July 2021 Monthly Running Challenge

kgirlhart · July 2021

@quilteryoyo I actually knew someone who had a pet skunk when I was a child. I see skunks pretty regularly and in the same areas so I think they have dens nearby and are on their way home. They don't bother me, but I don't want to startle one.

@ContraryMaryMary Add me to the list. 💩 I have definitely been there and it is not a fun feeling. So far I have always made it home, except once when I actually had to stop at a convenience store. 😳 I am glad you made it home.

@martaindale It was thundering here when I got up, but it's a nice gentle rain now. I don't usually run on Saturdays though. But the forecast looks the same for tomorrow. How exciting that you are finally getting into the vacation house. Sounds like a fun "camping " trip.

ndsgettingfit · July 2021

First run of July! Ran 3.1 miles today 🎉

sweetdaisy13 · July 2021

Hoping to run another 100+ miles this month, with 10,000+ feet of Elevation.

Had my 2nd Covid Vaccine today and my arm is a little achy. I doubt I'll be running tomorrow as I was ill for about a week after the 1st dose. Hopefully, I won't be as bad this time around.

02/07 - 3.2 mile run, 9:22 min per mile
03/07 - 10 mile trail run, 9:29 min per mile

July cumulative:
13.2/100 miles
1,590/10,000 feet of elevation

katharmonic · July 2021

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
07/01/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
07/02/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
07/03/21 :::: 3.4 :::: 3.4

I set my alarm this morning with the intention of going for my long run but I had already told my friends there was a chance I might bail, especially if it was rainy. After yesterday's hike I had no desire to be soaking wet again. When I woke up the chances of rain were still higher than I wanted to gamble on and I was feeling tired and sore so I did bail. It felt good at the time but I kind of regret not doing it now because it was a cool day and those are rare in July.

Eventually I dragged myself out of the house and did a stop and go trail run with Stella.

quilteryoyo · July 2021

@martaindale I can see how three miles in those conditions would be miserable, esp. after 3 weeks of no running. Don't try to come back too fast and injure yourself. Yeah for the vacation/retirement home. I don't recall you buying one. Enjoy spending the night there.

@Scott6255 Nice long run. I sweat a lot, but never have I made my shoes squish.

Funny about the squirrels!

@kgirlhart Since you know where the skunks are hanging out, you'll have to be extra careful to not startle them. That would not end well for you, I'm afraid.

Nice run @ndsgettingfit .

Nice run @sweetdaisy13 ! Hope you have only a mild reaction to the second vaccine.

At least you got out and did some running today @katharmonic !

quilteryoyo · July 2021

7-1 2.1 miles running and 1.0 mile walking (Hill Repeats after cutting cedars for almost 1.5 hours)
7-2 0.0 miles running but 1.0 mile walking on treadmill (also played doubles tennis this morning)
7-3 9.0 miles running, 1.0 mile walking (easy pace, but not an easy run)

MT = 11.1/70 miles running: 3.0/31miles walking

There's a long run report under the spoiler, if you are interested. Basically, my legs didn't make it feel like every step was an effort like it did last week, but they were so tired after about mile 5 that a lot of walking was necessary to get it done.

I got up at 7:15 this morning, about 15 min later than I intended to, so I could get my long run in early. I wasn't too worried, because the weather was forecast to be a lot cooler this morning than it has been. They were right, for a change. It was only 54°F when I got up. It did take me a little over an hour to get out the door - ate a banana and had 2 cups of coffee that needed to settle. Also had some tummy issues. I think @ContraryMaryMary s post made my body think, "Hey, that sounds like something I need to do." LOL

Because of my tummy feeling the way it did, I change up my planned route so I would stay closer home. As far as this issue went, I did okay until mile 6. I started feeling the urge and, of course, I was almost the farthest from a bathroom I could be on this route. So, I stopped and walked around for a minute. It diminished, so I walked a little faster and then ran again. I did okay until I stopped at the end of my driveway for a sip of water at around 8.8 miles. (Yes, I stopped with less than a quarter mile to go.) The water did it to me and I really had to go. I slowly walked up my quarter mile driveway and made it with no incident. Interestingly, didn't do much once I did get to the bathroom. I did go out and finish the run on the driveway.

As far as the run went, it was much, much better than last week. Well, that may be an overstatement. At least it wasn't an effort to take each step, but I didn't really have the energy I had last week. I did pretty good until mile 5. (I had stopped and talked to mom and my neighbor during this portion, so maybe that helped.) By then, I was just ready for it to be over. My legs were really tired. I wound up walking a lot more than I had intended to the last 4 miles. But I managed to get it done. As a testament to how tired my legs were, after I finished the run, I started my fast half mile cool down walk by going on to the end and getting my mail. Coming back, when I got to the hill where I do hill repeats, I just couldn't walk fast anymore. So, I stopped Garmin, strolled until I got to the flat part of the driveway, and just finished my walk with laps on that part.

