January 2020 Monthly Running Challenge
Replies
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Regarding marathons: My opinion is, it IS a big deal. It's a huge commitment, and the training and race itself can be really hard on your body. It's definitely not for every runner. Personally, unless the marathon is really calling you (as we can see in some people here!), I don't recommend people do it.
I'm pretty sure I'm not doing one this year. I met my marathon time goal last year (with a negative split! Sorry, I'm bragging!) and was absolutely thrilled. Problem is, I now know how hard it was to accomplish that. I don't take that lightly. I have different goals this year that a marathon could interfere with. So for those who don't feel particularly called to run a marathon - don't! And don't feel like you have to! Yes, you are still a real runner11 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Camaramandy648 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »I feel like the marathon boom has made people feel like a marathon is the ultimate end goal of running or something that you have to do to be a "real runner" when in reality people can find challenge and fulfillment running all sorts of race distances (or never running a race at all).
I get what you're saying here. I think it could be partially true because of marketing and the comeback that running has made.
I don't think it's an either/or deal though.
For me, the marathon is not the ultimate. I have no doubt that I will finish my marathon. I'm not worried about beating time, either. My goal is to say that I made this committment and pushed myself to keep it..
The actual ultimate for me is an ultra race. I want to see what I am capable of.
I think the marathon would be the ultimate depending on the motives and season of the runner as an individual, no? And then you have to consider types of marathons and other races. Too many variables. The experience of running is so personal that it would be hard to tell for sure, what the ultimate thing is for each person.
I'm not saying that individuals shouldn't choose a marathon as *their* ultimate. I'm just arguing that it doesn't have to be unless you want it to be. Someone who runs 5Ks or untimed fun runs or never does an organized run is just as much a runner as a marathoner, there's nothing wrong with never doing one (or trying it once and deciding you don't want to do another one). I see too many runners feeling like they *should* do a marathon or that they should learn to like them.
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In the past running up to 8 mile long runs seems to be a sweet spot for me which makes my fitness and health improve. Even training for a half causes more damage to my body than it can keep up with. I don’t need or enjoy stress injuries! I have no intention of ever running a marathon just because of the expectation that “real runners run marathons.” It’s not something that would be good for my tendons or my joints, or useful for my goals.
By the way, if a shorter distance doesn’t seem challenging, you can always try running it faster. There’s a kid locally who runs 15 minute 5Ks. When I beat him, I will have earned the right to be bored by 5Ks.12 -
rheddmobile wrote: »In the past running up to 8 mile long runs seems to be a sweet spot for me which makes my fitness and health improve. Even training for a half causes more damage to my body than it can keep up with. I don’t need or enjoy stress injuries! I have no intention of ever running a marathon just because of the expectation that “real runners run marathons.” It’s not something that would be good for my tendons or my joints, or useful for my goals.
By the way, if a shorter distance doesn’t seem challenging, you can always try running it faster. There’s a kid locally who runs 15 minute 5Ks. When I beat him, I will have earned the right to be bored by 5Ks.
I'm not sure who said they'd be bored by a 5k, but I think if increasing speed for a short distance is the goal, then a 5k is fantastic for that!
And yes, adding... increasing speed will definitely make it more challenging but it won't increase the length of the race and I think most marathon runners are looking forward to the endurance aspect where they can also increase their speed. However, that boy is impressive!3 -
I agree with others is the thing that makes you a runner is strapping getting out the door, or stepping on a dread ill and running. Thats it.
Marathons and ultras are definitely a pinnacle because of the amount of dedication they require and the toll they take on your body and frankly personal time.
The thought that you HAVE TO run a marathon to be a true runner is BS and needs to go away.
I personally prefer anything between 5 - 22k. Doing a 5k well still takes dedication, but a lot less than a half or a full.
And remember what happened to the first guy to run to Marathon. He died. So yeah. There's that.8 -
I agree with others is the thing that makes you a runner is strapping getting out the door, or stepping on a dread ill and running. Thats it.
