January 2020 challenge: Winter Wildebeest (like Winter Warrior but free)

[HappyCheerE]

The past couple of Januarys I've enjoyed participating in the Winter Warrior Challenge, where you commit to walking or running 1, 3, or 5 miles outside every day, no matter the temperature or weather. It's organized by a Massachusetts running store chain. I can't remember how much (if anything) they charged before - I did buy a shirt one year - but it's $9 this time just to sign up and my mustachian soul recoils. And if I do it myself, I can create a 2-mile-per-day category. One isn't enough but three was hard to do every single day, especially when it's so dark in the morning. Who wants to join me? I'll keep leaderboards if other people participate!

The original rules are here but I'm doing it more simply: commit to a number of miles (2 for me), outside, every single day from 1/1/2020 to 1/31/2020. Report your miles on this thread if you want in and I'll track the totals. "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing!"

[rachellynn99]

I'm doing a half marathon on January 11, so would like to make sure I keep up the momentum. Probably just 2 miles per me each day as well.

[Bumbles8]

I’m in.  I’ve decided one of my crazy goals is to jog 2 miles every day in 2020.  (Except days that I hike the entire day).

Trying to show some discipline and hopefully this helps!

[LifeHappens]

I'm in to do a minimum of 1 mile. I plan to do two longer runs each week and work back up to 4 miles on my longest run. I've been dealing with back pain since before Thanksgiving and didn't run for about a month but have been able to run 2 miles a couple of times so I should be okay. Of course if I feel like I'm injuring myself again I'll stop, but I like the idea of doing many short runs to rebuild my stamina.

[Rosy]

I'm in - although I do feel a bit like a cheat since the weather in Florida in January tends to be lovely except for a few cold days near freezing on occasion.

My goal is to work my way up to 2 miles of walking in the morning, starting with one mile and increasing a bit each day until I'm at two miles by Jan 15 and keeping it up until Jan 31, 2020.

Is there an app that will tell me how far I've walked?

[LifeHappens]

Is there an app that will tell me how far I've walked?

Hello fellow Floridian! There are so many walking/running apps. MapMyRun, Strava, Run Keeper, Gaia are just a few. I don't like to carry my phone, so I map out routes  and distances using the MapMyRun website.

[oneday]

Well I think I'm in (1 mile, jogging), even though it's unlikely I'll get out every day.  I'll still have a job/commute for the first half of the month and I know that will be an impediment, since this will be a new habit.  But should have some good results and set myself up for future better/stronger habits around making time for fitness.

[nvmama]

I'm in.  This will be a new habit so I'll enter at the 1 mile mark. 

[robincanada]

I am in.  I need to walk 1 mile plus no matter what.  So that is no challenge.  I don’t run.  I
am in Northern New Brunswick and I built a small rink, and have a river, pond and maintained outdoor rink within a short walk.  And a bike when it is to warm or no good for skating.

So I will skate or bike every day of the January.  Starting tomorrow. And I will do it all winter. 

[LifeHappens]

I'm in to do a minimum of 1 mile. I plan to do two longer runs each week and work back up to 4 miles on my longest run. I've been dealing with back pain since before Thanksgiving and didn't run for about a month but have been able to run 2 miles a couple of times so I should be okay. Of course if I feel like I'm injuring myself again I'll stop, but I like the idea of doing many short runs to rebuild my stamina.

Haha. I've already re-injured myself a bit :{ Overdid on the bicycle yesterday and my back is unhappy. I took today off (I was trying to start the streak already), so I guess I'll begin again on the 1st.

[Longwaytogo]

Well this seems random enough to be a fun January Challenge :P

I don't mind the cold mostly, LOVE snow, wind/rain certainly won't be ideal...but I'm most wondering about it being Dark when I leave for work AND dark again when I return from work. I'll also be traveling/skiing at least 4-5 days but maybe can squeeze something in then too.

Let me think/strategize on that and I'll report back.

Just off the cuff I'm thinking commit to a minimum of one mile a day with a goal of 50 total for the month.

[oneday]

I'm in to do a minimum of 1 mile. I plan to do two longer runs each week and work back up to 4 miles on my longest run. I've been dealing with back pain since before Thanksgiving and didn't run for about a month but have been able to run 2 miles a couple of times so I should be okay. Of course if I feel like I'm injuring myself again I'll stop, but I like the idea of doing many short runs to rebuild my stamina.

