MAY 2025 Monthly Running Challenge

MAY 2025 Monthly Running Challenge
WARNING: Following this thread may be addictive; it gets very talkative...miss a day and you can be 50 posts behind. This is the most popular challenge on MFP. If you found us in the middle (or end) of the month, you're still very welcome to join in - no requirements or special invite needed. Once you post, that's it you're in. And yes, we do this every month.
You set your own pace and distance for the month. We will all be doing it together. This is your virtual running group to help keep you accountable, to enjoy a virtual post-run coffee with your fellow runners, and to make new friends and learn a few things.
This is a continuation from the APRIL 2025 Monthly Running Challenge which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10933730/april-2025-monthly-running-challenge/p1?new=1
Anyone can join in, new and old, and if you found this thread late, you can join in at any time.
We have members ranging from total beginners all the way to Boston Qualifiers and beyond. We are a friendly and encouraging bunch. You never need to be ashamed of your miles. If you are making the effort, you will find only support here.
Here are the details from last month that apply again:
Anybody want to join in for a running challenge? Set a goal here and update us every day. OPTIONAL: You can post your progress by creating a ticker at http://www.tickerfactory.com (if creating one seems difficult, or you're like me and can't be bothered, then just type in your daily miles in this thread).
You can run, walk, or do treadmill - just be consistent. Don't let the high (or low) goals of others intimidate you. Some do 25 miles, others do 50, some go higher than that, some do lower; it's entirely your goal and therefore completely up to you. We help motivate each other, so what do you say? If you're new to running, set a low goal. If you're from a part of the world where miles aren't your thing, log your distances in KMs. And if you'd rather log your progress by time rather than distance, then you're entirely free to do that as well.
Feel free to set your goal now but wait until MAY 1, 2025 to start logging your runs!
Also, don't forget to join our group which can be found at:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/21182-monthly-running-challenges
Bookmark the previous and past challenges: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10393468/current-past-challenges#latest
Find a small group of runners that encourage and offer food support:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10573619/runners-that-need-some-nutritional-accountability#latest
Note: we also have a group on Strava and Facebook.
Strava
https://www.strava.com/clubs/mfpmnthlychlng
Have not seen anyone there in a year...
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/133628317200269/about
After you run, come into this thread and post what you did (don't forget to hit the bookmark in the upper right corner to bookmark this thread). Simply keep a running tally of what you've done this month and interact with the others. Many folks come in here and chit-chat it up, even on their rest days or while recouping from injury. This is a very social group and we talk about many things (sometimes even about running). It's a very friendly bunch here so don't be afraid to say hi (even if this is your first time), talk about a recent or up-coming race, ask questions, provide answers, or just lurk-n-learn. Participation is what makes this group successful.
Not quite sure how to log your runs? Follow the examples of many other challenge members. Even take a peek at last month's thread (posted above).
OPTIONAL TICKER******
Info on tickers since I know there will be questions. Sign up for an account at http://www.tickerfactory.comandcreate your ticker. Then you need to update it after you finish a run and post it here. Here is what you will need to do.
After setting up your ticker, you will need to make note of the weblink they give you so you can return. An example would be:
http://www.tickerfactory.com/exercise/w6K1EiX/ <<<< the last part will be a part of the image link (explained below) that will be supplied to you after you initially create your link.
When you return to TickerFactory with the weblink, go to your settings page. Make sure you type your PIN in that you set when you created your ticker account. Then, where it says "Your current cumulative value", there is an add button. Simply add the distance that you just did, and the cumulative value automatically changes. Then hit next.
After adding your new miles (or KMs) to your ticker, you need to post it here.
After you hit next, it will give you a bunch of codes suggesting how to display your ticker.
Use the one at the bottom where it says Direct Image URL:
It will look something like:
http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png
To display that correctly in your post, make sure you place the image (img) tags around that link. So it will look something like the following (but removing the spaces in the img tags):
[ img ] http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w6K1EiX/exercise.png [ /img ]
^^^^^^^ Don't forget to remove the spaces between the brackets ^^^^^^^^^^
Some key things to pay attention to when posting your ticker:
Use the link that ends in .png
Remember the [ img] and [ /img] tags go in between the link
Remove the spaces in the img tags before posting
YES, there is a / in the second /img tag
By the way, everyone here should consider themselves a runner no matter how fast or slow. There's no judgment, we all started somewhere. And no comparisons, except with your former self. Don't compare your Chapter 1 to somebody else’s Chapter 20.
