August 2021 Monthly Running Challenge
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I was supposed to do 7 miles today but was only able to get in 6. Stupid job interfering with my training! 🤣
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Congrats Skip! That is awesome!2
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »I was supposed to do 7 miles today but was only able to get in 6. Stupid job interfering with my training! 🤣
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Priorities....4 -
Monthly question…
1) How do you find motivation and discipline? What is your reward?
2) How do you manage stress? How does your body react to stress?
(My psychologist wants to know, LOL! I need a good answer for next appt. 🤣)3 -
Skip said thank you so much, I know if I try to mention names I'll miss someone.
Monthly question…
1) How do you find motivation and discipline? What is your reward?
The answers to motivation and reward are the same, I just feel better when I run. Discipline, just make myself go for so many days and then it becomes second nature to go.
2) How do you manage stress? How does your body react to stress?
I cry, wipe my eyes and move on.4 -
Tough questions Elise @swenson19d ...
I try not to depend too much on motivation, but we all need it, and sometimes we really need it. I think one of the ways I find motivation is thinking through the outcomes of me not completing what I set out to do and how I would feel about that, thinking of examples if appropriate, particularly examples that maybe served as a type of motivation to get me started in the first place. Sometimes those reminders are all I need to keep myself going. One thing that I suspect is somewhat common was when I felt that all-around, mortal coil type fatigue in my first full marathon near mile 20 (mile 18 in my case) was thinking back to how much I had trained, and ran, and suffered, for so many hours, and how all that would be for nothing with zero freaking reward if I quit, and how I would quite likely never try it again because now I knew how freaking hard it was and how all of it would just be a big old "making me suffer for zero freaking reward at all" if I actually stopped that and quit the event. Whereas if I continued, I could at least get that freaking medal and shove it up everyone's freaking *kitten* afterwards if they asked about it. I have the medal, and have not done anything untoward with it other than hang it proudly with other medals.
As opposed to motivation, I try to rely on discipline. I set out specific goals and schedules, and do everything in my power to make them realistic and make them happen no matter what, until eventually it's just what happens at that time every day, week, whatever. If I don't feel like doing it I question why over and over, and have to answer that why until I either do it, or convince myself it's not necessary because I actually made sense (maybe it's because I was injured or something).
I have been blessed with an endless supply of stress. I either learn to deal with it or...well, there is no other option. So I deal with it. Sometimes I don't deal with it as well as I would have preferred, and try to learn from that.
As for how my body reacts to stress, outside of the normal effects, I can't say it has made any long term impacts. I am probably lucky that way.5 -
Actually, I suppose I only ever really got into running as a way to relieve stress (was a nice side effect). So maybe it has had some physical impacts.WhatMeRunning wrote: »As for how my body reacts to stress, outside of the normal effects, I can't say it has made any long term impacts. I am probably lucky that way.3 -
I guess I never answered about "what is my reward".
I honestly just want to get my goals accomplished. That's all the reward I want. I try not to allow other "rewards" to interfere as the last thing I need is some Pavlovian distraction. 🤤 A good example for me is some sort of "reward food treat". Food and I have a bad history. I am an all or nothing kind of person, so I let the goals be the reward and it works for me. Some folks need some reward, I suppose as long as that doesn't affect their lives negatively then more power to them for that!
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swenson19d wrote: »Monthly question…
1) How do you find motivation and discipline? What is your reward?
2) How do you manage stress? How does your body react to stress?
(My psychologist wants to know, LOL! I need a good answer for next appt. 🤣)
1) "My Whys" keep me going. It is always important to establish why I am pursuing an activity or course of action. That foundation keeps going no matter what.
2) I take "mental health hour/day" to regroup and start fresh. Music and running are my quick go to as well. I may break out during a stressful period but that is normally it.
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Oh, I forgot to mention I'm a Hot Chocolate 5k/15k race ambassador this year! If you live in or near a city that hotst the race you can get a free buff with my code JENNAHC21. If you are in the US and not near a race city or not ready for in person there's also a virtual option. Here's the website https://hotchocolate15k.com/ (no pressure to sign up, just sharing in case anyone is interested! I love this race and the swag!)
Another 5 miles today. Looking forward to rest day tomorrow 🤣
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Working my way through all the post I have missed and saw this from @RunsOnEspresso and had to comment. I didn't look to see what the swag is this year but in the past they have had the best jackets/hoodies. I have at least 3 different ones and love them all.
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Oh, I forgot to mention I'm a Hot Chocolate 5k/15k race ambassador this year! If you live in or near a city that hotst the race you can get a free buff with my code JENNAHC21. If you are in the US and not near a race city or not ready for in person there's also a virtual option. Here's the website https://hotchocolate15k.com/ (no pressure to sign up, just sharing in case anyone is interested! I love this race and the swag!)
