December 2021 Monthly Running Challenge
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Re: the podcast. Given that some recent studies have found exercise was at least as effective at improving depression as meds, I don’t see how it’s a bad thing that runners self-medicate with exercise.
Also, I would be interested in controls, since comparing runners to the population as a whole is ignoring that runners aren’t demographically the same as the population as a whole. Runners tend to be whiter, middle aged, and upper middle class compared to the general population. There was a joke that Strava global heat maps was a map of where rich white people live. Are these people over reporting mental illness because they are more likely to have access to a sympathetic doctor willing to prescribe meds?4 -
5.3 miles this morning. Hoping to do a long run in between Christmas and New Year.
December total:
52 miles & 4,790 feet of elevation.5 -
"Keepin' it sleasy!"
12-1 7k slow
12-2 7k slow
12-3 7k slow
12-4 7k sleasy
12-5 7k slow
12-6 7k slow
12-7 7k slow
12-8 7k sleasy
12-9 7k slow
12-10 7k sleasy
12-11 7k slow
12-12 7k sleasy
12-13 7k slow
12-14 7k sleasy
12-15 7k slow
12-16 7k easy
12-17 7k sleasy
12-18 5k treadmill
12-19 7k slow
12-20 7k slow
12-21 7k slow
12-22 7k slow
12-23 4k slow
12-24 4k slow
Don't Rest December Total: 160k
Don't Rest December Goal: 180k
Mostly cloudy, mid 40s F, and little wind this morning. Knee didn't hurt today, but my left foot did. Rolled my ankle around until I got a little crack from what I presume to be bones going back into alignment. No doubt my altered stride due to knee pain resulted in the misalignment of foot bones. Either way, just did the 4k in shorts and a short sleeved tech shirt, which drew some comments from the people I see walking their dogs. But I was happy!!!
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; 53d overall; 2d male 65 and over
7/17 Run of the Ox 5k, Mantua, OH 32:19 Garmin; 44th overall; 3d place male 60 and over8 -
@Tramboman Glad you were able to get your foot to quit hurting. Funny about the people commenting on your attire. Glad you had a good, happy run.1
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rheddmobile wrote: »Re: the podcast. Given that some recent studies have found exercise was at least as effective at improving depression as meds, I don’t see how it’s a bad thing that runners self-medicate with exercise.
Also, I would be interested in controls, since comparing runners to the population as a whole is ignoring that runners aren’t demographically the same as the population as a whole. Runners tend to be whiter, middle aged, and upper middle class compared to the general population. There was a joke that Strava global heat maps was a map of where rich white people live. Are these people over reporting mental illness because they are more likely to have access to a sympathetic doctor willing to prescribe meds?
The lack of diversity was mentioned as a limitation in the paper. The author acknowledged that ultraendurance athletes were overwhelmingly white. Regarding controls, while not perfect, the population at large is not a terrible control for the study. Mental illness is way under diagnosed in people of color and in poorer populations in the US and the study population was not 100% white. As per overreporting, I don’t think so. Rich white people have issues with mental illness as well, and you have to keep in mind that the study collected info not just for things like depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, etc but a variety of eating disorders as well. For whatever reason that is sort of getting lost in the discussion.
The first several pages of the study and a portion of the podcast acknowledged prior studies that showed moderate amounts of exercise (like the typically recommended 3-4 days a week for 30 mins) were effective at improving symptoms mental illness. This study particularly addresses ultra endurance athletes and stratified them based on hours of training, all of which were well beyond the range of moderate exercise. It was never insinuated that moderate exercise to treat/assist with mental health issues was problematic. It was more discussing whether there was a point where the benefits of exercise become outweighed by potential harms. Such as, are people using training for an Ironman to cover their exercise bulimia or are they using carb-loading to cover for binge eating? That sort of thing. Also, she discussed whether adhering to extreme levels of training for extended periods of time actually caused some mental illness for some people. Exercise addiction, anxiety related to missing life events versus missing a workout, depression being under recognized because these athletes don’t fit the idea in our heads of what a depressed person looks like.
