Week of July 17 - 2006 Half-Full Marathon Info/Training Thread

[chimera]

Hello everyone!

For those new to us, we're a group of people who are planning to participate in the 2006 and/or 2007 Disney Half or Full marathons. We range from non-running beginners to triathletes. Come join us!

Here's the Marathon FAQ, a great place to answer your marathon questions:
Disney Marathon FAQ (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=725285)
And some websites for further running/walking info:
http://www.runnersworld.com
http://www.coolrunning.com
http://www.halhigdon.com
http://www.running4women.com/
http://www.runnergirl.com/index.shtml
http://www.katherineswitzer.com/fitness.html
The John Bingham site:
http://www.waddleon.com/
Jeff Galloway's site:
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/

Pacing Calculator (http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/Running%20University/Article%201/calculator2.htm)

Race Report
Guess what, guess what?!?!?! New PR!!!!!! I was hoping for sub-48 minutes for the 5K. Clock time at finish: 45:01!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
First two miles were tough. I did intervals...W4/R1...first time outside. It was muggy and miserable. Started feeling a bit better after the second mile, which is normal for me. Doing a little math in my head, I realized I was going to beat my time last month of 48:48. More math I did, I started thinking I could get within 45 min. Got back to the parking lot and saw the clock...said 44:38, so I ran. I took it as fast as I could at that point watching the seconds tick and crossed just at 45:01. Since I started in the back of the pack, I'm thinking actual time may be just slightly less than 45. I started the Garmin correctly this time, but forgot to turn it off at the end. Garmin time was 45:15 for 3.14 miles! That's a pace of 14:25! :bounce: :bounce:
Other firsts today:
1. CoolMax. Wore a CoolMax shirt for the first time. I didn't really like the feel of it during the race and didn't think it was helping me much. Til I took off my number and felt how wet the shirt was. I hardly felt wet at all!
2. chafing. Yep...finally happened. Those darn chub rub thighs. :earseek: I wore sausage shorts under running shorts last 5K with no problems. Guess I'll have to go back to the double shorts or pants and long shirt.
And I found out one very important thing...I look like a dork when I run :crazy: . Krista, you'll appreciate this. Think Phoebe from that Friends episode where she and Rachel go running, then Rachel won't run with her anymore 'cause she looks like a freak. That's me! So anyone who wants to hang out with me during the half, you've been warned.
The evidence is in my finish photo:
http://www.photos-by-shack.com/getdata.php?id=14139

Craig...I apologize...I think I missed you last time. How's your training going? Do you have the whole summer off?

Steve...haven't tried running in the rain, but I did bop through someone's sprinklers during the race this am. I find Shook Me All Night Long to best match my pace ;)

Krista...happy birthday! :bday: :cake: :bday:

MelR...I'm with you...I like a pool that I can see to the bottom, though we have some springs in the center of the state like that. At the beach, I don't go much beyond waist deep. I've never seen a shark at the beach, but we get squadrons of stingrays in the shallows that you have to step lightly around. They're gorgeous animals, but I don't want to scare one into stinging me.

Sunny...I think I met your Lunatic Commando this am. Never would've thought I had her in me. I think I hurt my leg with my sprint to the finish and I can now totally blame the LC!

Heather...wow...great pace, especially with all you were carrying!! I'm still trying to figure out what kind of pack to carry for the half. I'll need a camera, some snacks, illegal MP3 player...what else?

MelR...100 miles?!?!? You've got serious thrill issues, dude ;) !

Christa...Double Chocolate Chunk cookies sound good to me! :teeth: Congrats on your weekly mileage!

Liz...was your long run today?

Cam, Howard...How are you guys doing?

Shell...where ya been? How's the ankle?

Good training week to everyone!

[MelRhoads]

Chimera - Don't worry about the race photos! You do not look like a dork! (notice i didn't post any links to the triathlon pics!) Think long string bean with a hot pink swim cap (they gave them to us to wear to distinguish the different start waves). I have actually hypothosized that I have some type of mobility impairment because when I run i kick my feet out and my knees stay together. When I bike, my knees actually hit the top tube and when I swim I kick funny with my right leg! I bounced the theory off of phil (dh and doctor) I am no longer allowed to come up with medical theories!

Did 10 miles of all hills this evening. It was good. the pace was a little slower than I wanted, but marathon queen charity girl was kind and the college athlete had only done one 10 miler before. For once, we didn't have to slow down for me!!

[gatorphipps]

chimera - Great picture! Can tell you are kicking it! Congrats on your 5k! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Melissa - You are too funny! I run on my toes like I am a prancing pony! :rotfl: Bree & DH make fun of me! I tell them it is what makes me fast. (HaHa, Fast - yea right!)

Rest day today! Getting ready to wake up the DDs to dress them for church. Then have to go into the recording studio until 5 to record the National Anthem.

Later all!
Christa

[disnutt]

I have a question about training partners. I have a friend who has signed up with me to do our local Hartford half in October. However, she is not particularly committed to training and has rescheduled some of our training runs.

For instance, we are scheduled to do 6 miles today and had planned to do it in the a.m. However, she called last night to reschedule to this p.m. Not a real problem except I'm suspicious that this afternoon something will come up and she won't go leaving me to run alone at a time I don't feel like running.

How long would you put up with this? I usually try to accommodate friends. I work outside the home and she doesn't. I prefer to run before the family wakes up so my evenings can be spent with the kids. I think she looks at this as a break from her work day. (I'm NOT fanning the WOHM vs SAHM flame here just explaining her preference!)

Should I just try to do a short midweek run with her to promote friendliness and plan on doing my own long and lonely morning runs or just get over it? I am leaning toward the lonely runs because I don't want my hobby to take up too much extra time from the family. Advice please.

[kaf7878]

Hey everyone!

I've got 5 miles scheduled for today. Haven't done 5 in a while so it should be interesting:-) Sounds like everyone is doing great!

Chimera-Great job on your PR!!! Love the photo!!!

disnutt-I would NOT reschedule your runs with a training partner. You may just want to be the lead partner by telling her when you are going to run each day. If she decides to join you that's great, otherwise go alone and tell her you'll catch her on the next run. That way nobody feels like they have to flipflop all the time. And if she really wants to run, she'll have to match her schedule with yours.

We are staying at OKW for the marathon. How exactly would I walk to the start??? I'm trying to picture it in my head but can't seem to find the route. Any insight is appreciated!!

[plutosmyfav]

Chimera-- Congrats! That is INCREDIBLE improvement and you don't look like a dork!!!! I've never seen that Friends episode, now I want to! I'm glad the LC is haunting other people, too. What do you mean by "illegal mp3 player"? Are they not allowed?

MelR-- Anger works, too. But the LC might be for hire when she's not in command. I'll check, but be warned, she's dangerous :earboy2: 100 miles? Hmmm, the first I ever heard of such things was a show on UltraMarathons on Fit TV last year. Do you do it straight through? There was one woman on the show that did her 104.8 in 29 hours, something. I thought that was insane at the time. My definition on sanity keeps slipping.... Maybe I'll try 100 miles some day, too :teeth: Right now my distant, distant goal is the Boston Marathon. I need an 8:46 paced marathon to qualify............. (or I can just wait out the divisions until I'm 80 or something).

Christa-- DD cookies yum. I'm supposed to be eating "good", too. I've had 4 donuts since my 18 miler :confused3

Cam-- how's that Forerunner working out? I am so getting one some day!

I have no soreness from my 18miler. I stayed pretty active all day yesterday and stayed up unitl midnight after waking at 5am. Today I am a SLUG. I just can't get moving. No soreness just general body "i refuse to move"-ness. But I realized I never took a rest day last week ,so I'm resting.


