February 2019 Monthly Running Challenge

rheddmobile · February 2019

5 miles on the Greenline. I guess I could call this a tempo run - it was a "remind my body what it feels like to run fast on paved surfaces" run, shaking out the cobwebs. Anyway it was a 5 mi PR for my husband and me, 45:57 which is 9:10 pace, and I feel like we could have run it 15-20 seconds a mile faster if we were being chased by a bear or something.

Chilly, damp, generally unpleasant weather, but a good run. We got out there and I started to take off my jacket and thought, you know what? No. Just no. I don't feel like being chilly right now even if I end up too hot later. It was my Decathlon shell with the zippered vents on it and the flip mitts, and I used both of them, and they worked a treat - perfectly comfortable with the ventilation when I warmed up and unzippered all the vents, and my hands stayed comfortable. It was nice being a little warmer than I needed to be since the trails had standing water on them so my feet stayed wet the whole time.

When we turned onto the Greenline there was another couple running about 100m in front of us, and later my husband said he kept expecting us to overtake them and it irked him that we stayed exactly the same distance behind. Clearly I'm not the only competitive member of this family! Then they reached the turnaround, and came back towards us, and my husband starts laughing - because they were about half our age. So that made him feel better. I think he's grumpy because his asthma is keeping him from performing as well as he could. We run together, and I run pretty fast for a 50-54 yr old woman, but that generally means we are middle of the pack or lower for men in the same AG. He can physically run faster than I can, but it brings on the asthma almost every time.

PastorVincent · February 2019

So today was a scheduled long run and decided I needed to test out my gear changes and make sure all was set for the 50k in May. Around here the May race could have snow or be 80. So doned my colder gear and left. Was like 30F so not really cold, but cold enough I guess.

Well at first it was nice
Then I hit hail
then I hit rain
then I hit snow
then hail agian
and finished with rain

BUT! I got all 20 miles in and ran the whole thing with a full hydration pack (Wunjo - great packs!) All seemed to work well. I deliberately did not take any water and only ate about 200 calories for the 20 miles. Just trying different things out seeing how they work.

Can say I was mostly happy with all things. The only real problem I had was that once my gloved got too wet, the hand warmers that power them got saturated and stopped working. Thankfully this at the very end of the run, but my hands were still nice and white from Ryanuds by the time I got home. Yay! Good hot shower set that right though.

ETA: Obligatory selfie:

PastorVincent · February 2019

rheddmobile wrote: »

We run together, and I run pretty fast for a 50-54 yr old woman, but that generally means we are middle of the pack or lower for men in the same AG. He can physically run faster than I can, but it brings on the asthma almost every time.

My wife takes her rescue inhaler 30 mins before runs. Maybe that would help him?

rheddmobile · February 2019

PastorVincent wrote: »

rheddmobile wrote: »

We run together, and I run pretty fast for a 50-54 yr old woman, but that generally means we are middle of the pack or lower for men in the same AG. He can physically run faster than I can, but it brings on the asthma almost every time.

My wife takes her rescue inhaler 30 mins before runs. Maybe that would help him?

Yes, he already does this, and it helps, but it only helps up to a certain point.

MobyCarp · February 2019

quilteryoyo wrote: »

@MobyCarp You amaze me with the paces and races you run. Have you been a runner all of your life?

@quilteryoyo

The smartass answer is, "Not yet."

The honest answer is that I started running in August 2011 at the age of 55. I found a program similar to C25K. The first workout called for intervals of walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes. I walked 1 minute, ran 1 minute, and was compelled to slow to a walk. That's where I came from. After injuring myself on my way to my first half marathon, twice, I got some formal training and made it to my first half in April 2014. I kind of accidentally ran my first marathon at Buffalo on Memorial Day weekend, 2015; if I hadn't run Boston the year after that, my running buddies might have killed me for wasting a qualifying time.

So that's 4 years and 8 months from not being able to run more than 1 minute, to completing my first Boston Marathon. Others may have developed faster, but that was good enough for me.

Lazy_Bones_1985 · February 2019

Had my first race of the year today, a 15K. First time I have raced that distance as well. It was the Atlanta Hot Chcocolate Series. Race was well organized and I recommend it.

Got to the race, dropped my coat and bag at gear check and realized I should have brought a throw-away shirt or something. It was misting, windy, and 47. I was wearing capris and a tank top. Race started right on time and I stayed with the 9:00 pacer group which was actually moving at about 8:50/mile. Around mile 5 they started to pull away from me as my stomach started sloshing around from drinking something called “Nuun” by accident instead of water. It was nasty. Anyway, the mile markers had clocks and I was hitting the 8:55 pace with absolute exactness. I had friends waiting for me at mile 7.5 so that was a nice treat to see them waving me on. Finished mile 9 slow because I had to walk a bit- my legs just had zero energy. And then I got my act together and started running. Crossed in 82:55 which was 8:54/mile. My 5K and 10K splits were 27:40, 55:23 (3 seconds slower than first split) and 82:55 (8 seconds faster than first split) so I stayed consistent though I have no idea how with my walking for a bit during mile 9.