Another 5 miles today. Looking forward to rest day tomorrow 🤣
25/192
Working my way through all the post I have missed and saw this from @RunsOnEspresso and had to comment. I didn't look to see what the swag is this year but in the past they have had the best jackets/hoodies. I have at least 3 different ones and love them all.
This year looks like a thin puffy jacket. I really like how it looks. Oh and chocolate 🍫 😋1 -
Catching up again...
@julieannegannon - Whenever I have a headache running always seems to fix it for me... well not for migraines but normal sinus or stress headaches.
I listen to podcasts usually during my warmup and cool down and music when I am actually running. I have a mix of genres (alt rock, classic rock, country, folk) that span multiple generations (60's-current) I remember the Captain and all his buddies the @Tramboman mentioned but not the music at all.
@martaindale - it is so fun to have trail friends. I have several but really they are Hobbes the Vizsla's friends - I know people just want to love up on him and will stop me to ask about him if I don't have him with me.
Kipchoge is amazing! If anyone could break 2 hours in the marathon I think it will be him.
@AlphaHowls -YIKES on the hornet stings or bites or whatever they do! I am sure your run was suffering from all the inflammation. Had to be so painful and I am amazed you were still able to get in another HM distance!
@Teresa502 - I don't think I could run a race that late but it sounds like a nice time with the shopping and all. It was a great pace and congratulations on being 4th!
@kgirlhart - that is so funny about the dogs. I had to laugh that they ran with the cross country team too. They look well cared for and well fed so hopefully they have a home somewhere nearby.
I love that Sunny always comes out to see you when you go by!
@rheddmobile - I am glad your husband is ok. We all need to be aware and take care of ourselves in the heat!
@skippygirlsmom - Congratulations to Skip on her sprint tri! When my dd did hers the hardest part was the running and she flew by people in the pool - it just depends on where your strengths are.
Monthly Question
Who do you wish you could be at the Olympics? Definitely Katie Ledecky. She is an amazing swimmer, her strokes are pretty much perfect and she just makes it look so effortless.
If you could just wake up one day with world-class skills in an Olympic sport, what would it be? Either swimming or downhill/slalom skiing. I did both as a kid spending weeknights in the pool (indoor pool) and weekends in the winter on the slopes. I raced for our local swim team from the time I was 5 and 6 or 7 for one of the local ski teams.
Have you ever come close to being world caliber at anything? Never world class but like @rheddmobile I was a Jr Olympic swimmer and skier. As a runner just a couple of years after I started running I qualified for the now defunct USA Invitational Half Marathon (2015 and 2016).swenson19d wrote: »Monthly question…
1) How do you find motivation and discipline?
This is a tough question. I find motivation to run internally by how it makes me feel. There are times I have a terrible run but still feel so much better afterwards. It is funny that I can be disciplined to run but I fail when it comes to keeping on a regular schedule with strength training on my own. I am slo not nearly as time disciplined now as I was before I retired - too much of that 'I can do it tomorrow' attitude.
What is your reward? I don't know that I usually give myself a reward. I don't beat myself up about buying running clothes or shoes though so that is sort of a reward and also how great I feel is a good reward - I love that body tired, sense of satisfaction after a long run or a hard workout.
2) How do you manage stress? When I was working I felt like I was under constant stress. I found that running helped but also disconnecting totally from work for a few days (the weekend even) and not chatting or emailing or doing anything work related, helped immensely. Nowadays I don't have as much stress but making sure I am organized, know what needs to be done and having a plan to get it done helps the most
How does your body react to stress? I can't sleep when I am stressed. My mind just churns and churns looking at everything from every imaginable (and some not) perspective. I also tend to get inflammation and my joints and body will just hurt/ache but that can also be from the lack of sleep as well.
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Realized I haven't posted any miles yet for the month. I have been running, some not pretty or nice and others slow but pretty awesome all things considered!
The run on the 4th was the longest this year until yesterday and I think it was the first time I have gone 10 miles in a long time (ETA - went back and checked and it has been since my HM in February 2020!)
Working on a plan to get strength training in and done on my 'off' days. I figure if I schedule a week at a time I won't be so likely to just skip it. We'll see.
Date.........Miles........Total
08/01.......0.00.........0.00
08/02.......7.20.........7.20 + Agility
08/03.......0.00.........7.20
08/04.......8.00.......15.20
08/05.......0.00.......15.20
08/06.......4.64.......19.84
08/07.......0.00.......19.84
08/08.....10.46.......30.30
08/09.......3.57.......33.87 + Agility
2021 Run the Year Team - LeftRightLeftRepeat 590.90/1256 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)7 -
Great job on your race @teresa502!
