July 2021 Monthly Running Challenge

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.

pfeiferlindsey · July 2021

pfeiferlindsey wrote: »

I'm in for 100 miles this month. I had injured my toe on Monday and was waiting to see how it felt before committing to a distance. I ran this morning without pain, so I think taking the last two days off was a good thing.

July 1- 3.5 miles
July Goal - 100 miles
Miles to go - 96.5 miles

July 3 - 4.60 miles
July 4 - 3.13 miles
Total for July - 11.23 miles
Miles to go - 88.77 miles

WhatMeRunning · July 2021

Thank you everyone for the encouraging and even inspiring words. I just needed to vent somewhere apparently. I knew it was the right move when I did it and felt happy to be able to get that walk in. I'm feeling happier about it all now since I'm not dealing with any pain which forcing myself to run through all that would have caused.

You're all the best.

Also Happy Independence Day to all my fellow American running friends!

katharmonic · July 2021

kgirlhart wrote: »

J

@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.

@kgirlhart I love them so far. They are very cushiony to walk in, it takes a little getting used to. But I wore them while cleaning my kitchen and it felt good to stand in them. I bought my regular shoe size of 10 and my running shoes I always get 10.5. I don't think they have half sizes of the Oofas, at least they didn't in the store. The 10 fits well.

Avidkeo · July 2021

Am here. Not running as I'm sick.

@ContraryMaryMary 0 degrees! Eep. It's been cold here too.

shanaber · July 2021

@WhatMeRunning - so glad you got checked out! I hope your GP gives you the all clear and that there is nothing to worry about. I know how discouraging it can be to have different things impact our running or go wrong. I seem to just recover from one only to have another pop up. All you can do is put one foot infant of the other and keep going as best you can. You have been doing great so far and I am sure these things will be just a slight bump in the road.

@katharmonic and @kgirlhart - I got a pair of Oofos sandals a while back on sale and love then. Then I got a pair of the slides (also on sale) and love them even more. They are amazing after a long run or a race or even wn=hen you are just going to be on your feet for a while.

Got in a couple of good runs doing my run/walk intervals. Bumped up to 40/30 yesterday which seemed a little better. It hasn't been too hot but oh so humid for us!
Hoping to get in a good run tomorrow and then again Wednesday before we head out for a road trip to No Ca. for our anniversary. Already found a dog park for Hobbes the Vizsla and mapped out a couple of running route.

Date.........Miles........Total
06/01.......0.00.........0.00 - Strength Training @ Home
07/01.......0.00.........0.00
07/02.......5.82.........5.82
07/03.......7.23.......13.05
07/04.......0.00.......13.05

2021 Run the Year Team - LeftRightLeftRepeat 478.68/1256 miles (running and walking)

2021 Planned and Completed Races
03/13/21 - March of the Dogs Virtual 10k
04/26/21 - Scooby-Doo Virtual 10k
09/11/21 - Surf City Half Marathon (rescheduled)

Tramboman · July 2021

7-1 4k tempo
7-2 7k tempo
7-3 7k measy (between moderate and easy)
7-4 7k measy
7-5 rest

July Total: 25k
July Goal: 150k

Golf today instead of running.

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

quilteryoyo · July 2021

@Tramboman Way to get those hard runs done. Glad there were no nasty niggles. Love the wildlife you saw.

@WhatMeRunning I hope you feel better quickly and can get back to your regular running routine soon.

That's a lot of exercise @Teresa502 ! Great job.

@RunsOnEspresso Can't imagine running 10 miles in those conditions. WTG!

Sounds like a nice running day @katharmonic . I haven't had popsicles in a long time. Sounds refreshing.

@kgirlhart Some day I want to be you - go out for a run and just decide to do a HM just for fun.

@Avidkeo I hope you feel better soon!

penguinmama87 · July 2021

Distance Log:
July 2: 4.58 miles
July 5: 4.51

Goal: 9.09/40 miles

Changed up my route a little today and had some lovely views of the sunrise and fog in some of the valleys. I thought about taking pictures, but my phone camera isn't very good and it just can't capture how lovely it is. I'll have to make sure I pass by those spots again.

There was a deer I kept seeing every run by our house, but he may have adjusted his pattern after we crossed paths too many times for his taste - plus I've been consistent about keeping our deer repellent fresh by the garden, so there's probably much less to interest him at our house anymore. I do kind of miss seeing him around, though.