Haha. I've already re-injured myself a bit :{ Overdid on the bicycle yesterday and my back is unhappy. I took today off (I was trying to start the streak already), so I guess I'll begin again on the 1st.

Eek!  Take care of yourself!  Hope a few days of rest clears it up.

[HappyCheerE]

Welcome, all!

• @LifeHappens hope you heal quickly! My back complains sometimes as well, but for me it's always because I've been neglecting my core. Take it easy and don't overdo!
• @LWTG skiing should totally count, and @robincanada skating too!
• @nvmama and @oneday hurray for new habits - an auspicious start to the decade.
• @Rosy and LifeHappens enjoy your lovely weather - for Florida we could do a Summer Stalwarts challenge :*)
• @Bumbles8 that's a great goal!
• @rachellynn99 good luck on your 1/2 marathon!

I also use MapMyRun to plan out routes if I don't want to bring my phone, but otherwise I use the free version of RunKeeper. I like the goofy voices (currently on the French accent, "oo la la you vere fast!") Frugal tip #1 - you all probably know this, but you don't need data or wireless to use RunKeeper at least and presumably the others as well, because location is tracked independently. I turn data on temporarily if I get lost or turned around, but otherwise I leave it off and just upload my runs when I get home to the wireless, My other favorite app/website, which I do pay for because I've met the guy who does it mostly as a labor of love, is CityStrides. It keeps track of what % of your town's streets you've run or walked. I find it super-motivating and it's led me to explore my area in new ways.

The dark is the biggest challenge for me too - I don't mind it too much once I'm out and my eyes adjust, but it's hard to drag myself out when I enjoy running in the light so much. %$&! work! Next January I hope to be FIREd and I won't need the challenge so much...

For those of us who get winter weather, frugal tip #2: instead of Stabilicers etc., you can take an older pair of shoes and screw 6-10 1/4" hex-head pointy screws into each sole (helps to drill or punch a little pilot hole). Voila, for about 50 cents you can run on icy roads like it ain't no thing. (Not good for indoors so YMMV, but I find it much easier than putting the other kind on and it's so delightfully cheap!)

[Rosy]

I'm in to do a minimum of 1 mile. I plan to do two longer runs each week and work back up to 4 miles on my longest run. I've been dealing with back pain since before Thanksgiving and didn't run for about a month but have been able to run 2 miles a couple of times so I should be okay. Of course if I feel like I'm injuring myself again I'll stop, but I like the idea of doing many short runs to rebuild my stamina.

Haha. I've already re-injured myself a bit :{ Overdid on the bicycle yesterday and my back is unhappy. I took today off (I was trying to start the streak already), so I guess I'll begin again on the 1st.

I wish I lived in a more bicycle friendly area - they do try, but I wonder if those planners have ever been on a bike in their life?:)
Anyway - I may drag it out anyway, since the weather is perfect for it.

Sorry about your back - I didn't realize you could hurt your back on a bike. I am only a leisure rider so other than my calves feeling a bit of burn ...
Bikes to me are either for (nearby only:)) transportation or a leisure ride - preferably out in the country.
For sport?:) No way:)! Too strenuous.

Walked on the beach a bit today since Mr. R. is off - mainly to walk off a lovely dinner out.

[LifeHappens]

Sorry about your back - I didn't realize you could hurt your back on a bike.

I'm a creative person :) Actually, the problem with my back is being caused by some very tight muscles in my left hip and glutes. Biking too long tightened those up again. It's getting better with stretching, walking and not being an idiot.

[Longwaytogo]

Welcome, all!

• @LWTG skiing should totally count,
  

Thanks!

Meh, it's downhill skiing with my wife and young kids...not particularly taxing! But maybe I'll give a pass for the walk/run those days. I don't know' still thinking through it. I also work outside (construction) so the cold doesn't really bother me too much though heavy exertion/breathing from like running can be tough sometimes in the really cold temps.

That being said the high was 58 today (Maryland) so at least the start of January won't be too wintery :D

[shapingFIRE]

I would love to join. 1 mile a day. But will be comprised of 2 half mile runs to and from the gym. Can that count?

[HappyCheerE]

@shapingFIRE Absolutely! As long as it's outside, it counts - I'll just track daily totals.