Sunny

[MelRhoads]

Sunny and Christa - the 100 miler is still just a distant fantasy. I think there is a 30 hour cutoff. It is straight through, but there are aid stations and i am pretty sure you have to do drop bag too. I thought it would be totally doable after we did our last adventure race as i learned that i was able to race for 20+ hrs without a break. After that I did that 21 mile trail run. It used some of the same forrest roads as the 100 miler. I was miserable at the end. It took so much more muscle control to run the trails than the roads. I would have to have more time (like no kids or life) to train and the training would have to be on the trails. I'm definitely doing some of the longer trail runs this year though.

The link to to weird trail runners page here in arkansas is: runarkansas.com. Maybe some of you can plan your wonderful arkansas vacations around some of these!!!! ;)

My husband has been working all weekend and he is on call. We (marathon queen and I) did a really hilly 10mi run yesterday and i was really ready for a good night's sleep. The pager went off about a million times last night. Husband is not back yet today. I am NEEDING a nap!!!! :cloud9:

[pollioni]

Good day Eh!!!

Its Rob from the great north (not white right now). Well I finally got out side to run. The temp got down to 23c/76f last night so when I got up this morning laced up the shoes and headed off. Overall a good run.

Going to try a new pair for shoes tomorrow. I am wearing a stiff shoe but I going to try a lighter more flexable shoe.

Chimera :cheer2: Running a PB is a great feeling and you should be very proud. Remember this whenever you are having a really bad run and try to bring yourself back to that feeling.

I will never run in cotton I always run in Dryfit/CoolMax and I also used to have chafing issues but I now never run without slapping on the body glide.

And about the picture, ITS GREAT, remember you just ran a PB and that you are running not posing for photos.

Disnutt :sad2: Personally, I would stick to my schedule and say to your friend I running at this time. You are both training for an event and it is not just physical but also mental. By putting off runs you are mentally hurting your running attitude.

[agotta]

Wow everyone sounds like they are doing great.'

chimera-Great job with the 5K. Good tips too.

So I have decided that I can not run with DH. HE DRIVES ME CRAZY!! He would slow down, so I felt like I was running too fast, then he speeds up and I feel like I am running to slow. He through off whatever rythm I had. UGH!! I told him he is on his own for the marathon, just run ahead and I will be there when I get there. I feel like I am not progressing fast enough. I still can only run about a mile before I feel like I am just going to drop dead. At this rate I will never be ready for the marathon. DH had shin splints for 2 weeks and is still running at the same pace/time I am.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We are staying at OKW for the marathon. How exactly would I walk to the start??? I'm trying to picture it in my head but can't seem to find the route. Any insight is appreciated!!

You walk out the front entrance--cross a road...cross a median....get to a parallel road, turn right--and walk on up to the start. The road that runs in front of OKW and POFQ is parallel to a road that serves as an "entrance" of sorts to get into EPCOT--after you turn right on that road, it will curve to the left and go right in front of EPCOT parking lot.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I ran 1.7 miles continuous with the jogging stroller--evidently pushing a lot of weight and running at the heat of the day is a bit much.

But I must say I like the afternoon/evening workouts in general much better. Been finding I sleep better---nice to shower the night before and just wake up and go.

Chimera--to answer your question...back is doing great--except when I don't do my exercises. Been noticing the sacrum bothering me again---just got the Pilates DVD and was figuring out how to work it in. Decided to work it in TODAY ;). And the sacrum feels much better. As long as I work towards stregthening the core, it does great. When I ease up and let too many days pass...it kind of yells out me. All is good though :)

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Way to go on that PR and LOVE the finish photo!!!

[littlegreydonkey]

Morning all - not been in for a few days as going on holiday (Sydney for a week) in 30 minutes and of course, one week off means two weeks work beforehand. Failed on 3 hours this weekend, did 2, but a combination of eating white rice the night before (I kind of forgot I was running and I really can't run the morning after white rice) and the fact that Air Althea trainers have been discontinued so had to buy the last pair in the outlet mall which were size 8.5 - and I definitely need a 9 for long runs, meant I decided enough was enough at 2 hours.

AS for everything else. I'm still gonna stay at AKL the night before, I get so nervous the morning before a race I can't sleep anyway and have to get there at least an hour before to go to the loo three times, get changed, dump my bag etc etc so the 4am bus isn't too much of a problem. However, this year my holiday pillow (have to go buy a new one at Walmart for the week before when I'm offsite) is coming to the start with me and I'm going to sit happily down for 2 hours wrapped in many pool towels eating my breakfast then 'donate it' to the garbage pile. I found a nice comfy place next to a car a couple of years ago, very snuggly.

Liz: I've done the great Honolulu flat run/walk, basically just keep going down the main drag past all the shops and parallel to the beach till you can't go any further, then turn round - repeat until necessary!!! It's rather nice. Good luck.

Sunny: am in awe of 18 miles, I was supposed to be doing that by now but too lazy!!

Mel: congrats on PB

Everyone else, and I know there were lots of other things I was supposed to say, sorry but gotta go have shower - off to airport in 20 minutes now. Helen

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Hello--my all over the world wishers....

A DISer is looking for postcards from all 50 states for a project that she and her daughter decided to do together--if you are interested, check out this link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=864374

[perfectmatch300]

Mel, GREAT JOB on the 5K!!! :banana: I am so impressed with your progress! I thought you looked great in the photo, too! You are not going to have to worry about the sweepers at all at WDW!

[solotraveler]

Hi all!!

Chimera- Congrats on the PB!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: That's great!

Disnutt- If this is a regular thing with your training partner, I would stop rescheduling runs as well. If she is less committed than you or her schedule doesn't work well with yours, I think you can still be training partners- trade tips, encourage one another, complain about the heat-- but not actually run together.

Sunny/Mel- Wow, I am impressed. 10 miles of hills? 18 miles? I hope I'm there some day :)


This weekend didn't exactly goes as planned. I had planned to run 2 miles both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday I overslept and planned to run in the afternoon only to be foiled by a fierce thunderstorm. I did get my 2 miles in Sunday morning at 10:00 pace. I was a little disappointed. I think my body hates me for getting out the door that quickly. This week I am going to try and get up an extra 30-45 minutes early to try and wake my body up a little before my runs and see how that goes...


Happy Running/Walking/Jogging all!
Solotraveler :earsboy:

[TXBelle]

Mel- Way to go on the 5K! I love the picture! It shows pure strength and determination. You should be very proud of your PR.

Today I went to the gym and did 3 miles on the TM. I took it slower than usual since I did 5 miles on Saturday. I really wanted to push it, but I decided that a nice easy run/walk was the best way to ease back into it. I am starting to get really excited about starting the marathon training. Of course, as DH observed when I said that last night "Aren't you already training?" My answer is that I have been following the 1/2 marathon run/walk MFM program. On August 22nd I will begin the run/walk marathon training. I got out my calendar and plotted out each week up to the marathon. I am beginning to think that I really can do this. :confused3

Oh, I am too lazy to go back and see who asked this question, but iPods, MP3 players, and any type of headsets are not allowed on the Disney race course. That being said, I saw lots of people with them last year, and I did not personally see anyone from Disney enforcing the rule. There was plenty of entertainment along the course to keep you occupied. There was a band and Disney characters. Every mile is marked with a sign. When we ran by the wedding pavilion there were a lot of cast members wearing Mickey Groom and Minnie Bride hats. But my absolute favorite were the Parrotheads who moved to different points along the race course to cheer everyone on and the cheering squad from Team Canada who were in front of the Contemporary cheering all the WISH'ers after making it up the Contemporary hill. :cheer2: :cheer2: We will miss them this year.

As to Mel's question about fanny packs- I carried a light fanny pack with kleenex, lip balm, two Snickers marathon bars, and my room key. (I only ended up eating 1/2 a bar).

Heather

[disnutt]

Thanks to everyone who answered about my training partner problems. We did meet yesterday for a 6-miler but she complained about being undertrained (duh) for such a distance. We walked more than we ran.

I will be creating and sticking to my own schedule and she can tag along if she wants. I need to be consistent so that I can perform to the best of my ability come race day.