I’ve noticed the past few times when I’ve raced that I don’t like the uncomfortableness of going all out, even towards the end. I know I could have run harder the last .33 of the race but I just don’t have the desire to right then and there until I see my time and realized I could have placed 5 numbers higher if I cut 10 seconds off my time. It’s like I don’t have it in me to mentally push myself when I am physically capable of it. It’s like I have an adversion to the discomfort of it.

This race was at the perfect temperature for me (high 40s) and damp and it wasn’t as hilly as my normal runs are. But my legs fatigued faster than normal despite my breathing staying better than normal. I blame skipping a few runs recently for a ski trip as well as a bit of dehydration caused by my own poor planning this morning.

But I want to mention that Nuun stuff was awful. Just give me some Gatorade!!!

PastorVincent · February 2019

@Lazy_Bones_1985 Great job! I will mail you some Nuun to help you celebrate.

Lazy_Bones_1985 · February 2019

Thanks...and no thanks.

PastorVincent wrote: »

@Lazy_Bones_1985 Great job! I will mail you some Nuun to help you celebrate.

derWegistdasZiel · February 2019

So... I was away from my computer for a few days - so here is the update for the last days…

Wasn´t able to run on Friday as i got an early meeting in the office, but managed to run on my weekend trip!

date.....min.....longest running interval
2/2 ..=> 40...…...(3)
2/4 ..=> 30...…...(3)
2/6 ..=> 30...…...(3)
2/8 ..=> 30...…...(4)
2/11 => 30...…...(4)
2/13 => 20...…...(5)
2/15 => --
2/17 => 35...……(5)
2/18 => 35...……(5)

That makes 250 out of 420 for Feb

noblsheep · February 2019

0217-11.5k total-59.4k, goal-80k

Long run of the week yesterday. I think I need a new lake.. getting really tired of running the same route day in and day out.

Energy levels took a nosedive around 5km. The rest of the run was a big slogfest. I remember being really really hungry last week on my long run too, maybe I should rethink the "no fuel needed for less than 15km" strategy.

@eleanorhawkins @Avidkeo @Lazy_Bones_1985 congrats on great races!

Sparx_81 · February 2019

Ok.... This morning was quite sore! I took it back a step just to try and keep it an easy day. My legs are sooooo tired after yesterday's outing! I could have slept another few hours, first time in a while I've actually needed my alarm! But I dragged my *kitten* out of bed at 5.50 and got out at 6! Legs are now officially dead...

I'm using "first day to 5k" program on www.podrunner.com

2nd - 10.44km (w4, w3, w2)
3rd - 10.31km (w4, w3, w2)
4th - 1.84 km (short due to leggings being too big!)
5th - 3.84km (w4)
6th - 4.08km (w4)
7th - 4.11km (w4)
8th - 4.18km (w4)
9th - 11.12km (w4, w3, w2)
10th - 11.18km (w5-1, w4, we)
11th - 4.08km (w5 d1)
12th - took the morning off... After 10 days straight my body needed a rest!
13th - 4.15km (w5 d1)
14th - 4.00km (w5 d1)
15th- 4.18km (w5 d1)
16th - rest (taking my son to fortnite competition!)
17th - 13.35km (w5d2, w5d1, w4 & a bit of w3!)
18th - 4.11km (w5d1)

Total so far - 95 km/ 161.93km

https://www.facebook.com/donate/2069247306698727/?fundraiser_source=external_url

Planning on a 10km on 11th may, trying to aim for <75 mins. (Best so far was 1 18 so 3 mins off is doable right?)

Squish815 · February 2019

Not entirely sure I'll make my goal this month as I have another busy weekend coming up so may only be able to do a couple of miles whenever I am at the gym. For once I am looking forward to it getting lighter in the mornings/evenings so I can start running outside during the week before/after work and get those miles in!

01Feb - 1.85 miles (treadmill)
03Feb - 3.85 miles (outside)
04Feb - 1.8 miles (treadmill)
07Feb - 1.85 miles (treadmill)
08Feb - 2 miles (treadmill)
09Feb - 6.8 miles (outside)
11Feb - 2 miles (treadmill)
14Feb - 2 miles (treadmill)
16Feb - 3.5 miles (outside)
18Feb - 2 miles (treadmill) (I also did this in under 18 minutes - FINALLY!)

Total to date: 27.65 miles of 40

Right, I believe there were some questions to answer!

Elise4270 wrote: »

How about a monthly question?

What are your current running goals? Do you have a PR your chasing?

And maybe tell me something about you, others may not know.

My current running goals are to participate in more races this year (me and my friend are signing up to a 10k in March, so that's a start) and to be able to actually complete the HM I'm doing in October.
I did have a goal PR for doing 5k in under 28 minutes, however according to Strava I actually did that on Saturday (27:36 compared to 28:27 earlier in the year!). I guess now I'm aiming for a 5k in under 27 minutes and a 10k in under 58 minutes.

Something about me? Hmm I spend some of my spare time playing board games - we have quite a few and have had to stop buying them for the time being until we can get better storage for them!

