March 2020 Monthly Running Challenge

rheddmobile · March 2020

My husband and I went for a midnight walk hoping to avoid traffic. I’ve discussed my neighborhood in previous posts. How dumb is my neighborhood? This dumb! We went a little out of our way looking for a straight stretch of road that might be pleasant to run on, and ended up walking on a street where they were drag racing crotch rockets. You know those little bitty pocket bike racing motorcycles? Yeah those are super loud when in a street race at a time when absolutely nothing else in the whole world is stirring! Also they were throwing tons of firecrackers, just in case the police needed more of an excuse to bust them for drag racing. However it seems the police were all “sheltering in place” somewhere else.

Believe it or not the drag racers and audience of about twenty people were observing social distancing fairly strictly. My husband and I crossed the street and got hailed: “respect, my brother.” Well Okay then, best of luck to you too. Trying to put my feelings into words and can’t think of any that will get past the filter!

In other news, we heard a mating pair of Great Horned Owls. When mating they make funny cackling noises.

TheMrWobbly · March 2020

I love playing devil's advocate so here goes...

One person posted a comment about focusing on running and using spoilers. It wasn't an edict, you have the choice to do as you like. If we have suggestions that are controversial maybe go for a run before posting and consider them.

As a neutral @RunsOnEspresso your post was aggresive in it's tone though I suspect it is the real life situation and the huge pressures many of us now face more than one persons post that drove that. I hope you can find relief from those pressures as soon as possible. Maybe go for a run and consider before posting.

Reporting for abuse - why???? This is a supportive group, if someone posts something you don't like you can ignore it or realise we are unprecedented times and a total game changer of how we live and people need support and sometimes people react when under those pressures - kind of like you reacted by reporting abuse - maybe go for a run and consider before posting.

Just look at @Avidkeo having to decide whether to live with her family or not. Whilst some of us are less impacted by what is happening this is very, very real for many people - for my 2 pence worth @Avidkeo you are the front line professional working with other frontline professionals, you are the people with the knowledge to make that call. Your only concern should be who catches Cov-19 and not worrying about your husband being the sole carer for a while. As I husband I do anything to keep my SO and family safe and that is a small sacrifice. I not sure going for a run will help but I'm stick with this a my theraputic proposal. Thank you for everything you are doing and whatever your decision you cannot second guess it afterwards, know you made the best call you could at the time.

Can we please stop the discussion. Post what you want how you want and we can ignore/applaud/sympathise as we wish and get through this together. Maybe I should have gone for a run and considered this before posting

Fantastic news on the run @quilteryoyo and great pics!!! Superb running.

Faebert · March 2020

@Avidkeo - no advice for the difficult decisions you’re having to make right now, but huge admiration and gratitude for your bravery. I hope when we all come out of this, the public will remember everything you and your colleagues have done.

I can’t get on board with all the hot dog chat as I’m not really a fan unless they are made with English style sausages. However, I can agree that this lockdown business is an invitation to get fat. Especially with children who seem to eat constantly. There’s a morning snack and an afternoon snack as well as all the meals. I feel like a hobbit - breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses etc!! Will almost be a relief when I’m back on the work rota (Easter week, boo!)

At least I’m allowed to run once a day. And I do it at the crack of dawn so rarely see anyone and good to see anyone out is practising really good distancing and being so polite and civilised about it.

Have a good weekend all - I’m inspired to have a go at a bit of gardening. I imagine in a couple of hours I will be scratched, bloody, muddy, and cursing you all for giving me the idea! X

March goal: 36 miles
March total: 65.6 miles (reckon I might hit double my goal!)