I can't figure out how to get back to read the names of the posters but who ever gave the info re: walking to the start from OKW. That's where I'll be so I may try that this year.

[plutosmyfav]

I just did a 10k on the TM in 53:33 :cool1: (6.8 miles total) Someday I'll do that time on the road!

I also purchased our plane tickets leaving BOston. I haven't decided when we're returning yet, so I haven't purchased the return tix yet. We'll be arriving Jan 5th. So far I have ressies for POFQ for six nights starting onthe 5th. But there's time to change that a gazillion times before the trip :crazy: Wow, now its official!!!! We're really going!!!!! I wonder if my virtual run to Disney will be complete intime for the trip.

Sunny

[aladdinsgirl]

Good afternoon, everyone!!

Mel--Thanks for the birthday wishes. Tomorrow is my birthday, the big 2-7, I feel like I'm getting so old! :sunny: Oh, and by the way, awesome picture!! You look great! :goodvibes

I don't have much to report, just wanted to say hi and wish everyone happy training. I'm excited to get home tonight and go on my wog, Stephen got me a Garmin Forerunner 201 for my birthday and I am so excited to try it! I was going to go out yesterday, but we got thunderstorms and heavy rain. I don't mind a little rain, it feels refreshing and it makes you feel like a dedicated athlete, but I don't want to drown when I go out for a run either! Stephen also got me Marathoning for Mortals book, I'm looking forward to reading that and 2 outfits. I've lost 15 pounds and 2 dress sizes since January, it feels good to have a couple pair of pants that aren't hanging off me or having to roll them up to stay on my hips! I told Stephen it's been so long since I've had clothes that fit, I don't know what to do! :teeth:

Sunny--how do you stay on the treadmill for that long? I get so bored, I listen to my mp3 player and read while I'm on it, but I still can't last much longer than 30-40 minutes.

I better go, I'm at work and it's almost 5:00. I'll check back in and let y'all know about my new toy. Stephen's going to run with me and help me pace, I go way too fast and get tired, but when I try to slow down, I feel like I'm clodding along. Anyone have any tips?

Krista princess:

[littlegreydonkey]

okay so I know it's kind of sad to be internet surfing on holiday, but need to check it for work and what else I am going to do with my extra 5 minutes but come on here. Anyway, just wanted to say I want Sunny's map - admittedly, not sure I can make the around 20,000km journey between now and jan no matter how hard I run but I could still try! Helen

[Calcio]

Mel

That's a really nice result on your 5K. You should be very pleased with that one.

I do technically have the entire summer off, as classes don't begin again until August 31. I have a bunch of work to get done before then, but I have the luxury of doing it when I want and where I want. Thus my occasional comments of having a phony-baloney job.

Sunny

Glad you're committed to the race. We'll also go down on January 5 for one week, staying the nights before the runs at POFQ. What airline did you select for the Boston-Orlando trip?

I was able to do 6.25 on Saturday morning. I'm travelling again this week (phony-baloney :teeth: ) and hope to run a few times during the trip. Next week when I return I hope to begin to build from the 6-8 I've been doing on the long days.

Happy training all. Less than 6 months to go. I cannot wait.

Craig

[KeenHo]

I probably did something awefully stupid today, but I am alive and (somewhat) well. I went to the local state park that has a dirt & cinder fitness track and did some running and walking. The track is 1.25 miles long and very large/wide, long, etc. I ran in the blistering heat of the day starting at about 9:15 a.m. and finishing around 12:45 p.m. The temps were in the 92-94 range with ultra high humidity. The heat index on the track was probably easily in excess of 100 degrees. I managed to complete 12.5 miles alternating running and walking as needed and taking breaks for water and pit stops. I could have easily finished the other .6 miles but it would have left me further away from my car and I was in no position to want to further expose myself to the heat and the pain(s) I was encountering.

I have some good news, I didn't encounter any shin splints or associated pain to speak of. I did get a small blister on my pinky toe (TMI, right?) and overall sore feet that felt like they were on fire at certain points during the run/walk.

The miles I logged today were by far the longest distance I have done since taking up running back in 2001. The most I've done is a 5 miler. You may be asking yourself "why did he do this?". Well, I wanted to get a time and a feel for the distance, the effort needed to do a half (or close to it) and to push myself as far as I could, just to see how much I could endure.

I developed a migraine/headache about two hours after running and have had it all day despite several rounds of Motrin and Tylenol. Tomorrow I am sleeping in and taking it relatively easy. I might do some mild crosstraining and lifting, no running.

Have a most excellent Tuesday.

Howard
::MickeyMo

[MelRhoads]

Just went running with my husband! I actually did a 7:59 mile (for the first mile. The next 1.5 was 9:00 and last .4 was 7:57! I cannot believe I did an 8 minute mile! :cool1: Now I'm kindof excited about the thought of starting speedwork. I generally run a 10:30 - 11:00 on my long runs. I didn't know I was so fast :moped: :rotfl2:

[kaf7878]

Hey everyone! Sounds like you are all busy!!

I have 4m scheduled for the TM today--actually looking forward to it! I just ordered an ipod too which should definately help on long runs--can't wait to test it out!!

A couple q's for you runners:

1-At what distance do you start adding "food/drink (not water)" into your runs. DH and I did the 1/2 last year and we never trained with gels or bars at all. Really just water and occasionally sports drink. But I know for the marathon I need to add some type of energy/nutrient. So when do you use them and how often. Any recommendations??

2-How many days a week are you training for the marathon (running)?? I workout 6 x week but I only run 3 of those days. The training schedules I've looked at are all 4 or 5 running days each week. Just curious what everyone does.

[pollioni]

I developed a migraine/headache about two hours after running and have had it all day despite several rounds of Motrin and Tylenol.

Hey Howard,

It looks like you may have dehydrated. Headaches are a common occuance with dehydration.

To quote the website http://www.runchuckit.com/nutrition_water.htm "Signs of Dehydration
Early symptoms of dehydrations include decreased energy or fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Other signs are dry lips and mouth, nausea, dark colored urine, infrequent urination, constipation, increased body temperature and
labored breathing".

With that said try not to over hydrate. This can cause your electrolites to become out of balance. http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2003/0703/news0703.htm is an article about this subject.

[agotta]

Ok, so it is definitely time for new shoes. I ran about 1 mile this morning, actually more of a walking/running combo, but my feet are killing me. I have had enough of my Target walking sneaks. Can you recommend something with good arch support??

Howard- Take it easy man!! We want you around and HEALTHY for January!

kaf7878- I am only up to about 1 - 1.5 miles, but we run 3 times a week with 1 day of rest and 3 days of crosstraining (swimming and POWER 90).

MelRhoads-Awesome job! That is incredibly impressive and inspirational!!

[pollioni]

1-At what distance do you start adding "food/drink (not water)" into your runs. DH and I did the 1/2 last year and we never trained with gels or bars at all. Really just water and occasionally sports drink. But I know for the marathon I need to add some type of energy/nutrient. So when do you use them and how often. Any recommendations??


Personally I start to take gels when my runs get up around the 15K mark. I would take the first on at around the 40min mark and every 30-40 mins after that. When I come to really long runs 30K and over I would have one before I start that way my body should not run out of fuel and I won't "Hit the wall/bonk"

Remember to drink somethink with gels to help with the digestion.



2-How many days a week are you training for the marathon (running)?? I workout 6 x week but I only run 3 of those days. The training schedules I've looked at are all 4 or 5 running days each week. Just curious what everyone does.

Here is a great article on Runners World (http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-51-55-0-8257,00.html) that should help to answer this question. Looks like your on track for this training schedule.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Howard--I agree with Robb's assessment on the hydration. Even if you felt you drank enough--huge headaches post run are not the norm.

kaf7878--I start adding food/gatorade type stuff at about 8-10 miles distance. I'm on tap to have a 5-day training week...1 day of xtrain and the rest running or some variant of running (i.e. speed drills/hill work). We were told to drink water with the gels as gel and "ade" are just too taxing on the digestive system. So non-gel "stops" we'd hydrate with "ade" and then on gel "stops" we'd hydrate with water.

