February 2023 Monthly Running Challenge

martaindale · February 2023

eleanorhawkins wrote: »

Having said that, I went out for an hour shake-out this morning and deliberately targeted the pace I'd need, constantly asking myself if I could do that for another 5 hours in a row. 8 out of 10 brain cells said "*kitten* no!"

Sounds like you have your answer. If you won a place, would they let you defer to next year?

@chris_in_cal I went back yesterday and it helped work out some residual soreness. I could tell certain exercises were hitting some muscles that were still recovering from that first class as they got shaky real quick! I’m looking forward to the time 2-3 weeks from now when I can do a class and not be sore for a few days!

spl8 wrote: »

I continue to have an achy mid-back when I do my wuns, despite my yoga and pre- and post- run dynamic stretching. I suspect my form is not great. And I need to work on my core strength. Anyone have suggestions.

When you say mid-back do you mean between your shoulder blades? Slightly lower/higher? If we are thinking of the same general area, your posture while running probably has a lot to do with it. Our shoulders will naturally round forward if our core and upper back muscles aren’t strong enough. I can always recommend some Pilates for both! It’s definitely a work out. In the meantime, focus on your posture. I have a little check list that I go through on runs when I start feeling sloppy. Core engaged (but not tightly flexed), shoulders stacked over hips, chest open, shoulders down, head up. Running feels harder when your form is loose because your body is absorbing all that returned energy from the ground instead of using it to spring forward.

@tarun_yadavA It’s getting close! Rooting for you!

martaindale · February 2023

February total: 31.1/125 miles

2/1: 3.1 miles
2/3: 5.2 miles
2/4: 9 miles
2/6: 5.1 miles
2/7: 5.5 miles
2/8: 3.2 miles

Yesterday I went back to Pilates. I kept the resistance on the machine at the lower end of whatever the instructor called out so I could focus on the exercises and my form rather than how hard it was. The machine takes some getting used to, but it felt less foreign by the end of class and I should have done some of the exercises on the higher resistance. I’m not any more sore today than I was yesterday so we’ll see how that goes as the day progresses.
In the afternoon I had recovery miles. There was a storm front blowing in and I was meeting friends for happy hour so I had a pretty tight window to squeeze it in. I could hear the wind picking up so I hustled out the door and the temps were quickly dropping. I looked when I got back and they had dropped 20 degrees in about 30 mins. This was fine though because it was mid 70’s so a 20 degree drop got me to lovely running temps! Less than a mile in it started sprinkling, which is fine. Then about mile 1, the bottom dropped out and I got drenched! Luckily it was a short run and I thought to wear a hat. My clothes and shoes are still drying out this morning. Oddly enough, I was the only one out. Imagine that!

polskagirl01 · February 2023

Hey guys, help me out here...
A few years ago we all went through a phase where we were connecting our strava stats into this free online tool that was giving us interactive fitness progress charts (fatigue, form, etc). I can't find or remember what it was called. I guess it's possible it no longer works because they now have partner plugins that are probably also paid subscriptions. Anyone remember? I want to chart out 2 year's worth of progress/decline.

tarun_yadavA · February 2023

@martaindale thanks Sarah ☺️

Starting to pig out a bit. Not so much cr-p... more an extra egg in my ommy, an extra piece of toast and extra 10g of protein shake... (And ok not gonna lie - I did have 2* Oreos after the banana protein shake!) ☺️

eleanorhawkins · February 2023

polskagirl01 wrote: »

Hey guys, help me out here...
A few years ago we all went through a phase where we were connecting our strava stats into this free online tool that was giving us interactive fitness progress charts (fatigue, form, etc). I can't find or remember what it was called. I guess it's possible it no longer works because they now have partner plugins that are probably also paid subscriptions. Anyone remember? I want to chart out 2 year's worth of progress/decline.

@polskagirl01 Elevate?

polskagirl01 · February 2023

eleanorhawkins wrote: »

polskagirl01 wrote: »

Hey guys, help me out here...
A few years ago we all went through a phase where we were connecting our strava stats into this free online tool that was giving us interactive fitness progress charts (fatigue, form, etc). I can't find or remember what it was called. I guess it's possible it no longer works because they now have partner plugins that are probably also paid subscriptions. Anyone remember? I want to chart out 2 year's worth of progress/decline.

@polskagirl01 Elevate?

YES! And it still works. Desktop app took a few steps to sync with Strava, but it's doing its thing now.

eleanorhawkins · February 2023

polskagirl01 wrote: »

eleanorhawkins wrote: »

polskagirl01 wrote: »

Hey guys, help me out here...
A few years ago we all went through a phase where we were connecting our strava stats into this free online tool that was giving us interactive fitness progress charts (fatigue, form, etc). I can't find or remember what it was called. I guess it's possible it no longer works because they now have partner plugins that are probably also paid subscriptions. Anyone remember? I want to chart out 2 year's worth of progress/decline.