The good news is that my average HR was 144, I stayed in Zone 2 for 86% of the run, and I finished with an average pace of 12:56 min/mile. At this point, anything under 13:00 min/mile is a great easy pace for me. In case you are interested, the elevation gain was 551 feet.

Garmin says the humidity was 77% at the beginning of the run and 60% at the end. Here is what I looked like after only 1.5 miles.

I think I got dehydrated, which could be part of the problem. I can't seem to get enough water this afternoon and still haven't had to go pee.

Tramboman · July 2021

quilteryoyo wrote: »

7-1 2.1 miles running and 1.0 mile walking (Hill Repeats after cutting cedars for almost 1.5 hours)
7-2 0.0 miles running but 1.0 mile walking on treadmill (also played doubles tennis this morning)
7-3 9.0 miles running, 1.0 mile walking (easy pace, but not an easy run)

MT = 11.1/70 miles running: 3.0/31miles walking

There's a long run report under the spoiler, if you are interested. Basically, my legs didn't make it feel like every step was an effort like it did last week, but they were so tired after about mile 5 that a lot of walking was necessary to get it done.
I got up at 7:15 this morning, about 15 min later than I intended to, so I could get my long run in early. I wasn't too worried, because the weather was forecast to be a lot cooler this morning than it has been. They were right, for a change. It was only 54°F when I got up. It did take me a little over an hour to get out the door - ate a banana and had 2 cups of coffee that needed to settle. Also had some tummy issues. I think @ContraryMaryMary s post made my body think, "Hey, that sounds like something I need to do." LOL

Because of my tummy feeling the way it did, I change up my planned route so I would stay closer home. As far as this issue went, I did okay until mile 6. I started feeling the urge and, of course, I was almost the farthest from a bathroom I could be on this route. So, I stopped and walked around for a minute. It diminished, so I walked a little faster and then ran again. I did okay until I stopped at the end of my driveway for a sip of water at around 8.8 miles. (Yes, I stopped with less than a quarter mile to go.) The water did it to me and I really had to go. I slowly walked up my quarter mile driveway and made it with no incident. Interestingly, didn't do much once I did get to the bathroom. I did go out and finish the run on the driveway.

As far as the run went, it was much, much better than last week. Well, that may be an overstatement. At least it wasn't an effort to take each step, but I didn't really have the energy I had last week. I did pretty good until mile 5. (I had stopped and talked to mom and my neighbor during this portion, so maybe that helped.) By then, I was just ready for it to be over. My legs were really tired. I wound up walking a lot more than I had intended to the last 4 miles. But I managed to get it done. As a testament to how tired my legs were, after I finished the run, I started my fast half mile cool down walk by going on to the end and getting my mail. Coming back, when I got to the hill where I do hill repeats, I just couldn't walk fast anymore. So, I stopped Garmin, strolled until I got to the flat part of the driveway, and just finished my walk with laps on that part.

The good news is that my average HR was 144, I stayed in Zone 2 for 86% of the run, and I finished with an average pace of 12:56 min/mile. At this point, anything under 13:00 min/mile is a great easy pace for me. In case you are interested, the elevation gain was 551 feet.

Garmin says the humidity was 77% at the beginning of the run and 60% at the end. Here is what I looked like after only 1.5 miles.

I think I got dehydrated, which could be part of the problem. I can't seem to get enough water this afternoon and still haven't had to go pee.

It's always important to stay hydrated. If you don't feel the need to "go," you're probably not drinking enough.

quilteryoyo · July 2021

I agree @Tramboman . I thought I was drinking enough. I was sloshing.

I think I didn't drink enough yesterday, even though I did better than I usually do when I'm working.

ContraryMaryMary · July 2021

WhatMeRunning wrote: »

I hate that too @ContraryMaryMary. But did you pause your Garmin during the bowel spasms when you had to stop? (Joking of course)

Ha. I did the first couple of times then gave up and stopped my watch altogether as I shuffled home 😂

ContraryMaryMary · July 2021

Another absolute freezing stunner here this morning, even colder than yesterday. Thermometer said 0 degrees C, which is very rare for Auckland. Slept in a little so the sun had some heat in it when it got higher and I was quite warm by the time I got home (still only 6 degrees). As I had gloves and long sleeves with thumb loops I couldn’t get to my watch easily so didn’t check my pace, just cruised and enjoyed the day. Very pleasant. So many people out - especially considering the temperature - I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many runners and people walking dogs on one run in my neighbourhood. No kids though - clearly they’re all like mine: soft and refusing to leave the warmth of the house!

rheddmobile · July 2021

I’m on the board for July finally! Got 10k for the first time in a long while due to running on my day off from caring for my mother. Half on road and half on trails plus a long walk.