“I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.” – Bart Yasso
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius
"We all know that if you run, you are pretty much choosing a life of success because of it.” – Deena Kastor
“Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts.” – Steve Prefontaine
“Get going … walk if you have to, but finish the damned race.” – Ron Hill
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham
You may see some phrases / words that are unique to our little group when it comes to describing some of our runs. It is a mash-up of words that seem to best describe the way the run felt that day. Here are some examples. Feel free to come up with your own to add to the dictionary 😃
'sleasy' - Slow and Easy
'sneasy' - Slow Not Easy
'scrappy' - mix of Slow and Crappy
'wun' - mix of Walking and Running
'wog' - mix of Walking and Jogging
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay on track.
Replies
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Already? 175km goal for the month 😏
7 -
I’m aiming for 120km for May as a minimum - ideally closer to 140km. Also 2-3 Pilates classes per week and more yoga!
7 -
I will keep with the 200 miles, but going to push for more when able.
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10k done to start the month, and in really windy conditions but at least the rain held off for me.
8 -
Morning all.
Plan on running 31/31 in May...
So I'll aim for 165
11 -
Not sure yet. I'll be away three times this month. Aiming for 80.5km again, but will likely not get there.
7 -
Happy May! Goal of streak for the month and 100 miles..
9 -
Morning all
Got in 5.5M at 10'19
11 -
I am setting a goal of a 100km this month. Wish me luck! That's more then double the last two months.
8 -
Good morning All! Will not set mileage this month. Instead I’ll set an intention of 30 minutes a minimum of 4 times per week for the month of May. Need to slowly work my way back into it.
About mid March I developed a digestive issue which took a lot of testing and speculating as to what was wrong and how to treat it. About mid April my doctor and I finally figured out what we thought was wrong (testing doesn’t always give you correct results). I convinced my doctor to give me the medication for what I thought was going on even with inaccurate test results and I finally recovered. Didn’t want to bore you all with my woes at the time.
A special shout out and thank you to @tarun_yadavA for checking in on me!! Very thoughtful of him 🤗
Hubby and I took three of our grandchildren (ages 10, 12, 17) to Walt Disney World the later part of April. They absolutely loved it! They had never been before. They hit all the craziest roller coasters while grandma happily watched and took photos. I did the more family friendly RCs with them. Hubby loved having the kids do the rides with him. I’ve only done one wild RC in my life and that was fun enough (the automatic photo they took while on that ride was amusing!). One of my sons pretended to be asleep, another did the thinker pose, hubby looked somewhat relaxed and I looked like I was holding on for dear life 😂
The last day of our Disney trip everyone wanted to pack in as many rides as possible, so I clocked in over 26,000 steps that day for 10.9 miles! Garmin gave me a special badge for that one.
Anyhow, good to be back in recovery mode. Hoping for an uneventful May.
Cheers!
11 -
@daria0919 I'm glad to see you back at it. Hanging with grandkids sounds fun.
Yes, here's to making it through a month with good health!
5 -
May Running Goal: 30 miles
6.3 lbs. monthly weight loss (209.3 lbs -> 203.0 lbs)
————————————————————I'm Chris; I live in San Diego, California.
I'm looking forward to a simple healthy month. I'm going to mix in yoga classes this month, probably three or four. It's been over a year, so it's exciting. I'm going to keep running, working on improving my overall fitness, and moving toward my goal weight….around 150 lbs.
Connect on Fitbit if you are ever over there. It isn't obvious how to link, but search for my username— chris-in-cal —or maybe the following link will work. www.fitbit.com/user/9VWPFN
6 -
May Goal: 140 miles
5/1: 7.15 miles
7.15/140 miles completed for May
I'm in for 140 miles again in May. I may get more, but I am hoping to be back to work soon so who knows how that will affect my running. Today I ran a 7-mile run with intervals. It was fun. It was humid, and kind of foggy at the start, but not too hot.