2/3: 3.3 m
3/3: 3.3 m
4/3: 3.3m
5/3: 3.3m
6/3: 3.3m
9/3: 3.3m
11/3: 3.3m
12/3: 3.3m
13/3: 3.3m
17/3: 3.3m
18/3: 3.3m
19/3: 3.3m
21/3: 3.3m
22/3: 4.0m
24/3: 3.6m
25/3: 3.7m
26/3: 3.8m
27/3: 3.7m
28/3: 3.8m

February total: 17.8m
January total: 0m

brittanystebbins95 · March 2020

5 more miles and I'm at goal! I was going to run yesterday after work, because it was so beautiful out. It was 55 degrees and sunny, and its been in the upper 30's and windy and wet the last week or so. I had a bit of a headache so was already second guessing it, but then I realized... it's Friday evening. And its nice out. Everyone and their brother is going to be out. Having a reactive dog, I decided I might just skip it and save myself the extra head pain and run today and tomorrow, because its going to rain. I like running in the rain. It's peaceful.

PastorVincent · March 2020

RunsOnEspresso wrote: »

Aw someone reported me for abuse. I guess I really hit a nerve.

I've been i this thread for years but I'm done. It was nice knowing some of you.

I hope you change your mind, but if you do not, I understand.

Just know that you are wanted here and that this too will pass behind us and in a few months y'all will be annoyed when you find out I normally use provolone cheese instead of a bun on my hotdogs.

quilteryoyo · March 2020

WOW! That's some workout @katharmonic ! You rock. I can't do stairs, let alone with a 20 pound backpack.

@rheddmobile You do live in a very interesting neighborhood. Glad they were at least being responsible with keeping their distance and didn't pose a threat to the intruders (you & DH). I do wonder where the police were. I guess no one reported them.

Thanks for all the kudos on my run yesterday. I figured I wouldn't be able to walk this morning, but I'm not sore at all! Not running today. Instead, I'll be mowing my lawn for the first time this year. I've put it off as long as I can.

Tramboman · March 2020

3-1 7k moderate
3-2 7k thresholdish + resistance bands
3-3 7k moderate
3-4 rest
3-5 11k slow
3-6 7k moderate
3-7 7k easy
3-8 7k threshold
3-9 11k easy
3-10 rest
3-11 7k moderate
3-12 7k moderate
3-13 11k slow
3-14 7k moderate
3-15 8k slow
3-16 7k easy
3-17 rest
3-18 7k slow
3-19 7k moderate
3-20 REST
3-21 7k easy
3-22 7k easy
3-23 7k slow
3-24 rest
3-25 7k moderate
3-26 7k moderate
3-27 rest
3-28 7k easy

March Total: 167k
March Goal: 170k

January Total: 161k
February Total: 167k

2020 Total through February: 328k

Cloudy, 51 degrees F this morning, with a couple of occasional raindrops and plenty of nite crawlers to keep me company. Even my niggles were unusually well behaved after a rest day.

I've tried as hard as I can to resist, but I just have to wade into this controversy: Smith's Natural Casing hot dogs are the best!!! Cooked on a charcoal grill...on a bun...with ketchup...and mustard. Fire away!!!!!

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
Stretch goal: If I can average 169k per month, I can run 2020K in 2020

Run the Year Team: Pavement Pounders

2020 races:
4-25 Shine the Light 5k, Twinsburg, OH Cancelled
5-23 Race for the Parks 5k, Hudson OH
6-20 Freedom Run 5k, Aurora, OH

TheMrWobbly · March 2020

I forgot to mention my first run in 6 days yesterday which was just a general 5 mile 'see how you feel' run and I equalled my PB for 5k at 29:30 which I've only done once before and my second best time is 30:16.

Even my virtual running competition is now cancelled so no need for another HM this weekend and I decided to do my own parkrun over a new route as I had a bit of pent up energy from a quieter morning than expected. It was a little more up and down than I anticipated. New 5k PB at 28:07 😲

I think that will stand for a while!!

shanaber · March 2020

Sorry this is so long but I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about this group. I hope you will read my thoughts... I am what I would call a 'legacy member', other than @skippygirlsmom and @ddmom0811 and maybe @elise4270, I have been in the group probably the longest joining sometime in 2014. I am also one of the oldest (in age) members too not that it makes any difference.