Plus, since fireworks were at Cox park where we usually run, we came back later the same night and walked down and back along our usual run route from WC Johnson park to Cox park (4 miles total). We even ran some of the way. I felt very superior trotting past all the gridlock traffic! I can remember a time when walking two miles to get to my car would have been impossible.

quilteryoyo · July 2021

Nice run again @ContraryMaryMary ! Hahaha about the kids.

Yeah for the running and the day off from caregiving @rheddmobile . Sounds like you and DH had a good day. And, you are doing so good, considering where you used to be physically (not able to walk 2 miles). That goes to show you what determination and hard work can do.

Tramboman · July 2021

7-1 4k tempo
7-2 7k tempo
7-3 7k measy (between moderate and easy)
7-4 7k measy

July Total: 25k
July Goal: 150k

Mostly sunny, upper 60s F, with a little breeze from the northeast. Another challenging run today, but I think it's because the effort of last week's race is finally catching up to me. The most concerning niggle from yesterday didn't return, so that was a good thing. Saw the robin family; the fox squirrel family (although they were not doing the deed); a male goldfinch feeding on thistles (the scent of the thistles is beginning to fade); and a cowbird - the first one I can recall seeing this year.

When you pop in here claiming your December 2021 mileage, what accomplishments will you have made?

PUT THE FUN BACK IN THE RUN!
Return to a good running weight of 175 lbs (second attempt)

2021 Races:

6/26 Direction Up 5k, Solon, OH 31:48 chip; 31:59 Garmin; 2d male 65 and over
7/17 Run of the Ox 5k, Mantua, OH
9/18 5k Run and Roll, Aurora, OH

WhatMeRunning · July 2021

7/1 - 6.49 miles, midweek long run (90 mins Z2)
7/4 - 1.54 miles, aborted long run (20 mins Z2)

July Total: 8.03 miles
July Goal: 135 miles

I seem to be in a slump the last few weeks between the quad strain, fainting Friday, and now some sore spots from that fall.

I almost didn't run this morning at all because my left knee was really stiff yesterday, and overnight my right upper back wasn't happy where I found a tender spot where I must have hit something, probably a footstool that got a litle bent up. That made my neck a little stiff too.

When my alarm went off at 4am I just shut it off since I assumed running was not wise, but wound up laying there, moving my knee ok, not feeling as stiff as I thought, and feeling guilty about missing another run, particularly a long run.

So I went out.

While I was mobile and able to run, and thankfully my heart rate was going as expected, it felt kinda like I had been hit by something hard and perhaps 2.5 hours of running would hurt.

So I stopped at 20 minutes in, but started walking and diverted to a hilly route. The thinking was to still get some cardio in, and even some leg workout on the hills, and see if I could do it without discomfort to get my planned 2.5 hours of exercise in. I was able to do that.

Now I'm all frustrated because I'm about 10 miles short of where I should be, and it's only the 4th. Plus my fitness has been stalled for weeks between resting the quad, and now only one week after turning productive again being right here.

Sorry, not trying to cry out loud or looking for sympathy. Just...not as pleased or content as I would like. And I feel like I shouldn't complain either, it's not bad at all, really.

Ugh.

Teresa502 · July 2021

July 1 – 5.62 miles
July 3 – 8.07 miles
July 4 – 3.01 miles

We have been enjoying some low-humidity, cooler temps for the past couple of days. Yesterday’s high was only 78F! After my 8-mile run yesterday morning, a friend and I went bike riding and explored a new route. Thought we would get in around 25 miles but ended up with 41 miles. My right glute was tight this morning but I did a short 3 mile run followed by a 1.3-mile walk and then yoga when I got home and it feels fine now.

Happy Fourth of July to all those in the US!

Glad you got checked out @WhatMeRunning. I know it’s hard when we don’t meet the goals we set, but try to sit back and take a look at the big picture. We’re doing this thing called life and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches, reset those goals and forge ahead!

I hope your knee is better soon @granitepeak45.

Tramboman · July 2021

WhatMeRunning wrote: »

7/1 - 6.49 miles, midweek long run (90 mins Z2)
7/4 - 1.54 miles, aborted long run (20 mins Z2)

July Total: 8.03 miles
July Goal: 135 miles

I seem to be in a slump the last few weeks between the quad strain, fainting Friday, and now some sore spots from that fall.

I almost didn't run this morning at all because my left knee was really stiff yesterday, and overnight my right upper back wasn't happy where I found a tender spot where I must have hit something, probably a footstool that got a litle bent up. That made my neck a little stiff too.

When my alarm went off at 4am I just shut it off since I assumed running was not wise, but wound up laying there, moving my knee ok, not feeling as stiff as I thought, and feeling guilty about missing another run, particularly a long run.

So I went out.

While I was mobile and able to run, and thankfully my heart rate was going as expected, it felt kinda like I had been hit by something hard and perhaps 2.5 hours of running would hurt.

