Wk of Nov 13--2006 Disney Half-Full Marathon Info/Training

[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
http://www.irongirl.com
http://www.marathonguide.com
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/mcmillanrunningcalculator.htm)

Whew...8 miles today in 1:53:42 for a 14:12 pace (W3/R1 intervals) :banana:
I slowed down my Mon and Wed W3/R2 to a 14:30 pace which was MUCH more comfortable. I'll keep following MFM, but right now, I'm wondering if I should stick with W3/R1 for the half instead of bumping up to W3/R2.

Kathy...sounds like the shoulder is healing well. Congrats on your 6 miler! Yikes at the work schedule!

Lynnda...great pace!

Terri... :wizard: for your cold.

MelR...congrats on placing in your adventure race! Looks like you got some cool stuff! How many are on a team in one of those types of races? I've been around this week, but crazy busy...thanks for asking.

Lynne...great pace on your 8 miler! If you want, I can hook you up with an endocrine conference in Aspen in Jan. The meetings are from 7 to 10 then 3 to 6 to leave your afternoons free for skiing ;) .

Tiff...great pace on your 7 miler!

Pat...great pace on your 6-miler!

Kiena...you may have invented a whole new craze...frozen PowerBars! congrats on the sub-4 hours!

Cam...wtg on your 7-miler! Great pace! That migraine deal must be contagious...I woke up with one in the middle of the night. Got up to take ibuprofen 'cause I was worried about not being able to make my run :teeth:

Sunny...that gas stuff is scary! Sorry you couldn't get the radar to register, but I'm sure you were just going too fast for it to read your speed :teeth:

Lily...how was your 8 miler?

Jodi...congrats on your 8 miler! Bonus points for surviving 8 miles on the TM ;)

Lisa...happy belated birthday! Hope the knee's progressing well!

Krista...wow...you saved the day! How was your 4 miler?

Carrie...was it 16 miles this week? How's the hip?

Solo...is that why swimmers always spit in their goggles?

Well, I promise to never, ever doubt you big dogs again :dog: Since it was 8 miles today, I packed my waistpack (I use one from roadrunnersports.com that's fabulous) with a Clif Bar and two honey packets that I may have 'borrowed' from Artist's Palette at SSR last weekend :rolleyes1 I've been really leary of the gels due to the :crazy2: factor though the one that tastes like chocolate frosting sounded interesting. Anyway, I tried the honey at miles 4 and 6...WOW...what a difference! Maybe it's just placebo, but it really perked me up! I'm thinking one of those every 3 miles and I'll be able to run the full ;)

Good training everyone! According to the course map for the half, at 8 miles we've already run through MK ::MickeyMo

[chimera]

PACKET DANCE!! :dancer:

Maybe if we all dance, the packets will come!

[princessmomma]

PACKET DANCE!! :dancer:

Maybe if we all dance, the packets will come!

Wow, Mel, you are right on the ball this morning with the new thread! Great job on the 8 miles, what are these honey packs you speak of??

Here is my dance for the race packets :banana: (gotta love that banana), for mailing them out "the end of October", they sure are taking a long time to get here!


I am a little upset this morning, last night I called to put down my deposit for PORiverside and had the most unfriendly CM possible. I have reserved 5-9th and was going to cancel the 9th and "request" a late check out on the 8th (my flight is at 6:30 marathon day). Well, he almost flipped on me...."absolutely not, do you know how busy marathon weekend is..blah, blah, blah...".
I respond, "well can I request to pay the 50% of room rate to have the room until 3 p.m.", trying to joke with him a little, "showers are good...hard to check out at 3 a.m"....well no dice. He said that option would not be available either. He said I would need to keep the extra day and pay the $177 rack rate for Riverside. I never pay rack rate, so that kind of money for a moderate is hard to swallow. I must be going about this the wrong way.

Any advice?

Colleen

[TiffJ]

Mel- great job on your LR

Colleen-I would just call back & talk to someone else. If its one thing I've learned from this board is that you can get totally different info by calling back & talking to another CM

I dont know what I did to my foot yesterday but the top of it is killing me today. I am currently icing it(wow, my first injury to ice, does that make me a medium :dog: now :teeth: ) It hurts across the top when I walk & when you point & flex it.

Yesterday I had the cub scouts at my house & one of the little brothers was wearing his class t-shirt(you know each class has a different color for field trips & stuff) Well his was lime green and the type style for the school & class name was Disney type style. You cannot tell me that was a coincodence! I didnt say anything while he was here (for fear other dads would thinks me insane) but when he left I told DH- "I bet his teacher is a Diser!"

:dancer: Joining in the packet dance. This is driving me nuts. I want my packet.... I deserve my packet.....I NEED my packet!!!!!! All I keep getting in the mail is bills & catalogs :sad2:

[TammyNC]

I haven't been on this thread much (not on the boards much at all lately). I did my 6 miles yesterday of walking and wasn't looking forward to it. Once I finished I was so glad that I had gotten it finished and I felt great (after a shower). I really hope to finish this 1/2 in better time than last year along with not being in so much pain afterwards.

I need to find me a good fanny pack and socks. That is my next project.

We leave for Disney the Friday after Thanksgiving and won't be back until December 10th. I am already planning on getting my training in while at VWL as I can't afford not to.

I am ready for my packet too, maybe a lot of them will be delivered this week.

[MelRhoads]

Colleen - sorry about your expierence!!!! As Bree has said before, how undisney!!

Tiff - I'll bet that you bruised the top of your foot with your shoelaces. They might have been tied to tight. I have done that before and OUCH!!! Someone else has had that prob and has posted on how to get it better more quickly, but I don't remember what they said.

Tammy - I posted a link last week to a really good hydration fanny pack at a good price. It was from REI outlet (either the ultimate direction solitare or the strider)

Mel - I want to join in the packet dance!!! :dancer: Do you think it will really work??

[Jodi]

:dancer: :dancer: :dancer: PACKETS! PACKETS! PACKETS!

They have to come soon, darn it! It's driving me nuts! I want to pour over all the information again & again, commit it to memory so I can become more nauseated as the days wane on. I swear everytime I think about race morning my stomach does this :bounce:

Cam - congrats on training through your migraine. That takes fortitude & will make race day a breeze for the likes of you.

Sunny - I only wish I could have a Stonker like yours!

Congrats to all the terrific LRs this weekend. Hope the ailing are feeling better soon. It's been :cold: up here in CT, but today it's going to be 60...go figure.

More later, someone's calling my name upstairs...
Jodi

[Lisa loves Pooh]

PACKET DANCE!! :dancer:

Maybe if we all dance, the packets will come!


For a minute there I was going to call you a big tease!!!!

Yes--I cannot wait for hubby's packet to arrive. :Pinkbounc

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Training update--the knee feels less and less stiff (still has a sensation when bent all the way--but hey...bent is good!).

Did the elliptical yesterday at the hotel. Planned to do 72 minutes...but it was autoset for 60 minutes. So after that I got on the treadmill to finish and was walking at 3mph.

I'm ready to break loose for a jog!

Oh--and I do not like all the mirrors in the workout room, but they are good for something. I saw my quadricep working from the sideview while on elliptical. YEAH! It's baaacccckkkkk!

:)

[TammyNC]

Colleen - sorry about your expierence!!!! As Bree has said before, how undisney!!

Tiff - I'll bet that you bruised the top of your foot with your shoelaces. They might have been tied to tight. I have done that before and OUCH!!! Someone else has had that prob and has posted on how to get it better more quickly, but I don't remember what they said.

Tammy - I posted a link last week to a really good hydration fanny pack at a good price. It was from REI outlet (either the ultimate direction solitare or the strider)

Mel - I want to join in the packet dance!!! :dancer: Do you think it will really work??

Thanks MelR-Thanks for the info. I went back to last weeks thread and found the link.

[solotraveler]

Can I get in on this too?? :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: PACKET DANCE!! I want my number!! I want to see all the merchandise that I don't need but will buy all of anyway!! I want to obsess more than I am already!!

Lesson learned from this morning's attempt at running: When the weather forecast calls for 35-50mph winds with gusts over 60... it's NOT a good day to run. It only took me one mile of doing a lot of work to get nowhere to realize this was not going to work today. So, I'll run Monday-Wednesday and then my long run of 16 miles :earseek: Friday. I know work will be a bear this week, so I really need to make training a priority now that we are only 8 weeks out. :banana:

In truly sad news, the weather forcast is calling for snowshowers here Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday!! :sad1: :sad1: :sad1: Help me get excited about the snow running, y'all! :guilty:

Better get to work-
Happy training!
Solotraveler :earsboy:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lesson learned from this morning's attempt at running: When the weather forecast calls for 35-50mph winds with gusts over 60... it's NOT a good day to run.


:earseek:


ETA: I used :earboy2: when I meant to use :earseek: . OOPS!

[chimera]

I think I need some nutritional help. After the LR yesterday, I was absolutely ravenous all day. Just couldn't get enough to eat until we went out for frozen custard in the afternoon. Still hungry this morning and couldn't find anything that sounded good. What I really wanted was steak or a burger, but that wasn't readily available, so I ended up with toast with butter and jelly. I was trying to clean the kitchen later and felt really dizzy and broke out in a sweat. My arms and legs feel like lead.
I'm wondering if I'm not eating enough. I know we're not supposed to be trying to lose weight during training, but I'm afraid to eat more calories because I don't want to gain back the weight I have lost this year. Mostly after runs, I crave protein like crazy. Anyone else having this problem?

Colleen...the honey packets are those little rectangular things that they put out in restaurants for breakfast, kinda like the ketchup and mustard packets. MFM also mentions honey sticks which I've seen in the Stash Tea catalog that look pretty intriguing.
Honey Sticks (http://shopstashtea.com/200304.html)

Solo...yikes...down here we call that kinda weather a tropical storm :umbrella:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

How long was your LR, Mel?

I've had some ravenous days (not this season though, since I've been medically lazy ;)).

What the nutritionist told us was that you really need to eat something within 20 minutes to restore the glycogen that you used during your run.

So my first inclination is to ask you how long you are waiting to eat after your run?

I never did ask her why that was the optimum time--but I wonder if during that time, your body will replenish quickly from the foods you eat and then afterwards it just takes alot longer.

My 2nd inclination is to ask you how your nutrition is during the week? It is rather hard to make up all the calories you need to on the LR day--so you have to really watch and make sure you are getting plenty during the week. So today, your body is probably just still playing catch up.

HTH--on the way out the door though.

[littlegreydonkey]

Hi Mel - I find if you ignore what you need after the long run, you will eat three times more than you should! I normally need something sugary at 3pm (my long runs normally finish at about 11.30) and if I don't have it, will then hoover up everything else in the house. Also, today's reaction could be linked to the honey which may have altered your sugar levels a bit afterwards - so you could be craving more than normal. I know someone suggested drinking chocolate milk afterwards - and that, or a protein shake, really do seem to help.

I did 16 miles this weekend, it was okay - around 12 miles was horrible and I wanted to cry but I just kind of told myself there was no point in whining, you can't whine on the day and still finish so suck it up and keep moving. Amazing how sounding like the scariest parent ever makes you keep going!!! I felt like Tom Hanks in that baseball movie - Crying - there's no crying in running!!!

Anyway, that's my lot today, got deadline on job I don't want to do so spose I"d better get started. Helen

[princessmomma]

I felt like Tom Hanks in that baseball movie - Crying - there's no crying in running!!!



Helen,

Gotta remember that one on marathon day! :rotfl:

Mel,

Lisa is right, you need to eat right away after your long run, your body is looking for those carbs and protien. Sometimes I don't feel like eating, that is when I make a protien powder shake, but be sure to eat something within 20-45 minutes at the outside.

Also, be sure your food choices are high in fiber as well, that helps fill you up along with a lot of water. All this stuff you probably know, but sometimes I need to hear things over and over again.

Before long runs I drink a lot of water (8 oz per hour) and eat pretzels. I haven't been as ravenous after my runs and I am actually down 5 pounds this month. :banana:

Colleen

[agotta]

:cheer2: :cheer2: Hey guys, just wanted to check in and see how eveyone is!! Dh and I do are well, just trying to get in shape. Dh is running 12 min/mile, but he isn't doing very many of them yet. I am so proud that he is till pushing through even though I dropped. Keep up the good work and see you all soon!!

[TEK224]

Hi everybody!

I survived my battle with cold/flu symtpoms yesterday (slept almost 12 hours last night :earseek: ).

Felt better today and went out and did a 6.5 mile walk. Went to a local track that has the rubbery surface (better for my quad). I finished the walk averaging 14:05 per mile. I was so happy. I really felt good afterward, too. I could of kept going, but didn't want to press my luck.

I'll go back to the bike and elliptical during the week and hit the track again next weekend.

Sounds like everyone is doing so well. Can't believe it's only 8 weeks away!

Terri

[NYcpa]

Went for a leisurely 3 mile walk today with DD2 to Green Lakes again. Was hoping it would be sunny enough to actually get pictures and have the lake green. By 1 pm it looked like it should be closer to dark. Hate these overcast days.

Have to get better about doing the training during the week. Next weekend is the 7 miler so have to get body rested and psyched for it. Also have to decide the best place to do it.

Have to get some additional work done or will not have time for training during the week.

Have a great training week.

[TXBelle]

Hello everybody! Great job on all the LRs and LWs! Come on packets! Come on packets! :cool1:

My hip is feeling dramatically better. I am still resting it, but the pain is almost gone. :flower:

Sorry I have been MIA for a few days. I am working like a :dog2: . That's okay. I just found out that I HAVE to go to Orlando for an all-expense paid conference in March. Me? Go to Orlando? For free? Life can be rough, can't it?! :banana: I tried not to bust out into a celebratory dance in my boss' office, but it was hard to control myself! :cheer2:

[sara]

Heather, I feel so bad for you, not!!!! :p Lucky!!! Good to hear your hip is feeling better.

Mel, have to agree with others...want steak, eat steak! (thanks a lot, now I want steak. :teeth: ) For me, increasing my protein mid week seems to help with the long runs.

Everyone is doing great. Sweepers won't get us. :cheer2: My knee is feeling a lot better, thanks to PT. I've been getting "shocked", no idea what the real term is, three times a week, for two weeks now. It worked!!! Now, I wish I was going Goofy, again. Oh well....

Happy training!!!!! :wizard:

Sara

[plutosmyfav]

MelR-- Congrats on an awsome finish! What cool prizes! Toot that horn loud :cool1:

Chimera-- If your body is craving protein, eat protein! Buttered toast won't do if you need protein. I agree with what other's said about getting a recovery food in shortly after your run. From the McMillian site I discovered that SlimFast is a great recovery drink (and one that my stomach can tolerate post-run). Its got a great ratio of carbs/proteins and is only 180 calories. The honey might have caused a sugar crash, too.

Terri-- I hope you are feeling better now :grouphug:

Lynne-- I've been worried about thick blood for the race, too. I will purposely do some (fairly) long runs on the TM. I don't think I could do more than 10 miles on a tm :crazy2:

TiffJ-- Awsome pace :cheer2: You're crusing :cool1:

Colleen-- definitely call back and try from scratch. Its amazing how much the CMs vary in demeanor and knowledge.

Solo-- I need to get psyched for snow running too, :( I find my Coolmax fetish has transferred to a micro-fleece fetish :rotfl2:

Heather-- I'm so glad to hear your hip is better. I had shooting pains in mine all day yesterday after mt LR :(

Sunny

[gatorphipps]

Hey all. Great LRs everyone!

Melissa - Congrats! 3rd is so AWESOME! :banana:

I have also read that chocolate milk is the perfect recovery drink. I drink one after all my LRs and I can tell a BIG diff!

Someone was also asking about stretching. You need to warm up b/4 you stretch or you could get hurt. This is from my sis in law who is a trainer @ the YMCA.

Did an easy 9 mile LR this weekend at a very easy pace. Will be doing doubles this weekend (8 and 16). I am working at the Charlotte Southern Christmas Show this week! Very fun but very hard on the old legs.....The show has lots of booths with an assortment of crafts, foods, Christmas stuff, ect...

Well later, must get kids in bed.
Christa

[wtpclc]

Wow! Looks like people are doing great. I did 8 for my LR. My pace still stinks but my hip was pretty good. I got a couple twinges, but that's really all it was. I felt it a little last night and this morning. I'm thinking my body just does not like MOnday runs.

solo - You ran yesterday??????? Yikes! Saturday morning was only supposed to be breezy for us. It was not good on our way back down by the river. I was finally getting my groove back and wham! Cannot fathom running yesterday!