Congrats to Skip on her excellent first tri @skippygirlsmom
Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
08/01/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
08/02/21 :::: 3.0 :::: 3.0
08/03/21 :::: 1.8 :::: 4.8
08/04/21 :::: 5.5 :::: 10.3
08/05/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 13.4
08/06/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 13.4
08/07/21 :::: 5.0 :::: 18.4
08/08/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 18.4
08/09/21 :::: 2.6 :::: 20.9
Well, no run on Sunday so the weekend was not a good one for running. And today I ran after work and before strength training. It was 90 degrees out and the canal trail was full sun, so this was not the best idea. I went into the gym just soaking wet with sweat for my training class. I changed shirts but it was not long before the second shirt was the same. It was hot inside the gym as well. I think I lost a few pounds sweating tonight.
I will come back for the monthly questions - running motivation is lacking and stress is high right now so these are apropos. I'm not sure I have good answers though.
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@Tramboman I just looked it up on YouTube. Don't really recall it. Weird. I usually remember songs when I don't remember anything else. LOL
@kgirlhart Funny about the dogs. I'm glad they were friendly to everyone. It looks like you wore them out. I love seeing Sunny too. You have very interesting runs. Great job today.
@rheddmobile Sounds like you figured out a way to keep from getting dehydrated, but you do need to take care in that heat! Glad you are able to get in some longer runs. It's nice when strangers give you encouragement.
Way to hang in there and get it done @Scott6255 !
Nice running @Teresa502 !
@skippygirlsmom Congrats to Skip on a great Tri! Glad she enjoyed it.
@katharmonic Way to get a run in in those conditions.2 -
1 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - driveway laps, barely beat the heavy downpour
2 Aug - 3.30 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo run - 2 hours mowing the lawn
3 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Recovery Run on the driveway - Weed eat at mom's in the afternoon
4 Aug - 6.20 Run 1.0 Walk - Birthday run on the driveway - played singles tennis earlier
5 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Interval Run on the driveway
6 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk this evening - doubles tennis this morning
7 Aug - 10.0 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Run with Speed Play
8 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk to keep the streak going
9 Aug - 2.75 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo Run
24.50/100 miles running 8.0/31 miles walking
I thought I had posted yesterday, but couldn't find it. Nothing exciting, as Sunday is my rest day, so I only walked 1.0 mile on the driveway between church and lunch.
I worked at daycare today, 1 year old classroom, from 8 - 5. The shift makes it so hard to get a run in. I did my scheduled Tempo Run today on the driveway at 6:20 pm. It was 84°F and 58% humidity for a feels like of 87°F. It was hot and I considered the treadmill, but wasn't in the mood for it today.
The run called for 5 min Zone 1, 5 min Zone 2, 25 min Zone 3, 5 min Zone 2, 5 min Zone 1. I did modify it a little by making my warm up and cool down walks the Zone 1 portions of the workout. I usually run those very slowly.
I was pretty pleased with the run, considering the conditions and that I was on the driveway. My overall pace for the running portion was 13:12 min/mile (4.5 mph). Even though it is hard to tell exactly, since I didn't have the run programed into my watch, I estimate that I ran 1.96 miles at in Zone 3 which would have been 12:45 min/mile (4.7 mph). I'll take it. And, my legs are feeling good. It's the heat and breathing that are issues.
6 -
@shanaber
Monthly Question
Who do you wish you could be at the Olympics? Definitely Katie Ledecky. She is an amazing swimmer, her strokes are pretty much perfect and she just makes it look so effortless.
If you could just wake up one day with world-class skills in an Olympic sport, what would it be? Either swimming or downhill/slalom skiing. I did both as a kid spending weeknights in the pool (indoor pool) and weekends in the winter on the slopes. I raced for our local swim team from the time I was 5 and 6 or 7 for one of the local ski teams.
Have you ever come close to being world caliber at anything? Never world class but like @rheddmobile I was a Jr Olympic swimmer and skier. As a runner just a couple of years after I started running I qualified for the now defunct USA Invitational Half Marathon (2015 and 2016).
I love the olympics. I’m not watching them though. We don’t have cable service and haven’t checked over the air channels. Usually I’m on Netflix/Hulu on the iPad. But, I wanna be a volley ball player. I caught a few minutes in the psychologist waiting room last week.
Love the stress and motivation answers. I have zero motivation. I’d stay on this couch for all eternity if I could. I don’t know if I’ve lost stamina or what, I can’t be upright for very long. I did haul 3 wheelbarrow loads of cut dried grass (so heavy, 😝) to a few low areas that wash and don’t grow grass. I’m a slug. I think I’ve given up but pretending that I haven’t. Dh got “mad” that I am having a “crisis of faith”. Eh, I’m not sure we don’t just live and die and that’s all there is, I doubt I ever had faith so… no change really. I just pretended to be “normal”.