Agotta---the biggest shoe recommendation I have is get thee to a running shoe specialist pronto. Too close to "official" training time and the distance will start to build. Even though you are walking--you will be on your feet for a very long time. Going to a store and getting your stride assessed will help you pick an appropriate shoe. And typically if you need good arch support, you'll probably have to invest in inserts (sold in running stores). Trust me--many on here did not believe the recommendation--went to Walmart or elsewhere..and within weeks upgraded their shoe ;). I do have a friend that ran a marathon in $30 Nikes from Sears...which can work if you have great feet and form. I have sucky feet....so I can't go more than 3 miles in a $30 shoe.

************************************************** ******
I've decided I hate my treadmill---sooooo boring! Moved back to a morning run--so it must be the fault of the news :teeth: . The whole--killing myself to run in the blazing sun was not working for me. Went to bed at 8:30am last night--and that made a huge difference for a morning run. So perhaps taping my evening shows for morning replay will work. Stroller training must be working---I hit the mill after warmup with a 5.5 mph pace (sub-11:00 for anybody counting).

I do need to order a pilates mat as I have concrete/terrazzo floors and nothing cushiony to work out on :(.

We started Kindergarten yesterday (homeschool)--so I was tired by evening--and it was soooo easy to take my sneaks off and hurl them across the room when I discovered I was too tired to run. (Can you say a little -- mad!!! pirate: ).

I can't decide if I need new shoes or not. They don't seem to have enough milage/time to warrant a new pair...but they really don't feel all that comfy.
We'll see what my budget holds. I'm on target for breaking even this month and next month I'm on a savings frenzy!!

[lizdotcom99]

Breezing on in to say Hello and happy training one and all! I have been a bit crazy with trying to get ready for Hawaii and all! Crazy indeed! Well, I never made my long walk this weekend. I did get out for a few short ones this week, but that is about it. Heat and humidity have been enough to kill me.

I am not sure if I will be able to check in again before Hawaii as there is SO much to do....and I have yet to decide if I want to lug the laptop 5,000 + miles.....so, if you do not see me for the next week and a half, good luck and happy training!!

Lily, come hell or high water, I am going to make it to the start line of the Chicago Distance Classic. And as an FYI....I WILL do whatever I can to make it to the finish.....a little :wizard: for a little less heat and humidity on August 7th would be GREATLY appreciated!!


On that note, time to get back to work. Lunch is over and there is always LOTS to do!!

Catch you all when I get back! Have a great training week! Oh, and Mel...GREAT job!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Wow Liz-- 2 days...well if you can spare a dollar a day--most of the major hotels have a business center--you can log in and brag...I mean tell us about ;) how wonderful a time you are having in Hawaii!

You must try the pineapple--we went to McD's and it was included in the value meal :).

The pizza at Hilton Hawaiian village--we liked as well. My sister loved Tiki's at the ASton Resort.

Enjoy and have a safe trip!

[lizdotcom99]

Wow Liz-- 2 days...well if you can spare a dollar a day--most of the major hotels have a business center--you can log in and brag...I mean tell us about ;) how wonderful a time you are having in Hawaii!

You must try the pineapple--we went to McD's and it was included in the value meal :).

The pizza at Hilton Hawaiian village--we liked as well. My sister loved Tiki's at the ASton Resort.

Enjoy and have a safe trip!

:rotfl2: The first stop after check in is to go to the Dole Plantation! Greg has one afternoon of doing what he wants to do as he will be conventioning for 2 days....and I will be sightseeing.....since we are foregoing the annual Disney Trip he said he has to get his Dole Whip fix in some way!!!Yep, they have them at the Dole Plantation....and I am sure they have LOTS of pineapple there too!!

Pizza is a good thing too!! Thank goodness he gets to expense LOTS of this trip....so I might just be able to spare that $1 and brag, I mean SHARE my trip with all of you! I am bringing my digital as well....so whoo hoo!! You may even get the pictoral story :teeth:

OK, back to the grind stone....I mean work!!
Only 20 more hours of work left until I leave....whoo hoo!!
:wave2:

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! I know I have been MIA, but I have been tending to a challenge thread and really want to keep that updated for everyone who is putting the tremendous effort into it.

Mel -- How proud you must have felt when you finished that 5K with a PB in the sweltering heat! I cannot imagine your exhilaration (mixed with exhaustion, I am sure!) Congratulations, sweetie! You ROCK!!!

Sunny -- I LOVE my Garmin Forerunner. I have been using it for a week now and I find it to be a font of information. I really haven't used it for anything more than measuring my time and distance, and I frequently look at it to see what kind of pace I am doing, especially if it feels as if I am moving slowly or if I am feeling any kind of pain.

Disnutt -- I am so sorry that your training partner is not proving to be the reliable support you are entitled to. I know it helps to have someone to help motivate you, but if you are self-motivated, having someone else in on the shindig may actually be a downer. A couple of days ago, a friend told me she wanted to do my walks with me. I simply told her where and when and if she hadn't shown up, I'd have had my Garmin and my iPod for company. Fortunately, she showed up yesterday and today and we had a great time walking together.

Krista -- Happy Birthday! WOW! You got cool gifts! Stephen is awesome! And congrats on needing clothes in smaller sizes. That is so exciting!

Liz -- We will miss you :guilty: . Have a great time! :sunny: Enjoy walking in paradise :cool1: :flower: .
Oh, yeah, and have a Dole Whip for me! ;) :teeth:

So, I have been plugging along, doing lots and lots of walking, trying to up my weekly totals. I have suffering severe lower left back pains that keep me from standing up straight when I get out of bed in the morning, and make the beginning of my walks very painful. I have a dr. appt scheduled for 8/4, but will work on stretching it at home before I go out to walk. Maybe it will have improved by the time of the appt. My pace is back to mid 16 to mid 17 right now and I am fine with that. Last week, I was able to do a lap at a much much faster pace due to a couple of short sprints. I am going to up those short sprints, but won't rush it.

I am re-reading MFM with intense concentration and am still working on breaking this plateau (I've been in the same 2.5 pound range since 5/31). Hoping to see significant improvement soon on the WL front, which I think will translate to moving a little faster. In the meantime, having walked more than 30 miles already this month, I am enjoying seeing muscle in my calves and feeling muscle in the fronts of my thighs, so at least I know all this "training" is not for naught.

Craig -- Thank you for your kind and supportive words on last week's thread. I didn't get the chance to respond, but I really appreciate everyone's interest in my efforts. I have been enjoying lurking and reading of everyone's progress, and can't wait to share my new PB, hopefully after a 5K this Saturday.

Happy day, everyone!

[Disneefun]

While out for my run/walk yesterday, I ran into a neighbor with her child outside and the kid was skipping. I stopped to talk to the neighbor and ended up skipping with the kid for awhile. After awhile, the neighbor, who's a runner, says "Hey, you're really good at that. How long can you do that? I bet you could go for miles" I said I didn't know. She said, hang on, she'd drop the kid on her husband, get her shoes and come out with me and we'd find out. (Remember that here in the south many strange things begin with either "Hey, yall, look at this" or something in the vein of "Wanna bet?")

Anyway we went out and she took my watch to time me and jogged along beside me. Well, I skipped for five miles before I had to take a break. And I wasn't that winded. We tallied up the time and discovered that I had been skipping an average of 9:34/minute miles. Weird, when I can't run for more than two minutes at a time without becoming winded and my run/walk pace has never dropped below an 11 minute mile. Freaky. I guess I have a gift for skipping but not for running.

