August 2020 Monthly Running Challenge
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As I have been posting my workouts against what my coach has asked me to do, the question has come up, “Why do you not do what she says?” Since I started doing this to pull back the veil a bit and show people what more structured training looks like, I feel I should address this.
The truth is, when I can follow the plan, I do.
I have several undisclosed medical issues that limit me, and I work multiple jobs. So sometimes I straight up cannot do what is planned despite my best efforts. One of the qualities I looked for in a coach was one that would not flip out when I deviated from the plan. At least one runner in our group has lost their coach for doing just that. I also remind you of a certain runner’s relationship with Hal. That would not work for me. So I found a coach that would be understanding.
I also run for reasons that have nothing to do with races, BQing, or anything of the like. I keep those reasons close to home for the most part, but the obvious one is I like to eat.
Also, keep in mind, I have been running as an adult longer than My Fitness Pal, Strava, Run Keeper, and the rest have been in business. I am in this for the long haul, and that often means pushing out goals, or reducing them, in the face of reality.
But I am not deviating as much as it may look to those that are newer to coach created plans. For example, let’s look at my last week. I had the following runs:
Monday: 10 miles
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 10 Miles
Thursday: Threshold Run
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 15 miles
Sunday: 6 miles
In any running plan, there are what we refer to as “quality runs.” Those are the ones that are key for making forward progress. The rest of the runs are base building, keeping what you have, or the like. It is not that they are not quality, it is just that they are not where the focus is.
In the week above Thursday (speed) and Saturday (stamina) were the two key runs. If you look back over what I actually did:
Monday: 13 miles
Tuesday: 8 miles
Wednesday: 10 miles
Thursday: Threshold Run
Friday: 14 miles
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 8 miles
You should be able to see that I did the two key runs. I had to cut the 15 mile run to 14 because of time, but I did that on Friday because I knew after donating blood (which I did on Friday) I would not be able to safely run 15 miles on Saturday. I did the threshold run as scheduled.
As for the rest of the days, those are “easy runs” – that is runs at a conversational pace. They are much looser. I do not like running less than 10 miles unless I have a reason, and my coach knows that. These numbers she gives are more of “at least 8 miles,” with the understanding I will do more most of the time. The purpose behind those runs is more about time on feet than anything else.
The only real deviation from the plan last week was I did not take the extra rest day on Tuesday. That simply was because I never know what days I will get to run the rest of the week, so I skip rest days early in the week to burn later in the week if something comes up.
So, I hope this helps someone. It should at least answer the question I got about this.
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August Goal: 55 miles
8/1 3.00
8/2 off
8/3 4.00 (today I "hiked/floated" Death Hollow in Utah's Grand Staircase area. It must have been engaging 'cause I only planned 2....)
Total 7.00
for those who avoid FB due to politics and other rantings, check Fluff Busting Purity extension for IE/FIrefox/Chrome/Edge/Safari. It allows you block anything you don't want to see or hear. I see lots of happy puppies and cute cats....and no politicians!
Upcoming and current races:
D-Backs Virtual Run Against Cancer on 10/17 (which would have been my son's 43rd birthday....)
https://raceroster.com/events/2020/27903/2020-d-backs-virtual-race-against-cancer
Big Island Challenge (virtually run 110 miles from Hilo to Kona by 9/27)
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No running yet. Spent the weekend in Shanghai with friends and it felt far too hot to run (locals were running regardless and they have my eternal awe and wonder). Then lifting kicked my *kitten* on Monday and I'm still working on getting my arms over my head. We'll see about tomorrow.
This year has been challenging mentally, emotionally and physically (for some of us). How are you coping? What do you do to get back on track? What challenges do you face and how are you managing them? (hint: if you are not it's time to do so).
Coping: running, lifting, going out and hanging with actual humans. It helps that I've been going out of town every weekend, one doesn't have time to be too depressed when there are flights to catch and trips to coordinate.
Challenges: lockdown and life changes earlier this year triggered some weird mood swings that disguised themselves as philosophical questions. Recently I think I'm done with the philosophical questions.. we'll see if the emotions go away too.
Remember when you were 10-13 ish? What were your favorite after school shows, snacks, activities, favorite memories and friends or pets?