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Agreed that something worth being discussed, yet will likely be ignored (more properly "denied") is long distance running as an enabler for eating disorders. There are countless "groups" celebrating eating pizza, ice cream, cookies, you name it, because people "ran for them". That in and of itself can be perfectly innocent. But, having had to feed high levels of training to run consecutive marathons, I feel I can honestly say that such "rewards" can be counter-productive. You still need to properly fuel your body, and give it a LOT of proper fuel. There can still be room for a treat of some sort, a lot more room than can be afforded anyone other than extreme endurance athletes. And therein lies a variety of potential troubles. For example, are you running so much to enable such eating, and if you stop running for whatever reason (perhaps injury) can you resist overeating by reducing or eliminating the foods that provide no benefit to your health/recovery? Or did you start running while eating healthy and when struggling to get sufficient calories started downing whole pizzas and find it hard to go back to healthy eating unless you keep running at extreme levels? I agree that this is where some good discussion lies and it is nice to at least start the discussion. Not to claim that anything needs fixing, really the only issue is potentially running extremes in order to eat extremes, not a 5k to half marathoner having a pop tart or pumpkin spiced latte. It's more like downing a family pack of Oreos or eating a whole pizza as part of your post run routine.6
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Thanks for the comments and insight @martaindale. I pulled up the thesis and am reading it quickly and she definitely makes the case in the introduction clear that studies have a clear link between moderate amounts of exercise and improved mental health outcomes, and coping with stress and emotions. So exactly the thing I and others were bringing up, but her thesis was motivated by the question of whether there is a point where that positive correlation between running and mental health turns into a negative. The scope of this study was just to establish the types and quantities of mental health conditions in this ultra-endurance athlete (multiple sports, not just running) population, before being able to attempt to answer the causal relationship.
I found the questionnaire results that assessed whether participants were at risk for mental health and eating disorders more compelling than the reported prior diagnoses (though those rates are interesting and significant as well). The questionnaires they used look pretty comprehensive and not just asking if the person ever feels depressed, anxious, etc and they are well validated measures. The rates of risk were more than doubled in the group that trained >20 hours week compared to 10-20 hrs/week in almost all categories including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bulimia, binge eating, suicide and self harm. It's not answering the cause and effect but it's a very interesting effect that we probably intuitively predict that there is a point where more exercise and training is detrimental.
One of the limitations in addition to those mentioned already by @martaindale that the author acknowledge was the population of people willing to respond to the survey and comfortable disclosing their mental health concerns is perhaps a biased sample of the community of athletes. This is the case with survey research, and almost any research with human participants whether they volunteer and self-select participation. It would be interesting but hard to do a study where they went to ultra events and just tried to get everyone to participate.
Well I've gone on about this without any additional insight really but I found it very compelling to look into. If I had my PhD to do over again I'd be so interested in following this up!6 -
Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
12/01/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
12/02/21 :::: 2.2 :::: 2.2
12/03/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 5.3
12/04/21 :::: 10.1 :::: 15.3
12/05/21 :::: 4.0 :::: 19.4
12/06/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 22.5
12/07/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 25.5
12/08/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 28.6
12/09/21 :::: 1.7 :::: 30.3
12/10/21 :::: 3.3 :::: 33.6
12/11/21 :::: 4.5 :::: 38.1
12/12/21 :::: 4.1 :::: 42.2
12/13/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 45.3
12/14/21 :::: 4.0 :::: 49.3
12/15/21 :::: 4.0 :::: 53.3
12/16/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 53.3
12/17/21 :::: 2.7 :::: 56.0
12/18/21 :::: 13.7 :::: 69.7
12/19/21 :::: 3.6 :::: 73.3
12/20/21 :::: 2.0 :::: 75.3
12/21/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 78.4
12/22/21 :::: 3.0 :::: 81.5
12/23/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 81.5
12/24/21 :::: 4.0 :::: 85.5
A beautiful morning with a fresh snowfall overnight. Our first real accumulation this winter! It was quite cold but we had a nice Christmas eve morning run chatting about various topics including mulled wine, which was inspiring me to make some later today.
But then afterward I went to my new favorite little coffee shop in this super small town and there was some kind of small party going on. They offered me a little taste of the Bailey's and vodka drink they were sampling and it was so good. Now that's what I want. Maybe both. I'll be heading to the liquor store today I guess!
Happy holidays to all who celebrate and a peaceful weekend to everyone.8 -
8 miles this morning. Felt like Christmas in July! 68F with 21mph wind @ 10am. Started out trying to run 'sleasy' (slow & easy), but that felt really hard. So after a few miles I increased the pace and felt better. But then by mile 7 I was whipped, but pushed it for 1 more mile. I really wish I knew how to run.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
December total: 61 miles11 -
@Scott6255 This weather is crazy! Supposed to be a record high on Christmas tomorrow.
