April 2019 Monthly Running Challenge

PastorVincent · April 2019

No run today opted for a walk with Mrs. PastorVincent instead. Should have looked at my watch though walked 4.84 miles... sigh LOL

Elise4270 · April 2019

Congratulations @mbaker566 !, @midwesterner85 ! @amymoreorless ! And any other weekend racer!

@midwesterner85 I love that quote. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it before. Thanks for sharing it.

simcon1 · April 2019

Congratulations to all the weekend racers! Those sound like really tough marathons, @mbaker566 and @midwesterner85. Yikes. So impressive! And congrats on your half, @amymoreorless!

I finished up work in Philly yesterday afternoon and flew home last night, all the while feeling like I was coming down with some respiratory bug, chills and all. So I lounged in bed for a bit longer than usual today and then went for my 9 mile long run. It felt great (I think I was very well fueled from all the food on my trip, which I mostly didn’t log!), and I’m hoping I knocked back the bug for a bit. Now I’m making some spicy veg chili in the instant pot...

I also found out when I got home that my 10 y.o. now wants to do the trail race this weekend, so I’m going to have to figure out how to work with that. I totally want to encourage him, but that’s not going to function quite the same way training-wise now. Hmmm.

April goal: 70 mi

4/2 5 mi
4/4 5 mi
4/7 9 mi

April total: 19 mi

2019 Races:
3/16 Kirkland Shamrock Run 5K
4/13 Mud & Chocolate 4.5 mi trail run
5/6 Vancouver BMO Half Marathon
5/18 Your Canyon for a Day 35 mi Bike Tour, Yakima
8/11 Lake Union 10K?

shanaber · April 2019

@katharmonic - I love running in Balboa park but have really only done it for races. It is always just so shady and cool there! If you can get to Shoreline Village and the marina area there is a boardwalk you can run there. Of course if you have a way to get there I would go either to Coronado or up to Mission Bay but they would be too far for you to run to and back from downtown. Note the area right around Petco Park was really bad the last time I was downtown so it is probably a good area to avoid.
Restaurants... so many good choices. For sure Old Town is touristy but they typically have fresh tortillas made on the spot that are so good! I don't actually drink margaritas (like them but don't do well with tequila) so I can't really recommend any places. I am confident you will be able to find some good ones though!
Also Sorry the Goat run didn't turn out as planned. It really sounded like a fun challenge!
@RunsOnEspresso - that is a great total for the week! Glad to see you getting back into it!
@_nikkiwolf_ - Good point on getting all the air out. It was definitely the water moving around so I will give squeezing the air out a try. I am also going to do what @zdyb23456 suggested with putting it in the freezer. I want to do that anyway (with water in it though) as it gets warmer to have it cool me down and have cooler water during my run. Also love that you can just go skiing in the Alps! Your pictures on Strava were spectacular!
@amymoreorless - congratulations on finishing your hilly HM! While I love a good PR and find I am very competitive even with myself, I am trying more and more to just enjoy the experience of the race and not worry about my times.
@midwesterner85 - congratulations on finishing a very tough marathon! Can't believe you did while being so nauseated! I guess this was a good learning experience before your ultra on how to fuel after having your gallbladder out. That never would have occurred to me!
@mbaker566 - you too! Wow Congratulations on finishing despite being so sick!! Also can't believe you are smiling in the race pictures! You look great!
@kgirlhart - I hate it when people have a dog and just tie it up outside. Kinda like what's the point of having it if you don't enjoy its company and play and snuggle with it. I do love baby goats! When I worked in the zoo the baby goats would climb on the camels when they would lie down then they would try to push each other off like a baby goat version of king of the hill (camel).

No run for me but I did get out for a 3.5mi walk with Hobbes the Vizsla. It was pretty warm so we took it pretty slow and checked out the pelicans and flowers along the way. I didn't get a picture but I was also treated to a beautiful (huge) osprey soaring over us.

Hope everyone in Texas and the middle of the US is safe from all the storms and flooding! Yikes!!

springtimez · April 2019

4/1: 2 miles
4/2: 3 miles
4/3: 2 miles
4/4: 2 miles
4/5:2 miles
4/6: 4 miles
total 15 of 50 miles!

Squish815 · April 2019

01st April - 1.5 miles
08th April - 1.7 miles

Didn't manage my target of 5 miles last week due to a combination of illness and insomnia. Back to it this week though, hopefully will be able to get my mile in at the gym as I won't be able to run at this weekend.