I was in Florida when I was 10. Our TV was nearly eternally fixed to the Discovery Channel so I know much more than I should about lions and sealife. I'd spend my time hanging out near the pool or wandering around the block, there were alligators in the swamp behind the school and we'd catch sight of them sometimes.hamsterwheel6 wrote: »@kgirlhart Ketchup flavored potato chips. It’s a Canadian flavor not made in the states. Though I imagine some of the northern states might have them. Not sure why they don’t make it here, I love them and usually bring back some after I visit up there. Although maybe it’s a good thing!
We get those in China too! I don't understand why ketchup is fine with fries but not acceptable with chips. Aren't they basically the same thing?7 -
@BEASTFIELD314 You can do it. And, you are right, small steps lead to big things. Just so you know, in this forum, you are only a jogger if you find a dead body along your route. Otherwise, you are a runner.
@marisap2010 Hope your headache is better. I'm impressed that you went out for a run while it was hurting.3 -
8-1 rest
8-2 7k easy
8-3 rest
8-4 7k easy
August Total: 14k
August Goal: 170k
January Total: 161k
February Total: 167k
March Total: 181k
April Total: 191k
May Total: 200k
June Total: 156k
July Total: 180k
2020 Total through July: 1236k / 176.5k per month
Cloudy, mid 60s F and very humid again today. One would think I would have learned to check the weather radar before going out, but the nice rain through the second half of the run helped to keep me cool.
Great job, @kgirlhart !!!! You beat me to the sync!!!
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:
9-19 Race for the Parks 5k, Hudson, OH
10-11 Haunted Hustle 5k, Aurora, OH5 -
That is an amazing story @mbaker566. I thought it was going to be that he just ran across her while out there but so impressive that he set out with the intention of trying to find her.
Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
08/01/20 :::: 1.3 :::: 1.3
08/02/20 :::: 1.6 :::: 2.9
08/03/20 :::: 3.1 :::: 6.0
08/04/20 :::: 5.0 :::: 11.0
Back to business today with workouts. It was lightly raining when we started out it felt a little chilly, which was a nice change from the heat but a little unpleasant. We ran 1 mile for a warmup with nose breathing practice first. We were debating whether to substitute hills for the planned sprints and core circuit, due to the wet track conditions. Somehow this idea became doing ALL of it today. We did our typical sprint workout, and the track was ok. Then we did a core circuit on the very wet turf (3 rounds: bicycles, mountain climbers, planks, russian twists, crunches, and V-ups). Then we headed over to the hill. It was raining a bit harder now and of course we were already soaking wet. The plan was 45 minutes of repeats but I called it good at about 30 because I had to get ready for meeting. It was kind of a mean trick to do two days worth of workouts in one so I didn't feel too bad about cutting it short.
The rain is coming down pretty heavy now. Looks like it will last most of the day from tropical storm Isaias.
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Date Miles Cum mi
8/1 8.59 8.59
8/2 17.2 25.79
8/3 8.66 34.45
8/4 8.63 43.08
Day four off to a good start7 -
I forgot that when you miss a day you are behind 4 pages of posts!
08/01 - 2.55 miles
08/02 - Rest Day
08/03 - 2.44 miles
I quickly realized why I typically run mornings last night. I ran at 5 pm while daughter was at an appointment. It was 92 degrees with 42% humidity and dew point was 66. I felt horrible! Run actually turned into a walk because I aggravated a sore muscle or tendon I injured at my morning workout two weeks ago. Soreness is at the back of my ankle and I am not 100% sure what I injured. So I am limping around today. My fitness coach told me to rest today but I will see how it goes and may go try to run/walk after work today.