:cool1: :cool1: :banana: :cool1: :cool1:
Joining in the packet dance. We're getting so many holiday catalogs that I'm afraid it will get last in the stack!

[aladdinsgirl]

Happy Monday!!! :earboy2: Glad that everyone had great lr's this weekend. It seems like the injuries are starting to heal themselves--now just to fight off the sickness and the coldness, we'll be good to go! We're supposed to get snow showers this week in Ohio :cold: glad I bought a cutie Helly Hansen moisture wicking/water repellent jacket and hat at the Puffins Roost in Norway in Epcot. Now when I run in the cold, I can think of Epcot and Norway and kringlas--I plan on having at least 5 of them in January! :goodvibes

MelR-- :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: on your 3rd place finish!!! That is awesome!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Is that your last adventure race of the season, or do you have more? What exactly is an adventure race? Trail running and biking? Is there more? You are my hero!!

Mel--Good luck trying to figure out your eating issues. I found that I crave steak for dinner the days of the lr's, I guess I need more protein. The funny thing is, I rarely eat red meat and especially steak, so for me to crave it, is so weird!! Can you believe the Bucs win yesterday? When I saw the highlights, I thought of you. Did you see my boy break Stallworth's record? Now, he is a big :dog: ! :) I know you can relate to this, Stephen is trying to figure out a game plan for the playoffs and marathon weekend. :rolleyes:

Sunny--thanks for the Slimfast tip, I'm going to try that next weekend. I don't think I have very good eating habits after I run, most of the time I forget to eat or drink when I get home and when I do eat, it's usually a bagel and a Diet Coke. Not smart, huh?

Colleen--Sorry about the mean CM. We've called for late check-outs in the past, and we've always been told to call the day before you need the late check out. I guess it depends on how busy the mousekeepers are that morning. I think we're going to add it to our requests now too, but don't get stressed out about it.

Heather--I'm glad that your hip is feeling better! When you are in Orlando for your conference, can you take some time to hit the parks? In the words of Napoleon Dynamite: "lucky"! :teeth:

:dancer: :banana: :dancer: :jumping1: for the race packets!!!!

My 4 miles on Saturday was okay, not the greatest, but okay. I learned that I can't eat cereal before I run, guess I'll stick to the bagels, bananas, and granola bars. :) My total time was 47:40--1st mile was 11:21, 2nd mile 12:33 (that's when the cereal and milk hit my stomach :rolleyes: ), 3rd mile was 12:15 and fourth was 11:30. All in all okay. Do you guys feel that you do a little worse on your taper back weeks? I think I prepare mentally more for a distance I've never done before, so by the time Saturday comes, I'm raring to go. But on taper back weeks, I think, "oh, I've already done this before" and I don't take it quite as seriously. I don't have a taper back week until Dec. 10, so maybe I'll have good lr's between now and then.

I did have an inspiring moment walking back to the house after my run, I didn't time my milage right and I ended up being about a half mile from home. While I was walking, I started looking back through my runs on my Garmin. All I can say is wow. The progress I've made was surprising and it made me feel great. The kicker was on August 23 I did 4 miles and my time was 57:something. So between Aug. 23 and Nov. 12--2 1/2 months, I shaved 10 minutes off my time! I was so psyched by that, when I got home, I took Hines on a 3 mile walk. :teeth:

I better get off here, I have all the work that I ignored on Friday, plus today's stuff. :wizard: on training!!

Krista princess:

[msblrobs]

Yeah to everyone on their LR's and LW's this past weekend!!

Can I please join in on the packet dance also? The anticiaption is killing me.

Congrats MelR on your awesome 3rd place finish. :cheer2:

I ran 9 miles on Saturday and 19 miles on Sunday. 4 recovery miles this a.m.
The legs actually feel fine and I am convinced it's due to ice baths that I religiously take after my LR's. Sad when you look so forward to soaking in a tub of ice. :rotfl:

[mahoney]

xterratri - DH and I are planning a trip to Disney Dec 8-11 to celebrate my birthday and to do our last LR of 20miles. I read about your concerns with where to run for that long. We're having the same concerns - staying at SSR and thinking 20 miles around there and DTD is how many laps?? Anyway, does anyone know of a long-distance route we could try? Can you run at the Wide World of Sports?

[keenercam]

I have been working on this post forever -- darn work keeps interfering!

I WANT MY PACKET! At least I know something good will come in the mail today or tomorrow -- I had ordered the periwinkle long sleeved tech RUN DISNEY tee off of the disney website and it was back ordered for 6 weeks or so. Got a notification that it mailed last Thursday! Can't wait to get it. Hopefully, today! :banana:

Mel – I hope your migraine never fully materialized and is completely gone now. I’m glad the honey worked for you. I am going to ask my friendly neighborhood coffee shop if they’ll sell me some to try. DH will get a kick out of this, literally! He always teases me about how much honey we have in the house. I went through a phase where I put so much of it in my tea and bought more any time I saw it. Now we have quite a stash of it, though none of it is portable.

BTW, I have been going through that "ravenous" bit, too, and I may have found the answer -- on Saturday I ate lots of protein (eggs & sausage) and carbs (over english muffins) right after my run, with 20 oz water -- it immediately curbed my appetite. That was a relief! I thought I was going to go through the rest of the training gaining 2 pounds every weekend! :earseek:

Helen – I also immediately thought – "okay, no crying in training!" when my head was pounding with every step I took. Of course, I was going less than ½ the distance you were!

Colleen – any luck on your resort ressie issue? Some CMs are so unhelpful and others are amazing.

Tiff – any possibility your shoe was tied too tightly? That is what my foot feels like if my shoe isn’t tied exactly right.

Lisa – congrats on your training going so well and on the reappearance of your quad! YEAH!!!

Solotraveler– snow?!?!?!?! YUCK!!! I am just praying we don’t see any of that until after 1/9/06. A girl can dream, right?

Terri – awesome pace! Congrats! So glad you are feeling better.

Heather – do you need an assistant for your trip? I type really, really fast. And I write copious notes at lectures. My law school professors used to borrow my class notes to see how well they covered certain concepts. I’d be glad to accompany you and take notes for you at your conference! :teeth:

I am actually less intimidated today by training in the cold, since I bought a great running jacket on Saturday! I got it at Eastern Mountain Sports. Great price too with a $20 off coupon I had. It was on clearance from $160 down to $79 then $20 off. YEAH!!!! Can't wait to try it out on a cold day. It has a great upper arm pocket for my shuffle and velcro on the sleeve and all sorts of toggle adjustments on the inside. It's a little snug, but DH says it will only get looser and it would be silly to buy it larger. :love: He's so sweet!

So glad to hear everyone had such great LRs and LWs this weekend. I am so impressed with everyone's distances and pace. Wishing everyone sunny skies and wonderful, serene training sessions! :wizard: :goodvibes

ETA: Just realized part of my post didn't post. All I remember is missing at this point is my CONGRATULATIONS, MelR on your fabulous finish in the adventure race! That is so awesome, and I am glad the prizes are so great!

[plutosmyfav]

Colleen-- congrats on the 5 bls loss. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: I wish I could say the same :rolleyes:

Sara-- how do you soak in ice after a LR in cold temps? I am so bitter cold when I get home its all I can do to put an ice pack on my one knee :cold: I've been doing really long, really hot showers even though I know I'm supposed to get the legs cold. In fact this Saturday I cranked the heat up to 75 and was wearing a winter coat in the house. The family started ripping off their clothes and begging me to stop melting them :confused3

Joining the packet dance!
http://www.livinglively.com/clipart/0trampoline.gifhttp://www.livinglively.com/clipart/BluesBrotherBlack.gifhttp://www.livinglively.com/clipart/Copy of boo_mailbox.gif

Do you guys realize we only have FIVE more LRS???? I think we should celebrate each and everyone!http://www.livinglively.com/clipart/chilisdance.gif

OK, panic!http://www.livinglively.com/clipart/Copy of dontpanic.bmp

It has just occurred to me that taper means TAPER! I guess I've been thinking taper means spend 2 hours at the gym doing other exercises instead of running. How will I control my appetite????? Unlike normal people, my appetite has absolutely nothing to do with my body's nutritional needs. Its just HUGE no matter what. I don't want to gain 10 lbs right before race day. Now I'm scared :scared1:

[msblrobs]

Sara-- how do you soak in ice after a LR in cold temps? I am so bitter cold when I get home its all I can do to put an ice pack on my one knee :cold: I've been doing really long, really hot showers even though I know I'm supposed to get the legs cold. In fact this Saturday I cranked the heat up to 75 and was wearing a winter coat in the house. The family started ripping off their clothes and begging me to stop melting them :confused3:
LOL!! I never run outside. I am strictly a treadmill runner. My physical therapist tells me I should occasionally run outside to acclimate my body to differing surfaces, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Even on the treadmill, I am still freezing after any of my long runs so I can totally relate. If I don't jump right off the treadmill and into the tub, it is a lot more torturous after my body cools off a bit.
__________________

[wtpclc]

Sunny - I put about an inch of luke warm water in the tub. Then I turn the tap to cold. It helps to roll up the bottom of a sweatshirt and put that on. You do kind of get used to it, though. (Especially when your legs feel better). Oh, no ice, though, just cold water.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My hip is feeling dramatically better. I am still resting it, but the pain is almost gone. :flower:


:cool1:

That's wonderful!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm jealous of everyone's long run news!

Hope the munchies went away, Mel!

My weight seems to be going up a smidge...so I went to PT today and asked (was willing to beg) to run! He let me run for 3 whole minutes...WAHOO!!!

Now--I know what you are thinking...wow she heals fast--look at her go. And you would be......WRONG!!!

I think there's some walkers on her who could show me up easy! I was "jogging" at a leisurely 3.6 mph--no idea what that is per minute...I do know it is more than a 15:00 mile. And it was about as much as I can handle. But I do tell you--my butt and legs were so glad to feel the jiggle of a jog again. :).

I'm planning on hitting the road on Saturday for that 7 mile LR...though it could be an LW...or an LHH ("hitchhike").

Anywho---looking good!

[MelRhoads]

You icers must be rock hard will power crazy people. I'm freezing right now and I haven't done anything. I'm pretty sure just the thought of a cold bath makes me colder!!!! Is it legal to take a hot bath after the cold thing or does that just negate to whole deal??? I can't imagine what it would take to get me to try it!!!!!!!

Sunny - I liked the blues bros joining in on the packet dance. that has got to help.

Krista - I have the taper trouble.

OK - I'm going to take a HOT shower!!!

[princessmomma]

Is it legal to take a hot bath after the cold thing or does that just negate to whole deal??!!!

No hot bath, that will allow blood to pool in your legs, knees etc. You want cold to decrease the swelling and punishment 16+ miles have put on your legs. I also wear a sweatshirt in the tub, get in and start pouring the cold water in. I also have 2 buckets of ice that I put in after I the water covers my hip flexors (my new aches). It really feels great after about 5-7 minutes, those first few minutes are pretty rough though:hyper: .

Thanks Krista for your advice on the late check out! Calling the day before sounds like a plan.


Wow, Sara that is a lot of miles on a treadmill. I strictly ran treadmill when training for my first half marathon because it was so hot in NC this summer. My half was in Canada, much cooler weather, but I ended with 3 black toenails, they are just now getting to when it can't notice. It was a much harder transition than I anticipated.

Sunny, yes Taper means taper, I read that most will gain weight those last three weeks with the decrease in mileage and the body's increase of glycogen storing. Some people also get antsy while others get a little depressed. Should be an interesting three weeks!

Cam, great deal on your jacket. Hope it works for you.

Off for a little cross training today.

Colleen

[wtpclc]

MelR - No rock hard will power here. WHen you're desparate, you'll do anything. I have ot do my 1 " first trick, though, as teh first tim emy cheeks hit the cold water, they popped back out and owuld not stay down!

Heather - Woo hoo on your hip!!!

Lisa - I can't imagine how frustrating that might be. :grouphug: COngrats on being able to start again, though!!!

[TiffJ]

Well I have determined that my problem is the tendon. Today the pain has started radiating up the side of my leg(just like my right ankle does when the tendonitis acts up) I have it wrapped today(should have done that yesterday) & taking advil. Hoping to avoid a trip to the DR. I'm giving my foot the day off, just going to do pilates tonight. And this is my "good" ankle

I had that red meat craving this weekend. All I wanted was a giant hamburger. I settled for a not so giant one.

If that packet doesnt come soon, I'm going to scream :crazy2:

[littlegreydonkey]

Sunny - its true, you will gain a little during the taper - everyone does apparently but you absolutely have to do that taper. I'm not sure if you were around when I posted some advice from a veteran runner/Diser so I'll paraphrase it again. My concern was how you get to run 26 miles when you only run to 20 in training, and he explained that the taper was the key. AS your body gets so used to running daft distances, during taper it's like 'What's happening to me, why aren't I running so much, I need to run, come on just a little bit further'. Which you of course ignore!!!! When you then get out there on the day, it's this need to get back to 'normal' plus the adrenaline etc etc that gets you through the last few miles that technically you haven't trained for.

And if you think you've got problems - I'm tapering in Las Vegas and in Kissimee for two weeks (yeh, yeh, I know no sympathy for Helen) where I will be let loose for the first time in two whole years on Ben & Jerry's, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen and Chevys - I'm gonna roll 26 miles!!! Helen

[xterratri]

It's Christmas at the mailbox!!!
No, the packet didn't come but I did get a huge box from Road Runner Sports, my Clif sample pack, the tickets to Bon Jovi in Boston Dec 9th(the things I do for my running buddy), and the confirmation for our night at HHI in March. Boy, did the box from RRS confuse me- it looked like you could fit 5 shoe boxes in it and I only ordered one pair. So I opened it and there's this nice new duffle bag and inside the duffle bag with plenty of room to spare was the box with my new shoes. "Our gift to you...enjoy your FREE RRS duffle bag!" Considering how much money I spend for this sport, I'll take free stuff.

Ran 6.22 miles this afternoon, not quite totally in the daylight as I started my 60 minutes at 3:45. Nice afternoon and day today though, too bad I'm on AV duty this week and spent most of it on my butt in the classroom.

Congrats MelR on the 3rd place finish with your team!!
Go Lisa, go Lisa, go Lisa!!!
PD :wizard: for the other injuries.
Sara- 19 miles on a treadmill??? I consider them objects to avoid and am lucky to be able to mentally force myself to do 4 miles so I'm really impressed.
Mel(chimera)- I was taught in grad school(my MS is in exercise science) that metabolically there is a window of optimum glycogen replenishment and protein uptake within about the first 30 minutes after endurance exercise so you should try to take in snack/light meal that contains protein during that time period.(hey, you're the endocrine specialist, what do you tell your diabetics about how to adjust their insulin/blood sugar levels in regards to the post exercise period?) It makes perverse sense that if you don't heed that you may get rebound cravings and that seems to be the experience of many on this board.

More proof of crazy people- Ironman Lake Placid sold out in 9 hours, Ironman Wisconsin in 6, and Ironman Florida sold out in 3 hours!!! I saw that when I was looking at the countdown to the FL half IM to figure out my 180 day booking window for ADRs. I think it's this Friday as the race is 187 days off on a Sunday and we check into VWL on Thurs.

Happy training :)
Oh, almost forgot, packet dance :dancer:

[keenercam]

I remembered two songs recently from the animated movie "Anastasia" and thought the words were fun and inspirational for here. I strung excerpts together.

Heart don’t fail me now
courage don’t desert me
Don’t turn back now that we’re here
People always say
Life is full of choices
No one ever mentions fear
Or how the world can seem so vast
On this journey . . . to the past

. . .

One step at a time
One hope then another
Who knows where this road may go
Back to who I was, On to find my future
Things my heart still needs to know
Yes, let this be a sign!
Let this road by mine!
Let it lead me to my past
And bring me home. . . At last!



We were strangers starting out on a journey
Never dreaming what we’d have to go through
Now here we are And I’m suddenly standing
At the beginning with you

No one told me I was going to find you
Unexpected What you did to my heart
When I lost hope You were there to remind me
This is the start

Life is a road and I want to keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing
Life is the road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey

I’ll be there world stops turning
I’ll be there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

We were strangers on a crazy adventure
Never dreaming how our dreams would come true
Now here we stand Unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you

I knew there was somebody somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I’ve been waiting so long
Nothing’s gonna tear us apart

Hopefully, not too sappy. but there is a lot there to think about. :grouphug:

[disnutt]

Kiena...you may have invented a whole new craze...frozen PowerBars! congrats on the sub-4 hours!