Scott6255 · July 2021

7 miles this morning. Went to an outdoor concert and fireworks last night and didn't get to bed until after midnight. So slept in until 5:30. It was supposed to be cooler this morning so was looking forward to a nice run. It was only 74F and dew point of 66, so much better than usual. But I just couldn't find the cool. Was sweating buckets like usual. So with all that being said, it ended up being just a normal summer morning run.

Teresa502 · July 2021

Scott6255 wrote: »

7 miles this morning. Went to an outdoor concert and fireworks last night and didn't get to bed until after midnight. So slept in until 5:30. It was supposed to be cooler this morning so was looking forward to a nice run. It was only 74F and dew point of 66, so much better than usual. But I just couldn't find the cool. Was sweating buckets like usual. So with all that being said, it ended up being just a normal summer morning run.

Such a slacker! Lol!

katharmonic · July 2021

Yes, lol @Scott6255 I was going to comment that sleeping in until 5:30 is really decadent. Ha. I dragged myself out of bed before 7 and thought that was an accomplishment on a day off from work.

@penguinmama87 sounds like a lovely run. I always think that about taking pictures too, they just don't capture something like that well.

@shanaber oh, I saw the slides too but didn't try them because slides often don't seem to stay on well for me. But I can imagine the Oofos might be very good.

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
07/05/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 12.9

Another lovely morning here. I think it's headed to 90 today but it was only about 63 when I went out. It was my friend's birthday so we had a good run and chat to start her day. Then I got home and took Stella out for her walk before it gets too hot. We walked in the woods another 3.3 miles. She was starting to get hot and tired at the end so we took lots of breaks to lie down and roll in the cool grass (Stella, for the record, not me) but it still feels pretty good out because the humidity is not bad.

quilteryoyo · July 2021

@shanaber You are doing great! Happy Anniversary! Enjoy your trip. You are so good to investigate running trails ahead of time. I'm awful about not running when I'm on vacation.

Sounds like a great run @penguinmama87 ! Glad the deer isn't getting into your garden, but I love to see them too.

@Scott6255 I agree with @katharmonic and @Teresa502 . You're too funny.

@katharmonic Glad you had a nice run and walk with Stella. I bet it would have felt good for you to roll in the cool grass too.

Tramboman · July 2021

Scott6255 wrote: »

7 miles this morning. Went to an outdoor concert and fireworks last night and didn't get to bed until after midnight. So slept in until 5:30. It was supposed to be cooler this morning so was looking forward to a nice run. It was only 74F and dew point of 66, so much better than usual. But I just couldn't find the cool. Was sweating buckets like usual. So with all that being said, it ended up being just a normal summer morning run.

Shame on you for sleeping half the day away!!!! I thought you were serious about this running stuff.

rheddmobile · July 2021

Scott6255 wrote: »

7 miles this morning. Went to an outdoor concert and fireworks last night and didn't get to bed until after midnight. So slept in until 5:30. It was supposed to be cooler this morning so was looking forward to a nice run. It was only 74F and dew point of 66, so much better than usual. But I just couldn't find the cool. Was sweating buckets like usual. So with all that being said, it ended up being just a normal summer morning run.

Right there with ya - was supposed to be up at 5 and just couldn’t do it, slept in until almost 6. Gotta love runners.

We had a pleasant morning, not exactly cool but cooler than it has been, barely in the low 80s by the time we were done and not too humid. Ran 5k easy and one mile was actually under 10 minutes which hasn’t happened in a while.

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)
7-4 0.0 miles running, 1.0 mile walking laps on the driveway
7-5 2.3 miles running, 1.0 mile walking (also played doubles tennis for almost 2 hours, outdoors)

MT = 13.4/70 miles running: 5.0/31miles walking

I didn't post yesterday. Mom and I went to early church and then to my nephew's for a 4th of July cookout. I did get my fast mile walk in on the driveway between church and leaving for the party. Pictures of the party in the spoiler.

Mom and her newest great granddaughter.

Two older ones "swimming."

The little one's sister.

Used the old hair trick to stick the balloon to the wall. He was fascinated.

I played doubles tennis this morning, outdoors, clay courts, with a different group of ladies. Two of these I haven't seen since probably Sept of last year. It was fun, but hot and humid. We were all sweaty and, for some reason, my heart was pounding...not fast, just really hard. I'm glad I have a follow up with the cardiologist tomorrow. I'll be sure to bring that up.

