Holiday Mile-A-Day Challenge - Week 3

Thor · Dec 6, 2011

Holiday Mile-A-Day Challenge - Week 3 of 6 
Challenge 
"Run" at minimum a mile per day from Thanksgiving, through the holiday period, to the end of the year. Why? Why not!
 
As of this writing, we have 16 streakers (out of 21 total) who completed Week 2; even more impressive is that those 16 also earned Week 1, so that's 16 streakers over a span of 11 days!!! Pretty cool. Newcomers, want to join? Raise your hand. I'll add you to the list. 
Disclaimer: The Challenge is for us. You define what "run" means in Run a Mile-A-Day. If your body says, "I cannot physically run a mile every day," you have grounds to redefine "Mile" to be anything that works with what you have. Mile-A-Day means doing something every day. This challenge is meant to keep it light and provide fun ideas. Week 3 - Monday, Dec. 5 thru. Sunday, Dec. 11 
Second full week -- this will be hard, and your body might be feeling it, but know that you will get stronger physically if you stay strong mentally!
 
Monday & Tuesday
Since I suck again this week for not getting this out sooner, you were on your own again. I fear this will happen again and again. Sorry. If you're still without a run for Tuesday, why not pick one of your favorite routes, only this time you can jog for the first 5 minutes as warm up, and then do 20-30 second strides (or go only as long as the nearest telephone pole or far mailbox) with 3 to 6 minutes recovery jog. This isn't a workout. So take the strides at good effort but no where near all-out. This is just to mix things up and keep your legs happy. Too much plodding makes your legs unhappy. So spice it up.
 
Wednesday
Remember last week when I suggested that you grab and friend or group to run with? Well, you're going to social run today. Organize an easy run with friends, or jump in an existing run. You can swap days here and there, so if it is easier to do a social run on Thursday instead of Wednesday, swap them. Also, be very careful about NOT turning the social run into a race -- unless, of course, you plan to do a group workout. Because when social runs turn aggressive in pace, it quickly becomes less fun for many, and the group falls apart -- again, unless it was planned as a workout like that. Social runs are just that.
 
Thursday
Today or tomorrow will likely be an easy, short day. Assuming tomorrow is that day, for today I want you to do something challenging but not mentally strenuous. Like with Tuesday's suggestion, this will be no stress. Don't focus on pace or anything other effort. Most important, stay in the moment. If you have GPS, don't look at it. This is not a workout to nail for pacing. Jog on down to a nearby hill. Try to pick a hill that is far enough away so that the point to point run alone will be your warm up. A hill that is two miles away is nice. Run to the top of the hill and jog back down. Do that four times and then cool down by going home. Don't kill the hill. Just run on up. Bonus points for focusing on form. Lean slightly (do not over lean) into the hill. Keep your feet underneath you. Work your arms forward, as if to help you move up the hill, not side to side. And focus on shorter (but not too short) stride. If the hill is really long, that's okay, just run it or even stop half way and turn around. If the hill is shorter, that's okay, too. No stress here. Just run on over to the hill, do it a few times, and head back. And don't time yourself going up the hill. Save splits and things like that for when you are training for something good. This is a good way to create that divide between off season and season.
 
Friday
Good day for a mile. Or swap it with Thursday. Your call. Or wing your own.
 
Saturday & Sunday
Group run on one of these days. If you can't, do a more quality run on Saturday or Sunday and use the other as a gentle "Sunday Stroll", where you get out, run easy and light, and think about something fun, like what might be your big race next year. If you do want something different, and if you are running solo, if you normally do not run with music, grab your iPod (or steal your kid's, regardless of the music on it) and treat yourself to something different. If you're not used to running with music, be very conscious of your surroundings, because it can be dangerous. If you normally run with music, ditch the tunes -- just for this day. Instead, let your mind journey on its own.
 
COMING WEEKS TEASER: Holiday Light Run, Playground Run, Comfort Zone (Out Of) Run.
 
Not too late to join, folks! Raise your hand and I'll add you to the list. Any and all are welcome. Also, current Streakers, feel free to add fun ideas.

Thor · Dec 7, 2011

Cat is out of the bag!
 
In a good way.
 
Thanks to Julie, Bannon, Otter, and Tammy (sorry if I missed you), the cat is out of the bag.
 
My Holiday Lights Run, or call it Christmas Lights Run, is a really fun way to enjoy running this time of year. Instead of running in the morning or during the day, wait until darkness settles in and go for a run through sparkling neighborhoods with one purpose in mind -- seeking out the best Christmas Lights around. Once or twice per week this time of year, treat yourself to this type of run. Mind not the time on the clock or your pace; just get out and enjoy the lights.
 
Do you live in a town with a quaint little center?
 
Run through town this evening or night.
 
Know of a neighborhood with house after house known for their Christmas lights displays?
 
Yup, run through there!
 
Enjoy. And happy holidays!

Thor · Dec 7, 2011

Since I did a social run yesterday, and since I knew that I probably couldn't convince anyone to romp in the rain with me this morning, instead of going social on this Wednesday, I picked a route that I hadn't done in a very, very long time. It was a hilly route that reminded me that although my legs are not yet back to normal from Sunday's run, my core is very strong to keep me compact, form good, and feet underneath me on those hills.
 