Now you've reminded me of frozen Snickers! I'll take one of those next week.

[keenercam]

I have to find those snickers marathon bars. Haven't seen them anywhere yet.

[princessmomma]

I have to find those snickers marathon bars. Haven't seen them anywhere yet.

I saw them at our Sam's club yesterday.

[lacool]

14 mi LR today. The first 7 were easy enough (never thought those words would come out of my mouth), but wow, the last 7 were rough. Usually when I am doing the LR I hit a small high when I turn around, but today I had to make a potty break at a rather unattractive pora-a-potty (it was the first one I found without construction workers close by) and I think that break messed me up somehow.

So, I'm curious. My Non-runners Guide makes quite a bit of the idea of "FLOW." Where you reach a point running when it feels effortless because you are so "in the moment." Well, I keep waiting to feel it. I certainly didn't come across it today. I am wondering if it is because I am doing 9:1 run:walk instead of just running. Am I interrupting my own chance to acheive "flow?" Or is it just a myth?

[chimera]

Thanks for all the advice on my eating habits. Y'all are right...I don't eat much after the LR, so that will be my goal this weekend. I'm having a hard time transitioning to the concept of food as fuel and energy, not part of a continuous battle I have to fight with my weight.

LeighAnn...I think you can have flow with intervals. I can think of a few runs where I've wanted to keep going at the turn-around point. I'm actually really enjoying my LR now!

Cam...love the lyrics, especially the second song! Did I mention I'll be crying like a big baby when we all finish the races :grouphug: I'm a big fan of the Snickers Marathon protein bars...caramel nut rush. I eat one before my Mon and Wed pace runs that I do after work, then eat dinner after the run.

Lynne...wow...road runner's never sent me a free duffle :confused3
What I used to tell my diabetics was more of a 'do as I say, not as I do' kinda thing. Now I tell the weight management patients that I didn't lose weight until I started training for a half-marathon...and they look at me like I've lost my mind. Looks like the aliens may have gotten to me too.

Krista...The Bucs game was a bit of a nail-biter. I definitely thought about you when I watched last nights game. Congrats to Hines Ward on breaking the record! I think my favorite play was Randel-El's touchdown pass. Looks like you guys may need some more quarterbacks up there, so I'm getting my resume together ;)

MelR...I'm with you...in addition to being a cold weather wimp, I don't do cold water. :cold: That's one reason we live on this side of the state...the water on Lisa and Lynnda's side is too cold ;)

sorry to be short this evening! I do want to let all of you know how much I appreciate your advice and support through this journey. Lynne's comment has gotten me closer to the thought that I might accidentally have resurrected my inner athlete. I think I've become one of 'those people'. I have noticed that 'look' from my family and patients when I talk about training and doing the Disney half...then the Sarasota half...then Minnie. I can't remember if it's in MFM or in Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer, but the first step is to tell people you're training for the race. I guess I'm at the point now where I have to start believing I'm an athlete again. Thanks again to all of you :grouphug:

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi all. :dancer: Doing the packet dance here too! All this talk of packets has me getting more wound up.

It is really great to read how everyone is doing. It is really interesting to get this all done with our busy lives.

To answer, my 8-miler was ok Saturday actually did 9 miles. Pace was only 15 minutes. I would have liked this one to be a lot quicker. Oh well, I'll take it. My really LR is upcoming that 16 miler which will be the longest ever. I got new shoes a second pair, so I can trade off as I am working through and have them ready for the big day. Having recurring issues with that muscle in my back and sure would like to figure out how to make it not hurt. I went to a pot luck dinner held with the people that I play with on Saturdays. It was great to hear of their stories of their run experiences and scary too. Hearing of hitting that "wall" on the marathon scares me.

DH is on his way home from New Orleans (driving) and we will have him home with us tomorrow when I get home from work!!!!

I still need to read the remainder of last week...

[perfectmatch300]

MelR, congrats on your 3rd place in the Adventure run!

TiffJ, thanks for the info on the Tri book. I'm going to try and find it. I have Googled Tri's in our area and so far the ones I have found are geared far more to elite athletes than people like me. The one you are doing sounds like just what I am looking for. I could do that one, especially with no time limits! As for the Minnie 15K, the jury is still out on that one. I have a 2 mile walk on Thanksgiving day scheduled and I want to see how my time is on that one before I decide. The 15 min mile pace is way more than I can do right now, and the idea of being swept would devastate me! If I do not do the 15K, maybe I'll sign up for the 5K because I really do want to be a part of the event.

I have a question for those doing walk/run or run/walk plans. Do you have a hard time transitioning between walking and running? I am having a hard time doing that. I seem to get into a groove at whatever pace I am going at & I don't seem to want to switch. There must be some mental switch I can learn to flip to get me to make the switch easier.

Jodi, Disnutt, the Turkey Trot DH and I are doing is at Hamonassett. We are doing the 2 mile walk, but there is a 5 mile run as well. I figured the day after DH's DD's wedding, a 2 mile walk would be enough!

Lisa, glad your knee is doing better and you had a chance to start jogging again. You'll be back on track in no time!

We leave for our trip on Wed AM, tomorrow will be packing. Sad to say, but I can't wait to come home! I'll try to check in again tomorrow before we go, but I will be off line until we get home the day after Thanksgiving.

[Tiger Lily 03]

Nancy, have a safe and fun trip.

[TEK224]

I walked 3 miles tonight. 1 1/2 each way to and from the stadium where the d**n Eagles gave me aggravation. My mother tells me I'm gonna have a heart attack one day from yelling at them :rolleyes:

Lisa - Congrats on your jog. Gotta start somewhere. Glad the knee is healing up.

Heather - :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: for a better feeling hip.

Tiff - sorry to hear about the tendon problem. :grouphug:

Xterratri - isn't it fun getting surprises in the mail? :goodvibes
I'll be at Bon Jovi in Philly on Dec. 2nd. Bought tickets for my niece and now she wants me to go with her.

Cam - believe it or not, I've found the Snickers Marathon Bars in WAWA stores.

Wishing a good training week to all!

Terri

[Lisa loves Pooh]

So, I'm curious. My Non-runners Guide makes quite a bit of the idea of "FLOW." Where you reach a point running when it feels effortless because you are so "in the moment." Well, I keep waiting to feel it. I certainly didn't come across it today. I am wondering if it is because I am doing 9:1 run:walk instead of just running. Am I interrupting my own chance to acheive "flow?" Or is it just a myth?


I'd like to say "no"--b/c you train for that and the intervals become a natural part of it.

But I did get some moments on my 20 last year..where it did feel better to not walk at all--so it gets harder IMHO to take those walk breaks....so they are slightly disruptive..but then when it is back to running---the flow easily returned.

Did that make sense?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Wow--I cannot believe Thanksgiving is almost here.

The first nephew (cousin actually) ever will be born tomorrow. My kids will no longer be the only ones. (in March they really won't be the only ones when another cousin--niece--is born on my side of the family).

Not sure how I will tackle working out next week as all I have is a treadmill at my destination :(

Wonder if I can do a guest membership at a gym for a few days...anybody know?

I did a 3 minute jog and a 2 minute jog last night and got up to 4mph. I really feel as though I will need a brace. Still feeling a tad wobbly.

Heading for the elliptical today. And tomorrow I can officially submerge again--so I can add swimming to the agenda.

[TiffJ]

Cam-great songs :grouphug: What a great team we have :cheer2:

Nancy-you are definately welcome to come Try the Tri with me. It is in Nashville, so it may be a pretty good drive for you.

I was so excited when I opened the mailbox yesterday and there it was, a big white envelope, I pulled it out ever so quickly and it was just a stupid benefits summary from DH work :sad2: Man where are those stupid packets!

Foot is feeling better today. Going to xt on bike today so I can give it 1 more day of rest from walking. Hopefully the bike wont make it too mad.

Lisa-glad to see you're getting back into the groove. Do be careful though.

[lacool]

Thanks Lisa and Mel. I will continue to look forward to the day when my LR feels like fun, now that I know this idea of flow is not just a myth to make people like me sign up to do crazy things like run a marathon.

I've got to say, Non-runners plan started out nice and easy, but lately it calls for me to add 2 miles to my LR every week. I'm concerned because 14 miles was not fun, and 16 miles is just 6 days away. This is the part where Non-runner's tells me to shut off that negative thinking. "I am a marathoner. I am strong. I can do this." I'm going to go chant my mantra now. :earboy2:

[keenercam]

Did I mention I'll be crying like a big baby when we all finish the races
Mel -- I am right there with you. I keep getting all choked up. I am promising myself I will hold it together until I cross the finish line. After all, I promised my heart surgeon a picture of me coming across and I don't want to look all red and wet and puffy! :rotfl:

I'm glad to hear that someone actually advocates telling everyone you are training to do a 1/2 marathon. I do it at every opportunity. Of course it is always "I am training to walk a 1/2 marathon and my husband is training to run it!" Even though I say I am only walking it, people still look pretty incredulous.

Hey, I found a source for honey packets. I am friendly with the owner of our coffee shop, and since I don't need a box of 500, we are going to share the cost of her next box. I think I'll get 50 -- that should get me through about 20 more training walks and LWs.

princessmomma -- thanks for the heads' up on Sams' Club, but we don't have one nearby. I will check costco when I go again, though! Geez, just what I need another source for another type of energy bars! :teeth: We have quite the assortment and are sampling all of them. I do not like gu, though Howard does. I have liked every flavor of luna bar I tried. The chocolate powerbar was a tremendous source of energy for me. Cliff shots are very palatable but I don't get energy from them. I think they are more just for electrolyte restoration.

Terri -- Sorry about the Eagles last night. Howard said it really stunk at the end! I am going to check out WaWa tonight for the Snickers Marathon bars.

Lily -- I am sorry you are having muscle pain in your back. Is there any chance that you are holding yourself too tense when you do your LW? Not sure if this is the answer, but my doctor strongly suggested that I take aleve as soon as I wake up in the morning, especially on training days, and another before bed. My sacroiliac joint was tremendously improved when I did that. Good luck! :wizard: So glad your DH is coming home today! You must be :cloud9: -- I foresee lots of :hug: :hug: and :love2: in your future! :blush: I have a hard time making it through the day without my sweetie. Glad yours will be close again!

Nancy -- I have had the same question as you about that transitioning. I was finding that my pace after jogging was slower as I recovered from the jog. Now, my pace is the result of only walking, no jogging and the pace is better than it was when I was walking 4 jogging 1. I keep telling myself I am training to maintain a sub-15 minute pace and if I have to jog once in a while at the 1/2 in order to "catch up" after a potty or picture break, I will do it. But I am worried that my body might not be willing to do that on "the day". Maybe I should try to add some random jogging back in now? What do you think?

Have a fabulous trip, Nancy! We leave a week from today. Between now and then, I just have to get through a minor surgery, a band banquet, my son's opening night and closing night of his school play, his All-State Chorus auditions, my daughter's final HS band performance, sending my furbaby :dog: to visit grandma & grandpa 5+ hours away, shopping, packing, and getting 2 17 yr old girls and 1 12 yr old boy organized and packed. Geez, I'm exhausted already. Maybe being a Mom makes us all endurance athletes to start! :teeth:

Tiff -- so glad your foot is doing better. Glad today is a xt day so you give it another day to feel better!

Okay - - hopefully, I didn't miss anybody. It is always SOOOO great to hear how everyone is doing!

DH went walking with me last night -- 3.3 miles in just over 50 minutes. I think the pace was about 15:30. We weren't pushing too hard. I was so psyched because I was wearing my new Run Disney periwinkle long sleeve shirt that arrived yesterday. It is cute, but the material is kind of strange. I guess that is why they call it "tech"? :confused3 It has an itchy "Disney Wide World of Sports" tag in it. It had been backordered since 10/9, so if anyone has been waiting, you should get it soon. Oh, the most exciting part -- I had to retire more of my workout clothes last night in "large sizes" and resort to wearing DH's asics pants (comfy!) with my XL Disney shirt and EMS running jacket! It is going to be so hard for me to think about tapering and possibly gaining weight those last couple of weeks! This feels too good. :goodvibes

Have a great day everyone!

[TXBelle]

I have to find those snickers marathon bars. Haven't seen them anywhere yet.

I get them at Wal-mart. They are in the section with the powerbars, Clif bars, Pria bars, etc. near the vitamins and the pharmacy. I love them!

[MelRhoads]

Cam - :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :banana: :banana: :banana: I noticed your new clipart!!!!!!! Way to go!!!!!!! 40 :flower: :flower: :flower: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[keenercam]

Thanks, Melissa! The last few pounds just would not fall off!!! Hoping my body gets back in the losing groove! Maybe I need to do this :banana: or this :cool1: or this :Pinkbounc

[wtpclc]

Cam - awesome songs as usual! Very appropriate! Excuse me while I dry my eyes.

I think I'm getting my groove back. I think my legs take longer to warm up in the is weather, but I hit it near teh end last night. I'm still off on my pace, but better, It also frightens me to run in teh dark as if I step on one wrong thing, my hip is gone. (Run with dh on bike path, so regular safety is not an issue) I'm feeling much better about Saturday now, but 16 miles still sounds ilke a long way!

More packet dance. :cool1: :cool1:

Sorry, I haven't been able to keep up with everyone as I'd like, but :wizard: and :grouphug: for all those injured and big than you for everyone for your support and sharing your stories. This is a wonderful journey with all of your support!

BTW - A huge Thank you to everyone for paying for their shirts so quickly. I guess I should have know this group would be pretty disciplined about that kind of thing, though. Thanks! I'll let you know when they're ready and I ship them out.

ETA - Woo hoo for cam!!! :cool1: :goodvibes

[panthergirl]

Hi everybody! :wave2: I just spent about 30 minutes catching up on this thread. I wish I could respond to everyone but there is work to be done.

I did my LR on Saturday, 9 miles in 2:03. I just can't seem to find a 10 mile route but I will need to do that for this weekend's run. I am doing an 8K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving which should be fun. Hey - since when does 5 miles seem like fun? I must be a true runner now! Christa and Bree - are you doing this race too?

Eagerly awaiting my packet as well. :cool1:

Go Panthers!

Susan

[Jodi]

Cam - Real quick, you can also find those Snickers thingies @ CVS!

[keenercam]

I'm psyched now to check all those places for the snickers marathon bars. Maybe I should map out a route and do a LW from place to place and buy one at a time to re-energize!

[Honeibee]

OK, I've told everyone I'm walking the 2007 half, so now I have to do it! :cool1:

Actually, thanks to KeenerCam, because until a couple of days ago I didn't even KNOW you could walk it! :teeth:

Well, I've had two foot surgeries in the past three years and in August I had ACL replacement surgery, so now I'm good to go! I'm off to read everyone's hints and tips and all the really great info on the Boards.

And best of all - Whooo hoo! Now I have yet another reason to go back to WDW! :bounce:

[TiffJ]

Welcome Honeibee- always great to have someone new join! I plan on being there again in 2007 as do alot of us. Also, if you dont want to wait a year, there is a women's only Minnie Marathon weekend in May it's a 15k. Alot of us are doing that one too. Good luck with your training, you have plenty of time with starting now you should be awesome by Jan 2007!

O.k. everyone stop talking about gaining during taper. IT ISNT GOING TO HAPPEN, IT CANT HAPPEN!!!!!!!! :guilty: It also doesnt help that our taper is during the holidays.

Carrie-thanks for handling everything on the shirts. I can't wait to get mine. Lime green is my new favorite color!

Cam-congrats on the loss! Just think, that much less you have to carry across the finish line :banana: Also, what do you do with the messy honey packets during your walk? Put it back in your fanny pack?

Did the bike this a.m. foot feels alot better today so hopefully should be no problem doing SR tomorrow. Thanks for all the :wizard: I love this group.

Gotta go school just called & they are getting out at 1:00 due to severe weather heading our way (yes, that is in 19 min )

[keenercam]

Cam-congrats on the loss! Just think, that much less you have to carry across the finish line :banana: Also, what do you do with the messy honey packets during your walk? Put it back in your fanny pack?

Last weekend I put the gu pack in a snack size ziploc pack and put the unused part back in there. I will probably carry the honey packets loose and the empty ones will go in a ziplock baggie in my fannie pack.

Hope the weather issues are overstated and everyone is just being cautious! Take care and be careful driving!