My husband and I got out for a trail “run.” We both have his cold, his is sticking around long enough that I think he is going to need antibiotics or something, it’s been too long for an ordinary virus. Still testing negative for Covid. He was hopeful he was improving and tried to run today, went one slow mile, then spent the rest of the time coughing and wheezing. I ran another couple miles while he walked, honestly feel a little bit run over by a truck. So slow and everything hard. I really wanted to get a run in though. It’s still just in my head but is making me feel dragged down. I’m hoping it doesn’t move into my chest but if his illness is any indication it doesn’t look good, which is one reason I wanted to get out there while I still felt semi okay.
We stopped to pick up sushi from the grocery store (too early for lunch places to be open) after running, and the crowds were alarming. No one masking, elbow to elbow. Yikes.7 -
As a therapist, I’m really interested to listen to the podcast and read the study. I plan to listen tomorrow while I have a drive.
I have read everyone’s posts, and I’ll say that for everyone having health issues, I’m hoping for the best for all of you.
Yesterday, I ran speed repeats - 4x 4 min at 9:13, 3 min recovery, followed by 5x 30sec at 8:13, 1 min recovery. Today, I ran 2 miles in my parents’ neighborhood before brunch. We planned to have our annual family dinner, but my uncle tested positive for Covid yesterday, so that whole group isn’t coming. It will just be a quiet day with my parents instead.
Total for December: 51.43 miles8 -
117.19 miles Dec to date out of 100 planned.
12-1 4.04 miles
12-2 4.06
12-3 4.07
12-4 6.2
12-5 6.11
12-6 4.09
12-7 5.15
12-8 6.07
12-9 5.02
12-10 4.11
12-11 6.2
12-12 5.03
12-13 4.01
12-14 4.25
12-15 6.03
12-16 4.01
12-17 6.09
12-18 4.05
12-19 6.06
12-20 4.09
12-21 4.08
12-22 4.12
12-23 4.11
12-24 6.14
Interesting topic. Not quite on topic but appropriate for our group. I do think that sometimes it can be a vicious cycle of exercise and eating spiraling up and up and up. I have seen it a few times and can also see the attraction. Part of the reason I cut back on miles and decided not to do the RTY again was it was just too much. At some point the spiral always ends in either binging or injury. Not something I care to have happen. So there has to be balance.8 -
8 miles this morning. Felt like Christmas in July! 68F with 21mph wind @ 10am. Started out trying to run 'sleasy' (slow & easy), but that felt really hard. So after a few miles I increased the pace and felt better. But then by mile 7 I was whipped, but pushed it for 1 more mile. I really wish I knew how to run.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
December total: 61 miles
@rheddmobile Sorry you and DH are still feeling poorly. I went to the grocery store today and it was the same here. You would have thought it was going to snow or something. LOL
@marisap2010 Nice run. Sorry about your uncle coming down with CoVID. I hope he has a mild case and you enjoy your time with your parents.
Here is picture of my Christmas Eve sunset. I hope you all have a great evening and a very Merry Christmas for those who celebrate.6 -
"Keepin' it sleasy!"
12-1 7k slow
12-2 7k slow
12-3 7k slow
12-4 7k sleasy
12-5 7k slow
12-6 7k slow
12-7 7k slow
12-8 7k sleasy
12-9 7k slow
12-10 7k sleasy
12-11 7k slow
12-12 7k sleasy
12-13 7k slow
12-14 7k sleasy
12-15 7k slow
12-16 7k easy
12-17 7k sleasy
12-18 5k treadmill
12-19 7k slow
12-20 7k slow
12-21 7k slow
12-22 7k slow
12-23 4k slow
12-24 4k slow
12-25 rest
Don't Rest December Total: 160k
Don't Rest December Goal: 180k
Well, the foot injury put a stop to "Don't Rest December." Decided to take a day off instead of pushing it any further. I hope it's better by tomorrow.
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and Happy Holidays to all!!!