Marathons and ultras are definitely a pinnacle because of the amount of dedication they require and the toll they take on your body and frankly personal time.
The thought that you HAVE TO run a marathon to be a true runner is BS and needs to go away.
I personally prefer anything between 5 - 22k. Doing a 5k well still takes dedication, but a lot less than a half or a full.
And remember what happened to the first guy to run to Marathon. He died. So yeah. There's that.
Yes, we all die somehow and he screamed "victory" before he died, goal accomplished 26.2 miles ran with a purpose! That's one awesome way to go!0 -
PastorVincent wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Camaramandy648 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »I feel like the marathon boom has made people feel like a marathon is the ultimate end goal of running or something that you have to do to be a "real runner" when in reality people can find challenge and fulfillment running all sorts of race distances (or never running a race at all).
I get what you're saying here. I think it could be partially true because of marketing and the comeback that running has made.
I don't think it's an either/or deal though.
For me, the marathon is not the ultimate. I have no doubt that I will finish my marathon. I'm not worried about beating time, either. My goal is to say that I made this committment and pushed myself to keep it..
The actual ultimate for me is an ultra race. I want to see what I am capable of.
I think the marathon would be the ultimate depending on the motives and season of the runner as an individual, no? And then you have to consider types of marathons and other races. Too many variables. The experience of running is so personal that it would be hard to tell for sure, what the ultimate thing is for each person.
I'm not saying that individuals shouldn't choose a marathon as *their* ultimate. I'm just arguing that it doesn't have to be unless you want it to be. Someone who runs 5Ks or untimed fun runs or never does an organized run is just as much a runner as a marathoner, there's nothing wrong with never doing one (or trying it once and deciding you don't want to do another one). I see too many runners feeling like they *should* do a marathon or that they should learn to like them.
On of the running articles, I plan to write someday is "The Myth of Running Farther" - I run 50k races and you know what I keep hearing? "You going to sign up for such and such 50-miler" - to which I say "No." and people are surprised.
I like the 50k distance on trail, but honestly, after I get my BQ I might drop down to 30k and less on street. I have no plans to run father than 50k at this point.
Everyone should pick their distances that match their lifestyle, goals, ability, and etc. My goals are not yours, and yours are not mine. We each find our own path.
I totally agree. While I am planning on running a 50K at some point in my life, right now my work schedule will only support half marathon distance. I did train for a marathon on my current schedule, which had me getting off work at 5:00 am (I work 12-hr night shifts, 2 on/ 2 off) to turn around and get my long runs in. It was horrid, and I ended up getting sick (flu) several times during training because my body was just so tired.4 -
Running is personal. Reasons are personal. I started running to de-stress from a very stressful job and I grew to love it. My daughter has been running cross country for 4 years, every fall, and says she hates it but that she does it to stay in shape for pole vaulting in the spring. My husband spent years running in the military and says he never wants to run again; he'll lift weights, speed walk, and swim. Point is, no you don't need to run marathons to be a real runner; you don't even have to like running to be a real runner (my daughter)! There are kids, really awesome kids, that are running hard and heavy sprints out on that track while she's pole vaulting. I love every one of them...some will never earn a medal, never...and they're no less of a runner than those that do earn medals. Cross country, she runs on one of the best teams in central Texas and they're known for it too...yet, most of those kids will not earn individual medals (only as a team). I agree that you don't need to run a marathon to be a real runner.
Also, if you are going to run a race and pay for it, where does the money sacrifice come in? My husband asked me a few days ago if I wanted a gym membership at his gym since they're on sale and I said no.
1) I'd rather register for a marathon or two with the money I'd spend for a gym membership.
2) I haven't been on a treadmill since 2016 and I'd rather run in the freezing rain by myself like I did last week than drive to a gym to run on a treadmill. Plus all of the others, so much of it that I would do in a gym, I can do here.
So I think it boils down to:
1) Where do you want to spend your money? For me, I'm not paying for a gym membership. I'm also not paying to run a short race. I can increase my speed over a longer distance just as I could a shorter one.