[wtpclc]

TiffJ - I keep a baggie in my fanny pack for my used gu packs. I would think you'd want the same with honey.

Oh, My blood sugar drops a bi ton teh 60 minutes runs, so I figured I'd just do licorice bits, as I do not need a whole gu. Believe it or not, I prefer gu. trying to eat a semi-solid while running and breathing was not easy. Here I thought it'd be a rgeat treat. No thanks, I do it for SRs, but will stick with my gu for LRs (yes, pun kind of intended). ;)

[princessmomma]

I am doing an 8K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving which should be fun. Hey - since when does 5 miles seem like fun?
Susan


One word.........ALIENS!! Got you too! :Pinkbounc

[plutosmyfav]

Cam-- Weigh to go on the new clippie :cheer2: I'm glad Melissa was watching or I'd of missed out on the dance :banana: :cool1: Maybe its a good thing you haven't found those snicker's marathon bars yet ;)

lacool-- the flow is real, if it weren't there's no way I'd still be doing this!!!! I started out as a tm person and discovered it on the TM. I named it "Treadmill Nirvana". I find that it usually happens after you've been pushing for a while and then step back to a really comfortable pace/distance. I often have a period of feeling invincible during the middle of my LRs (its completely gone long before the run is over, though). You might want to try some fun runs where you don't time yourself or follow any set rules and see how it goes. Good luck!

I did 4.75 miles on the TM yesterday with upperbody weights and 7 miles on the bike path today. I go to the orthopedic guy tomorrow about my knee :wizard: It hasn't gotten any worse this week so that's a good thing. I'll ask him what he thinks about 500 lb leg presses :teeth:

Yes the taper during the holidays thing is pretty terrifying. Originally, I thought the timing of this race was perfect to get me through the holidays. I didn't figure in tapering. I bet we'll be a tad grouchy, too :rolleyes:

Sunny

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome Honeibee! So glad that you found us! Come often, post lots!


Cam! Congratulations to you! You are doing it!

My Teddy is home. He is unpacking right now and I don't want to get near that hazardous stuff! :scared1:

I thought this was a better option. Happy training everyone. Back stuff stinks. I WISHing it gets over itself already. Off I go...

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well, I've had two foot surgeries in the past three years and in August I had ACL replacement surgery, so now I'm good to go! I'm off to read everyone's hints and tips and all the really great info on the Boards.


:grouphug:

How are you healing up?

[MelRhoads]

Someone relieve my guilt!! I skipped my speedwork today and I am not doing my short run tomorrow. The boy had an ear infection and missed preschool today, so I played workout hooky too. I have an 18 mile long run on thurs and that is all I'm doing this week. I figure it is ok since we did the 9 hour race this weekend. I was supposed to do about a 13 mile lr and I think we covered at least 12 on foot during the race. we also biked about 25 miles of hills and a few singletrack and about 6 miles of paddling with 3 being upriver! It's ok to skip until thurs isn't it???? Sunny does the IC approve of my lack of activity?

[TEK224]

Meliss - I got tired just reading your post! :teeth:

Did 60 minutes on the spinner tonight.

Terri

[perfectmatch300]

I really just came on line to print boarding passes for our flight in the AM, but I couldn't resist checking in here.

Cam - awesome new clippie! :Pinkbounc :banana: :Pinkbounc I need to get back on track to get my scale moving again, too. I suspect that would help improve my pace as much as anything else I could do. BTW, after reading your post it made my trip planning look easy! All I had to do was figure a way to get all my warm clothes into the suitcase and keep it at a legal weight! :earseek: As to the furbabies, our friends who will be cat :cat: :cat: sitting came over to see where everything was and we all went out to dinner!

Lily, glad to hear Ted made it home safely!

TiffJ, thanks for the invite, but I don't think a Nashville trip is in the budget for us right now. It's anazing how much it can cost to move into a new house! Between the move from CT to FL and the second move into the house and the wedding next week I'm afraid DH and I amy actually have to get :scared1: jobs :scared1: to pay for all of this. Oh, our Disney addiction does take it's toll on the family budget, too! :earsgirl: :earsboy:

Welcome, Honeibee! :wave2:

I will try and check in if I can borrow a computer, otherwise I will see all of you when we get home. Once again, an early Happy Thanksgiving everyone since I won't be here to say it on the appropriate day.

[keenercam]

Thanks, everyone, for the congrats! :grouphug:

Lily -- I am so glad your Teddy is home safe and sound -- now you just all have to survive the laundry! ;)

Melissa -- I would say you have a credit in your account for activity and you can look forward to waiting until tomorrow for more! You inspire me! I hope the boy is feeling better! Sending :wizard: his way! :hug:

Nancy -- We will miss you, sweetie! Have a great trip!

I found Snickers Marathon bars in 3 flavors at WaWa this morning and grabbed one of each to try. I may even share them with Howard, though he seems to need no help finding the energy to do his LRs. I swear he could run the full in January rather than the 1/2 with how much he is training. I am a bit envious of the time he can invest in the process. I confess, after talking to my DB last night about all the problems with my parents' estates, I was too depressed and de-energized to do my xt. I'll go to the gym tonight and do some TM time (to make up for not being able to do anything tomorrow -- icky spot removal and lots of stitches) and the xt I didn't do last night.

Have a great day, everyone! I think most of you are "resting", right? What a joke! I know this bunch! I'm not sure any of you know how to rest anymore! :cool1:

[MelRhoads]

I'm really resting!! I'm sipping a mocha and I'm going with the boy to bible study where all i do is sit and talk! My favorite things (wish they had food there, that would make it perfect) EC will be there, I hope she doesn't make me feel guilty for missing our run yesterday. She did the adv race this wkend too. I'm taking a present to bribe her into being gentle on me. I found this h2o bottle that i love (the old ultimate direction bottle, like the one in the rei link from last week) anyway, they don't make that bottle anymore. they modified it to have some kind of thing they call a kicker vaulve, but everytime i drink from it i think of milking a cow!!!! yuck. it is fickle and it skirts me!! So.... i went on this huge internet quest to find more of the bottles i like. I found 1 place that had them for 4 bucks, but they came with a waist pack that held the bottle and has a little key pouch. I had to buy 3 to get my three bottles! I'm taking one to EC today. She has bottles, but will love the pouch. She is a machine. She does all my lr's with me. On our 17 miler, she drank less than 20oz of h2o and didn't eat anything!!!!!!!!! INSANE!!!!

Off to sip mocha and sit and talk!!

[aladdinsgirl]

Good morning!! Is it Friday yet??? :sunny: I had to run on the dreaded TM last night because our weather was so bad. We got hit with a pretty powerful storm, rain and wind gusts up to 40 mph, there were 35 confirmed tornados in the Tri-State area (Southern OH, Northern KY, and Western IN). I HATE running on the TM, I always run so much slooooower than I do on the road, I feel like I can't keep up with the faster speeds, so I keep it slow so I don't fall off. I started running at 13:43 (I usually run around 10:00) and walking at 15:00 (usually walk at 13:00), I bumped it up to 12:40/14:40, and finally 12:14/13:00--so I did negative splits--yea!! :rolleyes: :rotfl: I ended up running 3.17 in 42:00 which totally sucks, but at least I "got my steps in". :teeth: Oh, and I think I'm the only person in the world who gets shin splits running on a TM. :rolleyes:

MelR--I think it's completely okay that you take a rest day today, you deserve it!! Have fun at your Bible study and good luck on your 18 miles tomorrow! :wizard:

Sara--Did I read it right? Do you really run 19 miles on a TM???? What do you do all that time? Watch tv? I used to read and walk, but now that I'm running; I can't focus on the words on the pages. All I have to say is, thank goodness for my mp-3 player!!

Cam--Have you tried the Snickers Marathon bars yet? They are awesome!!! Stephen and I switched to Power Bars, since that's what they'll have at the marathon, but I just bought a running fanny pack, so I may carry at least 1 Snickers bar in the half. Oh, I meant to tell you, :banana: :banana: on walking with a migraine on Saturday, I think you just might be an endurance athlete!

Nancy--Have a nice trip!! Good luck on your Turkey Trot.

Honeibee--Welcome!! :wave2:

Sunny--I have to tell you, thank you SO much for the great idea of going back and copying and pasting old posts to make a training log. I've been doing that for the past couple of days and it's been wonderful. It's nice to see the improvement; I know I'll be so glad I have this. It's funny because there have been questions and concerns I have now that some of you guys had back in the summer, and it's great to see the advice and encouragement that I can apply to my questions now. I had to laugh, back in late June or early July, Craig made a comment about running 7 miles, and I quoted him and said, "I can't wait for the day I can run 7 miles". Well, my first 7-miler is this weekend, so I guess the day is coming up pretty quickly!! :)

Good luck on training today!!

Krista princess:

[plutosmyfav]

Ok, I’m only going to speak of this once. And then its back to my code of silence when it comes to my knee.

I went to the orthopedic guy today and they took x-rays of my knee. There is no injury. My kneecap is deformed. He said it is a developmental problem where the cap didn’t fully fuse at the top (that’s the best I can remember).

He was a jerk. After viewing the x-rays and asking me some questions he launched into a little lecture that started out “not everyone was built to run marathons…” I didn’t hear much after that until he got to “you may still be able to run this marathon, but…”

WHAT!?!?!?!?! Still run this marathon? Woah, I don’t think we’re on the same page here.

So spending the better part of my brain power in fighting to keep my composure I asked “so, if I am really careful and ice and all that, I can run as long as I don’t have a lot of pain, right? I won’t damage it further, right?” He said “you running 40 miles a week now, 2 months out from the marathon, I don’t see how you can ramp up your necessary mileage to be ready if you’re already in pain.” So we went back and forth on this “pain” idea for a while at which he got a tad bit irritated and told me about a patient he has who had a fracture and ran through the pain and literally broke her leg in half. So I came back to “if I’m not in excruciating pain, is it safe to say I’m not damaging my knee?” He wouldn’t commit to that but he did lighten up a little when I told him my current LRs are 16-18 miles and I’ve run a 20 without excessive pain.

He obviously isn’t a runner. He threw out that “don’t run the marathon” statement like he was telling me not to wear plaid.

He said the 500 lb leg presses are definitely out but I could let the pain be my guide as to how much to do.

I tried many times to get him to say whether or not I might seriously damage my knee and he just kept referring back to the pain as an indicator of what I can and cannot do. Well, if I went by that I would have never played sports in high school or spent years roller blading, or spent this past 4 years being insanely active. So, I’m not going to worry about it. I won’t push it when its painful, but its not painful all the time or even most of the time.

I’ll tell you, the last thing I needed right now was another reason to doubt my ability to do this. I’m not telling my family or friends. You are the only ones who will know my secret.

I guess my “superstition” was based on an intuition that there really is something wrong and unfixable about my knee. I would have been better off not finding this out.

OK, I’m done acknowledging this whole stupid thing.

Signed,
Grouchy (the runner formerly known as Sunny)
(just kidding ;) )

[Jodi]

Sunny - Holy crap! That Dr. sounds like a superdouche. Listen, my advice is go way down on the weights (400lbs is still crazy) & run til your hearts content. Of course, I have no medical background to back-up my advice, but if this is something you were born with, chances are your body (obviously b/c of how active you are) has already adapted. I think it may be hurting more b/c of the increase in weight & miles all at once. Am I correct that the two of these being maxed out is new?

DO NOT doubt your ability to finish this thing & finish it well. I'm a paramedic & I can't tell you the number of times I've seen a Dr. kill a patient, let alone mis-diagnose or give bad advice. You are fine, you are superwoman, in my book.

I agree with not telling your family/friends just yet. You don't need any negative feedback/suggestions to "slow down" & all that. You know your body better than anyone, you do what feels right! That's all there is too it. Sure, more ice, more heat, more tiger balm (which i find works very well when you heat the affected area after you put it on. My knees are practically pain free now). But don't stop what you're doing or doubt yourself. You ROCK!

Jodi

[plutosmyfav]

Thanks, Jodi, I needed that!!!

I agree with you, at 42, having ran the equivalent of the East Coast in the past 7 months, I'd say its safe to say my body has learned to compensate and can run a marathon just fine!

Billy Blanks was born with deformed hips. His high school coaches told him he could never make it in sports.

Have I ever mentioned Billy is my hero :love:

Sunny

[keenercam]

Sunny -- The guy obviously has no clue as to how to handle a serious athlete. I'd suggest you allow your body to tell you what you can do and that any future medical advice on the issue should come from a sports orthopoed (sp?). I also agree that you don't need to tell your family what he said. I am convinced that most people are eager to tell us what we can't accomplish rather than to encourage. That is why I come here for the advice and encouragement.

One last thing-- for the 9 years and 11 months I had my heart condition, periodically the doctors would suggest that I go out on disability. They worried that I'd go into cardiac arrest from the "exertion" of being up and about and from the stress of my job. Although I don't doubt the sincerity of their concern, the fact is they had no idea what I as a person was capable of managing, and they were wrong. I think, in fact, doctors often try to cover their butts by telling you the worse case scenario so that you can't say they didn't warn you. :rolleyes: I have a lot of faith in your judgment, Sunny, and I know you will do what is smart for your body. Take care of yourself! :hug:

[plutosmyfav]

Thanks, Cam

I have to say, I thought of you and your heart surgeries. Driving back to work with tears down my face I said out loud "if Cam can do this, I sure as h*ll can!". I wanted to tell him about you (and all of us) and about how important all of this is, but I knew it would fall on deaf ears. You're right, he was definitely covering his butt. He supposedly is a sports med. guy. :confused3

Sunny

[aladdinsgirl]

Sunny--So sorry that your doctor is a jerk and an idiot!! I think you need to send him a picture of you crossing the finish line, for the Disney and every other marathon you finish.

Krista princess:

[TEK224]

Sunny - sorry you had to deal with a Doc who obviously isn't in to an active lifestyle. Don't doubt yourself. You CAN do this! Just take it as fast or as slow as your body tells you. Only you know how much discomfort you can stand.

If I never played sports because I had some pain, I never would played after the first year. I've had some minor knee surgery years ago and every now and then I get a little fluid on the knee. Not much, but enough to cause a "little" discomfort. Sometimes the fluid goes away by itself, sometimes not. Once, I went to my ortho to have it drained. He wanted to shoot cortisone in after draining it. I said "NO WAY". Well, he wouldn't drain it unless I let him put the med in. I left. Told him I could deal with the pain, it wasn't THAT bad. If I couldn't take it anymore I'd be back. I just don't want cortisone, peeriod. That was about 3 years ago. Haven't been back since. :)

Just goes to show the body will take care of itself.

Terri

[keenercam]

Thanks, Cam

I have to say, I thought of you and your heart surgeries. Driving back to work with tears down my face I said out loud "if Cam can do this, I sure as h*ll can!". I wanted to tell him about you (and all of us) and about how important all of this is, but I knew it would fall on deaf ears. You're right, he was definitely covering his butt. He supposedly is a sports med. guy. :confused3

Sunny

WOW! Now I'm crying. You amaze me. Keep on keepin' on, kiddo. I'll be there to cheer you across that finish line. :cool1:

[gatorphipps]

DUDE! I hate that happened to you Sunny! You have come this far and I know you can do this! The race is the easy part! The training is the Hard part! Question?
He said “you running 40 miles a week now, 2 months out from the marathon, I don’t see how you can ramp up your necessary mileage to be ready if you’re already in pain.”
Are you running 40+ miles a week? If so, Why? I have to agree that the weights and the amount of running may be making the knee hurt. I know you can do this, but I would pull back on the weekly miles. I do about 30+. That Doctor won't comment on if you will damage yourself b/c he does not know and does not want that responsibility of telling you one way or the other. :confused3 Good luck! Ice and ice! :wizard: :wizard:
I don't blame you for not telling family! Mine already think DH and I are crazy for running, swiming, and biking like we do. After my 18 mile run (and I had a 10 mile run the day b/4) I was a little stiff. My sis said that I was basicly stupid for doing what I did and deserve the pain. The family also told me (as I was taliking about my LRs) that it was great I could do this, but really noone cared! Big dis!

Melissa - Don't worry about missing a run or 2. You will be stronger for it. Cannot help if the boy gets sick.