I'm excited to have so many people join in! Looking forward to a First Day Hike tomorrow - I didn't realize that was an official thing now. Look at that map! I'll just be out with a friend, probably 3+ miles.

Here's to a great 2020 for all of us - happy new year!

[nvmama]

Day 1 down.  My street is a mile long.  I walked down and back-so 2 miles.  It helped that I brought 2 of my kids-who promptly left me in the dust.  I did catch up to my 9 year old who was doing a jog/walk thing and she stayed with me the way back-which is when the wind picked up. 

[HappyCheerE]

@nvmama Off to a good start!

I went for a great First Day hike along a mountain ridge with a friend - every single twig was coated in ice. When the wind blew, the tinkling was like rain. We kept hoping the sun would come out and make everything sparkle, but it was beautiful anyway. We both tracked the distance on our phones and her app said 4.9 miles while mine had 4.3. Hmm... I did .7 miles in the morning so I'll call it 5 for the day. I'd rather do more than less.

Tomorrow is a long work day so that will be a more typical challenge. But the sun will keep rising earlier each day, thank goodness.

I started a spreadsheet for us - will probably pop in totals once a week or so for whoever I've got. 10 of us so far!

[Longwaytogo]

Got my first day in too. 1.75 mile walk right around sunset.

I've been known in the past to ramp up running mileage too quickly and irritate my knee; so I'll mostly likely try to run once or twice a week and the rest do walks.

Just off the cuff I'm thinking commit to a minimum of one mile a day with a goal of 50 total for the month.

Guess I'll go ahead and stick with this.

[oneday]

1.35 miles today!  A great start.  I'm not sure I'll be able to do this outside every day, particularly on work days.  Do treadmill miles count, @HappyCheerE ?  They would be a minor part of the overall mileage.

[HappyCheerE]

@oneday, to me outside is the most important part, so no, I don't think treadmill should count. But unlike the official Winter Warrior, which was firm on "miss a day and you're out," feel free to skip a day here or there if you have to. Extra points (imaginary ones of course) to those who do every single day, but hey, whatever you can get it is great!

[oneday]

Whew!  Glad I can skip a day (days) and still participate.  There are 5 days on which it will be challenging to get outside, but I'll see how it shakes out/how motivated I can be.  After the 15th I have no excuses.

[Naomi]

I want to participate. I'm in the middle of training for a half marathon so generally am outside running despite the weather because I think running on a treadmill is the worst. Today was a cardio day though instead of a run, so I biked outside for 1 hr.

I just went outside and walked 1.29 miles though so I could join this challenge.

[nvmama]

Ok.  Today was harder to get my mile in, but I did it in 2 half mile walks.  One at lunch time and one while my 9 year old was at TKD.  Would have done more then, but my 4 year old was with me and the street didn't have side walks.

@Naomi - like the name.  That's my first name too.  I don't run across too many people with my same name.

[shapingFIRE]

1st 2 days done...29 to go!
1.0 mile run on Jan 1.
1.0 mile run + 1.2 mile walk on Jan 2.

[horsepoor]

This is a good challenge.  Too easy to get glued to the couch in the winter.  I have been going out to the stable and riding/working horses every morning before work, but I can commit to walking 2 miles if I miss any barn days.  Rode my horse the last two mornings, so I'm on on track so far...

[Naomi]

@nvmama, it's actually my middle name.

2 jan:
7 mile run
2.4 mile walk. I walked to work, but am slightly regretting it since its 21 degrees out
right now and feels like 12, but the sun should be out when I leave.

[Rosy]

Walked a mile on Jan 1
Got the bike set up for today.

[HappyCheerE]

Those of you who are skiing, riding horses, biking etc... how about 15 minutes segments as the unit (= 1 mile run/walk)? As I said above the key part of the challenge to me is moving outside. Fresh air, different perspective, any kind of exercise! I'll probably be doing a city trip Sunday where I park far away and ride my folding bike around so I'll count that too. (I would do more bike commuting locally if they plowed the bike paths... working on it).

I got in 1.3 round trip run to the post office and .7 round trip walk to the library where I work yesterday, 1.1 run and 1.5 round trip walk to the campus library near home today - love combining exercise and errands, it's so mustachian!

[oneday]

1.35 miles yesterday, one of the 5 days that I thought would be really hard to squeeze in a run!  Only 4 difficult days left.