Yes, I did feel like a total idiot going through the neighborhood like that, but I was laughing so hard it was fun to be humiliated. Anyway, maybe I can skip my way through the goofy challenge. Only problem is, I bet that at some point during training one of my stuck up neighbors will call the cops about the girl on drugs skipping though the neighborhood. I'd probably end up in jail. Is this looney tunes, or what? :rotfl2:

[keenercam]

Disneefun -- You owe me a new keyboard! I just spewed my crystal light lemonade reading your post! Thank you so ooooooooo much for the laugh! I am :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

:rotfl2: The first stop after check in is to go to the Dole Plantation! Greg has one afternoon of doing what he wants to do as he will be conventioning for 2 days....and I will be sightseeing.....since we are foregoing the annual Disney Trip he said he has to get his Dole Whip fix in some way!!!Yep, they have them at the Dole Plantation....and I am sure they have LOTS of pineapple there too!!

Pizza is a good thing too!! Thank goodness he gets to expense LOTS of this trip....so I might just be able to spare that $1 and brag, I mean SHARE my trip with all of you! I am bringing my digital as well....so whoo hoo!! You may even get the pictoral story :teeth:

OK, back to the grind stone....I mean work!!
Only 20 more hours of work left until I leave....whoo hoo!!
:wave2:

FYI--that pineapple is everywhere! The dole whips of course only at the plantation.

You can eat the pizza on a lovely outdoor terrace with view of the beach :love: . And it wasn't that shabbily priced for hotel pizza in Hawaii.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well, I skipped for five miles before I had to take a break. And I wasn't that winded. We tallied up the time and discovered that I had been skipping an average of 9:34/minute miles. Weird, when I can't run for more than two minutes at a time without becoming winded and my run/walk pace has never dropped below an 11 minute mile. Freaky. I guess I have a gift for skipping but not for running.


Wonder what kind of medal they'll give for that... :wizard:

:teeth:

All I can say is WOW!

[Tiger Lily 03]

It is just great to have a partner to get on you when you don't feel like going out and doing the training. You know my partner lives near Chicago, IL while I live near Cleveland, OH. This place rocks!

Thanks to Liz I did my training today and it wasn't bad once I got out in it.

I have been so busy. I've read and everyone is doing so wonderful in keeping on with their training.

I actually like the skipping idea. May try that one on for size one of these days. I'd say it was a little "Goofy" to do that, but oh what fun and that you actually had the help of neighbors to get you started. That is a great story.

Cam, when I read about your back all I could think to tell you is to get on the Pilates training plan. You will be so amazed at the strength you will get to help that painl. It is a miracle. Just start out slow and steady with small steps.

Definitely the running shoe store for new shoes. Everyone needs the expert evaluation of the right shoe fit. It is important.

Thanks for the Runners World link. The info is always interesting.

So, we keep on keepin' on...

[KeenHo]

Hi, thanks for all the kind advice and information about my post run headache. I stopped several times to go to a fountain for water, I also stopped and bought a 16 oz. Aquafina towards the later laps of my run and downed it rather quickly. I also refilled it on the next lap and drank most of it before I finished up. It was just water, there were no sport type drinks available for me to pick up there. I will keep the hydration issue in the fore front and be prepared with iced down sport drinks and water for my longer runs.

Good luck with your training....

Howard
::MickeyMo

[lizdotcom99]

Lily....aren't paybacks fun? Actually, I was glad to be able to give you the nudge you have given me SO MANY times!! It is amazing what a few words of encouragement can do. Glad you got out there and did it! Way to go!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

Disneefun, Skipping.... :rotfl: What fun!!!! Glad you had such fun and a great time. Keep up the good work! At least we will know who you are as you come skipping by :rotfl:

Cam, glad to hear you are doing so well....now who I am going to walk with since you have gotten so speedy?

Lisa, thanks for the good advice. I bet you can even find pizza with pineapple on it! I am really looking forward to getting leid!! That is what it is all about for me :teeth: For those of you have gone somewhere else with this, I just love flowers :flower: so all minds out of the gutter!!!

Howard, sorry about your headache. I am guess the heat surely must have something to do with it!

Mel, did I tell you I LOVE your picture!! You do not look like a dork. Dork pictures will be posted after the Chicago Distance Classic.

Well, again that is all I have time for. Gonna go and jump in the shower and head off to work. Not long and I will be on my way....now what to do on that NINE HOUR flight...argh!

Happy training! Keep up the great work!!!!

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[kaf7878]

Hey everyone, Happy Hump day!

I have a question for my fellow marathoners--where do you do your LONG runs??? I'm just trying to think ahead about where I could do 10+ mile runs. Do you do several laps of a certain course or do you try to find a full out and back run or loop for whatever mileage you are doing??

Thanks!!

[keenercam]

WOO HOO!!! I just calculated my pace for my 3.47 mile walk this morning. I added a couple of short jogs in it whenever I felt strong enough, and my pace is back down to 16:37, even including my always slow first mile time. I got up 2 hours before my walk to take some aleve, hoping it would help my back enough for me to get out of bed and moving at 5:45 a.m. Not sure how much it helped, but am sooo glad to see my pace increasing a bit.

I LOVE knowing my walking partner and I will go out tomorrow morning and do at least 2 miles, but I also know it won't be that fast a pace and it won't help me improve my distance. I'll work on those objectives on my own.

Lily -- I will do some research on Pilates and figure out how to fit that into my routine. I KNOW I have to strengthen my back -- I can really feel the strain I am putting on it. Of course, that will be alleviated some if I could just get some of these darn pounds off. (I have only lost 2.5 pounds since 5/31, even though I have been eating all the right stuff, drinking plenty of water, writing down every bite I eat, and exercising like crazy -- UGH!))

So, now I know why everyone enjoys running or walking in the morning. Wow, what a difference! Not only is it nice to have that done, but I don't feel like I am itching to do it all day. Now I want to go to the Y or home in the evening and do some other types of exercise -- probably Pilates or strength training.

Looking forward to a 5K this Saturday morning. Looking for a sub-50:00 time.

Happy training everyone!

[murcor]

Is water/fluids supplied on the course for the 1/2. If so how often?

Thanks in advance

[chimera]

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes on the photo and 5K! It was thrilling! I think I'm addicted to 5K's :sunny:
But...I've been on unscheduled rest since Sat. Shin splints are fun! I did a slow walk today...intervals were out of the question. I did finally do some cross-training last night. Here's a website I found with some cool exercises you can do at home:
http://acefitness.org/getfit/freeexercise.aspx

Erin...hope you're having a good summer! :bday: :cake: :bday: Aren't you off to WDW this weekend?

Angela...welcome back :wave2: Someone from last year's race can probably answer that one for you. How's your training coming?

Cam...Good luck on your 5K! :cheer2: I love your cheat-free thread and I sure need the accountability. I haven't signed up since we're going to WDW next weekend. :mickeybar :mickeybar

Kelly...I haven't started the really long runs yet, but already have my out and back course mapped out. Garmin is a huge help for this, but I initially measured with my car.

Liz...have a great time in Hawaii! I'm so jealous. :blush: You're going to be fabulous in Chicago! :cheer2:

Howard...just a thought, but how's your blood pressure? How 'bout food before your run? Sometimes low blood sugar causes wicked headaches. Maybe too much fluid during your run? Low sodium has been in the journals lately.

Lily...glad you had Liz to get you out there. How are you feeling about the race?

Jennifer...I'm thinking when the delirium hits me after mile 10, I may be up for skipping too :crazy: Heck, maybe if we start out that way, there'll be no worries about the sweeper :Pinkbounc

Lisa...I'm with you on the TM. Just walking this am with no intervals was maddening. Those quarter miles don't go by fast enough! And to think...a few months ago, I think I was telling you guys that I couldn't imagine leaving the TM to go outside.

Done with my ice, so I'd better get back to work!

[Disneefun]

Hey everyone, Happy Hump day!