I have a question for the group. Do any of you have low bone density? When I went for my annual well woman check the other day, she recommended that I get bone density scan because I am thin. I am not 65 yet and I have no reason to think my bone density is low. But now I am worried. Can you still run if you have low bone density? I know I should ask her, but I didn't think about it until I left. At the end of the appointment she said "just keep doing what you are doin and I'll see you in a year". She knows I run. She is a runner too and we talked about it at the appointment.
7 -
@kgirlhart I have been getting bone density scans for probably 20 years - since in my 40's maybe? Anyway I have always pinged as Osteopenia which is precursor but running is supposed to be REALLY GOOD for helping bone density. I would not take any of the drugs but others may have different experience.
@daria0919 welcome back! I saw you on strava a little but glad you hear the digestive issues are solved!
Got in 8 this morning because who does not want to start a new month with a nice run?
Even if it makes you a little late getting in to work. 😎🤷♀️😏🤪
9 -
Hiya folks,
I'm in for another 161 km / 100 miles for May. Curious how I'll do as I actually plan to run less often, but most runs should be a bit longer distance so may work out. Guess I'll find out as I go.
Finished off April with a 25km stationary bike ride on the 30th as I was behind on my cycling goal.
To welcome May this morning, I had planned to run a quick 5K but woke to bad nerve pain through my back/leg. Decided to have a rest day and try to walk it out a bit while I did my groceries.Walked for just under 5km/ 3.07 miles, still experiencing more pain than usual after I got home.
Decided to make dinner and self medicate with some wine.🤞
10 -
Hi all! Hoping to get back into the swing this month. MIL is coming next week for a month, so it should give me motivation to go outside 😉
7 -
Great start to the month @ContraryMaryMary .
Nice run @tarun_yadavA .
@daria0919 I am really glad to see that you stuck to your guns and got your physical issues taken care of. We probably all need to do better about standing up for ourselves. Sounds like you have a great plan for getting back into a routine of exercise. That sounds like great trip with the grandkids. I'm sure they will always remember it.
Great run @kgirlhart . I hope you will be working again before the end of the month. As for the bone density test, I don't think I would read too much into it and just wait to see what the results are. My doctor had me get one when I was 55, I think, as a baseline to compare with later. At that one, the technician asked me if I was a runner because I hadn't lost any density "yet." Running helps us maintain our bone density, as does strength training. So far, I haven't had any issues.
Great start to the month @SummerSkier !
@John772016 Sorry about your pain. I hope the wine helped. 😉
Hahaha @Scott6255 . Whatever it takes!
5 -
Since I have barley made 80 miles the last couple of months, I am going to stick with that. Seems like a good number to push me, but is doable.
1 May - Walked 1.25 miles - Ran 0.00 miles - Treadmill - Gym 58m07s - Doubles tennis 2h23m22s
1.25/80.00 mile goal
I went to the gym this morning. I did a 0.25 mile pre-workout and 1.00 mile post workout walk on the treadmill.
I'm trying something different with the gym this month and doing once a week with the trainer. I'll try to go a couple of other times too, but I won't have to have it scheduled, so will be "easier" to work it in, I think. Today was mostly arms because I told her my ankle was still being a little wonky.
They were calling for rain today so I was sort of counting on tennis being cancelled. But, as I was drifting off to sleep for a nap, I got a text asking if we wanted to play indoors an hour earlier. So, that is what we did. It was fun. We did a round robin (playing with and against each of the other 3 ladies). My teams won two, both 6-4. We lost the third one in a 5-7 tiebreak. So, it was close and fun and I felt I played good. Since is was indoors, Garmin says I ran 0.16 miles. 😂
7 -
Morning all.
Got in 5.0M at 09'52.
@daria0919 aw, lovely to see you back! 😊
@Scott6255 ba-hahahahahahaha. Love it!! 😂
@quilteryoyo shame about the 7-5 tiebreak loss
Shoe p0rn incoming tomorrow...
(Retiring current ASICS on 432miles).
8 -
Looking forward to shoe porn @tarun_yadavA 😀
My employee came to work with a cold on Monday. I did not know until a few hours in to the day unfortunately. I thought I had escaped but yesterday evening I started to get symptoms and today I am pretty sure I have it. No fever. But it still gets me kind of cranky that he did not mask up or stay home remote …. I thought we had learned something in 2020? 🤬🤬🤬 Anyway since no fever just sinus headache and runny nose I may still try to keep my streak going with a short run today. Will see how it goes.