Have not run yet today but will likely report tomorrow or Sunday with Fri-Sat or Fri-Sun totals.

[nvmama]

2 mile walk for me today.  Walked and read a library book on my kindle-so not a fast pace but enjoyable.  The weather was supposed to be rainy today so I went out before work-but after the kids went to school...which typically I can't do-but today's schedule allowed it.

[HappyCheerE]

1 mile walking today so far plus my usual weekend long run - 5.5 miles. It's rainy - warm enough to not be snow, but just barely, and cold emanates from the banks of dirty ice and snow. That's what I love about this type of challenge: starting feels like it's going to be miserable, but then I warm up and it's like having a super-power. My body is waterproof, no matter how soaked my clothes and shoes and hair get, and it's a furnace, burning energy and keeping me warm no matter how cold it is.  A kind of joy only accessible through voluntary discomfort!

[shapingFIRE]

Jan 3 - 1.0 mile run + 1.0 mile walk
Jan 4 - 1.0 mile run + 1.2 mile walk

[oneday]

Jan 3 - 1.35 miles
Jan 4 - 1.35 miles
Jan 5 - 1.12 miles


Experienced runners, do I need to be concerned about this: I have had some very slight pain in my right knee.  This showed up on Jan 2 mid-run, when I first ran on sidewalks.  I got a compression sleeve and ran on sidewalks again on the 3rd, where I had no pain for maybe 80% of the run, but it showed up a bit at the end of that run (less pain than the day before).  Saturday I ran on a dirt trail with the compression sleeve: no pain (can't be sure if this was because of the trail or the sleeve).  Also hiked/walked on some rather steep trails, and on the way down...pain.  Slowing down helped ease the pain; I didn't have the compression sleeve with me.  Today I ran 1+ miles on sidewalk concrete/street asphalt in ~.25 mile increments, with aerobics in between.  I didn't have pain until the last lap, and again, very slight.  No compression sleeve, as this was billed as a boot camp class which I should have foreseen as including running, but didn't.

Wondering if I should simply insist on running only on dirt, or is this indicative of a larger problem.  What is your advice? TIA

[Naomi]

3 jan- 2.31 mile walk
4 jan- 5 mile run
5 jan- 1.09 mile walk

[HappyCheerE]

@oneday, I'm an experienced runner, not super-confident about giving advice on not getting injured (!), but I've had minor injuries each time I've trained for a marathon (3x) and successfully resolved them.

What I know to look for is: does the pain start earlier and earlier in the run? does it linger after the run? do you have symptoms when not running? Yes to those would all be bad and it sounds like those would be No for you? Severity of pain is important too: I'll happily ignore little twinges/complaints, bad pain means STOP, medium means figure out what's triggering it. What I've done each time I've had issues is lots of research, being as specific as possible (in your case where on the knee, what type of pain (stabbing? burning? aching?), when) hoping to find a technical description and other people who've experienced something similar. I found out I was running too much on the left shoulder of the road (always tilting the same way) and my legs were imbalanced; a couple of times I had extensor tendinitis from not touching my heels down far enough.

Until you're doing a lot of miles, I would suspect form/technique is much more likely to be the culprit than running surface (and IME asphalt's not too bad). Check in on your body - are your arm and leg swings symmetrical? Is your upper body relaxed? Try varying your stride - generally shorter is supposedly better, but figure out what works for you. Good luck!

About to head out for a quick mile. Yesterday 1 mile run and 1 hour biking so 5 units. Happy Monday everyone!

[HappyCheerE]

1 mile run, 2.5 miles of walking today including a new routine: I'm going to try taking a 1/2 mile walk around sunset/dusk every day that I'm home. I've been doing at least that every morning, first thing after meditating/as soon as it gets light, for several years and it's a keystone happiness habit for me. An evening bookend should be good too.

[nvmama]

1/4-I sucked and didn't get it done...everytime I had my plan I got sidetracked by a kid.  Will do better next Saturday.
1/5- 1 mile walk
1/6- 1.8 mile walk according to my fit bit.