Anybody do the social thing today?

Stitcher · Dec 7, 2011

Monday for Rabbit and me was a run/swim day.
3 miles in the morning followed by master's swim at lunch. 
Mondays are pull days......neither one of us could really feel our arms at the end of the swim. Getting out of the pool was an adventure.
 
Tuesday dawned very warm and damp. No actual rain, but it came later that day.
Neither one of us felt the "love" so to speak, but between the two of us managed to get out of the door for 4 miles.
That route even included a detour to avoid the couple that has the very poorly behaved dogs. Neither one of us wanted to get barked at at 6:15 in the morning.

Tri-Tammy · Dec 7, 2011

A note about the Christmas light run... don't wear your ipod. I was stunned to find out just how many houses also play Christmas music with their lights displays. Very cool. <img alt="icon_santa.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_7_1323276255342_156" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_santa.gif" style="width:22px;height:25px;">
 
Last night my social run was Rex and I. He jumped every time Christmas music started playing in the yards that we we passed.

Thor · Dec 8, 2011

BTW: With more updates coming in, we now have 17 of 21 total Streakers for Week 2!
 
Table is updated in the Week 2 thread.
 
Amazing job, people!

Stitcher · Dec 8, 2011

Thursday dawned sunny and freezing.....32 degrees freezing.
So, Rabbit and I bundled up and headed out.
 
We took the "hill" route that's a known 4 miles, and she decided to add on all of the cul-de-sac streets just to see how much extra it would be.
We did them all, except for the one that had what seemed to be a 30% grade. She was in front and I followed, I saw that street and was sooooo glad when she passed it by.
Turns out, cul-de-sac streets are deceptive. You think they add a lot, but they don't. We only got an extra half mile. Still, extra is extra.

I'm starting to feel more human running these days.
It's taken this long after MCM to start to feel that way.
Is that within the norms?

Thor · Dec 9, 2011

Two things to comment on here:
 
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Originally Posted by Stitcher <a href="/t/75865/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge-week-3#post_2022157"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a>
 
[Stitch & Rabbit] took the "hill" route that's a known 4 miles, and she decided to add on all of the cul-de-sac streets just to see how much extra it would be.
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Very, very, very nice. You and Rabbit have something good going. That is exactly how you make and keep this as a lifestyle. By running with others AND varying things up, you will stay motivated for much time to come. And also, if you can, also incorporate social runs with other people. New faces keep everything fresh. And even advertise your run with Rabbit. You might get a newcomer here and there, but trust me, the new face brings fresh energy and conversation. Keep up the great work. To you AND Rabbit! 

 
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Originally Posted by Stitcher <a href="/t/75865/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge-week-3#post_2022157"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a>
 
I'm starting to feel more human running these days.
It's taken this long after MCM to start to feel that way.
Is that within the norms?
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Maybe. Firstly, the consistent running of this streak tends to make you stronger anyway, and it can, if you're coming from a period of lower or different mileage, kick start the legs into more power and feeling better.
 
Otherwise, it really depends on if it takes this much time -- what, almost two months -- to feel normal again. For me, yes, it often takes a long time. I did Stone Cat 50 Miler in November of last year, and it took me until late February to get back spunk and spark in my legs. Also, this year after a summer of running up and down mountain, culminating with the 120 mile 6 day romp across the Rocky Mountains doing TransRockies, it took me a good deal of time to get back that fluid feeling in the legs, and to be honest, although I am running fast right now, I still do not feel as fluid as I could. I feel more ragged running fast. And I know it's because my body is banged up, or really beat up, still from the summer of running mountains. But I know it's getting better because although I still do not feel fluid running hard, my body is no longer perpetually pounded in the joints. That has gone away.
 
so it really depends on your total volume relative to what is normal for your body, and it depends on the quality of those miles. It could take as much as 2 months. For most runners doing a marathon, it takes roughly 4 weeks to feel normal again. I always encourage friends to line up a few 5 and 10K's a few weeks after their marathons. 5 to 6 weeks out, they can PR or come close, especially if they've been plateaued for a few years. (The other time to line up races is when you are roughly 6 to 10 weeks from your big race -- that's another time when you're fit and fast.)

Stitcher · Dec 9, 2011

Good to know we're within the norms.
 
We do have people around who run, and a group here that runs.......although they are signifiantly faster than I am, and are a bit too cliquish for our tastes.
 
We HAVE, however, gotten several people at my work to agree to do our local mud run that benefits Wounded Warriors. It's in the spring, and is a total blast.
My boss even agreed to go! Of course, she said she'd be the photographer, and not a runner. But, it takes all types of supporters to have a lifestyle.

jenotter · Dec 10, 2011

Thanks for the updated thread Thor!!
 