I have a question for my fellow marathoners--where do you do your LONG runs??? I'm just trying to think ahead about where I could do 10+ mile runs. Do you do several laps of a certain course or do you try to find a full out and back run or loop for whatever mileage you are doing??

Thanks!!

I've measured a 2 mile loop around my subdivision, from my mailbox and back and I just run that how ever many times I need to get the mileage. I'm kind of limited because our subdivision is off a fairly major road and I don't dare run out there for fear of becoming a splatted meatball!!! And the only park nearby has a one mile loop around it, but that's even more boring than my 2 mile loop. My loop does have one advantage and that is that I can stuff my mailbox with drinks and food so I don't have to carry it with me -- I'm guaranteed fluids, etc. every 2 miles. I'm just the crazy lady in the neighborhood who pulls drinks out of the mailbox like it was a cooler!!! :rotfl:

[zoegirl]

Hey all!!
Sorry I haven't posted in a while been kinda busy.
Seems like you all are doing well, and keeping up with your run/walks

I have too. Did 13 last Friday, 3 Monday and will probably get 3 or 4 in today.
Still trying to get a bit faster with speed work every other week. I'd love to break the 5 hour mark for a marathon we're doing in December. We'll see if I can "make that happen".

Has been extremly hot and humid here this week. Temps in the 90s some days. Have been forced to run on the TM which I hate. I always feel like I'm going nowhere, which of course I know I'm not so it feels like a waste of time and it's so boring, even my mp3 player isn't much entertainment!! Hopefully I can get out Friday morning to run with my FIL. Christa has left me to go to the beach once again, so she and I won't run together this week. I miss my running partner! :sad2:
PLUS my husband is in Nashville and I'm home with my sweet furbaby and dogsitting one big meathead in the form of an english bulldog. She's sweet and very funny but I'm used to a 12 pound dog not a 50+ pound one :scared1:

this is compleatly off topic but has anyone read the new Harry Potter book yet? I finished last night and wondered what others thought?

Well must get back to work...well not really working, I've been here since 6:30 this morning getting 260 kids off to church camp, so my day is pretty much done. Good to have some goof off time some days.

later! :wave2:
~bree~

[plutosmyfav]

Hey everyone, Happy Hump day!

I have a question for my fellow marathoners--where do you do your LONG runs??? I'm just trying to think ahead about where I could do 10+ mile runs. Do you do several laps of a certain course or do you try to find a full out and back run or loop for whatever mileage you are doing??

Thanks!!


I have a wonderful bike path just a 10 minute drive from home (or work). The path is a converted railroad track that spans 4 towns and 11 miles, complete with mile markers. I have considered running around a local pond which is 2.2 miles but I have a feeling if I saw my car every 2.2 miles I would never make it 18 miles!!!! Microsoft has a great software package called Streets & Trips that will give you a map of just about anywhere and you can create a route and it will calculate the distance for you. I use that for my mid-length runs and short runs around my neighborhood.

Craig-- I settled on Song for our flight to MCO. What airline are you flying?

Liz-- have fun :sunny:

Disneefun-- what a great idea! My DS is always skipping, I think I'll join him next time!!!!

Yesterday was cross training. Today I got to the gym to do weights and discovered I didn't have my sneakers with me :mad: So I jumped in my car and went home to get them. That ate up my gym time, but at least I can go afterwork. I was hoping for an outdoor run but its going to be over 90 F by the time I leave work, so back to the dreaded TM.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa, thanks for the good advice. I bet you can even find pizza with pineapple on it! I am really looking forward to getting leid!! That is what it is all about for me :teeth: For those of you have gone somewhere else with this, I just love flowers :flower: so all minds out of the gutter!!!


:rolleyes1

Leis--$6--Hale Koa hotel....civilians CAN purchase--if you have no other way to get your lei fix :teeth:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

plutosmyfav--how do you do that graphic in your siggy? (the map!)


Whoever had the back trouble--I second Pilates...HOWEVER...my back problems and accompanying weakness were too much to start Pilates on my own. I had to do Physical Therapy and learned "pre-pilates"....I have a pilates video right now that is nothing but "prep" exercises.

I still have some troubles--but it makes all the difference. My "problem" was isolated to my Psoas (you haven't experienced pain until a therapist tries to "release" your psoas!) and weak CORE muscles. Some exercise movements for me were impossible until that Psoas muscle had been worked.....this is a muscle that is part of your spine some how--but you can only access it through your ab region. Yeeeeooooowwwww!

My point is--that if you are hurting--you might get it checked out...get a therapy referral and make sure you get treated and taught the form from a pro before "beginning this exercise program" ;).

[agotta]

We haven't gotten quite so far as to figure out where to run. The loop around our apartment complex is 1/2 mile, but just like plutosmyfav, if I saw our apartment ever 1/2 mile I would not be able to finish! WIth this heat, it's becoming unbearable. Even in the a.m. the humidity is killer.

Today is cross training day, although I need to go shoe shopping. Our budget is super tight, so I don't think that we will be frequenting any speciality shoe shop, but maybe just hitting up Dick's or someplace like that. I used to run in high school, so I know my feet and what will be good for my knee. Just can't afford $100 shoes right now. We have to start xmas shopping soon (The malls are impossible around here after Thanksgiving).

Dh and I are loving our POWER 90 if any of you have seen the infomercial. IT has three seperate workouts, or you can do them all together. The ab ripper is the best. 10 movs, 10 reps each all in 4 minutes. OUCH!! :cheer2:

[kaf7878]

Murcor--I ran the 1/2 last year and they had Powerade and Water at miles 2, 4, 6, 7, 8.5, 9, 11, and 12. Mile 9 also had tollhouse candy bars and powergel and fruit, I think (was too busy with the candy bars to notice fruit!).

[plutosmyfav]

Lisa-- I do a screen capture of the mapquest.com map that is generated by my start and end points, then I cut and paste the WISH marathon logo ontop.

I also suffered severe psoaz pain on my left side for over a year. I used to have to do a "wooden plank" sort of roll out of bed in the morning, dressing was killer and by the end of my long 'wogs' this time last year, it felt like my pelvis was going to drop right off of my spine. My weightloss and pilates/core training has helped tremendously. Now I only get mild twinges now and then.

Kaf-- Candy bars???? I'm jealous! I can't digest ANYTHING while running. I'm lucky to get a goo pack down without distress :rolleyes: Does anyone else suffer digestion problems while/after running?

[MelRhoads]

Agotta - You might try roadrunnersports.com for your shoes. They have a great link to help you figure out what kind of foot you have a what kind of shoe you need. i think it is the shoe dog link. They are also wonderful on the phone. Best of all, they often have good shoes (like closeout models) on sale

Bree - sorry your running solo this week. I think that makes it sooo much harder!

[agotta]

Thanks Mel. I am going to check it out right now.

[keenercam]

Thanks to everyone on the back pain advice -- I am definitely going to have to work on that. Fortunately, it is very very focused on the lowest part of my back to the left of my spine. It definitely feels like spasms sometimes. I am all for getting informed on what this is and remedying it properly. Hoping it is just a matter of proper stretching.

[chimera]

Agotta - You might try roadrunnersports.com for your shoes. They have a great link to help you figure out what kind of foot you have a what kind of shoe you need. i think it is the shoe dog link. They are also wonderful on the phone. Best of all, they often have good shoes (like closeout models) on sale

And they have purple ASICS ::yes::

That's where mine came from. :love:

[KeenHo]

Chimera said.. Howard...just a thought, but how's your blood pressure? How 'bout food before your run? Sometimes low blood sugar causes wicked headaches. Maybe too much fluid during your run? Low sodium has been in the journals lately.

My blood pressure is great, always has been. Last time it was checked it was 130/82. My check-ups at the doctors office is always good in that regard as are my frequent blood donations (every 57 days +/-). There is a good possibility food and heat might have played into it. I had a bowl of cereal that morning and a banana, nothing more than that before the gargantuan effort. However, I think I wouldn't want to be "full" going into something like that. I don't think too much fluid was a problem, it just might have came too late in the run to help me over the threashold of coming down from the experience.