Ketchup Chips: my daughter would be thrilled if she could get these in South Louisiana. She actually dips plain potato chips in ketchup. My other daughter and husband like their catfish and fries in vinegar.4 -
August Goal: 100 Miles
8/2: 10.52 miles
8/4: 6.40 miles
16.92/100 miles completed for August
832.93/1000 miles for Run the Year Team Pavement Pounders
I ran 6.4 miles this morning. It was a really nice run. I got out the door at 5:50 and it was 70°F. The humidity wasn't too awful at 88% and the dew point was 65°. It was so much nicer than the 70°-73° dew points we've been having lately. It was such nice weather for August in Texas and I really enjoyed it since I know the forecast has us getting really hot again. I think we are supposed to be over 100° for the next two weeks. When I left the house it was clear and the moon was just beautiful and there were still stars out. It was an hour before sunup so it was still dark, but with the moonlight it didn't seem too dark. And then the sky started to lighten and it was just so pretty. I know I'll be hating that big ball of fire later, but it was sure pretty rising this morning. I saw a rabbit. He was sitting at the side of the road and he actually sat there until I was just almost to him before he ran away. And I saw a doe and a fawn running across the road. I did see a skunk, but he had been hit by a car and it hadn't been too long either because it smelled like he had just sprayed and I saw a baby raccoon that had also been hit by a car. That one was pretty sad because he had climbed up on the sidewalk and there was a trail of blood dragged across the sidewalk where I was running. But other than the roadkill it was a great run.
@ContraryMaryMary What a sweet way for your daughter to raise money. Although I have to admit that at first I read it as "dog biscuits" which is a totally different thing than dog shaped biscuits.
@noblsheep You're right, it shouldn't seem any weirder to have ketchup flavored chips than it is to put ketchup on french fries. I don't usually put ketchup on french fries, but I don't think it is weird when other people do. And I guess it's not that different than barbecue flavor chips. It's just something I never heard of.
@Tramboman Yay us! 1600! I wasn't sure which of us would sync first. I didn't know if we were both in the same time zone. I thought you might be Eastern time.
@mbaker566 That really was an awesome story. I love that he actually went looking for her and didn't just stumble on her which is what I was expecting.
2020 races:
11/7/20: Run for 57th AHC Half Marathon4 -
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Good afternoon, everyone!
I think it's been a week since I checked in - work has been awful. Today is the first almost-normal feeling work day I've had in a while. It's not a good time in the world to be having work trouble....
I had some really beautiful runs this weekend and have been doing a lot of PT and lifting for the aravaipa Vertigo challenge, which starts next Monday. I think it's 119k total. I'm pretty excited! I've posted a lot of photos in the fb group for anyone interested. It's been a great time.
Welcome to everyone that's new and returning! @polskagirl01 So glad you're back!
@Elise4270 I am so sorry! So, so, so sorry. I cannot imagine.
Monthly question:
How am I coping? Well, we still have one therapy appointment that we have been able to maintain. Also, I try to focus on what I want NOW and compare it to what I want MOST. What is most important right now? What are my priorities?
i try to keep my priorities in check so that I can give my attention to what and who needs it most.
Challenges?
WORKING SOOOOOO MANY HOURS! Worry about the safety of my kids and myself. Worry about the kids' return to school. My daughter is in her element right now because she doesn't love social settings or the pressure of performing at school but my son has really let himself go. I have to MAKE him leave the house to go outside. It's a work in progress - I'm working with both kids on routine and structure, etc. Spending quality time. Gardening...
Running really helps. It's been the best running year of my life, actually. Also I am in the market for some new trail shoes. I am leaning toward the Nike Wildhorse trail shoes, but I don't know how they are for stability. I'll have to go try them...
Anyway. Just wanted to check in on all of you. I hope everyone is well!4 -
Not running related obviously... Just tech/emotional advice
Problem: I want to keep DS's phone number. I can't say why exactly. It's part of him that is still here, his bloody phone active with his number. DH wants to save the 20$ a month and cancel it. I really don't know what I want. I get stuck on the "Alex" problems, and it's all I wanna do. I think I am trying to fix that he's gone.
Solutions posed by Brian at Verzion.
1) leave it as is
2) I can put his number on a watch, saves 10$/mo I think. But watch is 350-500$
Raised the question- Would I be able to pair my line with it and continue to get notifications, is it useable? I like the idea of having "him" with me all the time. But I have a 500$ Garmin Fenix that I'd be shelving. ETA- will not pair with Android
3) I can put it on a tablet. Cost is similar to phone line. My tablet is wifi only. 600+$ for new tablet
I could use the tablet outside of wifi then... Kind of nice between classes and having it not hotspot or on schools wifi. Or I know with kids/school now, I could sell/gift it to a family member.