This group has always been the place to ask questions, give answers, provide too much information and graphic pictures (black toe nails anyone?). This is where I learned what a fartlek is and about HR training, cadence and so many other running topics as well as just getting to know everyone’s talents in addition to running (dogs, cats, quilting, authoring books, etc.). It’s a place to set goals and think about our motivations as well as to just have fun conversations about whatever (@elise4270's monthly questions).

This group is so unique in that it is such a diverse yet incredibly inclusive group reaching all over the world and across all socioeconomic groups. We have never cared what your political affiliation is or what your position is on any specific news topic du jour other than possibly how it affects your running. I am not saying there have not been disagreements, there have been (socks and hot dogs are the ones I remember the most) and we all have strong opinions when it comes to running shoes. But we are all tied together by a love of running.

Now with this pandemic, or whatever you want to call it, we are all being impacted and have a commonality in something other than running. I think it is important to talk about how it affects our daily lives if it is, how it may be affecting our running or our ability to run. Whatever you believe or don't believe about it, it is still likely impacting your life and your running in some way.
I appreciated @noblsheep's wise words on how China was recovering and how she managed to stay sane and still run on occasion despite being in strict lock down. I am amazed that @eleanorhawkins could run a HM on her treadmill as well as being able to find ways to entertain her family while stuck inside in Spain. I feel for our frontline members like @avidkeo who is trying to figure out how best to protect her family while working in a hospital and training for a marathon with all the restrictions in New Zealand.
Honestly, I feel like I need all of you and hearing how you are dealing with it and still managing, more than ever. We have to continue to exercise our ability to share as well as to scroll by any topic (black toenail pictures!). I don’t want anyone to feel censored or that they need to leave because they disagree with me or someone else in the group.
I am honestly hoping that we can leave the conflict all behind here in the March thread and move forward in the April thread (you too @RunsOnEspresso) being what we have always been – this wonderful group of uniquely diverse and inclusive people brought together by a common love for running!

quilteryoyo · March 2020

Great job @TheMrWobbly ! Amazing pace, especially when you weren't even trying for a PB. What was the reasoning behind cancelling the virtual running competition?

katharmonic · March 2020

Very well said, @shanaber.

I hope that you don't leave @RunsOnEspresso. Know that you are valued and welcome.

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
03/01/20 :::: 4.1 :::: 4.1
03/02/20 :::: 3.9 :::: 8.0
03/03/20 :::: 3.0 :::: 11.0
03/04/20 :::: 3.3 :::: 14.3
03/05/20 :::: 5.0 :::: 19.4
03/06/20 :::: 3.2 :::: 22.5
03/07/20 :::: 2.3 :::: 24.8
03/08/20 :::: 1.3 :::: 26.1
03/09/20 :::: 4.3 :::: 30.5
03/10/20 :::: 2.0 :::: 32.5
03/11/20 :::: 1.5 :::: 34.0
03/12/20 :::: 1.5 :::: 35.5
03/13/20 :::: 1.5 :::: 37.1
03/14/20 :::: 3.2 :::: 40.3
03/15/20 :::: 7.0 :::: 47.3
03/16/20 :::: 2.2 :::: 49.5
03/17/20 :::: 3.9 :::: 53.4
03/18/20 :::: 4.1 :::: 57.5
03/19/20 :::: 2.7 :::: 60.2
03/20/20 :::: 1.6 :::: 61.8
03/21/20 :::: 9.0 :::: 70.8
03/22/20 :::: 2.7 :::: 73.5
03/23/20 :::: 2.3 :::: 75.8
03/24/20 :::: 3.0 :::: 78.8
03/25/20 :::: 3.1 :::: 82.0
03/26/20 :::: 2.1 :::: 84.1
03/27/20 :::: 2.1 :::: 86.2
03/28/20 :::: 8.0 :::: 94.2

Despite being sore from yesterday's workouts, I wanted to get the long run over with early before it starts to rain today (and continues raining for a week or so). Did some roads in the state park, avoiding the trails because they are a little muddy and have been crowded. The roads were way hillier than my calves preferred, so I also went along the canal trail for a while. And I saw this critter and his/her handiwork:

I got home and then walked Stella, so now I'm ready for a nap. But first, a work-related conference call to survive. Boo. It's going to be a painful one, so I'm considering a little something in my coffee to make it through.

hamsterwheel6 · March 2020

@katharmonic You are amazing. That's it that's the post.

hamsterwheel6 · March 2020

Still planning to do my own HM tomorrow. Morning temps will be 70's! So, not sure how I will fare based on the temps and doing it solo, but will try to "race" but also if I feel I can't get a PB, then will just relax enjoy it no matter the pace.
I'll rest up today and see how it goes. I just feel like eating all the foods right now. Oh and hot dogs? Must have Ketchup. LOL

@Avidkeo Hugs. I feel for your dilemma. That really is tough - thanks for all you do. My sister in Calgary works for an imaging clinic and has to check in patients all day and she's got heart issues like I do(family history). I worry about her as well. Not to mention she lives with my 82 year old dad - who last year had severe pneumonia. It's just so overwhelming.
Please take care whatever it is you decide.

MegaMooseEsq · March 2020

Hey all, I know this is a high-stress time for everyone, so virtual hugs all around. I am hoping to get a run in today - I haven’t been out since Tuesday, but I made a big decision yesterday that I’m hoping will help.

Putting COVID and mental health discussion in spoilers without any judgment on what anyone else wants to do.

As many of you know, I live with clinical anxiety and depression, and have been struggling for a few years now with substance abuse. I’d planned on starting a new therapy program a couple of weeks ago (three hours a week for six months) and even got permission to lower my hours at work to help keep things calm.  

And Then It All Exploded.

I met with my new therapist last week and we decided to postpone the start of the program because the idea of putting something new on my plate was too overwhelming and I wanted to see how the next couple of weeks would shake out. As it turns out, I became almost literally paralyzed by anxiety - last week I took 22 hours of PTO and this week I’m taking another 24.

Next week I will not be taking PTO, however, because I’ve asked for and been granted a medical leave from my job for at least the next two weeks (and I'm almost out anyhow). For those of you outside of the USA, we have a federal law (FMLA) that says your employer must give you up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for a qualifying medical need, including mental health, and must give you your job back afterward without penalty. I’m sure that doesn’t sound like much to some of you, but it’s what we’ve got.

There’s been a more generous amendment passed requiring paid leave for people impacted by COVID and I’ve asked my firm’s employment law attorney to look into whether I would be covered, but by my reading I’d say it’s unlikely. Our health system sucks, news at 11.

Anyhow, I already feel like a weight has been lifted from me, and I’m hoping that will be enough to help me get my butt back in my running shorts and my feet back on the street. Fingers crossed.

My monthly goals for March were: 1) to try not to get sick or injured AGAIN, 2) to have my best month of the year in all four of my tracked fitness categories, and 3) to aim for an arbitrary goal of 37 miles, to commemorate turning 37 this month.

Given the turmoil of the last couple of weeks, I’m actually feeling kind of good about where I am on those. I’ve been having some obnoxious knee pain this month, but fingers crossed have avoided major injury or illness.

If I can manage another couple of runs the in the next four days I’ll hit my highest month of the year so far for vigorous cardio (although 37 miles ran is NOT going to be happening) - I’ve already at highest month for lifting thanks to a couple of home gym workouts, and while I’m not going to top January in moderate cardio or flexibility/mobility, I’ve topped February in the first and have a shot to do the same in the second.

I’ve got two virtual races sitting in my back pocket right now and am tempted by a third - I vastly prefer in person, but so it goes. I don’t think I’m going to set any goals for April - I’ll just keep trying to get myself out there as much as I can. Well, maybe I'll make a goal to finally run those virtual races - my trophy case needs updating!

bearly63 · March 2020

@shanaber Black toe nails? I have certainly missed out!

@Avidkeo I do not envy your decision and the issues all healthcare workers are facing. I hope your family stays safe.