@polskagirl01 Elevate?

YES! And it still works. Desktop app took a few steps to sync with Strava, but it's doing its thing now.

Yeah, it gets a little hormonal at times and you have to sync every now and then but overall it works :-)

quilteryoyo · February 2023

@Tramboman Great run yesterday. That would have been too cold for me, but glad you enjoyed it.

@spl8 Do you need different/new shoes? Have you been fitted by a running store to see what kind of shoe you need. It really can make all the difference.

@eleanorhawkins hahaha about having a "little" problem. As @polskagirl01 said, after careful consideration, do what you feel is right and we'll cheer you on, whatever that is. I would think it would be tough after a race this weekend, but only you can answer that question for you. "8 out of 10 brain cells said "*kitten* no!" LOL Remember, it's supposed to be majority rules!

@Scott6255 You may not wear out your treadmill, but you are certainly "breaking it in" good. Great job.

@tarun_yadavA Nice run. I'm excited for you for your race Sunday.

Great run yesterday @martaindale ! I can't imagine that other people weren't out enjoying that weather.

quilteryoyo · February 2023

I didn't post yesterday because my internet was being a **** again. I had a low energy day anyway and wound up walking 2.25 miles on the treadmill at a 3.7 mph pace after getting home from taking mom to see her doctor. Found out she has pretty severe acid reflux, dysmotility in her esophagus, and a hiatal hernia. Meds and a follow up with a GI specialist in a couple of months. Probably won't want to do surgery to fix the hernia due to her age.

Today, I couldn't believe it when I woke up at 8:15 and saw the temperature was 62F (16.7C). This is February, isn't it? Anyway, I went out for a run on the driveway at about 11:15. By then it was 70F (21.1C)! It feels like spring. Today's schedule called for a fast finish run. I sort of did that. I did an easy 28 min, walked 2 min, ran fast for 5 min, walked 2 min, and then finished off with an easy pace. It wasn't as easy as I had hoped, but not horrible either. I ran a total of 3.00 miles in 41:16 min. Avg pace was 13:45 min/mile. Avg HR was 140, with a max of 160 bpm. The fast 5 min was at an average 11:33 min/mile pace. I'm happy with that. I also walked one mile total for warm up and cool down.

Kandy_Webster · February 2023

Okay - I've determined I suck with trying to keep up with the tracker and then I lost track of where the DB was! So I've gotten my miles in each day and I'm pretty proud of that because I've been a starter and then stopped within a few days/weeks in the past and I'm determined to make this a habit!

Congrats to everyone thus far and I'll to do better at keep you all posted!

Scott6255 · February 2023

Finally got a nice day of weather! But of course it's not going to last. Cold and rainy next several days. So took advantage and enjoyed a 9 mile fairly easy run ☺️

ScienceofTeaching · February 2023

I missed a few days here, but I'm back!

Swelling in my foot is gone now, and the bruising is healing nicely. Took 2 walks this week with a coworker and a short hike with a few running intervals with my husband, adding 4 more miles to my total.

@quilteryoyo - I teach biology, environmental science, and chemistry! And thanks for the masking tape advice with quilting! Unfortunately, part of my problem is cutting the blocks in straight lines and nice, even corners, so then my seams end up uneven. Hopefully with practice I'll get better!

kgirlhart · February 2023

February Goal: 90 Miles

2/3: 5.27 miles
2/4: 5.26 miles
2/5: 13.15 miles
2/6: 5.02 miles
2/9: 5.52 miles

34.22/90 miles completed for February

It was cold this morning at about 34°F, but it wasn't windy and it wasn't wet so it turned out to be a really nice morning for a run. The moon was wanning, but it was still pretty big and bright. I was noticing how pretty the grass looked with the sparkling frost when I stepped wrong on an uneven part of the sidewalk and fell. I wasn't injured but I was glad I wore pants and gloves since they protected my hands and knee. The fall detection on my watch activated, but I was able to dismiss it before it notified my husband. I was so careful not to run when it was icy and then I end up falling on a beautiful, clear morning.. I was almost at 2 miles into my run when I fell, but I felt fine, just a little embarrassed and hoping no one saw me. So I finished the run and ended up with 5.5 miles. I also saw another skunk this morning. I don't know which of us was more started, but luckily he didn't spray.

eleanorhawkins · February 2023

@kandywebster well done, the consistency is the hardest part but also the surefire way to achieving our goals!

@kgirlhart oh no! Hope it really was a lucky escape and nothing starts to hurt when you cool down. I find it's always the seemingly safe times and places that we pay less attention and trip or slip.

@tarun_yadavA home streak now... all the carbs!

