August 2019 Monthly Running Challenge
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Tramboman
Posts: 2,482 Member
in Challenges
It's time for the August 2019 Running Challenge!
WARNING: Following this thread may be addictive; it gets very talkative...miss a day and you can be 50 posts behind. This is the most popular challenge on MFP. If you found us in the middle (or end) of the month, you're still very welcome to join in - no requirements or special invite needed. Once you post, that's it you're in. And yes, we do this every month.
You set your own pace and distance for the month. We will all be doing it together. This is your virtual running group to help keep you accountable, to enjoy a virtual post-run coffee with your fellow runners, and to make new friends and learn a few things.
This is a continuation from the July 2019 Running Challenge which can be found at: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10746762/july-2019-monthly-running-challenge/p1
Anyone can join in, new and old, and if you found this thread late, you can join in at any time.
We have members ranging from total beginners all the way to Boston Qualifiers and beyond. We are a friendly and encouraging bunch. You never need to be ashamed of your miles. If you are making the effort, you will find only support here.
Here are the details from last month that apply again:
Anybody want to join in for a running challenge? Set a goal here and update us every day. OPTIONAL: You can post your progress by creating a ticker at http://www.tickerfactory.com (if creating one seems difficult, or you're like me and can't be bothered, then just type in your daily miles in this thread).
You can run, walk, or do treadmill - just be consistent. Don't let the high (or low) goals of others intimidate you. Some do 25 miles, others do 50, some go higher than that, some do lower; it's entirely your goal and therefore completely up to you. We help motivate each other, so what do you say? If you're new to running, set a low goal. If you're from a part of the world where miles aren't your thing, log your distances in KMs. And if you'd rather log your progress by time rather than distance, then you're entirely free to do that as well.
Feel free to set your goal now but wait until August 1, 2019 to start logging your runs!
Also, don't forget to join our group which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/21182-monthly-running-challenges
There you will find lots of good info, and it's a place where everyone can talk to each other for further motivation. It's also a place to find help when there is a problem with this thread.
Note: we also have a group on Strava and Facebook.
After you run, come into this thread and post what you did (don't forget to hit the star in the upper right corner to bookmark this thread). Simply keep a running tally of what you've done this month, and interact with the others. Many folks come in here and chit-chat it up, even on their rest days or while recouping from injury. This is a very social group and we talk about many things (sometimes even about running ). It's a very friendly bunch here so don't be afraid to say hi (even if this is your first time), talk about a recent or up-coming race, ask questions, provide answers, or just lurk-n-learn. Participation is what makes this group successful.
Not quite sure how to log your runs? Follow the examples of many other challenge members. Even take a peek at last month's thread (posted above).
*******OPTIONAL TICKER*************
Info on tickers since I know there will be questions. Sign up for an account at http://www.tickerfactory.com and create your ticker. Then you need to update it after you finish a run and post it here. Here is what you will need to do.
After setting up your ticker, you will need to make note of the weblink they give you so you can return. An example would be:
http://www.tickerfactory.com/exercise/w6K1EiX/ <<<< the last part will be a part of the image link (explained below) that will be supplied to you after you initially create your link.
When you return to TickerFactory with the weblink, go to your settings page. Make sure you type your PIN in that you set when you created your ticker account. Then, where it says "Your current cumulative value", there is an add button. Simply add the distance that you just did, and the cumulative value automatically changes. Then hit next.
After adding your new miles (or KMs) to your ticker, you need to post it here.
After you hit next, it will give you a bunch of codes suggesting how to display your ticker.
Use the one at the bottom where it says Direct Image URL:
It will look something like:
http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png
To display that correctly in your post, make sure you place the image (img) tags around that link. So it will look something like the following (but removing the spaces in the img tags):
[ img ] http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png [ /img ]
^^^^^^^ Don't forget to remove the spaces between the brackets ^^^^^^^^^^
Some key things to pay attention to when posting your ticker:
Use the link that ends in .png
Remember the [ img] and [ /img] tags go in between the link
Remove the spaces in the img tags before posting
YES, there is a / in the second /img tag
By the way, everyone here should consider themselves a runner no matter how fast or slow. There's no judgment, we all started somewhere. And no comparisons, except with your former self. Don't compare your Chapter 1 to somebody elses Chapter 20.