I have been SO busy this week. Have run a total (get ready) of 2 miles! :earseek: I know...that mileage is putting me in big :dog: status! :rotfl: Anyway...Bree and I officially signed up for the Charlotte Marathon today! We will take pictures and post them. Send :wizard: :wizard: for us December 3rd. DH is running the DOWD YMCA 1/2 Saturday to get a good time. He wants to move up corrals for WDW.
We run 8 tomorrow and 16 Friday (we are tapering for the Marathon - Love the taper! :love: )
Later all!
CHrista

[MelRhoads]

Christa - I too went through the phase where my family was telling me I am running too much!!! Oh well... My mom was asking me about the goofy thing this weekend and I explained it to her. I told her i was running a 1/2 marathon on sat and a full on sunday. she said "just how many miles is a marathon anyway?" before I could get the ".2" part of "26.2 miles" out, she was already saying "YOU CAN'T RUN 26 MILES!" i just chuckled and invited her to come cheer me on at the finish line! :cheer2:

I figure this high mileage stuff isn't the smartest thing i've ever done, but it is one of the funnest! :bounce:

[solotraveler]

Sunny- Yikes, that really stinks. Clearly your doctor must not be a runner at all. 40 miles a week is on the high side to be able to complete a marathon, for starters. I would, obviously, strongly advise a second opinion from another orthopedic, especially if you are looking at something that may be chronic. :wizard: to you!!!

I learned something else today: While it is pretty, I can not run while it is actively snowing. Seriously. Much more difficult than I had anticipated. I am getting REALLY frustrated by the combination of the weather and my schedule and my inability to get runs in the past few weeks. Got to fight through it, though. 16 miler this Friday.. and then really do well these last seven weeks. I should be fine. I hope.

Oh, and I am beginning to the that the race packets are figures of our imagination. Maybe they are "magic" packets that we can't see in our mailboxes. Maybe Jafar stole them. Maybe they were redirected to Liberia. Does anyone have there's yet??? :confused3 Clearly, our dancing did not work. Pretty soon, I'm going to start this-- :badpc: to my mailbox.

Happy training all!
Solotraveler :earsboy:

[lacool]

I am convinced that most people are eager to tell us what we can't accomplish rather than to encourage. That is why I come here for the advice and encouragement.

I couldn't agree more! With the notable exception of my DH and kids, my family has done nothing but tell me how crazy I am to be doing this. True, this is a long way from the out-of-shape person I used to be, but that is one of the reasons I am so determined to do it.

And hearing that I am not the only one getting that kind of feedback is actually very motivating. We all need to prove them all wrong! Over-protective mothers, cover-their-own-butt doctors, and Debbie-Downer-type people in general -- they all need to find out how strong we really are. :cheer2: I feel like I should go out and run one more time today, now! 4 miles wasn't enough!

[TiffJ]

Sunny- what a butthead!! I cannot believe he is a sports med Dr. What kind of athletes would want to listen to him. DO NOT DOUBT YOURSELF, YOU CAN & WILL DO THIS!!! :Pinkbounc You have come this far with the funky kneecaps. Although 500 lb leg presses :earseek: Might want to slack up on that a bit. If they dont get better I would search for another sports ortho DR. I wouldnt tell my family either.

Cam- good luck tomorrow, we'll be thinking about you! :love:

solo- DH keeps saying the same thing about the packets. He thinks they lied to me & there really arent any packets :confused3


O.k can I just say that treadmills SUCK

I have the same problem as Krista. I cannot go nearly as fast & when I got off (and only did 2 mi) I felt like I had been on the tea cups. It was hard to keep up with 15 min/mile & I can smoke that on the pavement. I should've done more but had to get DS to the DR. I hope I dont have to do any LR on them!!

[boolou]

I have been lurking again for the past few months, but I just had to post today. Sunny - listen to everyone here and forget that doc. With 40 miles a week, you are ready. You are ready for a marathon tomorrow. Just like Christa said, the training is the hard part. It's getting out of bed on a cold day to put in that 14 mile run, it's carving out time during a crazy week to get in a *quick one* and it's getting out the door some days when you are still a bit sore from the day before that is the real work. If there is one thing I have learned in my marathon training it is that I know my body better than anyone. I know what it is capable of. I know when it is a good pain, and when to worry. Trust your instinct, as long as you aren't doing any more damage, stick with what works for you personally.

I wanted to also update you guys with my info. I just (well 3 weeks ago) got back from the Marine Corps Marathon. I did it. I finished. I was so freaking out that last month of training/tapering, but it is all good now. It too me forever it seemed like, but I did it. I am starting to ramp up my training again for the Disney race now. I took 2 weeks off from running after the race (did some walking and Pilates) and I am back in the saddle again. I am finding it a bit hard to get re-motivated when it is so cold out here; I am not a fan of the snow. I am going to try to get more *plugged-in* to the forum right now, as I need all the help I can get.

[MelRhoads]

Welcome Jen!!!!!! :wave: Way to go on finishing the marathon!

[WDWFAN9]

I think Disney has sent the packets "pony express", taking a shortcut through China. Every day I keep thinking I will find them in the mail box, and every day I have been wrong. Maybe if I just try ignoring them they will show up!!

[xterratri]

Welcome Back Jenn(boolou)- I worked MCM as medical at Aid Station 6, past mile 16, it was a beautiful day and seemed to be a very well organized race.
Welcome to Honiebee!!
Sunny, you know your body the best. That physician(I bet he was an MD rather than DO too) doesn't understand where you are coming from on one hand and is too worried about covering his fanny on the other. There are very few absolutes in medicine because people are individuals but it still seems like he could have given you a better answer than what he did. I also second, third everyone else who is suggesting that you back off on the weight training as that is probably putting your knee under more stress than the benefit you are gaining from the strength training. From what you relayed from what he told you, you likely aren't going to damage yourself further just by running if it's congenital. May it predispose you to the development of arthritis? Maybe, but it would do the same thing if you were a couch potato. Worse actually because your athletic activities have helped you lose weight and the muscles that surround the knee are strong and therefore protective.

Treadmills suck!!!
Okay, I know other people are expressing the same sentiment. Due to other life activities, I had to run after dark today and the weather's kind of icky so I decided to run tonight's scheduled 40 minutes moderate/hard on a treadmill at the university. 4 miles in 36 minutes so I didn't have any problems with pacing, I wasn't working all that hard, but I was bored/ unmotivated/ ??? and just couldn't tolerate any longer. I was also soaked with sweat but didn't feel like that had affected my performance which is important because Disney is likely to be quite warm for us Northerners.

Good luck with training and PD for the aches and pains :wizard: :wizard:

[chimera]

:banana: Welcome Honeibee! :wave: You'll see a lot of these characters hanging out for 2007.

Welcome back, Jen! Glad your MCM was good!

Welcome back, Susan! Can we talk you into joining us Friday night at Trail's End? There's plenty of room!

:grouphug: Sunny...sorry about your experience. I think Krista's right...send him photos of you crossing the Disney finish line. I'm not an orthopedist, but with everything you've accomplished so far, I would imagine you've adequately compensated for your congenital defect. Unfortunately, we do have to practice medicine defensively these days and sometimes that translates into a little too much CYA.

I have to agree that treadmills bite! Funny thing is, last winter/spring, I couldn't imagine leaving the safety of my TM to train outside. Now I'm training outside in the dark just to avoid the evil TM :teeth:

I did achieve some sort of interval nirvana this evening. I had to cut my pace way back on the W3/R2 because it had been so awful lately. Tonight was great! I stepped the pace back up and felt fine. I also finally programmed the Garmin to use the interval setting. It's pretty cool, but doesn't keep track of the mile splits with the intervals on. Thanks to Carrie for the suggestion (months ago, I think) to set the intervals for one more than you need to do...worked like a charm! So tonight's run was 3.52 at a 14:12 pace :smooth:

Dancing harder... :banana: :banana: :cool1: :cool1: :maleficen :maleficen :dancer: :dancer: :dancer:

[plutosmyfav]

Boy, everyone else is getting away with foul language so let me jump in...

Today SUCKED!

I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have you guys to help me through this bad encounter. I will definitely back off the weights. As far as the 40 miles goes, that seems about right according to several training schedules I check out :confused3 But I would be more than happy to trade in some of those miles for the "never causing pain" elliptical trainer (even though it sucks, too :p )

Lynne-- Thank you! The question I meant to ask Dumb-dumb was about arthritis. My grandmother was crippled with arthriitis in her knees by the time she was 70 (also a source of my superstition). I've wondered if I was worsening my chances of it or not.

Really what this experience reminded me of is my guidance counselor in high school who told me "there's really no room for girls in physics, and ... you really don't have the aptitude... maybe you should consider accounting". She uttered those words with little to no thought and pretty much destroyed me for about a decade. (I went back to school at 29, majored in physics and graduated magna cum laude). So fast-forward to today and here's this dumb-dumb uttering words without any thought. THIS TIME I'M TOO SMART TO LET IT DESTROY ME!!!! (well, acutally, this time I have you guys :grouphug: ) It amazes me how peole in positions to impart major influence on others take it so lightly.

Tomorrow is a 10 miler with my speedy friend from the gym. Ice will promptly follow :teeth:

Sunny (the runner briefly known as Grouchy) :rotfl2:

[Tiger Lily 03]

Sunny, sorry about non-runner doc. WISHing that you will have no trouble doing this. Is time an issue for you? If not, can it be slower yet finish? I know you have a really great pace going and all.

I'm feeling more discomfort in my back muscle than I would have expected. Every time I move I feel it pulling. Painful. I have not done anything all this week and am feeling sorry for myself right now.

Good news for me though! My Teddy is home! He came home (from New Orleans) in time for supper last night.
:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Everyone, I WISH you great training. Hope to be back on soon. I'm off to go find a comfy spot.

[TEK224]

Jen - Welcome back and congrats on finishing MCM.

Pat - those darn packets. I was off from work today and found myself checking the mailbox every chance I had. :confused3 We'll have to have a cyber party when then come! :teeth:

I went to the gym this afternoon for my elliptical workout (I like the ellip much better than the dumb TM). Did an hour. Leg was a little sore afterward. I came home and ate dinner and then jumped into an ice bath :earseek:

If you could have heard me, you'd all be :rotfl: That water was so co-o-old.
I got my feet in, held on to the sides of the tub and started to do a reverse push-up to lower myself to a sitting position. Oh NO, no, no! As I was trying to sit down, I felt a little like the lion in the Wizard of Oz. Picture when he was in the haunted forest saying he DID believe in ghosts. Now I am trying to lower myself to sit down and all I can say is "I don't want to sit down, I don't want to sit down. I don't, I don't, I don't want to sit down! :rolleyes:

Finally I made it. Sat there for 20 minutes and don't think the goose bumps ever left me. :rotfl:

My friends and family also think I'm nuts for trying the Goofy and even more so when I talk about the post-workout ice baths! :)

Hang in there everybody. Those packets are a-coming. I can just feel it!

Terri

[skfulkers]

Hey everybody! Haven’t posted in a looong time, so I thought I’d say hi. Glad everyone’s doing well. You know, it’s amazing—I remember reading these threads a few months ago and everyone was running long runs of 3 or 4 miles. Look at us all now!
Sunny, way to go on not letting that doctor get you down. I can’t believe he’s supposed to be a sports med doctor and still put such a negative spin on it. Like everybody’s saying, I know you’ll be fine. Are you doing goofy or the full? I can’t remember. I only ask because I’m just doing the full and right now my weekly mileage is around 33. Don’t know if that helps or not.
Yeah, I gotta agree with the general consensus here—treadmills DO suck. I did one run this week on the thing because of heavy rain and storms. It was a horrible run, and it was only 4 miles. Mel, I had to laugh at your comment about going from “treadmill junkie” to treadmill hater. I, too, ran most of the early spring on the treadmill and dreaded going outside. But tonight, I’m planning to do 8 miles in 20 deg weather with light snow just to avoid the treadmill. I don’t know if we’re just a crazy bunch or what??

Well, I need to go do some work, but I just had to check in with you all since I’m only averaging about one post per month. Usually, Krista is very good about posting will keep everyone updated about the happenings in our lives, but I’ve noticed recently that she mentions me less and less (Krista, you know you’re a punker. :) ).

Happy training, all! Can’t wait to see everyone in January! (and I REALLY can’t wait for these stinkin’ packets to arrive!)

Steve

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Ok, I’m only going to speak of this once. And then its back to my code of silence when it comes to my knee.

I went to the orthopedic guy today and they took x-rays of my knee. There is no injury. My kneecap is deformed. He said it is a developmental problem where the cap didn’t fully fuse at the top (that’s the best I can remember).

He was a jerk. After viewing the x-rays and asking me some questions he launched into a little lecture that started out “not everyone was built to run marathons…” I didn’t hear much after that until he got to “you may still be able to run this marathon, but…”

WHAT!?!?!?!?! Still run this marathon? Woah, I don’t think we’re on the same page here.

So spending the better part of my brain power in fighting to keep my composure I asked “so, if I am really careful and ice and all that, I can run as long as I don’t have a lot of pain, right? I won’t damage it further, right?” He said “you running 40 miles a week now, 2 months out from the marathon, I don’t see how you can ramp up your necessary mileage to be ready if you’re already in pain.” So we went back and forth on this “pain” idea for a while at which he got a tad bit irritated and told me about a patient he has who had a fracture and ran through the pain and literally broke her leg in half. So I came back to “if I’m not in excruciating pain, is it safe to say I’m not damaging my knee?” He wouldn’t commit to that but he did lighten up a little when I told him my current LRs are 16-18 miles and I’ve run a 20 without excessive pain.

He obviously isn’t a runner. He threw out that “don’t run the marathon” statement like he was telling me not to wear plaid.

He said the 500 lb leg presses are definitely out but I could let the pain be my guide as to how much to do.

I tried many times to get him to say whether or not I might seriously damage my knee and he just kept referring back to the pain as an indicator of what I can and cannot do. Well, if I went by that I would have never played sports in high school or spent years roller blading, or spent this past 4 years being insanely active. So, I’m not going to worry about it. I won’t push it when its painful, but its not painful all the time or even most of the time.

I’ll tell you, the last thing I needed right now was another reason to doubt my ability to do this. I’m not telling my family or friends. You are the only ones who will know my secret.

I guess my “superstition” was based on an intuition that there really is something wrong and unfixable about my knee. I would have been better off not finding this out.

OK, I’m done acknowledging this whole stupid thing.

Signed,
Grouchy (the runner formerly known as Sunny)
(just kidding ;) )

Wow--I"m so sorry to hear about that. Anyway you can insist on an MRI to rule out any unusual buggars that could be adding to the problem?

I'll give you a bit of good news--if all that will happen is pain....i.e. you are not further injuring yourself...then it is all about pain management. :teeth:

I know someone who just did ironman (hawaii) and she has arthritis (don't know which kind). She had pain for a long time and when she finally got diagnosed it ended up being a good thing b/c as long as she can manage her pain--she can compete.

Oh--and she finished Ironman in something like 12.5 hours. :teeth:

YOU CAN DO IT, SUNNY!

ETA: Ironman is: 2 mile swim, 112 mile bikeride (I think??), and then finish it up with a MARATHON.

Find a sports--specifically runner friendly ortho and tell the other one to take a hike!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I think Disney has sent the packets "pony express", taking a shortcut through China. Every day I keep thinking I will find them in the mail box, and every day I have been wrong. Maybe if I just try ignoring them they will show up!!

Perhaps we should sic the sweeper mail truck on them.

[wtpclc]

Sunny - What everyone else said, especially Cam. Plus, do you want me yt o go beat him up for you??? Jerk.

LLP - Seeper mail truck? Thanks for starting my day with a laugh! :goodvibes

solo - Yesterday was not snow, if that's what you were referring to. It was ice being shot at you from bebe (sp?) guns.

honibee - welcome!

Steve - Good to see you again!

MelR - A couple skipped runs might do you some good. You've been pushing pretty hard, let your muscles recover a bit.

Mel - Woo hoo on the nirvana!!!

LKily - SO sorry about your back. :grouphug:

Well, for those of you who hate treadmills, you're one oup on me. I would have given anything for one of those yesterday. The above description of ice being shot at me was what I had last night. Dh cut us short. I was actually kind of bummed, but the wind and ice really hurt my face. Hopefully, it will be better tonight.

ANyone know where to find inexpensive reflective jackets? (not mesh vests). The only ones we found were $70 to $80. Love this free sport. ;)

[solotraveler]

solo - Yesterday was not snow, if that's what you were referring to. It was ice being shot at you from bebe (sp?) guns.



:rotfl2: No kidding!!! This morning is really no better.