Tramboman · February 2023

2-1 4k slooowww; resistance band training
2-2 golf swing training
2-3 3k treadmill; resistance band training
2-4 golf swing training
2-5 4k slow
2-6 4k slow; resistance band training
2-7 golf swing training
2-8 4k slow; resistance band training
2-9 desultory golf swing training (mind was elsewhere)
2-10 4k slow; resistance band training

February total: 23 k
February goal: 50 k

Cloudy, low 40s F, with a biting wind from the southwest. Yesterday's warm front brought record highs in the low 70s F; the trailing cold front brought wind gusts of 40 mph. But the wind didn't blow up any red winged blackbirds.

quilteryoyo · February 2023

@kandywebster Great job on sticking with it and being consistent. You've got this.

Yeah for a great outdoor run @Scott6255 !

@ScienceofTeaching I'm glad your foot is feeling better and you got in some walks with a little running. I majored in Biology in college, planning to teach, but that didn't work out for me. So I joined the AF instead....it's a long story. LOL In order to cut my quilt squares "square," I invested in one of those cutting mats with lines and a rotary cutting tool. It really makes things a lot easier.

@kgirlhart I'm glad you weren't hurt when you fell! And, glad the skunk didn't spray. It's good that your watch gave a fall alert though, even if you didn't need it. That's a great safety measure. I don't know if Garmin has that ability or not. I'll have to look into it.

Great running @Tramboman . Very consistent. We had a record high yesterday too, 73F (22.8C). They are forecasting snow tomorrow night. Crazy weather.

Scott6255 · February 2023

Can't remember when your races are (this weekend I think) @tarun_yadavA and @eleanorhawkins but you both have trained well and I know you are going to do great 😃👍

I didn't feel like bundling up for a short 5 mile run so opted for the treadmill

martaindale · February 2023

February total: 37.4/125 miles

2/1: 3.1 miles
2/3: 5.2 miles
2/4: 9 miles
2/6: 5.1 miles
2/7: 5.5 miles
2/8: 3.2 miles
2/10: 6.3 miles

HM pace workout today. Overall, I’m happy with how it went. I hit my pace but overshot a couple miles. I could tell which miles were too fast. The effort felt harder. I guess it’s good that I can tell the difference. Hopefully will keep me from burning out too early.

shanaber · February 2023

I am just dropping in to say hi, I'm still around and following along.
Mostly I wanted to cheer on @tarun_yadavA and @eleanorhawkins! You're both going to be awesome in your races this weekend!!

I am not feeling great and haven't been out since last week for even a walk. Hoping I will feel better over the weekend to at least get in a walk everyday. Not going to give up but with only 5 miles on the books so far, it is doubtful I will hit 75.
We cancelled our trip to the coast and will reschedule another time when I feel better and can enjoy it. Disappointed t miss out on my walks along the ocean cliffs but we will get there!

tarun_yadavA · February 2023

@Scott6255 @shanaber @quilteryoyo thank you!!! ☺️
Tomorrow at 9 UK time!

@shanaber - hope you get better soon

@eleanorhawkins - good luck! Pizza... Afterwards. Not during! Lol

kgirlhart · February 2023

February Goal: 90 Miles

2/3: 5.27 miles
2/4: 5.26 miles
2/5: 13.15 miles
2/6: 5.02 miles
2/9: 5.52 miles
2/10: 6.02 miles

40.24/90 miles completed for February

I ran 6 miles this morning. It was a little colder than I expected and a little drizzly, but not too bad. I felt good. My knee is slightly bruised, but other than that I am fine after my fall. I didn't see any critters today.

@quilteryoyo My watch is a Garmin FR 45s.

Good luck on your races this weekend @Eleanorhawkins and @tayrun_yadavA

@shanaber I'm sorry you had to cancel your trip. I hope you feel better soon.

tarun_yadavA · February 2023

Ok. Aaaandddd that's me done.
Went for a 2K shake-up. Make sure everything's ready for tomorrow / no stiffness etc etc.
18.7M for Final week taper.

@kgirlhart thank you ☺️

Now back to stretches and bridging etc etc

God willing, when most of you wake up tomorrow, hopefully there should be a new edition to the MFP/Strava Marathon club 🤞🙏🤞🙏

Thanks for all the kind words and the inspiration - especially to those who've recently done it (thereby nudging me off the fence!)
☺️

ScienceofTeaching · February 2023

No walking or running yesterday, but now that it's the weekend, I'm hoping to get more activity in. We have a busy weekend, but hopefully I'll still find time to get outside.

@quilteryoyo I do have a cutting mat and rotary cutter, but I'm still hopeless haha. So I just hope that no one will look too closely at my corners. I made 2 small quilts about a decade ago, but I haven't done any quilting in a while. I started a queen sized quilt for my bed 2 years ago, but then I stopped working on it. I'm hoping to finish it someday!

quilteryoyo · February 2023

Great running @Scott6255 and @martaindale .