2)Where do you want to spend your time? What are your goals and how much time and energy are you willing to sacrifice?
I don't think distance or speed defines a runner.2 -
I agree with others is the thing that makes you a runner is strapping getting out the door, or stepping on a dread ill and running. Thats it.
Marathons and ultras are definitely a pinnacle because of the amount of dedication they require and the toll they take on your body and frankly personal time.
The thought that you HAVE TO run a marathon to be a true runner is BS and needs to go away.
I personally prefer anything between 5 - 22k. Doing a 5k well still takes dedication, but a lot less than a half or a full.
And remember what happened to the first guy to run to Marathon. He died. So yeah. There's that.
Yes, we all die somehow and he screamed "victory" before he died, goal accomplished 26.2 miles ran with a purpose! That's one awesome way to go!
To be fair, he ran from Athens to Sparta and back, then to Marathon and was injured in battle before running a marathon back to Athens in order to deliver the news that they had been victorious over Xerxes' forces. Sure, he technically died after running a marathon, but had run a few hundred miles and was wounded in battle first.
Having said all of that, I concur that one need not run a marathon to be a runner. Some runners stick with 5K's, others run ultras, and everywhere in between.8 -
T1DCarnivoreRunner wrote: »I agree with others is the thing that makes you a runner is strapping getting out the door, or stepping on a dread ill and running. Thats it.
Marathons and ultras are definitely a pinnacle because of the amount of dedication they require and the toll they take on your body and frankly personal time.
The thought that you HAVE TO run a marathon to be a true runner is BS and needs to go away.
I personally prefer anything between 5 - 22k. Doing a 5k well still takes dedication, but a lot less than a half or a full.
And remember what happened to the first guy to run to Marathon. He died. So yeah. There's that.
Yes, we all die somehow and he screamed "victory" before he died, goal accomplished 26.2 miles ran with a purpose! That's one awesome way to go!
To be fair, he ran from Athens to Sparta and back, then to Marathon and was injured in battle before running a marathon back to Athens in order to deliver the news that they had been victorious over Xerxes' forces. Sure, he technically died after running a marathon, but had run a few hundred miles and was wounded in battle first.
Having said all of that, I concur that one need not run a marathon to be a runner. Some runners stick with 5K's, others run ultras, and everywhere in between.
And I agree...
Adding, though, that makes him even more of an inspiration...not less.1 -
Hello. My name is Kim, and I have a problem.
I just bought 2 pairs of shoes - asics Gel Kayano 25s and New Balance 860s. Both were very good prices - the NB ones were 100, down from 280!
And I have another pair I'm picking up next week.
I think im sorted for the rest of the year now haha. Even if the NB turn out to be duds, but then I have 30 days to return them if that's the case.
This morning I went for a wonderful run along the river, only 5.2k. I plan on a 10k long run tomorrow.
___________________________
Jan - goal 120k
Jan 1 - 2.1k
Jan 2 - 3k
Jan 3 - 6k
Jan 4 - 3k
Jan 5 - 9k
Jan 6 - 6.3k
Jan 7 - 2.3k
Jan 8 - 8.3k
Jan 9 - 3k
Jan 10 - 7k
Jan 11 - 4k
Jan 12 - 2k
Jan 13 - 5.5k
Jan 14 - 3k
Jan 15 - 7.6k
Jan 16 - 3k
Jan 17 - 4.5k
Jan 18 - 7.2k
Jan 19 - 3.4k
Jan 20 - 2k
Jan 21 - 5.2k
Total: 97. 4
Run streak - 32 days11 -
I think goals can change, too. My original goal was just to run a 5k. Then it was to improve my time at Parkrun. Then to race and get a 30 minute or less 5k. That involved training for longer distances for me. The time training made me wonder what my potential is.
