get my mojo back and had a nice cool day yesterday but had to stop early because I lingered too long at the park picking up my kids and nature called.

Today I missed my alarm because I accidentally turned it off probably Sunday. Oops. I'll run something tonight. Not sure how much but it helps with self-care.

I used to think I was an introvert to the extreme but now I think I'm really close to the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum or possibly not very introverted at all. I am just shy in unfamiliar situations. (Shy but talkative... I'm just weird.)

@PastorVincent I also appreciated the Sanderson reference.

amgreenwell · August 2018

I will live vicariously through all of you this month as my hip flexor is messed up and I'm having to get some physical therapy and anti inflammatories to get things better. Rest and ice and I'll be back soon!!
Go August Runners!

workaholic_nurse · August 2018

Started the morning before sunrise and hit the road looking for 12min/mile run. Splits of 12:14, 12:10 and 11:29(the last mile had more down hill

) for a total of 3.37 miles (including .22 mile cool down walk) per endomondo. Total for the month 35.49/55

zdyb23456 · August 2018

I think I’m more introverted than extroverted. I definitely enjoy being alone and if it were up to me I’d go days without social interaction. Making and keeping friends takes so much work and effort for me. I feel like extroverted people don’t feel this way?

In church we’re supposed to ‘take a minute and greet people around you’ and I hate it. Forced socializing. I prefer being social on my own terms.

Weirdly, I don’t mind being friendly to complete strangers. I’ll smile or wave and occasionally small talk with someone I’m stuck in line with.

PastorVincent · August 2018

zdyb23456 wrote: »

In church we’re supposed to ‘take a minute and greet people around you’ and I hate it. Forced socializing. I prefer being social on my own terms.

Funny thing about that... we do not do that at my church, in part because all the research that I have seen says visitor list it as their number 1 complaint when visiting a new church. I tend to agree with them.

PastorVincent · August 2018

No run today, spent window for running stuck in traffic due to rain. Why do people forget how drive when it rains? It RAINS ALL THE TIME HERE. This is not like the south-west US or something. Grr.

Multiple accidents and stuff.

Avidkeo · August 2018

sarahthes wrote: »

I used to think I was an introvert to the extreme but now I think I'm really close to the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum or possibly not very introverted at all. I am just shy in unfamiliar situations. (Shy but talkative... I'm just weird.)

I'm the opposite, usually think I'm extroverted to the extreme but am probably closer to the middle, toward extroverted. When I first meet people I'm usually reasonably quiet for the first 10 minutes or so, get the lay of the land, but once I get a sense of what people are like, the real me comes out. I'm definitely comfortable in a crowd, but hate being the center of attention. No issues talking to people one on one either (including strangers)

Good to see everyone going for it!

My ankle feels almost 100% - all the stretches and massage has made a HUGE difference. I'm contemplating going for a run Saturday (wednesday today) if things continue to be this good. I get the occasional twinge - not even a twinge just very mild discomfort to say yes this has been hurt - but no pain ATM. I miss it so much!

That said I chose an excellent week to take off, the weather has been appalling. its been blowing a gale, and torrential rain. I can do one but not both. So been kinda nice laying in bed at 5:30am listening to the rain on the roof and enjoying my warm snuggly bed.

Also I'm hoping our local sports shoe chain does a sale this weekend. If they do, Ill be going over Saturday to buy shoes and will run Sunday. If not Ill run Friday (very slow and gently) in my trusty pair and see how they go.

shanaber · August 2018

@Teresa502 - love the pictures! looks like a beautiful place to run
@amgreenwell - hope you feel better and get back to running soon!

On the music/audio books discussion... I love running to music. Some times I don't even hear it other than the beat and others I am singing along outlaid to the songs (scaring the walkers and small children and embarrassing Hobbes I am sure

) Like @Scott6255 I don't like hearing my feet or breathing. I have not tried audio books but I think it may be a good for a long run so I can focus on that and not on how tired, hot or miserable I am.