I made it back to the gym (with sore toes) and managed a mile on the cross-trainer, 10 miles on the upright bike in 30:17 (I kicked it! :banana: ) and 30 minutes of weight training.

Thanks for the help, take care of yourself!

Howard
::MickeyMo

[aladdinsgirl]

Question for those of you doing the Marathoning for Mortals half-marathon training schedule (or anyone who knows more about distance training than me, which I think is all of you ;) ). According to the training schedule there are 2 days for rest, 2 days for cross training and only 3 days of running/walking whatever--2 of those are "short" runs and then the 1 long run. I know John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield are the experts in this area, but when you're training for a half marathon is only 3 days of running a week really enough training time? Anyone have any experience with this? Advice or thoughts?

I'm really enjoying reading this book, I highly recommend everyone to read it too, even if you're are doing another training plan. Also, everyone needs to read "First Marathons: Personal Encounters with the 26.2 Mile Monster" by Gail Waesche Kislevitz. It's book of different people's encounters with their first marathons, some people in the book are famous, like Bill Rodgers and John J. Kelley, but most of the people are just regular people. It's very inspiring and some of the stories brought a tear to my eye.

Okay, I'm finished being Oprah with my book of the month selections. :teeth: Everyone have a great day and happy training!!

Krista princess:

[chimera]

Question for those of you doing the Marathoning for Mortals half-marathon training schedule (or anyone who knows more about distance training than me, which I think is all of you ;) ). According to the training schedule there are 2 days for rest, 2 days for cross training and only 3 days of running/walking whatever--2 of those are "short" runs and then the 1 long run. I know John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield are the experts in this area, but when you're training for a half marathon is only 3 days of running a week really enough training time? Anyone have any experience with this? Advice or thoughts?

I'm really enjoying reading this book, I highly recommend everyone to read it too, even if you're are doing another training plan. Also, everyone needs to read "First Marathons: Personal Encounters with the 26.2 Mile Monster" by Gail Waesche Kislevitz. It's book of different people's encounters with their first marathons, some people in the book are famous, like Bill Rodgers and John J. Kelley, but most of the people are just regular people. It's very inspiring and some of the stories brought a tear to my eye.

Okay, I'm finished being Oprah with my book of the month selections. :teeth: Everyone have a great day and happy training!!

Krista princess:

GMTA, Krista! I've been W/R 3 days a week with a long walk on Sat. When I was plotting out my MFM schedule I noticed only W/R 2 days with long W/R on Sat. l was thinking of sneaking in an additional slow W/R in place of one of the cross-training days. Big dogs...what do y'all think?

[agotta]

Ok, so shopping last night was awful. Every pair of shoes I tried on weren't right. We spent like 3 hours looking. What is it with 16 year olds working when I need help. They don't talk, they don't know anything...Ughh! I finally found a pair and they are great. I can really feel the difference, although they will take some getting used to. No, they aren't purple. I am pink kinda girl, just ask hubby!! (I just wanted to find a pair that worked, I didn't care if they were polka-dotted.)

http://www.finishline.com/store/images/products/lg807926wpk.jpg

[TXBelle]

Well I am definitely not a big dog, but I walked the 1/2 last year using MFM's training schedule. I loved it and felt properly trained. This year I am following the run/walk schedule, and I am seeing great progress on the days that I run after taking the recommended rest or cross-training break. I can feel myself getting stronger, and my body appreciates the rest and variety. The MFM schedule also has a good approach to slowing building up your miles. In the end, it will not be about how many miles you have logged in training, it will be about staying injury-free and having the endurance to finish the race. I believe that the MFM program gives you the skills to avoid pushing too hard, which leads to injury, and to build the endurance needed to finish the race.

I went to the gym again today and ran/walked 3.22 miles. My pace continues to quicken. Tomorrow is cross-training, and Saturday is my long run (5 miles). Since I completed the 5 miles last weekend, I know that I can do it this weekend, which will help me get mentally ready for the workout.

[keenercam]

agotta -- very cute shoes! I think I am going to look for new ones this weekend, between the 5K and a visit with friends. I will use my current ones as my everyday sneaker (i.e., in WDW), but need something with more padding now that I am trying to jog more. I'll have to tell the guy at the shoe store that I want a running shoe, not a walking shoe. ;)

TXBelle --Thanks for the insight on the MFM training schedule. That is the one I am going to use. Congratulations on the confidence that comes with having done 5 miles already! Bet that feels great. No fear of the unknown, right?

[pollioni]

On the topic of shoes I went for a short but sweet run on my TM in my new Asics GT2100. This is a considerable change from the boats that I have been wearing. Going from a "Motion Control" shoe to a considerabally softer, lighter "Stability" shoe.

All I can say after a year of running in boats changing over to these my feet feel like they can fly.

There is a huge debate going on in the podiatry field. Which shoe is right for you is just a personal preference. I run in 2-3 pairs at one time.

The key is to stay injury free and have a positive attitude.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks to everyone on the back pain advice -- I am definitely going to have to work on that. Fortunately, it is very very focused on the lowest part of my back to the left of my spine. It definitely feels like spasms sometimes. I am all for getting informed on what this is and remedying it properly. Hoping it is just a matter of proper stretching.

My problem was sacral and my kind PT found the muscle that runs along the side--in SPASM!! Aaaacckkkk...I hate getting that thing worked (but not as much as the Psoas :scared1: ). Sounds like the same muscle. Mine is actually just stuck in spasm as I have subtle scoliosis that provides for that!

Take care of yourself--and if you can't make it work....get treatment. The season hasn't started and if you are like this now--it quite possibly won't look pretty come November.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

3 miles nailed on the treadmill today--first mile 5.0, 2nd 5.5, and 3rd 6.0 with a smidge of 7.0 and a rest back to 5.0. ~33:15 (estimate b/c I let the timer continue through the cool down)!!!

Watched "so you think you can dance while running--it made the run more tolerable (and recording it allowed for a timely bedtime ;)).

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi Team mates!

I see there is progress all around. Good going everyone.

I am going to be in MS (just over the line from Memphis TN) for a long weekend. DH told me that it is majorly hot there. I'm wondering if I will get in the 8 miler I have on schedule to do or if it will be a bust. Not certain if I will even find a place to trek exactly. It has been so hot/humid here that running has been quite difficult. Still out there doing it as best as I can. I suppose I should consider more gym time, I just can't be indoors when it is not snowing. Probably won't check back with anyone until mid-week next week.

Liz, have a great HI trip. Can't wait to hear all about it.

I wish everyone well and great training. Keep on keepin' on.

[Angie_Ohio]

I am also looking for others with "issues" during long runs. I usually have cramping between miles 6 and 8. Sometimes they resolve themselves but other times I need a porto john quick.

Any Ideas?
Meals the day before... breakfast.... I'm new at training and haven't found the right combination of foods yet.
Angie_OH

[keenercam]

Forgot to mention my experience this morning:
When my walking partner slept in, I decided to take it easy and just walk for 1/2 hour. Did a "leisurely" 1.3 miles in 22:39 (17:39 pace). THEN, I decided to do one more lap, and did another .4 in 5:25 (13:32). The last "leg" was my fastest pace ever. I jogged when I could and noticed my distances are getting longer. Nothing too impressive, mind you, like the distance between a few telephone poles or something like that, but I figure the more frequently I can do that with less recovery time between my "spurts" the better off I will be. I'm still just a really small puppy, but I LOVE this process!