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; 53d overall; 2d male 65 and over
7/17 Run of the Ox 5k, Mantua, OH 32:19 Garmin; 44th overall; 3d place male 60 and over5 -
I’ve really enjoyed doing some hiking the last couple of years so I’ve decided a long-term goal of section hiking the Appalachian Trail. I don’t plan to give up my running but in place of long weekend runs, there will be more weekend hiking. Since the AT runs close to where I live, I have hiked little pieces of it before in conjunction with other hikes. I’m not ready to give up my full-time job and dedicate a year to hiking it so a section hiker I shall be. Yesterday a friend and hike a 14-mile section from Sam’s Gap, NC to Spivey Gap, TN. Total elevation gain 3,964 feet. Total time including breaks 7 hours, 50 minutes.
Merry Christmas to all who believe! Peace and joy to all!8 -
@Tramboman Probably a wise decision. I hope the foot is better tomorrow. Merry Christmas to you too!
@Teresa502 That's an awesome goal. Love the pictures. The weather has been great for hiking the last couple of days. You have a great start.
We are having our Christmas family get together tomorrow. So, me, mom, and my neighbor William, had breakfast together today and had a nice visit. Then, he offered to help me wrap the rest of my gifts, so I loaded up the car and mom and I went to his house to do some wrapping, chat more, and have some laughs. After that, mom and I took the neighbor's dog that I am helping watch for a few days, for a walk along the creek. It has been a really nice Christmas Day. I hope everyone who celebrates has had a Merry Christmas and that all have had a wonderful day.6 -
I hope all who celebrated had a Merry Christmas! My kids were here and it was really nice. I didn't run today, but I don't usually run on Saturdays. I am planning on a run in the morning though.
I like your idea @quilteryoyo and if @skippygirlsmom and @shanaber are in agreement then I can set us up as "Keeping it Sleasy" on RTY 2022.3 -
@kgirlhart and @quilteryoyo - Sounds good to see too!. @kgirlhart - I sent you a follow request on the 2022 tracker. Not sure why it doesn't just maintain it across years but oh well...
The podcast/study discussion is interesting. I have no expertise in the area but I do think that you have to have a certain type of personality (a bit compulsive maybe?) to be able to run long distances, even training for a HM or Marathon and especially the longer distances. I do love that so many of us honed into the study size and makeup of the group. So many times I hear about this study or that where someone is saying it shows some result and when you look under the covers it was a handful of people and not a controlled environment.
I haven't run for the last couple of days. Spent yesterday clearing out the last of the junk in the rafters of the garage of the neighbors house we are selling. The house should close in the next week or so, YAY! After that I had baking to finish and it started pouring again. Weather people said it would be sunny and nice this morning but of course it was pouring again... so I stayed in and baked some more, because you know you can always use more cookies and pie 😊
We had a quiet Christmas with just the 2 of us but had a long call with our daughter who is enjoying a LOT of snow in the Pacific NW.
I will get out for something tomorrow even if it is raining again. It is expected to rain most of the next week so I need to get used to running in it again. I am not a sugar cube and I won't melt!6 -
"Keepin' it sleasy!"
12-1 7k slow
12-2 7k slow
12-3 7k slow
12-4 7k sleasy
12-5 7k slow
12-6 7k slow
12-7 7k slow
12-8 7k sleasy
12-9 7k slow
12-10 7k sleasy
12-11 7k slow
12-12 7k sleasy
12-13 7k slow
12-14 7k sleasy
12-15 7k slow
12-16 7k easy
12-17 7k sleasy
12-18 5k treadmill
12-19 7k slow
12-20 7k slow
12-21 7k slow
12-22 7k slow
12-23 4k slow
12-24 4k slow
12-25 rest
12-26 rest
Don't Rest December Total: 160k
Don't Rest December Goal: 180k
Foot is still sore and swollen, so I guess this will be two consecutive days of no running. Can't remember the last time that happened -- probably when I was dealing with a bad back or achilles.
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; 53d overall; 2d male 65 and over
7/17 Run of the Ox 5k, Mantua, OH 32:19 Garmin; 44th overall; 3d place male 60 and over8 -
@Tramboman is this an injury or maybe a gout flare up? Im sorry you are having to rest up.
@Teresa502 those photos are gorgeous. I have a friend who did the thru hike several times over the years. I think doing bits and pieces sounds much more fun and doable.
I did only a short run yesterday as I needed to run over to my brother's for a Christmas meetup. They were having a really large family extended lunch but I chose to skip it because every single place I turn everyone is getting covid now. I really don't want to be a crowd follower. But I did manage to visit a little with my niece. Her kids get bigger everytime I see them (about 6 months).
6
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