4) I can have his number and my number on one phone. My phone isn't compatible. 450-550$ for new Apple SE phone (have Galaxy- love Samsung and Google) I think google pixel 4 is dual sim. But this is out of stock and has iffy reviews. The galaxy 20 or what have you is just too expensive. Won't sell that to DH.
5) DH offered to put his number on a prepaid. sounds ok. But what if I want it back? Verzion may not be able to port it back once out.
6) Move on and let it go. 0$
So IF I decide to choose one of options 2-4, Why would I, outside of keeping the number?
Honestly, DH usually comes around and will sign off on "whatever makes me feel better". Right now it's just perceived unwillingness to be cooperative and supportive of his goal, I seem combative to him. Rightfully so, mind you. I also just bought expensive google ear buds, which will still pair with apple. I am personally leaning towards the phone. or watch. or tablet. or begging to just leave the line for another 6 months, just 120$.
Fix me.8 -
@Elise4270 Can you port the number to Google Voice (I have done it in the past), which you can then pair with google's hangouts dialer app and use it from any tablet (even wifi only)2
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Not running related obviously... Just tech/emotional advice
Problem: I want to keep DS's phone number. I can't say why exactly. It's part of him that is still here, his bloody phone active with his number. DH wants to save the 20$ a month and cancel it. I really don't know what I want. I get stuck on the "Alex" problems, and it's all I wanna do. I think I am trying to fix that he's gone.
Solutions posed by Brian at Verzion.
1) leave it as is
2) I can put his number on a watch, saves 10$/mo I think. But watch is 350-500$
Raised the question- Would I be able to pair my line with it and continue to get notifications, is it useable? I like the idea of having "him" with me all the time. But I have a 500$ Garmin Fenix that I'd be shelving. ETA- will not pair with Android
3) I can put it on a tablet. Cost is similar to phone line. My tablet is wifi only. 600+$ for new tablet
I could use the tablet outside of wifi then... Kind of nice between classes and having it not hotspot or on schools wifi. Or I know with kids/school now, I could sell/gift it to a family member.
4) I can have his number and my number on one phone. My phone isn't compatible. 450-550$ for new Apple SE phone (have Galaxy- love Samsung and Google) I think google pixel 4 is dual sim. But this is out of stock and has iffy reviews. The galaxy 20 or what have you is just too expensive. Won't sell that to DH.
5) DH offered to put his number on a prepaid. sounds ok. But what if I want it back? Verzion may not be able to port it back once out.
6) Move on and let it go. 0$
So IF I decide to choose one of options 2-4, Why would I, outside of keeping the number?
Honestly, DH usually comes around and will sign off on "whatever makes me feel better". Right now it's just perceived unwillingness to be cooperative and supportive of his goal, I seem combative to him. Rightfully so, mind you. I also just bought expensive google ear buds, which will still pair with apple. I am personally leaning towards the phone. or watch. or tablet. or begging to just leave the line for another 6 months, just 120$.
Fix me.
I can not tell your heart how to feel. If it needs the number for now, it needs it. I can give you a much cheaper technical solution.
You could transfer it to Google Voice, which is free. Then you could forward the number form there to your phone so you get all the texts, and such. I did this a long long time ago with a number I have from a state I used to live in. Back when "long distance calling" was a thing. By keeping the number on Google Voice I could still get local calls.
I assume they still do it. And if so, that is by far the best technical option.
2 -
@quilteryoyo I noticed that both of my old ticker links (one was for the month and one was for the year) are now taking me to the same ticker, no matter which link I choose. I thought maybe something with my browser, but didn't try to make a new one.
@Elise4270 I can't imagine what you're going through, so can't really say which option I'd choose. Grief makes everything look different, so it's hard to say if the number will be as big a deal to you in a few months. Or it might be more important to you as time goes on. So many layers of pain, I'm so sorry you're experiencing it.2 -
@HonuNui
@PastorVincent
I'll look at it. I think DH suggested it also, but I am, well. I don't know what I am right now. An uncooperative crybaby, I think...
@polskagirl01 Thanks.2
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