“I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.” – Bart Yasso
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius
"We all know that if you run, you are pretty much choosing a life of success because of it.” – Deena Kastor
“Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts.” – Steve Prefontaine
“Get going … walk if you have to, but finish the damned race.” – Ron Hill
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham
WARNING: Following this thread may be addictive; it gets very talkative...miss a day and you can be 50 posts behind. This is the most popular challenge on MFP. If you found us in the middle (or end) of the month, you're still very welcome to join in - no requirements or special invite needed. Once you post, that's it you're in. And yes, we do this every month.
You set your own pace and distance for the month. We will all be doing it together. This is your virtual running group to help keep you accountable, to enjoy a virtual post-run coffee with your fellow runners, and to make new friends and learn a few things.
This is a continuation from the July 2019 Running Challenge which can be found at: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10746762/july-2019-monthly-running-challenge/p1
Anyone can join in, new and old, and if you found this thread late, you can join in at any time.
We have members ranging from total beginners all the way to Boston Qualifiers and beyond. We are a friendly and encouraging bunch. You never need to be ashamed of your miles. If you are making the effort, you will find only support here.
Here are the details from last month that apply again:
Anybody want to join in for a running challenge? Set a goal here and update us every day. OPTIONAL: You can post your progress by creating a ticker at http://www.tickerfactory.com (if creating one seems difficult, or you're like me and can't be bothered, then just type in your daily miles in this thread).
You can run, walk, or do treadmill - just be consistent. Don't let the high (or low) goals of others intimidate you. Some do 25 miles, others do 50, some go higher than that, some do lower; it's entirely your goal and therefore completely up to you. We help motivate each other, so what do you say? If you're new to running, set a low goal. If you're from a part of the world where miles aren't your thing, log your distances in KMs. And if you'd rather log your progress by time rather than distance, then you're entirely free to do that as well.
Feel free to set your goal now but wait until August 1, 2019 to start logging your runs!
Also, don't forget to join our group which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/21182-monthly-running-challenges
There you will find lots of good info, and it's a place where everyone can talk to each other for further motivation. It's also a place to find help when there is a problem with this thread.
Note: we also have a group on Strava and Facebook.
After you run, come into this thread and post what you did (don't forget to hit the star in the upper right corner to bookmark this thread). Simply keep a running tally of what you've done this month, and interact with the others. Many folks come in here and chit-chat it up, even on their rest days or while recouping from injury. This is a very social group and we talk about many things (sometimes even about running ). It's a very friendly bunch here so don't be afraid to say hi (even if this is your first time), talk about a recent or up-coming race, ask questions, provide answers, or just lurk-n-learn. Participation is what makes this group successful.
Not quite sure how to log your runs? Follow the examples of many other challenge members. Even take a peek at last month's thread (posted above).
*******OPTIONAL TICKER*************
Info on tickers since I know there will be questions. Sign up for an account at http://www.tickerfactory.com and create your ticker. Then you need to update it after you finish a run and post it here. Here is what you will need to do.
After setting up your ticker, you will need to make note of the weblink they give you so you can return. An example would be:
http://www.tickerfactory.com/exercise/w6K1EiX/ <<<< the last part will be a part of the image link (explained below) that will be supplied to you after you initially create your link.
When you return to TickerFactory with the weblink, go to your settings page. Make sure you type your PIN in that you set when you created your ticker account. Then, where it says "Your current cumulative value", there is an add button. Simply add the distance that you just did, and the cumulative value automatically changes. Then hit next.
After adding your new miles (or KMs) to your ticker, you need to post it here.
After you hit next, it will give you a bunch of codes suggesting how to display your ticker.
Use the one at the bottom where it says Direct Image URL:
It will look something like:
http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png
To display that correctly in your post, make sure you place the image (img) tags around that link. So it will look something like the following (but removing the spaces in the img tags):
[ img ] http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png [ /img ]
^^^^^^^ Don't forget to remove the spaces between the brackets ^^^^^^^^^^
Some key things to pay attention to when posting your ticker:
Use the link that ends in .png
Remember the [ img] and [ /img] tags go in between the link
Remove the spaces in the img tags before posting
YES, there is a / in the second /img tag
By the way, everyone here should consider themselves a runner no matter how fast or slow. There's no judgment, we all started somewhere. And no comparisons, except with your former self. Don't compare your Chapter 1 to somebody elses Chapter 20.