[agotta]

Forgot to mention my experience this morning:
When my walking partner slept in, I decided to take it easy and just walk for 1/2 hour. Did a "leisurely" 1.3 miles in 22:39 (17:39 pace). THEN, I decided to do one more lap, and did another .4 in 5:25 (13:32). The last "leg" was my fastest pace ever. I jogged when I could and noticed my distances are getting longer. Nothing too impressive, mind you, like the distance between a few telephone poles or something like that, but I figure the more frequently I can do that with less recovery time between my "spurts" the better off I will be. I'm still just a really small puppy, but I LOVE this process!

WHOOOHOOOO!! Way to go!! 13:32 is awesome!!! Dancing bananas for you!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::b anana::banana:

[pollioni]

Other than situps. Anyone have any great exerises that will strengthen my core?

[agotta]

Other than situps. Anyone have any great exerises that will strengthen my core?

Have you tried Yoga? or Pilates? Dh and I are doing Power 90 and includes Yoga, I think they call it power yoga, it is a little more hyped up. Also we do some tai-kwando/kickboxing moves that seem to help strenghten the core.

[pollioni]

I guess that I should have said that I am totally uncoordinated. Running and cycling and skiing are about the only sports that I am any good at. I hate the gym and refuse to buy a membership at one.

Thanks again, I know I am a pain.

[plutosmyfav]

I run in 2-3 pairs at one time.


I'm getting a visual :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: (I know what you meant)

As for core strengthening: I do Method Precision Pilates (DVD) and hyperextensions and cobra moves. I also do alot of rowing as my cross-training (but that's at a gym). I also do TaeBo and think its a great total body workout.

Believe it or not, situps aren't the best ab exercise, too often you end up working your hip flexors more than your abs. Crunches, reverse crunches, scissor biking (oposite elbows to oposite knees) are much better exercises. Good luck!

Lisa-- I have slight scoliosis, too. I wonder if that's why we get the psoaz trouble?

Cam-- good luck with the back and CONGRATS on the awsome time!!!!!!

I did a real leisurely 5.5 miles on the TM yesterday along with lower body weights. SO far today has been rowing and stairmaster. Don't know what I'll do after work yet.

Its still to hot for my taste to run outside :(

[MelRhoads]

Ran 4, biked 20, ate huge lunch today!

Agotta - glad you found shoes. I'll bet you notice a big diffenence right away.

Rob - I have 3 pairs I use too. I have to admit I have a favorite though.

ok, i'm a little embarassed to ask, but what is strenghten the core? Is my core bad? does it need strength and where is it?? :confused3

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Other than situps. Anyone have any great exerises that will strengthen my core?

Pilates....

Specificaly I am using stott pilates..beginning mat exercises...which is really "pre" pilates.

I have noticed a difference in my running.

ETA:

My routine on DVD consists of.....bridge work, leg work, scissor work (and similar ab exercises that involve the legs)....some "breast stroke work" and other stuff. It is Stott Pilates that I use. A lot of stuff before my pilates life didn't seem to be core work, but how you engage your abs into it...makes it an excellent core workout.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm getting a visual :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: (I know what you meant)

Lisa-- I have slight scoliosis, too. I wonder if that's why we get the psoaz trouble?


Not sure--there are muscles that run alongside the spine that have more problems due to the scoliosis. The psoas seemed to be lower and seemed to be part of my sacral trouble. I had a tilted sacrum that is now fixed. The treatment for the scoliosis was just an added bonus.

That psoas hurts like the dickens..but you can ask a massage therapist to work on it and see if you have any kind of relief. IF it hurts like hell (like ready to punch the therapist out kind of hell)--then you have a problem...if it is just uncomfortable or barely noticable--then you probably don't have much of a problem with that muscle.

[kaf7878]

Krista--When I did the 1/2 last year I followed Hal Higdon's 3-day/week plan and it worked out great! 3 days is plenty for a half. I am running the full this year and only plan to add one more running day. With the Higdon plan, we got up to 6 miles for the easy runs and 10 for the long run. I had no problem with the 13 miles though I originally was worried how I would be able to run 3 more than what I trained for. You'll do great!

P.S. I am currently reading the First Marathons book--it is so inspiring!

[aladdinsgirl]

TXBelle and kaf--thanks for the encouragement! I'm excited for the half, but a little scared!

I'm getting ready to head out for my wog, it's finally getting cool enough outside. I decided that instead of saying I'm going to do 2 or 3 miles, I'm going to 30 or 35 minutes and see how far I get. When I have it my mind that I'm going to do 2 miles, I'm constantly watching my time and comparing myself to previous times. So I'm really just racing with myself and I'm really not improving that much. If I'm 10 or 15 seconds slower than yesterday, than I get upset that my pace was off. I figure if I concentrate on doing 30 minutes and do x miles instead of 2 miles in x minutes maybe I won't get so hung up and discouraged over a few measly seconds. Make sense?

Krista princess:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

aladdinsgirl--that does make sense. I need to start doing that. I'm too focused on the "odometer"!

[perfectmatch300]

I've been doing what I consider to be a pretty good job of keeping up with my walking and wogging this week despite the heat & humidity. Today was a pool day and even the other lap swimmers were saying it was too hot to swim. I thought it was just me! Pool water was about 92º and we all felt really sluggish. Only did 1000 meters even though I had planned to do more. So that means I have to go wogging tonight. I had no motivation for that until I came here & read what all you Big Dogs are doing! Now I'm motivated so I'm going to change clothes & get moving. Thanks for the motivation!

[MelRhoads]

Nancy - I think 1000 meter swim puts you in the big dog category!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

3.5 miles today in 41:30 (I cheated and ran faster at the end--my pace was 12 minute miles all the way until the end).

I should/could have gone for the 4--but I chumped ;).

Still a good run.....for a treadmill.

[DVDGuy]

:jumping1: Finally got my 10 lbs clippie! :jumping1:

Amanda and I ran this morning. I ran just under 2 miles with no problems. Amanda ran just around 1 mile. Feeling pretty good, although my shins are still bugging me a bit. I think the cardio is really helping and I have been feeling much better. Hope everyone is doing good this weekend and the heat isn't too killer :rotfl:

[solotraveler]

Oof, what a week!!

I haven't been on much lately because...well.... there hasn't been much to report. I managed to somehow not do my runs on Tuesday and Wednesday :rolleyes2 Thursday, I decided to go off my normal running route and see what I could do. I ended up running for about 24 minutes, but I have no idea how far I went. I'm going to run the same course tomorrow for my three-miler and see how close I came to that.

This morning's run was dreadful. I worked a great deal of it and averaged about 14:30 pace. I just could seem to get my body or mind into it. I think I've shaken it off for now. Just need to go out there and do better tomorrow.

Out of idle curiosity, what training program is everyone using?? I have one given to me by a friend that begins 20 weeks out and includes running five days a week. Reading on here, it seems many of you have been successful with programs where you are only running 3-4 days/week. I want to be well-trained enough to finish, but at the same time, if I could swap a day of running for a day of cross-training, I wouldn't complain :)

Happy running today!
Solotraveler :earsboy:

[keenercam]

Just popping in real quick to report on the 5K. Did 49:47, which gets me my below-50:00 objective. 15:51 pace on the official time/distance.

Thrilled but trying not to think of how much harder I should have worked. Something to shoot for next time. Interestingly, my Garmin said it was 3.2, which would have given me a 15:33 pace.

Looked for new shoes today but couldn't find something I liked that wasn't what I already have.

Hope all are having a great weekend!

[TXBelle]

Great job on the 5K! I'm thinking of signing up for some around here.

Solotraveler- I use the schedules in John Bingham's book Marathoning for Mortals (MFM), and I love them.

Today I did my 5 mile run/walk at the gym. I was able to keep up a steady 14:13 pace. Although I hate having to keep changing the speed on the TM every 2 to 3 minutes, I felt better after the workout because I did not have to battle the heat and the humidity. Tomorrow is a rest day. :flower:

[chimera]

Come join us for a new week!

Week of July 24 - 2006 Half-Full Marathon Info/Training Thread (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=9309726#post9309726)