Tramboman · April 2019

@mbaker566 Great finish! And you look so happy in your photos!!!

4-1 rest
4-2 7k easy
4-3 7k easy
4-4 rest
4-5 easy/threshold
4-6 11k easy
4-7 7k recovery
4-8 rest

April Total: 39k
April Goal: 150k

January Total: 131k
February Total: 159.5k
March Total: 183k

Next year when you pop in here claiming your December 2019 mileage, what accomplishments will you have made?
Run at least 4 5k races.
Get under 30:00 and a PR for 5k.
Average at least 135k per month, which would put me over 1,000 miles for the year.

Run the Year Team: Five for Nineteen

Scheduled rest day today.

2019 Races:

4-13 Shine the Light 5K (Registered)
6-1 Freedom 5K (Will be off the schedule due to another commitment)
6-30 Strides for Starfish 5K

juliet3455 · April 2019

A little short 5km with Running Club friends on Sunday morning. Just wasn't feeling it. Legs were tired from Saturday's 11km hill Climb. The bottom of my shins/top of ankle were a little tender due to "too much to fast" syndrome - since the hills just opened up ie snow/ice have melted down to where they are now passable.

zeesparrow · April 2019

Yesterday was my first official 10k race. There were just over 450 people out on a rainy Sunday morning to support a local charity, 150 of them running a 5k which started at the same time. The 10k course was around the lake, the 5k course followed the same road out and then turned around. It was fun to see some of the faster 5k runners on their way back and be able to cheer them on.

Because of the rain, I wished I had brought my windbreaker instead of my winter coat. I didn't want to stand around beforehand without the coat and was planning on leaving it at bag check. There wasn't one though, so I ended up wearing it until the last mile or so, when I tied it around my waist. Since I had my coat with me, I also wished I had brought my phone to take some pictures of the lake. It was very serene.

I started at a good pace, a little faster than I'd planned but not too much. Just before the first mile was a small hill, then there were two bigger ones in the last half of the course. The latter were definitely a challenge (I walked them both). I stopped at two of the aid stations for water. They had garbage cans for the cups right next to the tables so it was either stop or throw the cup on the ground later.

My goals were either <1:10, <1:15 or <1:24. My official time was 1:15:15, 212/309 and 127/200 females and an average pace of 12:08 min/mile. Not quite as fast as I'd hoped, but honestly about what I expected. My husband ran 1:03:20. He said afterward that we both did better than he'd expected which was nice to hear!

I really, really wish I would have stretched more afterward. My legs are weary and sore today!

Love the medal!

Scott6255 · April 2019

Great job on your first 10K race @zeesparrow!

zdyb23456 · April 2019

4/1 5miles, 30 minutes TRX routine
4/2 5.86miles (tempo intervals)
4/3 rest
4/4 7.25miles (6miles, 6 strides)
4/5 10miles, 30 minutes hip exercises
4/6 4miles
4/7 rest
4/8 6miles, 30 minutes TRX routine

It was warm and breezy today. Not looking forward to acclimating to hot weather again, but today wasn’t too bad. TRX is getting a little better every week ie I can finish what used to take me 32 minutes in 24

PastorVincent · April 2019

WEll done @zeesparrow !

zeesparrow wrote: »

I stopped at two of the aid stations for water. They had garbage cans for the cups right next to the tables so it was either stop or throw the cup on the ground later.

In general, unless you are pushing hard to win/pr, I recommend everyone at the very least walk the aid station if you are going to drink. It will not cost you any real time and you will get more of the drink in your mouth plus the brief break is more helpful than it should be as long as you keep it short (like less than a minute).

shanaber · April 2019

@zeesparrow - Congratulations on your 1st 10K and a great charity to support!

I got out earlier and it was still hot. 80F when we got home but better than the 90 it is supposed to hit! Hobbes and I actually had a pretty decent run today. I did not try to do any drills or strides and kept the pace pretty much at my easy mark. Depending on how my foot feels I may try to incorporate some fartleks into my run on Wednesday and will go a bit further but not the speedwork or 8 miles on the HM plan. Today was also the 1st run in my new orthotics. They were fine most of the run but towards the end my feet were tired. I also had a problem with my socks that seemed to make my toes fall asleep or maybe that was from the orthotic too.