So with high temps predicted to be at a balmy 26 degrees, none of this is going to melt anytime soon. So I have a choice to make: risk life and limb trying to run my 16 miler outside tomorrow (with the snow and the ice) or run on the indoor track here at work (where I would get no Garmin splits, it's really warm and it would be 144 laps for my run). :guilty:

I have a feeling I'll be inside. I won't be happy about it, but I'll be running.

Happy training!
Solotraveler :earsboy:

[keenercam]

Congrats, Jen, on finishing the Marine Corps Marathon! Awesome! We are looking forward to having you around here a lot over the next several weeks.

I am with Mel and Steve -- back in January and for a few months after, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my treadmill for the outside world, but now I really regret when I can't get outside, regardless of the weather! Now I don't like the TM, but if I have to be on it, I don't like having my time limited by the gym or by my schedule -- I resented having to stop last night after 30 minutes when I'd really like to have just kept going for as long as I had the energy! :confused3

solotraveler -- how does one run 144 laps? Do you count them? UGH! I wouldn't want to do the 1/4 mile track at our HS for my "LW" which is never very "L" because I am certain I would lose track of the number of laps! :rotfl: Maybe you could just estimate how long it should take you and then keep an eye on the clock. I know I'd get dizzy and incredibly bored. I am impressed that you are that disciplined!

Carrie -- sorry about the ice. By the time I came out of the Y last night, the temperature had dropped 20 degrees and there was torrential rain. All I could think was how grateful I was that I didn't have to be out in it for any longer than it took me to get to my car, and I could't imagine what it would do to my training if I had to deal with intense weather already.

I did 70 minutes total last night -- 20 on the bike, 20 on elliptical, and 30 on the treadmill (2 miles in 31:08). I hadn't had time for a real lunch, so I had a snickers marathon bar in the car on the way to the gym and really did feel like I had fuel. I only stopped my workout because I had to get home to make phone calls.

Well, thanks for all the good wishes for this morning, everyone. As it turns out I had to cancel the "ugly spot" surgery for today. My best friend's mom, who was like a mother to me, died yesterday morning after what seemed like routine knee replacement surgery. For some reason, she went into cardiac arrest 4 hours after the surgery and then had 4 more heart attacks in quick succession after each rescuscitation. It seems so unreal. The funeral is tomorrow in NY so I didnt' want to be out of work today and tomorrow, so I think the ugly spot will stay put until after the 1/2.

I have Howard on "packet watch" since he is home. With my luck they will arrive while we are away over Thanksgiving, making me desperate to get home. :sad:

[Minnie]

I've been lurking and not posting as I have no training to report (nagging nerve problem) but I had to post after reading today.

CAM - My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your bf. My DM is my bf and I don't know what I do without her :grouphug:

SUNNY - I agree with everyonelse give that nasty old MD the boot!!!

[wtpclc]

Cam - :grouphug: That is soo hard! :guilty:

solo - I could not do 144 laps. Ive done 16. Hated it. Never again. Not that it's an option I have anyway. Not sure if that or a TM would be worse. We'll be in Lansing for our 16-miler. I am hoping the trail we're doing will have seen enought traffic to be ok or that the snow was not as bad there. When we started our first 10-miler, teh Garmin went off at the half (dh likes this alarm) He shouts out 19 to go. Now, I put up with this every half mile countdown for six, but it drove me nuts. I kind of snapped. He nolonger counts down until the last half. I am a bad person, but that's how much the counting laps drives me nuts!

MInnie - So sorry things aren't gettign better. :wizard:

Well, some apckets were spotted yesterday. Not at my house, though. :(

[Honeibee]

:grouphug:

How are you healing up?

Hello everyone! So many greetings from everybody! Thank you so much for the warm welcomes. :goodvibes

Lisa - I am doing fabulous! I had my ACL replacement surgery on August 28, by a real hunka hunka burning love DROP DEAD gorgeous orthopedic surgeon. :teeth: Holy cow! I just wanted to lay there on the operating table and say "TAKE ME DOCTOR!" :lovestruc But...I digress. :teeth:

Anyway, I did have a torn minuscus in that same knee for year before I blew out my ACL, so while he was in there he fixed that too. Which was great because now I have no knee pain at all! I was really afraid of the surgery but now that I have it done, I am SOO glad I did it!

My knee feels great. It feels stronger and much more stable then even before my accident. So it really was a blessing in disguise.

I've been going to PT and doing my exercises like a good patient so at my first post-op visit my surgeon said I was "off the charts" in terms of recovery. I wanted to kiss him right on the lips, but I refrained. :love:

I think I am doing very well. Thank you for asking.

I do have a couple of questions for everyone.

Go easy on me as I am very new to all this.

Is there anyone else really just starting out? I'm only walking and I'm only doing the half. I was wondering what any other beginers were doing for training.

Also, OK don't laugh but I would be MORTIFIED if I got swept. What do they do? I hit the alarm in the morning and get right out of bed and get on the treadmill because I have visions of big cane hooks coming out of the crowd and grabbing me right off the pavement. Do they come up and tap you on the shoulder and give you the "Get out of here you loser" look? I'd die of embarrassment if I got swept out. :blush:

I think I read somewhere that I should be training for a 13-15 minute mile for walking the half. Should I be shooting for a 12 minute mile to compensate for the crowd?

Thanks for all your support and help. I'm really so new to all this. :earboy2:

[keenercam]

Honeibee -- you crack me up! :rotfl2: I would think you'd want to slow your recovery so you could have more follow up visits with the stud. . . um, . . .I mean, the doctor!
Right from the beginning, everyone has told me to train for a solid 15 minute mile and then to work on endurance. It was great advice. I really worked to get a feel for what 15 felt like, and then started adding miles. A tiny bit more speed has just naturally (magically!) appeared, but my objective really is to maintain a 15 minute pace the whole time. Don't put too much pressure on yourself worrying about the sweepers. You are going to be in amazing shape pace and distance wise when the 2007 1/2 gets close. Personally, I think you should plan on the Disneyland Inaugural Half in September and do it with me! :hug: I am so glad you are healing up so nicely and really into the training. I know what a great feeling that is. :goodvibes: :wizard: Enjoy! We are all very excited to hear about how your training is progressing. (Oh, and BTW, there are many benefits to the training process, including having your pants size drop 4 sizes.)

[keenercam]

Well, some apckets were spotted yesterday. Not at my house, though. :(

Are you serious? Race packets? Who got a race packet? Did anyone here get a race packet? I wanna race packet really really bad.

[xterratri]

Cam, PD to you and your best friend. It's been kind of a horrible year for you.

What a difference 12 hours makes. I get up this morning and it's sunny, in the 40s, with winds only about 15 mph. Needless to say, I ran outdoors today. Easy day- 45 minutes, 4.6 miles. I still ended up sweating though is spite of the cooler temps. Should be dry and upper 30s for my 16 miler on Sat.

Honiebee- isn't it amazing how good your knee can feel after ACL surgery? I liked it so well I had it done 3 times :smooth: Yes, there are people posting here who started as absolute beginners. It's been discussed lately to look back at old posts and see how much progress people have made. Many people are using training plans in the John Bingham(the Penguin) book "Marathoning for Mortals." The training plans range from 14-20 weeks so many people started off training to train. I can't help you out with the sweep info except that 15 min/mile seems to be the goal everyone shoots for and anything faster than that is bonus- time to take pictures with characters, etc.

Good luck training everyone and PD :wizard: for the aches and pains.

[MickeySP]

I have been gone for so long from this thread, trying to catch up.

My Dad became really ill this summer and passed away the beginnng of October. Needless to say my training really suffered.

So advice needed, I got back to it about 30 days ago. I can sustain a 14:40 pace for 4 miles no problem, do you guys think I can raise my endurance in the next 6 weeks to actually have a shot at completing in time?

I am training 6 days a week - 3 - 4 miles a shot on TM.
Any advice would help!

I have continued to loose weight and hope to have another 10 off by race day, down 160lbs since last year, 13 lbs to my first goal.

[MelRhoads]

Cam - I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts today.

MickeySP - Do you have a program you were planning on using? I'm thinking you should count back from from the end and see if you can ramp yourself up to where you need to be. I'm not saying that if it says you need to be at 10 miles this week, you should just go out and do it, but maybe you could increase in increments (sp) until you catch up! I say "go for it" If you can loose 160 lbs, you can probably pretty much do anything you set your mind to!!! :cool1:

I actually had a good LR today. I did 18 miles. My pace was around 10:28 and I didn't really feel that bad! I'm thinking it is because I didn't do the double LR's this week and because I've been resting since the adventure race this weekend!! I needed one decent long run to give me a boost in confidence. I thought the 3/8/17 week was hard. Next week is a shorter LR week and then the following week is my first 20 miler. I'm going to do a 10 the day before to have the back to back LR. At least I have a couple of weeks to "rest" before I think about that!!

I got a big envelope in the mail today, but alas, NO RACE PACKET!!

[keenercam]

Thanks, everyone for the condolences and :grouphug: I really appreciate all of you.

MickeySP-- I am so sorry for your loss. I really think the training will be a good distraction for you and it is good thinking time too. :hug: I agree with Melissa's suggestion about trying to slowly ramp up to one of the training plans.

Melissa -- I am so glad you are feeling great after the adventure race and a couple of days of less exertion. You are doing so great! You really inspire me! :wizard:

I probably won't be on line again until Saturday or Sunday. Hugs to all and WISHing you all great LWs/LRs.

[Honeibee]

I'm a knucklehead. I forgot to say.....

:grouphug: I'm sorry too about your loss. :grouphug:

[plutosmyfav]

Cam-- I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You have had more than your share of grieving this year. Your friend is so fortunate to have you by her side through this hard time :grouphug:

MickeySP-- I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, too. Here's :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: to help get you back on track with training.

Solo-- I guess if there's a silver lining to your situation, at least training in the warm indoor climate with help aclimate you for Disney :confused3 144 laps, Yikes! :earseek:

MelR-- great job on the 18. Sounds like the rest did you good and your right on schedule :cheer2:

Lisa, Carrie, and anyone else I haven't thank yet :) -- thanks again for the words of encouragement. I'm all over it now!

I did my speedy 10 miler with the gym friend. Its was a bit too speedy for me and I practially bonked on the last mile. Miles 1-9 were an avg pace of 9:00, by 9 I told her to go on a head and I took my sweet time to finish the last mile. Lesson leared (again, and again, and again...) speed kills endurance. period. (at least for me). I signed up for the 4:15 pace group. I very well may switch to the 4:30. What's 15 minutes when you can feel relaxed and enjoy the ride versus push, push, push?

Packets????? What Packets????? They must be a figment of our imagination....

Sunny

[littlegreydonkey]

Hey guys

Cam - sorry to hear your news

Sunny: I must be on the same training plan as you as, when I do my 18 miler this weekend, I'm up to 37 miles this week with two more 'overload' weeks to go. Mind you I'm glad everyone says we might be training too much, as I was worried I wasn't doing enough as my running buddies tend to do about 45-50 by this point (admittedly they aren't doing novice programmes and I am) and they keep looking at me suspiciously when I stop after an hour twice a week! PS your pace yesterday was great.

Good news, after weeks and weeks of gaining weight at a rate of knots, it seems to be coming off (well yesterday it did, sure if I got on scales today it would be back) if not though, at least it's good to know that when I start running 35+ miles a week and (inculding a 3+ hour run each weekend), I can lose weight through exercise!!!!

Also, I must be a woman alone in not wanting you all to get your packets as mine will take at least a week longer than yours to arrive, so as soon as I see the first arrival post I will have to say off the boards until mine turns up so I don't ruin my joy and glee at finding what's in it. And then how will I kill time each day!!! Good luck to everyone this weekend. Helen

[plutosmyfav]

shhhh, huddle in everyone, let's not tell Helen when our packets arrive, k?
:rotfl:

[wtpclc]

Packets, what packets? ;) ;) ;)

MickeySP - I am soo sorry for your loss. :grouphug:

9s? Haven't seen tehm since my first 2-miler. Btwn the hip and the cold, my pace has died.

[disnutt]

:grouphug: Cam and MickeySP I am so sorry to read of your losses.

I've been gone a couple of days and am disappointed that there aren't more packets being seen (especially by me!)

I am excited that my new Garmin 201 arrived today! I've got it plugged in to charge and can't wait to use it this weekend for my long runs. TXBelle thanks again for the heads up on the Sharper Image deal. :)

[princessmomma]

[QUOTE=disnutt
I am excited that my new Garmin 201 arrived today! I've got it plugged in to charge and can't wait to use it this weekend for my long runs. [/QUOTE]

disnutt, congrats, you will love it.

Wow, Sunny 9 minuters, that is great!

The reminds me, did anyone see Sex in the City a few nights ago when Miranda was training for a marathon and met a guy in her 10 minute/mile group? Well, after a series of ...ahem...uncomfortable events.....she was forced to pick up her speed and run 9 minute miles so she wouldn't be in his group anymore. I :rotfl: it was so funny.

[chersheyb]

Help me please!! I am in a funk... Just loaded a new "running mix" onto my nano.. had a run that SUCKED!! and lost all hope!!

Will I be able to complete this marathon without being swept!!

On an average run 8 miles I manage to be in the 12:00 min. pace range. However Due to circumstances I wont be able to get my long run in this weekend SO I am getting nervous.


I don't want to be swept.. any motivators out there. Please PM or reply because I need the motivation!!

Thanks to all

chersheyb

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Cam--so sorry about your friends loss and yours :(

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa - I am doing fabulous! I had my ACL replacement surgery on August 28, by a real hunka hunka burning love DROP DEAD gorgeous orthopedic surgeon. :teeth: Holy cow! I just wanted to lay there on the operating table and say "TAKE ME DOCTOR!" :lovestruc But...I digress. :teeth:



I don't know how they sweep...but next knee issue I have requiring surgery...I want your Doctor McDreamy!!! :love:

My anestesiologist (sp?) was kinda cute---but within 5 minutes I was out....so maybe it was wishful dreaming. :blush:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Help me please!! I am in a funk... Just loaded a new "running mix" onto my nano.. had a run that SUCKED!! and lost all hope!!

Will I be able to complete this marathon without being swept!!

On an average run 8 miles I manage to be in the 12:00 min. pace range. However Due to circumstances I wont be able to get my long run in this weekend SO I am getting nervous.


I don't want to be swept.. any motivators out there. Please PM or reply because I need the motivation!!

Thanks to all

chersheyb

If it is any consolation--our coaches tell us (as well as Marathon for Mortals) that if you miss one long run---it won't kill you....and sometimes a break is just what your body needs if it is stuck at a training plateau.

2nd consolation prize...i had surgery THREE weeks ago. Now--while I am not hitting the road yet (I was to start doing some slow run intervals this week--and then kneeled on the incorrect knee on accident and it caused a flair up)---I am at a sub:13:00 mile on the elliptical trainer (it mimics running motion).

Considering the day after surgery I couldn't walk across my living room and up to 2 weeks ago, my 5yo (who usually is a slow poke) was actually difficult to maintain pace with..and she wasn't even speeding!.

My last run--was almost 4 weeks ago--my 12 mile run to be exact. Now while I had to step down to the half (time crunch to get my paperwork in required me to make a very conservative decision)...my therapist says I am wayyy ahead of the game. Now...I neglected to ask him where I was supposed to be, but why spoil positive reinforcement (which he said about a 100 times since I am sooo darn negative! :teeth: ).

When you miss your long run this weekend....you will find that next weeks training will probably go very well b/c your body wants to run..and you just might see a pace improvement.


If you miss a LR 2 or 3 weeks in a row..that might be cause for concern. But 1--no big deal!

[skfulkers]

Hi, everyone, just got back from my run. Wow! Was it cold!! With the sun it was 34 degrees, don't know what it was once the sun went down. Once I was running, I really wasn't cold, in fact after about 20 minutes, I was quite warm. But once I stopped, I was freezing!! I had the heat on as high as it would go in the car for the 25 minute drive home and I still couldn't get warm. Now that I'm home, I have on 2 pairs of pants, a long sleeved shirt and sweat shirt with the thermostat set at 74, and I'm just now started to feel comfortable. All in all, it was a decent run, I did 42 minutes r4/w2 and I did 3.72 miles. I don't know my split times, I wasn't really paying attention to my Garmin. I do have a funny running story though, I run at work after everyone leaves at 5:00, everyone asks me why in the world do I run by myself, especially after dark. The lot at work backs up to a train yard and there is dense woods that separates Gold Medal from it--I hate that everyone acts worried, because I'm not crazy about running by myself and it doesn't give me much confidence to hear them question it as well. Anyway, I was running today on the part of the path that runs alongside of the parking lot. I hear someone calling my name and I see that it's one of the engineers at work. I stop and he says, "please tell me that you have mace", I said no, he said "a knife", and I said no. So he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his pocket knife gives it to me and says, "carry this with you, I'd feel much safer if you have it". So now I have a pocket knife. :teeth: Which is probably more dangerous because I have no clue how to use one. I guess I'm going to pick some mace or pepper spray this weekend. :rolleyes:

Cam--I am so sorry about your loss. Know that we're thinking about you and praying for you. :grouphug:

Sorry to cut it short, Stephen just came home and he brought Chiptole--yum, yum!!! :love:

Good luck training tomorrow and lr's on Saturday.