[oneday]

@oneday, I'm an experienced runner, not super-confident about giving advice on not getting injured (!),

I will keep the quoted in mind :) but thanks for the input.  I'm keeping a close eye on it; you've given me some really good things to think about.  I'll take anything larger to a read doctor (no someone who plays one on the internet ;)

[shapingFIRE]

Jan 3 - 1.0 mile run + 1.0 mile walk
Jan 4 - 1.0 mile run + 1.2 mile walk

Jan 5 - 1.0 mile run + 1.5 mile walk
Jan 6 - 1.0 mile walk (couldn't fall asleep until 3am, then too tired to get up early for run and the gym)

[oneday]

Jan 6 - 2 miles, but walking

[Bumbles8]

I already have to quit.  Jacked up my hamstring.  Turns out going from jogging a couple times a week to everyday can lead to bad things.  I think I should have stretched more but it’s tough at 4:30 in the morning.

Hoping to take a few days off and see how it heals.

[LifeHappens]

I already have to quit.  Jacked up my hamstring.

Oh, sorry to hear that! Give it some rest and try again.

[horsepoor]

Those of you who are skiing, riding horses, biking etc... how about 15 minutes segments as the unit (= 1 mile run/walk)? As I said above the key part of the challenge to me is moving outside.

Well, pretty much any day at the barn is 90+ minutes (often longer, 3.5 hours on Sunday working horses, grooming, trimming hooves), so unless it's a day I just run out to drop off feed or something, I'm calling it good without accounting for minutes.  Last night was only about half an hour in the cold wind after dark, but I got my 1.3 mile walk in at lunch as well, so >1 hour outside time.

Almost 2 hours at the barn this morning.  Planning to walk at lunch and jog a 5 K after work, but it's going to hit almost 50 today, so easy peasy.

[HappyCheerE]

I already have to quit.  Jacked up my hamstring.

Man, that sucks - sorry, Bumbles8! Hope it heals quickly.

I'll do a weekly update with totals tomorrow - pop in your numbers if you haven't already and want in. We're already a week in, wow.

2 mile run this morning, seeing the sunrise turn the clouds red!

[Naomi]

1- 1.29 mile walk
2- 7.0 mile run + 2.4 mile walk
3- 2.31 mile walk
4- 5.0 mile run
5- 1.09 mile walk
6- 3.0 mile run
7- 4.3 mile walk

26.39 miles total

The weather is not looking good here after tomorrow, so next week may be harder/a little more uncomfortable.

[Longwaytogo]

Those of you who are skiing, riding horses, biking etc... how about 15 minutes segments as the unit (= 1 mile run/walk)? As I said above the key part of the challenge to me is moving outside. Fresh air, different perspective, any kind of exercise!

I work construction outside many days so I'm always out there! But I'm just more counting walking; with hopefully soon some running. I did bike one day so I don't know how you want to count those miles; but you don't necessarily have to track me at all if you don't want and I'll just keep a running tally...whatever's easier!

I like the challenge though, I would not have gotten these walks in without this in mind. Still not sure when I'll introduce some running. I'm trying to lose some weight and I just really don't want to jack up my knees. I much prefer to run on dirt trails but it's been muddy and dark so I've just been on the paved path. Might go to our high school this weekend and do a timed mile run as a starting point gauge for the year.

Jan 1- 1.75 mile walk
Jan 2- 1 mile walk
Jan 3- Missed- 0 *
Jan 4- 1.75 mile walk in the rain
Jan 5 - 1.85 mile walk**
Jan 6 - 10 mile mountain bike ride
Jan 7 - 1.25 mile snowy hike  :)

So total = 7.6 miles walked and 10 miles biked for 17.6 total

* the day I missed we had a date night and babysitter was already here when I got home from work so I didn't have time to squeeze a walk in before we left. I did work about 7 hours in the rain and mud that day though so I was outside!

**I did this one on sunday when I went down to our jobsite for a bit and carried all the lumber around from the front where it was delivered to the back where we were building a screen porch - so the 1.85 miles consisted of 45 laps carrying ~3000 pounds of lumber.

[Bumbles8]

Thank you for the kind thoughts!  I still have to walk around a good bit at work but I don’t count that.

I didn’t run yesterday and don’t think I’ll run today.  My leg has been feeling a lot better but I think it might be a trick.  Continued to wake up at my normal time and stretch in the morning.  Didn’t run, but hoping this helps.

My numbers:  2.1 miles from January 1 - January 6.  No miles on 7th.  Probably no miles on the 8th.  We will see this afternoon.