@shanaber I can’t sleep either or sleep forever. I’m up again till midnight just because I don’t wanna get up an relocate. I am sure I am concerned about classes and my physical inabilities. Cori too.
Chris @WhatMeRunning a rather introspective process for a fella 👊🥷😇😄! Thanks for the thoughts. I think some days I should just get back to EMBRACE THE SUCK and move on. The psychologist mentioned that if you hurt at home and don’t go anywhere because you hurt, there is no difference… you still experienced pain. Uh huh… sure. But he’s not the one getting all stiff and dorky, well he might be. But what he does naked isn’t any of my concern ☺️8 -
Monthly question…
1) How do you find motivation and discipline? What is your reward?
In running and in life, my personality tends to prefer routine. sometimes I need some additional motivation, like somebody keeping me accountable or an upcoming race. But, generally if it's something I do all the time I'll just keep doing it. My reward is that I'm not stressed about whatever that thing is. If I start slacking on something I usually feel guilty or worried about it so my reward is actually avoiding that stress.
2) How do you manage stress? How does your body react to stress?
Running is a big part of how I manage stress. The routine of it and the physical activity helps a lot. Also, because I like routine, if something is stressing me out and I can find an easier or more routine way of doing it I'll start that. Like meal prepping took a lot of stress off of my day-to-day routine of figuring out what to make for dinner.
I get really irritable when I get stressed out. when general Life stress is really high I actually don't want to exercise. my inclination is to cut things out to help with stress and exercise is one of the first things that wants to go. it's kind of a vicious cycle since exercise helps me deal with stress and it's one of the first things that I want to drop when I get stressed!
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Good Tuesday morning everyone. Had a day of rest yesterday. Today’s called to run 1.0 miles at long run pace which for me turned out to be 13:00 pace. That’s 1 minute faster then last week. Noticing that my muscular makeup in my legs is changing. I am more muscular in my thighs. More solid definition in muscles and less fat. I’m at 191 pounds this morning which is a gain of 5 lbs which is good for me since I am 5’11”. I would like to weigh less but since I can see the muscles in my thighs have improved I’ll take as muscle gain. Also I have changed my diet from keto to high carbohydrate diet. After workout I’m having a protein shake with bcaa for recovery. I am learning a lot from you guys and I welcome any suggestions.
August totals:
8/01 6.23 miles run
8/02 rest
8/03 rest
8/04 6.24 miles walk
8/05 2.31 miles run
8/06 6:43 miles walk
8/07 2.39 miles run
8/08 5.00 miles walk
8/09 rest
8/10 1.00 miles run
Total miles run 12.11 with 37.89 miles to goal
Total miles walk 17.67
I would like to know how you like to treat yourself when you accomplish your goals? Lately I’ve been treating myself to new running shoes and workout clothes. We’ve got to reward ourselves somehow for all the hard work we do! 😇
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martaindale wrote: »Monthly question…
1) How do you find motivation and discipline? What is your reward?
In running and in life, my personality tends to prefer routine. sometimes I need some additional motivation, like somebody keeping me accountable or an upcoming race. But, generally if it's something I do all the time I'll just keep doing it. My reward is that I'm not stressed about whatever that thing is. If I start slacking on something I usually feel guilty or worried about it so my reward is actually avoiding that stress.
2) How do you manage stress? How does your body react to stress?
Running is a big part of how I manage stress. The routine of it and the physical activity helps a lot. Also, because I like routine, if something is stressing me out and I can find an easier or more routine way of doing it I'll start that. Like meal prepping took a lot of stress off of my day-to-day routine of figuring out what to make for dinner.
I get really irritable when I get stressed out. when general Life stress is really high I actually don't want to exercise. my inclination is to cut things out to help with stress and exercise is one of the first things that wants to go. it's kind of a vicious cycle since exercise helps me deal with stress and it's one of the first things that I want to drop when I get stressed!
This really resonates with me a lot!
I very much like order and structure. I've gotten better at "going with the flow" but am I going to do the hard but necessary things if I have to deliberately muster up the willpower every single time? No way. Letting that stuff go on autopilot has been key for me for all kinds of habits. I didn't try to do all of them at once and let them be subject to my whims. I built them up slowly. And having stuck to my routine is definitely its own kind of success.
In my case I have a strong personal faith and a routine around how I practice it - regular prayer times, a calendar to follow. I feel anchored to something and someone greater than myself, so I don't have to have everything figured out. I try to stick to this too even when I don't feel like it because it ultimately isn't about my feelings but what I think is true.
For a long time I had a post-it note stuck to my bathroom mirror that said "feelings are not facts." And I needed that reminder all the time because I was so willing to let my emotions dictate everything - which usually spelled disaster in some way or another because they really didn't match objective reality.
As far as Olympic athletes - I'd love to do long distance speed skating. Short track seems very messy with all those jumbles of people, but long seems meditative, almost.6
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