@shanaber Sorry you aren't feeling well and had to reschedule your trip, but, like you said, you will get there eventually. Hope you feel better soon!

@tarun_yadavA I'm sure you will be done with the race before I get out of bed. LOL I'll be cheering you on in my sleep.

Great shake out run today. I'm not on Strava so will have to wait for you, or someone else, to post here to see your results. You are going to do great.

Nice run @kgirlhart . I'm glad there aren't any lingering affects from our fall. I have a Garmin FR 745. It probably has the fall detect function. I guess I should look into that.

@ScienceofTeaching I hope you are able to get out for a walk or run this weekend. Hahaha about still cutting crooked. So you have a ruler that you can help cut straight. I have to use that too, or I'd be hopeless. Maybe, eventually, we'll both finish or started projects.

quilteryoyo · February 2023

I didn't post yesterday's workout. A friend came to town from W. VA unexpectedly, so I was able to have dinner with her both Thursday night and last night. It was really nice to be able to visit with her and meet some new people who were also at dinner with her. Last night, we were at a mutual friend's house, so I stayed late and we had a nice hour chat to ourselves. I really needed that.

I was able to get my workout in yesterday, but had to cut it short so I could get to dinner on time (once I found out when it was). I walked one mile and ran 1.5 miles, no walk breaks, at 4.2 mph. Felt okay.

Today, I was scheduled for a long, easy run....long being between 4 and 6 miles. Since I haven't had a lot of sleep, and it is a cutback week, I went for the minimum and ran 4 miles plus walked one total for warm up and cool down. My walk/run today was a ladder from 4.2-4.7 mph/3.8 mph for 4/1 min and then I did 3/2 min at 4.8/3.8 mph. Overall pace turned out to be 13:41 min/mile or 4.4 mph. My avg HR was 132, with a max of 149 bpm. Not too bad.

Scott6255 · February 2023

@shanaber I hope you get to feeling better soon!
@kgirlhart glad you didn't have any lingering effects from your fall!

13.2 miles this afternoon. At mile 5 I realized I forgot to bring a Gel with me. So I switched from listening to a podcast and put on Spotify's Shinedown radio playlist. That kept me going 😁
And that finishes a 50.2 mile week, squeaking out a weekly mileage PR.

quilteryoyo · February 2023

Great running @Scott6255 ! Congrats on making a weekly mileage PR! Awesome sauce.

martaindale · February 2023

February total: 47.4/125 miles

2/1: 3.1 miles
2/3: 5.2 miles
2/4: 9 miles
2/6: 5.1 miles
2/7: 5.5 miles
2/8: 3.2 miles
2/10: 6.3 miles
2/11: 10 miles

Long run today. It was upper 40’s, so nice! Legs felt a little tired after the pace workout yesterday. It feels good to be working the mileage back up. And per our long run/pizza conversation earlier, we ordered pizza delivery afterwards and it was delicious!

Laurz9191 · February 2023

@tarun_yadavA and @eleanorhawkins Good luck today! You’ll do great!

@Scott6255 Good job with the 50 mile week! Awesome!

@martaindale It seems like you HM training is going well!

@shanaber Sorry to hear you had to postpone the beach Cliff walking! I hope you are feeling a bit better!!!

@quilteryoyo It sounds like you have been having fun social time. Great that you still got your workouts in even though they were slightly shorter than planned!!!

I’ve been too busy these past few days to post about my runs but will do a quick run through

now.

Thursday I went to the gym and did 10k on the treadmill. After that I wanted to test if my leg hurt when I did all out efforts on the rowing machine. It didn’t! So, If I am still having an issue with my hamstring next week, I will try to do my max effort speed work on the rowing machine. I am happy I have a cross training possibility to get them in so I don’t have to skip them.

Friday I decided to give my tempo run a try with a plan to abort if my leg was bugging me. I ran at almost race pace for 30 minutes and my leg was “ok” about it, but I definitely felt that it is still in the healing process. I got 9k in.

Yesterday, I didn’t have much time so I went out as soon as the kids we’re up on a breakfast run. Meaning, I first did a little detour to get some km in then ran to the store on the way home to grab breakfast for us all. Here I got 7k in.

Today I am having a rest day, as there is a lot going on. I have been working on a lot of core, glute, leg isolation strengthening exercises, because I think that is one of the factors that led to my injury. I will probably do some strength exercises later today.

So far for February I am 88.2km down towards my 200km goal.

quilteryoyo · February 2023

@martaindale Pizza for the win!

Great long run.

@Laurz9191 Great running! I'm glad your hamstring is doing better!

I might actually have gotten up early enough to be on here before @tarun_yadavA and @eleanorhawkins finish their races today. I am cheering you both on!! Can't wait to hear about them.

February 2023 Monthly Running Challenge

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