Krista princess:

[aladdinsgirl]

Oops! I wrote that last post under Stephen's DIS name. Oh well, it's either one Steelers logo or the other. :)

Krista princess:

[MelRhoads]

Oops! I wrote that last post under Stephen's DIS name. Oh well, it's either one Steelers logo or the other.


Krista - that is so funny :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: I was wondering as I was reading why guys at stephen's work were giving him pocket knives!!!!! I did figure it out by the time I got to you signature.

[princessmomma]

So now I have a pocket knife. :teeth: Which is probably more dangerous because I have no clue how to use one. I guess I'm going to pick some mace or pepper spray this weekend. :rolleyes:



LOL. MelR I thought the same... I wondered, wow, Stephen is being pretty open with us tonight! Then had to scroll down to see Krista's name! :rotfl:

[TiffJ]

Cam & MickeySP- so sorry for your loss. We are all thinking about you :grouphug:

Krista-do be careful running at night! Maybe you should get some mace. But good for you for being so dedicated :cool1:

chersheyb-all you have to maintain is a 16 min mile. You should have no problem just missing 1 LR if you are at a 12 min mile.

disnut-have fun with your new toy. I love my Garmin!

Today was my off day, but I had a girls night out & was proud of myself for only drinking unsweat tea & staying within my points for food. Usually I use that as an excuse to eat whatever. But the thought of having to be in the best physical shape of my life in 7 weeks kind of keeps that motivation up. The less I have to carry across that finish line the quicker & easier I'll get there!

[TEK224]

MickeySP and Cam - so sorry to hear about your loss :grouphug:

No packet here yet. :(

Did 45 on the elliptical today.

Lisa - sub 13 on the elliptical is good! I always feel as though I can't compare the ellip with my wogs, even though I want to. My pace never is as good on the ellip as when I'm out on the track. If I do an hour wog on the track, I usually do 4 1/2 miles. But an hour on the elliptical is less than 3. Sometimes I get frustrated with that, but as long as I can do the time on the track, I'll be happy.

Terri

[lacool]

:earseek:
In just over 3 hours I will be running in my very first race ever! My pre-marathon test run is a 5K turkey trot. I am wondering how embarrassed I am going to feel coming in last, but since my competition is a bunch of marines, I guess I shouldn't feel too badly. Besides, what's a 5K to someone who ran 14 miles earlier this week. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

Did I mention I am a little nervous? :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[princessmomma]

:earseek:
Besides, what's a 5K to someone who ran 14 miles earlier this week. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.



Oh yeah! You go for it!! :cheer2:

My 5K Turkey Trot is tomorrow! I am a little nervous and wired for it because I am doing a mini taper (yesterday and today) getting ready for our 5K. I want to run, I want to run....

Colleen

[TEK224]

Good luck Colleen and lacool! :goodvibes

Terri

[aladdinsgirl]

Good luck lacool and Colleen!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:


Whew, I posted under my own name this time. ;)

Krista princess:

[wtpclc]

chersheyb - 8 miles at 12 min pace? You're golden! LLP is right, as she had to tell me a couple weeks ago. Missing on LR will not kill you. In fact, my legs feel much better these days. You are right on track and will be fine. It may be even better to take a break if you're in a funk now! :wizard:

Coleen adn lacool - Good luck!

Krista - Thanks for makin gme think this am! I too was wondering why Steve was getting a knife from his coworkers. ;) Figured it out by the end, though.

Very grateful that dh runs close enough tha tI don't need that stuff. Well last night was not fun, but we did our 45 adn got a huge workout. Frozen snow and slush is rather difficult to run in. I would really like ot know what my pace would be doing if I were in normal conditions. I hope to see on Saturday. If not, it will be a really long 16-miler followed by a really long day of shopping with teh female ILs. Yikes!

Good luck to everyone on your LRs this weekend. 50 days or less! :o

[TXBelle]

Still taking it easy on the hip, but I am going to try 4 miles tomorrow. I will probably try walk 3/run 1 to avoid too much running. I am ready to get out there again!

Good luck to everyone in their Turkey Trots and LRs this weekend. Thanks for brightening my day with your story about the knife Krista. I too was thinking how strange it was that Stephen's co-workers were worried about him. Gosh, he must work in a really tough neighborhood. :rotfl: Please be careful!

In a side note, I cannot find my new Asics anywhere in my house! I used them on my long run two weeks ago, and now I don't know where they are. DH was glad to find out that I had worn them since the garage sale. He thought maybe he sold them by accident! The last time I saw them my 2 year old had them. I have checked every drawer, every bag, every closet. I am starting to question whether they ever really existed, but I do still have the empty box they came in. So tonight, the great shoe hunt of 2005 will continue . . . .

[Lisa loves Pooh]

OMG--so...we have a main water break and have to have a plumber. He coudln't come on Wednesday--and so was to be here today.

I missed an earlier call as he could have stopped by earlier. Now I hate how the planets aligned for this poor guy.

I just called him b/c I got his message and wanted to be sure that I wasn't to follow up for our regular time since I wasn't here. The poor guy had just slipped on a tile roof and was waiting for an ambulance. He cannot move and his legs are numb :( :( :(. I called the office and willfully changed my time to Monday and told them I would be checking up on Monday to see how he was doing.

Poor guy. Just wish I was home earlier. You just never know :(.

[wtpclc]

Heather - Glad the hip's getting better. Mine's till a little iffy, but if it survived last night, I know it's on the mend! Hope your's better soon too!

Lisa - OMG! Poor man! You never know, he may have had something worse happen if you were home. You can't think that he'd be ok if you were home. Not your fault.

[MelRhoads]

I AM FREEZING!!!! I know you guys (notice I didn't say y'all) in colder climates are going to think I'm a big weenie, but I have been so cold since my LR yesterday. I have had mocha's and hot baths (forget that ice bath business, I can't even entertain that mentally) and I'm still cold. We are going climbing tomorrow and I even went to wal-mart and bought a portable heater to carry up to the bottom of the cliff, so I can stay warm. I justified by telling Phil that the boy couldn't stay out in the cold all day!!!!

I'm a little sore today after my 18 miler yesterday! I may run 3 miles this pm just to work some of the soreness out. I'm thinking about doing it on the old and busted treadmill in the basement. It might make it for 3 miles! If I do the run this afternoon, I will have only skipped tuesday's speedwork and that will be all. I checked my training prgm and I was only supposed to do 3 speedwork, 3 tempo run and then the 18LR.

Is anyone else who is doing goofy sore after their LR's when they don't do the back to back LR's I ran stronger yesterday, but I feel just as sore as when I did the 8/17 back to back. I can do this can't I? :confused3

[Jodi]

Mel - Yes, you can do it. I spent a lot of time backpacking in real cold conditions. I can tell you that you better have a hat on your head to keep yourself warm (even inside), but you probably know this. Also, make sure you're hydrated. Mochas may not be the best thing. Try something decaffeinated or better yet, just keep a mug of hot water in your hands & continually sip on it. Sounds, bland, I know, but it does the trick. It's an awful feeling when you can't keep/get warm, huh? Also, keep your bladder as empty as you can (aka running back & forth to the bathroom).

Jodi

[TiffJ]

MelR-I was thinking what a big weenie I was this a.m. when I was freezing during my SR and it was 39* It is hard to warm up those legs when it is that cold. I anticipated doing all my training in shorts. Then I thought, at least this is better than what Sunny,Cam, Carrie & many others have to endure!

Walk went great. Did 3 miles 14:40 pace, and that included 1/2 miles warm up. Dont usually warm up that long but had to today. Todays walk felt great. I guess that oatmeal is a good pre run food.

Lisa-your poor plumber. I hope everything is o.k. with him ( and good luck on the pipes too)

[panthergirl]

[QUOTE=chimera
Welcome back, Susan! Can we talk you into joining us Friday night at Trail's End? There's plenty of room!
QUOTE]

I would love to but I have to get up at 4:00 that morning to catch my flight and I am afraid I will be quite the crankypants by dinnertime! I'm taking my cheering section for a very early dinner at Spoodles and then to bed (for me anyway!). I will be thinking of you all for sure!

Susan

[panthergirl]

My trainer sent me this to keep me from freaking out about not doing enough hard training before the race. It's good stuff and might make you feel better about what you are doing to prepare as well.

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0869.htm

Happy training!
Susan

[lacool]

:banana:
I have finished my first race and I didn't come in last! That was my goal and I did it with flying colors! I beat 3 walkers and a lady who was pushing two toddlers in a double stroller, but I didn't finish last!!! :cool1:

I was even more excited when DH told my that my time of 3 miles in 27:30 was good enough to pass Marine Corps standards for men!

This probably didn't give me much of an idea of what a "real" race is like -- there were a grand total of 13 of us racing, but as my friend pointed out, today I beat 4 people, at Disney I will probably beat hundreds! :cheer2:

Susan, I read the website you suggested, and now I am concerned about my PowerGels during the run. And I have been training with a mixture of water and Gatorade. Any idea why the site says not to mix water and energy drinks?

[MelRhoads]

lacool - Way to go!!!!!! Great job :banana: :banana: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cool1: :cool1:

[disneybelle]

Our packets came today!!! Anyone else?!

[NCRedding]

I got my packet today also.

[Tiger Lily 03]

no packet here yet. Yippee for those who got theirs.
:banana: :banana: :banana:
My back is improving, but oh so slowwwww. I am scheduled for my first 16-miler and guessing that I will be doing the crawl.

lacool, Congrats on that pace. Faster than me for sure!

Susan, thanks for that link. Very interesting. Now I'm wondering about the gels thing too and maybe just thinking the drinks will do ok. Just still wondering about only having drinks for my "7-hour stroll" :rolleyes:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Hi guys!

Did 90 minutes on the elliptical today. 3 back to back rounds of 30 minutes (max allowed on the machine).

Unsure of the calibration....but my mileage covered was as follows:
1st block: 2.50
2nd block: 2.55
3rd block (different machine): 2.70
(that would be negative splits!!! GO ME!!)

Net distance: 7.75 miles in 90 minutes...11.61 minutes per mile. I hope that translates into a decent run when I get back to it.

Tomorrow I am supposed to be walking 1 mile--but looking at maybe 2 or 3.

And a funny---in PT...I asked what I could do on Saturday--and the therapist tells me he wants me to walk a mile on Saturday. The lady next to me--about had a heart attack. She whispers to me...they're gonna make me walk a mile too. The look on her face was priceless. As if the torture of what we already had to do wasn't enough. :rotfl2: I told her...noo that was just for me and if she was concerned to ask the PT but that I didn't think that was a regularly assigned exercise. :rotfl2: She was very relieved as the most she could ever walk was 2 blocks without surgery or injury.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Heather - Glad the hip's getting better. Mine's till a little iffy, but if it survived last night, I know it's on the mend! Hope your's better soon too!

Lisa - OMG! Poor man! You never know, he may have had something worse happen if you were home. You can't think that he'd be ok if you were home. Not your fault.

If I hear anything, I will update.

I am hoping that the trauma is temporary as his body went into protection mode.

But I'm no expert---but anything is possible, right?

[NYcpa]

The temp here did not get above freezing today, besides I had to clean 2-3" of snow and ice off the car this morning. Tomorrows high is supposed to reach 40. The little bit of sun we had today made it feel a little warmer.

Tomorrow, I am supposed to do a 7 mile walk. It will be my first attempt at walking outdoors when it is so cold. I usually opt to use the treadmill but can't see myself pounding on it for 7 miles. I can also walk faster outdoors.

Exercise this week has been according to my training schedule: 50 min walk Mon, 40 min on exercise bike Tues, rest Wed, 45 min treadmill Thurs, and 45 min bike today. I was only supposed to do 30 min today, but I couldn't stop in the middle of an episode of the Pretender. :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

I will check in again tomorrow after my 7 miles. Even being raised in this climate, I am still a wimp about the cold.

[panthergirl]

Don't worry too much about the gel/water thing. I think the key is to try stuff out while you are training and stick to what has been successful for you during the race. I use 1-2 gels during my long runs and wash them down with water. I have a Gatorade when I finish my run. I think this is one of those things that you just have to experiment with to find out what works best for you.

Susan

[TiffJ]

lacool- congrats on your first race! That pace is awesome!

Lisa- WTG you are doing great on your recovery. Imagine what she would have said if he had ok'd you for a LR & told you to do 10 :rotfl:

I am so jealous of those with packets. I hope to get mine today so I have something to look at during the Iron Bowl. Sorry but I'm not into football like most of you. I have easy xt today. I love xt days. They seem so easy for me now.

WISHing everyone a great LR!

[chimera]

Well I made it through the Daisy parking lot today ahead of the sweepers ;) I did 8.1 miles since that's what's posted on the marathon website for pace requirements. They say you have to do that by 2:25...my time was 1:55:08. My split times were allover the place, but overall pace was 14:13.

Did much better with eating. In my biggest 'duh' moment of this year, I realized that I've been eating less before a long run than I do before my short runs. So I had a Snickers marathon bar before I went out. Then one honey packet at 3 miles, started on a Clif Bar (finally found one I like...chocolate almond fudge. It's just not pretty to look at), then another honey packet at 6 miles. I got through about half the Clif Bar before I finished. I had MUCH more mental clarity this run. Usually during the second hour, I start losing track of my interval times, which is goofy since they're exactly the same at the first hour. Not today...brain was much crisper all the way through. Only problem was that I had to go to the bathroom about the 7th mile. Interestingly, my last mile pace was nearly a minute faster than the rest :earseek:

Leigh Ann...wtg on your first race! That must've been a fast field!

Who else had a race this weekend?

No packet for me! Do you get your corral info in the packet or just your number?

[NCRedding]

Mel: We don't get our number or the corral until you pick those up at the Expo in January. The packet has our waiver form, and a book of information about the weekend, including pacing information, which I don't recall seeing in last years book, but I may have overlooked it.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

WTG Mel! I do believe corral assignments were given at Expo. You do get your race number--and some believe there is some rhyme and reason to the numbers if you registered on time. Those like me who register late via a fundraising group--tend to throw off the mix and there numbers don't necessarily relate to a particular corral.


Okay--did a 2 mile walk today. It involved a bridge. I think if it didn't--I could have gone further. :moped: My pace was pretty decent--actually markedly better than pre-surgery as far as a consistent walk pace. Going up the bridge the pace came down a bit as expected. What I didn't expect was the pace to plummet coming back down. You would think gravity would be in your favor. I was walking a TWENTY minute mile! On a bad day I am 17:00 as a best...but going down hill and to be that much slower. I could really feel it in the area where a torn meniscus once lived (don't worry--know damaging pain--just discomfort as it recovers). Once I came off of the downgrade and back to a flat surface..my pace went back to the 17's for walking. My coach says that as you go down a hill--you are being more load bearing on your joints...hence my slowed pace and pain.

But we are doing good--had some sacrum issues---and had my coach work on my Psoas. I'm a little bit achy--but man oh man....what a difference!

Hubby was to fly into day. His takeoff was aborted though. It seems that the pilot went to full throttle (yes--trucking down the runway) and didn't like a reading, so he cut the throttle and back to the gate they went. So now we are driving to Orlando to go get him and we will get some Christmas shopping done over there since they have much better stores/selections than we have over here. I'm upset that for the 2nd week in a row his flight was cancelled due to malfunction. But on the bright side--at least he got to call and tell me and then get a new flight as opposed to me hearing it via breaking news that a delta flight crashed in D.C. somewhere.

Hope everyone enjoyed there long runs today---I'm envious!!!!!

My coordinator said I had until the 20th to switch back to the full before she submits her final list to Disney. Tempting--but I'll be sticking with the half.

[gatorphipps]

Hey all! MIA b/c of crazy week!

Lacool - Spank'n time on your race! :cool1:

Chimera - You get the # and corral @ the expo.