@quilteryoyo we were tennis twins yesterday altho I just did a short hitting session. My neighbor thought about canceling as there were a LOT of storms in the area but it turned out not to rain on us and the cloud show was magnificent the whole time. and we still cannot resize pictures and have it stick when we load a post. Below is supposed to be small.
8 -
Yesterday wasn't a good day and I didn't run. I was going to this morning but I didn't get up on time. I am leaving in half an hour for a ladies retreat. Tomorrow morning I will get my rare country run! I am looking forward to it!
8 -
02 May: 1.60 mile morning walk before the heat sets in.
Total for May thus far: 1.60 miles.
Copperhead snake (poisonous) in our driveway upon my return. Had to work my way around him by walking through our wooded area to get to the front door.
Nice part of nature: our baby bluebirds in the bluebird house!
8 -
Hello everyone! Setting my goal at 75 miles this month. I got 4 miles in this morning. It was cloudy but no rain. I noticed the blackberry vines were in bloom and I also saw a few early honeysuckle blooms. There are several locust trees along this morning's route that are in bloom and quite fragrant.
@daria0919 - glad you got your medical situation straightened out and sounds like you had a wonderful time at Disney. Ick on the snake that greeted you on your return this morning!
5 -
Cloudy, but mild, lunchtime run & now its all sun out there!
Hopefully that snake wasn't heading in the baby bluebird's direction @daria0919 !May (all outside unless otherwise noted):
01/04 - 0km / 0 miles Rest day
02/04 - 11.31km / 7.03 miles
Total = 11.31km / 7.03 miles (Goal - 161Km / 100 miles)Wine didn't help the nerve pain…..but I'm not whining about it as much…, so maybe it did?🍷🤷♂️
7 -
1 13.36 miles, Running Partner A for an hour
2 8.1 miles, scent of spring! honeysuckle! My favorite running time4 -
Saturday morning, Parkrun for me today. I put in an average amount of effort and got an average result. It was still good enough for fifth female and first in my age group, but that says more about the size and demographic of the event rather than any skill on my part.
My only real achievement was chasing down and passing the woman who was ahead of my going up one of the hills just before the 3k mark and then keeping her behind me for the rest of the run. My hill running seems to have improved this year and I’m putting that down to Pilates, where we do a lot of glute work.
8 -
Nice run @tarun_yadavA . Looking forward to the shoe porn.
@SummerSkier I'm so sorry that you got a cold from your employee. That stinks. Those clouds are awesome. I'm glad that you didn't get rained on and love that we were tennis twins. I do wish MFP would fix it so that we could spoiler the pictures and make them small and it stick. Oh well. We try.
Enjoy your retreat @angf0679 .
Nice walk and cool wildlife @daria0919 .
Hahaha @John772016 . Great run today.
@AlphaHowls Nice run. Glad you enjoy the honeysuckles. I like the smell, but most things, including them, make my nose instantly stop up. 🤧
Great parkrun @ContraryMaryMary . Congrats on passing the lady on the hill and keeping her behind you! I still do more walking than running up hills.
5 -
1 May - Walked 1.25 miles - Ran 0.00 miles - Treadmill - Gym 58m07s - Doubles tennis 2h23m22s
2 May - Walked 0.75 miles - Ran 2.75 miles - Treadmill4.75/80.00 mile goal
I got up early enough to get my run in before work. It was really nice outside, but I decided to run on the treadmill so I could control my pace, plus I didn't feel like dealing with the hills today. I'm glad I did because a storm blew through before I got finished.
I did the run as a run/walk for 2/1 min at 4.5-5.5/4.0 mph, 6.0 mph to end. Avg pace was 12:40 min/mile. Avg HR was 120 with a max of 152 bpm.
7 -
May Goal: 140 miles
5/1: 7.15 miles
5/2: 6.25 miles13.40/140 miles completed for May
Thanks for the information @SummerSkier and @quilteryoyo . I guess I'll schedule the scan as long as the insurance covers it.
I ran 6.25 miles this morning. It was cloudy and not too warm. We had storms cone through around lunchtime, so I was glad to get a run in today.
7 -
@quilteryoyo I encourage you to embrace the broken forum and give us your large and spoiled pictures. Better to see them "wrong" than not to see them at all.
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