I figured I had enough sunshine and humidity today, so did my scheduled Fast Finish Run on the treadmill this afternoon. I ran at 4.2/4.5/5.0 mph for 5/20/5:25 minutes. It actually felt pretty easy today and I was only slightly tempted to take a walk break. Obviously, I didn't need it.

kgirlhart · July 2021

July Goal: 100 Miles

7/1: 6.26 miles
7/2: 2.25 miles
7/4: 13.2 miles
7/5: 1.02 miles

22.73/100 miles completed for July

I got out today and ran 1 mile. I usually take Mondays as rest days from running, but I am doing the Run the Edge Selfie Streaker Challenge so I needed to either run or walk a mile. I decided that running would be quicker. It was already pretty warm, but not too bad for just one mile. We went over to cookout with my mother in law for lunch and just enjoyed the day. It was a nice holiday weekend, but honestly I am ready for it to be over. I am hoping that my neighbors did all their fireworks last night and maybe my dog will let us sleep tonight. There's a chance of thunderstorms though, so probably not.

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

skippygirlsmom · July 2021

7/1 – 3.02
7/2 – 5.02
7/2 - .50 cool down
7/3 – 4.02
7/4 – 1.05 with pups
7/4 – 1.44 hiking down and back up from swim basin
7/5 – 4.67 trails
7/5 - .41 cool down to get to 5 miles

20.13 of 65 miles

I’m so far behind on the thread, I don’t think I’ve logged in for 3 or 4 days. I’ll have to catch up later.

I’ve been trying to add miles to my runs and run more often, I think I’m going to stop adding in the walks with the dogs to my mileage.

How we spent our 4th in the spoiler

Yesterday Skip and I went to 2 waterfalls that are about an hour or so from our house. Both were pretty, the first DeSoto you could then hike down .75 miles to and swim in the basin, I have to say there were parts I wasn’t comfortable with very rocky and my ankle still doesn’t do well with lots of uneven, especially rocky ground, but I made it down and back up ha ha. There wasn’t a lot of room to sit and relax, I couldn’t get closer to the falls because of the rocks I would had to climb. I talked to a woman who did it and she couldn’t stress enough how much she thought it would be a mistake with my ankle, so Skip swam over to go under the falls. After that we went over to Little River Canyon and those falls were nicer and I was able to actually get in the water a little which I couldn’t do at all at DeSoto. There you could go in above the falls and there was so much space to sit and I would put my feet in and relax while Skip had some fun. Today I went up to Monte Sano by myself and ran. It’s the first time on the trails alone and I loved it, I’ve missed it so much. Ran into a race director friend who was like YES YES it’s GREAT to see you out here!!!! It was nice.

DeSoto Falls

Little River Canyon

martaindale · July 2021

July total: 5.7 miles

7/3: 3 miles
7/5: 2.7 miles

Slightly easier today. It's still hot and 90%+ humidity. I was quite sore after that first run. More than I ever thought I would be. It's not like I did nothing for a month!
I went out to our new house Saturday night and camped on a mattress on the floor. It was awesome to be there and a little crazy to think of it as our house finally!
But, I learned a valuable lesson about scorpions. I left my pajama pants on the floor and as I was making coffee, felt something crawl into the back of my arm. When I brushed it off I felt a major pain in my finger and FREAKED OUT! I found a scorpion on the kitchen floor. I assume it was on my pants and crawled up to my arm. So, don't leave stuff on the floor. Scorpions live in the Hill country. It took the good part of the day for my finger to feel normal and every little thing I saw from the corner of my eye was a scorpion for the rest of the day.

Scott6255 · July 2021

@skippygirlsmom those falls are beautiful!

@martaindale we used to have scorpions in our house ALL the time when I was a kid. You'd think I would get used to them, but they freak the *kitten* out of me still. I got shivers just from reading your post. Glad you are ok.

@quilteryoyo sounds like you had a busy 4th celebration. Hope your heart checks out ok 💜

ContraryMaryMary · July 2021

Oh my @martaindale, I could not do scorpions.

Or snakes. Or coyotes. Or skunks. Or any of the other bitey stingy stinky critters everyone here seems to encounter on a daily basis.

Growing up in NZ makes you soft. All I have to worry about is gnats. I hate gnats. Got one in my eye early on in a run a few days ago which was horrid. I kept thinking I could feel it then told myself I was looking for excuses to stop running. I assumed it had scratched my eyelid which is why I had some discomfort so, told myself off, tried to ignore it and kept on running. Imagine my surprise when I pulled down my lower eyelid in front of the mirror at home only to find the little bug there!

July 2021 Monthly Running Challenge

Replies

Categories