I have to say...the holiday light run has been so awesome this week. Will definitely be continuing that throughout the challenge! I'm still holding strong on the streak - no missed days so far! Today did p90x plyometrics, and looking forward to some longer distance this weekend.

runNYtrails · Dec 10, 2011

been a kinda weak week so far ... finally decided to give a nagging achilles a bit of a break 
and do no running. but ive managed to keep the activity streak going by getting on the bike and getting a couple 'test' walk miles in . hoping for enough improvement at this weeks end to 
maybe try a few miles on sunday 
.... looking forward to the holiday lights run <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> at least once or twice <img alt="biggrin.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> 
& How about a photo run everyone ?? its always fun to see where everyone 
is romping around ! 
,

TriAndStopMe · Dec 10, 2011

Okay, I'm not sure what day of the week we're starting on, but here's a recap starting from Monday:
 
Monday: Early mile on the rower before work... had massage/pt that night.
 
Tuesday: lower-body strength training
 
Wednesday: Two miles on the rower (managed them into a 12 hr workday by skipping the commute.
 
Thursday: Planned on the early morning rower workout, since had another deep tissue massage/PT appointment after work. Unfortunately back to back to back 12 hour days meant a failed wake-up. So, to not destroy the bodywork, but still get something productive in, I broke out the Power Yoga DVD for the first time in way too long. 20 minutes with lots of modifications to git 'er done. But got 'er done!
 
Friday: Since the big deadlines for the week were met, my brain was somewhat fried, and my hours were more than in, I called it quits at work at 2:30. Stopped by REI to pick up a new trainer (and do some SS elf work). And made it out the door for a two mile run... started with a little bit of daylight and ended under the full moon. I love full moon runs. Don't see the moon enough here to get them often, so I'll appreciate it more.
 
I did try to appreciate some of the Christmas light displays, but I'm really just too much of a grinch. Even as a kid, I didn't appreciate big holiday displays as much as most do. I remember one of my mom's favorite things was to pile us all in the car, drive an hour and a half to the Plaza in Kansas City to drive around and look at the lights. They were all white lights on scraggly, bare (non-evergreen) trees lining the shopping district. I could appreciate seeing the local stuff we could see in a 15 minute drive. But a three-hour round-trip to see lights seemed like much ado about nothing. 
 
Warm workouts, everyone!

SpartyGirl · Dec 11, 2011

Got it all in this week! The streak lives on. <img alt="icon_cheers.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_7_1323622874673_160" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_cheers.gif">

TriAndStopMe · Dec 11, 2011

Sparty on! 

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by SpartyGirl <a href="/t/75865/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge-week-3#post_2022412"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> Got it all in this week! The streak lives on. <img alt="icon_cheers.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_7_1323622874673_160" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_cheers.gif">
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 Saturday: set up the new trainer and took it for a 20 minute spin. MUCH, MUCH quieter than the old beast. Shinier, too.

ksurp · Dec 12, 2011

Wrapped up this week with a 32 minute run outside where I managed to work in 3x90 second hill repeats.
Week three is done for me! Woot.
DH and I were just going over family logistics for the upcoming week - it is going to be an action packed one. While I want to start increasing the length of my workouts, just getting in a minimum of a mile each day this week will be challenging enough. 2 weeks to Christmas vacation and more open time.

TriAndStopMe · Dec 12, 2011

Today I managed to make it to the pool for the first time in WAY too long. My "mile equivalent" workout ended up being around 20 minutes and a measly 600 yards. Not nearly a real mile, but a good start for where I'm at right now.
 
I'm so out of practice that I forgot to take my water bottle. And I'm looking forward to bringing along my kickboard, which I also forgot. I've been paying extra for the masseuse to work on my ridiculously tight calves (the worst she's ever seen), with hopes that flexibility will help transform my feet/ankles from brakes to something that will actually help propel me down the lane. I know some progress is being made... I just don't know if it's enough to get me out of neutral when I try to head down a lane with a kickboard.

rottensquirrel · Dec 12, 2011

Standard 1 plus on Sat and 3.5 miles Suday. That was the longest run in a long time. Went slow and it was fine. Back to the treadmill this week.

Stitcher · Dec 12, 2011

Thursday & Friday were 1 mile days for Rabbit and me.
 
BUT, Rabbit got a sleek, sexy, new ninja bike!
So, she spent time on Friday pedaling on a trainer while getting fitted.
 
Saturday was a 1 mile day due to not wanting to christen the bike on a rainy ride,
and Sunday was 3700 lovely yards of master's swimming
 
Today is graduation, and my swim coach is graduating, so no running in the morning, but we'll see what things look like after graduation or this evening.

AdCo · Dec 12, 2011

OK, with everything I've done physically on the days I haven't "worked out" i am good.. Saturday was a killer session on the bike with coach and srength training.. Sunday was ladders, and moving furniture.. I'm good.

Thor · Dec 12, 2011

First off, woah, we are all kicking ass. Love to read the updates and the "challenges" of keeping the streak alive. Nicely done. You actually learn a lot about yourself and time management when looking to get something in every day. For those who have yet to check in, please do so that I can update the list!!! 

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by runNYtrails <a href="/t/75865/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge-week-3#post_2022296"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
& How about a photo run everyone ?? its always fun to see where everyone 
is romping around ! 
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Done! Love the idea. I'll get that in on Week 4's note. Very, very great idea.

Holiday Mile-A-Day Challenge - Week 3

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