So I stopped at 20 minutes in, but started walking and diverted to a hilly route. The thinking was to still get some cardio in, and even some leg workout on the hills, and see if I could do it without discomfort to get my planned 2.5 hours of exercise in. I was able to do that.

Now I'm all frustrated because I'm about 10 miles short of where I should be, and it's only the 4th. Plus my fitness has been stalled for weeks between resting the quad, and now only one week after turning productive again being right here.

Sorry, not trying to cry out loud or looking for sympathy. Just...not as pleased or content as I would like. And I feel like I shouldn't complain either, it's not bad at all, really.

Ugh.

Enjoy what you're able to do; don't stress over what you're unable to do.
It all evens out over time.

RunsOnEspresso · July 2021

Woke up this morning to 80° and 80% humidity. 10 gross miles done.

katharmonic · July 2021

Happy 4th of July.

@WhatMeRunning sorry for your frustrations. It can be so mentally tough to be behind on goals and not where you want to be physically. You'll get there.

Nice running and biking @Teresa502! We've been enjoying some nice cooler weather too and it's great to take advantage.

Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
07/01/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
07/02/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
07/03/21 :::: 3.4 :::: 3.4
07/04/21 :::: 6.4 :::: 9.8

Still not a long run but I did two shorter runs this morning. I met a friend for our usual 5k run while we catch up on each other's lives. Then we had a coffee because we had more to talk about. Then I went to a fun run held by the local Fleet Feet, which was just a 3-ish mile run with popsicles at the end and a raffle. I started out with a friend who was running a slower pace so I could catch up with her. She had already run 6 miles so only wanted to run out 1 mile and turn back, so after she headed back I tried to catch up with the people in front of me, including two other friends who had gone ahead. So my first mile was 12:17, my second was 10:23 and third was 9:45.I almost but not quite caught up to them by the time we got back to the store but I was pleased with my attempt!

I did not win the raffle but we did get a $5 off coupon so I promptly spent that on some Oofos recovery sandals which I've been eyeing and I'm excited to put on after hiking particularly. And I had 3 popsicles.

kgirlhart · July 2021

July Goal: 100 Miles

7/1: 6.26 miles
7/2: 2.25 miles
7/4: 13.2 miles

21.71/100 miles completed for July

I wanted to get up early for my long run today, but I just couldn't get going. But it really wasn't much cooler at 7 than it was at 8 and it was overcast so the sun wasn't too hot so the extra sleepwasworthit. It was humid and the dew point was 71° at the start and 73° at the end and the temp was 74°F feels like 75° at the start and 79°F feels like 82° at the end. When I first started out it was so humid and it felt pretty tough, but as I got going I just started to feel really good and enjoy the run. I was going pretty slow, but decided that it was OK to go slow on a hot, humid long run, so I just ran and didn't worry about my pace. And as I ran I just decided that in honor of Independence Day I was going to run a Half Marathon. So I did. 😊 It was nowhere near my HM race pace, but I was not putting in a race effort. I was just running easy and it was actually about 5 minutes faster than my first HM race so I guess my fitness has improved over the last 3 years.

I saw a couple of jackrabbits today. I wanted to get pictures, but they were too speedy. I also rerouted my usual run because I saw a couple of loose dogs near the veterinarian's office. They weren't a problem. I just saw them from a distance and knew they didn't belong there so I turned and went a different direction before they even noticed me.

@rheddmobile I am so glad you were able to get out and get a 10K. You have really had a tough time lately. I'm glad you were able to get out and do something for you.

@whatmerunning I understand your frustration, but try not to be too hard on yourself. You really are doing great.

@teresa502 I'm glad you are getting out and enjoying the nice weather. I can't imagine riding 25 miles on a bike muchless 41.

@RunsonEspresso Whenever I think the weather in Texas is miserable I remember that it is even worse in Arizona. Great job getting out there for 10 miles!

@katharmonic Sounds like some lovely Sunday morning running. How do you like the Oofas? I have thought about getting some but wasn't sure about the sizing. Do you get your regular shoe size? My running shoes are usually a size and a half larger than my regular shoes.

2021 Races:
4/24/21: Run For The Children 10K PR 55:46:28.
11/6/21: Run For 57th AHC Half Marathon

sweetdaisy13 · July 2021

@WhatMeRunning I know it's tough being behind where you'd like to be in terms of mileage, but try not to stress over it. In particular, if injured/not feeling 100%, it's best to take a few days off and rest.

Resting is probably the one thing that most of us runners hate doing, but sometimes a few days off or a week does us some good (both physically and mentally in the long term).

We often get stuck in the rut of just running to reach a goal rather than running for enjoyment and a break once in a while, whether forced through injury etc or voluntary, can give us renewed focus.

July 2021 Monthly Running Challenge

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