The Runners Association here in Houston has a series of races. Members earn points for their run clubs by running or volunteering in those races. My run club also selects one of these races each season to be eligible for reimbursement for part of your entry fee. In the Fall, these series of races build in distance to act as “warm up” races for the marathon. I’m still a fairly new runner but am finding it interesting to learn about how different runners select races. I think I’d like to run a half marathon at some point. I’m not sure if I’d like to commit to a full marathon. But I’m enjoying learning more about the running community in my area as well as the different views of members in this thread.11 -
Jan 1 2.5 kms (treadmill)
Jan 2 2.5 kms (treadmill)
Jan 4 2.5 kms (jogged fully instead of walking in between, so yay. And not treadmill)
Jan 5 2.7 kms on the treadmill.
Jan 6 3 kms on the treadmill.
Jan 7 3 kms (treadmill)
Jan 8 3.7 kms road - jogging with a bit of walking, still super happy as overall speed has improved a bit 😊
Jan 9 3kms on treadmill. But my time has improved ever so slightly.
Jan 11 3.5 km treadmill, improved time
Jan 12 4.27 km treadmill
Jan 13 3.2 km treadmill
Jan 14 3.3 km treadmill
Jan 15 3km on the road
Jan 17 4km treadmill
Jan 18 5 km on treadmill
Jan 20 4 km on treadmill
Total so far 53.17 km5 -
Today was an XT/walk day. I didn't have a lot of time, so did a 2 mile walk on the treadmill.6
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10 miles today and it was way warmer! 26F! I mean that is approaching freezing!
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Re: marathons
Not everyone needs to run one. It is a huge accomplishment. But training can also take over your life. I like halves because they can be challenging but training is not so overwhelming.
I feel a call to longer races but suck at training for them.
I think it's related to people who think slow runners aren't real runners too. Because i don't run my 5k in under 30min, I've been told I'm not a real runner. Also, my marathon time, I'm not a real runner.
If you run, you're a runner. Even if you never do anything but tie on your shoes and go for a run around the block.12 -
You are what you consider yourself to be. Anyone elses definition is irrelevant.
I see a few subtle brags going into the posts when discussing what is a runner. If I may just say, good on you! It is about time we shouted our successes as they are victories for us and we should be allowed to enjoy them. I like to see more of them. Come on, let's hear what made you proud of yourself...
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Everyone has different running goals, and whether you run one mile or one hundred, it doesn’t matter. You are doing more than what most people are doing.
I have run every distance up to marathon. I think over time my goals have changed, and I think this marathon in March will be my last, at least for awhile. I want to focus on strength and speed, and so my mileage will drop significantly after March as I make adjustments. I’ll still be a runner, just with different goals. Maybe I’ll work on a sub 25 5k.
6 miles on Sunday, even though it was broken up due to being on call.
1 mile yesterday followed by weights11 -
I'm so close! Two more days like today and I can reach my goal. Here's 3 more miles.11
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1-1 8k slow + resistance bands
1-2 7k slow + yoga
1-3 rest + resistance bands
1-4 7k slow + yoga
1-5 8k slow
1-6 7k easy + resistance bands
1-7 rest + yoga
1-8 7k slow + resistance bands
1-9 7k slow + yoga
1-10 rest + resistance bands
1-11 5k slow + yoga
1-12 7k slow
1-13 7k slow + resistance bands
1-14 rest + yoga
1-15 7k easy + resistance bands
1-16 7k easy + yoga
1-17 7k slow + resistance bands
1-18 rest + yoga
1-19 7k slow
1-20 7k slow + resistance bands
1-21 rest + yoga
January Total: 105k
January Goal: 135k
Scheduled rest day today. Cold and light snow again today, so rest is good. Yoga is gradually loosening up my hips and legs, but my lower back remains tight.
Next year when you pop in here claiming your December 2020 mileage, what accomplishments will you have made?
Return to a good running weight of 175 lbs
Run at least 4 5k races
Get a 5k PR
Average at least 138k per month, to meet my Run the Year pledge of 1,020 miles
Run the Year Team: Pavement Pounders8
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