Introvert or Extrovert - I would say I too am an introvert somewhere in the middle. I worked at home for years and other than going out for a run or for strength training at the gym I could have just stayed home. There are days now, especially rest days where like @mobycarp they are just cave days. My DH is an introvert as well, we are both computer, statistics geeks who are happy to just be home, watch Ted Talks or work on the computer. I don't mind talking to people I don't know in the grocery line or out on the trail but I am really uncomfortable in the large social settings (weddings, parties, etc.) where I have to socialize primarily with people I don't know and sometimes for an extended period of time. The only reason I go to the gym typically is to work out with my trainer (very small gym with few other people) or to run on the treadmill (big gym with lots of people). Even running on the treadmill stresses me out. Mostly because I sweat so much and while it seems to be ok outside and I don't care who sees me in the gym it just feels embarrassing. I don't do my own weight workouts at the gym typically (if I do I take the weights I need into another room they have that is typically pretty empty). I now have most of the weights and things I would need to do a workout at home (just purchased a 20lb kettle bell on Prime Day) other than maybe a squat rack which I would love to have if I could find a place to put one.

Today I set out for a tempo run and the first mile or so warm up was really tough. I had to walk more than usual and all I could think was this was going to be a tempo run fail. I chose to run on the flat, straight dirt service road to avoid all the bikes, people, dogs and small children interruptions. Once I started I actually felt great, like I could run and run and run! Such an awesome feeling! I had to make one diversion back to the paved trail to the bathroom but went right back to the dirt trail to finish the run. Ignoring the 1st mile and the last 1/2 mile my splits were 12:32, 11:19, 10:52, 11:28. I was pretty happy with that although I would love to keep a more steady even pace throughout.

Date........Miles.......Total
08/01......0.00.......0.00
08/02......3.85.......3.85 - +Strength Training
08/03......5.62.......9.47
08/04......0.00.......9.47
08/05......7.91.....17.38
08/06......5.15.....22.53 - + Agility
08/07......4.52.....27.05 - +Strength Training
08/08......0.00.....27.05
08/09......0.00.....27.05 - +Strength Training
08/10......4.61.....31.66
08/11......0.00.....31.66
08/12......0.00.....31.66 - + Agility Trial
08/13......6.86.....38.52 - + Agility
08/14......5.46.....43.98 - +Strength Training

My completed and upcoming races. Let me know if you will be running them too.
02/04/18 - Surf City Half Marathon
05/05/18 - Cinco de Miles 5k
07/22/18 - San Francisco 2nd Half Marathon
12/15/18 - San Diego Holiday Half Marathon
02/03/19 - Surf City Half Marathon
05/11/19 - Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon

Orphia · August 2018

"Of course, no one is entirely extroverted or entirely introverted. I am fairly far toward the introvert side of the scale, but I do need social interaction. Then I need cave time. Social interaction and cave time are the introvert's mental equivalent of exercise and recovery. Both are necessary, and too much of the exercise/social activity can lead to injury (mental breakdown). But 100% rest or 100% isolation slowly leads to long term problems. So I find a balance, both with running and with social activity." - @MobyCarp

Nailed it!!

AmyOutOfControl · August 2018

MobyCarp wrote: »

@MegaMooseEsq

Extroverted weight lifter: "I love going to the gym! I work out hard, see other people, it's great!"

Introverted weight lifter: "It's too much effort to go to the gym. I'm much happier with the weights in my basement. And they're paid for, no monthly fee!"

My observation: Free weights are not subject to technological obsolescence. The 25 lb. dumbbells I bought in 2005 still weigh 25 lbs. in 2018. In that respect, lifting is more economical than running; but I love running.

PastorVincent · August 2018

amymoreorless wrote: »

MobyCarp wrote: »

@MegaMooseEsq

Extroverted weight lifter: "I love going to the gym! I work out hard, see other people, it's great!"

Introverted weight lifter: "It's too much effort to go to the gym. I'm much happier with the weights in my basement. And they're paid for, no monthly fee!"

My observation: Free weights are not subject to technological obsolescence. The 25 lb. dumbbells I bought in 2005 still weigh 25 lbs. in 2018. In that respect, lifting is more economical than running; but I love running.

YES!!!! THIS!!!

AmyOutOfControl · August 2018

Okay, answer a debate I have with a person in my running group. When running, the body diverts energy away from the digestive system and into our moving and working parts ( https://www.manhattangastroenterology.com/exercise-affects-digestion/ ). Does eating a small something during a long run really help?

I never eat during a run because it upsets my stomach. I wake up early and eat something small (toast, banana, etc) an hour before a long run. I bring a diluted energy drink in my hydration belt for runs over 10 miles. I did not eat during my marathon last December except for one orange slice at mile 21. A few people in my running group (not all) are telling me that eating helps. They try to sell me on that Gu and shotblock stuff. I have never found this to be true. Food takes a while to digest even when the body is at rest. Thoughts?

August 2018 Running Challenge

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