Date........Miles.......Total
04/01......4.72........4.72 + Agility
04/02......0.00........4.72 + Strength Training
04/03......5.45......10.17 + Sport Dog
04/04......0.00......10.17
04/05......5.67......15.84 - with Drills and Strides
04/06......8.64......24.48 - 2mile wu, 4 miles tempo w/90sec rest, 2mile cd
04/07......3.50......27.98
04/08......4.75......32.73 + Agility

02/03/19 - Surf City Half Marathon Deferred to 2020
05/11/19 - Santa Barbara Wine Country HM
09/15/19 - Jack and Jill Downhill HM - Boise
11/23/19 - USA Women's HM (lottery)
02/02/20 - Surf City Half Marathon

Mari33a · April 2019

01/04 1.73 miles
02/04 3.42 miles
03/04 3.24 miles
04/04 2.37 miles
05/04 3.51 miles
06/04 3.22 miles
07/04 2.78 miles
08/04 2.08 miles

mwilke · April 2019

Joining a little late, but in for 40 miles.
4/8 4.13 miles

martaindale · April 2019

@amymoreorless I love Fredericksburg and I bet it was absolutely beautiful this time of year! May need to keep that one on my radar for next year.
@midwesterner85 Good work finishing what sounds like a really tough race!
@mbaker566 I would never have guessed you were sick! You look so happy in your pics! Hope you are on the mend soon. Great job!
@zeesparrow First 10k in the books!! Congrats!

Tramboman · April 2019

@zeesparrow Congratulations and well done!!

martaindale · April 2019

So, I was supposed to run last night. I spent way too much time cooking/meal prepping and it just got too late. I had 4 miles on the plan for today. I didn't have to be in the office early today, so I went out with my husband again. His C25K called for a 25 minute run, so we did his part then I split off to finish my run. Ended up with 4.3 miles, conversational pace at least for the first 2.5 or so. I tend to talk quite a bit when running with my husband, which he says he enjoys. Since we aren't listening to music and he is still working pretty hard on those longer runs he says my talking is a nice distraction and I get a feel for what a truly easy pace feels like. I'm glad he is sticking with his plan and seems to be getting back into the routine of running. He's committed to the HM with me later this year and he was way under-trained for his first HM. So, I think he realizes he can't afford to procrastinate too much since he was starting from zero after taking most of a year completely off from running. We already climb together, but running was something he got me into then vanished. While I enjoy running alone some, it has certainly been nice having company for some of the runs.
I am toying with the idea of doing a second run this evening because I will have the time and I would only need 2.7 miles to make up for my missed run yesterday. And I climb on Tuesday so I would have a day off running. Maybe. We'll see how I feel tonight.

4/3: 3.1 miles
4/5: 3.3 miles
4/6: 7 miles
4/8: 4.3 miles

April total: 17.7 miles
April goal: 70 miles

2019 Races:

Piney Woods Trailfest 5k - 2/2/2019 29.23
Rodeo Run 10k - 2/23/2019 1:03.12
Run Houston! Minute Maid Park 10k - 3/23/2019 1:01.28
Brazos Bend 50 10k - 4/6/2019 1:15:33
El Chupacabra de Houston 10k (night trail run) - 8/2019
TWRC Run Wild Run Free 5k - 9/2019
10 for Texas 10 Miler - 10/2019 registered
Wine and Dine half marathon - 11/3/2019 registered

Run the Year 2019 - Team Five for Nineteen

katharmonic · April 2019

shanaber wrote: »

@katharmonic - I love running in Balboa park but have really only done it for races. It is always just so shady and cool there! If you can get to Shoreline Village and the marina area there is a boardwalk you can run there. Of course if you have a way to get there I would go either to Coronado or up to Mission Bay but they would be too far for you to run to and back from downtown. Note the area right around Petco Park was really bad the last time I was downtown so it is probably a good area to avoid.
Restaurants... so many good choices. For sure Old Town is touristy but they typically have fresh tortillas made on the spot that are so good! I don't actually drink margaritas (like them but don't do well with tequila) so I can't really recommend any places. I am confident you will be able to find some good ones though!
Also Sorry the Goat run didn't turn out as planned. It really sounded like a fun challenge!

Thanks @shanaber - yeah, not too worried about finding good margaritas and tortillas. I can't wait. I forgot about the Shoreline Village, I've run along there a few times. I'd love to get to Coronado if I can find the time. Thanks for the the tips.