I got to facetime with the "kid" last night. He is tired but feeling ok. Admitted that his cough was annoying but did not notice a reduction in breathing ability. I had read that the virus can seem to get better and then all of a sudden, the lung issue hits like a ton of bricks. I didn't want to scare him but just prepare him that it was not a linear recovery. He mentioned wanting to exercise which I reacted to badly. I told him his lungs need to chill for a while. (shaking my head).

I am one of the newbies here. Sticking around hoping I will run again and need advice. I do enjoy hearing about other aspects of everyones' situations, interests and lives, even if it includes black toe nails and hot dogs.

Happy weekend and running.....

PastorVincent · March 2020

I went to the grocery store today. A different one than last time just to see. Still plenty of food on shelves (strolled in around noon), and actually more this time than last. I even bought a pack of 6 rolls of TP since there was plenty on the shelf. Figure that way I could say I really "took part" in this

The cashiers have plexiglass in front of them now so you can not sneeze or cough on them, and there are lines on the floor every 6 feet. Everyone was nice, orderly and calm. Most people were distanced, but there were a few groups of people talking. No way to know if they were not members of the same household or not, so I will assume they were.

All in all, still not seeing the mad panic that is being described places. For the most part, here in my little out of the way town, everyone just keeping on best they can and still treating each other well.

Stopped at Home Depot too, had to drive to a bigger town to get to one though, needed a part for my HVAC, and everyone there was the same. Most people kept the 6 footish distance and people cooperating.

ETA: We are under a stay at home order, but I did need a few groceries (perishable stuff) so had to go out.

emmamcgarity · March 2020

@bearly63 how are you doing in your recovery from the stress fracture? I’m praying for your son and sending you virtual hugs.

Scott6255 · March 2020

Very eloquent post @shanaber! I too have been here a few years and cannot recall any discussion that was offensive or mean spirited towards anyone. This group is the most supportive, amazing group of people (virtual or otherwise) that I have been apart of in a long time. This global situation is nothing like any of us has ever been through before, and we should try to support and encourage each other as much as possible.
Huge hugs and props to all the healthcare workers and anyone else on the front lines. You are all my heroes!! 💓

hanlonsk · March 2020

Well... it took me a while to convince myself that it was warm enough, and I was motivated enough to go for a run, but I did it. I was a bit underdressed, but any other layer would have lead to over dressed, so I went with it. The first bit felt no better than Tuesday’s run, and was also cold and windy, and I was pretty sure I was going to cut it short at 2ish miles again. But I somehow convinced myself to take the turn up the darn hill which would make my route longer. (I did let myself walk more of the hill than my intervals indicated, for having made the right decision.). After having made that turn, my best next choices are about 3.5 miles, or 4 and some change... and I did go for the 3.5 route. I was running out of steam, and that turn kept me away from having to deal with the possibly peopley business part of town.

So, at my snails pace, this led to almost an hour of slightly chilly vitamin D. It was not quite as long of a run as I had considered when I set out. But, after returning home, I saw the data, that was somewhat encouraging, and explained the running out of steam. (Well, explained it with additional cause besides being fat and out of shape.). I broke two of my records according to garmin! So, although these are no where near my actual PRs, I will take what I can get. For context, I got my garmin last July, in an attempt to encourage myself to stay on the wagon I was falling off of. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t work!). According to garmin, my fastest mile was set on the first run I did with it, (on shorter run than today) and my fastest (and nearly only) 5k was on the 3rd run I did with it. (Previous record was on a run nearly exactly as long, and did NOT involve previously mentioned hill, let alone walking up it!).

Both in July last year.

So not only did I run, I ran almost as far as I had hoped to, and I even showed some progress!!

3.58 miles today = 22??? Maybe? / completely out of reach goal of 50?

LoveyChar · March 2020

Today would have been my 10K, had it not been cancelled, and in 10 weeks from today I'll (hopefully) be running Marathon #2. I ran a meager 3.2 yesterday and I haven't gotten a run in today as of yet.
I've been doing aerobics and planks, and using dumbbells also (I guess this would be considered cross training). I'm pushing on and optimistic.

March 2020 Monthly Running Challenge

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