“I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.” – Bart Yasso
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius
"We all know that if you run, you are pretty much choosing a life of success because of it.” – Deena Kastor
“Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts.” – Steve Prefontaine
“Get going … walk if you have to, but finish the damned race.” – Ron Hill
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham
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Replies
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As a test, I'll post my goal of 150k for August.7
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Thanks for setting us up @Tramboman. I'm in for 100 miles for August.5
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I hope to start running by mid-August (can't even try until 8/14). Probably very low mileage.13
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6
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My training plan has me at 56 miles for August. My husband and I will be out of town the last week of the month and I'm not planning on running on vacation.7
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Thanks for setting us up @Tramboman !
No goal. Just walk as tolerated and do better getting to the pool and do some upper body weights.4 -
Ohhh I have a very bias monthly question .
Compare yourself now to 10, 20 and 30 years ago. What improvements do you love? What do you look forward too? What do you miss and how do you deal with that? Follow up with what would your 15 year old self think of you today.
ETA I think @MobyCarp would have loved this topic.7 -
This month my primary goal: Find a job! Running will happen, but secondary to interviews and interview prep.12
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Ohhh I have a very bias monthly question .
Compare yourself now to 10, 20 and 30 years ago. What improvements do you love? What do you look forward too? What do you miss and how do you deal with that? Follow up with what would your 15 year old self think of you today.
ETA I think @MobyCarp would have loved this topic.
15 years ago I was walking towards my death bed. I was unable to run from my front door the 20 or so feet to my mailbox without taking a breather. I was 50 pounds overweight, wild uncontrolled blood sugar, severely reduced heart function, and many other things.
A couple of weeks back I was one of the few survivors of a 50k ultra marathon. My second ultra marathon.
Yeah, I think I have made a little progress. Just a touch. My goal back then was to be healthy and strong at my son's wedding. He is 15 now. So far so good!16 -
100 mile club again for me, although it could be tricky as we’re in Fiji for a week...9
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Can I join but not set a goal? I am recovering from a chest infection and a bad back so I don't want to set a goal and fail. Thanks11
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I can't believe August is almost here already. Only another 6 weeks or so of being too hot here :-)
Thanks for setting us up @Tramboman
I'm going to set my goal at 90km for the month. I expect to cover more than that as I think I've decided to start my HM training a week earlier than planned and give myself a full taper week before the race, as one of the things that went wrong last time round was the longest training run being just a week before the race itself and that being too much for my legs. We learn from our mistakes, and ready-made plans are made to be adapted, right?
Compare yourself now to 10, 20 and 30 years ago. What improvements do you love? What do you look forward too? What do you miss and how do you deal with that? Follow up with what would your 15 year old self think of you today.
Hmm this is a tough one.
I started a long answer but found myself getting upset and trying to justify a lot of stuff that's best left in the past. I will simply say that 30 years ago I was 11 years old. 20 years ago I was 21, having a blast but probably not very healthy, 10 years ago I was an overweight chain-smoking depressed mess. Improvements that I love: the 28 kilos I've lost (obviously), the self-confidence I've gained, the fact I quit smoking, the extra energy and feeling better generally, and of course having discovered running. Bonus benefit: the people I've met along the way!
I miss not thinking/worrying/caring about what I eat. I miss (yes I'll admit it) smoking. I sometimes still get pathetically cross with the world in general over the fact that I can't abuse my body and get away with it. I deal with it by whining my head off on MFP and going for a run.
My 15 year old self would probably think me today is nuts but admire her way of carrying on carrying on.
8 -
My aim is again to get out there.
Aiming for 20ks a week so 80km5 -
Ohhh I have a very bias monthly question .
Compare yourself now to 10, 20 and 30 years ago. What improvements do you love? What do you look forward too? What do you miss and how do you deal with that? Follow up with what would your 15 year old self think of you today.
ETA I think @MobyCarp would have loved this topic.
Amazing and fantastic question.
I'm so completely different from even just 5 years ago. Therapy has allowed me to deal with my anxiety, which now means I am able to prioritise my needs. I believe that you need to put yourself first to be able to look after others (within reason).
This meant that I was able to actually address my concerns and I lost 20kg. And have kept it off for 1.5 years.