@zeesparrow congrats on your 10k!

Panic mode - I think I'm skipping my run tonight in favor of trying to get a grip.

MobyCarp · April 2019

OK, I'm jealous of the people running marathons.

@midwesterner85 Way to tough it out! Your experience shows.

@mbaker566 First marathon, have a cold, and it didn't feel like it was taking forever until mile 24? You killed it!

Saw my podiatrist today. He didn't clear me to walk around Boston without the boot; he said wear it for half days in the morning so I'm not fatigued in the afternoon. Debated with myself, checked the long range forecast for rain in Boston, and decided to make the trip. I'll see my sister finish the BAA 5K, I'll see people I know finish the marathon, and I plan to see a Red Sox game.

And I won't run a step. I'll buy a 7 day pass for the T, and I won't be shy about taking short rides on the T to reduce the length of a walk.

8 days into the month, and I'm on track to hit my goal of zero running miles.

martaindale · April 2019

Ok, so I did a second run today. An extra 2.1 miles to make up for my skipped run yesterday. Didn't quite make up all the mileage but I feel better having not let myself totally skip the run.

4/3: 3.1 miles
4/5: 3.3 miles
4/6: 7 miles
4/8: 4.3 miles
4/8: 2.1 miles

April total: 19.8 miles
April goal: 70 miles

2019 Races:

Piney Woods Trailfest 5k - 2/2/2019 29.23
Rodeo Run 10k - 2/23/2019 1:03.12
Run Houston! Minute Maid Park 10k - 3/23/2019 1:01.28
Brazos Bend 50 10k - 4/6/2019 1:15:33
El Chupacabra de Houston 10k (night trail run) - 8/2019
TWRC Run Wild Run Free 5k - 9/2019
10 for Texas 10 Miler - 10/2019 registered
Wine and Dine half marathon - 11/3/2019 registered

Run the Year 2019 - Team Five for Nineteen

quilteryoyo · April 2019

My plan was to run for 30 minutes tonight, but I worked late and stayed even later to talk with a co-worker who had some personal issues she needed help working through. So, no run today. I won't get to run tomorrow either, but I am playing tennis in the morning. Hopefully I can get one in on Wednesday.

AlphaHowls · April 2019

@garygse wrote: »

@PastorVincent wrote: »

@Tramboman wrote: »

PastorVincent wrote: »

Dang it Gary! I almost had a clean sweep last week! So close.

...and @AlphaHowls ???

She would slaughter us all mercilessly if she was in that list!

All she needs to do is upload her .gpx files to Strava...I have no idea why she doesn't, especially as she'd probably come near the top of the different mileage challenges that Strava does.

I did try strava, but it requires more than I have presently...as in GPS, smart phone, apps and such. I just have a fitbit, but nothing else to get GPS with. I tried to pair my fitbit with it, but without all the high powered tech stuff...it ain't happenin'!

mbaker566 · April 2019

Thank you all for your kind words and support along the way. I kept you all with me when things got tough

Avidkeo · April 2019

hey everyone.

5k run this morning bringing my total for the month to 51k, and 9 days running in a row. Keep this up and Ill be like @alphahowls but without the distances she does (I bow down!)

well yesterday I had my ego firmly bought down a peg or two. I finally managed to catch my manager to let him know about my plans and the fact I have an interview. Now I never expected him to jump for joy but his actual reaction was very nonchalant. He basically jumped straight to thinking about options to replace me (fair enough I guess - its a challenge to get radiographers here). Didn't think I needed to give more notice than the 6 weeks I have to when I offered (I was offering to give 8 because I know it will be hard, but he wasn't interested in that). and when I said that I one reason I was letting him know so early is that I felt there may be greater implications other than "find a new Radiographer", because I feel there has been some questions around my working the way that I do (I'm full time but don't have a full time list of patients, but the Dr's want a radiographer full time so we have radiology available when needed), especially as I feel one manager keeps trying to give me more work. He did not deny this and agreed there were implications with the conversations going on at the company around the way work is structured. So basically through lack of denial confirmed there have been background conversations about me and my role. I also said I wanted them to have enough time to work it out, so on the assumption I do get the job, they can advertise as soon as possible. He didn't seem to care about that aspect or think it would be an issue. Fine, I was making as much of an effort I can to make this as easy as possible because I know getting me was a challenge for them. But if that effort isn't needed, fine. I can slow my roll.