DH, Bree and I did 16 miles yesterday. Went pretty good. Around a 10 MPM. DH did a 1/2 today and finished in 2:29. The race was VERY hilly. He was glad he got the 2 runs back to back! DDs and I were a GREAT scream team! I will post pictures if I can figure out how to do it.

Christa

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Did you check over your entire form--it should have the number....b/c that is how you figure out where to get your packet as the booths are set up by number ranges (at least last year they were).

[msblrobs]

Congrats to all you guys out there on the roads tackling the races. 10 miles on the treadmill this morning, 20 miles scheduled for tomorrow. DH got his race packet today in the mail, so at least I could look at it and get all emotional. :love:

[princessmomma]

Good morning all, I ran my 5K Turkey Trot this morning. I kind of tapered the last few days and I felt great. I placed 1st in Masters (40 and over) with a time of 25:30. :cool1: Just to compare, I ran the exact same race last year with a time of 28:45. This marathon training and speed work is really paying off. :Pinkbounc

I had to move my 18 mile LR to Monday instead of yesterday because of the 5K race. I hope it doesn't mess things up for me.

Watching out my window for the mailman, eating Key Lime pie and sipping hot tea. Hungry and cold, happens every time after a run.

Colleen

[crzy4pooh]

Hello everyone!!! Congrats to all the racers this weekend - your times sound great!!! :cool1:

The mail-lady just came and no packet... :sad2: I will chase down the mail truck on Monday if she doesn't put that packet in the box, though... ;)

I got my 16 miler in this morning - it turned out to be 17 miles because I got turned around in the dark. :blush: Oops!!! The sunrise was pretty, though!! :sunny: Anyway, the pace was 14:00 at the 16 mile mark, then walked the last mile in 15 min. On a happy note, I finally had that moment where I realized that I am actually going to get the Mickey medal (barring any unforseen injuries/setbacks). The 17 miles took just under 4 hours - that leaves 3 hours for 9.2 miles and a couple potty stops. Yea!!!! :teeth: I did learn that getting emotional while you run does not help your pace... ;) So if anyone else is still in the doubting stage - think about how far you've come, how much work you've put in, and what an amazing journey it's been. It doesn't matter if you're Pooh-sized or Tink-sized, little :dog: or big :dog: , or how long you've been running. That medal is the same for everyone. Plus, on race day you will have all the wishers cheering for you. We can do this!!! :cheer2: (See, I told you I had a moment... :blush: ) Thank you all so much for all your advice and encouragement!!!

We just got the Christmas tree up - time to go decorate!!! Hope everyone has a terrific Thanksgiving week!!!

:teeth:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

OT--I am sooo excited!!!

Hopped onto delta.com and checked our flights for Hawaii for next year--and I got the always non-existant SkySaver tix. Wahoo!!!! 35,000 instead of 70,000 miles....so that means....we can get 3 tix on hubby's account for $30--and on my account--after purchasing 10K miles for $341. I am sooo hoping they don't stink as an airline on our trip! 4 tix for less than $400 is worth the risk IMHO. We were facing only having 1 ticket covered and then having to expend $1800 to $2400 on tix. The only catch--the outbound flight cannot be booked for 8 days. I have a pseudo end date in and this is only a good deal if the return flight is available. I will know 1 week from tomorrow if this worked. Keeping my fingers crossed XXXXX XXXXX.

[xterratri]

Stonker alert! Did my LR of 16 miles today. It was a 10:44/mile pace compared to my 14 mile LR 2 weeks ago at 10:04/mile pace and 9:52 paces for last week's 8 miler. Sunny, started out with temps in the 30s and it was up to 40 by the time I finished. All my running clothes were soaked when I took them off so maybe a vest over a long sleeve shirt with tights is overdressing for upper 30s temps. :confused3 Nutrition seemed okay- I carried gatorade rather than just water and took gels at 4, 8, and 12 miles.(2 vanilla Gu, 1 Clif Razz sorbet. Doing a run 2 miles, walk 1 minute interval set up) My stomach seemed to tolerate them just fine, I just couldn't motivate myself to run faster it seemed. I did learn that a 1 minute walk break is not a long enough time for me to open a gel, suck it down, stash it in the pocket, and rinse it down with plain water.

Way to go racers! Those are some impressive times. Isn't it nice to see our training is doing some good. Even if I whine about how today's LR went, let's face it, I still ran 16 miles. That distance use to require a bicycle.
Lisa, glad to see rehab going so well.
Mel, yeah pace. Remember is the Spring how worried you were and now you're far ahead of the sweeper?

Haven't been to the mailbox yet today to check for packet since I get my mail at school rather the house. I ran past the building(about 1.4 miles or so from home) but alas wasn't carrying my keys. Will probably study for a while since I have the Respiratory System exam Monday and an OPP practical Tuesday and then drive into town to grocery shop. I figure the 1700+ calories for today's run deserves a personal pizza. Will check mail while out doing that.

Good luck to all those still to do their LR this weekend and PD for the aches and pains :wizard:

[plutosmyfav]

Heather—I’m so glad to hear the positive report on the hip. :goodvibes

Krista—I have to say that just the other day I stumbled on a site about self defense (I can’t find it again or I’d post it) The author is a female black belt jujitsu instructor. She cautioned about carrying weapons you don’t know how to use because they can easily be used against you. She had a neat idea—a plastic lemon filled with ammonia! (it would be pretty gross if it leaked thought).

Lisa—How many disasters to you plan to have before the race???? OMG!!!! :earseek:

lacool—Awsome job!!!!! :cheer2: :banana: :cheer2: As for mixing gels/ade water, I’d say whatever has been working for you on your LRs will work on race day.

Lily—I’m glad the back is better. How’d the16 miler go?

Colleen—First place!!!!! Yeah, You ROCK!!!!! :cheer2: :banana: :cheer2: And what an incredible PR from last year’s race.

Crzy4Pooh—Way to go! I just have one edit for you. You said, “On a happy note, I finally had that moment where I realized that I am actually going to get the Mickey medal (barring any unforseen injuries/setbacks).” It should read:

“On a happy note, I finally had that moment where I realized that I am actually going to get the Mickey medal.” PERIOD!!!!! That is a moment to cherish in the training journal :goodvibes


I’m so high my feet aren’t touching the ground! :teeth: :Pinkbounc :teeth:

After the total body mutiny two weeks ago, and Dumb-dumb causing me to totally self doubt myself this week, I read Susan’s website last night and came to the conclusion I am doing everything wrong. I’ve read so many training philosophies and talked to so many local people who have run marathons (many Boston) that my head is all mixed up. I realized I used to run long distances for fun and enjoy it. Now I am constantly second guessing my ability and trying to follow someone else’s advice. I decided last night to just forget all this training stuff and just do what comes natural. So I set out today to do a 20 miler, slow and steady the way that feels natural. It was wonderful. I totally felt the joy of running. I even stopped for a coffee break at mile 16, because that’s what I like! :teeth: By mile 18 I knew I had enough power left to speed up so I ran the last two splits relatively fast. I definitely could have gone another mile or two today. This is a huge PR over my first 20 miler back in August. On that one I was in total body agony by mile 17 and nearly cried to get back to my car.

Again, my limiting factor is my glutes. Is anyone else limited by glutes? Most runners talk of quads and hamstrings, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone else who feels it all in their glutes. It was the only area today that was screaming "STOP"!

Now, for the real news: Just when I thought I had hit a plateau on the slippery slope of insanity this LR stuff brings, I discover there are new levels to explore. I got up at 5AM for my LR (first slip into insanity). I ran 20 miles starting at 20 deg F (second slip into insanity). THEN, I took the plunge (literally). Returning home chilled to the bone, feeling like there’s no way I could be any colder, I took an ice bath. (Now I can call MelR a Southern WEENIE!!!!!!!). I made a huge mug of steaming hot tea and headed to the torture chamber (bathroom). I took Carrie’s approach and sat in the tub just as the water started (I don’t think I could have sat down in a full tub of ice water). I rested my feet on the wall to allow the water to slowly rise up my legs and then brought my legs down into the water but didn’t allow my toes to submerge (I’m not TOTALLY crazy, my toes did nothing to deserve such cruel punishment :p ). I pretty much burned my hands clamping to the hot mug, and burned my mouth and throat gulping the hot tea as fast as I could possibly stand it, while my bottom half shivered!!!!! But it worked. I could feel the healing and my legs felt soooooo good when it was over. I have no residual stiffness or soreness hours after my LR. I’m totally a believer now!

Will there be hoses or ice baths available at the finish?

Here’s today’s splits
November 19, 2005 20.2 miles BP, Avg pace 10:53

1 11:28
2 11:26
3 11:04
4 10:36
5 11:35
6 10:44
7 10:42
8 9:45
9 10:33
10 10:49
11 11:50
12 10:50
13 10:54
14 11:17
15 9:58
16 12:05
17 11:28
18 10:45
19 10:28
20 9:34

No packet yet. grrrr.

Hope everyone is having a terrific LR today :)

Sunny

[plutosmyfav]

Lynn-- Your post must have popped up while I was writing mine. Sorry to hear you had a stonker. You must have started much later than me to hit such nice weather! 40s are positively balmy now!!!!!!

Lisa-- your's, too! Congrats on the flight arrangements. Here's :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: That you get it in 8 days!

Sunny

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa—How many disasters to you plan to have before the race???? OMG!!!! :earseek:


Cat with nine lives--meet marathon racer with nine dramas. :teeth:

;)

[plutosmyfav]

Oh, I meant to mention I tried a new recovery drink today. It is Met-RX RTD40 protein shake. It has 40g protein, and lots of vitamins and minerals. I think it may have been really helpful. I got it at VitaminShoppe. It wasn't the most tastey thing...

Also I am realizing many things are wearing down during training and may need to be replaced before race day: MP3 player is a bit wiggy these days, headphones may break at any moment, prescription sun glasses are feeling wiggly at the joints... I just thought I'd mention that so other's will be careful about absolute necessaties being in prime shape for race day, too!

Sunny

[NCRedding]

LLP: You're right, there is a number on the waiver--I am 27027.

[xterratri]

Sunny: I'm a student now so exactly 3 things will get me out of bed at 5 am or earlier
1. Uncle Sam says I have to be someplace
2. early race start
3. an airplane flight- often to someplace nice like Orlando
It's actually a great life for training as I only have to work out, go to school, study, feed myself, and sleep. I have an Ironman LP shirt that says: "Life is simple. Swim, bike, run, eat, sleep." Not quite that simple, but close.

I don't have an answer on the glutes question. Mine never hurt but I come from a bike/swim background. Although I have to admit that I'm the consumate distance freestyler that swims with a 2 beat kick- or in english, I kick as little as possible. It's not that I'm not good at it, it's just that the big muscles active in kicking use a whole lot of energy and I'm all about economy. So maybe it has something to do with your gait or strides??? Glad to hear that the rest of the run felt good though.

Lynnda- awesome job on your LR!

No packet today, just a bank statement. Maybe Monday. If it doesn't come Monday or Tuesday, I won't see it until Nov 28 due to goin' visitin' for T-day.

[princessmomma]

I received my packet today. It is very exciting to read through.

One thing of note, "....Headphones are discouraged..." They list a number of things that are not allowed and then this is the comment about headphones. I am so happy because I am the type that would stress about "illegally" smuggling in my MP3 player. I feel a lot better, as it is now at the runner's discretion.

Colleen.

[WDWFAN9]

Hi everybody!

Still no packet for me, hopefully Monday will be the day....

I did my 7 mile LW today in 1:50:40. According to the garmin the pace was 15:15. Can I take credit for the beautiful Saturday weather in northern IL? This was the fourth Saturday in a row that I've walked outside (I usually do everything on a TM), and the fourth Saturday with pretty decent weather. The wind did pick up the last three miles today, but it wasn't too bad. I have to give a thank you to my sweet hubby who has walked with me these Saturdays so I don't have to go alone. He hasn't done any training, but his 6'3" legs can sure move, and he has had no trouble keeping the pace.

The next two Saturdays we will be in WDW, so hopefully I won't have to worry about the weather, especially since the latest news says Gamma is going to miss FL!

Happy training to all!

[Tiger Lily 03]

Such great news to be reading about everyone getting packets. Not me though.

Also good news about those LRs. All seems to be coming together.

Lisa, PD for the tickets next week. Sounds like you are making great progress.

Sunny, what a breaktrhough! I know you will be having a wonderful time come January. No struggling and all fun!

I am sorry to read stonker, but know it will be better.

My story: got an 8-miler in today. Did it ALL by walking. I am grateful that I was out on such a beautiful day. Cold, sunny...beautiful and I was out! Hurt, did my "crawl" yet I did. I did it in 2 hours 20 minutes...about 17:30 pace. Tomorrow is going to be cold and sunny and I am going at it again only longer. Back is troubling, but I am going. If I put in the steps, I figure it has to be worth something. I am not trying to further injury. I am getting better, and I don't feel worse after the 8 miles so I'm going for it tomorrow.

[NYcpa]

I complete my 7 mile walk today. Well actually 7.75 in 2:06. DId the extra .75 as a cool down to keep moving while waiting for DD2 to get back with the car. Since it was only 40 out, I knew I would get cold if I stopped. I never would have venture out dressed like I was before starting the training. I had on 2 long sleeve shirts and a windbreaker. I learned when it is that temp and slightly windy, wind pants over the tights would probably be much more comfortable.

DD2 wants me to do the Jingle Bell 5k with her tomorrow. I will do it even though it is supposed to be my rest day. I haven't figured out how to rest on Sundays when i can convince her to walk with me.

Monday, we are going down the the park and doing a community 2 mile walk to preview the Lignts on the Lake. It is an annual event that you usually drive through. We still ked DD2 about taking her there when she was 4 and asking how she liked the lights. Her response was "They were nice but I didn't see any lights on the lake." Only from the mouths of babes.

Thursday we plan on doing the Turkey Trot 5 mile, while Xterra tri does the 10 mile. Whether we do it depends on the weather. We are supposed to get hit with a snow storm on Wed and Thurs. We will have to see how accurate the weatherman is. All summer we were wishing for cooler dryer temperatures. Now everyone is complaining about the cold. Will we ever be happy?

Good job everyone on their LW/LR. Everyone is doing great. Only 7 more weeks until M day.

Happy training.

[TEK224]

No packet for me today. :sad:

Only got in an hour workout today. Was hoping for more, but I am volunteering at the Philly marathon this weekend and worked longer at the Expo today than I thought. Have to be back there at 6 AM so I am getting ready to try to sleep now. Hoping I will gain some inspiration from watching all the marathoners tomorrow. :goodvibes

I did buy a long sleeve green coolmax shirt today (can never have too many ;) ) and a ls moisture wick shirt that has "Gone Loco" (crazy) on the back. That's about my state of mind at this point.

Planning to start the next week off right by going on an 8 mile LW tomorrow after I get home from the marathon.

Have a good weekend everyone.
Terri

[MelRhoads]

Colleen - Great Job!!!!!! 1st place!!!! Such a good pace. I don't think I could ever run that fast!!!!!

Lisa - Way to go!!!!! You are really amazing!!!


Sunny - WHATEVER!!!!! I'M PROUD THAT I'M STILL A WEENIE!!!!! I even took the little heater rock climbing today.! Speaking of climbing, my glutes have been sore since the 18miler on thurs. The climbing seemed to stretch out the booty muscles and make them feel better!!! I think I'd rather climb in the cold while trying to manage a bunch of kids than take an ice bath!!!
I'm glad to hear about your LR breakthrough! You did great!!! In regards to the MP3 player, I don't know what kind you are affectionate about, but..... many times if you visit the apple.com site and click the tab for the apple store, you can scroll down until you find the red "sale" tag. When you click this, it usually gives you 2 options. If you choose the apple certified (reconditioned) tab, you can often find ipod's of all sizes at good discounts!!

Great job on the pace MEL!!!!!

No packet yet for me! Hope everyone has a great rest of their weekend. Just want Y'ALL to know, I'm going to take a HOT bath to wash the grime from the rock and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch off of me!

[MelRhoads]

Christa - Good pace on your LR! Are you sore after running the doubles? I am getting a little worried about it. I'm thinking I make take the 1/2 slower than I planned. I was originally think 10:30, but, I may take it down to 11:00 just to make the full easier???? :confused3

[chimera]

Come join us for a new week!

Wk of Nov 20--2006 Disney Half-Full Marathon Info/Training (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=10642172#post10642172)