I am more active than I used to be - much more active. I enjoy getting out. I do goals each year. And I love it. My kids are active as well, because I am.
And one huge change is if I decide to do something, I do it. What I mean there is I'm looking at buying a bike to cycle to work. Even just 5 years ago, this would have lasted about a month and I would have given up. I know this time that if I decide to gt a bike, I will actually use it regularly.
Oh and the idea of walking 2ks to work sounds great, not a chore.7 -
Plan has me for 170km. I'm not sure how much of it I'm going to get done, since I'll be in Scotland for 10 days. At least one missed long run seems to be inevitable, so I'm going to say 130km and see what happens.6
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mollymom07 wrote: »Can I join but not set a goal? I am recovering from a chest infection and a bad back so I don't want to set a goal and fail. Thanks
Sure! Some people do. But I would suggest you think of some goal, like "run three times a week" or "run 1 more time than last month" or "walk to the ice cream shop and get pistachio ice cream every day"
Having a specific and reasonable target helps focus and having focus helps you accomplish your overall goals.
That being said, everyone is different, so you do what works for you.6 -
Ohhh I have a very bias monthly question .
Compare yourself now to 10, 20 and 30 years ago. What improvements do you love? What do you look forward too? What do you miss and how do you deal with that? Follow up with what would your 15 year old self think of you today.
ETA I think @MobyCarp would have loved this topic.
I'm certainly a more lithe version of myself, having dropped 58 pounds over the past three years.
I look forward to every day being a new adventure that I can't wait to experience.
I sure don't miss smoking and drinking.
My 15 year old self wondered what he wanted to be when he grew up.
My 67 year old self wonders the same thing...
13 -
Thanks for setting up the August thread @Tramboman
Think I'll aim for 50 miles this month - not sure I'll manage it but it's something to aim for!Ohhh I have a very bias monthly question .
Compare yourself now to 10, 20 and 30 years ago. What improvements do you love? What do you look forward too? What do you miss and how do you deal with that? Follow up with what would your 15 year old self think of you today.
ETA I think @MobyCarp would have loved this topic.
I think I'll have to come back to this one at some point. Good questions though.5 -
where is the year going?
i want to stick to my running plan as close as possible. which involves running 5x a week. so that's my goal for the month8 -
Ohhh I have a very bias monthly question .
Compare yourself now to 10, 20 and 30 years ago. What improvements do you love? What do you look forward too? What do you miss and how do you deal with that? Follow up with what would your 15 year old self think of you today.
ETA I think @MobyCarp would have loved this topic.
I love hearing everyone’s journey. Sharing any tid bit about your past or future makes me feel normal. Ya know, so often we get a little boxed in to our views, our feelings and we fail to see we’re normal. We all struggle, we all fail, we all succeed. @Tramboman I really love your reply.
I find as I get older, I don’t like it. I miss being 25, looking 25. I want to go back to school and I don’t want to be 50, but I want the maturity and knowledge that comes with it. I hate part of my past. I feel like I have had zero direction and just happen to be where I am. I finally feel like I have some direction, but time feels short. So I hate the wear and tear the last 10 years. I might attribute some of that to the last 7 that have been in pain.
Twenty years ago, even though life was *kitten*, I loved it. My kids were fun, I was getting on with my life, doing my thing, learning who I was. I was sort of impressed with myself. I think there had been too much going on in my life to effective handle any of it,
Thirty years ago, ugh... just the beginning of the time i wish I could change. If there’s one moment my future self could intervene, that’d be it. But I have to accept that I wasn’t knowledgeable and lacked support and the self confidence to make those decisions. Hence, jumping in to marriage when I shouldn’t have but trying to get away from an unhealthy family environment. I have no idea why I didn’t run away to the army or something.
My 15 year old self had aspirations, no means and only a vague idea of a plan that I never followed. I think that’s a reflection of not really believing in myself. I mean, I still sort of don’t, it’s easy to question your abilities. I think over all, my 15 year old self would be surprised at some of my accomplishments, yet very disappointed the lack of support I have, but also wonder how I ever made anything work. And after all these years, why I am still trying to lose those 5 pounds gained over the summer of 84.
Don’t dwell on your struggles. Every barrier is an opportunity to grow and learn. Some of them really suck. But dig in, you got this no matter where you are in life. Time passes and things change, usually for the better because we learn along the way to manage, and find support.14
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