I had at least thought I would have gotten a "we will be sad to lose you" from him, given all reviews and conversations have been around how much they appreciate me etc. But nope, he had to get away to a meeting. So yeah granted he was a little distracted, I feel that I got firmly put in my place. Hence ego firmly bought down a peg. And I thought they liked ME, not the fact that I'm here in general.

Ok self pitying moan over. I am glad they know, I really hope I get this job. otherwise it might be a bit awkward... Can I go for a run now?

Avidkeo · April 2019

hugs @MobyCarp hows the foot feeling?

Elise4270 · April 2019

Well @Avidkeo here I the states the second you tell your boss (or they hear rumor) your looking elsewhere, that’s your last day. They don’t want you if your looking. A lack of commitment, and your gone.

So least there’s that. And you probably made the best decision, and will hopefully be moving on soon. It may have been no surprise that you could do better than where you are.

Avidkeo · April 2019

Elise4270 wrote: »

Well @Avidkeo here I the states the second you tell your boss (or they hear rumor) your looking elsewhere, that’s your last day. They don’t want you if your looking. A lack of commitment, and your gone.

So least there’s that. And you probably made the best decision, and will hopefully be moving on soon. It may have been no surprise that you could do better than where you are.

Gosh sorry I forget about that sort of thing. They cant do that here, just fire you on a whim. You have to have to go through a whole process, verbal warnings, then written warnings etc. So even now they have notice I'm moving on they cant do jack if I decide to stay. And as I said, its a real struggle to get radiographers here.

I think I was just so surprised because its such a close tight knit place, so my bosses very business like reaction was out of the ordinary. this is the place that when I injured my shoulder and couldn't do my job, got an assistant to help me - do all the heavy lifting etc while I did the "radiography" side of things - so they have always looked after me in the past. And they genuinely cared about me.

Yeah I'm pretty arrogant aren't I - used to being pampered.

ContraryMaryMary · April 2019

Avidkeo wrote: »

Elise4270 wrote: »

Well @Avidkeo here I the states the second you tell your boss (or they hear rumor) your looking elsewhere, that’s your last day. They don’t want you if your looking. A lack of commitment, and your gone.

So least there’s that. And you probably made the best decision, and will hopefully be moving on soon. It may have been no surprise that you could do better than where you are.

Gosh sorry I forget about that sort of thing. They cant do that here, just fire you on a whim. You have to have to go through a whole process, verbal warnings, then written warnings etc. So even now they have notice I'm moving on they cant do jack if I decide to stay. And as I said, its a real struggle to get radiographers here.

I think I was just so surprised because its such a close tight knit place, so my bosses very business like reaction was out of the ordinary. this is the place that when I injured my shoulder and couldn't do my job, got an assistant to help me - do all the heavy lifting etc while I did the "radiography" side of things - so they have always looked after me in the past. And they genuinely cared about me.

Yeah I'm pretty arrogant aren't I - used to being pampered.

I wouldn't take it personally. It could simply be he was caught unprepared and that was his "professional" response. It will be interesting how things develop over the next few weeks. Good luck!

simcon1 · April 2019

Avidkeo wrote: »

I think I was just so surprised because its such a close tight knit place, so my bosses very business like reaction was out of the ordinary. this is the place that when I injured my shoulder and couldn't do my job, got an assistant to help me - do all the heavy lifting etc while I did the "radiography" side of things - so they have always looked after me in the past. And they genuinely cared about me.

Yeah I'm pretty arrogant aren't I - used to being pampered.

I think these things are always awkward in one way or another—and have heard thought processes around people leaving that are entirely different than mine. Frankly even as a very straightforward person, I have always told people I/we would miss them when they gave notice, even when I’d effectively managed them out and was thrilled to see them go. It’s just the thing to say..and I’m really a very sincere person.

But I’ve seen others have some weirdly insecure reactions to people leaving, like “oh, we were never good enough for her” kind of thing, which I think prevented them from even just saying what’s basically scripted—because on some level they were taking it personally? Or like they were “less than” because they weren’t leaving or considering it? I don’t know—it can bring out weird stuff. Or sometimes there are other complicated things going on that it just becomes a big management puzzle that might supersede an appropriate response in the moment.

I would try not to let it affect your ego! It’s great that they have made you feel valued throughout—I hope you can hold on to that, no matter what happens with the interview and leaving.

April 2019 Monthly Running Challenge

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