Scott6255 · February 2019

@debrakgoogins nice 10K PR! That map looks like a boot!
@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.
@eleanorhawkins glad you got to race again. Nice pace!
@rheddmobile well done on your 5mi PR!
@PastorVincent nice 20 miler. That Ryanud's really sucks!

I didn't get to run this weekend. Was sick (flu??) from Friday night to Sunday night. Feels like it is behind me now. Hope to get running tomorrow.

MegaMooseEsq · February 2019

PastorVincent wrote: »

@MegaMooseEsq Three stars on each foot? Any significance in the pattern?

They are the design from the top of every page of Harry Potter. Thus my joke about being a “basic nerd”. It’s a common enough tattoo among fans that I spent a long time deciding if I was okay with that, but eventually went with yes. Sometimes it’s fun to be a part of a tribe.

I also love pumpkin spice coffee.

Aside from that, I see the stars as symbols of completeness, beginnings and endings, and the placement a reminder of the amazing things that I’ve been able to do since I started pushing myself to run just a block at a time.

quilteryoyo · February 2019

@kgirlhart The lake looks like a beautiful place to run! Good job!

quilteryoyo · February 2019

MobyCarp wrote: »

quilteryoyo wrote: »

@MobyCarp You amaze me with the paces and races you run. Have you been a runner all of your life?

@quilteryoyo

The smartass answer is, "Not yet."

The honest answer is that I started running in August 2011 at the age of 55. I found a program similar to C25K. The first workout called for intervals of walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes. I walked 1 minute, ran 1 minute, and was compelled to slow to a walk. That's where I came from. After injuring myself on my way to my first half marathon, twice, I got some formal training and made it to my first half in April 2014. I kind of accidentally ran my first marathon at Buffalo on Memorial Day weekend, 2015; if I hadn't run Boston the year after that, my running buddies might have killed me for wasting a qualifying time.

So that's 4 years and 8 months from not being able to run more than 1 minute, to completing my first Boston Marathon. Others may have developed faster, but that was good enough for me.

HAHAHA That is a pretty smartass answer, but I get it! Now you really are inspiring me to up my game and become faster. As you may know, I ran for the first time, really ever, about 10 years ago, in order to overcome depression when my husband passed away. I "ran" until I tore a calf muscle playing tennis. Then, it was just hard to get back into it. I sort of started again back in August of last year, but didn't really get serious again until December. So, about 11 weeks into it and doing better than I expected. I just never envisioned myself to be able to run faster than a 12 min mile consistently. So, at least now I know it may be possible. THANKS!! I guess it really isn't ever too late to start.

PastorVincent · February 2019

Scott6255 wrote: »

@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.

The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.

Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.

So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.

Sparx_81 · February 2019

MobyCarp wrote: »

quilteryoyo wrote: »

@MobyCarp You amaze me with the paces and races you run. Have you been a runner all of your life?

@quilteryoyo

The smartass answer is, "Not yet."

The honest answer is that I started running in August 2011 at the age of 55. I found a program similar to C25K. The first workout called for intervals of walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes. I walked 1 minute, ran 1 minute, and was compelled to slow to a walk. That's where I came from. After injuring myself on my way to my first half marathon, twice, I got some formal training and made it to my first half in April 2014. I kind of accidentally ran my first marathon at Buffalo on Memorial Day weekend, 2015; if I hadn't run Boston the year after that, my running buddies might have killed me for wasting a qualifying time.

So that's 4 years and 8 months from not being able to run more than 1 minute, to completing my first Boston Marathon. Others may have developed faster, but that was good enough for me.

Absolutely amazing! Just one question, how do you "accidentally" run a marathon?!

MegaMooseEsq · February 2019

PastorVincent wrote: »

Scott6255 wrote: »

@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.

The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.

Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.

So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.

I find myself getting caught up in the energy of the finish line and generally try to finish fast, but it's because I enjoy doing it, no other reason. I sometimes feel a little silly putting on a "burst of speed" from the middle/back of the pack, but if anyone's judging, that's their issue.

T1DCarnivoreRunner · February 2019

MegaMooseEsq wrote: »

PastorVincent wrote: »

Scott6255 wrote: »

@Lazy_Bones_1985 super job on the 15K! I do the Peachtree Classic 15K every year just south of Atlanta. That is a fun distance. As for going all out at the end, maybe more racing will get you in the mindset.

The push at the end is not actually something we all do. Many of us talk about the "final kick" but I have been to enough races, and hung around at enough finish lines to know that many many people do not do this. Based on my completely unscientific study I think that the majority of people actually do not.

Those trying to place in age group, those going for a pr, those trying to beat a specific person or persons, and those trying to win the race likely make up the lion share of the people that do. In other words, most of the people doing the kick are doing it for a specific competitive reason.

So honestly, I would not worry about it. Run the race in the way that works best for you, and all will be good.

I find myself getting caught up in the energy of the finish line and generally try to finish fast, but it's because I enjoy doing it, no other reason. I sometimes feel a little silly putting on a "burst of speed" from the middle/back of the pack, but if anyone's judging, that's their issue.

I do, but that is because I figure I'm going to rest after the race and I can give it everything I've got left as I come in to the finish. It probably shaves off only a few seconds, though.

February 2019 Monthly Running Challenge

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